AASHTO T 146-96 (2013) PDF

Standard Method of Test for Wet Preparation of Disturbed Soil Samples for Test
standard by American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials, 1996

Category: AASHTO

These methods of test cover the wet preparation of soil samples as received from the field, for mechanical analysis, and the determination of soil constants.

Method A provides for drying the field samples at a temperature not exceeding 60°C (140°F), making a wet separation on the 0.425-mm (No. 40) sieve and drying to a temperature not exceeding 60°C (140°F). Method B provides that the field sample shall be kept at a moisture content equal to or greater than the natural moisture content. Samples of such soil should be shipped to the laboratory in sealed containers and not allowed to dry out before testing. If no procedure is specified, Method A shall govern.

The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: For the purposes of determining conformance with these specifications, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in accordance with E 29, Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.