NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

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Designation: D698 − 12´2

Standard Test Methods for

Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using
Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D698; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

ε1 NOTE—Editorial corrections made throughout in January 2014.

ε2 NOTE—Editorially corrected variable for Eq A1.2 in July 2015.

1. Scope* being tested. If no method is specified, the choice should be

1.1 These test methods cover laboratory compaction meth- based on the material gradation.
ods used to determine the relationship between molding water 1.3.1 Method A:
content and dry unit weight of soils (compaction curve) 1.3.1.1 Mold—4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter.
compacted in a 4 or 6-in. (101.6 or 152.4-mm) diameter mold 1.3.1.2 Material—Passing No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
with a 5.50-lbf (24.5-N) rammer dropped from a height of 12.0 1.3.1.3 Layers—Three.
in. (305 mm) producing a compactive effort of 12 400 ft-lbf/ 1.3.1.4 Blows per Layer—25.
ft3 (600 kN-m ⁄m3). 1.3.1.5 Usage—May be used if 25 % or less (see 1.4) by

iTeh Standards
NOTE 1—The equipment and procedures are similar as those proposed
by R. R. Proctor (Engineering News Record—September 7, 1933) with
mass of the material is retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.3.1.6 Other Usage—If this gradation requirement cannot
be met, then Method C may be used.
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this one major exception: his rammer blows were applied as “12 inch firm
strokes” instead of free fall, producing variable compactive effort depend-
ing on the operator, but probably in the range 15 000 to 25 000
1.3.2 Method B:
1.3.2.1 Mold—4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter.

sometimes referred to as the Proctor Test. Document Preview

ft-lbf/ft3 (700 to 1200 kN-m/m3). The standard effort test (see 3.1.4) is 1.3.2.2 Material—Passing 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve.
1.3.2.3 Layers—Three.
1.1.1 Soils and soil-aggregate mixtures are to be regarded as 1.3.2.4 Blows per Layer—25.
natural occurring fine- or coarse-grained soils, or composites or 1.3.2.5 Usage—May be used if 25 % or less (see 1.4) by
mixtures of natural soils, or mixtures of natural and ASTM D698-12e2
processed mass of the material is retained on the 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve.
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soils or aggregates such as gravel or crushed rock. Hereafter 1.3.2.6 Other Usage—If this gradation requirement cannot
referred to as either soil or material. be met, then Method C may be used.
1.2 These test methods apply only to soils (materials) that 1.3.3 Method C:
have 30 % or less by mass of particles retained on the ⁄4-in. 3 1.3.3.1 Mold—6-in. (152.4-mm) diameter.
(19.0-mm) sieve and have not been previously compacted in 1.3.3.2 Material—Passing 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.
the laboratory; that is, do not reuse compacted soil. 1.3.3.3 Layers—Three.
1.2.1 For relationships between unit weights and molding 1.3.3.4 Blows per Layer—56.
water contents of soils with 30 % or less by mass of material 1.3.3.5 Usage—May be used if 30 % or less (see 1.4) by
retained on the 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve to unit weights and mass of the material is retained on the 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.
molding water contents of the fraction passing 3⁄4-in. (19.0- 1.3.4 The 6-in. (152.4-mm) diameter mold shall not be used
mm) sieve, see Practice D4718. with Method A or B.
NOTE 2—Results have been found to vary slightly when a material is
1.3 Three alternative methods are provided. The method
tested at the same compactive effort in different size molds, with the
used shall be as indicated in the specification for the material smaller mold size typically yielding larger values of density/unit weight
(1, pp. 21+).2
1.4 If the test specimen contains more than 5 % by mass of
1
These Test Methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on oversize fraction (coarse fraction) and the material will not be
Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,
Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved May 1, 2012. Published June 2012. Originally
approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D698 – 07ε1. DOI: 2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
10.1520/D0698-12E01. this standard.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D698 − 12´2
included in the test, corrections must be made to the unit mass C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
and molding water content of the specimen or to the appropri- Aggregates
ate field-in-place density test specimen using Practice D4718. D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.5 This test method will generally produce a well-defined Fluids
maximum dry unit weight for non-free draining soils. If this D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
test method is used for free-draining soils the maximum unit Water Pycnometer
weight may not be well defined, and can be less than obtained D2168 Practices for Calibration of Laboratory Mechanical-
using Test Methods D4253. Rammer Soil Compactors
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard. Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
1.6.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated (Visual-Manual Procedure)
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
digits in the specified limits. Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
1.6.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ Used in Engineering Design and Construction
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the D4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce- D4718 Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be Construction Materials Testing
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope D4914 Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place
methods for engineering design. iTeh Standards
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
D5030 Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by

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1.7 The values in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values stated in SI units are provided for
information only, except for units of mass. The units for mass
the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Data
are given in SI units only, g or kg. Document Preview
1.7.1 It is common practice in the engineering profession to
D6913 Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada-
tion) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
and a force (lbf). This implicitly combines two ASTM D698-12e2Sieves
separate
systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravita- E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
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tional system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use ASTM Test Methods
of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
standard. This standard has been written using the gravitational Determine the Precision of a Test Method
system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International
this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight). System of Units (SI): the Modern Metric System
However, the use of balances or scales recording pounds of
mass (lbm) or the recording of density in lbm/ft3 shall not be 3. Terminology
regarded as a nonconformance with this standard. 3.1 Definitions:
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.1 See Terminology D653 for general definitions.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2 molding water content, n—the adjusted water content
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- of a soil (material) that will be compacted/reconstituted.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.3 standard effort—in compaction testing, the term for
the 12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3) compactive effort applied
2. Referenced Documents by the equipment and methods of this test.
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 3.1.4 standard maximum dry unit weight, γd,max in lbf/
3
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) ft (kN ⁄m3)—in compaction testing, the maximum value de-
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate fined by the compaction curve for a compaction test using
standard effort.

3
3.1.5 standard optimum water content, wopt in %—in com-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
paction testing, the molding water content at which a soil can
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on be compacted to the maximum dry unit weight using standard
the ASTM website. compactive effort.

2
 D698 − 12´2
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 5.3.1 Oversize Fraction—Soils containing more than 30 %
3.2.1 oversize fraction (coarse fraction), PC in %—the por- oversize fraction (material retained on the 3⁄4-in. (19-mm)
tion of total specimen not used in performing the compaction sieve) are a problem. For such soils, there is no ASTM test
test; it may be the portion of total specimen retained on the No. method to control their compaction and very few laboratories
4 (4.75-mm) sieve in Method A, 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve in are equipped to determine the laboratory maximum unit weight
Method B, or 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve in Method C. (density) of such soils (USDI Bureau of Reclamation, Denver,
3.2.2 test fraction (finer fraction), PF in %—the portion of CO and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS).
the total specimen used in performing the compaction test; it is Although Test Methods D4914 and D5030 determine the
the fraction passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve in Method A, “field” dry unit weight of such soils, they are difficult and
passing the 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve in Method B, or passing the expensive to perform.
3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve in Method C. 5.3.1.1 One method to design and control the compaction of
such soils is to use a test fill to determine the required degree
4. Summary of Test Method of compaction and the method to obtain that compaction,
4.1 A soil at a selected molding water content is placed in followed by use of a method specification to control the
three layers into a mold of given dimensions, with each layer compaction. Components of a method specification typically
compacted by 25 or 56 blows of a 5.50-lbf (24.47-N) rammer contain the type and size of compaction equipment to be used,
dropped from a distance of 12.00 in. (304.8 mm), subjecting the lift thickness, acceptable range in molding water content,
the soil to a total compactive effort of about 12 400 ft-lbf/ and the number of passes.
ft3 (600 kN-m/m3). The resulting dry unit weight is deter- NOTE 3—Success in executing the compaction control of an earthwork
mined. The procedure is repeated for a sufficient number of project, especially when a method specification is used, is highly
molding water contents to establish a relationship between the dependent upon the quality and experience of the contractor and inspector.
dry unit weight and the molding water content for the soil. This 5.3.1.2 Another method is to apply the use of density
data, when plotted, represents a curvilinear relationship known correction factors developed by the USDI Bureau of Reclama-
as the compaction curve. The values of optimum water content tion (2, 3) and U.S. Corps of Engineers (4). These correction
and standard maximum dry unit weight are determined from
the compaction curve. iTeh Standards factors may be applied for soils containing up to about 50 to
70 % oversize fraction. Each agency uses a different term for
these density correction factors. The USDI Bureau of Recla-
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5. Significance and Use
mation uses D ratio (or D–VALUE), while the U.S. Corps of
5.1 Soil placed as engineering fill (embankments, founda- Engineers uses Density Interference Coefficient (Ic).
tion pads, road bases) is compacted to a dense state to obtain
Document Preview
satisfactory engineering properties such as, shear strength,
compressibility, or permeability. In addition, foundation soils
5.3.1.3 The use of the replacement technique (Test Method
D698–78, Method D), in which the oversize fraction is
replaced with a finer fraction, is inappropriate to determine the
are often compacted to improve their engineering properties.
maximum dry unit weight, γd,max, of soils containing oversize
Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for ASTM D698-12e2
determining
fractions (4).
the percent compaction and molding water content needed to
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achieve the required engineering properties, and for controlling 5.3.2 Degradation—Soils containing particles that degrade
construction to assure that the required compaction and water during compaction are a problem, especially when more
contents are achieved. degradation occurs during laboratory compaction than field
compaction, as is typical. Degradation typically occurs during
5.2 During design of an engineered fill, shear, consolidation, the compaction of a granular-residual soil or aggregate. When
permeability, or other tests require preparation of test speci- degradation occurs, the maximum dry-unit weight increases (1,
mens by compacting at some molding water content to some p. 73) so that the laboratory maximum value is not represen-
unit weight. It is common practice to first determine the tative of field conditions. Often, in these cases, the maximum
optimum water content (wopt) and maximum dry unit weight dry unit weight is impossible to achieve in the field.
(γd,max) by means of a compaction test. Test specimens are 5.3.2.1 Again, for soils subject to degradation, the use of
compacted at a selected molding water content (w), either wet test fills and method specifications may help. Use of replace-
or dry of optimum (wopt) or at optimum (wopt), and at a selected ment techniques is not correct.
dry unit weight related to a percentage of maximum dry unit 5.3.3 Gap Graded—Gap-graded soils (soils containing
weight (γd,max). The selection of molding water content (w), many large particles with limited small particles) are a problem
either wet or dry of optimum (wopt) or at optimum (wopt) and because the compacted soil will have larger voids than usual.
the dry unit weight (γd,max) may be based on past experience, To handle these large voids, standard test methods (laboratory
or a range of values may be investigated to determine the or field) typically have to be modified using engineering
necessary percent of compaction. judgement.
5.3 Experience indicates that the methods outlined in 5.2 or NOTE 4—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
the construction control aspects discussed in 5.1 are extremely dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
difficult to implement or yield erroneous results when dealing suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
with certain soils. 5.3.1 – 5.3.3 describe typical problem soils, and objective testing/sampling/inspection, and the like. Users of this
the problems encountered when dealing with such soils and standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in
possible solutions for these problems. itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors;

3
 D698 − 12´2
Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

6. Apparatus
6.1 Mold Assembly—The molds shall be cylindrical in
shape, made of rigid metal and be within the capacity and
dimensions indicated in 6.1.1 or 6.1.2 and Figs. 1 and 2. See
also Table 1. The walls of the mold may be solid, split, or
tapered. The “split” type may consist of two half-round
sections, or a section of pipe split along one element, which can
be securely locked together to form a cylinder meeting the
requirements of this section. The “tapered” type shall have an
internal diameter taper that is uniform and not more than 0.200
in./ft (16.7 mm/m) of mold height. Each mold shall have a base
plate and an extension collar assembly, both made of rigid
metal and constructed so they can be securely attached and
easily detached from the mold. The extension collar assembly FIG. 2 6.0-in. Cylindrical Mold
shall have a height extending above the top of the mold of at
least 2.0 in. (51 mm) which may include an upper section that TABLE 1 Metric Equivalents for Figs. 1 and 2
flares out to form a funnel, provided there is at least a 0.75 in. in. mm
(19 mm) straight cylindrical section beneath it. The extension 0.016 0.41
collar shall align with the inside of the mold. The bottom of the 0.026 0.66
base plate and bottom of the centrally recessed area that 0.032 0.81
0.028 0.71
accepts the cylindrical mold shall be planar within 60.005 in. 1⁄ 2 12.70
(60.1 mm). 2 1⁄ 2 63.50
6.1.1 Mold, 4 in.—A mold having a 4.000 6 0.016-in. 2 5⁄ 8 66.70

iTeh Standards
4 101.60
(101.6 6 0.4-mm) average inside diameter, a height of 4.584 6 4 1⁄ 2 114.30
0.018 in. (116.4 6 0.5 mm) and a volume of 0.0333 6 0.0005 4.584 116.43

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ft3 (943.0 6 14 cm3). A mold assembly having the minimum 4 3⁄ 4
6
120.60
152.40
required features is shown in Fig. 1. 6 1⁄ 2 165.10
6.1.2 Mold, 6 in.—A mold having a 6.000 6 0.026-in. 6 5⁄ 8 168.30

Document Preview
(152.4 6 0.7-mm) average inside diameter, a height of 4.584 6
0.018 in. (116.4 6 0.5 mm), and a volume of 0.0750 6 0.0009
6 3⁄ 4
8 1⁄ 4
ft3
171.40
209.60
cm3
ft3 (2124 6 25 cm3). A mold assembly having the minimum 1⁄30 (0.0333) 943
0.0005 14
required features is shown in Fig. 2. ASTM D698-12e2 (0.0750) 2,124
0.0011 31
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6.2 Rammer—A rammer, either manually operated as de-
scribed further in 6.2.1 or mechanically operated as described
in 6.2.2. The rammer shall fall freely through a distance of
12.00 6 0.05 in. (304.8 6 1 mm) from the surface of the with a diameter when new of 2.000 6 0.005 in. (50.80 6 0.13
specimen. The weight of the rammer shall be 5.50 6 0.02 lbf mm). The rammer shall be replaced if the striking face
(24.47 6 0.09 N, or mass of 2.495 6 0.009 kg), except that the becomes worn or bellied to the extent that the diameter exceeds
weight of the mechanical rammers may be adjusted as de- 2.000 6 0.01 in. (50.80 6 0.25 mm).
scribed in Practices D2168; see Note 5. The striking face of the
rammer shall be planar and circular, except as noted in 6.2.2.1, NOTE 5—It is a common and acceptable practice to determine the
weight of the rammer using either a kilogram or pound balance and
assume 1 lbf is equivalent to 0.4536 kg, 1 lbf is equivalent to 1 lbm, or 1
N is equivalent to 0.2248 lbf or 0.1020 kg.
6.2.1 Manual Rammer—The rammer shall be equipped with
a guide sleeve that has sufficient clearance that the free fall of
the rammer shaft and head is not restricted. The guide sleeve
shall have at least four vent holes at each end (eight holes total)
located with centers 3⁄4 6 1⁄16 in. (19 6 2 mm) from each end
and spaced 90 degrees apart. The minimum diameter of the
vent holes shall be 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm). Additional holes or slots
may be incorporated in the guide sleeve.
6.2.2 Mechanical Rammer-Circular Face—The rammer
shall operate mechanically in such a manner as to provide
uniform and complete coverage of the specimen surface. There
shall be 0.10 6 0.03-in. (2.5 6 0.8-mm) clearance between the
FIG. 1 4.0-in. Cylindrical Mold rammer and the inside surface of the mold at its smallest

4
 D698 − 12´2
diameter. The mechanical rammer shall meet the and (preferably, but optional) suitable mechanical device for
standardization/calibration requirements of Practices D2168. thoroughly mixing the subspecimen of soil with increments of
The mechanical rammer shall be equipped with a positive water.
mechanical means to support the rammer when not in opera-
tion. 7. Standardization/Calibration
6.2.2.1 Mechanical Rammer-Sector Face—The sector face 7.1 Perform standardizations before initial use, after repairs
can be used with the 6-in. (152.4-mm) mold, as an alternative or other occurrences that might affect the test results, at
to the circular face mechanical rammer described in 6.2.2. The intervals not exceeding 1,000 test specimens, or annually,
striking face shall have the shape of a sector of a circle of whichever occurs first, for the following apparatus:
radius equal to 2.90 6 0.02 in. (73.7 6 0.5 mm) and an area 7.1.1 Balance—Evaluate in accordance with Guide D4753.
about the same as the circular face, see 6.2. The rammer shall 7.1.2 Molds—Determine the volume as described in Annex
operate in such a manner that the vertex of the sector is A1.
positioned at the center of the specimen and follow the 7.1.3 Manual Rammer—Verify the free fall distance, ram-
compaction pattern given in Fig. 3b. mer weight, and rammer face are in accordance with 6.2. Verify
6.3 Sample Extruder (optional)—A jack, with frame or the guide sleeve requirements are in accordance with 6.2.1.
other device adapted for the purpose of extruding compacted 7.1.4 Mechanical Rammer—Verify and adjust if necessary
specimens from the mold. that the mechanical rammer is in accordance with Practices
D2168. In addition, the clearance between the rammer and the
6.4 Balance—A Class GP5 balance meeting the require- inside surface of the mold shall be verified in accordance with
ments of Guide D4753 for a balance of 1-g readability. If the 6.2.2.
water content of the compacted specimens is determined using
a representative portion of the specimen, rather than the whole 8. Test Specimen
specimen, and if the representative portion is less than 1000 g,
8.1 The minimum specimen (test fraction) mass for Meth-
a Class GP2 balance having a 0.1-g readability is needed in
ods A and B is about 16 kg, and for Method C is about 29 kg
order to comply with Test Methods D2216 requirements for
of dry soil. Therefore, the field sample should have a moist
determining water content to 0.1 %.
iTeh Standards
NOTE 6—Use of a balance having an equivalent capacity and a
readability of 0.002 lbm as an alternative to a class GP5 balance should
mass of at least 23 kg and 45 kg, respectively. Greater masses
would be required if the oversize fraction is large (see 10.2 or

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not be regarded as nonconformance to this standard.
6.5 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled oven, ca-
10.3) or an additional molding water content is taken during
compaction of each point (see 10.4.2.1).

Document
6 5°C) throughout the drying chamber. These requirements Preview
pable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 230 6 9°F (110 8.2 If gradation data is not available, estimate the percent-
age of material (by mass) retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm),
typically require the use of a forced-draft type oven. Preferably3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), or 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve as appropriate for

the oven should be vented outside the building. selecting Method A, B, or C, respectively. If it appears the
ASTM D698-12e2
percentage retained of interest is close to the allowable value
6.6 Straightedge—A stiff metal straightedge of any conve-
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nient length but not less than 10 in. (250 mm). The total length for a given Method (A, B, or C), then either:
of the straightedge shall be machined straight to a tolerance of 8.2.1 Select a Method that allows a higher percentage
60.005 in. (60.1 mm). The scraping edge shall be beveled if retained (B or C).
it is thicker than 1⁄8 in. (3 mm). 8.2.2 Using the Method of interest, process the specimen in
accordance with 10.2 or 10.3, this determines the percentage
6.7 Sieves—3⁄4 in. (19.0 mm), 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm), and No. 4 retained for that method. If acceptable, proceed, if not go to the
(4.75 mm), conforming to the requirements of Specification next Method (B or C).
E11. 8.2.3 Determine percentage retained values by using a
6.8 Mixing Tools—Miscellaneous tools such as mixing pan, representative portion from the total sample, and performing a
spoon, trowel, spatula, spraying device (to add water evenly), simplified or complete gradation analysis using the sieve(s) of

FIG. 3 Rammer Pattern for Compaction in 4 in. (101.6 mm) Mold

5
 D698 − 12´2
interest and Test Methods D6913 or C136. It is only necessary soils with very high optimum water content or a relatively flat
to calculate the retained percentage(s) for the sieve or sieves compaction curve may require larger molding water content
for which information is desired. increments to obtain a well-defined maximum dry unit weight.
Molding water content increments should not exceed about
9. Preparation of Apparatus 4 %.
9.1 Select the proper compaction mold(s), collar, and base NOTE 8—With practice it is usually possible to visually judge a point
plate in accordance with the Method (A, B, or C) being used. near optimum water content. Typically, cohesive soils at the optimum
Check that its volume is known and determined with or without water content can be squeezed into a lump that sticks together when hand
base plate, free of nicks or dents, and will fit together properly. pressure is released, but will break cleanly into two sections when “bent.”
NOTE 7—Mass requirements are given in 10.4. They tend to crumble at molding water contents dry of optimum; while,
they tend to stick together in a sticky cohesive mass wet of optimum. The
9.2 Check that the manual or mechanical rammer assembly optimum water content is typically slightly less than the plastic limit.
is in good working condition and that parts are not loose or While for cohesionless soils, the optimum water content is typically close
worn. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs. If adjust- to zero or at the point where bleeding occurs.
ments or repairs are made, the rammer must be re-standardized. 10.2.2 Thoroughly mix the test fraction, then using a scoop
select representative soil for each subspecimen (compaction
10. Procedure point). Select about 2.3 kg when using Method A or B, or about
10.1 Soils: 5.9 kg for Method C. Test Methods D6913 section on Speci-
10.1.1 Do not reuse soil that has been previously compacted men and Annex A2 gives additional details on obtaining
in the laboratory. The reuse of previously compacted soil yields representative soil using this procedure and why it is the
a significantly greater maximum dry unit weight (1, p. 31). preferred method. To obtain the subspecimen’s molding water
10.1.2 When using this test method for soils containing contents selected in 10.2.1, add or remove the required
hydrated halloysite, or in which past experience indicates that amounts of water as follows. To add water, spray it into the soil
results will be altered by air-drying, use the moist preparation during mixing; to remove water, allow the soil to dry in air at
method (see 10.2). In referee testing, each laboratory has to use ambient temperature or in a drying apparatus such that the
temperature of the sample does not exceed 140°F (60°C). Mix
iTeh Standards
the same method of preparation, either moist (preferred) or
air-dried. the soil frequently during drying to facilitate an even water
10.1.3 Prepare the soil specimens for testing in accordance content distribution. Thoroughly mix each subspecimen to
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
with 10.2 (preferred) or with 10.3.
10.2 Moist Preparation Method (preferred)—Without pre-
facilitate even distribution of water throughout and then place
in a separate covered container to stand (cure) in accordance

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with Table 2 prior to compaction. For selecting a standing time,
viously drying the sample/specimen, process it over a No. 4
the soil may be classified using Practice D2487, Practice
(4.75-mm), 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), or 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve, de-
D2488, or data on other samples from the same material
pending on the Method (A, B, or C) being used or required as
source. For referee testing, classification shall be by Practice
covered in 8.2. For additional processing details, see Test
ASTM D698-12e2
Methods D6913. Determine and record the mass of both the
D2487.
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retained and passing portions (oversize fraction and test 10.3 Dry Preparation Method—If the sample/specimen is
fraction, respectively) to the nearest g. Oven dry the oversize too damp to be friable, reduce the water content by air drying
fraction and determine and record its dry mass to the nearest g. until the material is friable. Drying may be in air or by the use
If it appears more than 0.5 % of the total dry mass of the of drying apparatus such that the temperature of the sample
specimen is adhering to the oversize fraction, wash that does not exceed 140°F (60°C). Thoroughly break up the
fraction. Then determine and record its oven dry mass to the aggregations in such a manner as to avoid breaking individual
nearest g. Determine and record the water content of the particles. Process the material over the appropriate sieve: No.
processed soil (test fraction). Using that water content, deter- 4 (4.75-mm), 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), or 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm). When
mine and record the oven dry mass of the test fraction to the preparing the material by passing over the 3⁄4-in. sieve for
nearest g. Based on these oven dry masses, the percent oversize compaction in the 6-in. mold, break up aggregations suffi-
fraction, PC, and test fraction, PF, shall be determined and ciently to at least pass the 3⁄8-in. sieve in order to facilitate the
recorded, unless a gradation analysis has already been distribution of water throughout the soil in later mixing.
performed, see Section 11 on Calculations. Determine and record the water content of the test fraction and
10.2.1 From the test fraction, select and prepare at least four all masses covered in 10.2, as applicable to determine the
(preferably five) subspecimens having molding water contents percent oversize fraction, PC, and test fraction, PF.
such that they bracket the estimated optimum water content. A 10.3.1 From the test fraction, select and prepare at least four
subspecimen having a molding water content close to optimum (preferably five) subspecimens in accordance with 10.2.1 and
should be prepared first by trial additions or removals of water
and mixing (see Note 8). Select molding water contents for the
TABLE 2 Required Standing Times of Moisturized Specimens
rest of the subspecimens to provide at least two subspecimens
wet and two subspecimens dry of optimum, and molding water Classification Minimum Standing Time, h

contents varying by about 2 %. At least two molding water GW, GP, SW, SP No Requirement
GM, SM 3
contents are necessary on the wet and dry side of optimum to All other soils 16
define the dry-unit-weight compaction curve (see 10.5). Some