ASTM D5874-95 - 1.1.1995
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Impact Value (IV) of a soil either in the field or a test mold.

1.2 The standard test method, using a 4.5 kg (10 lbm) hammer, is suitable for, but not limited to, evaluating the strength of an unsaturated compacted fill, in particular pavement materials, soils, and soil-aggregates having maximum particle sizes less than 37.5 mm (1.5 in.).

1.3 By using a lighter 0.5 kg (1.1 lbm) hammer, this test method is applicable for evaluating lower strength soils such as fine grained cohesionless, highly organic, saturated, or highly plastic soils having a maximum particle size less than 9.5 mm (0.375 in.).

1.4 By performing laboratory test correlations for a particular soil using the 4.5 kg (10 lbm) hammer, IV may be correlated with an unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) or may be used to infer percentage compaction.

1.5 The values stated SI are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are given for information only.

1.6 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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.

Note 1-The equipment and procedures contained in this test method are similar to those developed by B. Clegg in the 1970s at the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia. Impact Value is also commonly known as Clegg Impact Value (CIV).
 
2. Referenced Documents

D2216-19

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

D2937-24

Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method

D3740-26

Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D4643-25

Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating

D6026-21

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data

D6938-23

Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

D653-26a

Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).

D698-12(2021)

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))

D1556-07

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

D1557-12(2021)

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-m/m3))

D4959-24

Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating

D1883-21

Standard Test Method for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of Laboratory-Compacted Soils

D2167-15

Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Rubber Balloon Method (Withdrawn 2024)