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ASTtl Del,b? 1q I 8759510 0511q5? lTb I

Desisnation: D 2167 - e4 AMERICAN SOCIEry FOR TESTING AND MATEBIALS

ffill, 1 916 Race Sl. Philadelphia, Pa 1 9103

Reprinted l om tlE Annual Book ol ASTM Stardards. Copyright ASTM

lf not listed in the curent combined hde)q will appea. ln the mli edition.

Standard Test Method for

Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Rubber
Balloon Methodl
This standard is isued under thc fixcd dcsignationD216T' the numbcr immediately followin3 the designation indicates thc year of
original adoprion or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicares the year of last rcapproval. A
supcccript cpsilon (r) indicalcs an editorial change since thc last revision or rcapproval.

l. Scope D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained

l.l
This test method covers the determination of the Fluids2
D 698 Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of
in-place density and unit weight of compacted or firmly
bonded soil using a rubber balloon apparatus. Soils and [Link] Mixtures, Using 5.5-lb (2.49-
l:2 This test method is suitablc for use as a means of kg) Rammer and l2-in. (305-mm) Dropz
acceptance for compacted fill or embankments constructed D 1557 Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of
of fine-grained soils or granular soils without appreciable Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures Using lO-lb ([Link]-ke)
amounts of rock or coa$e material. Rammer and l8-in. (457-mm) Drop2
1,3 This test method also may be used for the determina- D2216 Method for L:boratory Determination of Water
tion of the in-place density and unit weight of undisturbed or
(Moisture) Content of Soil, Rock, and Soil-Aggregate
in situ soils, provided thc soil'will not deform under the Mixtures2
pressures imposed during the test. D 37 40 Practice for the Evaluation of Agencies Engaged in

1.4 This test method is not suitable for use in organic, Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
saturated, or highly plastic soils that would defiorm under the Engineering Design and Construction2
pressures applied during this test. This test method may D4643 Test Method for Determination Water ol
require special care for use on (/) soils consisting of (Moisture) Content of Soils by the Microwave Oven
unbonded granular materials that will not rnaintain stable Method2
sides in a small hole, (2) soils containing appreciable D47 18 Practice for the Correction of Unit Weight and
Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles2
amounts of coarse material in excess ofI Vr in. (37.5 mm), (3)
granular soils having high void ratios, or ({ fill materials D4753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Speci-
containing particles with sharp edges. For soils containing fying Balances and Scales for Use in Testing Soil, Rock,
appreciable amounts of particles in excess of lt/z in, (37,5 and Related Construction Materials2
mm), Test Methods D 4914 or D 5030 should be used. D 4914 Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Place
L5 It is common practice in the engineering profession lo by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit2
concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass D 4944 Test Method for Field Determination of Water
(lbm) and a unit of force (1b0. This implicitly combines two (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas
separate systems ofunits; that is, the absolute system and the Pressure TesteP
gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to com- D4959 Test Method for Determination of Water
bine the usc of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a (Moisture) Content of Soils by the Direct Heating
single standard. This standard has been written using the Method2
gravitational system of units when dealing with the inch- D 5030 Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil
pound system. In this system the pound (lbf) represents a and Rock in Place by the Water Replacement Method
unit of force (weight). However, the use of balances or scales in a Test Pit2
recording pounds of mass lbm/ft3 should not be regarded as
nonconforming with this test method.
3. Summary of Test Method
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 The volume of an excavated hole in a given soil is
safely concerns, tf any, associated wilh ils use. It is the determined using a liquid-lilled calibrated vesel for filling a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro thin flexible rubber membrane; this membrane is displaced
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- to fill the hole. The in-place wet density is determined by
bilily of regulatory limitations prior to use. dividing the wet mass of the soil removed by the volume of
the hole. The water (moisture) content and the in-place wet
density are used to calculate the dry in-place density and dry
2, Referenced Documents
unit weight.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Significance and Use
4. I This test method can be used to determine the
I This test mcthod is under the juridiction of ASTM Commillee D- 18 on Soil
in-place dcnsity and unit weight of natural inorganic soil
and Rock and is thc dircct rcsponsibility of Subcommittec D18,08 on Spccial and
Construction Control Tcsts.
Current edition approvcd March 15, 1994. Published April 1994. Originally
published as D2167 - 63 T. Last previousedition D2167 -66(1990). 2 Annuul llurft ol ASTM Standards, Y ol M.08.

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FlG. 1 Schematic Drawing ot Catibrated [Link] lndicating principle (Nol to Scate)

deposits, soil-aggregate mixtures, or other similar firm mate- such weight and size that will not cause distortion of the
rials, excavated test hole and adacent test area during the perfor-
4.2 This test method may be used to determine the mance of the test. The apparatus shall provide for the use of
density and unit weight of compacted soils used in construc- an integral pressure gage or other means for controlling the
tion of ea(h embankments, road hll, and structural backfill. applied pressure during calibration and testing. provision
This test method often is used as a basis of acceptance for shall be made for placing loads (surcharge) on the apparatus.
soils compacted to a specified density or a p€rcentage of There shall be an indicator for determining the volume of the
maximum density or unit weight, as determined by a test hole to the nearesl I %. The flexible membrane shall be
standard test method. of such size and shape as to hll the test hole completely
4.3 The use of this test method is generally limited to soil without wrinkles or folds when inflated within the test hole,
in an unsalurated condition and is not recommended for and the membrane strength shall be sufficient to withstand
soils that are soft or that deform easily. Such soils may such prcssure as is necessary to ensure complete filling of the
undergo a volume change during the application of pressure
test hole without los of liquid. Withdrawal of the membrane
during testing. This test method may not be suilable for soils
from the test hole shall be accomplished by the application of
containing crushed rock fragments or sharp edge materials
a partial vacuum to the liquid or by olher means.
which may puncture the rubber membrane.
5.1.1 The description and requirements given are in-
NorE l-Notwithstanding the statements on precision and bias tended to be nonrestrictive. Any apparatus using a flexible
contained in this test method, the preci$ion of this tcst method is (rubber) membrane and liquid that can be used to measure
dcpendcnt on the competence of the pcrsonncl performing it and thc
suitability of the equipmcnt and the facilities used. Agencies thar meet
within an accuracy of I Vo the volume of a test hole in soil
the criteria of Practicc D 37210 are gencrally considered capable of under the conditions of this test method is satisfactory.
compctcnt and objeclive tcsting. Users ofthis test method are caulioned Iarger apparatus and test hole volumes are required when
that compliance wirh Practice D 37e10 does not in itself ensurc reliable particles over l7z in. (37.5 mm) are prevalent in the material
testing. Reliable tesling depends on many factors; Practice D 3740 being tested.
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5.2 Base Plate-A rigid metal plate machined to fit the
base of the balloon apparatus. The base plate shall have a
5. Apparatus minimum dimension of at least twice the test hole diameter
5.1 Balloon Apparatus-This is a calibrated vessel con- to prevent deformation of the test hole while supporting the
taininga liquid within a relatively thin, flexible, elastic apparatus and surcharge loads (ifused).
membrane (rubber balloon) designed for measuring the 5.3 Balances or Scales-A balance or scale having a
volume of the test hole under the conditions of this test minimum capacity of 20 kg meeting the requirements of
method. An example of the essential elements for this Specification D4753 for a balance of 5.0 g readability.
apparatus is shown in Fig. L The apparatus shall be Balances or scales required for moisture determination or
equipped so that an externally controlled pressure or partial oversize correction are contained in those standards.
vacuum can be applied to the contained liquid. It shall be of 5.4 Drying Apparatus-Equipment or ovens, or both, for

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the determination of moisture content in accordance with particles larger than lth in. (37,5 mm) are prevalent, larger
Test Methods D 2216, D 4643, D 4959, or D 4944. test apparatus and test volumes are required. l,arger rest-hole
5.5 Miscellaneous Equipment-Equipment including: volumes will provide improved accuracy and shall be used
small picks, chisels, spoons, brushes, and screwdrivers for where practical. The optimum dimensions of the test hole
digging test holes; plastic bags, buckets with lids, or other are related to the design of the apparatus and the pressure
suitable moisture proof containers with snug htting lids for used. In general, the dimensions shall approximate those
retaining the soil taken from the test hole; shovels or spades used in the calibration check procedure. The test hole shall
and a straight edge for leveling and preparing test location; be kept as tree of pockets and sharp obtrusions as possible,
calculator or slide rule for calculations; and surcharye since they may affect accuracy or may puncture the rubber
weights, if required, for apparatus. membrane. Place all soil removed from the test hole in a
moisture tight container for later mas and water (moisture)
6. Calibration content determination.
6.1 Prior to first use, verify the procedure to be used and 7.4 After the test hole has been dug, place the apparatus
lhe accuracy o[ the volume indicator by using the apparatus over the base plate in the same position as used for the initial
to measure containers or molds of known volume in reading. Applying the same pressure and surcharge load as
accordance with Annex AI. used in the calibration check, take and record the reading on
6.2 Apparatus calibration checks should be periodically the volumc indicator. The differencc between the initial and
performed. These should be performed annually, as a final readings is the volume of the test hole, Vn.
minimum, and whenever damage, repair, or change of 7.5 Determine the mass of all the moist soil removed from
membrane that may affect the pressure or volume indicating the test hole to the nearest 5 g. Mix all the soil thoroughly
portions ofthe apparatus occurs. and select a represenlative water (moisture) content sample
and determine the water (moisture) content in accordance
7. Procedure with Test Methods D 2216, D 4643, D 4959, or D 4944. If
oversize particles are present in the, perform freld conections
7.1 Prepare the surface at the test location so that it is
in accordance with Test Method D 4718.
reasonably plane and level, Dependent on lhe water
(moisture) content and texture of the soil, the surface may be 8. Calculation
leveled using a bulldozer or other heavy equipment blades, 8.1 Calculate the in-place wet density, p*"t, of the soil
provided the test area is not deformed, compressed, torn, or removed from the test hole as follows:
otherwise disturbed.
7.2 Assemble the base plate and rubber balloon apparatus
on the test location. Using the same pressure and surcharge
p*", = -_i!s!-
,/, (t x l0r)
(l)
determined d'uring the calibration of the apparatus, take an where:
initial reading on the volume indicator and record. The base Fwcr = in-place wet density, mg/m3,
plate shall remain in place through completion of the test. Mn., : mass of the moist soil removed from the test hole,
7.3 Remove the apparatus from the test hole location. kg, and
Using spoons, trowels, and other tools necessary, dig a hole Vh = volume of the test hole, m3.
within the base plate. Exercise care in digging the test hole so Norp 2-mr = ft3 (0.02832).
that soil around the top edge ofthe hole is not disturbed. The Nore 3-Calculations shown are for using units in grams and cubic
test hole shall be of the minimum volume shown in Table I metres. Olher units are permissible provided the appropriatc conversion
based on the maximum particle size in the soil being tested. factors arc urd to maintain consislency of uniu throughour the
calculations.
When material being tested contains a small amount of
oversize, and isolated large particles are encountered, the test 8.2 Calculate the in-place dry density, p4, of the soil as
can be moved to a new location or the changing to another follows:
tesl method, such as Test Method D 4914 or D 5030. When
,o=#- Q)
TABLE 1 Minimum Te3t Hols Volume. Ba3ed on Maxlmum Size (' -
ot lncluded partlcler where: 'r)
Maximum Parlicls Size Minimum Tsst Hole Volumes pd = in-ptace dry density, mg/m3,
ln. (mm) cfit3 ftc pwct = in-place wet density, mg/m3, and
rh 02.5) 1420 0.05 rr : water (moisture) content of the soil removed from
1 (2s.0) 2120 0.075 the test hole, expressed as a percentage of the dry
1Vz (37.5) 28/0 0.1
mass of the soil to the nearest I %.

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8.3 Calculatc the in-place dr1 uuit weight, d7, as follows: 9. [Link].5 If the in-place density, unit wcight, or water
6a= pa (9.80?) in kN/m3 contenl are to be used for acceptance, include the acceplance
(3) criteria applicable to the test.
ba= pa (62.43) in lbf/ft3
where:
10. Precision and Bias
10. I The precision of this test method is operator depen-
da = in-place dry unit weight, and dent and a function of the care exercised in performing the
pd = in-place dry density, mg/m3. steps of the procedure, giving panicular attention to careful
NorE 4-lt may be desirable to exprEss thc in-place density as a
pcrccntage of somc othcr dcnsity or unit wcight, for example, the control and systematic repetition of the proccdure used. No
laboratory maximum dry dcnsity or unit weighr as dctcrmincd in standard soils exist for determination of the overall precision
sccordance with Test Mcthods D 698. This relationship can bc dctcr- of this test method under field conditions.
mined by dividing the in-place dry dcnsity or unil weight hy the 10.2 Laboratory studies have determined the precision of
maximum dry density or unit weight, respcctivcly, and multiplying by the apparatus to determine the volume of cast holes of
t00. known volumes under laboratory conditions. Onc study with
smatler volume holes indicated that volumes measured were
9. Report from 0.24 to 5.31 Vo lower than the volumes determined by
9.1 Report, as a minimum, the following information: water calibration, with the accuracies affected by hole
9. 1.1 Test location, volum€, shapc, smoothness, and operator technique. A
9,1.2 Test location clcvation, second study found that wirh larger volumes (10 to 30 L) lhat
9. 1.3 Test hole volume, m3, the error was *0 to 0,6 Vo with an average error of 0.31 %.
9. 1.4 In-place wet density, rIlB/In3, 10.3 While no formal round-robin testing has been com-
9.1.5 In-place dry unit weight, kN/mr (po x 9.807), or pleted, it is estimated by the Subcommittee D18.08 from
lb/ft3 (po x 62.43), expresscd to the nearest ,l kN/m3 or 1.0 expericnce that the results of two propcrly conducted tests
for lb/ftr. performed by a skilled op€rator on the same material at a
9. L6 In-place water content of the soil expressed as a given time and location should not difler by more than
percentage of dry mass, and the test method used. approximately t
lb/ft3 (1.6 ke/m3). Tests performed by
9. 1.7 Waler (moisture) content of the soil expressed as a unskilled operators on the same material would be expected
percentag,e of dry mass, to yield substantially geator differences.
9.1.8 Test apparatus identity and operating pressure used, 10.4 There are no absolute values of in-place density for
9.1.9 Comments on test, as applicable, and soils against which this test method can be compared.
9.1.10 Visualdescription of the soil. Therefore this Standard Test Method has no determinable
[Link] If the in-place dry density or unit weight is ex- bias since the valucs obtained can only be defined in lerms of
pressed as a percentage of another value, include the the test method.
following: 10.5 Subcommirtee D18.08 is seeking pertinent data from
9.l.l L l ldentity of the reference melhod used, users of this test method on precision.
[Link] The comparative maximum dry density or unit
weight and the optimum water (moisture) content used, and I l. Keywords
9.1.1 1.3 Correction for oversized particles and details, if I l.l acceptance tests; balloon test; compaction tests; de-
applicable. gree of compaction; densitometer test; density tests; field
[Link] The comparative percentage of the in-place ma- control tests; inplace density; inplace dry density; in situ
terials to the comparison value. density; relative density; soil tests; unit weight

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ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

AT. CALIBRATION OF RUBBER BALLOON APPARATUS

Al.l Scope volume of the mold or conlainer in accordance with A I .3.4.
Al.l.l This annex describes the procedure for deter- Repeat this procedure for each container or mold until three
mining the accuracy of the rubber balloon apparatus volume consecutive volumes having a maximum variation of 0.0001
indicators. ft3 (2.8.x t0-6 m3) are obtained. Record the average of the
Al .1.2 Calibration of the apparatus is required for new three trials as the mold or container volume, Zr. RCpeat the
devices or whenever damage, repair, or other activities occur procedure for each of the containen or molds to bc used.
which could affect the accuracy of the volume indicator. A1.3.3 Calibration Check Tests-Place the rubber bal-
loon apparatus and base plate on a smooth horizontal
Al.2 Apparatus surface. Applying an operating pressure, take an initial
A 1,2.I The following equipment is required in addition to reading on the volume indicator (see Note Al.2). Transfer
that required for the test: the apparatus to one of the previously calibrated molds or
[Link] Thermometer. accurate to l'F (0.5'C). containers with a horizontally leveled bearing surface. Apply
A1.2.1.2 Glass Plate, t/t in. (6 mm) or thicker, of suffi- the operating pressure as necessary until there is no chingl
cient size to cover the calibration molds. indicated on thc volumc indicator. Depending on the typ€ of
AI.2.1.3 Calibration Molds'-Containers of different apparatus, the operating pressure may be as high as 5 pi
known volumes that dimensionally simulate test holes that (34.5 kpa), and it may be necessary to apply a downwird
will be used in the field (see Note Al.l). The apparatus and load (surcharge) to the apparatus to keep it from rising (see
procedures shall be such that these containers will be Note Al.3). Record the readings, pressures, and surcharge
measured to within I % of the actual volumes. Calibration loads used. The difference between the initial and final
molds of different volumes should be used so thal the readings is the indicated volume. Determine the volumes of
calibration of lhe volume indicator covers the range of the other molds or conlainers. A satishctory calibration
anticipated field test volumes. check of an apparatus has been achieved when lhe difference
between the indicated and calibrated volume of the con-
A13 Calibration Procedure tainer or mold is I %, or less, for all volumes measured.
Al.3.l Verify the procedure to be used and the accuracy Select the optimum op€rating pressure and record it for use
of the volume indicator by using the apparatus to measure with the apparatus during field testing operations.
containers or molds of known volume that dimensionally Norr Al.2-Before any measurcments arc taken, it may be neces-
simulate test holes that will be used in the field (see Note sary to distend the rubber balloon and by kneading, remove thc air
A I . I ). The apparatus and procedures shall be such that these bubbles adhering to the inside of the membranc, If the calibration
containers will be measured to within I 7o of the actual castings or molds are eirlight, it may bc nccessary to providc an air
volumes (see Note Al.1). Containers of diflerent volumes escape to prevent erronoous results caused by thc trapping ofair by thc
shall be used so that the calibration of the volume indicator membrane. Onc means of providing air escapc is to plaoc small diameter
strings over the edge of aud down thc insidc, slightly bcyond bottom
covers the range of anticipated test volumes.
cetrtcr of the mold or casting, This will allow trapped air to escape
NorE Al.l-Thc 4 and 6-in. (102 and 152-mm) molds described in during the measuremcnt of thc calibratcd mold or container.
Test Methods D 698 and Test Methods D t557, or any other molds NorE A1.3-lt is rccommended that the operating pressure of the
prepared to simulate actual test hole diameten and volumes may be apparalus bc kept as low as posible while maintaining the I % volume
uscd. When sevcral sets ofballoon apparatus are used, or long-term use accuracy- Thc usc ofhigher pressures than nscessary may requirc the use
is anticipated, it may be desirable to cast duplicates ofactual test holes. of an additional load or surcharge weight to prcuent ublifr of the
This can be accomplished by forming plaster of paris negatives in actual apparatus. Thc combined pressure and surcharge loads may result in
test holes over a range ofvolumcs, and using thesc as forms for portland drelsing the unsupported soil sunounding the test hole, causing it to
cement concrete castings. They should be cast against a flat plane dcform.
surface, and after thc removal of the negative, sealed water-tight.
A1.3.4 Calculate the volume of thc calibration containers
A1.3.2 Yolume Determinalion-Delermine the mass of or molds as follows:
water, in grams, required to fill the containers or hole molds.
Using a glass plate and a thin film of grease, if needed for V=(Mz-M)xV*
sealing, determine the mass of the container or mold and where:
giass plate to the nearest gram. Fill the container or motd Y : volume of the container or mold, mL,
with water, carefully sliding the glas plate over the opening M2 : mass of mold or @ntainer, glass, and water, g,
in such a manner as to ensure that no air bubbles are Mr : rnass of mold or containcr and glass, g, and
entrapped and that the mold is {illed completely with water. Z- : volume of water based on temperature taken from
Remove excess water and determine the mass of the glass Table Al.l, mllg.
plate, water, and mold or container to the nearest g,ram. Noru Al.4-Multiply mitlilitres by J.5315 x l0-i for fti if nceded
Determine the temperature of the water. Calculate the for equipment usage,

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TABLE A1.1 Volume ol Wrtor psr Gram Ba!€d on Temperature.
Tamp€ratwe Vdune ol Walsr
mUg
12 53.6 1.00048
14 57.2 1.00073
16 60.8 1.00103
1E il.4 1.00138
20 68.0 1.00177
22 71.6 1.00221
21 75.2 r.00268
26 78.8 1.00320
28 82.1 1.00375
30 86.0 1.00435
32 89.6 r.00497
. Values olher lhan shown may b€ obl,ain€d by relening lo Hand!f,{|/* ol
Chonistry end Physics, Chemical Bubber Puuishing Co., Ctevdand, OH.

T,p Amarican S@iety lot Testing and Maletials l€tes no posdion rospecllng tho yailctv ol any ,B/lanl ilghls assefted ln connectlon
wilh &ny il6m menliot d ln lhis stede/d. Users o/ lrris slande/d ue expressly advisd that dale'mlnetlon ol tlp vafdily of tny srch
Ftant ilghts, end lhe ilsk ol intilnganAnt ol such tighls, erc entirely llnir own txponclblllty.

ls subiect lo rcvision at eny lime by the rce,onsibh tschnical @mmlttoa and mnt b nvlewd wery tive years aN
This stendeftt
Il nd rcvlsfd, eilha rcapqoved ot wlthdttfln, Yout conmails era lnvltod eitha( lot @dglot ol thls sladud ot lot additlonst standads
aN slpuld be Eddrassed lo /qSfM fi€adg{rarlrrs. You comfi7€nts wlll rccdMe carcM @rltr,ktentkn A a neetl/rg ot lrl9 r€spor'Broro
igr,hnical commitlee, whlch yW nay attend. ll yw leol lhal your commants haye nol ?etud r lah huilng you shouu m*e yout
viavls known to the ASTiI Co/?,mittee on Standards, t9t6 Faco St , Philadolphla, PA 19103.

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