This 3-sentence summary provides the key details about ASTM D 4643, which describes the microwave method for determining the total moisture content of soils:
ASTM D 4643 outlines a procedure for drying soil samples in a microwave oven to remove all moisture, then calculating the moisture content based on the weight difference between the wet and dry soil samples; the test requires weighing the soil before and after microwave drying in 1-minute intervals until a constant weight is reached; the moisture content result is reported to the nearest 0.1%.
This 3-sentence summary provides the key details about ASTM D 4643, which describes the microwave method for determining the total moisture content of soils:
ASTM D 4643 outlines a procedure for drying soil samples in a microwave oven to remove all moisture, then calculating the moisture content based on the weight difference between the wet and dry soil samples; the test requires weighing the soil before and after microwave drying in 1-minute intervals until a constant weight is reached; the moisture content result is reported to the nearest 0.1%.
This 3-sentence summary provides the key details about ASTM D 4643, which describes the microwave method for determining the total moisture content of soils:
ASTM D 4643 outlines a procedure for drying soil samples in a microwave oven to remove all moisture, then calculating the moisture content based on the weight difference between the wet and dry soil samples; the test requires weighing the soil before and after microwave drying in 1-minute intervals until a constant weight is reached; the moisture content result is reported to the nearest 0.1%.
This 3-sentence summary provides the key details about ASTM D 4643, which describes the microwave method for determining the total moisture content of soils:
ASTM D 4643 outlines a procedure for drying soil samples in a microwave oven to remove all moisture, then calculating the moisture content based on the weight difference between the wet and dry soil samples; the test requires weighing the soil before and after microwave drying in 1-minute intervals until a constant weight is reached; the moisture content result is reported to the nearest 0.1%.
This procedure is used to determine the total moisture content of a soil. The soil is dried to remove all free moisture. This test measures the weight of the moisture removed from the soil.
APPARATUS
Balance, readable to 0.1 g Microwave safe dish Glass rod, spatula or knife Microwave oven Oven mitts Heat sink
It is preferable that the microwave oven have a vented chamber. The microwave oven shall have a power rating of about 700 watts with variable power control.
PROCEDURE
Record all weights to the nearest 0.1 g.
Weigh a clean and dry microwave safe dish and record the weight as tare weight.
Determine the sample size needed from the table below.
Sieve Retaining Not More Than About 10% of Sample Recommended Mass of Moist Specimen No. 10 (2.0 mm) 100 to 200 g No. 4 (4.75 mm) 300 to 500 g 3/4" (19 mm) 500 to 1000 g
Place the sample in the container and immediately weigh. Record this weight as wet weight.
Place the container in the microwave oven with a heat sink, set power to defrost setting, set timer for 3 minutes and start.* The 3-minute initial time is a minimum.
* See Notes
When the microwave oven stops, remove from the oven and weigh to the nearest 0.1 g and note.
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Use a small spatula, glass rod, or knife and carefully mix the soil. Take care not to lose any soil.
Return the container and soil to the oven and reheat for 1 minute. Remove, weigh, and again mix with spatula, glass rod, or knife. Repeat this process until a constant weight has been achieved.
Use the final weight to calculate the moisture content. Record this weight as dry weight.
Discard sample after test.
CALCULATIONS
Calculate the percent moisture as follows:
A =[(B C)/C] x 100
A =Percent moisture B =Mass of original sample C =Mass of dry sample
REPORT
Report moisture to the nearest 0.1%.
NOTES
Initial power setting may be higher than defrost. The proper power setting can be determined only through the use of, and experience with a particular microwave.
Soils that are high in moisture and contain a large portion of clay take a longer time to dry. Initial heating time for this type of soil may be 12 minutes. Care should be taken to reduce cohesive samples to 1/4" particles to speed drying and prevent crusting or overheating of the surface while drying the interior.
Constant weight is defined as when further drying will cause less than 0.1% additional loss in mass when weighed at specified intervals. Specified weighing interval for microwave drying is one minute.
CALIBRATION
A calibration check of the equipment should be performed annually as a minimum, or whenever damage or repair occurs. _________________________________________________________________________________ D 4643 Page 2 of 2