T99

METHOOS

OF SAMPLING

ANO TESTING

319

Standard Methods ofTestfor The Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a S.S-lb [2.5 kg] Rammer and a 12-in. [305 mm] Drop
AASHTO DESIGNATION: T 99-81
l. SCOPE
1.1 These methods of test are intended for determining the relation between the moisture content and density of soils compacted in a mold of a given size with a 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) rammer dropped from a height of 12 in. (305 mm). Four alternate procedures are provided as follows: Method A-A Sections 3 Method B-A Sections 5 Method C-A Sections 7 Method D-A Sections 9 4 in. (102 mm) and 4. 6 in. (152 mm) and 6. 4 in. (102 mm) and 8. 6 in. (152 mm) and 10. mold: soil material passing a 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve mold: soil material passing a 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve mold: soil material passing a 19.0 mm (3/4 in.) sieve mold: soil materiaf passing a 19.0 mm (3/4 in.) sieve for the material being

1.2 The method to be used should be indicated in the specifications tested. If no method is specified. the provisions of Method A shall govern.

2. APPARATUS 2.1 Molds-The molds shall be solid-wall. metal cylinders manufactured withdimensions and capacities shown in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 below. They shall have a detachable collar assembly approximately 2 3/8 in. (60 mm) in height. to permit preparation of compacted specimens of soil-water mixtures of the desired height and volume. The mold and collar assembly shall be so constructed that it can be fastened firmly to a detachable base plate made of the same material (Note 1).
NOTE-Alternate types ofmolds with capacities as stipulated herein mar beused. provided the test resulto are correlated with those of the solid-wall mold on severalso.i1types and the same moisture-density results are obtained. Records of such ~orrelation shall be maintained and readily available for inspection. ,!,henalternate types of molds are used.

2.1.1 A 4-in. Mold having a capacity ot 1/30 (0.0333) .:i:.0.<XXJ3 cu. ft. (0.<XXJ943 .:i:.0.OOOOO8 m' ) with an interna! diameter of 4.<XXJ .:i:.0.016 in. (101.6 .:i:.0.406 mm) and a height of 4.584 .:i:.0.005 in. (116.43 .:i:.0.1270 mm) Fig. 1). 2.1.2 A 6.in. Mold having a capacity of 1/13.33 (0.07500 .:i:.0.<XXJ75 cu. fr. (0.002124 .:i:.0.OOOO21 m' ) with an internal diameter of6.<XXJ.:i:.0.026 in. (152.4 .:i:.O.6604 mm) and a height of 4.584 .:i:.0.005 in. (116.43 .:i:.0.1270 mm) (Fig. 2). 2.1.3 Molds Out ofTolerance Due to Use--A mold that fails to meet manufacturing tolerances after continued service may remain in use provided those tolerances are not exceeded by more than 50 percent; and the volume ofthe mold. calibrated in accordance with par 4 (Calibration of Measure) of AASHTO T 19. for Unit Weight of Aggregate. is used in the calculations. 2.2 Rammer: 2.2.1 Manually Operated-Metal rammer having a flat circular face of 2.<XXJ:t 0.005 in. (SO.8 :t0.127 mm) diameter, a wear tolerance of 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) and weighing 5.SO :t0.02 lb (2.495 :t0.OO9 kg)(Note 2). The rammer shall be equipped with a suitable guide-sleeve to control fue height of drop to a free fall of 12.00 :t0.~ (or 1/16) in. (304.8:t 1.524) above the elevation of the soil. The guide~Ieeve shall have at least 4 vent holes. no smaller than 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) diameter spaced approximately

320

METHODS

OF SAMPLING

AND

TESTING

T99

deg. (1.57 rad) apart

and approximately

3/4 in. (19 mm) from

each end;

and shan provide

sufficient

clearance 2.2.2 height 2.000 :t factured

so the free tan of the rammer Mechanically Operated-A

shaft and head is unrestricted. metal rammer which is equipped :t The rammer with a device to control the of the face

of drop to a free tan of 12.00 :t 0.06 (or 1/16) in. (304.8 distributes such drops to the soil surface. 2). 0.005 in. (SO.8 :t 0.127 mm) diameter.

1.524 mm) above fue elevation shall have a flat circular mm) and of 0.005 in. (0.13

soil and uniformly

a wear tolerance

a manu-

mass of 5.SO :t 0.02 lb (2.495

:t 0.009 kg)(Note

NOTE 2 -The mechanical rammer apparatus shall be calibrated with several soil types and the mass of the rarnmer adjusted, if necessary, to give the same moisture-density results as with the manually operated rammer. It mar be impractical to adjust the mechanica! apparatus so the free fall is 12 in. (305 mm) each time the rammer is dropped, as with the manually operated rammer. To make the adjustment of free fall, the portion of loose soil (O receive the initia! blow shou!d be slightly compressed with the rammer to establish the point of impact from which the 12 in. (305 mm) drop is determined. Subsequent blows on the (ayer of soil being compacted mar all be applied by dropping the rammer from a height of 12 in. (305 mm) above the initial-setting elevation; or, when the mechanical apparatus is designed with a height adjustment for each blow, all subsequent blows should have a rammer free fall of 12 in. (305 mm) measured from the elevation of the soil as compacted by the previous blow.

4. PROCEDURE
4.1 Thoroughly mix the selected representative sample with sufficient water mm) to dampen mold (with it to collar approximately four percentage points below optimum 4.2 Form a specili1en by compacting the prepared attached) in three approximately equallayers Compact each layer by 25 uniformly 12 in. (305 mm) above the elevation moisture contento so1l in the 4 in, (102 compacted depth

to give a total

of about

S in. (127 mm). a height ot 12 in. (305

distributed blows from the rammer dropping free from of the soil when a sleeve-type rammer is used, or from soil when a stationary on a dense, uniform,

mm) above the approximate elevation of compacted used. During compaction. the mold shall rest firmly (Note S).

mounted type of rammer is rigid and stable foundation.

NOTE S-Each of Ihe following has been foond lo he a satisfactory base on which lo rest Ihe mold during compaction of Ihe soil: A bloc;k of concrele. weighing nol less Iban 200 lb.. (9t kg) supported by a relatively stable foondation; a soond concrele 1100r; and for field application. such sunaces as found in col1l'rete box culverts, bridges, and pavements.

4.2.1 Following compaction. remove the extension collar, carefully trim the compacted soil even with the top of the nwld by means of the straightedge, and weigh the mold and moist soil in pounds, to Ihe nearest 0.01 lb., or weigh in kilograms to the nearest S raros. For molds conforminF, to tolerances given 2.1.j and masses recorded in pounds, multiply the mass ofthe compacted minus the mass ofthe mold, by 30, and record the result as the wet density, fool. of compacted soil. For molds conforming to tolerances given in 2.1.1 specimen and the mold, W" in pounds per cubic and masses recorded in

kilograms, multiply the mass of the compacted specimen and the mold, minus the mass of the mold, by 1059.43, and record the result as the wet density. W" in kilograms per cubic meter, of compacted soil. For used molds out of tolerance by not more than SO percent (2.1.3), use the factor for the mold as dclernlined 4.3 representative al UO.:f:.5C in accordance with 4 (Calibration Remove the material from the of Measure). AASHTO T 19. mold and slice verticaily through the center. Take a

sample of the material from one of the cut faces, weigh immediately, and dry in an oven (230.:f:.9F)forat least 12 h, orto a constant masstodetermine the moisture contento The it will pass a 4.75 tested. Add water in

mlfisture sample shall weigh not less than 100 g. 4.4 Thoroughly break up the remaining partan of the molded specimenuntil mm sieve as judged by eye, and add to the remaining partan of the sample being

~umcient amount to increase the moisture content of the soil by one or two percentages points, and repeat Ihe above procedure for each increment of water added. Continue this series of determinations unlil there is either a decrease or no change in the wet unit mass. W" per cubic foot or cubic meter of Ihe compacted soil (Note ). NOTE 6-This procedure has been foond satisfactory in masl C&ses. However. in instanceowhere Ihe soil malerial is fragile in character and will reduce significanlly in grain size duo lo repealedcompaction. and in cases whereIhe soil is a heavy-Iextured clayey malerial inlo which il is difficull lo incorporale waler. a separale and newsample shall he used in each compaction tesl. In Ihesecases. separale samples shall he Ihoroughly mixed with amoonts of water sufficienl lo cause the moisture conlenls of Ihe samples lo vary by approximalely two percenlagepoinls. The moislure poinls selectedshall brackel Ihe optimum moislure contenl. thus providing samples which whencompacled. will increase in masslo Ihe maximum densily and Ihen decreasein mass. The samplesof soil-waler mixlures shall be placed in covered conlainers and allowed lo sland for nol less Iban t 2 h hefore making Ihe moislure-densitylesl.

T99

METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

321

-r

~Q~loO.rm'
0.7O()iO.0~" 0.37510025"

-0.57510.~"

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THIS VOLUME -k TO BE '.?; 1 0.0003'"

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(A) WING NUT 14)

~-O.Z50
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0.700tO.05o"

.: -oI-I.500iO.IOO" -0.500 6.500iO.lOO" "' iO.OO'

(B) STUD (2)

(C) HANGER ID) WELD lE) COLLAR (1) PLATEII) B (4) (Top (1) ond bollom of eoch honQe-)

(F) MOLD (G)BASE

1o--6.00010100'~ LOCATIONOf STUOSIN BASE PLATE

Fi9.I-Cylindrical Mald and Bale Plate

14" Mold)
Metrlc mm EQuivolents ;n

3.IB.i-O:-64mm IOl25i-O-:-025") 3.81 mm 10150") 6.35i 1.27mm (0250iO.050") 7.6Z mm (O.~"J 1.53 i 0.64mm (0.375iO.025") 12.70 i 2_~mm tO~!.O.IOO") 17.78.i 1.27mm (0.7':x>};0.050") 20.32 mm \0800 ) 38.10 lo 2.54m... (I.~!.O. 100") 50.80 i 0.64...m (2.(xx) i 0.025"' 6033 i I_27mm (2.375iO.05,)") 101.60!. 0.41 rnm (4.000iOOl6") 107.95!. 1.27mm 14.250!.0.050") 114.30 i 2.54mm (4.500.i0.lOO") 116.43 i 0.13mm (4584i').:>O5') 152.40!. 2.54mm (6CXX>iO.100") 165.10 i 2.54"", (6.~iO.IOO'" 172.721 Z.54mm l6.~,,0IOO'" ( 1/30 i 0.0003 ".1 \ 0.000943 .i0.000008 mI)

322

METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

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6.500lo0.IOQ"D.

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0700!.(1~"

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THIS VOL~ I3:3loO.00D7~

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o.700loo.~"
O.~ !.O.IOO'.

--oI-I.500!.O.IOO.

(A) WING NUT 14) (8) STUO (2) (C) HANGER 14) ID) WELD (TOII aId bo1tom 01 eoch honger) (E) COLLAR (1) Ir) MOLO (1) IG) 8ASE PLATE (1)

FiQ. 2- Cylindricol

Mold ond 80.. l&'OMoId)

Plot.

Metric Equivolents -!!!m. A 3.18 lo O 64mm (0.12~loO.02~") 3.81 mm 10.1~") 6.3~ * 1.27mm (O~iO.O~O") 7 .62 mm (OYX)") 9.~3 ~ O.64mm (0.3"'O.02~") 12.70 * 2.~...m (O5XJ*O.IOO") 17.78 * 1.27mm (0.700"0.0~O") 20.32 m", (06Q") 38.10* 2.~"'mll.~iO.I()J") ~0.90 i O.". m... (2~loO02~") 0;(.33 lo .27mm (2.375iO.0~0") 116.4j.l 013...m (4:'to"~n.OO~"1 IS2.40 * 0."6 "'m 1"00, iO.'26") 158.75 lo 1.~7""" ("2~iO?~0") 165.10 i 2.54 1f;!Y>iO.IOO")

172.72i 2.~ """ ,".~iO.

100")

:00.2.0 i 254 """ (II.(XX) k.O. 100") 215.90 i ::.51""." :~:mj.0.100") 1/13.333 "'.00075,,3 0.OO21:!3J.0.00OO21 ",3

T99

METHODS OF SAMPLlNG AND TESTING METHOD B

323

5. SAMPLE 5.1 Selectthe representativesample in accordancewith 3.3, except that it shall havea mass of approximately 16 lb. (7 kg).

6. PROCEDURE
6.1 Follow the same procedureas described for Method A in Section4, exceptfor the following: Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil in the 6-in. (152 mm) mold (with collar attached) in three approximately equallayers to give a total compacted depth of about 5 in. (125 mm), each layer being compacted by 56 uniformly distributed blows.from the rammer. For molds conforming to tolerancesin 2.1.2. and masses recorned in pounds, multiply the mass of the compacted specimenand the mold, minus the massofthe mold, by 13.3,and record the result as the wet density, W" in lbft',of the compacted soil. For molds conforming to tolerances given in 2.1.2 and masses recorded in kilograms, multiply the mass ofthe compactedspecimenand the mold, minus the massof the mold, by 470.74,and record the resultsas thewet density, W" in kg/m', ofcompacted soil. Forused molds out of tolerance by not more than 50 percent (2.1.3),use the factor for the mold asdetermined in accordance with Par. 4 (Calibration of Measure), AASHTO T 19. METHOD C 7. SAMPLE 7.1 If the soil sample is damp when receivedfrom the field, dry it until it becomesfriable under trowel. Drying may be in air or by use of drying apppratus such that the temperature does not exceed (JOC (140 F). Then thoroughly break up the aggregations in such a manner as to avoid reducing the natural size of individual particles. 7.2 Sieve an adequate quantity of the representative pulverized soil over the 19.0 mm sieve, Discard the coarse material if any, retained on the 19.0 mm sieve(Note 7).
NOTE 7-tf it is advisableto maintain the same percentage of coarse material (passing a 50 mm si..e and retained on a 4.75 mm sieve) in the moisture-density sampte as in the original field sample, the material retained on the 19.0 mm sieve shall be replaced as follows: Sievean adequate quantity ofthe representativepulverizedsoi! ayerthe 50 mm and 19.0 mmsi..e. Weigh the materia! passsing the 50 mmsi..e and retained on the 19.0 mmsi..e and replace it with an equa! mass of material passing the 19.0 mm sieveand retained on the 4.75 mm si..e. Take the materia! for replacement from the remaining portion of the sample.

7.3 Selecta representativesample, having a.massof approximately 12 lb. (5 kg) or more, of the soil prepared as described in 7.1 and 7.2.

8. PROCEDURE
8.1 Thoroughly mix the selected representative sample with sufficient water to dampen it to approximately 4 percentage points below optimum moisture contento 8.2 Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil in the 4 in. (102 mm) mold (with collar attached) in three approximately equallayers to give a total compacted depth of about 5 in. (127 mm). Compact each layer by 25 uniformly distributed blows from the rammer dropping free from a height of 12 in. (305 mm) abovethe elevation of the soil when a sleeve-typerammer is used, or from 12 in. (305 111m) abovetheapproximate elevation of each finally compacted layer when a stationary mounted type rammer is used. During compaction, the mold shall rest firmly on a dense, uniform, rigid and stable foundation (Note 5). 8.2.1 Following compaction, removethe extensioncollar, carefully trim the compacted soil even with the top of the mold by ~eans of the straightedge. Holes developed in the surface by removal of coarsematerial shall be patched with smaller sizematerial. Weigh the mold and moist soil in pounds to the nearest0.01 lb.; or weigh in kilograms to the nearest5 grams. For molds conforming to tolerances given 2.1.1, and massesrecorded in pounds, multiply the mass of the compacted specimen and the mold, minus the massofthe mold, by 30, and record the result as the wet density, W" in lb/fiJ, of compactedsoil. For molds conforming to tolerancesgiven in 2.1.1 and massesrecorded in kilograms,

324

METHOOS OF SAMPLlNG ANO TESTING

T99

multiply the mass of the compacted specimenand mold, minus the mass of the mold, by 1059.43, and rccord the result as wet density, W,. in kg/m', of compactedsoil. For used molds out of toleranceby not more than SOpercent (2.1.3), use the factor for the mold as determined in accordance with par. 4 (Calibration of Measure), AASHTO T 19. H.3 Remove the material from the mold and siice vertically through the center. Take a representativesample of the materia! from one of the cut faces, weigh immediately, and dry in an oyen at 110.:1::.5 C (230.:1::.9 F) tor at least 12h. or to constant mass, to determine the moisture contento The moisture content sample shall weigh not less than SOO g. 8.4 Thoroughly break up the remainder of the material until it will pass a 19.0 mm sieveand 90 percent of the soil aggregations will pass a 4.75 mm sieveasjudged by eye, and add to the remaining portio.nof the sample being tested. Add wat~r in sufficient amounts to increasethe moisture content of the soll sample by one or two percentage pomts, and repeat the aboveprocedure for each incrementof water added. Continue this seriesof determinations until there is either a decreaseor no change in the wet mass. W" per cubic foot or cubic meter of compacted soil (Note 6).

: 1

'.

'

METHOD D 9. SAMPLE 9.1 Selectthe representativesample in accordancewith 7.3 except that it shall have a massof approximately 25 lb (11 kg). 10. PROCEDURE 10.1 Follow the same procedure as described for Method C in Section 8 except for the followingfi Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil in the 6 in. (152 mm) mold \with collar attached) in three approximately equallayers to give a total compacted depth of about 5 in. (127 mm), cach layer being compacted by 56 uniformly distributed blows from the rammer. For molds conforming to tolerances given in 2.1.2 and masses recorded in pounds, multiply the mass of the compacted specimenand the mold minus the mass of the mold. by 13.33, and record the result as the wet unit mass,W, .in Ib/ft'" of the compacted soil. For molds conforming to tolerances given in 2.1.2 and masses recorded in kilograms, multiply the massof the compacted specimen and mold, minus the mass of the mold. by 470.74. and record the result as the wet unit mass,W, .in kg/m' of compacted soil. For usedmolds out of toleranceby not more than 50 percent (2.1.3), use the factor for the mold as determined in accordancewith 4 (Calibration of Measure),AASHTO T 19. CALCULATIONS AND REPORT

11. CALCULATIO~S
11.1 Calculate the moisture content and the dry unit mass of the soil as compacted for each trial. as follows:
w = -X

B-C

,4-B

100

and

w, X 100 w = -;;;-+TOO
where:
...= A = B = C = W = W = percentage01'moisture in the specimen. based on oyen dry mass01'soil. mass of container and wet soil. mass of contain~r and dry soil. mass01'container. dry mass. in pounds por cubic foot of compacted soil. or kilograms por cubic meter of compactedsoil. and wet mass. in pounds, por cubic foot of compacted soil or kilograms por cubic meter of compacted soil.

T99

METHOOS OF SAMPLING ANO TESTING

325

12. MOISTURE-OENSITY RELATIONSHIP ] 2.] The calculations in 11.1 shall be made to determine the moisture content and corresponding oven-dry unit mass (density) in pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter of Ihe compacted samples. The oven-dry densities (unit weight) of the soil shall be plotted as ordinates and the corresponding moisture content as abscissas. ]2.2 Optimum Moisture Content-When the densities and corresponding moisture contents for the soil have been determined and plotted as indicated in 12.1, it will be found that by connecting Ihe plotted points with a smooth line, a curve is produced. The moisture content corresponding to the peak of the curve shall be termed the "optimum moisture-content" of the soil under the above compaction. 12.3 Maximum Density- The oven-dry density in pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter of the soil at optimum moisture content shall be termed "maximum density" under the above compaction. ]3. REPORT

13.1 The report shall include the following: 13.1.1 The method used(Method A, B, C or O) 13.1.2 The optimum moisture content, as a percentage,to the nearestwhole number ] 3.1.3 The maximum density in lbs. per cu. ft., to the nearestwhole number or in kilograms per cubic meter, to the nearest 0.5 kg. 13.1.4 In Methods C and O indicate if the material retained on the 19,0 mm sievewasremoved

or replaced.
13.1.5 Type offace ifother than 2 in. (50.8 mm) circular.

14.

PRECISION STATEMENT

14.1 Repeatability-(Single operator)-Two results obtained by the same operation on the same sample in the same laboratory using the same apparatus, and on different days should beconsidered suspect if they differ by more than 10 percent of their mean for optimum moisture content and 2.2 lbs. per cu. ft. for maximum density. 14.2 Reproducibility-(multi-laboratory)-Two results obtained by different operators in difterent laboratories if they differ by more than 15 percent of their mean for optimum moisture content and 4.5 lbs. per cu. ft. for maximum density.

,
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