ASTM D1556/D1556M-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1556/D1556M-24 — Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by Sand‑Cone Method. This field test method describes use of a calibrated sand‑cone apparatus to determine in‑place wet and dry density (unit weight) and water content of soils for compaction control, acceptance testing, and in‑situ density determinations.

Abstract

Provides the procedure, apparatus requirements, and calculation steps for measuring the volume of a small excavated test hole by filling it with conditioned sand of known bulk density, determining the mass of the removed soil, measuring its water content, and calculating in‑place wet and dry densities (unit weights). Limits of applicability and guidance on units, significant digits, and reporting are included.

General information

• Status: Active (current ASTM edition D1556/D1556M-24).
• Publication date: 2024 (ASTM record updated/issued in October 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: ICS 93.020 (Earthworks; excavations; foundation construction; underground works).
• Edition / version: D1556/D1556M‑24 (supersedes prior D1556/D1556M‑15e1).
• Number of pages: 8 pages (concise field test method).

Scope

The method is applicable for determining in‑place density and unit weight of soils using a sand‑cone apparatus where soils do not contain appreciable amounts of coarse material larger than about 1½ in. (38 mm). It may be used for compacted fills, embankments, backfills, and natural deposits where the test hole remains stable and sand cannot intrude into large natural voids. Not suitable for organic, saturated, very soft or highly plastic soils, or granular materials that will not hold stable sides in the excavated hole. The standard also specifies use of either inch‑pound or SI units (treated independently) and gives rounding/significant‑digit guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Apparatus: calibrated sand‑cone assembly (cone, detachable jar/container, base plate) and uniform conditioned sand with known bulk (unit) density.
• Procedure: hand‑excavate a small test hole, collect and weigh excavated soil, fill hole with sand to determine hole volume, determine water content of excavated material, compute wet and dry in‑place densities (unit weights).
• Applicability limits: maximum particle size limits (~38 mm / 1½ in.), unstable holes, near‑saturated or highly plastic soils excluded; alternative methods (e.g., water‑replacement in a test pit or nuclear/electromagnetic gauges) are recommended when outside limits.
• Units and reporting: inch‑pound and SI units are provided separately; guidance on significant digits, rounding, and reporting precision (water content typically to nearest 1%, density to 3 significant digits) is included.
• Quality considerations: competence of personnel, calibration of sand bulk density, and control of hole disturbance are called out as important for reliable results.

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical engineers, construction/materials testing laboratories, highway and public works agencies, contractors, and site inspectors for compaction control and acceptance testing of earthworks, road fills, embankments and structural backfill. Often used alongside laboratory maximum‑density tests (e.g., D698, D1557) or other field density methods for specification compliance.

Related standards

Related ASTM and other test methods and guides include: ASTM D698/D1557 (laboratory compaction and maximum‑density tests), D2937 (drive‑cylinder in‑place density), D4914/D4914M and D5030 (sand/water replacement methods for larger particles or test pits), D6938 (nuclear density/water content), and regional equivalents such as AASHTO T191 (sand‑cone method). These methods are referenced in or used in combination with D1556 depending on material and project requirements.

Keywords

sand cone; sand‑replacement; in‑place density; unit weight; soil compaction; field density; water content; compaction acceptance; embankment testing; D1556.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: A field test method (ASTM D1556/D1556M‑24) that specifies how to measure in‑place soil density and unit weight using a calibrated sand‑cone apparatus and associated procedures.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The standard covers apparatus requirements, sand conditioning and bulk‑density determination, hole excavation and filling procedures, water‑content determination of excavated soil, calculations for wet and dry densities (unit weights), reporting conventions, limits of applicability, and quality/precision guidance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and materials testing laboratories, construction inspectors, contractors, transportation agencies and engineering consultants for compaction control, acceptance testing and site investigations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the D1556/D1556M‑24 edition is the active ASTM edition issued in 2024 and replaces the previous D1556/D1556M‑15(e1) edition. Note: earlier administrative history included a temporary withdrawal of the prior edition in early 2024 and issuance of the 2024 edition; consult ASTM records for authoritative status and effective dates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM’s geotechnical test methods (Committee D18, Subcommittee D18.08) and is commonly used alongside other density and water‑content test methods (e.g., D698, D1557, D2937, D4914, D6938).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sand cone, in‑place density, unit weight, soil compaction, field density, water content, compaction acceptance, sand‑replacement method.