NICET Soils Level 1: Ultimate Guide to Soil and
Aggregate Testing with Detailed Q&A and
Rationales
When should you standardize/calibrate the molds in D698? - Answer-:;before
initial use, after repairs, annually or after 1000 test specimens
how many lifts and blows should a 4" mold be compacted on standard proctor?
D698 - Answer-:;3 lifts, 25 blows each
how many lifts and blows should a 6" mold be compacted in standard proctor?
D698 - Answer-:;3 lifts, 56 blows each
When calibrating mold in D698 the difference between 2 methods shall not
exceed... - Answer-:;.5% of nominal volume of the mold
What Is the significance of D1140? - Answer-:;The determination of the amount
of material finer than a 75-um sieve in soils by washing
What is the maximum particle size allowed in test method D1140? - Answer-
:;75MM (3 inch)
, What is the dispersant allowed in D1140? - Answer-:;Sodium Hexametaphosphate
What might a Soil Wash sample be obtained from? D1140 - Answer-:;Bulk
samples, jar samples, tube samples, or specimens used for other properties
How might a sample be reduced to testing size before a wash? D1140 - Answer-
:;quartering, use of a splitter, an entire jar sample, or cut a section from a tube
and quarter length wise
When performing a wash, what should the water temperature never exceed?
D1140 - Answer-:;32°C or 90°F to prevent the sieve fabric from expanding
What should happen if an insufficient amount of soil is is available for a wash?
D1140 - Answer-:;A smaller mass specimen may be used and report the reason
why
If a hose is used for a wash, what should be prevented? D1140 - Answer-
:;Splashing of material over the sides or water accumulation on the 75-UM screen
When is the sand cone method applicable? D1556 - Answer-:;For soils without
appreciable amounts of rock or course material in excess of 1.5" in diameter
What is the sand cone method used for? D1556 - Answer-:;Determine the in-
place density and unit weight of natural soil deposits, aggregate, soil mixtures or
similar material
Aggregate Testing with Detailed Q&A and
Rationales
When should you standardize/calibrate the molds in D698? - Answer-:;before
initial use, after repairs, annually or after 1000 test specimens
how many lifts and blows should a 4" mold be compacted on standard proctor?
D698 - Answer-:;3 lifts, 25 blows each
how many lifts and blows should a 6" mold be compacted in standard proctor?
D698 - Answer-:;3 lifts, 56 blows each
When calibrating mold in D698 the difference between 2 methods shall not
exceed... - Answer-:;.5% of nominal volume of the mold
What Is the significance of D1140? - Answer-:;The determination of the amount
of material finer than a 75-um sieve in soils by washing
What is the maximum particle size allowed in test method D1140? - Answer-
:;75MM (3 inch)
, What is the dispersant allowed in D1140? - Answer-:;Sodium Hexametaphosphate
What might a Soil Wash sample be obtained from? D1140 - Answer-:;Bulk
samples, jar samples, tube samples, or specimens used for other properties
How might a sample be reduced to testing size before a wash? D1140 - Answer-
:;quartering, use of a splitter, an entire jar sample, or cut a section from a tube
and quarter length wise
When performing a wash, what should the water temperature never exceed?
D1140 - Answer-:;32°C or 90°F to prevent the sieve fabric from expanding
What should happen if an insufficient amount of soil is is available for a wash?
D1140 - Answer-:;A smaller mass specimen may be used and report the reason
why
If a hose is used for a wash, what should be prevented? D1140 - Answer-
:;Splashing of material over the sides or water accumulation on the 75-UM screen
When is the sand cone method applicable? D1556 - Answer-:;For soils without
appreciable amounts of rock or course material in excess of 1.5" in diameter
What is the sand cone method used for? D1556 - Answer-:;Determine the in-
place density and unit weight of natural soil deposits, aggregate, soil mixtures or
similar material
