ASTM D1556-07
Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method

Standard No.

ASTM D1556-07

Release Date

2007

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D1556/D1556M-15

Latest

ASTM D1556/D1556M-15e1

Scope

1.1 This test method may be used to determine the in-place density and unit weight of soils using a sand cone apparatus.

1.2 This test method is applicable for soils without appreciable amounts of rock or coarse materials in excess of 1 1/2 in. (38 mm) in diameter.

1.3 This test method may also be used for the determination of the in-place density and unit weight of intact or in situ soils, provided the natural void or pore openings in the soil are small enough to prevent the sand used in the test from entering the voids. The soil or other material being tested should have sufficient cohesion or particle attraction to maintain stable sides on a small hole or excavation, and be firm enough to withstand the minor pressures exerted in digging the hole and placing the apparatus over it, without deforming or sloughing.

1.4 This test method is not suitable for organic, saturated, or highly plastic soils that would deform or compress during the excavation of the test hole. This test method may not be suitable for soils consisting of unbound granular materials that will not maintain stable sides in the test hole, soils containing appreciable amounts of coarse material larger than 11/2 in. (38 mm), and granular soils having high void ratios.

1.5 When materials to be tested contain appreciable amounts of particles larger than 11/2 in. (38 mm), or when test hole volumes larger than 0.1 ft³ (2830 cm ³) are required, Test Method D 4914 or D 5030 are applicable.

1.6 It is common practice in the engineering profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and a unit of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units, that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. This test method has been written using the gravitational system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In this system the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight). However, the use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft ³ should not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.

1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026 unless superseded by this standard.

1.7.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected, recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the users objectives; it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits or reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical methods for engineering design.

1.8 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM D1556-07 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1557 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 kN-m/m³))
• 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 D4253 Standard test method for maximum index density and unit weight of soil using a shaking table*， 2024-04-19 Update
• ASTM D4254 Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density*， 2024-04-19 Update
• ASTM D4643 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating
• ASTM D4718 Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
• ASTM D4753 Standard Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Scales for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• ASTM D4914 Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
• ASTM D4944 Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester Method
• ASTM D4959 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating
• ASTM D5030 Standard Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit (Withdrawn 2003)
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D698 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft³ (600 kN-m/m³))*， 2024-04-19 Update

ASTM D1556-07 history

• 2015 ASTM D1556/D1556M-15e1 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by Sand-Cone Method
• 2015 ASTM D1556/D1556M-15 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by Sand-Cone Method
• 2007 ASTM D1556-07 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method
• 2000 ASTM D1556-00 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method