NUREG/CR-5739

Laboratory Investigations of 

Soils and Rocks for 

Engineering Analysis and 

Design of Nuclear Power Facilities 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research 

Washington, DC 20555-0001 .oG,,
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NUREG/CR-5739

Laboratory Investigations of 

Soils and Rocks for 

Engineering Analysis and 

Design of Nuclear Power Facilities 

Manuscript Completed: October 1999 

Date Published: January 2000 

Prepared by 

T. Holmes, J. P. Koester 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

3909 Halls Ferry Road 

Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199 

E. G. Zurflueh, NRC Project Manager 

Prepared for 

Division of Engineering Technology 

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

Washington, DC 20555-0001 

NRC Job Code W6453
NUREG/CR-5739 has been reproduced 

from the best available copy.
Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks

ABSTRACT 

This document provides technical bases for revision of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regula

tory Guide 1.138, Laboratory Investigations of Soils for Engineering Analysis and Design of Nuclear 

Power Plants, reflecting current and state-of-the-art techniques related to laboratory testing of soils. The 

report summarizes the processes required in a laboratory testing program. Topics range from storage, 

selection, and handling of test specimens, to static and dynamic testing methods and equipment. Specific 

requirements for liquefaction analysis and field site investigations are not addressed in this document but 

are covered in companion technical bases documents.

NUREG/CR-5739 i°°
Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

A BSTRA CT ........................................................................ 111 

PREFA CE . ........... ............................................................. ix

1 INTRODUCTION .................................... ............................ 1

2 LABORATORY FACILITY ......................................................... 1

3 LABORATORY EQUIPMENT .......................... 

3.1 Apparatus ........................................ 

3.1.1 Scholey, et al. (1995) ......................... 

3.1.2 Germaine and Ladd (1988) ..................... 

3.2 Calibration ........................................ 

3.3 Reagents and Water ................................ 

4 HANDLING AND STORAGE OF SAMPLES ............... 

4.1 Disturbed Specimens ............................... 

4.2 Undisturbed Specimens ............................. 

4.3 Rocks ............................................

5 CONCLUSIONS ................. 

5.1 ASTM D 2488 ............ 

5.2 ASTM D 4452 ............... 

5.3 TM 3-357 (1960) ............. 

5.4 RTH 102-93 .................

........................... 4

4 

4 

4 

4

6 SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS .... 

6.1 Undisturbed Samples ................................ 

6.2 Reconstituted or Remolded Samples ..................... 

6.3 Scalping of Large Particles ............................

7 LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAM .............................. 

7.1 Testing Procedures of Determining Static Soil Properties ............. 

7.1.1 Water (Moisture) Content ................................. 

7.1.1.1 ASTM D 425 .................... .............. 

7.1.1.2 ASTM D 1558 .................................. 

7.1.1.3 ASTM D 2216 .................................. 

7.1.1.4 ASTM D 2974 ..................................

7.1.1.5 ASTM D 4643 ................................................... 7 

7.1.1.6 TR GL-88-21 .................................................... 7 

7.1.1.7 Lui and Evett, (1990) .............................................. 7 

7.1.1.8 TR GL-90-26 .................................................... 7 

7.1.1.9 ASTM D 4959 ............................ ............... 7 

7.1.1.10 EM 1110-2-1906 ................................................. 7 

7.1.2 Atterberg Limits ......................................................... 7 

7.1.2.1 ASTM D 427 .................................................... 8 

v NUREG/CR-5739

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Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks 

7.1.2.2 ASTM D 4318 "''."...." '"."..."'."........8 ........

7.1.2.3 ASTM D 4943 ........................................... 8 

7.1.2.4 EM 1110-2-1906 .......................................... 8 

7.1.2.5 EM 1110-2-1906 .......................................... 8 

7.1.2.6 Koester (1992a) ......... .......................................... 8 

7.1.2.7 Bobrowski, et al.(1992) ...................................... 8 

7.1.3 Specific Gravity ......................................................... 8 

7.1.3.1 ASTM D 854 ..................................................... 8 

7.1.3.2 ASTM D 5550 ................................................... 9 

7.1.3.3 EM 1110-2-1906 .................................................. 9 

7.1.4 Gradation Analysis ....................................................... 9 

7.1.4.1 ASTM D 421 .................................................... 9 

7.1.4.2 A ST M D 422 .. - - "........ ... .. ---.. . -............................ 9 

7.1.4.3 ASTM D 2217 .................................................. 10 

7.1.4.4 EM 1110-2-1906 ................................................. 10 

7.1.4.5 Howard and Horz (1988) .......................................... 10 

7.1.5 Erodibility Tests ."..... ....... . . ................ ................ 10 

7.1.5.1 Pinhole Test ............................................ 10 

7.1.5.2 Crumb Test"....................... --...................... 11 

7.1.5.3 Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Dispersion Test ....................... 11 

7.1.5.4 ASTM D 4221 .................................................. 11 

7.1.5.5 Cylinder Dispersion Test ...................................... .... 11 

7.1.6 Com paction ............................................................ 11 

7.1.6.1 ASTM D 698 ................................................... 11 

7.1.6.2 ASTM D 1557 ..................... •........ ................. 11 

7.1.6.3 ASTM D 4253 .. -...... ....... ............................ 11 

7.1.6.4 ASTM D 4254 .......................................... 12 

7.1.6.5 ASTM D 5080 .................................................. 12 

7.1.6.6 EM 1110-2-1906 ................................................. 12 

7.1.7 Perm eability ........................................................... 12 

7.1.7.1 ASTM D 2434 .................................................. 12 

7.1.7.2 ASTM D 5084 .................................................. 12 

7.1.7.3 EM 1110-2-1906 ................................................. 12 

7.1.8 Consolidation ..... .. ..... . .......................................... 12 

7.1.8.1 ASTM D 2435 .................................................. 12 

7.1.8.2 ASTM D 4186 ....... .......................................... 13 

7.1.8.3 EM 1110-2-1906 ................................................. 13 

7.1.9 Shear Strength Tests ..................................................... 13 

7.1.9.1 ASTM D 4648 .................................................. 13 

7.1.9.2 Unconsolidated-Undrained Test (Q (UU) Test) ......................... 13 

7.1.9.3 Consolidated-Undrained Test (R (CU) Test) ....................... 14 

7.1.9.4 Consolidated-Drained ............................................. 14 

7.1.9.5 ASTM D 2166 .................................................. 14 

7.2 Testing Procedures of Determining Dynamic Soil Properties ........................... 14 

7.2.1 Cyclic Triaxial * ......................................................... 14 

7.2.1.1 Tatsuoka, et al. (1994) ............................................ 15 

7.2.1.2 Vucetic and Dobry (1991) ......................................... 16 

7.2.2 Resonant Column ....................................................... 16 

7.2.2.1 ASTM D 4015 .................................................. 16

NUREG/CR-5739 vi
Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks

7.2.2.2 Andr6asson (1981) ............................................... 16 

7.2.3 Resonant Column and Torsional Shear ...................................... 16 

7.2.3.1 Zavoral, et al. (1994) ............................................. 16 

7.2.3.2 Kim, et al. (1991) ................................................ 17 

7.3 Testing Procedures of Determining Engineering Properties of Rock ..................... 17 

7.3.1 Porosity ............................................................... 17 

7.3.2 Perm eability ........................................................... 17 

7.3.3 Seismic Velocity ........................................................ 17 

7.3.4 Direct Tensile Strength ................................................... 18 

7.3.5 Unconfined Compression .................................................. 18 

7.3.5.1 ASTM D 2938 .................................................. 18 

7.3.5.2 ASTM D 3148 .................................................. 18 

7.3.5.3 ASTM D 3967 .................................................. 18 

7.3.6 Triaxial Compression ............................................ 18 

7.3.6.1 ASTM D 5407 ................................................... 18 

7.3.6.2 ASTM D 2664 .................................................. 18 

7.3.7 Slake Durability ........................................................ 18 

8 CONCLUSION .................................................................. 19 

REFERENCES ..................................................................... 19 

APPENDIX A ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS .................................... A-1 

APPENDIX B LABORATORY TESTING METHODS FOR SOIL AND ROCK .............. B-1 

APPENDIX C FIGURES ........................................................... C-1 

APPENDIX D TABLES ........................................................... D-1 

LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1. Consolidation test data on soft clay: a) high quality equipment; b) oedometer ring 

0.2 mm too large (Sallfors, 1989) ............................ ............... C-2 

Figure 2. Simpler version of the sample compressor (Brown and Chow, 1988) ................ C-3 

Figure 3. Plastic limit device (Bobrowski and Griekspoor, 1992) .......................... C-4 

Figure 4. Apparatus for pinhole test: (a) general arrangement, (b) details of nipple (Head, 1994) . C-5 

Figure 5. Diagram of cyclic triaxial test equipment (EM 1110-2-1906, Department of the 

Arm y, 1986) ............................................................ C-6 

Figure 6. Typical analog recordings of load, deformation, and pore pressures during a cyclic 

triaxial test (EM 1110-2-1906, Department of the Army, 1986) .................... C-7 

Figure 7. Cyclic triaxial strength curves for Monterey No. 0 sand (EM 1110-2-1906, 

Department of the Army, 1986) ...................................... C-8 

Figure 8. Error in cyclic stress ratio due to membrane compliance versus D)20 for various 

specimen diameters (Hynes 1988, after Evans 1987) ............................ C-9 

Figure 9. Relations between (a) G/G. versus -f and (b) X versus y, curves and soil plasticity for 

normally and overconsolidated soils (Vucetic and Dobry, 1991) .................. C-10 

Figure 10. Resonant column device (Andr6asson, 1981) ................................. C-11

vii NUREG/CR-5739
Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks

Figure 11. Configuration of simplified resonant column/ torsional shear (RCTS test equipment 

(without outer confinement chamber)) (Kim, et al. 1991) ........................ C-12 

Figure 12. Variation in damping ratio with strain at different loading cycles (for dry sand) 

(Kim , et al., 1991) ...................................................... C-13 

Figure 13. Variation in damping ratio with number of cycles (for dry sand) (Kim, et al., 1991) ... C-13 

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1. Chemical Tests for Soils (Head, 1992) ......................................... D-2 

Table 2. Soil Classification Chart (Unified Soil Classification System, 1960) ................. D-3 

Table 3. Plastic Limit Comparison Testing: Current Hand Method Versus Rolling Device 

(Bobrowski and Griekspoor, 1992) ............................................ D-4 

Table 4. Plastic Limit Comparison Testing: Current Versus Rolling Device (Bobrowski and 

Griekspoor, 1992) ......................................................... D-5 

Table 5. Comparison of Specimen Size for Gradation Testing (Howard and Horz, 1988) ......... D-6 

Table 6. Recommended Minimum Test Specimen Masses (Howard and Horz, 1988) ............ D-7

NUREG/CR-5739 vi°i
Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks

PREFACE 

The study covered by this report was performed by the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Sta

tion (WES) for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under Inter-Agency Agreement RES-95

006 during the period June 1995 to January 1999. The study was directed by Mr. Robert Kornasiewicz, 

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, NRC. 

The report was prepared by Ms. Tina Holmes of the Soil and Rock Mechanics Division (S&RMD) and 

Dr. Joseph P. Koester of the Earthquake Engineering and Geosciences Division (EEGD), Geotechnical 

Laboratory, WES. External review was provided by the following individuals, whose insightful and 

thorough critique was essential and very much appreciated: Dr. Gonzalo Castro, GEI Consultants, Inc., 

Professor Charles Ladd, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M1T), Prof. Tom Brandon, Virginia 

Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Professor Robert Whitman, MIT (retired). 

At the time of publication of this report, Commander and Acting Director of WES was COL Robin R. 

Cababa, EN.

ix NUREG/CR-5739
1. Introduction

1 INTRODUCTION 

This document provides a technical basis for revision of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regu

latory Guide 1.138, "Laboratory Investigations of Soils for Engineering Analysis and Design of Nuclear 

Power Facilities." It was prepared to provide information on laboratory testing procedures and issues 

that have developed and been put into practice since the current Regulatory Guide. A companion techni

cal bases document details on-site investigations for foundations of nuclear facilities and refers to this 

report with regard to soils testing practice (Torres, 1998). 

This report is organized in the manner of the 1978 Regulatory Guide, except where new testing methods 

applicable to the determination of engineering properties for nuclear facility foundations were not 

reported therein. The report will serve as an index of references that should be consulted for procedural 

details; it is not a manual that describes all steps in the various laboratory soils tests. Reviews and dis

cussions of specific test procedures or equipment in this report are not intended as official endorsements. 

Where existing guidance referenced in the previous Regulatory Guide is sufficient and represents the cur

rent state of geotechnicaI engineering practice, no update is indicated. Where improvements or new tech

niques have evolved, descriptions are provided. The following team of technical specialists was formed 

to provide oversight and counsel during the development of this report, for which the authors are very 

grateful: 

Dr. John Christian, Consultant 

Professor Carl Costantino, City College of New York, retired 

Professor W. D. Liam Finn, University of British Columbia 

Professor I. M. Idriss, University of California, Davis 

Professor Robert V. Whitman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, retired 

The state of laboratory soils testing practice hasremained largely stable since 1978, and conservatism 

implicit in the measurement and reporting of engineering properties is still appropriate in most cases. 

Many of the technological advances made in engineering practice during the previous 20 years have 

resulted in more prevalent automation of procedures and increased speed of data acquisition and process

ing. Faster turn-around of laboratory testing and delivery of results is not universally a consequence of 

these advances, however, owing to the time-dependency of many soils phenomena. For the most part, 

soils laboratory testing is less tedious and labor-intensive than in 1978. 

2 LABORATORY FACILITY 

The overall design requirements for a laboratory facility have not changed during the past ten years. The 

basic requirements are still adequate test space, temperature controlled areas, adequate ventilation and air 

flow, etc. Every facility should be equipped with the proper equipment, (from calipers and sieves to tri

axial testing devices) necessary to perform the type of test for which the facility was designed.

1 NUREG/CR-5739
3. Laboratory Equipment

3 LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 

Accuracy in measurements is of utmost importance to those engaged in testing of soils. Inaccurate mea

surements will produce test results which are valueless and misleading. Corps of Engineers Laboratory 

Soils Testing Manual EM 1110-2-1906 (Department of the Army, 1986) describes the more common 

possible errors associated with the procedures described therein. Use and care of laboratory equipment 

are also discussed in detail in EM 1110-2-1906, as well as in Das (1992), and Head (1992). Specifica

tions for balances and scales are described in ASTM D 4753. 

3.1 Apparatus 

In soil testing, as in all laboratory work, it is necessary to take and record measurements of different 

kinds. Instruments such as gages, calipers, dials, balances, sieves, etc. are basic measuring devices used 

in laboratory testing. Tests that require special measuring instruments will require procedural guidance 

specific to the instruments. 

3.1.1 Scholey, et al. (1995) 

The authors present a review of instruments used for measuring small strain. Their paper discusses the 

sources of potential errors when strains are derived from conventional deformation measurements for 

analyzing soil stiffness, the requirements of instruments suitable for small strain measurement during 

triaxial tests, and the mode of operation, benefits, and limitations of the instruments. Scholey, et al. 

(1995) also summarize the characteristics of an ideal system for small strain measurements. 

3.1.2 Germaine and Ladd (1988) 

The problems associated with triaxial testing of saturated cohesive soils are discussed in this report. 

Their conclusions include the errors in testing that may be caused by the equipment or procedures used, 

such as membrane and filter drain resistance, piston friction, and leakage of water and gas. 

3.2 Calibration 

It should never be assumed that even the simplest equipment works as intended. Weights can vary from 

their claimed value, or ovens may not maintain a constant temperature (Clayton, et al.,1995). Instrument 

calibrations may be performed either by an outside organization or in-house using the laboratory's own 

standards of reference. EM 1110-2-1909 (Department of the Army, 1986) provides procedures recom

mended by the Corps of Engineers' soils laboratories for the calibration of testing equipment. ASTM 

D 3740 also provides information on equipment calibration. 

Salifors (1989) demonstrates the importance of equipment calibration. In his paper, equipment was cali

brated by performing parallel tests by eight different laboratories on identical samples. It was found that 

two of the laboratories had oedometer rings a few tenths of a millimeter too wide. Figure 1 compares 

data from a suitable ring to that of an oversized ring. The preconsolidation pressure of ring B differed 

consistently by more than 10 percent for those performed on ring A. Frequent checking of equipment 

against laboratory standards can guard against most inaccuracies.

NUREG/CR-5739 2
3. Laboratory Equipment 

3.3 Reagents and Water 

Chemical testing in a soil laboratory is usually limited to routine tests. These tests determine such con

stituents as organic matter, chlorides, pH value, and sulfates. Table 1 is excerpted from Head (1992) and 

provides information on the most widely used chemical tests for soils and groundwater. 

4 HANDLING AND STORAGE OF SAMPLES 

The identification markings of all samples should be verified immediately upon their arrival at the labo

ratory, and an inventory of the samples received should be maintained. Further information on handling 

and storage of soil samples can be found in ASTM D 4220. Samples requiring special treatment should 

be detailed in the specific testing procedures. 

4.1 Disturbed Specimens 

Samples should be examined and tested as soon as possible after arrival; however, in the case of large 

testing programs, storage of samples may be required for several days or weeks. 

4.2 Undisturbed Specimens 

Undisturbed specimens must be protected from damage from vibration, shock, or freezing and from 

changes in water content. They should be stored in humid rooms and may require rewaxing and relabel

ing before being stored. Even the most careful sealing and storing of undisturbed samples cannot prevent 

physical and chemical changes. Therefore, the samples should not be retained for long periods, particu

larly if in contact with unprotected steel sampling tubes. Storage for long periods of time may discredit 

any subsequent determinations of their engineering properties. 

In the case of clay specimens, the delay between sampling and testing and the control kept over their vol

umes during storage are known to affect the strengths and compressibilities measured in the laboratory. 

These measured properties will also be affected by the reconsolidation procedures. Graham, et al. (1990) 

describes tests on reconstituted specimens of illite that were stored for fixed periods of up to one week, 

reconsolidated using three different procedures, and then sheared undrained. When this was done the 

undrained strength and porewater pressure results varied by about ±5 to 6 percent, with larger differ

ences expected in the relative stiffness. 

Brown and Chow (1988) describe a simple form of a sample compressor, designed to prevent deteriora

tion of clay samples during storage. In laboratory tests, reconstituted kaolin was used to determine the 

effects on the modulus and strength of two different methods of sample storage after unloading, it was 

found that the use of the sample compressor to restore the in situ vertical effective stress was successful 

in reducing the deterioration of samples between loading and testing. 

Figure 2 shows a simpler version of the compressor. This version does not enable measurement of sam

ple compression, but may nearly eliminate deterioration, provided the spring is sufficiently compressible. 

The use of the sample compressor is believed to be based on sounder principle than any method that 

relies on sealing the sample against ingress of air or water while negative pore pressures exist inside the 

sample.

3 NUREG/CR-5739
5. Description and Identification of Soil and Rock Samples

4.3 Rocks 

Rock samples should be transported as a fragile material and protected from excessive changes in humid

ity and temperature. Like soil samples, rock samples should be examined and tested as soon as possible. 

They may however, be stored for several days or weeks for a large testing program. Every effort must be 

made to protect stored samples against damage. 

5 CONCLUSIONS 

The initial laboratory description of a sample should include but not be limited to what is seen, felt, and 

smelled. 

5.1 ASTM D 2488 

Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure). This practice was origi

nally published in 1966. The latest approval version, in 1993, incorporated the addition of X5 as one of 

the abbreviated soil classification symbols. It also describes the procedures necessary for the description 

and identification of a soil sample. It is based primarily on visual identification and manual tests. This 

standard practice also allows identification of soils based on the classification system characterized in 

ASTM D 2487. 

5.2 ASTM D 4452 

X-Ray radiography of soil samples. This standard was published in 1985, it can be used to determine the 

quality of a sample before testing. It is especially useful for undisturbed samples. X-raying the sample 

before testing allows the detection of inherent abnormalities and disturbances. Such information allows 

comparison with the sample after testing to determine the effects of the test on the sample. 

5.3 TM 3-357 (1960) 

The unified soil classification system (USCS). This technical manual (TM) describes the various soil 

groups in detail and discusses the method of identification in order that a uniform classification proce

dure may be followed by those that use the system. Table 2 details how to identify and describe a soil 

according to the USCS. 

5.4 RTH 102-93 

(Rock Testing Handbook, 1993) Recommended practice for petrographic examination of rock cores. 

This practice was published in 1990 and modified in 1993, it describes the procedures used in the petro

graphic examination of rock core samples. Petrographic examination could use procedures such as light 

microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential thermal analysis, or infrared spectroscopy. Petro

graphic examinations are made to determine the physical and chemical properties of a material, to 

describe and classify a sample, and to determine amount of specific materials that may affect the speci

men's intended use.

NUREG/CR-5739 4
6. Selection and Preparation of Test Specimens

6 SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS 

During preparation, contact with surfaces contaminated by oils or other substances may alter the proper

ties of the sample. This altering of properties could give misleading test results. Therefore, care should 

be taken to assure that all surfaces are free from contaminants. When cutting fluids are required during 

preparations, water is the preferred liquid unless testing procedures state otherwise for the type of test 

performed. 

6.1 Undisturbed Samples 

The preparation of undisturbed test samples should be conducted to preserve the natural structure and 

water content of the material. Careless handling of the sample during preparation could result in errone

ous test data. The sample should always be prepared in a humid room. Trimming instruments should be 

sharp and clean and the sample adequately supported. 

6.2 Reconstituted or Remolded Samples 

Laboratory personnel should record a complete detailed description of the specimen. The description 

should include but not be limited to identification of the material, color an consistency, brittleness of the 

material, and indication of disturbance of boring samples. Disturbed samples should not be used for any 

test other than classification, specific gravity, or water content according to EM 1110-2-1906. The diffi

culty inherent in sampling many soils and maintaining their in situ structure makes this prohibition 

impractical, however; laboratory test series on reconstituted specimens may provide useful strength 

behavior information for parametric studies. Cyclic strength measurement is particularly sensitive to 

effects of sample disturbance and is treated with more detail in the companion report on liquefaction 

potential evaluation for nuclear power facilities. 

6.3 Scalping of Large Particles 

Standard-sized laboratory testing equipment will not readily accommodate gravel and larger particles. 

Such materials are typically scalped, or removed from the total sample and the finer fraction tested. A 

research study on earth-rock mixtures was conducted at the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment 

Station to determine particle size and gradation effects on engineering behavior of these materials. Com

paction control measures are specifically reported by Torrey and Donaghe (1991, available from NTIS, 

NO. A241703), which provides recommendations for compaction testing equipment, procedures, and 

data interpretation where gravelly soils are of concern. Fractional analysis of density to account for 

scalped gradation is described in that report for situations where larger-scale laboratory devices are not 

available. Evans and Zhou (1995) report the effects on cyclic strength of inclusion of gravel size parti

cles in various gradations of granular soils. The authors contend that scalping may result in underestima

tion of cyclic strength when the finer remaining fraction is tested at the same relative density as the in 

situ material. A method for estimating equivalent fraction density is proposed to account for the 

increased cyclic strength resulting from inclusion of the gravel particles.

5 NUREG/CR-5739
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7 LABORATORY TESTING PROGRAM 

The study of soil and rock mechanics covers the investigation, description, classification, testing and 

analysis of soil and rock to determine their interaction with structures built in or upon them, or built with 

them. The physical properties of soils and rocks are often determined by carrying out tests on samples of 

soil in a laboratory. These tests can be divided into two main categories: classification tests and engi

neering properties tests. Classification tests indicate the general type of soil and the engineering category 

to which it belongs. Engineering properties are determined by specific tests that require careful consider

ation of field conditions, various design loading conditions, material properties, and possible problems at 

the site. 

The focus of laboratory investigations will depend on the design requirements and the nature of problems 

encountered or suspected at the site. Specific testing requirements and details of testing procedures will 

depend on the nature of the soils and rocks. It is common practice to modify the testing procedures to 

meet specific requirements of an investigation. A laboratory testing program should be designed to sup

plement and refine the information obtained from the subsurface investigation and field tests. 

The goal of this report is to give a general update on the state of soil and rock laboratory testing. Refer

ences are provided for specific guidance on individual procedures; details are included in this document 

only where they are otherwise inaccessible to the general practice. 

7.1 Testing Procedures of Determining Static Soil Properties 

Classification tests and determination of engineering properties should be performed according to an 

accepted and published method. Procedures for some of the most common tests along with other related 

references are shown in Appendix B. The following information elaborates, where necessary, on the 

description of the standard or procedure and states the origination and/or revised date of the procedure 

listed in Appendix B. 

7.1.1 Water (Moisture) Content 

The water content (or moisture content) of soil is defined as the ratio of the weight of water in a speci

men to the weight of solids in the specimen, expressed as a percentage. 

7.1.1.1 ASTM D 425. Centrifuge Moisture Equivalent of Soils. The original version of this procedure 

was published in 1979; the standard was revised in 1988 and reapproved in 1994. This test determines 

the moisture equivalent. It is limited to coarse-grained soil having fines of low plasticity and to soil pass

ing the 2.00-mm sieve. 

7.1.1.2 ASTM D 1558. Moisture Content Penetration Resistance Relationships of Fine-Grained 

Soils. Originally published in 1958 and revised in 1994, this standard procedure determines the 

moisture-penetration resistance relationship of fine-grained soils as determined using the soil 

penetrometer. 

7.1.1.3 ASTM D 2216. Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock. 

This standard was originally published in 1963 and revised in 1992, and covers determination of the 

water (moisture) content of soil, rock, and similar materials by mass.

NUREG/CR-5739 6
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.1.1.4 ASTM D 2974. Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Peat and Other Organic Soils. This 

standard was originally published in 1971, and was revised in 1987 and reapproved in 1995. It deter

mines the moisture content, ash content, and organic matter in peats and other organic soils. 

7.1.1.5 ASTM D 4643. Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Microwave Oven 

Method. Originally published in 1987 and revised in 1993, this method determines the water (moisture) 

content of soils by incrementally drying soil in a microwave oven. It is applicable to most soil types. 

7.1.1.6 TR GL-88-21. Computer-Controlled Microwave Oven System for Rapid Water Content Deter

mination. A microwave oven system (equipment and technique) developed for rapid, accurate, and relia

ble determination of the water content of inorganic soils is described in Gilbert (1988). This system 

dries soils specimens and gives accurate water contents within a time frame of 10 to 15 minutes. This 

saves much time over the conventional oven method. 

7.1.1.7 Lui and Evett, (1990). The microwave oven method is much quicker than the conventional 

oven method; it has been shown to give reliable results for most soil types. The procedures used by this 

method may not give reliable results for (1) soils containing significant amounts of mica, gypsum, 

halloysite, montmorillonite, or other hydrated materials; (2) highly organic soils; or (3) soils in which the 

pore water contains dissolved solids. 

The microwave oven method generally gives results comparable to those obtained using conventional 

ovens, but if there are questions of accuracy between the two methods, the conventional oven method 

takes precedence. The microwave oven method is not a replacement for the conventional oven method, 

but is to be used as a supplement when rapid results are needed to expedite other phases of testing. 

7.1.1.8 TR GL-90-26. Computer-Controlled Microwave Drying of Potentially Difficult Organic and 

Inorganic Soils. Gilbert (1990) extended the use of the microwave oven method for water content deter

muination to include difficult organic and inorganic soils. The difficult soils investigated are gravels and 

earth-rock mixture, dredged materials, fly ash, gypsum rich soils, calcite rich soils, peat, and tropical 

residual soils. The microwave oven system was evaluated and found to be adequate for use in the field. 

7.1.1.9 ASTM D 4959. Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Direct Heating 

Method. Originally published in 1989, this procedure is used to determine the water (moisture) content 

of soils by drying with direct heat, such as using a hotplate, stove, blowtorch, etc. This method is not a 

replacement for D 2216 but is to be used as a substitute when more rapid and less accurate results are 

acceptable or desired to expedite other phases of testing. 

7.1.1.10 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix I, Water Content - General. This manual describes the proce

dures for determining the water content of soil according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers using the 

conventional oven drying method. It was originally published in 1970 and reprinted with corrections in 

1986. 

7.1.2 Atterberg Limits 

Atterberg limits are water contents which define the limits of the various stages of consistency of a soil. 

The liquid limit (LL) and the plastic limit (PL) define the upper and lower limits, respectively, of the 

plastic range of a soil. The numerical difference between these two limits represents the plasticity of a 

soil and is termed the plasticity index (PI). The shrinkage limit (SL) defines the lower limit of the semi

solid range of a soil.

7 NUREG/CR-5739
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.1.2.1 ASTM D 427. Shrinkage Factors of Soils by the Mercury Method. Originally published in 

1935 and revised in 1993, this method determines the data to calculate the shrinkage limit and shrinkage 

ratio. 

7.1.2.2 ASTM D 4318. Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils. This standard was 

originally published in 1983 and revised in 1995. It replaces standards D 423 and D 424. This standard 

provides both the wet and dry methods allowed for preparation of test specimens. 

7.1.2.3 ASTM D 4943. Shrinkage Factors of Soils by the Wax Method. Originally published in 1989 

and revised in 1995, this standard specifies procedures for determining the shrinkage limit of soils. The 

data obtained may be used to calculate the shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage, and linear shrinkage. 

The test is only applicable for cohesive soils that pass the No. 40 (425 Jtm) sieve. 

7.1.2.4 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix IIB, Shrinkage Limit Test. This engineering manual describes 

the apparatus, procedures, and formulas for the calculation of the shrinkage limit (SL), shrinkage ratio 

(R), and linear shrinkage Ls. 

7.1.2.5 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix III, Liquid and Plastic Limits. Detailed procedures for determin

ing the liquid and plastic limits for use in classifying soils are given along with possible errors. 

7.1.2.6 Koester (1992a). Koester examined laboratory procedures used to determine Atterberg limits of 

cohesive soils observed to have liquefied in the People's Republic of China (PRC) during the 1976 

Tangshan earthquake. The paper summarizes earlier comparisons of liquid limit values measured using a 

variety of procedures and also presents results of a limited laboratory test series comparing liquid and 

plastic limits measured using United States (U.S.) and PRC methods (the latter employing a laboratory 

fal-sone penetrometer) for artificial mixtures and natural low-to-medium plasticity soils. The paper 

reports that liquid limits may vary slightly when determined using U.S. (Casagrande cup) and other fall

cone devices; the variations may be significant to the determination of liquefaction potential in low

plasticity silty soils. 

Liquid limit data obtained for silts by means of the Casagrande device exhibit considerable scatter; how

ever, the Casagrande method is the currently accepted U.S. standard. 

7.1.2.7 Bobrowski, et a1.(1992). Bobrowski, et al. describes the design and use of a new device used to 

determine the plastic limit (Figure 3). This device tries to eliminate the factors associated with the 

human hand that may affect the plastic limit results. Factors such as the size and shape of an individual's 

hand can determine when the thin thread of soil crumbles while being rolled. The results of correlation 

testing are shown in Tables 3 and 4. 

7.1.3 Specific Gravity 

The term specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of material to the weight 

of an equal volume of water. 

7.1.3.1 ASTM D 854. Specific Gravity of Soils. Originally published in 1945 and revised in 1992, this 

procedure determines the specific gravity of the soil that passes the No. 4 sieve by way of a pycnometer.

NUREG/CR-5739 8
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.1.3.2 ASTM D 5550. Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer. This method was published 

in 1994 and determines the specific gravity of soil solids by means of a gas pycnometer. Particle size is 

limited by the dimensions of the specimen container of the particular pycnometer being used. 

7.1.3.3 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix IV, Specific Gravity. The specific gravity of soil is expressed in 

three different forms in Corps of Engineer guidance: 

the specific gravity of solids, G, 

the apparent specific gravity, Ga 

the bulk specific gravity, Gm. 

The specific gravity is applied to soils finer than the No. 4 sieve. The apparent specific gravity and the 

bulk specific gravity are applied to soils retained on the No.4 sieve. 

7.1.3.3.1 Specific Gravity of Solids. The specific gravity of solids of a soil is the ratio of the weight in 

air of a given volume of soil particles at a stated temperature to the weight in air of an equal volume of 

distilled water at a stated temperature. The specific gravity of solids is not applied to coarse particles 

because they normally contain voids from which air cannot be displaced unless the particles are ground 

into finer particles to eliminate the voids. 

7.1.3.3.2 Apparent Specific Gravity. The apparent specific gravity of a soil is the ratio of the weight in 

air of a given volume of the impermeable portion of a permeable material (that is, the solid matter includ

ing its impermeable pores or voids) at a stated temperature to the weight in air of an equal volume of dis

tilled water at a stated temperature. When dealing with coarser particles it is more convenient to work 

with the apparent specific gravity of the particle mass. 

7.1.3.3.3 Bulk Specific Gravity. The bulk specific gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a given 

volume of a permeable material (including both permeable and impermeable voids normal to the 

material) at a stated temperature to the weight in air of an equal volume of distilled water at a stated 

temperature. The bulk specific gravity is used in special calculations, such as correction of density and 

water content for soils containing gravel sizes. 

7.1.4 Gradation Analysis 

Gradation (grain-size) analysis is a process in which the proportion of material of each grain size present 

in a given soil (grain-size distribution) is determined. The grain-size distribution of coarse-grained soils 

is determined directly by sieve analysis, while that of fine-grained soils is determined indirectly by 

hydrometer analysis. The grain-size distribution of mixed soils is determined by combined sieve and 

hydrometer analyses. 

7.1.4.1 ASTM D 421. Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for Particle-Size Analysis and Determination 

of Soil Constants. Originally published in 1935, revised in 1985, and reapproved in 1993, this practice 

describes the procedure for dry preparation of soil samples for particle size analysis and determination of 

the soil constants. 

7.1.4.2 ASTM D 422. Particle-Size Analysis of Soils. Originally published in 1935, approved in 1963, 

and reapproved in 1990, this method is an alternate means to determine the particle size distribution.

9 NUREG/CR-5739
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.1.4.3 ASTM D 2217. Wet Preparation of Soil Samples for Particle-Size Analysis and Determina

tion of Soil Constants. This method was originally published in 1963 and revised in 1985. It describes 

procedures for wet preparation of soil samples as received from the field for particle-size analysis and the 

determination of soil constants. 

7.1.4.4 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix V, Grain-Size Analysis. The testing manual describes to methods 

of grain-size analysis; sieve analysis for coarse-grained soils and hydrometer analysis for fine-grained 

soils. 

7.1.4.4.1 Sieve Analysis. The determination of the grain-size distribution of coarse-grained soils by 

sieve analysis consists of passing a sample through a set of sieves and weighing the amount of material 

retained on each sieve. Sieves. are constructed of wire screens with square openings of standard sizes. 

The sieve analysis is performed on material retained on a U.S. Standard No. 200 sieve. The sieve analy

sis, in itself, is applicable to soils containing small amounts of material passing the No. 200 sieve, pro

vided the grain-size distribution of that portion of the sample passing the No. 200 sieve is not of primary 

interest. 

7.1.4.4.2 Hydrometer Analysis. The hydrometer method of analysis is based on Stokes' law, which 

related the terminal velocity of a sphere falling freely through a fluid to its diameter. It is assumed that 

Stokes' law can be applied to a mass of dispersed soil particles of various shapes and sizes. The hydrom

eter is used to determine the percentage of dispersed soil particles remaining in suspension at a given 

time. The maximum grain size equivalent to a spherical particle is computed for each hydrometer read

ing based on Stokes' law. The hydrometer analysis is applicable to soils passing the No. 10 sieve for 

routine classification purposes; when greater accuracy is required (such as in the study of frost

susceptible soils), the hydrometer analysis should be performed on only the fraction passing the No. 200 

sieve. 

7.1.4.5 Howard and Horz (1988). Howard and Horz present recommended minimum test specimen 

masses for gradation analysis of soil based on the maximum particle size present and also documents the 

rationale for the recommendations. Table 5 lists the minimum specimen sizes recommended in various 

standards (ASTM, AASHTO, and so forth) that are currently being used worldwide. As a comparison, 

Table 6 lists the minimum specimen masses recommended, by the authors, for gradation analysis testing 

when the results are reported to ± 1 percentage point. 

7.1.5 Erodibility Tests 

Erodibility tests are used to identify dispersive clays, clays that are susceptible to eroding. Dispersive 

clays cannot be identified by conventional index tests such as particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, 

and compaction characteristics. 

7.1.5.1 Pinhole Test. The pinhole erosion test is the most reliable test for determining the erodibility of 

a soil. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the pinhole test. 

7.1.5.1.1 ASTM D 4647. Identification and Classification of Dispersive Clay Soils by the Pinhole 

Test. Originally published in 1987 and revised in 1993, this test directly measures, qualitatively, the 

dispersibility and consequent colloidal erodibility of clay soils by causing water to flow through a small 

hole punched in a specimen. This method is complemented by D 4221.

NUREG/CR-5739 10
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.1.5.1.2 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix XIII, Pinhole Erosion Test for Identification of Dispersive 

Clays. Detailed procedures for all four erosion tests (Pinhole test, Crumb tests, Soil Conservation Ser

vice (SCS), and Cylinder dispersion test) dispersion test are given in this testing manual. Some of the 

limitations of the pinhole test: 

" undisturbed samples of high sensitivity may test as dispersive, while in nature they may be 

resistant to erosion, 

" soils with high sodium (> 80 percent) and low total dissolved solids (< 0.4 meq/l) in the soil 

pore water may show nondispersive behavior in the test, while the soil may exhibit disper

sive performance in the field. 

7.1.5.2 Crumb Test. The crumb test is a simple means of identifying dispersive clays without requiring 

special equipment. It can be used in the laboratory or the field. The crumb test gives an indication only 

of dispersive behavior. If the crumb test indicates dispersion, then the soil is probably dispersive, how

ever many dispersive soils (kaolinitic soils) do not react to the crumb test. 

7.1.5.3 Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Dispersion Test. This test is sometimes referred to as the 

double hydrometer test (Head, 1992). It estimates the propensity for dispersion in the field based on the 

degree of dispersion of clay particles achieved during the pre-treatment state of a hydrometer 

sedimentation test. 

7.1.5.4 ASTM D 4221. Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer. The original 

guidance was published in 1983 and revised in 1990. It provides an indication of the natural dispersive 

characteristics of clay soils when used in conjunction with a test performed by method D 422 on a dupli

cate soil sample. This test is applicable only to soils with a plasticity index greater than 4 as determined 

by method D 4318 and more than 12 percent of the soil fraction finer than 5gm as determined by method 

D 422. 

7.1.5.5 Cylinder Dispersion Test. This test was developed as an extension to the crumb test. Its main 

purpose was to examine soil behavior in the "fully softened" state when it was submerged in water, i.e. 

under zero effective stress. This test is performed on a cylindrical specimen of remolded soil which has 

been consolidated from a slurry. 

7.1.6 Compaction 

7.1.6.1 ASTM D 698. Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort 

(12,400ft-lbf/ft' (600 kN-m/m3 )). This method was approved as a standard in 1991. It determines the 

relationship between water content and dry unit weight of soils compacted in a 4- or 6-in. (101.6- or 

152.4-mm) diameter mold with a 5.5-lbf (24.4-N) rammer. 

7.1.6.2 ASTM D 1557. Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort 

(56,000ft-lbf/fe (2,700 kN-m/m3)). Originally published in 1958 and revised in 1991, this method 

determines the relationship between water content and dry unit weight of soils compacted in a 4- or 6-in. 

(101.6 or 152.4-mm) diameter mold with a 10-lbf (44.5-N) rammer. 

7.1.6.3 ASTM D 4253. Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table. 

This standard procedure was published in 1983, edited in 1991, and republished in 1993. It covers four 

procedures for determining the maximum index density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-draining soils 

using a vertically vibrating table.

11 NUREG/CR-5739
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.1.6.4 ASTM D 4254. Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative 

Density. Originally published in 1983 and republished in 1991 this standard details the test methods 

used to determine the minimum index density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-draining soils. 

7.1.6.5 ASTM D 5080. Rapid Determination of Percent Compaction. Published in 1990 and revised 

in 1993, this specification describes the procedure for rapidly determining the percent compaction and 

the variation from optimum moisture content of an in-place soil. The test is normally performed for soils 

containing more than 15 percent fines (minus No. 200 sieve size). 

7.1.6.6 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix VI, Compaction Tests. Details three procedures for compacting 

soils: standard compaction test, modified compaction test, and the 15-blow compaction test. The stan

dard compaction test is used to simulate field compaction for routine foundation and embankment design. 

The modified test uses a greater compactive effort which results in higher maximum densities and lower 

optimum water contents and is typically specified for structural fills. This method is appropriate for 

determining the maximum density for large material, however the specimen must be checked for particle 

breakage. The 15-blow compaction test differs from the standard test in that a lesser compactive effort is 

used resulting in lower maximum densities and higher optimum water contents. The apparatus and pro

cedures used in both the modified and 15-blow compaction tests vary slightly from that of the standard 

compaction test. 

7.1.7 Permeability 

7.1.7.1 ASTM D 2434. Permeability of Granular Soils (Constant Head). Originally published in 

1965, approved in 1968, and reapproved 1994, this standard determines the coefficient of permeability by 

a constant-head method for the laminar flow for water through granular soils. It is limited to disturbed 

granular soils containing not more than 10 percent by weight passing the No. 200 sieve. 

7.1.7.2 ASTM D 5084. Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated Porous Material Using 

a Flexible Wall Permeameter. D 5084 was last published in 1990, and determines hydraulic 

conductivity of fine-grained soil specimens that may be prepared from either undisturbed or compacted 

samples. This standard procedure is applicable to soils having hydraulic conductivity less than or equal 

to I x 10' mi/s. More permeable soils should be tested according to ASTM D 2434. 

7.1.7.3 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix VII, Permeability Tests. Describes the several testing methods and 

equipment: constant-head test with permeameter cylinder, falling-head test with permeameter cylinder, 

permeability test with sampling tubes, permeability test with pressure chamber, permeability tests with 

back pressure, and permeability test with consolidometer. 

7.1.8 Consolidation 

Consolidation is the process of time-dependent volume change of saturated clayey soil when subjected to 

a changed loading. 

7.1.8.1 ASTM D 2435. One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils. This standard procedure 

was published in 1965 and revised in 1990, and determines the magnitude and rate of consolidation of 

soil when it is retained laterally and drained axially while subjected to incrementally applied controlled 

stress loads.

NUREG/CR-5739 12
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.1.8.2 ASTM D 4186. One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Controlled-Strain 

Loading. Originally published in 1982 and revised in 1989, standard D 4186 determines the rate and 

magnitude of consolidation of soil when it is restrained laterally and drained axially and subjected to 

controlled-strain loading. The results may be used to analyze or estimate one-dimensional consolidation 

settlements and rates. 

7.1.8.3 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix VIII, Consolidation Test. In the laboratory consolidation is usu

ally determined by the one-dimensional consolidation test. This test, laterally confines the soil subjected 

to successively increased vertical pressure, allowing free drainage from the top and bottom surfaces. 

7.1.9 Shear Strength Tests 

As part of their summary of drained versus undrained testing Bishop and Bjerrum (1960) set forth guide

lines regarding strength parameters for triaxial testing: 

(1) Effective stress analysis is a generally valid method for analyzing any stability problem and is 

particularly valuable in revealing trends in stability which would not be apparent from total stress 

method. Its application in practice is limited to cases where the pore pressures are measured or 

can get estimated with reasonable accuracy, such as long-term stability where the pore pressure is 

controlled either by the static water table or by a steady-state flow pattern. 

(2) Where a saturated clay is loaded or unloaded at such a rate that there is no significant dissipation 

of the excess pore pressures set up, the stability can be determined by the dpu = 0 (Su = constant) 

analysis, using the undrained strength obtained in the laboratory from undrained or unconfined 

triaxial tests or from in situ vane tests. This is essentially an end of construction method, and in 

the majority of foundation problems, where the factor of safety increases with time, it provides a 

sufficient check on stability. For cuts, on the other hand, where the factor of safety generally 

decreases with time, the long term stability must be checked by the effective stress method.. 

(3) For saturated soils, the values of c' and (ý' are obtained from drained tests or consolidated

undrained tests with pore pressure measurements carried out on undisturbed samples. The range 

in stresses at failure should be chosen to correspond to those in the field. Values measured in the 

laboratory appear to be in satisfactory agreement with field records with two exceptions. In stiff 

fissure clays, the field values of c' is lower than the value given by standard laboratory tests - in 

some very sensitive clays, the field value of 4)' is lower than the laboratory value. 

7.1.9.1 ASTM D 4648. Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for Saturated Fine-Grained Clayey 

Soil The standard was originally published in 1987 and the current edition was approved and published 

in 1994. This method covers the miniature vane test in very soft to stiff saturated fine-grained clayey 

soils (d = 0). The vane shear test provides a way to analyze strength anisotropy in the vertical and 

horizontal directions. 

7.1.9.2 Unconsolidated-Undrained Test (Q (UU) Test) 

7.1.9.2.1 ASTM D 2850. Unconsolidated Undrained Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils in 

Triaxial Compression. Published in 1970 and revised 1995, standard D 2850 determines the strength 

and stress-strain relationships of a cylindrical specimen. This procedure provides data for determining 

the undrained strength properties and stress-strain relation for the soil if there is no change in the water 

content of the soil during construction.

13 NUREG/CR-5739
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.1.9.2.2 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix X, Triaxial Compression Tests. Water content of the test speci

men is not permitted to change during the application of the confining or during the loading of the speci

men to failure by increasing the deviator stress. The Q test is usually applicable only to soils which are 

not free-draining, i.e. to soils having a permeability less than 10' cm/sec. 

7.1.9.3 Consolidated-Undrained Test (R (CU) Test). 

7.1.9.3.1 ASTM D 4767. Consolidated-Undrained Triaxial Compression Test on Cohesive Soils. 

Published in 1988 this standard determines the strength and stress-strain relationships for a cylindrical 

specimen of either an undisturbed or remolded saturated cohesive soil when it is isotropically consoli

dated and sheared undrained in compression at a constant rate of axial deformation (strain controlled). 

7.1.9.3.2 EM 1110-2-1906. Appendix X, Triaxial Compression Tests. The test specimen is completely 

consolidated under the confining pressure, then with the water content held constant, the specimen is 

loaded to failure by increasing the deviator stress. Specimens must as a general rule be completely 

saturated before application of the deviator stress. 

7.1.9.4 Consolidated-Drained 

7.1.9.4.1 ASTM D 3080. Direct Shear Test of Soils Under Consolidated Drained Conditions. This 

test method was originally published as a standard in 1972 and revised in 1990. It covers the determina

tion of the consolidated drained shear strength properties of a soil in direct shear loading. 

7.1.9.4.2 EM 1110-2-1906. AppendixX, Triaxial Compression Tests. In the S (CD) test, complete 

consolidation of the test specimen is permitted under the confining pressure and during the loading of the 

specimen failure by increasing the deviator stress. Consequently, no excess pore pressure exist at the 

time of failure. 

7.1.9.5 ASTM D 2166. Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil The last edition of this 

standard was approved in 1985, the current version was approved and published in 1991. ASTM D 2166 

allows the determination of the unconfmed compressive strength of cohesive soil in the undisturbed, 

remolded, or compacted condition, by using strain-controlled application of the axial load. This method 

gives an approximate value of the strength of cohesive soils in terms of total stresses. 

7.2 Testing Procedures of Determining Dynamic Soil Properties 

7.2.1 Cyclic Triaxial 

Historically, the most common cyclic loading technique for investigating liquefaction resistance involves 

the performance of the cyclic triaxial test, as a consequence of such factors as availability of equipment 

and relative ease of preparing undisturbed specimens. This is in spite of wide recognition of the inability 

of the test to accurately represent field earthquake stresses and boundary conditions (Seed and Idriss, 

1982). Figures 5 and 6 are a schematic drawing of the cyclic triaxial test apparatus and a sample record

ing of load, deformation, and pore pressure response, respectively. Cyclic strength curves such as are 

typically generated from cyclic triaxial data are shown in Figure 7. Instructions for performance of 

cyclic triaxial tests may be found in EM 1110-2-1906.

NUREG/CR-5739 14
7. Laboratory Testing Program

Previous studies have demonstrated that cyclic triaxial strengths (in fact, strengths determined from any 

unidirectional loading test) are higher than those expected to produce equivalent effects in the field 

(Seed, 1976). Reduction factors were developed to adjust laboratory cyclic test strengths to estimate 

field liquefaction resistance (e.g., multiplication of cyclic triaxial strengths by factors ranging from 

0.57 to 1 for soils where the lateral earth pressure coefficient, Ko, ranges from 0.4 to 1, respectively, 

described by Seed and Idriss, 1982). Estimation of field cyclic strengths from laboratory cyclic test 

results may not be possible by universal application of simple factors; recent research has shown that the 

comparison between cyclic triaxial and cyclic simple shear strengths depend on gradation, density, and 

soil type (Koester, 1992b). A companion report on liquefaction potential evaluation for nuclear power 

facilities details the state-of-the-art applied to cyclic strength evaluation (Koester and Sharp, 1999). 

The constant volume condition implicitly assumed to accompany undrained testing behavior required for 

cyclic triaxial tests may be compromised in coarse-grained soil specimens by membrane compliance. 

The compliance imparts compressibility that is a relic of the test boundary conditions and therefore not 

representative of true, in situ behavior. The elastic membrane used to encapsulate soil specimens in, for 

example, triaxial tests, may intrude into the voids at the circumferential surface of the cylindrical speci

men. Research by Evans (1987), Hynes (1988), and others have shown that, in cyclic tests, pore water 

pressures developed within the soil specimen may be partially relieved by these surficial voids, since the 

confining fluid will not resist the tendency for the membrane to deform. Membrane compliance may 

result in artificially high undrained cyclic strengths (resistance to liquefaction) of individual specimens, 

leading to unconservative evaluation of the liquefaction resistance of a deposit in situ. Membrane com

pliance is a function of gradation, and the correction that must be applied to adjust cyclic strengths is a 

function of specimen size, confining pressure, and other factors. The magnitude of the membrane com

pliance effect on cyclic strength is exemplified by the data represented in Figure 8, from Hynes (1988), 

which may serve as a correction chart. 

7.2.1.1 Tatsuoka, et al. (1994). This report covers the measuring of local strains in cyclic triaxial tests 

was reported in Tatsuoka, et al. (1994). The deformation properties of sand and gravel were evaluated 

by cyclic loading triaxial tests and monotonic loading triaxial compression tests using small and large 

triaxial apparatuses. The results were compared with those from other testing methods. Two types of 

local gages set on the lateral surface of the specimen measured local axial and radial strains. The authors 

concluded that: 

(1) Local measurements of axial strain are imperative for accurate evaluation of stiffness of granular 

materials (sands and gravels) in both monotonic and cyclic loading triaxial tests. This is also the 

case for measuring damping characteristics in cyclic loading triaxial tests. 

(2) In triaxial tests at a constant confining pressure, accurate radial strains can be obtained by mea

suring the change in the specimen diameter. 

(3) Stiffness and damping during cyclic loading of granular materials for a strain range from about 

0.0001 percent to about 1.0 percent can be obtained from static cyclic loading tests (i.e., very low 

frequency tests). The initial elastic stiffness can be estimated also by relevant monotonic loading 

triaxial compression tests, since the behavior is nearly elastic at strains less than about 

0.001 percent. 

(4) It is suggested that field values of stiffness at small strains (say, up to 0.1 percent) under mono

tonic and cyclic loading conditions can be estimated from field shear wave velocities while 

taking into account that its dependency on pressure level and strain level. The strain level15 NUREG/CR-5739
7. Laboratory Testing Program

dependency is obviously different between monotonic and cyclic loading tests and between 

torsional and triaxial tests. 

7.2.1.2 Vucetic and Dobry (1991). Vucetic and Dobry studied the influence of plastic index on the 

cyclic stress-strain parameters of saturated soils. Figure 9 shows the effect of PI on the location of the 

modulus reduction curve G/Gm. (G - shear modulus; Gm. - shear modulus at small strains) versus cyclic 

shear strain y,, and on the material damping ratio X versus y, curve. These charts are based on experi

mental data from 16 publications on testing of normally consolidated and overconsolidated clays (OCR = 

1 - 15), and sands. From the charts, in the paper it is shown that the PI may strongly control G/G, and 

I for a wide variety of soils. If for a given y, the PI increases, G/Gmx, rises and X is reduced. Also pre

sented was the influence of the PI on the rate of modulus degradation with the number of cycles in nor

mally consolidated clays. Vucetic and Dobry (1991) concluded that soils with higher plasticity tend to 

have a more linear cyclic stress-strain response at small strains and to degrade less at larger y, than soils 

having lower PI. Possible reasons for this behavior are discussed in their paper. The charts in Figure 9 

are recommended for use in preliminary seismic site-response evaluations and microzonation. Because 

of the scatter of the data points used to produce the charts, they should be applied with caution. 

7.2.2 Resonant Column 

7.2.2.1 ASTM D 4015. Modulus and Damping of Soils by the Resonant-Column Method Published 

in 1981 and revised 1992, this standard determines the shear modulus, shear damping, rod modulus 

(Young's modulus), and rod damping for solid cylindrical specimens of soil in undisturbed and remolded 

conditions by vibration using the resonant column. 

7.2.2.2 Andreasson (1981). Andriasson (1981) studied the shear modulus of a soft, high-plastic clay 

under dynamic loading conditions. Two resonant column devices, designed and built at Chalmers Uni

versity of Technology in Sweden, testing both solid and hollow soil samples, were used in the test. One 

of the two resonant column devices is shown in Figure 10. Andr~asson concluded that the initial shear 

modulus determined by shear wave velocity measurements in-situ and resonant column tests in the labo

ratory were in good correlation, provided that the laboratory test results were extrapolated to a time 

period corresponding to the age of the soil deposit. 

The reduction of shear modulus with increasing shear strain amplitude was studied in the dynamic load

ing screw-plate tests in-situ and in the high amplitude resonant column tests in the laboratory. Good 

correlation between the field and laboratory test results was achieved, if the shear strain within the influ

enced soil in the screw-plate tests was calculated as 0.75 times the relative deformation of the screw 

plate. 

7.2.3 Resonant Column and Torsional Shear 

7.2.3.1 Zavoral, et al. (1994). Zavoral, et al. (1994) evaluated the effect of frequency on the dynamic 

response of clay. Details of the modified apparatus are described and test results over a wide range of 

frequencies at different strain levels were presented. The results show that the dynamic shear modulus of 

samples tested by the resonant column in axial vibration was always greater than the dynamic shear mod

ulus of the same samples tested at lower frequencies in torsional shear. Samples were tested in torsional 

shear at various frequencies to confirm that the increase in shear modulus was due to frequency (strain 

rate). Results indicated that the shear modulus always increased with frequency, though the effect was 

fairly minor. No observable effect of frequency on damping ratio was measured for samples tested in

NUREG/CR-5739 16
7. Laboratory Testing Program

either resonant column or torsional shear modes. There also was no significant variation in damping 

ratio for samples tested in torsional shear under various frequencies. 

7.2.3.2 Kim, et al. (1991). Kim, et al. investigates the assumption that material damping in shear of soil 

measured by hysteresis loops is zero at small strains, strains less than about 0.001 percent. A single piece 

of equipment is used for both the torsional shear (TS) and resonant column (RC) tests (Figure 11). Mate

rial damping in shear for a dry sand and a compacted clay were obtained by varying the strain level, 

frequency of the excitation and number of loading cycles. Their results show that for the dry sand the 

damping ratios obtained from the RC and TS shear test match at shearing strains below about 0.002 per

cent (Figure 12). At higher strains, the damping ratios are sensitive to number of loading cycles (Fig

ure 13). Damping values obtained from the first TS cycle are much larger than those computed from 

later cycles or from the RC test. Damping ratios from TS and RC test are essentially equal at the same 

strain level and the same number of cycles. The effect of frequency on material damping is negligible for 

this dry sand. 

For the compacted clay, the damping ratios obtained from the TS and RC tests are different over the com

plete strain range (from 0.0004 to 0.05 percent). This difference results from the difference in frequen

cies used in the two methods of testing. However, the effect of frequency in the TS test does not begin to 

increase material damping until the frequency exceeds about 5 Hz. The effect of the number of loading 

cycles is negligible in the compacted clay. The device was modified so that damping measurements 

could be made over strains ranging from about 10' to 10' percent. 

7.3 Testing Procedures of Determining Engineering Properties of Rock 

7.3.1 Porosity 

ASTM D 4404. Determination of Pore Volume and Pore Volume Distribution of Soil and Rock by 

Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry. The current edition of ASTM D 4404 was last reapproved in 1992. 

This test method describes the determination of pore characteristics of soil and rock for the range of 

apparent pore entrance diameters of about 100 gim and 2.5 nm (0.0025 gtm). The process uses mercury 

intrusion under varying pressures and will only measure volume of pores that are open to the outside of a 

soil or rock fragment. The size and volume of pores affects the integrity and behavior of soil or rock. 

The standard describes special porosimeter equipment and testing limitations. 

7.3.2 Permeability 

ASTM D 4525. Permeability of Rocks by Flowing Air. The current edition of this testing method was 

published in 1990. It determines the coefficient of specific permeability for the flow of air through rocks. 

Designed to measure the permeability to air of a small sample of rock, by extrapolation, this method can 

also be used to determine an equivalent of the liquid permeability. 

7.3.3 Seismic Velocity 

ASTM D 2845. Laboratory Determination of Pulse Velocities and Ultrasonic Elastic Constants of 

Rock. The original version of this standard was published in 1969; the last previous edition was in 1983 

and reapproved in 1990. This method describes equipment and procedures for measurement of the pulse 

velocities of compression waves and shear waves in rock in the laboratory. It also determines the ultra

sonic elastic constants of an isotropic rock.

17 NUREG/CR-5739
7. Laboratory Testing Program

7.3.4 Direct Tensile Strength 

ASTM 2936. Direct Tensile Strength of Intact Rock Core Specimens. Originally published in 1971 

and reapproved in 1995, this standard determines the tensile strength of intact cylindrical rock. To 

determine the failure condition of a structure the tensile strength is used as the failure strength for the 

structure. 

7.3.5 Unconfined Compression 

7.3.5.1 ASTM D 2938. Unconfined Compressive Strength of Intact Rock Core Specimens. This stan

dard method was originally published in 1971, reapproved and published again in 1995. The apparatus, 

instrumentation, and procedures for the determination of the unconfined compressive strength of intact 

rock core specimens are discussed in the method. The unconfined compressive strength is used in 

design formulas and sometimes as an index property for selecting the appropriate excavation technique. 

7.3.5.2 ASTM D 3148. Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens in Uniaxial Compression. The 

currents edition of this method was published in 1993, it describes the procedures used to determine the 

elastic moduli of intact rock core specimens in uniaxial compression. The stress-axial strain and the 

stress-lateral strain curves, along with the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio can be determined by 

this standard. 

7.3.5.3 ASTM D 3967. Splitting Tensile Strength of Intact Rock Core Specimens. The current edition 

of the standard test method was published in 1995. It determines the splitting tensile strength of rock by 

diametral line compression of a disk. This test is an alternative to the direct uniaxial tensile test which is 

difficult and expensive for routine testing. 

7.3.6 Triaxial Compression 

7.3.6.1 ASTM D 5407. Elastic Moduli of Undrained Intact Rock Core Specimens in Triaxial Com

pression Without Pore Pressure Measurements. Approved and published in 1993, ASTM D 5407 

determines the elastic moduli of intact rock core specimens in undrained triaxial compression. The 

stress-axial strain and the stress-lateral strain curves along with Young's modulus and Poisson's ration 

can be determined using the procedures detained in the standard method. 

7.3.6.2 ASTM D 2664. Triaxial Compressive Strength of Undrained Rock Core Specimens Without 

Pore Pressure Measurements. This method was originally published in 1967. The current edition was 

approved and published in 1986. It covers the determination of the strength of cylindrical rock core 

,specimens in an undrained state under triaxial compression loading. The data provided by this method is 

useful in determining the strength and elastic properties of rock without pore pressure measurements. 

7.3.7 Slake Durability 

Slaking tests are valuable when the project is to be found on or within moisture-sensitive clays and clay 

shales, and foundation design requirements indicate that the foundation and cut slope areas will be 

exposed temporarily to wetting and drying conditions.

NUREG/CR-5739 18
8. Conclusion

ASTM D 4644. Slake Durability of Shales and Similar Weak Rocks. This test method was published 

in 1987, and describes the procedures used to determine the slake durability index of shale and rock after 

two drying and wetting cycles with abrasion. 

8 CONCLUSION 

The main purpose of this document was to provide basic information on laboratory testing methods that 

have been developed and put into practice since the publication of the current Regulatory Guide 1.138 

(1972). It was not the intent of the authors to describe in detail the testing methods discussed (i.e., 

detailed equipment requirements, detailed procedures, etc.), only to give a brief description of current 

research and accepted methods available. The inclusion of any particular testing method or equipment 

should not be perceived as an endorsement by the authors. This decision is left solely up to the Nuclear 

Regulatory Commission. 

Although it would be impossible to describe all of the research conducted in laboratory testing since 

1972, this document has covered some of the most accepted methods and recommends that as extended 

research, the users should consider the references listed by a particular method. 

REFERENCES 

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4. Andrdasson, B. A. 1981. "Dynamic deformation characteristics of soft clay." Proceedings, Inter

national Conference on Recent Advances in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynam

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5. Bishop, A. W. and Bjerrumn, L. 1960. "The relevance of the triaxial test to the solution of stability 

problems," Proceedings, ASCE Research Conference on Shear Strength of Cohesive Soils, 

pp. 437-501. 

6. Bishop, A. W. and Henkel, D. J. 1962. "The measurement of soil properties in the triaxial test," 

2nd ed., Edward Arnolds, Ltd., London. 

7. Bobrowski, L. J., Jr. and Griekspoor, D. M. 1992. "Determination of the plastic limit of a soil by 

means of a rolling device." Geotechnical Testing Journal, GTJODJ, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 284-287.

19 NUREG/CR-5739
References

8. Brown, P. T. and Chow, J. C.-P. 1988. "Prevention of sample deterioration." Geotechnical Testing 

Journal, GTJODJ, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 296-300. 

9. Buell, A. W. 1950. "Porosity and permeability analysis." Subsurface Geologic Methods (A Sym

posium), 1st ed., Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado. pp. 168-175. 

10. Clayton, C. R. I., Matthews, M. C., and Simons, N. E. 1995. "Site investigation." Blackwell Sci

ence, Ltd. 

11. Das, B. M. 1992. "Soil mechanics laboratory manual." 4' ed., Engineering Press, Inc., San Jose, 

California. 

12. Department of the Army. 1986. EM 1110-2-1906, "Laboratory soils testing," U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers, Washington, D.C. 

13. Department of the Army. 1986. EM 1110-2-1909, "Calibration of laboratory soils testing equip

ment," U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C. 

14. Evans, M. 1987. "Undrained Cyclic Triaxial Testing of Gravels - The Effects of Membrane Com

pliance." Ph.D. Dissertation, University of California, Berkeley, CA. 

15. Evans, M. D., and Zhou, S. 1995. "Liquefaction behavior of sand-gravel composites," Journal of 

Geotechnical Engineering, Vol. 121, No. 3, pp. 287-298. 

16. Finn, W. D. L. et al. 1971. "Sand liquefaction in triaxial and simple shear tests," Journal of the Soil 

Mechanics and Foundations Division, ASCE, Vol. 97, No. SMS, pp. 639-659. 

17. Francher, G. H. 1950. "The porosity and permeability of elastic sediments and rocks." Subsurface 

Geologic Methods (A Symposium), 2nd ed., Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, pp. 685

712. 

18. Franklin, J. A. and Chandra, R. 1972. "The slake-durability test." International Journal of Rock 

Mechanics and Mineral Science, Vol. 9, Pergamon Press, Ltd., London, pp. 325-341. 

19. Germaine, J. T. and Ladd, C. C. 1988. "Triaxial testing of saturated cohesive soils." Advanced 

Triaxial Testing of Soil and Rock, ASTM STP 977, Robert T. Donaghe, Ronald C. Chaney, and 

Marshall L. Silver, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, pp. 421-459. 

20. Gilbert, P. A. 1988. "Computer controlled microwave oven system for rapid water content determi

nation." Technical Report GL-88-21, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicks

burg, MS. 

21, Gilbert, P. A. 1990. "Computer-controlled microwave drying of potentially difficult organic and 

inorganic soils." Technical Report GL-90-26, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, 

Vicksburg, MS. 

22. Gillott, J. E. 1968. "Clay in Engineering Geology." Elsevier, New York, NY, pp. 186 - 196.

NUREG/CR-5739 20
References

23. Graham, J., Jamieson, M. R., Ho, D. Y.-F., and Azizi, F. 1990. "Influence of storage and reconsoli

dation procedures on clay properties." Geotechnical Testing Journal, GTJODJ, Vol. 13, No. 4, 

pp. 280-290. 

24. Gregory, A. R. 1963. "Shear wave velocity measurements of sedimentary rock samples under com

pression." Proceedings, 5th Symposium on Rock Mechanics. University of Minnesota, The McMil

lan Company, New York, pp. 439-471. 

25. Hardin, B. 0. 1970. "Suggested methods of test for shear modulus and damping of soils by the 

resonant column," Special Procedures for Testing Soil and Rock for Engineering Purposes. ASTM 

STP 479, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

26. Head, K. H. 1992. "Manual of soil laboratory testing volume 1: Soil classification and compaction 

tests." Second Ed., Halsted Press: an imprint of John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York -Toronto. 

27. Head, K. H. 1994. "Manual of soil laboratory testing volume 2: Permeability, shear strength and 

compressibility tests." Second Ed., Pentech Press, London. 

28. Heck, W. J. 1972. "Development of equipment for studying pore pressure effects in rock." Pro

ceedings, Tenth Symposium on Rock Mechanics, University of Texas at Austin, American Institute 

of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc., New York, pp. 243-266. 

29. Holtz, W. G. 1970a. "Suggested methods of test for one-dimension expansion and uplift pressure of 

clay soils." Special Procedures for Testing Soil and Rock for Engineering Purposes, ASTM 

STP 479, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pp. 198-205. 

30. Holtz, W. G. 1970b. "Suggested methods of test for permeability of undrained soil or rock speci

mens." Special Procedures for Testing Soil and Rock for Engineering Purposes, ASTM STP 479, 

American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pp. 150-156. 

31. Howard, A. K. and Horz, R. C. 1988. "Minimum test specimen for gradation analysis." Geotechni

cal Testing Journal, GTJODJ, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 213-217. 

32. Hynes, M. E. 1988. "Pore Pressure Generation Characteristics of Gravel Under Undrained Cyclic 

Loading," Ph.D. Dissertation, University of California, Berkeley, CA. 

33. Kim, D. S., Stokoe, K. H., and Roesset, J. M. 1991. "Characterization of material damping of soils 

using resonant column and torsional shear tests." Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, Com

putation Mechanics Publications, United Kingdom. 

34. Koester, J. P. 1992a. "The influence of test procedures on correlation of Atterberg limits with 

liquefaction in fine-grained soils." Geotechnical Testing Journal, GTJODJ, Vol. 15, No. 4, 

pp. 352-361. 

35. Koester, J. P. 1992b. "Cyclic strength and pore pressure generation characteristics of fine grained 

soils," Ph.D. thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder, December.

21 NUREG/CR-5739
References

36. Koester, J. P. and Sharp, M. K. 1999. "Evaluation of soil liquefaction potential for foundation of 

nuclear facilities - technical bases for regulatory guide," submitted for publication by the 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in NUREG contractor report, January 1999. 

37. Krinitzsky, E. L. 1970. "Radiography in the earth sciences and soils mechanics." Plenum Press, 

New York. 

38. Lambe, T. W. 1951. "Soil testing for engineers." John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. 

39. Liu, C. and Evett, J. B. 1990. "Soil properties testing, measuring, and evaluation." 2' ed. Prentice 

Hall, Englewood cliffs, New Jersey. 

40. Obert, Leonard, and Duvall. 1967. "Rock mechanics and the design of structures in rock." John 

Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. 

41. Perry, E. G. 1975. "Piping in earth dams constructed of dispersive clay, literature review and design 

of laboratory tests." Technical Report S-75-15, U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station, Vicks

burg, Mississippi. 

42. Richart, F. E. et al. 1970. "Vibrations of soils and foundations." Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood 

Cliffs, New Jersey. 

43. Sallfors, G. 1989. "Quality assurance in laboratory testing." Proceedings, Twelfth International 

Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering. Vol. 1, No. 12, pp. 105-106. 

44. Schmidt, N. 0. 1970. "Suggested method of testing for organic carbon content of soil by wet com

bustion." Special Procedures for Testing Soil and Rock for Engineering Purposes, American Society 

for Testing and Materials, STP 479, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

45. Scholey, G. K., Frost, J. D., and Jamiolkowski, M. 1995. "A review of instrumentation for measur

ing small strains during triaxial testing of soil specimens." Geotechnical Testing Journal, GTJODJ. 

Vol. 18, No. 2, pp 137. 

46. Seed, H. B. 1976. "Evaluation of soil liquefaction effects on level ground during earthquakes," 

Liquefaction Problems in Geotechnical Engineering, Preprint No. 2752, ASCE National Conven

tion, Philadelphia, pp 1-104. 

47. Seed, H. B. and Idriss, I. M. 1982. "Ground motions and soil liquefaction during earthquakes." 

Monograph Series, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, University of California, Berkeley, 

CA. 

48. Shannon & Wilson, Inc. and Agbabian-Jacobsen Associates. 1972. "Soil behavior under earthquake 

loading conditions; State-of-the-art evaluation of soil characteristics for seismic response analysis." 

Report for U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. 

49. Sherard, J. L., Dunningan, L. P., Decker, R. S., and Steele, E. G. 1976. "Pinhole test for identifying 

dispersive spills." Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division, American Society of Civil 

Engineers, Vol. 102, No. GT 1, pp. 69-85.

NUREG/CR-5739 22
References

50. Sherard, J. L., Dunningan, L. P., and Decker, R. S. 1976. "Identification and nature of dispersive 

soils," Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division, ASCE, Vol. 102, No. GT 4, pp. 287-301. 

51. Silver, M. L. and Park, T. K. 1975. "Testing procedure effects on dynamic soil behavior." Journal 

of the Geotechnical Engineering Division, ASCE, Vol. 101, No. GT 10, pp. 1061-1083. 

52. Silver, M. L. 1976. "Laboratory triaxial testing procedures to determine the cyclic strength of 

soils." NUREG-003 1, U.S. Nuclear regulatory Commission. 

53. Silver, M. L. 1976. "Cyclic triaxial strength of standard test sand," Journal of the Geotechnical 

Engineering Division, ASCE, Vol. 102, No. GT 5, pp. 511-523. 

54. Silver, M. L. and Seed, H. B. 1971. "Deformation characteristics of sand under cyclic." Journal of 

the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division, ASCE, Vol. 97, No. SM 8, pp. 1081-1098. 

55. Soil Conservation Service. 1967: "Soil Survey Laboratory Methods and Procedures for Collecting 

Soil Samples." Soil Survey Investigations report No. 1, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Washing

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56. Talesnick, M. and Frydman, S. 1990. "The preparation of hollow cylinder specimens from undis

turbed tube samples of soft clay." Geotechnical Testing Journal, GTJODJ, Vol. 13, No. 3, 

pp. 243-249. 

57. Tatsuoka, F., Teachavorasinskun, S., Dong, J., Kohata, Y., and Sato, T. 1994. "Importance of mea

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and Bruce L. Kutter, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA.

23 NUREG/CR-5739
Appendix A Abbreviations and Symbols

APPENDIX A 

ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS 

,X Damping Ratio 

YC Cyclic Shear Strain 

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 

c, Coefficient of Consolidation 

D Diameter 

EM Engineering Manual 

G Shear Modulus 

Ga Apparent Specific Gravity 

Gm Bulk Specific Gravity 

Gm. Shear Modulus at Small Strains 

G. Specific Gravity of Solids 

K. Lateral Earth Pressure Coefficient 

LL Liquid Limit 

Lý Linear Shrinkage 

OCR Overconsolidation Ratio 

PI Plasticity Index 

PL Plastic Limit 

PRC Peoples Republic of China 

R Shrinkage Ratio 

RC Resonant Column 

RTH Rock Testing Handbook 

SL. Shrinkage Limit 

TS Torsional Shear

A-1 NUREG/CR-5739
Appendix B Laboratory Testing Methods for Soil and Rock 

APPENDIX B 

LABORATORY TESTING METHODS FOR SOIL AND ROCK

STANDARD OR 

PREFERRED 

METHOD

OTHER 

REFERENCES

PROPERTIES OR 

PARAMETERS 

DETERMINED

REMARKS/SPECIAL 

EQUIPMENT 

REQUIREMENTS

SOILS -- INDEX AND CLASSIFICATION TESTS

Gradation Analysis

Percent fines 

Atterberg Limits 

Specific Gravity

Radiography 

Description of Soil and 

Rock

ASTM D421 

D 422 

D 2217 

D 4221 

ASTM D 1140 

ASTM D 427 

D 4318 

D 4943 

Ref. 12 

ASTM D 854 

D 5550 

Ref. 12 

ASTM D 4452 

ASTM D 2488 

D 4452 

RTH 102-93 

TM 3-357

Ref. 12, 13,29, 

34,38 

Ref. 12, 34, 38 

Refs. 7, 11, 13, 

31,34,35,57

Particle size distribution Methods are applicable to some 

rocks, after disaggregation.

Percent of weight of material 

finer than No. 200 sieve. 

Liquid and plastic limit, 

plasticity index, shrinkage 

factor (limit)

Ref. 13, 38 Specific gravity, apparent 

specific gravity, bulk unit 

weight sufficiently fine to 

eliminate internal voids in the 

intact rock.

Boiling should not be used for 

de-airing. Method can be used 

for rock, after grinding

Description of soil from 

visual-manual examination

SOILS - MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATIONS

Bulk Unit Weight

Water (Moisture) Content

Relative Density

Ref. 12 Bulk unit weight (bulk 

density)

ASTM D 425 

D 1558 

D 2216 

D 2974 

D 4643 

D 4959 

Ref 12

Ref. 12

Refs. 13, 20,21, 

24,35, 37

Water content as a percent of 

dry weight

Maximum and minimum 

density of cohesionless soils

Methods are applicable to some rocks, with some Obvious 

modifications 

Method is applicable to rock.

Requires vibration table. In 

vibration table testing, both 

amplitude and frequency should 

be adjusted to values that yield 

greatest density. However, 

treatment that produces 

breakage of grains should be 

avoided and mechanical 

analyses should be performed as 

a check on grain breakage.

NUREG/CR-5739

Name of Test

B-1
Appendix B Laboratory Testing Methods for Soil and Rock

STANDARD OR 

PREFERRED 

METHOD

OTHER 

REFERENCES

PROPERTIES OR 

PARAMETERS 

DETERMINED

REMARKS/SPECIAL 

EQUIPMENT 

REQUIREMENTS

Ref 13,40 Maximum dry unit weight of 

soil

Method for earth-rock mixtures 

is given in Ref 6.

SOILS - CONSOLIDATION AND PERMEABILITY

Consolidation 

Permeability

ASTM D 2435 

D4186 

Ref. 12 

ASTM D 2434 

D 5084 

Ref. 12

Ref 13,26, 34, 

38,40

One-dimensional 

compressibility, permeability 

of cohesive soil

Ref. 13,28,29 Permeability

SOILS - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Ref 59

Organic Content

Soluble Salts 

Erodibility Tests 

Pinhole Test 

Crumb Test 

SCS Test 

Cylinder Dispersion 

Unconfined Compression 

Direct Shear, 

Consolidated-drained 

Triaxial Compression, 

Unconsolidated

Undrained 

Triaxial Compression, 

Consolidated

Drained

Refs. 1, 2,17, 

63

Ref. I

Identification of minerals

ASTM D 2974 Organic and inorganic 

Ref. 44 carbon content as percent 

of dry weight.

ASTM D 4542 

ASTM D 4221 

D 4647 

Ref. 12 

Ref 12 

Ref. 12 

Ref. 12

Ref 52, 55

Refs. 46, 47, 41

Suitable for remolded or 

compacted soils. For natural, In 

situ soils, field test should be 

used. 

Applicable to rock. Requires X

ray diffraction apparatus 

Differential thermal analysis 

apparatus may also be used. 

Dry combustion methods 

(ASTM D 2974) are acceptable, 

but where organic matter 

content is critical, data so 

obtained should be verified by 

wet combustion tests. 

Concentration of soluble Salts 

in soil pore water

Significant in evaluation 

of potential erosion or 

piping.

Ref. 24, 27

SOILS - SHEAR STRENGTH AND DEFORMABILITY

ASTM D 2166 

ASTM D 3080 

Ref 12 

ASTM D 2850 

Ref. 12

Ref. 12

Ref. 12

Ref. 6, 13

Refs. 6, 13

Strength of cohesive soil 

in uniaxial compression. 

Cohesion and angle of 

internal friction under drained 

conditions 

Shear strength parameters; 

Cohesion and angle of 

internal friction for soils of 

low permeability.

Shear strength parameters; 

Cohesion and angle of 

internal friction. For long

term loading conditions.

Circumferential drains, if used, 

should be slit to avoid stiffening 

test specimen.

NUREG/CR-5739

Name of Test

Compaction ASTM D 698 

D 1557 

D 4253 

D 4254 

D 5080 

Ref. 12

Mineralogy

B-2
Appendix B Laboratory Testing Methods for Soil and Rock

STANDARD OR 

PREFERRED 

METHOD

OTHER 

REFERENCES

PROPERTIES OR 

PARAMETERS 

DETERMINED

REMARKS/SPECIAL 

EQUIPMENT 

REQUIREMENTS

Triaxial Compression, 

Consolidated

Undrained

Cyclic Triaxial

ASTM D 4767 

Ref 12

ASTM D 3999 

D 5311 

Ref 49

Cyclic Simple Shear

Resonant Column ASTM D 4015

Refs. 6, 13

Refs. 14, 32,35, 

45,46, 

47,48, 50, 54, 

57,62

Shear strength parameters; 

Cohesion and angle of 

internal friction for 

consolidated soil. With 

pressure measurements, 

cohesion and friction may be 

obtained. 

Local strain, modulus and 

damping

Refs. 134 40, Shear modulus and damping 

51,55 values and cyclic-strength of 

cohesive and cohesionless 

soils 

Refs. 1, 4, 23, Shear modulus and damping 

30, 33, 60, 63 in cohesive and cohesionless 

soils. Some devices can be 

used with deformations in 

longitudinal mode to 

determine Young's modulus. 

Some devices can be used to 

determine cyclic strength. 

ROCKS - ENGINEERING PROPERTIES

Circumferential drains, if used, 

should be slit to avoid stiffening 

of test specimen.

Tests may be run with either 

stress control or strain control. 

Two different types of 

apparatus, NGI and Roscoe 

devices, are described in Refs. 

16 and 58, respectively. 

Requires resonant column 

device.

Porosity 

Permeability 

Seismic Velocity

Direct Tensile Strength 

"Brazilian Test" 

Modulus of Rupture 

Unconfined Compression 

Uniaxial Compression 

Triaxial Compression 

Undrained

ASTM D 4612 

ASTM D 4525 

ASTM D 2845 

ASTM D 2936 

ASTM D 3967

ASTM D 2938 

ASTM D3148 

ASTM D 2664

Refs. 9, 15 Bulk unit weight, specific 

gravity, and total porosity 

(Melcher Method) or effective 

porosity (Simmons or 

Washburn-Bunting Method)

Refs. 9, 15 Permeability of intact rock 

Refs. 21, 35 Compressional and shear 

wave velocities in intact rock

Ref 35 

Ref. 35 

Ref. 35 

Ref. 35

Ref. 35

Soil testing methods generally applicable with minor 

modification. 

Laboratory permeability values 

are not normally representative 

of in situ permeability of 

shallow jointed rock masses. 

Requires signal generator, 

transducers, oscilloscope.

Uniaxial tensile strength of 

intact rock 

Indirect measure of tensile 

strength of intact rock 

Indirect measure of tensile 

strength of intact rock 

Young's moduli and 

unconfined compression 

strength of intact rock 

Young's moduli, cohesion 

friction parameters of failure 

envelope

NUREG/CR-5739

Name of Test

Name of Test

B-3
Appendix B Laboratory Testing Methods for Soil and Rock

STANDARD OR 

PREFERRED 

METHOD

OTHER 

REFERENCES

PROPERTIES OR 

PARAMETERS 

DETERMINED

REMARKS/SPECIAL 

EQUIPMENT 

REQUIREMENTS

Triaxial Compression 

Without Pore Pressure 

Measurements 

Triaxial Compression 

With Pore Pressure 

Measurements

Slake Durability

Direct Shear

ASTM D 5407

ASTM D 4644 

ASTM D 5607

Ref. 24 

Ref 16

Young's moduli, cohesion 

friction parameters of 

effective stress conditions. 

Index of resistance to 

slaking

NUREG/CR-5739

Name of Test

B-4
Appendix C Figures

APPENDIX C 

FIGURES .

C-1 NUREG/CR-5739
Appendix C Figures

to 

a: 

020 

a: 

EFFECTIVE VERTICAL STRESS kPo 

5s 106 150 

B 

%' 9% 

CC 

&In I 

cr, W 

I- cc: 

(L 

a: 

0. 

Figure 1. Consolidation test data on soft clay: a) high quality equipment; b) oedometer ring 0.2 mm too 

large (Sallfors, 1989, reprinted with permission from A. A. Balkema Publishers, Ltd.)

NUREG/CR-5739 C-2
Appendix C Figures

.Wingnut

Washers

Rod to 

prevent 

bucking 

of spring 

1A I X 

S Sampte 

It r 

Pedestal 

C I/ 

[ t 

Figure 2. Simpler version of the sample compressor (Brown and Chow, 1988, reprinted with permission 

from ASTM)

NUREG/CR-5739

I

C-3
Appendix C Figures

Figure 3. Plastic limit device (Bobrowski and Griekspoor, 1992, reprinted with permission from 

ASTM)

NUREG/CR-5739 C-4
Appendix C Figures

Figure 4. Apparatus for pinhole test: (a) general arrangement, (b) details of nipple (Head, 1994, 

reprinted with permission from John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

C-5 NUREG/CR-5739
Appendix C Figures

1.5 A.. IHYDROSTATIC SEAL AIR SUPPLY PORT SB8. VENT" 

C. TOP DRAINAGE PORT 

0. CHAMBER FLUID DRAIN 

13 E. TRANSDUCER CABLE CONNECTOR n 2F. A BOTTOM DRAINAGE PORT 

... PART NO. NAME________ MATERIAL QUANTITY 

I CHAMBER FOOT ALUMINUM CHANNEL 2 

16 2... 2 CHAMBER BASE -ALUMINUM PLATE I 

3 SPECIMEN BASE ALUMINUM I 

• 4 POROUS PLATE STAINLESS STEEL 2 

* 5 SPECIMEN MEMBRANE RUBBER 

6 6 SPECIMEN CAP ALUMINUM I 

17 SPECIMEN CAP CONNECTOR BRASS I 

8 BEARING SUPPORT ROD .STAINLES STEEL 2 

9 CYLINDER CLEAR ACRYLIC I 

10 - CHAMBER CAP ALUMINUM I 

5 11 CYLINDER SEALING RING ALUMINUM 1 

12 LOCKING KNOBS STEEL 3 SOIL 13 AIR BEARING ASSEMBLY ALUMINUM 1 SPECIME 14 PISTON LOCK BRASS I 

E 15 LOADING PISTON STAINLESS STEEL 1 

Ss16 SHOULDER SCREW STEEL 2 

17 BALL BUSHING STAINLESS STEEL 2 18 O-RING RUBBER 1 

19 O-RING RUBBER • '.20 O-RING RUBBER I 

21 o-RING RUBBER 2 

F '' 22 0-RING RUBBER 1 

SCALEININCHES 23 O.NG RUB8ER 

S"! 0 I 2 3 = 

TRIAXIAL COMPRESSION CHAMBER 

Figure 5. Diagram of cyclic triaxial test equipment (EM 1110-2-1906, Department of the 

Army, 1986)

NUREG/CR-573 9 C-6
Appendix C Figures

"00% PORE PRESSUR.E

0' 

-t

0 

0 (I

(.LI 

Co 

LC 0, 

LUf 

02 

03

Figure 6. Typical analog recordings of load, deformation, and pore pressures during a cyclic 

triaxial test (EM 1110-2-1906, Department of the Army, 1986)

NUREG/CR-5739

T(ME

aIV

C-7
Appendix C Figures

0.6

+! 

II 

I-- *

0.4

0.2

0

1 10 100

NUMBER OF CYCLES 

Figure 7. Cyclic triaxial strength curves for Monterey No. 0 sand (EM 1110-2-1906, 

Department of the Army, 1986)

NUREG/CR-5739 C-8
200 

b 

b.150 

160 

0 

., 100 

'-0 

&d .0 50 

C 

L 

LiJO

0.1 1 D20 (mm) 10

C F) ,• Figure 8. L/1 

"0

a 

3." 

'1 a Cd2

Error in cyclic stress ratio due to membrane compliance versus D20 for various specimen diameters (Hynes 1988, after Evans 

1987)

"0

100
Appendix C Figures

E \\PI,=200 tv0.4 1505100P20 

* OCR= 1-15 0 

0.2 

0''~.0 I , , 0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 

CYCLIC SHEAR STRAIN, r(%) 

(a) 

25- P1=O 

15 

20- 1 

30 

e< OCR=1-8 

6515-E 50 

100 

a- 200 

5 

0 

0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 

CYCLIC SHEAR STRAIN, 71 (%) 

(b) 

Figure 9. Relations between (a) GIG•, versus yr and (b) X versus y. curves and soil plasticity for normally and overconsolidated soils (Vucetic and Dobry, 1991, reprinted with permission 

from ASCE)

NUREG/CR-5739 C-10
Appendix C Figures

Figure 10. Resonant column device (Andr~asson, 1981)

C-1 1 NUREG/CR-5739
Appendix C Figures

Torsional Drive Plate 

Excitation D

Drive 

e o Cap 

Counter cero 

Weight , meter 

Specimenoil 

Me.mbrane S: / Support System 

Seal Fixed 

Base 

Figure 11. Configuration of simplified resonant column/ torsional shear (RCTS test equipment 

(without outer confinement chamber)) (Kim, et al. 1991, reprinted with permission; 

copyright 1991, Computational Mechanics Publications, U.K.)

NUREG/CR-5739 C-12
Appendix C Figures

- = 0.70 

6= 5 psi 

O RC 

A TS- Ist 

o TS-10th f=O.5Hz 

+ TS-after RC

I . . " I " I I A" ' ' r-T-T-r~

0 

0 + 0 

[]

00 

O n D

10 to -2 

ShearingStrain, Y, % 

Figure 12. Variation in damping ratio with strain at different loading cycles (for dry sand) 

(Kim, et al., 199 1, reprinted with permission, copyright 199 1, Computational Mechanics 

Publications, U.K.)

15

0u 

W

121

9 

6 

3 

0

10

10 t 10 2 

Number of Cycles

I

10

Figure 13. Variation in damping ratio with number of cycles (for dry sand) (Kim, et al., 1991, reprinted 

with permission, copyright 1991, Computational Mechanics Publications, U.K.)

NUREG/CR-5739

12

ca 

6i

8 

4

0 1o-0

Loading Frequency = 0.5 Hz, 

ýO C1or--0.00lI% 

A 7=0.006% 

o .- =0.014% , 

0 

0 0 00 

0 1h 0 13

!

C-13
Appendix D Tables

APPENDIX D 

TABLES

D-1 NUREG/CR-5739
Appendix D Tables 

Table 1. Chemical Tests for Soils (Head, 1992)

Reference 

Seation CBS, blnpies reference 7Ype of test Procedure BS1377Th199 Uses Limijarlons and comunea 

S.S pH value Indicator papers Supplier's instructions Simple and quick. Useful for determin- Gives approximate values only.

Colorimetric 

(Kuhn's method) 

Lovibond Comparator 

Electrometric 

5.6 Sulphate content Total sulphates in soils 

Water-soluble sulphates 

in soils (gravimetric) 

Water-soluble sulphates 

in soils (ion exchange) 

Sulphates in ground

water (ion exchange) 

Sulphates in ground water (gravimetric)

Manufacture's 

instructions 

BS Test Part 3:9

ing approximate pH range for a more 

sensitivetest. 

Quick field test for soils. Apparatus 

available as a kit. 

Colour comparison with standard col. 

outed discs gives pH to nearest 0.2. 

Range of indicators available. 

BS 'standard' method. 

Accurate to 0.1 pH unit or better.

BS Part 3"5.2. 5.5 Accurate if performed with care and 

ERE Digest 250 with proper chemical testing facilities. 

Gives the total amount of sulphates - presnt, including calcium sulphate, 

which is insoluble in water. 

BS Part 3:5.3, 5.5 Accuracy as above. Gives the amount 

of water-soluble sulphates only, which 

are those most likely to attack concrete. 

BS Part 3.5.3, 5.6 Quick, easy

BS Part 3;5A, 5.6 

ES Part 3:5.4,'5.5

As above. 

As for water-soluble sulphates in soils.

Requires colour comparison with chait 

printed in British standard. Values given 

to nearest 0.5. 

Requires a special electrical apparatus, 

although low-priced portable battery 

models are available. Electrodes age 

slowly, and should be checked 

periodically with buffer solutions.. 

If the mcasured 'sulphate content is 

greater than 0.5%. the water-soluble 

sulphates should also be measured. 

Cannot be used if chloride, nitrate or 

phosphate ions are present. Requires a 

special ion-exchange resin which needs 

reactivating frequently. 

As above.

5.7 Organic content Peroxide oxidation 

Dichromate oxidation

5.8 Carbonate content Rapid titration 

Gravimetrtic 

* Calcimeter 

(Collin's modification of 

Schlciber's apparatus) 

5.9 Chloride content Reaction with silver nit

rate (Volhard's method): 

Water soluble 

Acid soluble 

Mohr's titration method 

5.10.2 Total dissolved Evaporation 

solids 

5.10.3 Loss on ignition Ignition 

5.10.4 Conoentration of' Indicator papers 

ecrtain salts

Eliminates organic matter before sedi- Has limited action on undecomposed 

mentation particle size tests, plant remains (e.g. roots and fibres). 

BS Part 3:3 Accurate, if proper chemical testing Presence ofchlorides affects results but a 

facilities used. Suitable for all soils, correction can be applied if chlorides are 

Presence of carbon and carbonates measured separately. Their eflect can be 

does not affect results. Fairly rapid, overcome by adding mercuric sulphate. 

suitable for small batches. 

BS Part 3:6.3 For carbonate content exceeding 10% Accuracy no better than 1% carbonates 

BS Part 316.4 Requires precision weighing and chemi- Method as used for hardened concrete. 

BS1881: Part 124 cal testing facilities. 

Compactsimple. faidyquick. Messures An approximate method, but accurate 

the volume of carbon dioxide evolved, enough for most engineering purposes.

ES Part 3:7.2 

BS Part 3:7.3 

Bowley (1979) 

BS Part 3:8 

BS Part 3:4 

Manufacturer's 

:'instructions

Titration process requiring proper 

chemical testing facilities. Designed for 

concrete aggregates. 

Simpler than Volhard's method. 

Designed for concrte aggregates. 

Simple procedure. 

Destroys all organic matter. Suitable 

for sandy soils containing little or no 

clay or chalk. 

Very simple, quick. inexpensive.

Atmospheric pressure must be known. 

Several standardised reagents are 

required 

Both methods require an analytical 

balance. 

Requires very accurate weighing. 

High temperature breaks down certain 

minerals in clay, and "carbonates, .and 

removes water of crystallisation. 

Gives approximate indication only; not 

for accurate work.'Prmscnc of salts other 

•than those being tested might affect 

readings

NUREG/CR-5739 D-2
Appendix D Tables

*q*;Sn - .- xflfl* 1 *$ 

a'J-

* w..Tr.s - ,.5:-r. .- .T:- y.*. Cu:. 

..E % 11.JU 3. 

*=. .. w.i.a -. 3 . - 1.* 3. .... ,.,.( wa4

I 

ii 

I 

I 

"i

2 

I 

1 

1k

.2

p 

-7-

I 

I 

El 

II 

2k

= .t.tn,

2 

11 

I 

I 

I

I

a

I 

11* 

5' 

p

I 

1j 

I

-t t - -t

I 1

2 

I 

I

c.-u,. (.U3.

1- *-tf - *fl@

nt.:s.jUd - *tflfl) *ItflJUY2 

- I ..I I *"

S £ S S

'I I 

A 

I 

I 

111 

I

I I 

I. 

-i .1* 

I 

I 

ii.

I 

'I 

A 

I

si I e I

I 

A

I

I- MW &M V--ta 

_______J_______L* im_____ rT I'f I1m w. 

.n. -I.~ ?... -n...adat*t $I~ tt 210I

D-3 NUREG/CR-5739

a, 

0) 

ch 

a, 

.2 

0 

0 

7.

co 

co 

cc, 

L) 

0, 

(n

2. 

51

P 

A

E

I 

A 

I 

1;

IN

rt Ia .is I r

I 

I

D-3

I

I

-n..Un.m
tI'

Table 3. Plastic Limit Comparison Testing: Current Hand Method Versus Rolling Device (Bobrowski and Griekspoor, 1992)

LABORATORY A 

Plastic Limit Results 

Specimen PI Hand Method Rolling Device 

1 4 12 13 -Regression Output: 2 8 14 12 Constant 3.90 3 10 16 Is Standard Error of Y Estimated 1.26 4 16 16 17 E qured 0.59 

5 20 14 12 No.6o bservation 

6 27 14 14 Degrees of Freedom 7 

7 35 13 14 

8 39 15 14 X Coefficient(s) 0.699 

9 44 19 17 Standard Error of Coefficient 0.218 

Avg. 15 14 

LABORATORY B 

Plastic Limit Results 

Specimen PI Hand Method Rolling Device 

1 4 13 13 Regression Output: 2 8 16 15 Constant 0.25 3 10 16 15 Standard Error of Y Estimated 0.55 

4 16 17 17 R . 0.95 5 20 13 13 NO. of Observations 9 

6 27 15 14 Degrees of Freedom 7 7 35 15 is 

8 39 19 18 X Coefficient(s) 0.957 9 44 20 20 Standard Error of Coefficient 0.081 

Avg. 16 16 

LABORATORY C 

Plastic Limit Results 

Specimen PI Hand Method Rolling Device 

'1 4 13 13 Regresslon Output: 2 8 18 16 Constant 2.59 3 10 18 is Standard Error of Y Estimated 1.21 

4 16 I8 17 R Suarcd 0.73 5 20 12 13 No. of Observation 9 

6 27 14 12 Degrees of Freedom 7 

7 35 14 12 

8 39 16 15 X Coefficicnt(s) 0.764 

9 44 Ix I8 Standard Error of Coefficient 0.174 

Avg. 16 15

,-

("
CURRENT HAND METHOD RESULTS 

Sample Number 

2 3 4 5

Laboratory A 

'Laboratory B 

Laboratory C 

Average 

Standard Deviation 

Range 

Average Standard Deviation 

Average Range 

Laboratory A 

Laboratory B 

Laboratory C 

Average 

Standard Deviation 

Range 

Average Standard Deviation 

Average Range

12 14 16 16 14 14 13 15. 19 

13 16 16 17 13 15 15 19 20 

13 18 18 18 12 14 14 16 18 

13 16 17 17 13 14 14 17 19 

0.6 2.0 1.2 1.0 1.0 0.6 1.0 2.1 1.0 

1 4 2 2 2 1 2 4 2 

1.15 

2.22 

PROPOSED ROLLING DEVICE RESULTS 

Sample Number 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

13 12 15 17 12 14 14 14 17 

13 15 15 17 13 14. 15 18 20 

13 16 15 17 13 12 12 15 18

13 

0.0 

0 

0.99 

1.89

14 

2.1 

4

15 

0.0 

0

17 

0.0 

0

13 

0.6 

1

13 

1.2 

2

14 

1.5 

3.

16 

2.1 4

18 

1.5 

3

Table 4. Plastic Limit Comparison Testing: Current Versus Rolling Device (Bobrowski and Griekspoor, 1992) 

'-3

1 6 7 8 9

0 

'.0
Reference No. 4 Sieve 3/8 1/2 S/4 1 l1/2 2 3 S 6 

MINIMUM SPECIMEN MASS, KG, BASED ON MAXIMUM PARTICLE SIZE, IN. 

ASTM C 136-84A [I] 0.5 1 2 5 10 15 20 60 300 500 

ASTM C 117-84 [21 0.S I ... 2.5 ... 5 

ASTM D 422-63 [3 ... 0.5 ... 1 2 3 4 5 .. ... 

ASTM D 1140-54 [41 0.5 ... ... 1.5 2 2.5 ... 

ASTM D 2487-85 (5) 0.1 0.2 ... 1.0 8.0 60.0 

AASHTO T 27-84 [61 ... 1 2 5 10 15 20 60 300 500 

AASHTO 11-85 [ 71 0.5 1 ... 2.5 ... ...... 

AASHTO T88-86 [81 ... 0.5 ... ... 2 ... 4 S 

Corps of Engineers 

Appendix V, [91 0.2 ... 1 2 ... 4 6 ... BS 1377: 1975 1101 ... -0.5 -1.0 2.0 %= •5 i5 35 ...... 

USBR E-6 [11] 0.5 1.0 ... 1.5 ... 2.5 Larger than 11/ 2 "suffi

cient amount to make 

a representative sam

ple" 

Recommended mass 0.1 0.25 ... 1.1 ... 10 ... 70 310 ...

Table 5. Comparison of Specimen Size for Gradation Testing (Howard and Horz, 1988)

'0 '0 

0. 

H 

a. 

0

0%
Appendix D Tables

Table 6. Recommended Minimum Test Specimen Masses (Howard and Horz, 1988)

Recommended Minimum 

Tcst Specimen Mass 

Maximum 

Particle Size kg Ibm 

No. 4 0.1 0.2 

31a in. 0.25 0.5 

3/4 in. 1I. 2.5 

11/2 in. 10 20 

3 in. 70 IS0 

S in. 310 680 

8 in. 1300 2800 

12 in., 4300 9400

D-7 NUREG/CR-5739
NRC FORM 335 U.S NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 1. REPORT NUMBER 

(24M) (Assigned by NRC, Add VoL, Supp., Rev., 

NRCM11OZ and Addendum Numbers. If any.) 

3201, 3202 BIBUOGRAPHIC DATA SHEET 

(See inssfuctions on am evewS) 

2. TITLE AND SUBTITLE NUREG/CR-5739 

Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks for Engineering Analysis and 

Design of Nuclear Power Facirities 3. DATE REPORT PUBLSHED 

MONTH .YEAR 

January 2000 

4. FIN OR GRANT NUMBER 

W6453 

5. AUTHOR(S) 6. TYPE OF REPORT 

T. Holmes, J. P. Koester Technical 

7. PERIOD COVERED ilndusive Dates) 

June 1995-July 1999 

8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION - NAME AND ADDRESS (If NRC, provide Division, Office orRegi&, U.S. NudeerReguiasty Commission, and mailing address,; if conhtctor, 

provide name and mailing addess.) 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Waterways Experiment Station 

3909 Halls Ferry Road 

Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199 

9. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION - NAME AND ADDRESS (ff NRC, tye "Same as above', if confcobr, provide RCDivision, Office rRegion, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 

and mailing address.) 

Division of Engineering Technology 

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

Washington, DC 20555-0001 

10. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 

E. G. Zurflueh, NRC Project Manager 

11. ABSTRACT (r00 wods orsA) 

This document provides technical bases for revision of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guide 1.138, 

Laboratory Investigations of Soils for Engineering Analysis and Design of Nuclear Power Plants, reflecting current and 

state-of-the-art techniques related to laboratory testing of soils. This report summarizes the processes required in a laboratory 

testing program. Topics range from storage, selection, and handling of test specimens, to static and dynamic testing methods and 

equipment. Specific requirements for liquefaction analysis and field site investigations are not addressed in this document but are 

covered in companion technical bases documents.

12. KEY WORDS/DESCRIPTORS (List woads aorpvses that wil assist researchers in ocating te report) 13. AVAILABIUTY STATEMENT 

Static and Dynamic Testing unlimited 

Sample Preparation 14. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 

(This Page) 

unclassified 

(This Repot) 

unclassified 

15. NUMBER OF PAGES 

16. PRICE 

NRC ORM3382.89 Ths ltin as lecroniall prduce byElie Feera FomsinC

NRC FORM 335 (2-W9) This form wa electronically produced by Elite Federal Forms, Inc.