ASTM D3550/D3550M-17 PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM D3550/D3550M-17 — Standard Test Method for Soil Density by the Balloon Method (Rubber Balloon Gauge). This standard specifies a field procedure for determining the in-place density of cohesive and noncohesive soils using a rubber balloon device to measure the volume of soil removed from a test hole. It provides instructions for equipment, test-hole preparation, mass and volume measurement, and calculation of dry density and percent compaction.

Abstract

ASTM D3550/D3550M-17 describes a procedure for measuring the in-place density of soils using a rubber balloon gauge to determine the volume of an excavated test hole. Mass of excavated material and measured hole volume are combined to calculate wet and dry densities as well as percent compaction relative to a reference maximum dry density. The method is suitable for many site conditions and soil types when properly applied and includes guidance on corrections, calibration, and uncertainty considerations.

General information

• Status: Approved standard (2017).
• Publication date: 2017 (designation D3550/D3550M-17).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 93.040.30 (Soils and related materials); Geotechnical testing standards.
• Edition / version: 2017 edition (D3550/D3550M-17).
• Number of pages: Typically short — about 6–10 pages (varies by reprint and format).

Scope

This test method covers in-place soil density determination using a rubber balloon gauge to measure the volume of the test hole. It applies to a range of soils from cohesionless to cohesive, provided the hole can be excavated and the balloon method can reasonably conform to the hole geometry. The procedure includes requirements for preparing the test hole, collecting and weighing excavated soil, determining moisture content, calibrating the balloon apparatus, and computing wet and dry densities and percent compaction relative to a specified maximum dry density (e.g., from ASTM D698 or D1557).

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and apparatus: rubber balloon gauge assembly, calibration flask, scoop, balance, oven for moisture determination.
• Test-hole preparation: typical hole sizes, vertical sides, removal of loose material, and procedures to minimize volume measurement errors.
• Calibration of balloon volume: procedures to determine balloon volume and correction factors before field use.
• Mass and moisture determination: weighing excavated material and determining moisture content by oven drying to compute dry density.
• Calculation methods: formulas for wet density, dry density, and percent compaction relative to a reference maximum dry density.
• Corrections and reporting: temperature, ballast, and calibration corrections; required data recording and reporting items.
• Limitations: sensitivity to hole irregularities, coarse gravels or large stones, and applicability constraints compared with other density methods.

Typical use and users

Commonly used by geotechnical engineers, field testing technicians, construction quality control personnel, contractors, and materials laboratories to assess in-place soil compaction during earthworks, embankment construction, subgrade preparation, and pavement base compaction. The method is suited for field spot checks where nuclear gauges are not desirable or allowed, or as a complementary method where excavation and visual inspection are needed.

Related standards

Related standards include ASTM D698 and D1557 (compaction test methods for maximum dry density), ASTM D4718 (gross mechanical properties of soils — alternative density methods), and other in-place density standards such as ASTM D6938 (nuclear gauge) and ASTM D1556 (sand cone method). The method is often used in conjunction with moisture content test methods like ASTM D2216.

Keywords

soil density, in-place density, rubber balloon, balloon gauge, compaction, dry density, wet density, percent compaction, field test, geotechnical testing, ASTM D3550

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3550/D3550M-17 is a test method that specifies how to measure in-place soil density using a rubber balloon gauge to determine the volume of an excavated test hole and thereby compute soil densities.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus, calibration, test-hole preparation, procedures for excavating and weighing soil, moisture determination, calculations for wet and dry density, percent compaction, and reporting requirements, along with limitations and recommended corrections.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, site inspectors, field testing technicians, contractors, and materials laboratories use it for quality control and verification of compaction during earthworks and pavement construction.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation indicates the 2017 approved version (D3550/D3550M-17). Users should verify with ASTM International for any later revisions or confirmations of currency before relying on it for contractual purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's suite of soil testing standards related to in-place density and compaction, commonly used alongside methods such as the sand-cone method (D1556), nuclear gauge (D6938), and laboratory compaction methods (D698, D1557).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Soil density, rubber balloon gauge, in-place density, compaction test, percent compaction, dry density, wet density, field test, geotechnical.