ASTM D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

Get Certified ASTM D653 Testing for Reliable Soil and Rock Evaluation

ASTM D653 facilitates the interchange of technical terminology among specifications, test methods, engineering reports, and geotechnical documentation for reliable soil and rock evaluation. The definitions are included to ensure that the engineer understands the correct definitions of terms when evaluating soil, rock, and contained fluids. This will be a way to enhance communication between testing teams, geotechnical engineers, contractors, and project stakeholders through consistent terminology. Matestlab can offer advice on the use of ASTM D653 terminology in a consistent manner with existing soil, rock, and contained-fluid testing programs.

• Soil terminology: Defines technical terms used to describe soil materials, characteristics, and behavior.
• Rock terminology: Establishes definitions used in rock mechanics, characterization, and engineering.
• Contained fluids: Covers terminology associated with fluids contained within soil and rock formations.
• ASTM D18 usage: Provides definitions for terms appearing throughout ASTM Committee D18 standards.
• Symbols: Identifies symbols used with selected technical definitions.
• Units: Provides dimensional notation for applicable quantities while allowing the engineer to select the appropriate unit system.
• Related terms: Groups definitions and lists related terminology to help users locate applicable concepts.
• Frozen soils: Terms relating specifically to frozen soils are addressed by ASTM D7099 rather than ASTM D653.

What are the Uses of ASTM D653?

ASTM D653 provides a common language for engineers and analysts to use in communicating about soil, rock, and contained fluids involved in geotechnical activities. The terminology is intended to aid in the characterization, testing, engineering analysis, specification, and reporting of material for all ASTM Committee D18 applications.

• Offers uniform terminology for soil and rock engineering.
• Helps to describe soil properties and conditions clearly.
• Supports engineers in developing geotechnical specifications using standardized terminology.
• Consistently uses terminology in soil and rock testing methods.
• Assists analysts in understanding the technical aspects of geotechnical codes.
• Provides symbols and dimensions for quantities that apply.
• Enhances the consistency of reporting soil, rock, and contained fluids test results.
• Facilitates communication among testing teams, engineers, contractors, and project stakeholders.

Which materials can be tested under ASTM D653?

ASTM D653 does not prescribe a physical test for a specific material or specimen. Rather, it is terminology used in standards in ASTM Committee D18 for soils, rocks, and contained fluids. Physical testing of these materials must be performed in accordance with the particular ASTM test method used for the geotechnical evaluation for which they are needed.

Why is ASTM D653 Important?

ASTM D653 is significant because it provides consistent terminology, allowing engineers and analysts to interpret information about soil, rock, and contained fluids using standardized ASTM terms. The terminology is used in test methods, specifications, engineering calculations, site investigations, material characterization, and technical reports. Symbols, dimensional notation, groupings, and associated terminology for selected concepts are also identified. However, there are several different definitions of these technical terms in textbooks or other uses, and the definitions in ASTM D653 should be used when applying ASTM D18 standards. Inconsistent terminology, incorrect symbols, unclear units, and general versus ASTM definitions can also contribute to inaccurate communication.

ASTM D653 Testing Process and Data Collection

ASTM D653 reviews terminology, not physical data collection. Engineers determine the appropriate term for the soil, rock, or contained fluid, examine the definitions, verify the technical context, and use the terminology uniformly in specifications, test procedures, calculations, engineering records, and reports. The applicable test method specifies the specimen, equipment, measurement procedure, and the data recorded in physical measurements. The activities can then be described technically in a consistent manner with the use of ASTM D653.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

The successful use of ASTM D653 depends on proper selection and uniform use of the terminology used for soil, rock, and contained fluids. Some of the most typical problems are applying a term out of the context of ASTM, ignoring symbols or units that apply, and misinterpreting the ASTM definition with the term as it is used in a textbook. Prior to the documentation of geotechnical materials or properties, the relevant D653 definition should be reviewed by the engineer. Where physical testing is performed, procedures in the test method should also be followed in the preparation of specimens, instrumentation, measurements, and reporting.

• Engineers describe soil, rock, and contained fluids in a consistent manner using a specific set of terminology.
• Analysts interpret the geotechnical properties, conditions, measurements, and technical information according to the definitions that apply.
• Engineers communicate physical quantities consistently using symbols and dimensional notation for applicable terms.
• Technicians document specimens, test conditions, measurements, and engineering observations consistently using the same terminology.
• Engineers use standardized terms to improve consistency across specifications, test reports, calculations, and geotechnical documentation.

Link to ASTM D653