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  • ASTM D 854 : 2023

    Current The latest, up-to-date edition.

    Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement Method

    Available format(s):  Hardcopy, PDF

    Language(s):  English

    Published date:  14-11-2023

    Publisher:  American Society for Testing and Materials

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    1.1These test methods cover the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids that pass the 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) or smaller sieve by means of the water displacement method. When the total sample contains larger particles, it is separated into a coarser and finer portion using a 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) or No. 4 (4.75-mm) or finer sieve. Separation on the No. 4 sieve is the referee method. Test Method C127 shall be used to obtain the specific gravity of the coarser portion. The D854 test methods shall be used to obtain the specific gravity of the finer portion. The total sample specific gravity is computed from the two portions as described in 12.5.

    1.1.1These test methods do not apply to solids which can be altered by these methods, contaminated with a substance that prohibits the use of these methods, or are highly organic, such as fibrous matter which floats in water (see Note 1).

    Note 1:Test Method D5550 may be used to determine the specific gravity of soil solids having solids, which readily dissolve in water or float in water, or where it is impracticable to use water.

    1.2This standard provides two methods for performing the specific gravity test. The method to be used shall be specified by the requesting authority, except when testing the types of soils listed in 1.2.1.

    1.2.1Method A—Procedure for Moist Specimens, described in 11.1. This procedure is the preferred method. Method A shall be used for organic soils; highly plastic, fine-grained soils; tropical soils; and soils containing halloysite.

    1.2.2Method B—Procedure for Oven-Dry Specimens, described in 11.2. This procedure requires less time and may be used for clean sands.

    1.3Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard, except the sieve designations. The sieve designations are identified using the “alternative” system in accordance with Practice E11, such as 3-in. and No. 200, instead of the “standard” designation of 75-mm and 75-µm, respectively. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as non-conformance with this test method. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.

    1.4All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.

    1.4.1The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.

    1.5This 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. Glassware under vacuum has the potential for implosion. Proper personal protective equipment shall be used at all times. See Section 8.

    1.6This 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.

    General Product Information - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    Committee D 18
    Document Type Test Method
    Publisher American Society for Testing and Materials
    Status Current
    Supersedes

    Standards Referenced By This Book - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    ASTM D 6766 : 2020 : REV A Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Hydraulic Properties of Geosynthetic Clay Liners Permeated with Potentially Incompatible Aqueous Solutions
    ASTM D 698 : 2012 : R2021 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))
    ASTM D 2166/D2166M : 2016 Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil
    ASTM D 2435/D2435M : 2011 : R2020 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
    ASTM D 4546 : 2021 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils
    ASTM D 5675 : 2013 : R2023 Standard Classification for Low Molecular Weight PTFE and FEP Micronized Powders
    ASTM D 7100 : 2011 : R2020 Standard Test Method for Hydraulic Conductivity Compatibility Testing of Soils with Aqueous Solutions
    ASTM D 6995 : 2021 Standard Test Method for Determining Field VMA Based on the Maximum Specific Gravity of an Asphalt Mixture (Gmm)
    ASTM D 5567 : 1994 : R2018 Standard Test Method for Hydraulic Conductivity Ratio (HCR) Testing of Soil/Geotextile Systems
    ASTM D 7928 : 2021 : EDT 1 Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis
    ASTM F 3510 : 2021 Standard Guide for Characterizing Fiber-Based Constructs for Tissue-Engineered Medical Products
    ASTM E 3282 : 2022 Standard Guide for NAPL Mobility and Migration in Sediments – Evaluation Metrics
    ASTM F 1815 : 2011 : R2018 Standard Test Methods for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, Water Retention, Porosity, and Bulk Density of Athletic Field Rootzones
    ASTM E 3268 : 2021 Standard Guide for NAPL Mobility and Migration in Sediment—Sample Collection, Field Screening, and Sample Handling
    ASTM D 1557 : 2012 : R2021 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-m/m3))
    ASTM D 6467 : 2021 : EDT 1 Standard Test Method for Torsional Ring Shear Test to Determine Drained Residual Shear Strength of Fine-Grained Soils
    ASTM D 5856 : 2015 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Porous Material Using a Rigid-Wall, Compaction-Mold Permeameter (Withdrawn 2024)
    ASTM D 6528 : 2017 Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Direct Simple Shear Testing of Fine Grain Soils
    ASTM D 4254 : 2016 Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
    ASTM D 5084 : 2016 : REV A Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible Wall Permeameter
    ASTM D 4943 : 2018 Standard Test Method for Shrinkage Factors of Cohesive Soils by the Water Submersion Method
    ASTM E 2278 : 2013 : R2019 Standard Guide for Use of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) for Surface Mine Reclamation: Revegetation and Mitigation of Acid Mine Drainage
    ASTM D 4767 : 2011 : R2020 Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test for Cohesive Soils
    ASTM D 4253 : 2016 : EDT 1 Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
    ASTM D 7263 : 2021 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Density and Unit Weight of Soil Specimens
    ASTM C 1746/C1746M : 2019 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Suspended Sediment Removal Efficiency of Hydrodynamic Stormwater Separators and Underground Settling Devices
    ASTM E 3163 : 2018 Standard Guide for Selection and Application of Analytical Methods and Procedures Used during Sediment Corrective Action
    ASTM D 653 : 2022 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
    ASTM D 7382 : 2020 Standard Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer
    ASTM D 1586/D1586M : 2018 : EDT 1 Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
    ASTM F 2747 : 2019 Standard Guide for Construction of Sand-based Rootzones for Golf Putting Greens and Tees
    ASTM D 7608 : 2018 : EDT 1 Standard Test Method for Torsional Ring Shear Test to Measure Drained Fully Softened Shear Strength and Stress Dependent Strength Envelope of Fine-Grained Soils
    ASTM D 4186/D4186M : 2020 : EDT 1 Standard Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Saturated Cohesive Soils Using Controlled-Strain Loading
    ASTM D 2850 : 2023 Standard Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial Compression Test on Cohesive Soils
    ASTM D 5202/D5202M : 2016 Standard Test Method for Determining Triaxial Compression Creep Strength of Chemically Grouted Soils
    ASTM D 4829 : 2021 Standard Test Method for Expansion Index of Soils
    ASTM D 7664 : 2010 : R2018 : EDT 1 Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Unsaturated Soils
    ASTM C 128 : 2022 Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
    ASTM D 5550 : 2023 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
    ASTM E 2277 : 2014(R2019) Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Coal Ash Structural Fills
    ASTM D 7663 : 2012 : R2018 : EDT 1 Standard Practice for Active Soil Gas Sampling in the Vadose Zone for Vapor Intrusion Evaluations
    ASTM D 7181 : 2020 Standard Test Method for Consolidated Drained Triaxial Compression Test for Soils
    ASTM E 2243 : 2013 : R2019 Standard Guide for Use of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) for Surface Mine Reclamation: Re-contouring and Highwall Reclamation
    ASTM D 6836 : 2016 Standard Test Methods for Determination of the Soil Water Characteristic Curve for Desorption Using Hanging Column, Pressure Extractor, Chilled Mirror Hygrometer, or Centrifuge

    Standards Referencing This Book - (Show below) - (Hide below)

    ASTM D 4753 : 2015 Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
    ASTM D 3740 : 2023 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
    ASTM D 3740 : 2019 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
    ASTM D 4753 : 2024 Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
    ASTM C 127 : 2015 Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate (Withdrawn 2024)
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