Determining Moisture-Unit Weight Relations of Soil (Compaction Test) - Soil Properties: Testing, Measurement, and Evaluation - page 171

(2.1.2) Inside Micrometer —having a measuring range of at least
2 to 12 in. (50 to 300 mm) and readable to at least 0.001 in. (0.02 mm).
(2.1.3) Plastic or Glass Plates —Two plastic or glass plates approx-
imately 8 in. square by 1 ⁄ 4 in. thick (200 by 200 mm by 6 mm).
(2.1.4) Thermometer —0 to 50°C range, 0.5°C graduations.
(2.1.5) Stopcock Grease or similar sealant.
(2.1.6) Miscellaneous Equipment —Bulb syringe, towels, etc.
(3) Precautions
(3.1) Perform this procedure in an area isolated from drafts or
extreme temperature fluctuations.
(4) Procedure
(4.1) Water-Filling Method:
(4.1.1) Lightly grease the bottom of the compaction mold and place
it on one of the plastic or glass plates. Lightly grease the top of the
mold. Be careful not to get grease on the inside of the mold. If it is
necessary to use the base plate, place the greased mold onto the
base plate and secure with the locking studs.
(4.1.2) Determine the mass of the greased mold and both plastic or
glass plates to the nearest 0.01 lb (1 g) and record. When the base
plate is being used in lieu of the bottom plastic or glass plate, de-
termine the mass of the mold, base plate, and a single plastic or
glass plate to be used on top of the mold to the nearest 0.01 lb (1 g)
and record.
(4.1.3) Place the mold and the bottom plastic or glass plate on a
firm, level surface and fill the mold with water to slightly above its
rim.
(4.1.4) Slide the second plate over the top surface of the mold so
that the mold remains completely filled with water and air bubbles
are not entrapped. Add or remove water as necessary with a bulb
syringe.
(4.1.5) Completely dry any excess water from the outside of the
mold and plates.
(4.1.6) Determine the mass of the mold, plates, and water and
record to the nearest 0.01 lb (1 g).
(4.1.7) Determine the temperature of the water in the mold to the
nearest 1°C and record. Determine and record the absolute density
of water from Table 12-1.
(4.1.8) Calculate the mass of water in the mold by subtracting the
mass determined in (4.1.2) from the mass determined in (4.1.6).
(4.1.9) Calculate the volume of water by dividing the mass of water
by the density of water and record to the nearest 0.0001 ft 3 (1 cm 3 ).