ASTM D5550-23
Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer

Standard No.

ASTM D5550-23

Release Date

2023

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D5550-23

Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids by means of a gas pycnometer. Particle size is limited by the dimensions of the test specimen container of the particular pycnometer being used. 1.2 Test Method D854 may be used instead of or in conjunction with this test method for performing specific gravity tests on soils. Note that Test Method D854 does not require the specialized test apparatus needed by this test method. However, Test Method D854 may not be used if the test specimen contains matter that can readily dissolve in water, whereas this test method does not have that limitation. 1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026. 1.3.1 For 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. 1.3.2 The 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 be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design. 1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The converted slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved. 1.5 This 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. 1.6 This 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 D5550-23 Referenced Document

• ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D3740 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 D4318 Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
• ASTM D4542 Standard Test Method for Pore Water Extraction and Determination of the Soluble Salt Content of Soils by Refractometer
• ASTM D4753 Standard Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Scales for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D854 Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement Method*， 2023-11-01 Update

ASTM D5550-23 history

• 2023 ASTM D5550-23 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
• 2014 ASTM D5550-14 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
• 2006 ASTM D5550-06 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
• 2000 ASTM D5550-00 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
• 2000 ASTM D5550-94 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer