ASTM D4531-15
Standard Test Methods for Bulk and Dry Density of Peat and Peat Products

Standard No.

ASTM D4531-15

Release Date

2015

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4531-23

Latest

ASTM D4531-23

Scope

4.1 These test methods provide uniform procedures for determining the bulk density of in situ peat and processed peat products. The bulk density is of use in the

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the bulk and dry density of both peat in its natural state and peat products (Note 1). These test methods consist of defining a volume of peat and determining the mass of that specific volume. The difference in the respective methods is in the procedures employed to determine the peat volume.

Note 1: Test Method D2978 is used for specifying the volume represented by a quantity of loose processed peat or the volume of a peat bale.

1.2 Method A—The core method covers the determination of the bulk density of a core of peat taken with a piston sampler or other suitable core sampler (Sections 6 and 7).

1.3 Method B—The paraffin wax method, covers the determination of the bulk density of clods or irregular pieces of wet peat and compressed peat products (Sections 8 and 9).

1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a evaluating some of those factors.

1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.6.1 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 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.

ASTM D4531-15 Referenced Document

• ASTM D2978 Standard Test Method for Volume of Processed Peat Materials
• 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 D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

ASTM D4531-15 history

• 2023 ASTM D4531-23 Standard Test Methods for Bulk and Dry Density of Peat and Peat Products
• 2015 ASTM D4531-15 Standard Test Methods for Bulk and Dry Density of Peat and Peat Products
• 1986 ASTM D4531-86(2008) Standard Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products
• 1986 ASTM D4531-86(2002) Standard Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products
• 1999 ASTM D4531-86(1996) Standard Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products