1.2.1 This procedure is usually performed using circular metal templates with inside diameters of 3 ft [0.9 m] or more. Other shapes or materials may be used providing they meet the requirements of these test methods and the guidelines given in Annex A1 for the minimum volume of the test pit.

1.2.2 Test Method D4914 may be used as an alternative method. Its use, however, is usually only practical for volume determination of test pits between approximately 1 and 6 ft³ [0.03 and 0.2 m³].

1.2.3 Test Method D1556 or Test Method D2167 is usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft³ [0.03 m³].

1.3.1 Procedure A—In-Place Density and Density of Total Material (Section 12).

1.3.2 Procedure B—In-Place Density and Density of Control Fraction (Section 13).

1.4.1 Procedure A is used when the in-place density of the total material is to be determined. Procedure A can also be used to determine percent compaction or percent relative density when the maximum particle size present in the in-place material being tested does not exceed the maximum particle size allowed in the laboratory compaction test (Test Methods D698, D1557, D4253, D4254, and D7382). For Test Methods D698 and D1557 only, the density determined in the laboratory compaction test may be corrected for larger particle sizes in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of, Practice D4718.

1.4.2 Procedure B is used when percent compaction or percent relative density is to be determined and the in-place material contains particles larger than the maximum particle size allowed in the laboratory compaction test methods previously described or when Practice D4718 is not applicable for the laboratory compaction test method. Then, the material is considered to consist of two fractions, or portions. The material obtained from the in-place density test is physically divided into a control fraction and an oversize fraction based on a designated sieve size. The density of the control fraction is calculated and compared with the density(ies) established by the laboratory compaction test method(s).

1.4.3 Often, the control fraction is the minus No. 4 [4.75-mm] sieve size material for cohesive or nonfree-draining materials and the minus 3-in. [75-mm] sieve size material for cohesionless, free-draining materials. While other sizes may be used for the control fraction such as ³/₈ , ³/₄-in. [9.5, 19-mm], these test methods have been prepared using only the No. 4 [4.75-mm] and the 3-in. [75-mm] sieve sizes for clarity.

1.7.1 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 slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved.

1.7.2 In the engineering profession, it is customary practice to use, interchangeably, units representing both mass and force, unless dynamic calculations (F = ma) are involved. This implicitly combines two separate systems of units, that is, the absolute system and the gravimetric system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate systems within a single standard. These test methods have been written using inch-pound units (absolute system) where the pound (lbm) represents a unit of mass; however, conversions are given in the SI system. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of weight (lbf), or the recording of density in lbf/ft³ should not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.

1.8.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected, recorded or 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; 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 this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.