Scope

These test procedures include

using a vertically vibrating
Standard Test table to measure the
Methods for maximum-index dry
density/unit weight of
Maximum Index cohesionless, free draining
Density and Unit soil. To be consistent with the
Weight of Soil applicable definition provided
in Section 3 on Terminology,
using a Vibratory the adjective "dry before
Table density or unit weight is
omitted in the title and
(ASTM D4253) remaining portions of this
standard. 
Systems of Units

 Using measurements in the gravimetric or inch-pound system, the testing

equipment detailed in this standard was created and constructed. Since they are
expressed in inch- pound units, the test instrument dimensions and mass are
taken as the reference.
 In the field of engineering, it is common practice to use pounds to simultaneously
express a unit of force (lbf) and a unit of mass (lbm) (lbf). The absolute systemand
the gravitational system, which are two different measurement systems, are
implicitly combined in this. Combining the use of two different sets of inch-pound
system, this standard has been prepared using the gravitational system of units.
The pound (lbf) serves as a unit of force in this system(weight). Weight must be
estimated because balances and scales only measure mass. One typical
assumption when using the inch-pound system is that 1 lbf = 1 lbm. Reporting
density is acceptable as long as unit weights are determined and reported because
the information can be used to calculate force or stress.
 Unit weight and density are frequently used interchangeably. Unit weight is a force
per unit volume, whereas density is mass per unit volume. Only SI units are used
to express density in this standard. After the density has been established, either
SI units, inch-pound units, or both are used to calculate the unit weight.
 The following four alternative approaches are given in order to estimate the
maximum index density/unit weight:
 Method 1A Using oven-dried soil and an electromagnetic, vertically vibrating table.
 Method 1B Using wet soil and an electromagnetic, vertically vibrating table.
 Method 2A Using oven-dried soil and an eccentric or cam-driven, vertically
vibrating table.
 Method 2B Using wet soil and an eccentric or cam-driven vertically vibrating table.
 The equipment that will be utilized will probably determined whether sort of table
(Method 1 or 2) will be used. Note 1, There  is evidence to suggest that compared to
eccentric or cam-driven tables, electromagnetic tables produce values of maximum
index density/unit weight that are marginally greater.
 When starting a new task or confronting a change in soil types, it is advised to use
both the dry and wet procedures (Method 1A and 1B or 2A and 2B), as the wet
approach can produce noticeably higher values of maximum index density/unit
weight for some soils. When combined with the minimum index density/unit
weight, Test methods D 4254, such as higher maximum index density will be
found to have a considerable impact on the value of the relative density ()
estimated for a soil encountered in the field. As a general rule, the wet approach
should be utilized if it is demonstrated that it yields maximum index
densities/unit weights that are acceptable, even if dry method frequently preferred
because results can typically be produced rapidly.
 As long as the soils still exhibit cohisionless, free draining qualities, these test
procedures suitable to soils that may include up to 15%, by dry mass, of soil
passing a No. 200 (75-m) sieve (nominal sieve dimensions are in accordance with
Specification E 11. Additionally, these test procedures are applicable to soils
where 100% of the soil's dry mass passes a 3-in. 75-mm sieve.
 In order to use these test methods, soils must be free draining and naturally
occurring cohisionless soils, processed particles, composites or blends of natural
soils, or mixtures of natural and processed particles.
 For cohisionless, free draining soils, these test methods often yield a higher
maximum dry density/unit weight than that obtained by impact compaction,
when a well-defined moisture-density relationship is not obvious. However, impact
compaction (Test Methods D698 or D1557) maybe be beneficial in determining
what is suitable maximum index density/unit weight for particular soils
containing between  5 and 15% particles.
 These test techniques result in a moderate amount of soil deterioration (particle
disintegration) for several varieties of free draining, cohisionless soils. When
degradation is place, the maximum index density/unit weight normally increases,
therefore using a different size molds to test a given soil may not yield equivalent
test results.

 If any safety problems are present, they are not all claimed to be addressed by this
standard. In order to use this standard safely and healthily, it is the user's
obligation to set up the necessary procedures and to check whether any legal
restrictions apply before using.