ASTM D4648/D4648M-16
Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for SaturatedFine-Grained Clayey Soil

Standard No.

ASTM D4648/D4648M-16

Release Date

2016

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4648/D4648M-24

Latest

ASTM D4648/D4648M-24

Scope

5.1 The miniature vane shear test may be used to obtain estimates of the undrained shear strength of fine-grained soils. The test provides a rapid determination of the shear strength on undisturbed, or remolded or reconstituted soils.

Note 2: Notwithstanding the statements on precision and bias contained in this test method: The precision of this test method 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. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a means for evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 These test methods cover the miniature vane test in very soft to stiff saturated fine-grained clayey soils (φ8201;=8201;0). Knowledge of the nature of the soil in which each vane test is to be made is necessary for assessment of the applicability and interpretation of the test results.

Note 1: It is recommended that the miniature vane test be conducted in fine-grained, predominately clay soils with an undrained shear strength less than 1.0 tsf [100 kPa]. Vane failure conditions in higher strength clay and predominantly silty soils may deviate from the assumed cylindrical failure surface, thereby causing error in the measured strength.

1.2 These test methods include the use of both conventional calibrated torque spring units (Method A) and electrical torque transducer units (Method B) with a motorized miniature vane shear device.

1.3 Laboratory vane is an ideal tool to investigate strength anisotropy in the vertical and horizontal directions, if suitable samples (specimens) are available.

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

1.5 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.

1.5.1 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 rationalized slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its us......

ASTM D4648/D4648M-16 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1587 Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
• ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D2488 Recommended Practice for Description Of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
• ASTM D2573 Standard Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in Cohesive Soil
• 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 D4220 Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

ASTM D4648/D4648M-16 history

• 2024 ASTM D4648/D4648M-24 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for SaturatedFine-Grained Soil
• 2016 ASTM D4648/D4648M-16 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for SaturatedFine-Grained Clayey Soil
• 2013 ASTM D4648/D4648M-13 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for SaturatedFine-Grained Clayey Soil
• 2010 ASTM D4648/D4648M-10 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for SaturatedFine-Grained Clayey Soil
• 2005 ASTM D4648-05 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for SaturatedFine-Grained Clayey Soil
• 2000 ASTM D4648-00 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for Saturated Fine-Grained Clayey Soil