ASTM D4959-16
Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating

Standard No.

ASTM D4959-16

Release Date

2016

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4959-24

Latest

ASTM D4959-24

Scope

5.1 The water content of a soil is used throughout geotechnical engineering practice both in the laboratory and in the field. The use of Test Methods D2216 for water content determination can be time consuming and there are occasions when a more expedient method is desirable. Drying by direct heating is one such method. Results of this test method have been demonstrated to be of satisfactory accuracy for use in field control work, such as in the determination of water content, and in the determination of in-place dry unit weight of soils.

5.2 The principal objection to the use of the direct heating for water content determination is the possibility of overheating the soil, thereby yielding a water content higher than would be determined by Test Methods D2216. While not eliminating this possibility, the incremental drying procedure in this test method will minimize its effects. Some heat sources have settings or controls that can also be used to reduce overheating. Loose fitting covers or enclosures can also be used to reduce overheating while assisting in uniform heat distribution.

5.3 The behavior of a soil when subjected to direct heating is dependent on its mineralogical composition, and as a result, no one procedure is applicable for all types of soils or heat sources. The general procedure of this test method applies to all soils, but test details may need to be tailored to the soil being tested.

5.4 When this test method is to be used repeatedly on the same or similar soil from a given site, a correction factor can usually be determined by making several comparisons between the results of this test method and Test Methods D2216. A correction factor is valid when the difference is consistent for several comparisons, and is reconfirmed on a regular specified basis.

5.5 This test method may not be appropriate when precise results are required, or when minor variations in water content will affect the results of other test methods, such as borderline situations where small variations in the measured water content could affect acceptance or rejection.

5.6 This test method is not appropriate for specimens known to contain flammable organics or contaminants, and other test methods should be utilized in these situations.

Note 1: The quality of the results produced by 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/sampling/inspection. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results . Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the water content of soil......

ASTM D4959-16 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 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 E11 Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes

ASTM D4959-16 history

• 2024 ASTM D4959-24 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating
• 2016 ASTM D4959-16 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating
• 2007 ASTM D4959-07 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating
• 2000 ASTM D4959-00 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating