ASTM D4015-15

5.1 The equivalent elastic shear modulus and damping capacity of a given soil, as measured by the resonant column technique herein described, depend upon the strain amplitude of vibration, the state of effective stress, and the void ratio of the soil, temperature, time, etc. Since the application and control of the static axial and lateral stresses and the void ratio are not prescribed in these methods, the applicability of the results to field conditions will depend on the degree to which the application and control of the static axial and lateral stresses and the void ratio, as well as other parameters such as soil structure, duplicate field conditions. The techniques used to simulate field conditions depend on many factors and it is up to the engineer to decide on which techniques apply to a given situation and soil type. The results of these tests are useful for calculations involving soil-structure interaction and seismic response of soil deposits.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of shear modulus and shear damping as a function of shear strain amplitude for solid cylindrical specimens of soil in intact and remolded conditions by vibration using resonant column devices. The vibration of the specimen may be superposed on a controlled static state of stress in the specimen. The vibration apparatus and specimen may be enclosed in a triaxial chamber and subjected to an all-around pressure and axial load. In addition, the specimen may be subjected to other controlled conditions (for example, pore-water pressure, degree of saturation, temperature). These test methods of modulus and damping determination are considered nondestructive when the shear strain amplitudes of vibration are less than 10^–2 % (10^–4 in./in.), and many measurements may be made on the same specimen and with various states of static stress.

1.2 Two device configurations are covered by these test methods: Device Type 1 where a known torque is applied to the top of the specimen and the resulting rotational motion is measured at the top of the specimen, and Device Type 2 where an uncalibrated torque is applied to the top of the specimen and the torque transmitted through the specimen is measured by a torque transducer at the base of the specimen. For both devices, the torque is applied to the active end (usually top) of the specimen and the rotational motion also is measured at the active end of the specimen.

1.3 These test methods are limited to the determination of the shear modulus and shear damping, the necessary vibration, and specimen preparation procedures related to the vibration, etc., and do not cover the application, measurement, or control of the axial and lateral static normal stresses. The latter procedures may be covered by, but are not limited to, Test Method D2850, D3999/D3999M, D4767, D5311/D5311M, or D7181.

1.4 Significant Digits—All recorded and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with these test methods.

1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.