1.2.1 For larger sized excavations and for soil and rock materials containing larger particles, Test Method D5030 is preferred.

1.2.2 Test Method D1556 or D2167 are usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft³ [0.03 m³]. While the equipment illustrated in this test method is used for volumes less than 1 ft³ [0.03 m³], the test methods allow larger versions of the equipment to be used when necessary.

1.3.1 Procedure A—In-Place Density of Total Material (Section 11).

1.3.2 Procedure B—In-Place Density of Control Fraction (Section 12).

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 (refer to 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 (see Section 3). 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 non-free-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, ³/₈ , and ³/₄-in. [9.5, 19-mm], this test method has 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 the system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit 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 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This practice implicitly combines two separate systems of units; the absolute and the gravitational systems. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit of mass. However, the use of balances and scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft³ shall 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 design.