f 1 AS 1289.5.3.5—1997 Australian Standard® sre's'eezt sv Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes Method 5.3.5: Soil compaction and density tests—Determination of the field dry density of a soil—Water replacement method 1 SCOPE This Standard sets out the method for determining the field dry density of a natural or compacted coarse-grained soil by the water replacement method, using a circular density ring on the surface and a plastic sheet to retain the water (see Notes 1 and 2). This test is particularly appropriate for soils containing appreciable proportions of cobbles and boulders as defined in AS 1289.0, e.g. rock fill The gross mass per unit volume (wet density) may be computed and the dry mass per unit volume (dry density) obtained by correcting for the moisture content. The field dry density is determined either for the total material or for material finer than 19.0 mm, unless otherwise specified. 2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred in Standard: AS 1152 Specification for test sieves 1289 Methods of testing soil for engineering purposes 1289.0 Method 0 General requirements and list of methods 1289.2.1.1 Method 2.1.1 Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture content of a soil—Oven drying method (standard method) 1289.2.1.2 Method 2.1.2 Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture content of a soil—Sand bath method (subsidiary method) 1289.2.1.4 Method 2.1.4 Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture content of a soil—Microwave-oven drying method (subsidiary method) 1289.2.1.5 Method 2.1.5 Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture content of a soil—Infrared lights method (subsidiary method) 1289.2.1.6 Method 2.1.6 Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture content of a soil—Hotplate drying method (subsidiary method) 1289.B3.1 Method B3.1 Establishment of correlation between a subsidiary method of moisture content determination and the standard method (AS 1289.B1.1) 1289.3.5.1 Method 3.5.1 Soil classification tests—Determination of the soil particle density of a soil—Standard method 1289.5.1.1 Method 5.1.1 Soil compaction and density tests—Determination of the dry density/moisture content relation of a soil using standard compactive effort 1289.5.2.1 Method 5.2.1 Soil compaction and density tests—Determination of the dry density/moisture content relation of a soil using modified compactive effort comin STANDARDS SaAS 1289.5.3.5—1997 2 3 APPARATUS The following apparatus shall be used: (@) (b) () «@ © (f) (g) (h) Gi) @ (k) aw (m) Density ring (see Note 3), and steel spikes, if required. Straightedge. Plastic sheet— 0.1 mm thick, 2 m to 4 m square (for rings to 1.5 m diameter) (see Note 4); and 0.2 mm thick, 6 m to 8 m square (for rings over 1.5 m and up to 2.5 m diameter), Pointer gauge assembly (horizontal bar fitted with an adjustable vertical pointer and locknut) and supports. Quick-setting plaster, or local rock fines. Apparatus for delivering, measuring and removing the volume of water required (see Note 5). A balance of at least adequate capacity with a limit of performance not exceeding 55g. Platform scale of at least 100 kg capacity and readable to 0.1 percent of full scale (see Note 6). Containers to hold the excavated soil. Suitable metal skips with approximate dimensions 1.2 m x 0.6 m x 0.5 m can be used. Suitable tools for excavating and cleaning holes in coarse soils and rocky materials, e.g. pick, shovel, crowbar, broom, scoop. A mechanical backhoe may be used for large holes 2 m diameter and over. Sieves, as described in AS 1152. Siphon can and measuring cylinders, if required Spirit level of suitable length to use with ring. 4 PROCEDURE The procedure shall be as follows: @ () (c) (a) © Select a test site which has an even surface and is substantially level. Place the ring on the test site in a level position and secure it to the surface to prevent any movement during the performance of the test. Fill the voids between the underside of the ring and the surface with quick-setting plaster or local rock fines. If plaster is used, ensure that any surplus is removed from the inside of the ring. If local rock fines are used, pack them beneath the ring by hand. Remove all loose material and sharp projections from the test surface. Set up the pointer gauge assembly so that the pointer can be removed and returned to a fixed position below the top of the ring (see Note 7). Remove the pointer gauge bar to a safe position. ‘After checking for punctures, spread the plastic sheet (see Note 4) over the ring and test surface. Replace the pointer gauge bar. Fill the space contained by the plastic sheet with water. Sufficient water should be used to ensure that the plastic sheet is fully in contact with the ring and all surface hollows and projections (see Note 8) Adjust the pointer so that it just touches the water surface and check for leaks (see Note 9) The measured volume of the water used is the initial reading (V;) for the test, in litres. coPYRIGHTAS 1289,5.3.5—1997 (Remove the pointer gauge bar to a safe position. Remove the water and the plastic sheet checking the ground surface for indications of leakage. (g) Using the digging tools, excavate, as nearly as practicable, a cylindrical hole within the ring, When excavating very coarse materials, it may be necessary to employ a mechanical device, such as a tripod with either a block and tackle or a chain hoist, for lifting large rocks from the hole. Make the wall of the hole as near vertical as possible but avoid undercutting the ring. Leave in place any large rocks near the hole boundary. Keep the floor and wall of the hole as even as possible and free from sharp protrusions which may puncture the plastic sheet. When the desired depth (see Note 1) has been reached, clean all loose material from the hole Carefully collect all the excavated material in containers (see Note 10) and determine the mass of each to the nearest 100 g (or 0.1 percent) whichever is larger. Sum the individual masses of the material in the containers to obtain the total excavated mass (m,,) (see Note 11). (h) When the moisture content of all or part of the material will have a significant effect on the field dry density, determine the moisture content (w) of the soil (see Notes 12 and 13) in accordance with AS 1289.2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.4, 2.1.5 of 2.1.6 (see also Note 14) (i) After checking for punctures, place the plastic sheet (see Note 4) symmetrically into the hole. Replace the pointer gauge bar. ()__ Fill the space contained by the plastic sheet with water to the precise level of the pointer as set for the initial volume measurement (see Note 8). While filling, loosely support the sheet away from the hole wall and allow the rising water to form the sheet to the shape of the hole and ring. Check for leaks (see Note 9). The measured volume of water used in the final reading (Vp) litres for the test. 5 CALCULATIONS Calculate the following: (a) Calculate the volume (Vy) of the hole, in cubic metres, from the formula— =e" (5.1 where 000 , Vy = volume of the hole, in cubic metres Vp = measured volume of water in litres, used in the final reading V, = measured volume of water, in litres, used in the initial reading (b) Calculate the wet density (p) of the soil, in tonnes per cubic metre, from the formula— = 5.2) ° = Tx 1000 or where p= wet density, in tonnes per cubic metre Vy = volume of the hole, in cubic metres my, = wet mass, in kilograms, of the material from the hole (©) Calculate the dry density (py) of the soil in tonnes per cubic metre, from the formula— = 2x 100 5 Pa © 00+ w 63) COPYRIGHTAS 1289.53.5—1997 4 where Pg = dry density of the soil, in tonnes per cubie metre P= wet density, in tonnes per cubic metre w = moisture content, in percent, of the soil. (See Notes 12 and 13.) 6 REPORTING OF RESULTS Report the following results and general information: (a) () (© (d) ©) © The dry density of the soil, in tonnes per cubic metre, to the nearest 0.01 and the moisture content to the nearest 0.5 percent. The fraction of the soil for which the density and moisture content have been determined, if appropriate. Date of the test. Test location. Soil description. Reference to this Australian Standard, i.e. AS 1289.5.3.5. NOTES ON TEST: Density and depth When possible the test should be performed to a depth equal to the layer thickness. If desired, however, successive density tests may be performed as the hole is progressively deepened to determine variation of density with depth, e.g. when placing and compacting material in relatively thick lifts. Field grading A field grading test may, if desired, be performed while the test hole is being excavated, Ring size The diameter of the ring usually ranges between 500 mm and 2500 mm. A 500 mm diameter ring is usually made as a unit. Larger rings are constructed in two or three segments which are assembled in the field. As a general guide, the ring diameter should be at least four times the size of the largest particle. The rings may be of any construction, provided that the inner surface is that of a right cylinder approximately 100mm high for 500 mm diameter rings and approximately 200 mm high for the largest rings. Stiffening flanges are to be provided to resist distortion. Use of liner Alternatively, a prefabricated cylindrical liner made of plastic sheet 0.1 mm thick, may be used with small diameter rings. Water supply and measuring tank For small test holes and for test holes located in sites which are not readily accessible, the most convenient and economical method of delivering and measuring the water may be by hand, from a small calibrated measure or by siphon from a small calibrated container. For larger test holes in readily accessible sites, it is usually advantageous to use one or more calibrated water tanks for measuring the water when filling the plastic sheet, and to provide a portable, power-driven, self-priming pump for removing the water after each filling. An outlet valve and an attached volume measuring gauge are needed for each calibrated tank. Delivery hoses from such tanks must be fitted with a valve at the delivery end, so that the flow of water into the plastic sheet can be suitably controlled when the water level approaches the level of the pointer gauge. The area of each calibrated tank should be such that the graduations on its volume measuring gauge can be casily read. Tanks used for filling holes of large capacity should have volume gauges graduated at 20 L and at 10 L or 5 L intervals; gauges on tanks used for filling holes of smaller capacity should be graduated at 2 L and 0.2 L intervals. COPYRIGHTu 12 5 AS 1289.5.3.5—1997 The graduations on the volume measuring gauges of calibrated tanks must be verified. To verify the graduations, proceed as follows: (a) Fill each tank with water to the top graduation on the gauge and then draw off successive volumes so that the water level drops to each graduation in tum, (b) Calculate the volumes drawn off from the mass of each withdrawal, and compare with the volumes read on the gauge. Alternatively the water flowing into the test hole can be measured with a water meter such as a 50 mm KENT type readable to 1 L. Balance type Other types of scales, such as spring balances and crane scales, of similar accuracy may be used. Datum bar For small rings, the pointer is often mounted on a datum bar supported on legs driven into the ground outside the ring. The datum bar must be made so that it can be removed between readings, and replaced with the pointer in precisely the same position, For large rings, which are usually more stable, it is usual to lay a small datum bar on the rim of the ring, if it is a flat flange, marking the position so that the bar can be returned accurately to the same position, or the bar can be suitably clamped to the ring. Measurement of volume The required accuracy of volume measurement depends fon the volume of the test hole and the diameter of the ring used. For larger test holes and rings, a lesser accuracy may suffice. Since the test cannot be easily repeated, all observations and recordings should be independently checked. It may be advisable, when delivering water to larger test holes from calibrated tanks, to run most of the water required into the space contained by the plastic sheet from a large tank equipped with a delivery hose capable of supplying the bulk of the water in a relatively few minutes, recording accurately the volume used. A smaller tank is then used for slowly bringing the water level to the tip of the pointer gauge and for obtaining the required accuracy of the volume measurement. Leakage of plastic Observe the water level at the pointer gauge tip for several minutes to determine whether water is leaking through the plastic sheet. If leakage is occurring, repeat the volume measurement with a sound sheet. The plastic sheet should not be walked on or dragged across the ground, Sample containers Use containers with close fitting lids when testing soils and absorbent rocks holding significant amounts of water. When the material consists predominantly of hard non-absorbent rock of negligible moisture content, open containers are satisfactory. Density of large rocks If practicable, break large rocks in excess of scale capacity into smaller pieces. Alternatively, determine their volume by water displacement and compute their mass using the apparent density of the stone (see AS 1289.3.5.1). If large rocks are broken, ensure that the mass of all fragments from each is determined. When a crane scale and skips are available for use, the breaking of large rocks becomes unnecessary. Moisture content sample The sample for moisture content is to be representative of the whole of the soil excavated except that, if only the density of the material smaller than a specified size is required, any stone coarser than this size must first be removed. The moisture sample should be as large as is practicable and convenient. It should be collected in an airtight container by incrementally sampling the excavated soil during the course of the digging operations and after the mass (m,) of the increments has been determined. COPYRIGHTAS 1289.5.35—1997 ‘ 13 Moisture samples may be selected from the following fractions and combined, viz: 150 mm to 75 mm 75 mm and smaller. Calculate the total moisture content, w, in percent, of the fill from the formula— w= (P, x wy) + (P) x) where w = the total moisture content, in percent, of the fill P| = the proportion of the sample by dry mass retained on the 75 mm sieve aperture w, = the moisture content in percent of the sample retained on the 75 mm sieve aperture the proportion of the sample by dry mass passing the 75 mm sieve aperture Ww, = the moisture content in percent of the sample passing the 75 mm sieve aperture Rock particles greater than 75 mm dimension shall be brushed clean to remove fines before their masses are determined. These fines must be added to the appropriate smaller fractions of the sample. Allowance for large particles If a soil contains particles larger than a specified size and only the density of the material smaller than this size is required, e.g. for comparison with results obtained in AS 1289.5.1.1 and 5.2.1, proceed as follows: (a) Sieve on the specified sieve the material excavated from the hole. Determine the mass (mp) in kilograms, and the volume (Vg) in cubic metres, of rock retained on the sieve. (b) The volume (Vg) of rock in the sample may be found directly by replacement of water in a graduated flask or siphon can, or may be calculated from the mass and density of the stone (see AS 1289.3.5.1). Alternatively, the oversize material may be replaced in the hole after positioning the plastic sheet and before filling with water, to obtain the volume of the hole less the oversize material (Vy ~ Vg) directly. Special care should be taken to avoid puncturing the plastic sheet when replacing the oversize material (©) Calculate the dry density (pg) of the soil, in tonnes per cubic metre, from the formula— my — my Py = Vy - Vg) ><) x 1000 (Ya ~ Va) C+ a) where Pa = the dry density of the soil, in tonnes per cubic metre ‘my = wet mass, in kilograms, of the material from the hole ‘mg = mass of rock in kilograms, retained on the sieve volume of the hole, in cubic metres volume of rock, in cubic metres, retained on the sieve w = moisture content of material finer than the specified size. If there is a large proportion of large particles in the sample, the calculated density value for the fraction passing a specified size may lack relevance coPYRIGHT14 7 AS 1289.5.35—1997 Subsidiary methods of moisture content determination If a subsidiary method for determination of moisture content has been used, the accuracy to which moisture content and values calculated from moisture content may be reported will depend upon the correlation established using AS 1289.B3.1. COPYRIGHTAS 1289.5.35—1997 8 “This Ausuaian Standard was prepared by Commitee CE, Testing of Soils for Enginering Porpses. Ke was approved on {cha of the Counc of Standirds Austais on August 1599 and publied on $ October 997 ‘The following interests ae represented on Committee CEI: ‘Austtlian Geomechanics Society AUSTROADS Crushed Stone Association of Australia Department of Administrative Services, Scientific Services Laboratories, AGAL. Institution of Engineers, Austealia National Assocation of Testing Authorities, Austral University of Sydney Review of Australian Standards, To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to perlodie review and are kept up to date by the isue of amendments or new editions as necessary. Iti important therefore that Standard users ensure tha they are in possession of the latest edition and any amendments thereto. ‘Full details of all Australian Standarde and related publications wil be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue of Publications: this information is supplemented each month BY the magazine "The Australian Standard”. which subscribing ‘members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards. Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards. addressed t0 the head office of Standards Australia. are welcomed. ‘otiteaton of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in am Australian Standard should be made without delay in order that the ‘matter may be tnvesiigated and appropriate action taken. Originated as AS A89.138—1971 Previous edition AS 1289.E3.5— 1982, Revised and redesignated as AS 1289.5.3.5—1997 This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 96488 (© Copyeight ~ STANDARDS AUSTRALIA Users of Standards are reminded that copyright subsists in all Standards Australia publications and software, Except where the Copyright Act allows and except where provided for below no publications or software produced by Standards Australia may be fepreduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or teansmited by aay means, Without prior persion in write om Standards. Australia, Permission may be conditional on an appropriate royalty payment. 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