Determining the Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Rubber-Balloon Method - Soil Properties: Testing, Measurement, and Evaluation - page 218

particle size in the soil being tested. When material being tested
contains a small amount of oversize, and isolated large particles
are encountered, either move the test to a new location or change
to another test method, such as ASTM Test Method D 4914 or
D 5030. When particles larger than 1 1 ⁄ 2 in. (37.5 mm) are prevalent,
larger test apparatus and test volumes are required. Larger test-
hole volumes will provide improved accuracy and shall be used
where practical. The optimum dimensions of the test hole are
related to the design of the apparatus and the pressure used. In
general, the dimensions shall approximate those used in the
calibration check procedure. The test hole shall be kept as free of
pockets and sharp obtrusions as possible, since they may affect
accuracy or may puncture the rubber membrane. Place all soil
removed from the test hole in a moisture-tight container for later
mass and water (moisture) content determination.

Table 15-2 Minimum Test Hole Volumes Based on

Maximum Size of Included Particles [1]

Maximum Particle Size Minimum Test Hole Volumes

cm 3 ft 3

in. (mm)

⁄ 2 (12.5) 1,420 0.05

1

1 (25.0) 2,120 0.075

1 1 ⁄ 2 (37.5) 2,840 0.1

(4) After the test hole has been dug, place the apparatus over the
base plate in the same position as used for the initial reading.
Applying the same pressure and surcharge load as used in the
calibration check, take and record the reading on the volume
indicator. The difference between the initial and final readings is
the volume of the test hole, V h .
(5) Determine the mass of all the moist soil removed from the test
hole to the nearest 5 g. Mix all the soil thoroughly and select a
representative water (moisture) content sample and determine the
water (moisture) content in accordance with ASTM Method D 2216
(Chapter 4), D 4643 (Chapter 5), D 4959, or D 4944 (Chapter 13).
If oversize particles are present, perform field corrections in
accordance with ASTM Test Method D 4718.

Data collected in this test should include the following:

DATA

[A] Calibration of Balloon Apparatus

Mass of calibration mold or container and glass
Mass of calibration mold or container, glass, and water
Temperature of water
Operating pressure