ASTM D7830/D7830M-14(2021)e1 - 15.7.2021
 
Significance and Use

5.1?The method described determines wet density and gravimetric water content by correlating complex impedance measurement data to an empirically developed model. The empirical model is generated by comparing the electrical properties of typical soils encountered in civil construction projects to their wet densities and gravimetric water contents determined by other accepted methods.

5.2?The test method described is useful as a rapid, non-destructive technique for determining the in-place total density and gravimetric water content of soil and soil-aggregate mixtures and the determination of dry density.

5.3?This method may be used for quality control and acceptance of compacted soil and soil-aggregate mixtures as used in construction and also for research and development. The non-destructive nature allows for repetitive measurements at a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.

Note 2:?The quality of the result produced by this standard 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 requirements of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective sampling/testing/inspection, and the like. 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 means of evaluation some of those factors.

 
1. Scope

1.1?This test method covers the procedures for determining in-place properties of non-frozen, unbound soil and soil aggregate mixtures such as total density, gravimetric water content and relative compaction by measuring the intrinsic impedance of the compacted soil.

1.1.1?The method and device described in this test method are intended for in-process quality control of earthwork projects. Site or material characterization is not an intended result.

1.2?UnitsThe 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 nonconformance with the standard.

1.2.1?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 in this standard.

1.2.2?In the engineering profession, it is customary practice to use, interchangeably, units representing both mass and force, unless dynamic calculations are involved. This implicitly combines two separate systems of units, that is, the absolute system and the gravimetric system. It is undesirable to combine the use of two separate systems within a single standard. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft3 should not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.

1.3?All observed and calculated values shall conform to the Guide for Significant Digits and Rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.3.1?The procedures used to specify how data is collected, recorded, and calculated in this standard are regarded as industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally 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; and it is common practice to increase or decrease the number of significant digits of reported data commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in the analysis methods for engineering design.

1.4?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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1:?ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

1.5?This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

D3740-23

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

D4718-87(2001)

Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles

D4944-25a

Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester (Includes all amendments and changes 12/9/2025).

D4959-24

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

D2167-15

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

D2216-19

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

D698-12(2021)

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

D422-63(1998)

Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils

D4318-17e1

Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils (Includes all amendments and changes 4/17/2018).

D4254-16

Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density (Withdrawn 2025)

D2937-24

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

D1556-07

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

D653-26

Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D4643-25

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

D4253-16

Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table

D7382-25

Standard Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer