ASTM D2216-19 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass — ASTM D2216-19. This test method describes procedures for determining the mass water (moisture) content of soil, rock, and similar materials by oven drying and mass loss, with alternative procedures for different reporting precision and specimen sizes.

Abstract

ASTM D2216-19 provides the laboratory procedures used to determine the water (moisture) content of soils, rocks, and similar materials by measuring mass loss on drying. Two methods (Method A and Method B) are given to address different reporting precision and specimen mass requirements. The standard covers specimen preparation, required apparatus and balances, oven-drying conditions, calculation and reporting of results, and special considerations for organic, gypsum-bearing, saline, or contaminated materials.

General information

• Status: Active standard (current edition designated D2216-19).
• Publication date: January 3, 2019.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 93.020 — Earthworks; excavations; foundation construction; underground works.
• Edition / version: D2216-19 (2019 edition).
• Number of pages: 7 (typical published length for this edition).

Scope

This standard covers laboratory determination of the water (moisture) content by mass of soil, rock, and similar materials where the reduction in mass on drying is attributable to water loss. It does not address volumetric water content determinations. The document specifies specimen mass requirements, oven-drying temperatures, balance readability, calculation methods, and notes exceptions and special treatments for materials that may decompose, dehydrate chemically (for example gypsum), or contain soluble solids or hazardous contaminants.

Key topics and requirements

• Two test procedures: Method A (reported to nearest 1%) and Method B (reported to nearest 0.1%) to match precision and specimen mass needs.
• Standard drying temperature: oven maintained at approximately 110 °C (typically 110 ± 5 °C); alternative lower temperatures or desiccation recommended for highly organic or gypsum-bearing materials to avoid decomposition or dehydratation artifacts.
• Specimen mass requirements and minimum sample sizes as a function of maximum particle size (tabled in the standard) to ensure representative results and balance accuracy.
• Balance readability and calibration requirements (selection of balance class/readability appropriate to specimen mass and required reporting precision).
• Specimen containers and oven requirements (materials inert to repeated heating, uniform oven temperature, forced ventilation preferred, and temperature verification procedures).
• Calculation of water content by mass (percent or fraction), rounding and significant-figure guidance (reference to Practice D6026 for rounding rules when used in further calculations).
• Safety and handling advice for contaminated soils or materials that may release hazardous gases or react when heated; the standard cautions against use on certain contaminated materials without adequate precautions.
• Notes on limitations: not suitable for volumetric water-content determinations and may differ from alternate rapid methods (microwave, infra-red) or methods addressing special materials.

Typical use and users

Used widely in geotechnical and environmental laboratories, construction testing labs, research institutions, and field laboratory setups. Typical users include geotechnical engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, laboratory technicians, and quality-control personnel involved in site investigation, soil characterization, earthworks, and construction material testing.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or used with other ASTM and related standards and practices such as: Test Method D4318 (Atterberg limits), Practice D6026 (significant digits and rounding), Test Method D4643/D4944 (alternative moisture determination methods), Test Method D2974 (organic soils/peat), Test Method D4542 (marine sediments), Practice D3740 (laboratory qualification), Specification/Practice D4753 (balances), and corresponding AASHTO methods (for example AASHTO T265 in some jurisdictions).

Keywords

water content, moisture content, oven drying, soil moisture, rock moisture, laboratory test, ASTM D2216, Method A, Method B, specimen mass, balance readability, oven temperature, geotechnical testing, sample preparation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2216-19 is the ASTM test method that specifies laboratory procedures for determining the water (moisture) content of soils and rocks by mass loss on oven drying.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, required apparatus and balances, oven-drying conditions (standard drying at ~110 °C), minimum specimen masses, calculation and reporting of water content, and special considerations for materials that may decompose, dehydrate, or contain soluble/hazardous constituents.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and environmental laboratories, construction testing labs, field lab technicians, geologists, and engineers performing site investigations and material characterization.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document shown here is the 2019 edition (designated D2216-19). Users should verify whether a later revision or reapproval has been published after January 3, 2019 before relying on a specific clause for contractual or regulatory purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone test method commonly used together with other ASTM test methods and practices in geotechnical testing (for example methods for Atterberg limits, balance specifications, laboratory qualification, and alternative moisture-determination methods).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Water content, moisture content, oven drying, soil testing, rock testing, Method A, Method B, specimen mass, balance readability, 110 °C drying.