ASTM D 8167/D8167M : 2018 : REV A
Superseded
A superseded Standard is one, which is fully replaced by another Standard, which is a new edition of the same Standard.
View Superseded by
Standard Test Method for In-Place Bulk Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by a Low-Activity Nuclear Method (Shallow Depth)
Hardcopy , PDF
12-05-2023
English
30-11-2018
Important note : All end users must be registered with an Account prior to user licenses being assigned.This test method describes the procedures for measuring in-place bulk density of soil and soil-aggregate using nuclear equipment with radioactive sources (hereafter referred to simply as “gauges.”)
| Committee |
D 18
|
| DocumentType |
Test Method
|
| Pages |
9
|
| PublisherName |
American Society for Testing and Materials
|
| Status |
Superseded
|
| SupersededBy | |
| Supersedes |
1.1This test method describes the procedures for measuring in-place bulk density of soil and soil-aggregate using nuclear equipment with radioactive sources (hereafter referred to simply as “gauges.”) These gauges are distinct from those described in Test Method D6938 insofar as:
1.1.1These gauges do not contain a system (nuclear or otherwise) for the determination of the water content of the material under measurement.
1.1.2These gauges have photon yields sufficiently low as to require the inclusion of background radiation effects on the response during normal operation.
1.1.2.1For the devices described in Test Method D6938, the contribution of gamma rays detected from the naturally-occurring radioisotopes in most soils (hereafter referred to as “background”) compared to the contribution of gamma rays used by the device to measure in-place bulk density is typically small enough to be negligible in terms of their effect on measurement accuracy. However, for these low-activity gauges, the gamma ray yield from the gauge is low enough that the background contribution from most soils compared to the contribution of gamma gays from the gauge is no longer negligible, and changes in this background can adversely affect the accuracy of the bulk density reading.
1.1.2.2In order to compensate for potentially differing background contribution to low-activity gauge measurements at different test sites, a background reading must be taken in conjunction with gauge measurements obtained at a given test site. This background reading is utilized in the bulk density calculation performed by the gauge with the goal of minimizing these background effects on the density measurement accuracy.
1.2For limitations see Section 5 on Interferences.
1.3The bulk density of soil and soil-aggregate is measured by the attenuation of gamma radiation where the source is placed at a known depth up to 200 mm [8 in.] and the detector(s) remains on the surface (some gauges may reverse this orientation).
1.3.1The bulk density of the test sample in mass per unit volume is calculated by comparing the detected rate of gamma radiation with previously established calibration data.
1.3.2Neither the dry density nor the water content of the test sample is measured by this device. However, the results of this test can be used with the water content or water mass per unit volume value determined by alternative methods to determine the dry density of the test sample.
1.4The gauge is calibrated to read the bulk density of soil or soil-aggregate.
1.5All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.5.1For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.
1.5.2The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.6Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Reporting test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.7This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1:Nuclear density gauge manuals and reference materials, as well as the gauge displays themselves, typically refer to bulk density as “wet density” or “WD.”
Note 2:The term “bulk density” is used throughout this standard. This term has different definitions in Terminology D653, depending on the context of its use. For this standard, however, “bulk density” refers to, as defined in Terminology D653, “the total mass of partially saturated or saturated soil or rock per unit total volume.”
1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
| ASTM D 7759/D7759M : 2021 | Standard Guide for Nuclear Surface Moisture and Density Gauge Calibration |
| ASTM D 8153 : 2022 | Standard Test Method for Determination of Soil Water Contents Using a Dielectric Permittivity Probe |
| ASTM D 2216 : 2005 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass |
| ASTM D 4253 : 2014 | Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table |
| ASTM D 4253 : 2016 | Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table |
| ASTM D 2487 : 2017 : EDT 1 | Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2008 : REV A | Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2010 | Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 1557 : 2007 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (2,700 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 653 : 2007 | Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids |
| ASTM E 177 : 1990 : REV A : R1996 | Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods |
| ASTM D 2216 : 2010 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2012 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 698 : 2000 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (600 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 4254 : 2000 : R2006 : EDT 1 | Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2019 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2004 : REV A : EDT 1 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2015 | Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 2488 : 1969 : R1975 | Recommended Practice for Description Of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2008 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 7382 : 2008 | Standard Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight and Water Content Range for Effective Compaction of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer (Withdrawn 2017) |
| ASTM D 4643 : 2008 | Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by Microwave Oven Heating |
| ASTM D 6026 : 2013 | Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2017 : REV A | Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 4254 : 2016 | Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density |
| ASTM D 698 : 2012 : R2021 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (600 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2008 | Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 6026 : 2006 | Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data |
| ASTM E 691 : 2020 | Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method |
| ASTM D 4253 : 2000 | Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table |
| ASTM D 2488 : 2017 | Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures) |
| ASTM D 4253 : 2016 : EDT 1 | Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table |
| ASTM D 4944 : 2018 | Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester |
| ASTM D 3740 : 1999 : REV C | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 4254 : 2014 | Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density |
| ASTM D 4253 : 2000 : R2006 | Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table |
| ASTM E 691 : 2019 : EDT 1 | Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method |
| ASTM E 691 : 2023 | Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method |
| ASTM D 7759 : 2012 | Standard Guide for Nuclear Surface Moisture and Density Gauge Calibration |
| ASTM D 7759 : 2012 : REV A | Standard Guide for Nuclear Surface Moisture and Density Gauge Calibration |
| ASTM D 653 : 2022 | Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids |
| ASTM D 7013 : 2004 : EDT 1 | Standard Guide for Nuclear Surface Moisture and Density Gauge Calibration Facility Setup |
| ASTM D 1557 : 2012 : R2021 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (2,700 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 1557 : 2012 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (2,700 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 1557 : 2012 : EDT 1 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (2,700 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 4643 : 2017 | Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating |
| ASTM D 653 : 2020 : EDT 1 | Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids |
| ASTM D 6026 : 1999 | Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data |
| ASTM E 691 : 2022 | Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method |
| ASTM D 4254 : 2000 | Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2011 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2007 : REV A | Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 2488 : 2009 | Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) |
| ASTM E 691 : 2009 | Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method |
| ASTM D 6026 : 2001 : EDT 1 | Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2010 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 653 : 2021 : REV A | Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids |
| ASTM D 2216 : 2019 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass |
| ASTM D 4718 : 1987 : R2001 | Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles |
| ASTM D 6026 : 1996 | Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2004 : REV A | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 1557 : 2002 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup>(2,700 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2006 : EDT 1 | Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2001 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 7013 : 2004 | Standard Guide for Nuclear Surface Moisture and Density Gauge Calibration Facility Setup |
| ASTM D 2488 : 2000 | Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) |
| ASTM D 2487 : 2006 : EDT 1 | Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) |
| ASTM D 653 : 2021 | Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids |
| ASTM D 1557 : 2000 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup>(2,700 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 653 : 2021 : REV B | Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids |
| ASTM E 691 : 2021 | Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2017 | Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 6026 : 1996 : EDT 1 | Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data |
| ASTM D 4944 : 2004 | Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester |
| ASTM D 7382 : 2007 | Standard Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight and Water Content Range for Effective Compaction of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2012 : REV A | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 4718 : 1987 : R1994 : EDT 2 | Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2003 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 2487 : 2010 | Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) |
| ASTM D 2216 : 1998 | Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass |
| ASTM D 2487 : 2000 | Standard Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) |
| ASTM D 2487 : 2006 | Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) |
| ASTM D 6026 : 2021 | Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data |
| ASTM D 2216 : 1971 | Standard Method of Laboratory Determination Of Moisture Content Of Soil |
| ASTM D 4959 : 2007 | Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating |
| ASTM D 6026 : 2001 | Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data |
| ASTM D 2487 : 2011 | Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2017 : REV A : EDT 1 | Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 1557 : 2009 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (2,700 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
| ASTM D 4944 : 1998 | Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester Method |
| ASTM D 4959 : 2000 | Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating |
| ASTM D 4254 : 2000 : R2006 | Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density |
| ASTM D 2487 : 2017 | Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) |
| ASTM D 4643 : 2000 | Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Microwave Oven Method |
| ASTM D 2488 : 2009 : REV A | Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) |
| ASTM D 4959 : 2016 | Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating |
| ASTM D 2488 : 2017 : EDT 1 | Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures) |
| ASTM D 6938 : 2007 : REV B | Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) |
| ASTM D 2488 : 2006 | Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) |
| ASTM D 3740 : 2004 | Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction |
| ASTM D 4944 : 2011 | Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester |
| ASTM D 2487 : 1969 : R1975 | Standard Test Method for Classification Of Soils For Engineering Purposes |
| ASTM D 4718 : 1987 : R2007 | Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles |
| ASTM D 698 : 2012 : EDT 2 | Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (600 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>)) |
Access your standards online with a subscription
Features
-
Simple online access to standards, technical information and regulations.
-
Critical updates of standards and customisable alerts and notifications.
-
Multi-user online standards collection: secure, flexible and cost effective.