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  • Classification & Index Tests

Classification and Index Tests

Test NameStandardCostMore DetailExample Report
Moisture ContentASTM D2216$28 Example Report
Moisture & DensityASTM D7263B
2-2.5" Diameter		$32 Example Report
ASTM D7263B
3" Diameter		$48
ASTM D7263B
4" Diameter		$117
ASTM D7263B
6"Diameter		$187
ASTM D7263A
(For irregularly
shaped samples
of soil or rock)		$118Example Report
Atterberg Limits
(Liquid & Plastic Limits)		ASTM D4318
Dry Prep Method
(CTL Default)		$215 Details Example Report
ASTM D4318
Wet Prep Method		$308
Particle Size AnalysisASTM D1140
-#200 Wash		$102 Example Report
ASTM D422
Sieve		$143
ASTM D422
Sieve & Hydrometer		$242Example Report
Bulk
(Additional charge
for splitting sample
due to large particles,
or small sample
volume, applicable to
any Particle Size
Analysis.)		$95
Specific GravityASTM D854$125 Example Report
ASTM C127$208Example Report
ASTM C128$233
Organic ContentASTM D2974$118 Example Report
PorosityASTM D7263
(Total Porosity)		$152
ASTM D6836m
(Effective Porosity)		$318Example Report
Pinhole DispersionASTM D4647B$561 Example Report
Double HydrometerASTM D4221$561Example Report
Slake DurabilityASTM D4644$257
Logging of Shelby Tube-$117 Details

Moisture Content (ASTM D2216)

Sample Requirements
Sample Type: Sample can be delivered to the lab in a bulk sample (disturbed) or in a sample tube (undisturbed).
Sample Size: The moisture content sample size is dependent on the maximum particle size as shown in the table below.

Sieve Size Method A Method B
3″ 5kg 50kg
1.5″ 1kg 10kg
3/4″ 250g 2.5kg
3/8″ 50g 500g
#4 20g 100g
#10 20g 20g

Note:* Method A recorded to 1%; Method B recorded to 0.1%
** If the sample is undisturbed the test mass may be limited due to the tube size.
*** For water contents being determined with other ASTM test methods, the specimen mass requirement stated in that method shall be
used if one is provided.

Sample Handling & Sample Storage:
Samples should be sealed in air tight containers so as not to lose moisture. Samples can be disturbed (in a loose state) for this test.

Turnaround Time:
2 days depending on quantity and lab workload.

Moisture & Density (ASTM D7263b)

Sample Requirements

Diameters: 2.0″, 2.5″, 3.0″, 4.0″, and 6.0″. We can test smaller diameter samples but, in our experience, the likelihood of sample disturbance
increases significantly as the sample diameter decreases. We can test 6″ diameter Shelby tubes. The cost increases as the sample diameter increases, (see fee schedule).

Height: 2.0″ minimum

Containers: Samples should be contained in typical brass or steel sampling tubes or liners, also known as Shelby or Pitcher tubes. Sample containers should be sealed to prevent moisture loss.

Sample Storage: Samples do not need to be kept on ice (and definitely should not be frozen). It is best to keep them cool to avoid moisture loss.

Sample Handling: Handle samples gently to prevent disturbance.

Turnaround Time: 2-3 days depending on quantity and workload.

Test Procedures:
Method A coats the sample with wax and uses a displacement method to determine the density. We use this method for irregular shaped samples.
Method B uses a direct measurement with calipers for cylindrical shaped samples.

Method B is our default method.

Notes: *For more information on sample handling and storage see ASTM D4220

Liquid & Plastic Limits (ASTM D4318)

Sample Requirements –

Sample Container: Sample should be kept at field moisture content in any type of airtight container.

Sample Size: 300 grams. (More if sample is gravelly)

Sample Handling: Sample can be disturbed (in a loose state) so no special handling is required.

Sample Storage: Sample does not need to be kept on ice. Cool is ok but do not freeze.

Turnaround Time: Wet prep, about one week. Dry prep, about 4 days, both depending on quantity and workload.

Test Method: Wet preparation vs Dry prep. Wet preparation is suggested for marine deposit soils and soils containing organics and highly plastic soils.

Note: Our default is Dry prep which is fine for most materials. We will notify you if we think that the wet prep method is more appropriate.

Particle-Size Analysis (ASTM D1140, D422 or D6913)

Sample Requirements
The sieve test (particle size or gradation) includes most sieve sizes down to the #200 (75 microns). If the particle size below the #200 sieve
is desired then a hydrometer test will have to be run in addition to the sieves.

Container: Any type of container is okay as long it is of a non porous material to prevent loss of fines.

Sample Size: For best results, the quantity required for sieve analysis is dependent on the maximum particle size in the sample as shown in the following table.

Largest Particle Size
Minimum Mass in Grams

3/8″ 500
3/4″ 1000
1″ 2000
1.5″ 3000
2″ 4000
3″ 5000

Table Note Source: ASTM D422

Most of the time the sample is a drive sample and the largest particle size is unknown. In that case, we have to test what we have.

Sample Storage: Samples do not have any special storage requirements.

Sample Handling: No special handling is required, sample may be disturbed (in a loose state).

Turnaround Time: 3 days depending on quantity and work load. If hydrometer is included the turnaround time will be 5 days.

Specific Gravity (ASTM C127/C128; D854)

Sample Requirements
+#4 sieve material is run by ASTM C127
-#4 sieve material is run by ASTM C128 or D854
A weighted average is done if the sample requires both methods.

Container: Should prevent loss of fines.

Sample Size: The minimum sample size required is dependent on the maximum particle size in the sample as shown in the table below.

Maximum Particle Size Minimum Mass, lb
1/4″ 0.5 (min 100g)
1/2″ 4.4
3/4″ 6.6
1″ 8.8
1.5″ 11
2″ 18
2.5″ 26
3″ 40
3.5″ 55
4″ 88
5″ 165
Table from ASTM C127

Sample Storage: No special storage requirements.

Sample Handling: No special handling requirements. Sample may be disturbed (in a loose state).

Turnaround Time: 3 days depending on quantity and workload.

Organic Content (ASTM D2974C)

Sample Requirements

Container: Air tight, non-porous material to maintain water content.

Sample Size: 500 grams minimum.

Sample Storage: Sample should be kept cool but not frozen.

Sample Handling: No special handling is required.

Turnaround Time: 3 days depending on quantity and workload.

Pinhole Dispersion Test (ASTM D4647B)

Sample Requirements

Sample Type: Bulk or undisturbed.

Container: Brass or steel Shelby tube for undisturbed sample; bag or other container for bulk sample.

Sample Storage: No special requirements for bulk sample; tape caps of Shelby tube and keep cool but not on ice.

Sample Handling: No special handling for bulk samples; handle with care so as not to disturb for drive samples.

Turnaround Time: 4 days for undisturbed sample, 5 days for remolded sample. Times may very depending on quantity and workload.

Slake Durability (ASTM D4644)

Sample Requirements

Scope and Use: This test Method covers the determination of the slake durability index of a shale or other similar rock after three drying
and wetting cycles with abrasion effects.

Sample Type: Bulk or undisturbed. At least 600 g of 10 rock fragments of approximately 40 to 60g each are required for this test.

Container: No special container required but it should retain the natural water content of the sample.

Diameter & Sample Height: No special requirements for sample diameter as long as the sample contains rock fragments weighing 40 to 60 grams each. Larger rocks
can be broken down to meet the 40-60g weight range.

Sample Storage & Sample Handling: Sample should be kept cool but not frozen and should be maintained at its natural water content. Sample should be transported
in such a way as to avoid breaking down any rock fragments.

Turnaround Time: 4 days depending on quantity and workload. If more than 2 wetting and drying cycles are desired add 1 day for each cycle.

Log Shelby Tube

Sample Requirements: Pitcher or Shelby tube

Sample Processing: All the soil-type changes are noted and measured. If requested a picture is taken of the entire (cut and laid open) sample.

Turnaround Time: The typical time required is one to two days depending on workload.