ASTM D6635-26

1.1 This test method describes an in-situ penetration plus expansion test. The test is initiated by forcing the steel, flat plate, dilatometer blade, with its sharp cutting edge, into the subsurface soil. Each test consists of an increment of penetration, generally vertical, followed by the expansion of a flat, circular, metallic membrane laterally into the surrounding soil.

1.2 A sounding, consisting of a series of tests performed at progressively greater penetration depths, may provide information about the stratigraphy, lateral stress, strength, compressibility, and pore-water pressure of the subsurface soils for use in the design of earthworks and foundations.

1.3 This method includes specific requirements for the preliminary reduction of dilatometer test data. It does not specify how to assess or use soil properties for engineering design.

1.4 This method applies best to those sands, silts, clays, and organic soils that can be readily penetrated with the dilatometer blade, preferably using static push (see 4.2). Test results for soils containing primarily gravel-sized particles and larger may not be useful without additional research.

1.5 This method is not applicable to soils that cannot be penetrated by the dilatometer blade without causing significant damage to the blade or its membrane.

1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard. The illustrations included in this standard are intended only for explanatory or advisory use

1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method

1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.9 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.

1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (for example, the United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Canadian Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), British Health and Safety Executive (HSE).)

1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.