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Designation: D4647/D4647M − 13

Standard Test Methods for

Identification and Classification of Dispersive Clay Soils by
the Pinhole Test1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4647/D4647M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 This test method presents a direct, measurement of the bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
dispersibility and consequent colloidal erodibility of clay soils
by causing water to flow through a small hole punched in a 2. Referenced Documents
specimen. The results of the tests are qualitative and provide 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
general guidance regarding dispersibility and erodibility. This D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
test method is complemented by Test Method D4221. D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.2 This test method and the criteria for evaluating test data Fluids
are based upon results of several hundred tests on samples D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
collected from embankments, channels, and other areas where istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600
clay soils have eroded or resisted erosion in nature (1).2 kN-m/m3))

iTeh Standards
1.3 Three alternative procedures for classifying the dispers-
ibility of clay soils are provided as follows:
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
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1.3.1 Method A and Method C, adapted from Ref (1),
classify soils into six categories of dispersiveness as: dispers- Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
ibility (D1, D2), slight to moderately dispersive (ND4, ND3), D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
and nondispersive (ND2, ND1).
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1.3.2 Method B classifies soils into three categories of
(Visual-Manual Procedure)
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
dispersiveness as: dispersibility (D), slightly dispersive (SD), Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
and nondispersive (ND). Used in Engineering Design and Construction
ASTM D4647/D4647M-13
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the D4221 Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay
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Soil by Double Hydrometer
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026. D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
Plasticity Index of Soils
1.5 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Construction Materials Testing
Combining values from the two systems may result in non- D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
conformance with the standard. Data
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms in these test methods, refer to
Terminology D653.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.06 on Physical-Chemical
Interactions of Soil and Rock.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2013. Published February 2013. Originally
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D4647 – 06ε1. DOI: 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/D4647_D4647M-13. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
these test methods. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D4647/D4647M − 13
3.2.1 dispersive clays—clays that disaggregate easily and sures applied during the test. All methods produce similar
rapidly in water of low-salt concentration, and without signifi- results and any method can be used to identify dispersive clays.
cant mechanical assistance. Such clays usually have a high 5.4 The use of Method A or Method C results in the
proportion of their adsorptive capacity saturated with sodium accumulation of data relative to sequential flow rates through
cations. the pinhole and consequent enlargement or erosion of the hole.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Such clays generally have a high The pinhole erosion test was developed for the purpose of
shrink-swell potential, have low resistance to erosion, and have identifying dispersive soils and is not intended to be a
low permeability in an intact state. geometrically scaled model of a prototype structure. Since the
theory of similitude was not used in the design of the pinhole
4. Summary of Test Method test, quantitative data are not obtained. The quantity of flow
4.1 The test method is started with distilled water flowing through the pinhole, amount of soil erosion, or the rate of soil
horizontally under a hydraulic head of 50 mm [2 in.] through erosion should not be extrapolated to actual field conditions
a 1.0-mm [0.04-in.] diameter hole punched in the soil speci- (3). However, such data may be useful in performing qualita-
men. The nature of the solution emerging from the specimen tive evaluations of the consequences of such erosion in terms
under the initial 50-mm [2-in.] head provides the principle of dam failure, loss of life and property. They also may be used
differentiation between dispersive and nondispersive clays. in considering the cost effectiveness of defensive design
Flow from dispersive clays will be distinctly dark and the hole measures necessary to minimize the effects of failure due to
through the specimen will enlarge rapidly, with a resultant dispersive clays. For example, the amount of colloidal erosion
increase in the flow rate. Flow from slightly to moderately that will occur in a soil classed as ND2 (very slightly
dispersive clays will be slightly dark with a constant hole size dispersive) will be very small for a relatively long period of
and flow rate. Flow from nondispersive clays will be com- time. Such erosion may not be significant in evaluating the
pletely clear with no measurable increase in the hole size. cost-benefit relationships in projects where public safety is not
4.2 Test results are evaluated from the appearance of the involved or where normal maintenance procedures will handle
flowing solution emerging from the specimen, the rate of flow, the problem. In such cases, classifying the soil as ND (nondis-

iTeh Standards
and the final size of the hole through the specimen. These persive) using Method B of the pinhole test should be
observations provide the basis for classifying the soil speci- adequate.
men. 5.5 Pinhole tests that result in classifying soil as slightly

5. Significance and Use

(https://standards.iteh.ai) dispersive (ND3 by Method A or Method C or SD by Method
B) indicate high uncertainty about the existence of significant
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5.1 The pinhole test provides one method of identifying the Preview
dispersive characteristics of clay soils that are to be or have
problems to be considered in the design or stability of a
structure. In such cases, it is advisable to resample and test a
been used in earth construction. The piping failures of a number of other soils from the same area to generate an
number of homogeneous earth dams, erosion ASTM adequate statistical sample for problem evaluation. The origi-
D4647/D4647M-13
along channel or
nal slightly dispersive sample may come from an area on the
canal banks, and rainfall erosion of earthen structures have
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been attributed to the colloidal erosion along cracks or other edge of a more highly dispersive soil.
flow channels formed in masses of dispersive clay (2). 5.6 In a few physiographic areas or geoclimatic conditions,
5.2 This test method models the action of water flowing or both, neither the pinhole test nor the other indicator tests
along a crack in an earth embankment. Other indirect tests, provide consistent identification of dispersive clays (5, 6, 7). In
such as the double hydrometer test (Test Method D4221), the such cases, the results of the tests (8, 9) should be evaluated in
crumb test (3, 4), that relates the turbidity of a cloud of terms of cost effectiveness and design judgment (7).
suspended clay colloids as an indicator of the clay dispersivity, 5.7 For some projects, it may be desirable to perform the
and chemical tests that relate the percentage of sodium to total pinhole test using eroding fluids other than distilled water (8,
soluble salt content of the soil are also used as indicator tests 10). In such cases, Method A, Method B, or Method C may be
of clay dispersibility (2). The comparison of results from the used to identify the dispersive characteristics of the soil and
pinhole test and other indirect tests on hundreds of samples compare the results with those obtained using distilled water.
indicates that the results of the pinhole test have the best NOTE 1—Notwithstanding the statement on precision and bias con-
correlation with the erosional performance of clay soils in tained in these test methods: The precision of these test methods is
nature. dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the
5.3 Method A and Method C of the pinhole test require the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
evaluation of cloudiness of effluent, final size of the pinhole, and objective testing. Users of these test methods are cautioned that
and computation of flow rates through the pinhole in order to compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable testing.
classify the dispersive characteristics of the soil. Method B Reliable testing depends on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a
requires only the evaluation of the cloudiness of effluent and means of evaluating some of those factors.
final size of the pinhole to classify the dispersive characteristics
of the soil. The computation of flow rates through the pinhole 6. Limitations
in Method A serves primarily as a guide to the proper 6.1 Development of the test procedure to provide reproduc-
equipment and specimen performance under sequential pres- ible results that differentiate between clay soils that were

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 D4647/D4647M − 13
known to be erodible (dispersive) and nonerodible (nondisper- ND2, ND1—Nondispersive clay with very slight to no
sive) in the field indicates the following limitations in the use colloidal erosion under 380-mm [15-in.] or 1020-mm [40-in.]
of this test: head.
6.1.1 This test method is not applicable to soils with less 7.1.2 Method B:
than 12 % finer than 0.005 mm and with a plasticity index less D—Dispersive clays that erode rapidly under 50-mm [2-in.]
than or equal to 4 (2, 11). Such soils generally have low head.
resistance to erosion regardless of dispersive characteristics. SD—Slightly dispersive clays that erode slowly under
6.1.2 The most consistent results are produced when the 180-mm [7-in.] head.
natural water content of the sample is preserved during the ND—Nondispersive clays that show very slight or no
sampling, shipping, storage, and testing operations. colloidal erosion under 380-mm [15-in.] head.
6.1.3 A few instances have been reported in which the NOTE 2—Method B for classifying dispersiveness of clay soils com-
pinhole test did not identify some dispersive clays in which the bines the categories of Method A as follows: D = D1, D2, ND4;
pore water contained less than 0.4 meq/L total soluble salts that SD = ND3; and ND = ND2, ND1.
were more than 80 % sodium salts. 7.1.3 Method C:
6.1.4 This test method was developed to test specimens of D1, D2—Dispersive clays that fail rapidly under 50-mm
disturbed soil that are compacted into the test cylinder. This test [2-in.] head.
method can also be used to test intact specimens when they are ND4, ND3—Dispersive clays that erode slowly under
properly trimmed and sealed into the test cylinder; however, 50-mm [2-in.], 180-mm [7-in.], or 380-mm [15-in.] head.
some investigators (6) have found that these test methods are ND2, ND1—Nondispersive clay with very slight to no
not applicable in evaluating the dispersive characteristics of colloidal erosion under 380-mm [15-in.] head.
intact specimens of highly sensitive clays. Such clays may be
classed as dispersive from the pinhole test results but perform 8. Apparatus
as nondispersive materials in nature. 8.1 Pinhole Test Apparatus—Typical pinhole test apparatus
6.1.5 This test method is performed with distilled water, at is shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3. Various other types and
a pH of 5.5 to 7.0, as the eroding fluid. The use of water with sizes of specimen molds or containers and top and base plates

results of the test (8, 10). iTeh Standards

various ionic concentrations and combinations will alter the may be used provided the test specimen is 38 mm [1.5 in.]
long, the pinhole is 1.0 mm [0.04 in.] in diameter, and the hole
7. Classification (https://standards.iteh.ai)
7.1 The observations of these test methods provide the basis
through the truncated cone centering guide or other centering
device is 1.5 mm [0.059 in.] in diameter.
8.1.1 It is important that the outlet drain be large enough to
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for classifying the soil specimen into a category of dispersive-
ness according to the following general criteria:
accommodate the maximum inflow without creating a partial
vacuum in the system. Partial vacuum may develop when small
7.1.1 Method A: diameter outlet drains flow at full capacity and when long
D1, D2—Dispersive clays that fail rapidly ASTMunderD4647/D4647M-13
50-mm segments of flexible tubing are attached to the outflow pipe.
[2-in.] head. 8.1.2 The development of partial vacuum in the system
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ND4, ND3—Slightly to moderately dispersive clays that produces hydraulic heads greater than those specified for the
erode slowly under 50-mm [2-in.] or 180-mm [7-in.] head. test in Section 10 and following.

FIG. 1 Schematic Drawing of the Pinhole Test Equipment

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 D4647/D4647M − 13
9. Preparation of Samples
9.1 Disturbed Soil at Natural Water Content:
9.1.1 Remove from the sample sand and gravel particles
larger than 2 mm [No. 10 sieve] in diameter.
NOTE 3—This sieving process generally involves hand forcing materi-
als through the No. 10 sieve. Separation on a finer screen may be
necessary if medium sand particles tend to clog the pinhole.
9.1.2 Determine the water content using procedures in Test
Method D2216, and adjust the moisture by adding distilled
water or air drying to within two percentage points of the water
content for compaction to be used in construction.
9.2 Disturbed Soil, Pulverized and Air-Dried:
9.2.1 Remove sand and gravel particles larger than 2-mm
[No. 10] sieve.
9.2.2 Add distilled water to bring the soil to within 2
percentage points of the specified water content for compaction
to be used in construction.
9.2.3 Compact the soil using equipment and procedures of
Test Method D698.
9.2.4 Extrude the compacted specimen from the compaction
mold and store the compacted specimen in moisture-resistant
containers (plastic bags) for a period of 24 to 48 h prior to
performing the pinhole test. (The specimen may be compacted
iTeh Standards
FIG. 2 Schematic Drawing of Pinhole Test Specimen
and stored for curing in the test cylinder sealed in plastic to
maintain water content.)

(https://standards.iteh.ai) 9.2.5 The cylinder of compacted soil should be broken up

and screened through a 2-mm [No. 10] sieve prior to proceed-
ing with the preparation of the pinhole specimen as described
[0.12-in.] diameter breather hole in theDocument
center of the base plate, Preview
8.1.3 The installation of a 1.6-mm [0.063-in.] to 3-mm
in 10.1.1.
as shown in Fig. 1, generally assures discharge from the system NOTE 4—The compaction and rescreening of the disturbed soil has been
at atmospheric pressure without partial vacuum. found effective in facilitating the even distribution of water content
8.2 Constant Head Tank, to supply distilledASTM D4647/D4647M-13
through the specimen. Other methods may be used provided the water
water with a pH content is uniformly distributed.
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of 5.5 to 7.0.
9.3 Intact (Core or Block) Specimens:
8.3 Graduated Cylinders, of 10, 25, 50, and 100-mL capac-
9.3.1 Trim or cut a specimen 38-mm [1.5-in.] long to fit
ity.
snugly in the test cylinder and position the specimen on top of
8.4 Wire Screen, with holes smaller than 2 mm [0.08 in.], the screens and pea gravel as shown in Fig. 1.
cut in circular shape to fit inside the specimen tube. 9.3.2 Seal the perimeter of the top of the specimen with
8.5 Wire Punch, 1.0 mm [0.039 in.] in diameter by 50 to molding clay or other moisture-resistant sealant to prevent flow
75-mm [2.0 to 3-in.] punch. [No. 19 veterinarian hypodermic of water between the specimen and the wall of the test cylinder.
needle or 1-mm drill bit or stiff wire length.] 9.4 Use of Larger Test Specimens:
8.6 Centering Guide—Truncated cone centering guide with 9.4.1 The procedures and interpretations in this test method
1.5-mm [0.059-in.] diameter hole (plastic, brass, steel, or other were developed using the apparatus and dimensions listed in
suitable material). Section 8. Results using larger test specimens (either
8.7 Coarse Sand, that has been washed and sieved through compacted, remolded, or intact) should be correlated and
2 to 6 mm diameter sieves [No. 10 to 1⁄4 in.]. compared with the results obtained using these test methods to
ascertain their validity. ASTM Committee D18 is unaware of
8.8 Stop Watch, reading to 0.1 s. any published documentation on the use of test specimens with
8.9 Manometer, pressure transducer, standpipe, or similar dimensions different from those specified in these test methods.
device to measure hydraulic head to within 5 % of value.
8.10 Compaction Equipment, Harvard miniature compac- 10. Method A Procedure
tion apparatus or similar device to compact the specimen into 10.1 Compacted Specimen:
the pinhole test cylinder. 10.1.1 Compact the 38-mm [1.5-in.] long specimen into the
8.11 Balance, meeting the requirements of Class GP2 in pinhole test cylinder on top of the coarse sand and wire screen,
Specification D4753. which have been previously placed in the cylinder.

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 D4647/D4647M − 13

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FIG. 3 Pinhole Test Mold, Screens, Nipple, and Needle

10.1.1.1 The dry unit weight and water content of the operation generally assures a clean, open hole through the specimen.
compacted specimen should correspond to those ASTM D4647/D4647M-13
specified for 10.1.5 Carefully place the wire screen on top of the speci-
the proposed earth construction. men (with centering guide in place) and fill the remaining void
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10.1.1.2 When using the Harvard compaction and perme- in the top of the test cylinder with coarse sand.
ability equipment (1, 12) , approximately 95 % of maximum
NOTE 7—The sand should be carefully screened and leveled across the
standard (Test Method D698) dry unit weight can be achieved top of the cylinder so a watertight seal can be provided between the test
by compacting the specimen in five lifts with 16 tamps on each cylinder and the test plate.
lift using a 6.8-kg [15-lb] spring on the Harvard compaction NOTE 8—If the pinhole centering guide is included as an integral part of
test tamper. the cylinder head plate, the truncated cone centering guide (10.1.2) and the
top screen and gravel (10.1.5) can be eliminated (13, 14).
10.1.2 Insert the truncated cone centering guide with the
1.5-mm [0.059-in.] diameter hole into the center of the top of 10.1.6 Assemble the top plate; connect the head (distilled
the specimen using finger pressure. water) source, and the head measuring device (standpipe or
manometer). Place assembled apparatus in horizontal position
NOTE 5—Take care that the nipple is inserted vertically with the top of as shown in Fig. 1. At this stage of the test, the valve for the
the nipple flush with the top of the soil specimen so that the pinhole is
normal to the specimen surface. head source should be closed and the valve for the head
measuring device should be open (if valves are used).
10.1.3 Insert the 1.0-mm [0.039-in.] diameter wire punch
10.1.7 Start the test by introducing distilled water into the
into the centering guide and punch or force it through the soil
apparatus so that a hydraulic head at the level of the pinhole is
specimen. Force the punch in a continuous motion through the
50 mm [2 in.]. If flexible tubing is used to connect either the
soil specimen; it should penetrate into the underlying sand.
apparatus with the water source or to the head measuring
Take care that the punch completely penetrates through the soil
device, care should be taken to ensure that all air bubbles are
specimen and 6 to 10 mm [0.24 to 0.4 in.] into the coarse sand
expelled from the water supply and head measuring tubes when
under the specimen and screens. A few rotations of the punch
the test is started.
after it has passed through the soil specimen will assist
10.1.8 Record the time at start of test (or start the stop-
penetration through the screen and into the sand.
watch).
10.1.4 Remove the wire or punch from the specimen.
10.1.9 Take measurements of the quantity of effluent flow
NOTE 6—Rotating the punch four or five times during the extraction with an appropriate graduated cylinder as it emerges from the

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 D4647/D4647M − 13
specimen. If no flow occurs when the test is started, stop the transversely and longitudinally, and measure the size of the
test, dismantle the top of the apparatus, and repunch the hole hole by comparing against the needle used to punch the hole,
(or seal the first hole and punch a new hole). Fig. 5.
10.1.9.1 The first two or three measurements of discharge 10.1.13 If the final hole size is greater than twice the needle
should be made in units of the time in seconds required to punch diameter, classify the soil as highly dispersive, D1.
collect 10 mL of effluent. Subsequent measurements may Otherwise, the flow rate and hole size are inconsistent and the
consist of recording the time interval required to collect 25, 50, test should be done again.
or 100 mL of effluent. NOTE 9—Extensive experimental data (13) indicate that the hydraulic
10.1.9.2 It is also acceptable to select a time interval, such capacity of the system using a nipple with a diameter equal to 1.5 mm
as 60 s, and measure the volume of effluent collected during [0.06 in.] is 1.2 to 1.3 mL/s under a 50-mm hydraulic head. If flow rates
that interval. This method allows sufficient sensitivity to exceed these amounts, the outlet system is operating under a partial
determine the rate of change of flow rates and observation of vacuum or the initial head reading is higher than 50 mm.
hydraulic capacity (example, constant flow rate). 10.1.14 If the effluent from the 50-mm [2-in.] head is
10.1.10 Observe the cloudiness of the effluent for each distinctly dark and the flow rate does not exceed 1.0 mL/s at
measured discharge by looking both through the side of the the end of 5 min, continue the test an additional 5 min for a
cylinder and vertically through the column of fluid in the total of 10 min. At the end of 10 min, if the effluent is still dark,
cylinder. Record the cloudiness of the effluent in the cylinder as stop the test and determine the hole size. Classify the soil as
very dark, dark, moderately dark, slightly dark, barely visible, dispersive D2 if the final flow rate is 1.0 to 1.30 mL/s and the
or completely clear, Fig. 4. hole size exceeds 1.5 needle punch diameters. Classify the soil
10.1.11 Continue the test under the 50-mm [2-in.] head for as moderately dispersive ND4 if the flow rate is 0.8 to 1.0 mL/s
5 min. If, at the end of 5 min, the effluent is very dark and flow and the hole size does not exceed 1.5 needle diameters.
rates have gradually increased to 1.0 to 1.4 mL/s, the test is 10.1.15 If the effluent under the 50-mm [2-in.] head is clear
complete. or is very slightly dark at the end of 10 min and the flow rate
10.1.12 Dismantle the apparatus and extrude the soil speci- is 0.40 to 0.80 mL/s, raise the head to 180 mm [7 in.]. Under
men from the cylinder. Break or cut open the specimen, the 180-mm head, if the effluent is distinctly dark and the rate
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ASTM D4647/D4647M-13
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NOTE 1—Comparison of cloudy colloidal appearance of water flowing through dispersive clay specimen (left cylinder) with perfectly clear water from
a nondispersive clay specimen (right cylinder).
FIG. 4 Comparison of Appearance