This Standard sets out the method for the determination of the moisture content of a soil as a percentage of its dry mass, using a hotplate to dry the sample.The hotplate drying method is a rapid method and is considered less accurate than the standard method (see AS1289.2.1.1).This method is not suitable for soil that has a significant clay fraction or for soil containing gypsum, calcareous material or organic matter since the temperature of drying cannot be controlled.