Designation: D5874 – 02 (Reapproved 2007)

Standard Test Method for

Determination of the Impact Value (IV) of a Soil1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5874; 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* of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia. Impact Value is also commonly

known as Clegg Impact Value (CIV).
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Impact
Value (IV) of a soil either in the field or a test mold. 2. Referenced Documents
1.2 The standard test method, using a 4.5 kg (10 lbm) 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
hammer, is suitable for, but not limited to, evaluating the D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
strength of an unsaturated compacted fill, in particular pave- Fluids
ment materials, soils, and soil-aggregates having maximum D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
particle sizes less than 37.5 mm (1.5 in.). istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3(600
1.3 By using a lighter 0.5 kg (1.1 lbm) hammer, this test kN-m/m3))
method is applicable for evaluating lower strength soils such as D1556 Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in
fine grained cohesionless, highly organic, saturated, or highly Place by Sand-Cone Method
plastic soils having a maximum particle size less than 9.5 mm D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Charac-
(0.375 in.). teristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/
1.4 By performing laboratory test correlations for a particu- ft3(2,700 kN-m/m3))
lar soil using the 4.5 kg (10 lbm) hammer, IV may be correlated D1883 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
with an unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) or may be Laboratory-Compacted Soils
used to infer percentage compaction. D2167 Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in
1.5 The values stated SI are to be regarded as the standard. Place by the Rubber Balloon Method
The values stated in parentheses are given for information only. D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Wa-
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the ter (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in D2922 Test Methods for Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate
Practice D6026. The method used to specify how data are in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)3
collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly D2937 Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the
related to the accuracy to which the data can be applied in Drive-Cylinder Method
design or other uses or both. How one applies the results D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
obtained using this standard is beyond its scope. Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
1.7 This standard may involve hazardous materials, opera- Used in Engineering Design and Construction
tions, and equipment. This standard does not purport to D4643 Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture)
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its Content of Soil by Microwave Oven Heating
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to D4959 Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture)
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter- Content of Soil By Direct Heating
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
NOTE 1—The equipment and procedures contained in this test method Data
are similar to those developed by B. Clegg in the 1970s at the University

1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Construction Control Tests. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2007. Published July 2007. Originally approved the ASTM website.
3
in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D5874–02. DOI: 10.1520/ Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
D5874-02R07. on www.astm.org.

*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.

1
 D5874 – 02 (2007)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Except as listed below, all definitions are
in accordance with Terminology D653.
3.1.1 impact value (IV), n—the value expressed in units of
tens of gravities (g) derived from the peak decelaration of a 4.5
kg (10 lbm) instrumented compaction hammer 50 mm (1.97
in.) in diameter free falling 450 mm (18 in.).
3.1.2 light impact value (IV/L), n—the IV derived from
using a 0.5 kg (1.1 lbm) mass hammer 50 mm (1.97 in.) in
diameter free falling 300 mm (12 in.).
3.1.3 impact soil tester, n—testing apparatus used to obtain
an IV of a soil.
3.1.4 target iv, n—the desired strength, in terms of IV, to be
achieved in the field for a particular material and construction
process. This may also be referred to as target strength.

4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 The test apparatus is placed on the material to be tested
either in a mold or on naturally occurring or compacted soil in
the field. The hammer is raised to a set height and allowed to
free fall. The instrumentation of the test apparatus displays a
value in tens of gravities (g) of the peak deceleration of the
hammer’s impact as recorded by an accelerometer fitted to the
top of the hammer body. A total of four blows of the hammer
are applied on the same spot to determine the IV for each test
performed.
4.2 A light hammer of 0.5 kg (1.1 lbm) may be used for
softer conditions or fragile materials instead of the 4.5 kg (10
lbm) standard hammer to determine the IV. When used the
resulting value is termed the Light Impact Value (IV/L). FIG. 1 Illustration of Target IV for Material With No Peak but Drop

5. Significance and Use from laboratory testing or field trials for a desired density and
5.1 Impact Value, as determined using the standard 4.5 kg water content. If testing is performed after compaction when
(10 lbm) hammer, has direct application to design and con- conditions are such that the water content has changed from the
struction of pavements and a general application to earthworks critical value, determination of the actual water content by
compaction control and evaluation of strength characteristics laboratory testing enables the field density to be inferred from
of a wide range of materials, such as soils, soil aggregates, regression equations using IV, density and water content.
stabilized soil and recreational turf. Impact Value is one of the NOTE 2—Impact Value may be used as a means to improve the
properties used to evaluate the strength of a layer of soil up to compaction process by giving instant feedback on roller efficiency,
about 150 mm (6 in.) in thickness and by inference to indicate uniformity, confirming the achievement of the target strength, and by
inference the achieved density. When inferring density from IV, however,
the compaction condition of this layer. Impact Value reflects
it should be considered as only indicative of density. Where strict
and responds to changes in physical characteristics that influ- acceptance on a density ratio basis is required, test methods that measure
ence strength. It is a dynamic force penetration property and density directly shall be used.
may be used to set a strength parameter.
5.4 This test method may be used to monitor strength
5.2 This test method provides immediate results in terms of
changes during a compaction process or over time due to
IV and may be used for the process control of pavement or
seasonal, environmental or traffic changes.
earthfill activities where the avoidance of delays is important
and where there is a need to determine variability when NOTE 3—For in-place soil strength evaluation where there may be a dry
statistically based quality assurance procedures are being used. and hard surface layer (crust), testing both the crust and the underlying
5.3 This test method does not provide results directly as a layer may be required.
percentage of compaction but rather as a strength index value 5.5 The standard instrument is based on a 4.54 kg (10 lbm)
from which compaction may be inferred for the particular compaction hammer using a 457.2 mm (18 in.) drop height.
moisture conditions. From observations, strength either re- The hammer has been equipped with an accelerometer and
mains constant along the dry side of the compaction curve or instrumented using a peak hold electronic circuit to read the
else reaches a peak and declines rapidly with increase in water peak deceleration on impact. The circuitry is filtered electroni-
content slightly dry of optimum water content. This is gener- cally to remove unwanted frequencies and the peak decelera-
ally between 95 and 98 % maximum dry density (see Fig. 1 and tion is displayed in units of ten gravities (g) with the output
Fig. 2). A field target strength in terms of IV may be designated below units of ten gravities truncated.

2
 D5874 – 02 (2007)

FIG. 2 Illustration of Target IV for Material With Pronounced Peak

5.6 The peak deceleration on which IV is derived represents

the area under the deceleration versus time curve which for FIG. 3 Development of Force-Penetration from Deceleration
most soils may be assumed as half a sinusoid. Applying double Versus Time
integration provides first the time velocity relationship and
accordance with Practice D3740. Not withstanding oil precision and bias
second, the time penetration relationship. As force is also contained in this test method, the precision of this test method is
directly related to deceleration, the IV therefore, represents dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the
both stress and penetration and may be taken as a direct suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
measurement of stiffness or strength (see Fig. 3). criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
5.7 Impact Value may be correlated with an unsoaked CBR. and objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that
5.8 Impact Value may be expressed as a hammer modulus, compliance with Practice D3740 does not assure reliable testing. Reliable
testing depends on many factors, and Practice D3740 provides a means of
analogous with elastic modulus or deformation modulus.
evaluating some of those factors.
5.9 The light hammer uses the same accelerometer and
instrumentation as the standard hammer. The smaller mass of 6. Apparatus
0.5 kg (1.1 lbm) results in more sensitivity for lower strength 6.1 Impact Soil Tester—A test apparatus consisting of a
materials compared to the standard mass; that is, the zero to hammer, guide tube, and electronic instrumentation. Detailed
100 IV scale is expanded with this lighter hammer mass and information on the apparatus is contained in Annex A1. A
provides more definition on softer materials. To avoid confu- typical configuration is shown in Fig. 4.
sion, the IV of the light hammer is notated as IV/L. 6.2 Mold—A 152.4 mm (6 in.) diameter mold conforming
5.10 Light Impact Value has applications for recreation turf to the requirements of Test Methods D698 Procedure C, D1557
hardness evaluation, where the condition of the surface affects Procedure C, or D1883 with a spacer disc.
ball bounce characteristics, the performance or injury potential 6.2.1 Molds of other, typically larger, dimensions may be
to participants, and where more sensitivity compared to the used but must be reported accordingly in the report.
standard hammer is required or an imprint left by the 4.5 kg (10
lbm) hammer or other test methods is undesirable, such as on NOTE 5—For a particular material, the smaller 101.6 mm (4 in.) mold
a golf putting green. may be used if it has been proven by a laboratory test comparison with the
152.4 mm (6 in.) mold that there is no significant difference in the IV
NOTE 4—The agency performing this test method can be evaluated in results.

3
 D5874 – 02 (2007)
7.2 Determine an IV as follows.
7.2.1 The peak deceleration that is the highest of the four
successive blows is taken as the IV. The maximum of the first
four blows has been found through experiment and practice to
be the simplest means by which to obtain consistent results.
Analysis of the blow count has shown that the first blow or two
may be considered as seating procedure as they create a
compacted wedge or hemisphere of soil that is subsequently
forced into the body of the soil causing an increase in
deceleration, that is, an increase in IV, as successive blows are
applied. In general, deceleration remains practically unchanged
after the third or fourth blow with additional blows continuing
to produce a constant amount of penetration. If lower values
occur with subsequent blows, this is due apparently to the
hammer striking the sides of the indentation or by loose
material falling onto the strike surface causing a bias in this
direction.
7.2.2 Impact Values obtained from other blow counts, or an
average thereof, shall be reported accordingly in the report.
7.3 Field Procedure A—If necessary, prepare the surface of
the compacted or natural soil to be tested by lightly scuffing
with the foot to remove loose surface material. Before begin-
ning a test, ensure that the hammer strike face is clean of any
soil build-up and that the guide tube is reasonably clean so as
not to restrict a free fall. Place the impact soil tester in position
with the guide tube base set on the ground. Steady the guide
tube to hold vertical in place, activate the instrumentation, and
apply four free falling blows in succession from the set height
of drop. Take and record the highest value of the four blows as
FIG. 4 Illustration (Cross Section) of a 4.5 kg Impact Soil Tester the IV.
with Hammer at Rest in the Guide Tube
NOTE 8—A method of securing the guide tube in a vertical position is
for the operator to place a foot on the guide tube base and steady the guide
tube with the lower leg or knee, or both. Raising of the hammer is done
7. Procedure by the hand on the same side of the body as the foot securing the guide
7.1 Operational Verification Checks— Perform operational tube.
NOTE 9—For sloping sites, a level test surface may need to be prepared
verification checks at the commencement of any testing pro-
so that the guide tube base rests on the surface with the guide tube as near
gram, after repair, or when the instrument is suspect using the to vertical as possible.
operational check ring as follows.
7.1.1 Place the ring on a dry, grease free smooth hard 7.4 Field Procedure B—Follow Field Procedure A but
surface of a solid massive object, such as a concrete floor over determine the water content of the material at a location 100
ground. Place the guide tube centrally over the ring and drop mm (4 in.) to 150 mm (6 in.) from the edge of the guide tube
the hammer five times from the set height mark as described in flange content. Determine the water content according to the
A2.1.3 for the standard 4.5 kg hammer or A2.1.4 for the light applicable test methods listed in 2.1.
0.5 kg hammer. Operate the instrumentation so as to obtain five 7.5 Field Procedure C—Follow Field Procedure B but
separate readings. If this operational check procedure gives determine also the density of the material at a location 100 mm
significantly different values than shown on the ring, examine (4 in.) to 150 mm (6 in.) from the edge of the guide tube flange.
the dryness, cleanliness, smoothness and firmness of the Determine the density according to the applicable test methods
support for the ring and the ring itself and review the listed in 2.1.
operational check procedure and rerun the check at the same or 7.6 Mold Procedure—Obtain a soil sample representative of
another location. If the ring value is not satisfactorily achiev- that to be tested in the field and prepare a test specimen
able, an electronic check may be carried out according to the according to the requirements of either Test Method D698 or
manufacturer’s calibration instruction for the accelerometer. D1557. Prepare the test specimen at a water content and
density at which it is desired to determine the IV. Compact the
NOTE 6—To avoid the possibility of damage to the electronics or the test specimen in a mold as given in 6.2. Perform the impact test
hammer, the impact soil tester should not be used directly on hard surfaces on the compacted specimen in the mold with the base plate left
such as concrete or otherwise in such a way on materials that it would give
results of more than 100 IV (1000 g).
attached to the mold. Before beginning a test, ensure that the
NOTE 7—The impact energy provided by the 4.5 kg hammer can cause hammer strike face is clean of any soil build-up and that the
undesired damage to surfaces and materials such as brick or concrete guide tube is reasonably clean so as not to restrict a free fall. To
paving slabs or smoothly prepared turf surfaces. aid in centering and steadying the guide tube, replace the mold

4
 D5874 – 02 (2007)
collar after trimming the surface of the compacted soil and the Target IV for the desired percent compaction from the
brushing off loose material if necessary. Place the mold with correlation curve. If requested, obtain corresponding unsoaked
the specimen on a firm, smooth base such that it cannot be CBRs on duplicate specimens and plot the IV versus CBR
rocked. Place the impact soil tester on the trimmed surface in relationship.
a vertical position with the guide tube base set inside the mold
collar or centered on the soil. Activate the instrumentation, and 9. Field Trial Procedure to Determine Target IV
without moving the guide tube, apply four free falling blows in 9.1 This procedure determines a Target IV using a field trial
succession from the standard height of drop. Take and record to compact several test strips at differing water conditions
the highest value of the four blows as the IV. using compaction procedures known to be capable of produc-
8. Correlation of IV With Other Soil Properties and ing the required density level.
Determination of a Target IV 9.1.1 Uniformly mix the particular soil to be used in the
field trial. Allow for field moisture curing before compacting if
8.1 A Target Strength, for a particular soil, may be chosen
necessary according to standard water preparation practice for
from the following IV correlations. All procedures given below
the particular soil. Prepare four test strips of uniform layer
for determination of a Target IV are performed with a com-
thickness at different water contents determined visually or
paction curve according to either Test Method D698 or D1557.
predetermined by laboratory tests to bracket optimum water
Each of the following three procedures apply to density or
content. It is suggested that the test strips be not less than one
CBR correlations. Where CBR correlations are requested, a
roller width by five roller lengths (including the prime mover),
duplicate specimen is required for each of the following
and that testing be confined to a central three roller length
procedures, that is, an IV test is performed on one specimen
section of each test strip. The layer thickness may be varied to
and an unsoaked CBR test is carried out on the duplicate
suit the material type and compaction equipment being used. In
specimen.
general, a loose placed nominal layer thickness of 230 mm (9
8.1.1 Target IV at Optimum Water Content Only—After
in.) gives a final compacted layer thickness of 150 mm (6 in.).
determining the optimum water content of the sample in
accordance with either Test Method D698 or D1557, compact 9.1.2 For each test strip, randomly perform at least five IV
a specimen in a mold as described in 6.2 to the desired tests after the second, fourth, eighth, and sixteenth successive
optimum water content and maximum dry unit weight or roller pass. Calculate and record the mean IV for each set of
percent compaction using the specified compaction procedure impact tests for each test strip at the completion of each of the
from soil prepared to within 60.5 % of optimum water above designated number of roller passes. It is important that
content. Obtain Target IV according to 7.6. If requested, obtain there is no significant change in the water content of the test
an unsoaked CBR according to Test Method D1883 on a strips throughout the trial.
duplicate specimen. 9.1.3 Determine the field water content of each test strip at
8.1.2 Target IV from a Range of Water Contents— the completion of the field trial in accordance with either Test
Determine the optimum water content of the sample according Method D4643 or D4959. Plot a correlation curve for the mean
to either Test Method D698 or D1557. Prepare four specimens IV at the sixteenth roller pass for each test strip versus the
using the mold size as described in 6.2 at a range of water water content. Determine the Target IV from the correlation
contents such that they bracket the optimum water content. The curve at the point at which an increase in water content results
water contents shall vary about 2 %. Compact each specimen in a corresponding loss of strength. The roller efficiency may
using 100 % compactive effort according to the nominated be evaluated by comparing the number of roller passes versus
compaction method. Obtain an IV according to 7.6 for each the mean IV for each test strip at each water content.
specimen molded to produce a curve of IV versus water 9.1.4 If requested, perform a density test on each test strip
content. Determine the Target IV from the correlation curve at after the second, fourth, eighth, and sixteenth roller passes.
the point at which an increase in water content results in a Determine density in accordance with any of these Test
corresponding loss of strength. If requested, obtain correspond- Methods: D1556, D2167, D2937, or D2922.
ing unsoaked CBRs on duplicate specimens and plot the IV 9.1.5 If requested, determine and record the field water
versus CBR relationship. content of each test strip after the second roller pass according
8.1.3 Target IV from a Range of Densities at Optimum Water to the applicable test methods listed in 2.1.
Content—Determine the maximum dry density and optimum NOTE 10—The completion of the field trial after sixteen roller passes is
water content of the sample according to either Test Method nominal only and this number may need to be varied depending on the
D698 or D1557. Compact four specimens all at optimum water roller and material used. Experience, however, has shown that sixteen
content 60.5 % using the mold size as given in 6.2. Compact passes for a heavy roller achieves 100 % modified compactive effort for
each specimen using a differing number of blows per layer for finished layers up to 150 mm (6 in.) thickness.
each specimen. Vary the number of blows per layer as
10. Report
necessary to prepare specimens having unit weights above and
below the desired value, typically covering the range of 90 to 10.1 Report, as a minimum, the following information:
100 % relative compaction. Specimens compacted at 56, 30, 10.1.1 Date of test and procedure used,
20, and 10 blows per layer is satisfactory. Obtain an IV 10.1.2 Operator’s name,
according to 7.6 for each specimen molded. Plot the IV versus 10.1.3 Test location, elevation, thickness of layer tested or
the relative compaction at optimum water content. Determine other pertinent data to locate or identify the test,

5
 D5874 – 02 (2007)
10.1.4 Description or type of soil and, for field procedures, states, and the model number, type and mass of roller used. If
whether compacted or natural, requested to perform density tests, report the density test
10.1.5 For Field Procedure A, the IV, or IV/L, of the soil (in results.
units of ten gravities), 10.1.13 Details of the test where other than the standard
10.1.6 For Field Procedure B, the IV and water content, procedure is used such as mass or dimensions of hammer,
10.1.7 For Field Procedure C, the IV, water content, and height of drop, number of blows, selection of IV from the
density, number of blows, recording in gravities (g) instead of IV units,
10.1.8 For Mold Procedure, the IV, relative density, maxi- mold size.
mum dry density, water content and method used for prepara-
tion and compaction, either Test Method D698 or D1557. If 11. Precision and Bias
another variation of compactive effort has been used, report a 11.1 Precision—No formal round-robin testing using this
full description. test method to determine precision has been completed. Data
10.1.9 For Target IV at Optimum Water Content Only, report from one source performing trial tests on the operational check
according to either Test Method D698 or D1557 as used, ring found that the coefficient of variation for the instrument is
according to 10.1.8, and the Target IV. If an unsoaked CBR has around 2 % or better for good laboratory workshop conditions.
been determined on a duplicate sample, report in addition Data from the same source for testing during roadwork
according to Test Method D1883. construction found a coefficient of variation of 4 % for what
10.1.10 For Target IV from a Range of Water Contents, was considered to represent the upper bound of job uniformity
report according to either Test Method D698 or D1557 as used, to a coefficient of variation of around 20 % for what was
according to 10.1.8 for each specimen, the IV versus the water considered a very variable condition.
content correlation curve, and the determined Target IV. If 11.2 Bias—The limiting factor with respect to this test
unsoaked CBRs were obtained on corresponding duplicate method is that of the inherent non-uniformity of the soil itself.
specimens, report according to Test Method D1883 and the IV There are no absolute values or standards for IV for soils
versus CBR relationship. against which this test method can be compared. This test
10.1.11 For Target IV from a Range of Densities at Optimum method, therefore, has no determinable bias since the values
Water Content, report according to either Test Method D698 or obtained can only be defined in terms of the test method.
D1557 as used, according to 10.1.8 for each specimen, the IV 11.3 Pertinent data from users of this test method on
versus the density correlation curve, and the determined Target precision is being sought.4
IV. If unsoaked CBRs were obtained on corresponding dupli-
cate specimens, report in addition according to Test Method 12. Keywords
D1883 and the IV versus the CBR relationship. 12.1 acceptance test; clegg impact value; compaction con-
10.1.12 For 9 Field Trial Procedure to Determine Target IV, trol; impact soil test; impact test; impact test hammer; impact
report for each test strip all the mean IVs and the corresponding value; light impact value; soil test; stabilization testing;
number of roller passes, the water content at the completion of strength test; trench testing; turf testing
the field trial, and, if requested, the water content after the
second roller pass. Plot the correlation curve of the mean IV at 4
Please submit pertinent data to Subcommittee D18.08 for inclusion in the
the sixteenth roller pass versus the water content. Report the revision of this test method. Send your data to ASTM Headquarters, c/o D18.08
determined Target IV, layer thickness at loose and compacted Subcommittee Chairman, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conskohocken, PA 19428.

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. Apparatus

A1.1 The following sections provide additional specific

details on the test apparatus described in this test method.

6
 D5874 – 02 (2007)

A2. Standard Hammer (4.5 kg)

A2.1 The standard hammer, consisting of a cylindrical steel

hammer body, an accelerometer and handle assembly, shall
have a mass of between 4.50 kg (9.92 lbm), and 4.60 kg (10.14
lbm) inclusive. A typical configuration is shown in Fig. 4 and
Fig. A2.1. The end of the hammer with the striking face shall
be hardened steel, circular, and planar. The hammer body shall
have a diameter of 50 mm 6 0.2 mm (1.97 6 0.008 in.).
Typically the hammer body is inscribed with a circumferential
groove to mark the set height of drop as given in A2.1.3, or
otherwise marked to achieve the desired drop height. An
accelerometer rated at a minimum of 5000 gravities is securely
fastened to the top of the hammer body and preferably covered
with a protective cap. The hammer body has either a tubular
handle or drop cord centrally coupled or fastened to the top of
the protective cap above the accelerometer on the top of the
hammer body. If the hammer has a drop cord instead of a
tubular handle, this is not considered as part of the mass but
any strain relief fitting on the hammer is considered as part of
the mass. If an electrical cable is used to connect the hammer’s
accelerometer to an external meter box or oscilloscope, this
electrical cable, and drop cord if used in place of a tubular
handle, should be as short and light as practical. A cable length
of 1 m (3 ft, 3 in.) is suitable for use with a hand held meter
box. A tubular handle should terminate in a T-piece.
A2.1.1 The shaft of the handle may have a scale graduated
in units of 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) with the scale reading in an
upwards direction for at least twenty units and placed on the
handle shaft so the zero is level with the top rim edge of the
guide tube when the hammer is in the rest position with the
underside of the hammer flush with the underside of the guide
tube base. If desired, this scale may be used to measure to the
nearest full unit the depth of residual penetration of the
hammer into the soil so that data may be collected for residual
surface penetration versus IV.
A2.1.2 Electronic Instrumentation—The impact soil tester
is electronically instrumented to read and hold the peak
deceleration of the hammer, filtered to limit the frequency to
below 7 kHz, from zero to 1000 gravities 610 gravities, and
displaying in units of IV (10 gravities) or alternately having the
accelerometer attached by an electrical cable to an oscilloscope
in such a way that the IV may be determined.
A2.1.3 Guide Tube— A vented guide tube of nominal 50.8
mm (2 in.) diameter, such as to not restrict a free fall of the
hammer is used to control the height of drop between 450 mm
(17.72 in.) and 460 mm (18.11 in.) inclusive for the 4.5 kg (10
lbm) hammer as measured from the underside of the hammer
strike face when the hammer is in the raised position in the
guide tube to the extreme underside of the guide tube base. The
height of drop is indicated when the lower edge of the
circumferential groove mark on the hammer body or other
fashioned mark is in alignment with the top edge of the guide FIG. A2.1 Illustration (Cross Section) of a 4.5 kg Impact Soil
tube (see Fig. A2.1). The guide tube shall have a circular base Tester With Hammer in the Raised Position
flange having a nominal outside diameter of 150 mm (5.9 in.),
but no greater than will allow the guide tube flange to easily
slip into the 152.4 mm (6.0 in.) mold used in Test Method D698 Procedure C, Test Method D1557 Procedure C or Test

7
 D5874 – 02 (2007)
Method D1883. The circular base flange is recessed on the
underside so that it rests only around its perimeter.
A2.1.4 Light Hammer (0.5 kg)—The impact soil tester for
the light hammer shall be similar in design to the device in Fig.
4 with the following modifications to the hammer (Fig. A2.2):
The assembled hammer shall have a mass of between 0.50 kg
(1.10 lbm) and 0.513 kg (1.13 lb) inclusive. The light hammer
body shall be of solid cylindrical PVC plastic of a diameter of
50 mm 6 0.2 mm (1.97 6 0.008 in.) with a planar and circular
strike face. An accelerometer rated at a minimum of 5000
gravities is securely fastened to the top of the hammer body
and preferably cover with a protective cap. The protective cap
or other assembly shall have an electrical connector in place of
the tubular handle in A2.1. The light hammer is raised by
means of a coaxial cable attached to the electrical connector on
the hammer. Include any strain relief fitting on the hammer as
a part of the hammer mass. Do not include the coaxial cable
and any strain relief cord as part of the hammer mass; however,
it should be as light and short as practical. A cable length of
around 1170 mm (3 ft. 10 in.) is suitable when using a hand
held meter box. The height of drop, as measured from the
underside of the strike face of the light hammer to the extreme
underside of the guide tube base when the light hammer is in
the raised position, is between 300 mm (11.8 in.) and 305 mm
(12 in.) inclusive. The correct height of drop may be set by a
mark on the coaxial cable or hammer so that when the hammer
is in the raised position, the lower edge of the mark is flush
with the top of the guide tube, or instead by inserting a spacer FIG. A2.2 Light Hammer
with a hollow core for the coaxial cable to pass through in the
top of the guide tube. A spacer and guide tube shall each be of is drawn up to the spacer during operation, the hammer is at the
a length and assembled in a manner that when the light hammer set height of drop.

A3. Operational Check Ring

A3.1 Verify the correct operation of the 4.5 kg (10 lbm) valve and tolerance, both in tens of gravities, and the nominal
impact soil tester using a polyurethane plastic check ring with hammer mass in kilograms. For the 0.5 kg (1.1 lbm) light
the nominal dimensions of 50 mm (1.97 in.) OD, 30 mm (1.18 hammer a ring of the same material type, stiffness and overall
in.) ID, by 10 mm (0.39 in.) thick of a stiffness to give the dimensions as the one described above, but with the cross-
meter a readout value in tens of gravities of around 30 with a section thickness adjusted to provide values in tens of gravities
62 tolerance when the ring is placed on an appropriate surface of around 40 and marked accordingly is used to verify correct
and the hammer is dropped from the set height of drop onto the operation.
ring. A ring shall be marked with the correct operational check

8
 D5874 – 02 (2007)
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This section identifies the location of changes to this standard that have been incorporated since the 1995
edition that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Added Practice D6026 caveat to Scope Section. determining water content.
(2) Added Test Methods D4643, D4959, and Practice D6026 to (4) Editorial changes to compy iwth current ASTM form and
Referenced Documents Section. style and D18 Procedures.
(3) Added Test Methods D4643, D4959 to Section 9.1.3 for (5) Added Summary of Changes Section.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the ASTM website (www.astm.org/
COPYRIGHT/).