632

METHOOS OF SAMPLlNG

ANO TESTING

TI 80

Standard

M ethod 01 Test lor

Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 1 O-lb[4.54 kg] Rammer and an 18-in. [457 mm] Drop
AASHTO DESIGNATION: T 180-74 (1982)

l. SCOPE
1.1 This method of test is intended for determining the relationship between the moisture content and density of soils when compacted in a given mold of a given size with a 10 lb (4.54 kg) rammer dropped from a height of 18 in. (457 0101).Four alternate procedures are provided as follows:

Method A-A Method B-A Method C-A Method O-A

4 in. 6 in. 4 in. 6 in.

(102 0101) mold: (152 0101) mold: (1020101) mold: (152 0101) mold:

soil material passing a 4.750101 (No. 4) sieve . . . . . . . . . . .. 3 and 4 soil material passing a 4.75 0101 (No. 4) siey; ,. 5 and 6 Soil material passing a 19.00101 (3/4 in.) sieve . . . . . . . . . .. 7 and 8 Soil material passing a 19.00101 (3/4 in.) sieve. . . . . . . ... 9 and \O

1.2

The method to be used should be indicated in the specifications for the material being

tested. If no method is specified.

the provisions

of Method

A shall govern.

2. APPARA,TUS .
2.1 Molds-The molds shall be solid-wall. metal cylinders manufactured with dimensions and capacities shown in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 below. They shall have a detachable collar assembly a~proximately 2-3/8 in. (60 0101)in height. to permit preparation of compacted specimens of soil-water rixtures 01' the desired height and volume. The mold and collar assembly shall be so constructed th,t it can be fastened firmly to a detachable base plate made of the same material (Note 1).

NOTE I-Alternate types01moldswitheapaeitiesas stipulatedherein maybe used. providedthe test resultsare eorrelatedwith those 01the solid-wallmold on severalsoil typesand the same moisture.density.[esults are obtained. Reeords01sueh eorrelationshallbe maiotaioedand readilyavai!ablelor inspeetion.whenalternate types01moldsare used. I 2.1.1 4-in. Mold having a capacity of 1/30 (0.0333) J:.0.003 cu. ft. (0.000943 J:.0.OOOOO8 m') with an internal diameter of 4.00 J:.0.016 in. (101.6 J:.0.406 0101) and a height of 4.584 J:.0.005 in. (116.43.:1:. 0.127 0101) (Fig. 1). 2.1.2 6-in. Mold having a capacity of 1/13.33 (0.07500) J:.0.00075 cu. ft. (0.002124 J:.0.OOOO21 m') with an internal diameter of 6.000 J:.0.026 in. (152.4 J:.0.6604 0101) and a height of 4.584 Jo.O.OOS in. (116.43 J:.0.127 0101) (Fig. 2). 2.1.3 Molds out 01 Tolerance Due to Use-A mold that fails to mec manufacturing tolerances after continued service may remain in use provided those tolerances are not exceeded by more Iban SO percent; and the volume of the mold. calibrated in accordance with par. 4 (Calibration of Measure) 01' AASHTO T 19. Test for Unir Weight of Aggregate. is used in the calculations.

2.2

Rammer:

2.2.1 Manually Operated-Metal rammer having a flat circular face of 2.000J:.0.005 in. (50.8 Jo.O.127 0101) diameter. a wear tolerance of 0.005 in. (0.13 0101) and weighing 10.00Jo. 0.02 lb

Tl80

METHOOS OF SAMPLING ANO TESTlNG

633

~.500 S 0.100"0.

-i

THIS VOLUME10 !lE

.~ ...

-.so .1. 0.~5ft'

HA~E~IC)

8 .. ..

T 1UO~ MAX. ,.., -

PLACEMENTl

8:1i~::t=:
lo (A) WING NUT (4) (B) STUO (2) (C) HANGER (4) (O) WELO (Top ond bottom (E) COLLAR (1) (F) MOLO (1) (G) BASE PLATE (1) of eoch honQ-) 6 .500 ~ 0.100"

10--6.000.1. 0.100"--01 LOCATlON(]F STUDS IN BASE PLAn

o
04 ,

FiQ.I-Cylindricol Moldond 80.. Ptot. \4" Mold)

Metric Equi\lolents mm in. 5.1810.64mm (0.125.1.0.025") 3.81 mm (0.1:50")" 6.3S~ 1.27mm (0.2:50.1.0.0:50) 7.62 mm (O.:U'~ 9.53 ~ 0.64 (0.375.1.0.025") 12.70 ~ 2.54 mm (O.!!OO..I.O.IOO") 17.781 1. 27 m.. (0.700l0.050") 20.32 (0.800 ) 38.10..1.2.54 (I.!I(X)..I.O.IOO") :50.80 .1. 0.64 (2.<XXH0.02S") 60.33 .1. 1.27 mm 12.375iO.05,)") 101.60..1. 0.41 mm 14.000.1.0.016") 107.95..1. 1.27mm (4.250.t.0.050") 114.30.1. 2.54mm (4.500.t.0.100") 116.43.1. 0.13mm 14.584.1.0.005") 152.40..1. 2.54mm 16.000.1.0.100") 165.10.1. 2.54m", (6.500.1.0.100") 172.72 i 2.54mm (6.800.1.0.100"\
1/30 ,.t. 0.0003 ft.s (0.000943 .t. 0.000008 \ mS)

634

METHOOS OF SAMPLlNG

ANO TESTING

Tl80

6.500~0.100"D.

6.25O~o.o5d'D. 6.0oo~D.026" D.

1-8-

0.31Ho.o25"
'0

"

THIS VOLUME 10 BE 13. ~33 ~0.00015 tt.'

o ...

3 '"

.
(A) WING NUT (4) (B) STUO (2)

8.500*-0.100"

(C) HANGER (4) (O) WELD (Top oncI bottom of eoch honger) (E) COL.L.AR \1) (F) MOLO (1) (G) BASE PL.ATE (1) B

100-

LOCATION OF STUOSIN BASEPLATt Fi9. 2- Cylindricol Mold ond Bo.. (~. MoId)
Melr;C Equivolents .!!!!!l. .i.!!.. 3.18.t. 0.64mm (0.125:t.0.025") 3 .B 1 mm (0.150") 6.35:t. 1.21mm (0.250!0.050") 7 .62 m'" (0.300") 9 .53 :t. 0.64 mm (0.315:t.0.025") 12.70 ~ 2.54mm (0=!0.100") 17,18:t. 1.2700'" (0.700!0.050") 20.32 mm (08C1O") 38.10! 2.54 m", (1.:5I'O:t.O.loo") 50.80! 0.64."" (2.(XXHO.02~") 6C.33:t. 1.21",00 (2.375 !0.050") 116.43*- 0.13."" (4.58'110.005") '~2.40 .t. O.f;6...", (f>00) .10.026") 158.75.1 1.27",... (1>250.10.050") 1&5.1012.54 (6.50rHo.100") 172.72.t. 2.54..." (6.SOO10.100") 2O3.20.t. 2.54 (~.OOO.t.O.\oo") 215.90! 2.5"' (-.500.t.O.IOO"t 1/13.333 10.00075ft3 0.002123iO.00002\ ",3

o
~

B .000 ~ 0.100"---04

Plote

" ,. .

METHOOS OF SAMPLING ANO TESTlNG

Metric Equivalento in. 6 4.584 + 0.005 4-1/2 4-1/4 4.0+0.016 2-3/8 2 5/8 1/2 3/8 11/32 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/30+ 0.0003cu. ft rnrn 152 116.434+0.127 114.3 108.0 101.6 + 0.406 60.3 SO.8 15.9 12.7 9.5 8.7 6.4 3.2 1.6 0.000943 + 0.000008 rn

635

flg. Ilcont'dl

Metr;c Equivalent, in. 8 6-112 6-1/4 6.0 + 0.026 4.584 + 0.005 2-3/8 2 5/8 1/2 3/8 11/32 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/13.333 + 0.00075 cu ft.

rnrn 203 165.1 158.8

152.4 + 0.660 116.434+0.127 60.3 SO.8 15.9 12.7 9.5 8.7 6.4 3.2 1.6 0.8 0.002124 + 0.000021 rns

fig. 2 lcont'dl

636

METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

TI 80

(4.536:1:0.0091 kg) (Note 2). The rammer shall be equipped with a suitable guide sleeve to control the height of drop to a free fall of 18.00:1: 0.06 (or 1/16 in.) (457.2:1: 1.524 mili) above the elevation of the soi!. The guide sleeve shall have at least 4 vent holes, no smaller Iban 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) diameter, spaced approximately 90 deg (1.57 rad) apart and approximately 3/4 in. (19 mili) from each end; and shall provide sufficient clearance so the free fall of the rammer shaft and head is unrestricted.
NOTE 2- The ferro weight is temporarily used in Ibis standard because of established trade usage. The word is used to IDean both force and mass and care must be taken to determine which is IDean! in each case (SI unit for force = newton and for mass = kilogram).

2.2.2 Mechanically Operated-A metal rammer which is equipped with a device to control the height of drop to a freefall of 18.00 ~0.06 (or l/16) in. (457.2 ~l.S24 mili) above the elevation ofthe soi!. and uniformly disributes such drops to the soil surface. The rammer shall have a flat circular face 2.000 ~ 0.005 in. (50.8 ~ 0.127 mili) diameter, a wear tolerance of 0.005 in. (0.13 mili) and a manufactured weight of 10.00 ~0.02 lb (4.5359 ~0.0081 kg) (Note 3). NOTE 3- The mechanical rammer apparatus shall be calibrated with several soil types and the weight of the rammer adjusted, if necessary, to given same moisture-density results as with the manually operated rammer. It may be impractical to adjust the mechanical apparatus so the free fall is 18 in. (457 mm) each time the rammer is dropped, as with the manually operated rammer. To make the adjustment of free fall, the portion of loose soil to receive the initial blow should be slightly compressed with the rammer to establish the point of impact from which the 18 in. (457 mm) drop is determined, subsequent blows on the layer of soil being compacted may all be applied by dropping the rammer from a height of 18 in. (457 mm) above the initial-setting elevation; or when, the mechanical apparatus is designed with a height adjustment for each blow, -all subsequent blows should have a rammer free fall of 18 in. (457 mm) measured from the elevation of the soil as compacted by the previous blow.

2.2.3 Rammer Face- The circular face rammer shall be used but a sector face rammer may be used as an alternative provided the report shall indicate type offace used other than the 2 in. (50.8 mm) circular face and it shall have an arca equal to that of the circular face rammer. 2.3 Sample Extrnder- A jack, lever, frame or other device adapted for the purpose of extruding compacted specimen from the mold. 2.4 Balances and Scales-A balance or scale of at least 25 lb capacity having asensitivity and readability to 0.01 lb or a balance or scale having a capacity of approximately 11.5 kg and a sensitivity and readability to S g (Note 4). AIso a balance of at least 1 kg capacity with a sensitivity and readability to 0.1 g.
NOTE4- The capacity ofthe metric balance or scale should be approximately 11.5kg when used to weigh the 6 in. (152mm) mold and compactcd. moist soil; however. when the 4 in. (102mm) mold is used. a balance or scale oflesser capacity than 11.5 kg may be used. if the scnsitivity and readability is 5 g.

2.5 Drying Oven-A thermostatically controlled drying oyen capable of maintaining a temperature of 110 ~ S C (230 ~ 9 F) for drying moisture samples. 2.6 Straightedge-A hardened steel straightedge at least 10 in. (254 mili) in length. It shall have one beveled edge, and at least une longitudinal surface (used for final trimming) shall be plane within 0.1 percent of the length within the partiDo used for trimming the soi~ (Note S). NOTE 5- The bevelededgemaybe usedforfinal trimmingif the edge is true withina toleranee0[{f.01in. per \Oin. (0.1'10) of length; however. withcontinueduse.the cuttingedgemaybecomeexcessively wornand notsuitablefor trimmingthe soilto the levelof the rnold The straightedgeshould not be so flexiblethat trirnmingthe soil surfacewith the cutting edge willc...se a concavesoilsurtace.

2.7 Sieves-SO, 19.0 and 4.75 mm sieves conforming to the requirements of AASHTO M 92, for Sieves for Testing Purposes. 2.8 Mixing Tools-Miscellaneous tools such as mixing pan, spaon, trowel, spatula, etc., or a suitable mechanical device for thoroughly mixing the sample of soil with increments of water. 2.9 Containers-Containers for moisture content samples, made of metal or other suitable material, and with Close-fitting lids to prevent loss of moisture prior to or during weighing.
METHOD A

3. SAMPLE 3.1 If the soil sample is clamp when received from the field, dry it until it becomes friable under a trowel. Drying may be in air or by use of drying apparatus such that the temperature of the sample

Tl80

METHOOS OF SAMPLING ANO TESTING

637

does not exceed 60 C (140 F). Then thoroughly break up the aggregation in such a manner, as to avoid reducing the natural size of individual particles. 3.2 Sieve an adequate quantity of the representative pulverized soil ayer the 4.75 mm sieve. Oiscard the coarse material, if any, retained on the 4.75 mm sieve. 3.3 Select a representative sample, weighing approximately 7 lb. (3 kg) or more, of the soil prepared as described in 3.1 and 3.2. 4. PROCEDURE 4.1 Thoroughly mix the selected representative sample with sufficient water to dampen it to approximately four percentage points below optimum moisture contento 4.2 Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil in the 4 in. (102 mm) mold (with collar attached) in five approximately equallayers to give a total compacted depth of about 5 in. (127 mm). Compact each layer by 25 uniformly distributed blows from the rammer dropping free from a height of 18 in. (457 mm) above the elevation of the soil when a sleeve-type rammer is used, or from 18 in. (457 mm) above the approximate elevation of the soil as compacted by the previous blow when a stationary mounted type of rammer is used. (Note 6).
NOTE6-Each of the following has been found to be a satisfactory base on which to rest the mold during compaction of the soll: A block ofconcretc. weighing not less than 200 lb. (91 kg). supported by a relatively stable foundation; a sound concrete 1100r; and for field application. such surfaces as found in concrete box culverts. bridges and pavements. \

4.2.1 Following compaction, remove the extension collar, carefully trim the compacted soil even with the top of the mold by means of the straightedge, and weigh the mold and moist soil in pounds, to the nearest 0.01 lb; or weigh in kilograms, to the nearest 5 grams. For molds conforming to the tolerances given in 2.1.1 and masses recorded in pounds, multiply the mass ofthe compacted specimen and the mold, minus the mass of the mold, by 30, and record the result as the density, W" in pounds per cubic foot, of compacted soil. For molds conforming to tolerances given in 2.1.1 and mass recorded in kilograms, multiply the mass of the compacted specimen and the mold, minus the mass of the mold, by \059.43, and record the result as the density, W" in kilograms per cubic meter, of compacted soil. For used molds out of tolerance by not more Iban 50 percent (2.1.3), use the factor for the mold as determined in accordance with par. 4 (Calibration of Measure), AASHTO T 19. 4.3 Remove the material from the mold and slice vertically through the center. Take a representative sample of the material from one of the cut faces, weigh immediately, and dry in :in oyen at 1\0..:1:.5C (230..:1:.9 F) for at least 12 h, Qrto a constant mass to determine the moisture contento The moisture sample shall weigh no less Iban 100g. 4.4 Thoroughly break up the remaining portion of the molded specimen until it will pass a 4.75 mm sieve as judged by eye, and add to the remaining portion of the sample being tested. Add water in sufficient amounts to increase the moisture content of the soil sample by one or two percentage points, and repeat the above procedure for each increment of water added. Continue Ibis series of determinations until there is either a decrease or no change in the wet unit mass per cubic foot or cubic meter of the compacted soil (Note 7).
NOTE7- This procedure has been found satisfactory in most cases. However. in insJnces where the soll material is fraglle in character and wllI reduce significantly in grajo size due to repeated compaction. and in cases wheYethe $011is heavy-textured elayey material joto which it is dit1icult to incorporate water. a separate and new sample shall be used in each ~ompaction test. In these cases. separate samples ,hall be thoroughly mixed with amounts of water sut1icient to cause the moisture content"s of the samples to vary by approximately two percentage points. The moisture contento selected shall bracket the optimum moisture contento thus providing samples which. when compacted. will increase in mass to the maximum density and then decrease in mass. The samples of soll.water mixtures shall be placed in covered containers and a\1owed to stand for not less than 12 h before making the moisture-density test.

METBOD B

5. SAMPLE

\ 5.1
mate\

Select the representative sample in accordance with 3.3 except that it shall weigh approxi16 lbs. (7 kg).

638

METHOOS OF SAMPLlNG

ANO TESTlNG

TI 80

6. PROCEDURE 6.1 Follow the same procedure as described for Method A in Section 4, except for the following: Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil in the 6 in. (152 mm) mold (with collar attached) in five approximately equallayers to give a total compacted depth 01'about 5 in. (127 rnm), each layer being compacted by 56 uniformly distributed blows from the rammer. For molds conforming to tolerances in Section 2.1.2, and masses recorded in pounds, multiply the mass 01'the cornpacted specimen and the mold, minus the mass 01'the mold, by 13.33 and record the result as the density, W, in lbs/k' 01' the compacted soil. For molds conforming to tolerances given in Section 2.1.2 and mass recorded in kilograms, multiply the mass 01'the compacted specimen and the mold, minus the mass 01'the mold by 470.74, and record the result as the density, W in kg/m" 01'compacted soil. F or used molds out 01'tolerance by not more Iban 50 percent (Section 2.1.3), use the factor for the mold as determined in accordance with Section 4 (Calibration 01'Measure), AASHTO T 19. METHOD C 7. SAMPLE
7.1 11'the soil sample is damp when received from the field, dry it until it becomes friable under a trowel. Orying may be in air or by use of drying apparatus such that the temperature of the sarnples does not exceed 60 C (140 F). Then, thoroughly break up the aggregations in such a manner as to avoid reducing the natural size of individual particles. 7.2 Sieve an adequate quantity of the representaiive pulverized soil over the 19.0 mrn sieve. Oiscard the coarse material, if any, retained on the 19.0 mm sieve (Note 8). NOTE 8-lf it isadvisableto maintainthesamepercentageof coarsematerial(passinga SOmmsieveand retainedon a 4.75mmsieve) in themoisture-density sampleas in the originalfieldsample.the materialretainedonthe 19.0mmsieveshallbe replacedas follows: Sieve
an adequate quantity of the representative pulverized soil over the SOmm and 19.0 mm sieves. Discard the coarse material retained on the SOmm sieve. Remove the material passing the SOmm sieve and retained on the 19.0 l1U)1~eplace it with an equal mass 01 material passing the 19.0 mm sieve and retained onthe 4.75 mm sieve. Take the material for replacement from the remaining portion 01 the sample.

7.3 Select a representative sample, weighing approximately 12 lb. (5.4 kg) or more, of the soil prepared as described in 7.1 and 7.2. 8. PROCEDURE 8.1 Thoraughly mix the selected representative sample with sufficient water to dampen it to approximately tour percentage points below optimum moisture content. 8.2 Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil in the 4 in. (102 mm) mold (with collar attached) in tive approximately equallayers to give a total compacted depth of about 5 in. (127 rnm). Compact each layer by 25 unitormly distributed blows fraro a rammer dropping free from a height al' 18 in. (457 mm) above the elevation ofthe soil when a sleeve-type rammer is used, or fram 18 in. (457rnm) above the approximate elevatin of each finally compacted layer when a stationary mounted type 01' ral11mer is used. Ouring compaction the mold shall rest firmly on a dense, uniformo rigid and stable I'oundation (Note 6). . 8.2.1 Following compaction, remove the extension collar, c.iJ'fefullytrim the compacted soil even with the top 01'the mold by means of the straightedge, and weigh the mold and moist soil in pounds, to the nearest 0.01 lb; or weigh in kilograms, to the nearest 5 grms. For molds conforming to the to\crances given in 2.1.1 and masses recorded in pounds, multiply the mass of the compacted specirnen and the mold, minus the mass of the mold, by 30, and record the result as the wet density, W" in ~ounds percubictoot.ofcompacted soil. Formoldsconformingto tolerances given in 2.1.1 and masses recorded in kilograms, multiply the mass ofthe compacted specimen and the mold, minus the weight al' the mold. by 1059.43, and record the result as the wet density, W" in kilograms per cubic meter, 01' col11pacted soil. For used molds out 01'tolerance by not more than SOpercent (2.1.3), use the factor I'or the mold as determined in accordance with par. 4 (Calibration 01'Measure), AASHTO T 19. 8.3 Remove the material from the mold and slice vertically through the center. Take a representative sample ol'the material trom one ofthe cut faces, weigh immediately, and dry in an oyen at 110 .:::1::.5 C (230.:::1::.9 F) tor at least 12 h, or to constant mass, to determine the moisture contento The moisture content sample shall weigh not less than 500 g. 8.4 Thoroughly break up the remainder 01'the material until it will pass a 19.0 mm sieve and 90 percent 01'the soil aggregations will pass a 4.75 mm sieve as judged by eye, and add to the remaining

TI 80
portion ofthe

METHOOS OF SAMPLlNG
sample being tested. Add water in sufficient

ANO TESTING
amounts to ncrease the moisture content

639
oi"

the soil sample by one or two percentage points, and repeat the above procedure for each increment of water added. Continue this series of determinations until there is either a decrease or no change in the wet unit mass, W" per cubic foot or cubic meter of the compacted soil (Note 7).

METHOO D 9. SAMPLE 9.1 Select the representative sample in accordance with 7.3, except that it shall weigh approximately 2S lb. (11 kg). 10. PROCEDURE 10.1 Follow the same procedure as described for Method C in Section 8 except for the following: Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil in the 6 in. (152 mm) mold (with collar attached) in five approximately equal layers to give a total compacted depth of about 5 in. (127 mm), each layer being compacted by 56 uniformly distributed blows from the rammer. For molds conforming to tolerances in Section 2.1.2, and masses recorded in pounds, multiply the mass of the compacted specimen and the mold, minus the mass of the mold, by 13.33, and record the result as the wet density, Wi in lb/ft3 of the compacted soil. For molds conforming to tolerances given in Section 2.1.2 and masses recorded in kilogram, multiply the mass of the compacted specimen and the mold, minus the mass of the mold, by 470.74, and record the result as the wet density, W, in kg/m3, of compacted soil. For used molds out of tolerance by not more than 50 percent (2.1.3), use the factor for the mold as determined in accordance with Section 4 (Calibration of Measure), AASHTO T 19.

~
CALCULATIONS AND REPORT
11. CALCULATIONS

11.1 follows:

Calculate the moisture content and the dry mass of soil as compacted for each trial, as A -B w=-X!OO B-C w= .W. w +!OO X!OO

and

where: w A 11

W.

pereenlage01'moislurcin Ihe speeimen.

mass 01'Ihe eonlainer and wel soi!. mass 01' Ihe eonlainer and dry soil.
mass 01' Ihe eonlainer.

dry.densily in pounds por eubie 1'00' or kilograms per cubie meter 01'eompaelcd sdiJ. and ~et densily in pounds per eubie 1'001or kilograms per eubie meler 01'eompaelcd soi!,

12. MOISTURE-DENSITY

RELATIONSHIP

12.1 The calculations in 11.1 shall be made to determine the moisture content and corresponding oven-dry density (unit mass) in pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter for each of the compacted samples. The oven-dry den sities ofthe soil shall be plotted as ordinates and corresponding moisture co~ents as abscissas. 12.2 Optimum Moisture Content- When the densities and corresponding moisture contents for the soil have been determined and plotted as indicated in 12.1, it will be found that by connecting the plotted points with a smooth line, a curve is produced. The moisture content corresponding to the peak of the curve shall be termed the "optimum moisture content" of the soil under the above compaction. 12.3 Maximum Density- The oven-dry density in pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter of the soil at optimum moisture content shall be termed "maximum density" under the above compaction.

640 13. REPORT

METHODS OF SAMPLlNG

AND TESTING

TI 80

13.1 The report shall inelude the following: 13.1.1 The method used (Method A, B, e or D). 13.1.2 The optimum moisture contento as a percentage. to the nearest whole number. 13.1.3 The maximum density in lb/ft'. to the nearest whole number. or in kg/m'. to the nearest 0.5 kg. 13.1.4 ln'Methods e and D. whether the 19.0 mm material was removed or replaced. 13.1.5 Type of face if other than 2 in. (50.8 mm) circular.