D653 27514 PDF

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D653 − 20´1
Standard Terminology Relating to

Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D653; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε1 NOTE—Editorial corrections were made in October 2020.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
These definitions were prepared jointly by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society for Testing and
Materials.
1. Scope* D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by

1.1 These definitions apply to many terms found in the Water Pycnometer
Terminology section of standards of ASTM Committee D18. D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3
1.2 This terminology standard defines terms related to soil, (2,700 kN-m/m3))
rock, and contained fluids found in the various sections of D1586/D1586M Test Method for Standard Penetration Test
standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18. (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
1.3 Definitions of terms relating to frozen soils are con- D1883 Test Method for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of
tained in Terminology D7099. Laboratory-Compacted Soils
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- D2166/D2166M Test Method for Unconfined Compressive
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Strength of Cohesive Soil
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the D2419 Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Fine Aggregate
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical D2435/D2435M Test Methods for One-Dimensional Con-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. solidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
2. Referenced Documents Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement (Visual-Manual Procedures)
Concrete D4043 Guide for Selection of Aquifer Test Method in
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques
C802 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Test Pro- D4044/D4044M Test Method for (Field Procedure) for In-
gram to Determine the Precision of Test Methods for stantaneous Change in Head (Slug) Tests for Determining
Construction Materials Hydraulic Properties of Aquifers
D558/D558M Test Methods for Moisture-Density (Unit D4050 Test Method for (Field Procedure) for Withdrawal
Weight) Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures and Injection Well Testing for Determining Hydraulic
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- Properties of Aquifer Systems
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 D4104/D4104M Practice for (Analytical Procedures) Deter-
kN-m/m3)) mining Transmissivity of Nonleaky Confined Aquifers by
Overdamped Well Response to Instantaneous Change in
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil Head (Slug Tests)
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.93 on Terminology D4105/D4105M Practice for (Analytical Procedure) for De-
for Soil, Rock and Contained Fluids.
Current edition approved June 15, 2020. Published August 2020. Originally
termining Transmissivity and Storage Coefficient of Non-
approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D653–14. DOI: leaky Confined Aquifers by the Modified Theis Nonequi-
10.1520/D0653-20. librium Method
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or D4106 Practice for (Analytical Procedure) for Determining
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Transmissivity and Storage Coefficient of Nonleaky Con-
the ASTM website. fined Aquifers by the Theis Nonequilibrium Method
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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D653 − 20´1
D4186/D4186M Test Method for One-Dimensional Consoli- D7382 Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry
dation Properties of Saturated Cohesive Soils Using Unit Weight of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer
Controlled-Strain Loading D7743 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Fluidiza-
D4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit tion Velocities of Free Flowing Powders
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table D8081 Guide for Theory and Principles for Obtaining Reli-
D4254 Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit able and Accurate Bulk Solids Flow Data Using a Direct
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density Shear Cell
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and D8198 Specification for Hydraulically Applied 100 % Wood
Plasticity Index of Soils Fiber Mulches
D4429 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of D8297/D8297M Test Method for Determination of Erosion
Soils in Place (Withdrawn 2018)3 Control Products (ECP) Performance in Protecting Slopes
D4750 Test Method for Determining Subsurface Liquid from Sequential Rainfall-Induced Erosion Using a Tilted
Levels in a Borehole or Monitoring Well (Observation Bed Slope
Well) (Withdrawn 2010)3 D8298/D8298M Test Method for Determination of Erosion
D4943 Test Method for Shrinkage Factors of Cohesive Soils Control Products (ECP) Performance in Protecting Slopes
by the Water Submersion Method from Continuous Rainfall-Induced Erosion Using a Tilted
D5084 Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Con- Bed Slope
ductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Wall Permeameter Determine the Precision of a Test Method
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
Used at Waste Sites 3. Significance and Use
D5092/D5092M Practice for Design and Installation of
3.1 Definitions in this standard are to be regarded as the
Groundwater Monitoring Wells
correct ones for terms found in other ASTM standards of
D5269 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity of Non-
Committee D18. Certain terms may be found in more than one
leaky Confined Aquifers by the Theis Recovery Method
standard issued under the jurisdiction of this committee and
D5270/D5270M Practice for (Analytical Procedures) Deter-
many of these terms have been placed in this standard.
mining Transmissivity and Storage Coefficient of
Bounded, Nonleaky, Confined Aquifers 3.2 Terms that are defined in some textbooks may differ
D5878 Guides for Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems slightly from those in this terminology standard. Definitions in
for Engineering Purposes this terminology standard are to be regarded as correct for
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical ASTM usage.
Data 3.3 See Appendix X1 for References.
D6028/D6028M Practice for (Analytical Procedure) Deter-
mining Hydraulic Properties of a Confined Aquifer Taking 3.4 Definitions marked with (ISRM) are included for the
into Consideration Storage of Water in Leaky Confining convenience of the user and were taken directly from the
Beds by Modified Hantush Method International Society for Rock Mechanics (see X1.3).
D6029/D6029M Practice for (Analytical Procedures) Deter- 3.5 A number of the definitions include symbols. The
mining Hydraulic Properties of a Confined Aquifer and a symbols appear in italics immediately after the name of the
Leaky Confining Bed with Negligible Storage by the term.
Hantush-Jacob Method 3.5.1 No significance should be placed on the order in which
D6128 Test Method for Shear Testing of Bulk Solids Using the symbols are presented where two or more are given for an
the Jenike Shear Tester individual term.
D6312 Guide for Developing Appropriate Statistical Ap- 3.5.2 The symbols presented are examples; therefore, other
proaches for Groundwater Detection Monitoring Pro- symbols are acceptable.
grams at Waste Disposal Facilities 3.5.3 See Appendix X2 for ISRM Symbols.
D6429 Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods
D6910/D6910M Test Method for Marsh Funnel Viscosity of 3.6 A number of definitions indicate the units of measure-
Construction Slurries ments in brackets and which follow the symbol(s) if given. The
D6913/D6913M Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution applicable units are indicated by italic capital letters, as
(Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis follows:
D6940/D6940M Practice for Measuring Sifting Segregation D—Dimensionless
Tendencies of Bulk Solids F—Force, such as pound-force, ton-force, newton
D6941 Practice for Measuring Fluidization Segregation Ten- L—Length, such as inch, foot, millimeter, and meter4
dencies of Powders M—Mass, such as kilogram, gram
D7099 Terminology Relating to Frozen Soil and Rock T—Time, such as second, minute
3 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on In accordance with IEEE/ASTM SI 10, the alternate spelling for meter, liter,
www.astm.org. and deka, may be metre, litre, and deca.
2
D653 − 20´1
3.6.1 Positive exponents designate multiples in the numera- “A” Horizon—see horizon.
tor. Negative exponents designate multiples in the denomina- abrasion—a rubbing and wearing away. (ISRM)
tor. Degrees of angle are indicated as “degrees.”
3.6.2 Expressing the units either in SI or the inch-pound abrasion—the mechanical wearing, grinding, scraping or rub-
system has been purposely omitted in order to leave the choice bing away (or down) of rock surfaces by friction or impact,
of the system and specific unit to the engineer and the or both.
particular application, for example: abrasive—any rock, mineral, or other substance that, owing to
FL−2—may be expressed in pounds-force per square inch, its superior hardness, toughness, consistency, or other
kilopascals, tons per square foot, etc. properties, is suitable for grinding, cutting, polishing,
LT−1—may be expressed in feet per minute, meters per scouring, or similar use.
second, etc.
abrasiveness—the property of a material to remove matter
3.7 Where synonymous terms are cross-referenced, the when scratching and grinding another material. (ISRM)
definition is usually included with the earlier term alphabeti-
cally. Where this is not the case, the later term is the more absorbed water—in soil and rock, water held mechanically in
significant. a soil or rock mass and having physical properties not
substantially different from ordinary water at the same
3.8 Grouping of Definitions and Listing of Related
temperature and pressure.
Terms—To aide users in finding terms, this terminology stan-
DISCUSSION—See adsorbed water.
dard provides grouping of definitions and listing of related
terms. absolute solids density—see same in Density Grouping.
3.8.1 Groupings—These groupings are presented in Table absolute solids specific gravity—see same in Specific Gravity
1A. Grouping.
TABLE 1A Listing of Groupings* absorption—the assimilation of fluids into interstices.
Aquifer
Coefficients: Earth absorption loss—that part of transmitted energy (mechanical)
Consolidation lost due to dissipation or conversion into other forms (heat,
D18.24
Density
etc.).
Head
Measurement accelerator—in grouting, a material that increases the rate at
Principal Plane which chemical reactions would otherwise occur.
Specific Gravity
Stress accuracy—see same in Measurement Grouping.
Unit Weight
Wave activator—in grouting, a material that causes a catalyst to
*Groupings can be editorially added or removed by the subcommittee chair as
they are changed within D653.
begin its function.
3.8.1.1 Sub-Term Groupings—These groupings are pre- active earth stress/pressure—see same in Coefficients: Earth
sented in Table 1B. Grouping.
TABLE 1B Listing of Sub-Term Groupings* active state of plastic equilibrium—see plastic equilibrium.
ASTM cement types activity number, A—in cohesive soils, the ratio of (1) the
horizon or soil horizon
moisture equivalent
plasticity index of a soil to (2) the percent by mass of
plastic equilibrium particles having an equivalent diameter smaller than 2 µm.
shear failure or failure by rupture D4318
site investigation
soil structure additive—in grouting, any material other than the basic
*Groupings can be editorially added or removed by the subcommittee chair as
they are changed within D653. components of a grout system.
3.8.2 Listings (see Appendix X3)—The listing of related adhesion—in soils, shearing resistance between soil and an-
terms is given in Table 1C. This listing may include all of the other material under zero externally applied pressure.
terms defined within standards under the jurisdiction of a Symbol Unit
specific technical subcommittee, such as D18.14, D18.24, Unit Adhesion ca FL−2
D18.25, and D18.26. Total Adhesion Ca F or FL−1
TABLE 1C Listing of Related Terms* adhesion—shearing resistance between two unlike materials
compaction under zero externally applied pressure.
density
effective admixture—a material other than water, aggregates, or cemen-
specific gravity
unit weight titious material, used as a grout ingredient for cement-based
*Listings of related terms can be editorially added or removed by the grouts.
subcommittee chair as they are changed within D653.
adsorbed water—in soil and rock, water in a soil or rock mass
4. Terminology
attracted to the particle surfaces by physiochemical forces,
AASHTO compaction—see compaction test in compaction having properties that may differ from those of pore water at
(grouping). the same temperature and pressure due to altered molecular
3
D653 − 20´1
ar-rangement; adsorbed water does not include water that is angle of internal friction, δ (degrees)—see same in D18.24
chemically combined within the clay minerals. Grouping.
DISCUSSION—See absorbed water.
angle of obliquity, α, β, φ, Ψ (degrees)—the angle between the
adsorption—in soils, the attachment of water molecules or direction of the resultant stress or force acting on a given
ions to the surfaces of soil particles. plane and the normal to that plane.
advancing slope grouting—in grouting, a method of grouting angle of repose, α (degrees)—angle between the horizontal
by which the front of a mass of grout is caused to move and the maximum slope that a soil assumes through natural
horizontally by use of a suitable grout injection sequence. processes.
DISCUSSION—For dry granular soils the effect of the height of slope is
aeolian deposits—wind-deposited material such as dune sands
negligible; for cohesive soils the effect of height of slope is so great that
and loess deposits. the angle of repose is meaningless.
aggregate—as a grouting material, relatively inert granular angle of wall friction, φ (degrees)—see same in D18.24
mineral material, such as sand, gravel, slag, crushed stone, Grouping.
etc. “Fine aggregate” is material that will pass a No. 4
[4.75-mm] screen, “Coarse aggregate” is material that will angular aggregate—aggregate, the particles of which possess
not pass a No. 4 [4.75-mm] screen. Aggregate is mixed with well-defined edges formed at the intersection of roughly
a cementing agent (such as Portland cement and water) to planar faces.
form a grout material.
anisotropic mass—a mass having different properties in dif-
agitator tank—in grouting/slurries, a tank, usually vertical ferent directions at any given point.
and with open top, with rotation paddles used to prevent
anisotropy—having different properties in different directions.
segregation of grout after mixing.
(ISRM)
air-space ratio, Ga [D]—ratio of: (1) volume of water that can
annual space; annulus—in borings, the space between two
be drained from a saturated soil or rock under the action of
concentric tubes or casings, or between the casing and the
force of gravity, to (2) total volume of voids.
borehole wall.
air-void ratio, Gv [D]—the ratio of: (1) the volume of air DISCUSSION—This would include the space(s) between multiple
space, to (2) the total volume of voids in a soil or rock mass. strings of tubing/casings in a borehole installed either concentrically or
multi-cased adjacent to each other. D5092/D5092M
alkali aggregate reaction—in grouting, a chemical reaction
between Na2O and K2O in the cement and certain silicate apparent bulk (surface dry) density—see same in Density
minerals in the cement and certain silicate minerals in the Grouping.
aggregate, which causes expansion resulting in weakening apparent bulk (surface dry) specific gravity—see same in
and cracking of Portland cement grout. Specific Gravity Grouping.
DISCUSSION—See reactive aggregate.
apparent dry bulk specific gravity—see same in Specific
allowable bearing value or allowable soil pressure, qa, Gravity Grouping.
pa [FL−2]—in foundations, the maximum pressure that can apparent saturated (surface dry) specific gravity—see same in
be permitted on foundation soil, giving consideration to all Specific Gravity Grouping.
pertinent factors, with adequate safety against rupture of the apparent cohesion—see cohesion, apparent.
soil mass or movement of the foundation of such magnitude apparent dry bulk density—see same in Density Grouping.
that the structure is impaired. apparent saturated (surface dry) density—see same in Density
allowable pile bearing load, Qa, Pa [F]—in foundations, the Grouping.
maximum load that can be permitted on a pile with adequate saturated—see percent saturation.
safety against movement of such magnitude that the struc-
ture is endangered. AQUIFER GROUPING
DISCUSSION—See bearing capacity (of a pile).
aquifer, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a geologic
alluvium—soil, the constituents of which have been transformation, group of formations, or part of a formation that is
ported in suspension by flowing water and subsequently saturated and is capable of providing a significant quantity of
deposited by sedimentation. groundwater. D5092/D5092M
amplification factor—ratio of dynamic to static displacement. aquiclude, n—in groundwater, a relatively impervious forma-
tion capable of absorbing water slowly but will not transmit
amorphous peat—see sapric peat.
it fast enough to furnish an appreciable supply for a well or
angle of friction or angle of friction between solid bodies, φ spring.
s (degrees)—angle whose tangent is the ratio between the
maximum value of shear stress that resists slippage between aquitard, n—in groundwater, a confining bed that retards but
two solid bodies at rest with respect to each other, and the does not prevent the flow of groundwater to or from an
normal stress across the contact surfaces. adjacent aquifer; a leaky confining bed.
4
D653 − 20´1
area of influence of a well, α [L2]—in aquifers, area sur- leaky aquifer, n—in aquifers, whether artesian or unconfined,
rounding a well within which the piezometric surface has that lose or gain water through adjacent less permeable beds.
been lowered when pumping has produced the maximum DISCUSSION—See aquitard and aquiclude in this grouping.
steady rate of flow.
perched groundwater, n—see perched groundwater.
confined aquifer, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, an aqui- perched groundwater, n—see perched water table.
fer bounded above and below by confining beds and in
which the static head is above the top of the aquifer. D4050, specific storage, n—in aquifers, the volume of water released
D4104/D4104M, D4105/D4105M, D4106, D5269 from or taken into storage per unit volume of the porous
medium per unit change in head. D4043, D4050, D4104/
confining bed, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a hydrogeo- D4104M, D4105/D4105M, D5269
logic unit of less permeable material bounding one or more
aquifers. D4043, D4050, D4104/D4104M, D4105/D4105M, transmissivity, n—in aquifers, the volume of water at the
D4106, D5269 existing kinematic viscosity that will move in a unit time
under a unit hydraulic gradient through a unit width of the
effective drainage porosity, n—see effective drainage poros- aquifer.
ity. DISCUSSION—It is equal to an integration of the hydraulic conduc-
tivities across the saturated part of the aquifer perpendicular to the flow
groundwater—see groundwater (in alphabetized listing).
paths. D4043, D4050, D4104/D4104M, D4105/D4105M,
groundwater, free water, gravitational water, or phreatic D4106
water—water that is free to move through a soil or rock
mass under the influence of gravity. unconfined aquifer, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, an
aquifer that has a water table. D4043, D4105/D4105M,
groundwater barrier, n—in aquifers, soil, rock, or artificial D4106
material which has a relatively low permeability and which
occurs below the land surface where it impedes the move- End of Grouping
ment of groundwater and consequently causes a pronounced
difference in the potentiometric level on opposite sides of the aquitard, n—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
barrier.
arching—the transfer of stress from a yielding part of a soil or
groundwater basin, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a rock mass to adjoining less-yielding or restrained parts of the
groundwater system that has defined boundaries and may mass.
include more than one aquifer of permeable materials, which area grouting—grouting a shallow zone in a particular area
are capable of furnishing a significant water supply. utilizing holes arranged in a pattern or grid.
DISCUSSION—A basin is normally considered to include the surface
DISCUSSION—This type of grouting is sometimes referred to as
area and the permeable materials beneath it. The surface-water divide
blanket or consolidation grouting.
need not coincide with groundwater divide.
area of influence of a well, n—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
groundwater discharge, n—see groundwater discharge.
area ratio of a sampling spoon, sampler, or sampling tube,
groundwater elevation or free water elevation, Ar[D]—the area ratio is an indication of the volume of soil
n—elevation(s) at which the pressure in the water is zero displaced by the sampling spoon (tube), calculated as fol-
with respect to the atmospheric pressure. lows:
DISCUSSION—Also see groundwater table, water table, or piezo-
metric surface.
Ar 5 F D i2 G
D e2 2 D i2
3 100
groundwater flow, n—see groundwater flow.
where:
groundwater recharge, n—see groundwater recharge. De = maximum external diameter of the sampling spoon,
groundwater table, water table, or piezometric surface, and
n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, the surface of a ground- Di = minimum internal diameter of the sampling spoon at
water body at which the water pressure equals atmospheric the cutting edge.
pressure. armor—in erosion control, the artificial surfacing of bed,
DISCUSSION—Earth material below the groundwater table is saturated banks, shore, or embankment to resist erosion or scour.
with water. It is common practice to determine the water table using a
monitoring or observation well or piezometer, or both. armor stone—in erosion control, (generally one ton to three
tons in weight) stone resulting from blasting, cutting, or by
hydrologic unit, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, geologic other methods to obtain rock heavy enough to require
strata that can be distinguished on the basis of capacity to handling two individual pieces by mechanical means.
yield and transmit fluids. Aquifers and confining units are
types of hydrologic units. Boundaries of a hydrologic unit articulating concrete block (ACB) revetment system, n—in
may not necessarily correspond either laterally or vertically erosion control, a matrix of interconnected concrete block
to lithostratigraphic formations. D5092/D5092M units for erosion protection that are typically connected by
5
D653 − 20´1
geometric interlock, cables, ropes, geotextile, geogrids or the sticky limit, the cohesion limit, the plastic limit, and the
combination thereof, and typically including a geotextile shrinkage limit. In current engineering usage, the term
underlayment. usually refers only to the liquid limit, plastic limit, and in
some references, the shrinkage limit. D4318
artifactual turbidity—in monitoring wells, particulate matter
that is not naturally mobile in the groundwater system and “B” horizon—see horizon.
that is produced in some way by the groundwater sampling average interstitial velocity—see velocity, average intersti-
process. May consist of particles introduced to the subsur- tial.
face during drilling or well construction, sheared from the
target monitoring zone during pumping or bailing the well, backpack grouting—the filling with grout of the annular
or produced by exposure of groundwater to atmospheric space between a permanent tunnel lining and the surround-
conditions. D5092/D5092M ing formation.
DISCUSSION—Same as crown grouting and backfill grouting.
ash content—the percentage by dry weight of material remain-
ing after an oven dry organic soil or peat is burned by a back-packing—any material (usually granular) that is used to
prescribed method. fill the empty space between the lagging and the rock
surface. (ISRM)
assessment monitoring—in groundwater, an investigative
monitoring program that is initiated after the presence of a baffle—a pier, weir, sill, fence, wall, or mound built on the bed
contaminant in groundwater has been detected. The objec- of a stream to parry, deflect, check, or regulate the flow or to
tive of this program is to determine the concentration of float on the surface to dampen the wave action.
constituents that have contaminated the groundwater and to
bailer or borehole—in wells, a hollow tubular receptacle used
quantify the rate and extent of migration of these
to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from a well or borehole.
constituents. D5092/D5092M
D5092/D5092M
SUB-TERM GROUPING ballast—in drilling, materials used to provide stability to a
ASTM cement types—Portland cements meeting the require- buoyant object (such as casing within a borehole filled with
ments of Specifications C150/C150M. Cement types have water). D5092/D5092M
slightly different formulations that result in various charac-
barometric efficiency—in wells, the ratio of the change in
teristics which address different construction conditions and
depth of water in a well to the inverse of water-level change
different physical and chemical environments. They are as
in barometric pressure, expressed in length of water. D4043
follows:
DISCUSSION—See cement, API. base—in grouting, main component in a grout system.
Type I (Portland)—a general-purpose construction cement base course (base)—a layer of specified or selected material of
with no special properties. D5092/D5092M planned thickness constructed on the subgrade or subbase for
Type II (Portland)—a construction cement that is moderately the purpose of serving one or more functions such as
resistant to sulfates and generates a lower head of hydration distributing load, providing drainage, minimizing frost
at a slower rate than Type I D5092/D5092M action, etc.
Type III (Portland: high early strength)—a construction ce- base exchange—the physicochemical process whereby one
ment that produces a high early strength. This cement species of ions adsorbed on soil particles is replaced by
reduces the curing time required when used in cold another species.
environments, and produces a higher head of hydration than
batch—in grouting, quantity of grout mixed at one time.
Type I. D5092/D5092M
Type IV (Portland)—a construction cement that produces a low batch method—in grouting, a quantity of grout materials are
head of hydration (lower than Types I and II) and develops mixed or catalyzed at one time prior to injection.
strength at a slower rate. D5092/D5092M batch mixer—in grouting, a machine that mixes batches of
Type V (Portland)—a construction cement that is a high sulfate grout, in contrast to a continuous mixer.
resistant formulation. Used when there is severe sulfate bearing capacity—see ultimate bearing capacity.
action from soils and groundwater. D5092/D5092M bearing capacity (of a pile), Qp, Pp [F]—the load per pile
attapulgite clay—a chain-lattice clay mineral. The term also required to produce a condition of failure.
applies to a group of clay materials that are lightweight, DISCUSSION—See allowable pile bearing load.
tough, matted, and fibrous. bed—see specimen.
attenuation—reduction of amplitude with time or distance.
bedding—applies to rocks resulting from consolidation of
Atterberg Limits—in cohesive soils, originally, six “limits of sediments and exhibiting surfaces of separation (bedding
consistency” of fine-grained soils were defined by Albert planes) between layers of the same or different materials,
Atterberg: the upper limit of viscous flow, the liquid limit, that is, shale, siltstone, sandstone, limestone, etc. (ISRM)
6
D653 − 20´1
bedding—collective term signifying the existence of layers of blocking—in tunneling, wood blocks placed between the
beds. Planes or other surfaces dividing sedimentary rocks of excavated surface of a tunnel or shaft and the main bracing
the same or different lithology. system. (ISRM)
bedrock—the more or less continuous body of rock which blow-in—in drilling, the inflow of groundwater and unconsoli-
underlies the overburden soils. (ISRM) dated material into a borehole or casing caused by differen-
tial hydraulic heads; that is, caused by the presence of a
bedrock (ledge)—rock of relatively great thickness and extent greater hydraulic head outside of a borehole/casing than
in its native location. inside. D5092/D5092M
bench—(1) the unexcavated rock having a nearly horizontal body force—a force such as gravity whose effect is distributed
surface which remains after a top heading has been throughout a material body by direct action on each elemen-
excavated, or (2) step in a slope; formed by a horizontal tary part of the body independent of the others. (ISRM)
surface and a surface inclined at a steeper angle than that of
the entire slope. (ISRM) bog—a peat covered area with a high water table and a surface
dominated by a carpet of mosses, chiefly sphagnum. It is
bending—process of deformation normal to the axis of an generally nutrient poor and acidic. It may be treed or
elongated structural member when a moment is applied treeless.
normal to its long axis. (ISRM)
bond strength—in grouting, resistance to separation of set
bentonitic clay—a clay with a high content of the mineral grout from other materials with which it is in contact; a
montmorillonite, usually characterized by high swelling on collective expression for all forces such as adhesion, friction,
wetting. and longitudinal shear.
berm—a shelf that breaks the continuity of a slope. borehole—in drilling, a hole of circular cross-section made in
soil or rock.
bias—see same in Measurement Grouping. DISCUSSION—Normally, a borehole is advanced using an auger, a
biaxial compression—compression caused by the application drill, or casing with or without drilling fluid. D4750
of normal stresses in two perpendicular directions. (ISRM) borehole—an open or uncased subsurface hole, generally
circular in plan view, created by drilling. D5092/D5092M
biaxial state of stress—state of stress in which one of the three
principal stresses is zero. (ISRM) borehole log—in drilling, the record of geologic units
penetrated, drilling progress, depth, water level, sample
bin—see same in D18.24 Grouping. recovery, volumes and types of materials used, and other
binder (soil binder)—portion of soil passing No. 40 [425-µm] significant facts regarding the drilling of an exploratory
U.S. standard sieve, borehole or well. D5092/D5092M
binder—anything that causes cohesion in loosely assembled borehole television log—a borehole or well video record
substances, such as clay or cement. produced by lowering a television camera into the borehole
bit—any device that may be attached to or is an integral part or well. This record is useful in visually observing downhole
of a drill string and is used as a cutting tool to bore into or conditions such as collapsed casing or a blocked screen.
penetrate rock or other materials. bottom charge—concentrated explosive charge at the bottom
of a blast hole. (ISRM)
blaine fineness—the fineness of powdered materials, such as
cement and pozzolans, expressed as surface area usually in boulder clay—a geological term used to designate glacial drift
square centimetres per gram. that has not been subjected to the sorting action of water and
therefore contains particles from boulders to clay sizes.
blanket grouting—a method in which relatively closely
spaced shallow holes are drilled and grouted on a grid boulders—a rock fragment, usually rounded by weathering or
pattern over an area, for the purpose of making the upper abrasion, with an average dimension of 12 in. [305 mm] or
portions of the bedrock stronger and less pervious. more.
blastibility—index value of the resistance of a rock formation breakwater stone—stone, generally three tons to twenty tons
to blasting. (ISRM) in weight, resulting from blasting, cutting, or other means to
obtain rock heavy enough to require handling individual
blasting cap (detonator, initiator)—a small tube containing a pieces by mechanical means.
flashing mixture for firing explosives. (ISRM)
bridge—in drilling, an obstruction within the annulus which
bleeding—in grouting, the autogeneous flow of mixing water may prevent circulation or proper emplacement of annular
within, or its emergence from, newly placed grout caused by materials. D5092/D5092M
the settlement of the solid materials within the mass.
buckling—a bulge, bend, bow, kink, or wavy condition
bleeding rate—in grouting, the rate at which water is released produced in sheets, plates, columns, or beams by compres-
from grout by bleeding. sive stresses.
7
D653 − 20´1
bulb of pressure—see pressure bulb. diameter monitoring well riser or casing to provide structural
bulk density, ρ [ML–3]—see same in Density Grouping. protection to the well and restrict unauthorized access into
bulk density, ρt [ML–3]—see same in Density Grouping. the well. D5092/D5092M
bulk solid—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
casing, surface—in drilling, pipe used to stabilize a borehole
bulk unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping. near the surface during the drilling of a borehole that may be
bulkhead—a steep or vertical structure supporting natural or left in place or removed once drilling is completed.
artificial embankment. D5092/D5092M
bulking—the increase in volume of a material due to manipu- catalyst—a material that causes chemical reactions to begin.
lation. Rock bulks upon being excavated; damp sand bulks if
loosely deposited, as by dumping, because the apparent catalyst system—those materials that, in combination, cause
cohesion prevents movement of the soil particles to form a chemical reactions to begin; catalyst systems normally
reduced volume. consist of an initiator (catalyst) and an activator.
bunker—see same in D18.24 Grouping. cation—an ion that moves, or would move toward a cathode;
buoyant density—see same in Density Grouping. thus nearly always synonymous with positive ion.
buoyant unit weight or submerged unit weight—see same in cation exchange—see base exchange.
Unit Weight Grouping.
cation exchange capacity, CEC, n—in soils, is a pH dependent
burden—in an explosive blasting, the distance between the measure of the negative electrical charge present on the
charge and the free face of the material to be blasted. surfaces of soil minerals, particularly clay minerals, and on
burden—distance between charge and free surface in direction soil organic materials, especially humic compounds, capable
of throw. (ISRM) of dynamically adsorbing positively charged ions (cations)
and polar compounds.
“C” Horizon—see horizon. DISCUSSION—The units for CEC are typically in milliequivalents per
California bearing ratio, CBR [D]—in pavement design, the 100 grams of oven-dry soil (meq/100 g). The SI units for CEC are
ratio in percent and at a standard penetration of either 0.1 or centimoles of charge per kilogram of oven-dry soil (cmolc/kg). See
0.2 in. (2.54 or 5.08 mm) of: (1) the force per unit area exchange capacity.
(stress) required to penetrate a soil mass, to (2) the stress caving or sloughing—in drilling, the inflow of unconsolidated
required to penetrate a standard material (crushed aggregate) material into a borehole which occurs when the borehole
using standard equipment and procedures prescribed by Test walls lose their cohesive strength. D5092/D5092M
Method D1883 or D4429.
DISCUSSION—Refer to Test Method D1883 or D4429 for further cavity—a natural underground opening that may be small or
information on the standard equipment and procedures, and values of large.
the “standard material.”
cavity—underground opening created by a fully contained
camouflet—the underground cavity created by a fully con- explosive. (ISRM)
tained explosive. (ISRM)
cement factor—quantity of cement contained in a unit volume
capillary action (capillarity)—the rise or movement of water of concrete or grout, expressed as weight, or volume (specify
in the interstices of a soil or rock due to capillary forces. which).
capillary flow—see capillary action. cement grout—a grout in which the primary cementing agent
capillary fringe zone—the zone above the free water elevation is Portland cement.
in which water is held by capillary action.
cement; Portland cement—commonly known as Portland
capillary head—see same in Head Grouping. cement. A mixture that consists of a calcareous argillaceous,
capillary migration—see capillary action. or other silica-, alumina,- and iron-oxide bearing materials
that is manufactured and formulated to produce various
capillary rise (height of capillary rise), hc [L]—the height
types which are defined in Specification C150/C150M.
above a free water elevation to which water will rise by
Portland cement is also considered a hydraulic cement
capillary action.
because it must be mixed with water to form a cement-water
capillary water—water subject to the influence of capillary paste that has the ability to harden and develop strength even
action. if cured under water (see ASTM cement types).
D5092/D5092M
casing—in drilling, pipe, finished in sections with either
threaded connections or bevelled edges to be field welded cementitious factor—quantity of cement and other cementi-
which is installed temporarily or permanently to counteract tious materials contained in a unit volume of concrete or
caving, to advance the borehole, or to isolate the zone being grout, expressed as weight or volume (specify which).
monitored, or combination thereof. D5092/D5092M
centralizer—in drilling, a device that assists in the centering
casing, protective—in drilling, a section of larger diameter of a casing or riser within a borehole or another casing.
pipe that is emplaced over the upper end of a smaller D5092/D5092M
8
D653 − 20´1
centrifuge moisture equivalent—see moisture equivalent. It is a secondary structure and is ordinarily accompanied by
chamber—a large room excavated underground, for example, at least some recrystallization of the rock. (ISRM)
for a powerhouse, pump station, or for storage. (ISRM)
cleavage planes—the parallel surfaces along which a rock or
chamber blasting (coyotehole blasting)—a method of quarry mineral cleaves or separates; the planes of least cohesion,
blasting in which large explosive charges are confined in usually parallel to a certain face of the mineral or crystal.
small tunnel chambers inside the quarry face. (ISRM)
cleft water—water that exists in or circulates along the
chemical grout—any grouting material characterized by being geological discontinuities in a rock mass.
a true solution; no particles in suspension. See also particu- closure—the opening is reduced in dimension to the extent that
late grout. it cannot be used for its intended purpose. (ISRM)
chemical grout system—any mixture of materials used for closure—in grouting, closure refers to achieving the desired
grouting purposes in which all elements of the system are reduction in grout take by splitting the hole spacing. If
true solutions (no particles in suspension). closure is being achieved, there will be a progressive
chip—crushed angular rock fragment of a size smaller than a decrease in grout take as primary, secondary, tertiary, and
few centimetres. (ISRM) quanternary holes are grouted.
chisel—the steel cutting tool used in percussion drilling. cobble (cobblestone)—a rock fragment, usually rounded or
(ISRM) semirounded, with an average dimension between 3 and 12
in. [75 and 305 mm].
circuit grouting—a grouting method by which grout is circu-
lated through a pipe extending to the bottom of the hole and coeffıcient of absolute viscosity—see coefficient of viscosity.
back up the hole via the annular space outside the pipe. Then coeffıcient of active earth stress/pressure—see same in Coef-
the excess grout is diverted back over a screen to the agitator ficients: Earth Grouping.
tank by means of a packing gland at the top of the hole. The coeffıcient of compressibility or coeffıcient of compression—see
method is used where holes tend to cave and sloughing same in Consolidation Grouping.
material might otherwise clog openings to be grouted. coeffıcient of consolidation—see same in Consolidation
circulation—in drilling, applies to the fluid rotary drilling Grouping.
method; drilling fluid movement from the mud pit, through coefficient of friction or coefficient of friction between solid
the pump, hose and swivel, drill pipe, annular space in the bodies, f [D]—the ratio between the maximum value of
hole and returning to the mud pit. D5092/D5092M shear stress that resists slippage between two solid bodies
classification, n—in soil or rock, a systematic arrangement or with respect to each other, and the normal stress across the
division of materials, products, systems, or services into contact surfaces. The tangent of the angle of friction is ϕs.
groups based on similar characteristics such as origin, coefficient of friction, f—a constant proportionality factor
composition, properties, or use (Regulations Governing relating normal stress and the corresponding critical
ASTM Technical Committees). D5878 shear stress at which sliding starts between two surfaces:
τ
clay (clay soil)—fine-grained soil or the fine-grained portion of f5 . (ISRM)
σ
soil that can be made to exhibit plasticity (putty-like prop-
erties) within a range of water contents, and that exhibits coeffıcient of earth stress/pressure at rest—see same in Coef-
considerable strength when air-dry. The term has been used ficients: Earth Grouping.
to designate the percentage finer than 0.002 mm (0.005 mm coefficient of internal friction, f, µ [D]—the tangent of the
in some cases), but it is strongly recommended that this angle of internal friction (angle of shear resistance) (see
usage be discontinued, since there is ample evidence from an internal friction).
engineering standpoint that the properties described in the
above definition are many times more important. coeffıcient of passive earth stress/pressure—see same in Coef-
ficients: Earth Grouping.
clay size—that portion of the soil finer than 0.002 mm (0.005
mm in some cases) (see also clay). coefficient of permeability or permeability, k [LT−1]—the
rate of discharge of water under laminar flow conditions
clay soil—see clay. through a unit cross-sectional area of a porous medium under
cleavage—in crystallography, the splitting, or tendency to a unit hydraulic gradient and standard temperature condi-
split, along planes determined by the crystal structure. In tions (usually 20 °C).
petrology, a tendency to cleave or split along definite, DISCUSSION—The present protocol for this term is hydraulic
parallel, closely spaced planes. It is a secondary structure, conductivity, see hydraulic conductivity. Also, “coefficient” is rarely
commonly confined to bedded rocks. used.
cleavage—the tendency to cleave or split along definite coeffıcient of shear resistance—see coefficient of internal
parallel planes, which may be highly inclined to the bedding. friction.
9
D653 − 20´1
coefficient of subgrade reaction (modulus of subgrade cohesion, c [FL−2]—the portion of the shear strength of a soil
reaction), k, ks [FL−3]—the slope of a plot of: (1) the normal indicated by the term c, in Coulomb’s equation,
stress applied to the surface of a mass of soil, versus (2) the s = c + p tan φ or τ = c' + σ' tan ϕ'. See intrinsic shear
corresponding displacement of that surface in the direction strength.
of the applied stress.
DISCUSSION—The soil’s surface may be inclined to the extent that it
cohesion, apparent—cohesion in granular soils due to capil-
is still practical to apply a normal stress and measure displacements. lary forces.
The slope of the plot of normal stress versus displacement is typically
cohesionless soil—a soil that when unconfined has little or no
determined by a linear regression analysis of the data points before the
soil starts to yield; and, in some cases be indeterminate because the strength when air-dried and that has little or no cohesion
soil’s characteristics are very nonlinear (rounded plot). The coefficient when submerged.
of subgrade reaction will vary depending on the size of the loaded area
and the soil characteristics within the depth of influence of the applied
cohesive soil—a soil that when unconfined has considerable
stress. strength when air-dried and that has significant cohesion
when submerged.
coefficient of transmissibility—the rate of flow of water in
gallons per day through a vertical strip of the aquifer 1 ft [0.3 collar—in grouting, the surface opening of a borehole.
m] wide, under a unit hydraulic gradient. colloidal grout—in grouting, a grout in which the dispersed
coefficient of uniformity, Cu [D]—the ratio D60 / D10, where solid particles remain in suspension (colloids).
D60 is the particle diameter corresponding to 60 % finer on colloidal mixer—in grouting, a mixer designed to produce
the cumulative particle-size distribution curve, and D10 is the colloidal grout.
particle diameter corresponding to 10 % finer on the cumu-
lative particle-size distribution curve. colloidal particles—particles that are so small that the surface
activity has an appreciable influence on the properties of the
coefficient of viscosity or coefficient of absolute viscosity, η aggregate.
[FTL−2]—the shearing force per unit area required to main-
tain a unit difference in velocity between two parallel layers communication—in grouting, subsurface movement of grout
of a fluid a unit distance apart. from an injection hole to another hole or opening.
coeffıcient of volume compressibility or modulus of volume compaction—the densification of a soil by means of mechani-
change—see same in Consolidation Grouping. cal manipulation.
compaction curve or Proctor curve, n—in soils, the curve
COEFFICIENTS: EARTH GROUPING showing the relationship between the dry density or dry unit
coefficient of earth stress/pressure, K [D], n—in soils, the weight and the molding water content of a soil using a
ratio of: (1) the horizontal effective principal stress to (2) the standard test method. See compaction test.
vertical effective principal stress under drained conditions. compaction test, n—in soils, the determination of the dry
DISCUSSION—The application of these coefficients is limited to
density or dry unit weight versus molding water content
situations in which there is no shear stress on the horizontal or vertical
planes. Pressure is typically associated with fluids which cannot relationship using a standard test method in fine grained or
support static shear stresses, while stress is associated with materials coarse grained soils; or the direct determination of the
that can support static shear stresses. Therefore, when referring to soil maximum dry density or maximum dry unit weight using a
and rock one should not use pressure but stress. However, by tradition standard test method in coarse grained soils.
the geotechnical profession has used pressure, such as in “earth DISCUSSION—Some of the D18 test methods are D558/D558M
pressure.” (standard effort compaction for soil-cement), D698 (standard effort
compaction), D1557 (modified effort compaction), D4253 (vibrating
coefficient of active earth stress/pressure, KA [D]—the lower table), and D7382 (vibrating hammer). The test method designation
limiting value of this ratio under drained conditions. needs to be identified, such as “compaction test by D698” or “com-
DISCUSSION—This is applicable where the soil has yielded sufficiently paction test using D698.” The usage of moisture-density test or Proctor
to develop a lower limiting value of the effective minor principal stress test has been eliminated because test methods D4253 and D7382 are
(horizontal stress). also considered compaction tests.
coefficient of earth stress/pressure at rest, K0 [D]—this ratio composite sieving, v—in sieving, the process of separating a
under drained conditions in one-dimensional conditions. large specimen on a designated separating sieve to obtain
coefficient of passive earth stress/pressure, KP [D]—the coarser and finer particle-size portions. The coarser portion
upper limiting value of this ratio under drained conditions. is sieved using the coarser sieve set. The finer portion is
DISCUSSION—This is applicable where the soil has yielded sufficiently subsampled to obtain a subspecimen of manageable size
by horizontal compression to develop an upper limiting value of the (mass) and this subspecimen is sieved using the finer sieve
major principal stress (horizontal stress) under drained conditions. set. The results of both sieve sets (coarser and finer) are
combined mathematically to determine the gradation of the
End of Grouping large specimen. D6913/D6913M
cohesion—shear resistance at zero normal stress (an equivalent compressibility—property of a soil or rock pertaining to its
term in rock mechanics is intrinsic shear strength). (ISRM) susceptibility to decrease in volume when subjected to load.
10
D653 − 20´1
compression curve—see stress-void ratio curve in Consolida- very soft <0.25 tsf or <25 kPa
tion Grouping. soft $0.25 to <0.5 tsf or $25 to <50 kPa
medium $0.5 to <1.0 tsf or $50 to <100 kPa
compression index—see same in Consolidation Grouping. stiff $1.0 to <2.0 tsf or $100 to <200 kPa
compression wave or irrotational wave—see same in Wave very stiff $2.0 to <4.0 tsf or $200 to <400 kPa
hard $4.0 tsf or $400 kPa
Grouping.
DISCUSSION—Two brief examples are: medium lean clay (CL) and
compressive strength or unconfined/uniaxial compressive very stiff fat clay (CH). Some references also base consistency on the
strength, pc, qu, [FL−2]—the load per unit area at which an standard penetration test results (D1586/D1586M) or hand penetration
unconfined cylindrical specimen of soil or rock will fail in a (D2488, Table 5). However, these approaches lack quantification and
simple compression test. are therefore not presented. Parenthetically, the source for these
DISCUSSION—Commonly the failure load is the maximum that the undrained compressive strength values can be found in NAVFAC, Soil
specimen can withstand in the test. Mechanics, Design Manual 7.01, and Table 4 (search the Internet using
“NAVFAC DM7.01”). Furthermore, these strength values were based
compressive stress—normal stress tending to shorten the body on unconfined compression testing (D2166/D2166M).
in the direction in which it acts. (ISRM) consolidated-drained test or slow test—a soil test in which
concentration factor, n [D]—a parameter used in modifying essentially complete consolidation under the confining pres-
the Boussinesq equations to describe various distributions of sure is followed by additional axial (or shearing) stress
vertical stress. applied in such a manner that even a fully saturated soil of
low permeability can adapt itself completely (fully consoli-
conceptual model—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a simpli- date) to the changes in stress due to the additional axial (or
fied representation of the hydrogeologic setting and the shearing) stress.
response of the flow system to stress. D4043
consolidation—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
conductance (specific)—a measure of the ability of the water consolidated-undrained test or consolidated quick test—a
to conduct an electric current at 77°F [25°C]. It is related to soil test in which essentially complete consolidation under
the total concentration of ionizable solids in the water. It is the vertical load (in a direct shear test) or under the confining
inversely proportional to electrical resistance. pressure (in a triaxial test) is followed by a shear at constant
D5092/D5092M water content.
DISCUSSION—This definition incorrectly identifies the test type and
cone of impression, n—a rise of the potentiometric surface in the usage of a direct shear test. It is an R-Test in accordance with the
the approximate shape of a cone that develops around an USACE and present technology prohibits performing an undrained
injection well. direct shear test.
confined aquifer—see same in Aquifer Grouping. CONSOLIDATION GROUPING
confining bed—see same in Aquifer Grouping. DISCUSSION—After the basic consolidation definition, the first three
definitions presented define the basic components of consolidation;
confining unit—in hydrogeology, a body of relatively low while, remaining definitions define various terms associated with the
hydraulic conductivity formation material stratigraphically consolidation process.
adjacent to one or more aquifers. consolidation—the gradual reduction in volume of a soil mass
DISCUSSION—Synonymous with or may include formations that are resulting from an increase in compressive stress.
considered to be “aquiclude,” “aquitard,” and “aquifuge.”
D5092/D5092M initial consolidation or initial compression—a compara-
tively sudden reduction in volume of a soil mass under an
conjugate joints (faults)—two sets of joints (faults) that applied load due principally to expulsion and compression of
formed under the same stress conditions (usually shear gas in the soil voids preceding primary consolidation.
pairs). (ISRM)
primary consolidation, primary compression, or primary
connate water, n—water entrapped in the voids of a sedimen- time effect—the reduction in volume of a soil mass caused
tary or extrusive igneous rock at the time of its deposition or by the application of a sustained load to the mass and due
emplacement. principally to a squeezing out of water from the void spaces
of the mass and accompanied by a transfer of the load from
consistency—the relative ease with which a soil can be the soil water to the soil solids.
deformed. D4318
secondary consolidation, secondary compression, or sec-
consistency—in grouting, the relative mobility or ability of ondary time effect—the reduction in volume of a soil mass
freshly mixed mortar or grout to flow; the usual measure- caused by the application of a sustained load to the mass and
ments are slump for stiff mixtures and flow for more fluid due principally to the adjustment of the internal structure of
grouts. the soil mass after most of the load has been transferred from
consistency index—see liquidity index. the soil water to the soil solids.
consistency terms, adj—as used in describing cohesive soils coefficient of compressibility or coefficient of compression,
and based on undrained compressive strength are: αv [L2F–1]—the secant slope, for a given pressure increment,
11
D653 − 20´1
of the pressure-void ratio curve. Where a stress-strain curve time factor, Tv, T [D]—dimensionless factor, utilized in the
is used, the slope of this curve is equal to αv/(1 + e). theory of consolidation, containing the physical constants of
a soil stratum influencing its time-rate of consolidation,
coefficient of consolidation, cv [L2T–1]—a coefficient utilized expressed as follows:
in the theory of consolidation, containing the physical
constants of a soil affecting its rate of volume change. k ~ 11e ! t c v ·t
T5 5 2
a v γ w ·H 2 H
k ~ 11e !
cv 5 where:
α vγ w
k = coefficient of permeability [LT−1],
where:
e = void ratio (dimensionless),
k = coefficient of permeability, LT–1, t = elapsed time that the stratum has been consolidated [T],
e = void ratio, D, av = coefficient of compressibility [L2F−1],
αv = coefficient of compressibility, L2F–1, and γw = unit weight of water [FL−3],
γw = unit weight of water, FL–3. H = thickness of stratum drained on one side only. If
DISCUSSION—In the literature published prior to 1935, the coefficient stratum is drained on both sides, its thickness equals 2H
of consolidation, usually designated c, was defined by the equation: [L], and
cv = coefficient of consolidation [L2T−1].
k
c5
α vγ w
~ 11e ! stress-void ratio curve or compression curve—a curve
This original definition of the coefficient of consolidation may be
representing the relationship between effective stress and
found in some more recent papers and care should be taken to avoid void ratio of a soil as obtained from a consolidation test. The
confusion. curve has a characteristic shape when plotted on semilog
paper with stress on the log scale. The various parts of the
coefficient of volume compressibility or modulus of volume curve and extensions to the parts of the curve and extensions
change, mv [L2F−1]—the compression of a soil layer per unit to the parts have been designated as recompression,
of original thickness due to a given unit increase in pressure. compression, virgin compression, expansion, rebound, and
It is numerically equal to the coefficient of compressibility other descriptive names by various authorities.
divided by one plus the original void ratio, or av/(1 + e). DISCUSSION—It is common practice to replace void ratio with axial
strain in percent.
compression index, Cc [D]—the slope of the linear portion of
the stress-void ratio curve on a semi-log plot. End of Grouping
consolidation ratio, Uz [D]—the ratio of: (1) the amount of consolidation grouting—in grouting, injection of a fluid
primary consolidation at a given distance (location) from a grout, usually sand and Portland cement, into a compressible
drainage surface and at a given time, to (2) the total amount soil mass in order to displace it and form a lenticular grout
of primary consolidation obtainable at that point under a structure for support.
given stress increment. See degree of consolidation or DISCUSSION—In rock, grouting is performed for the purpose of
percent consolidation in this grouping. strengthening the rock mass by filling open fractures and thus elimi-
DISCUSSION—This definition applies to any given point within the nating a source of settlement.
layer of soil being evaluated, while degree of consolidation applies to
the entire layer soil. consolidation test—see same in Consolidation Grouping.
consolidation test—a test in which the specimen is laterally consolidation-time curve—see same in Consolidation Group-
confined in a ring and is compressed between porous plates. ing.
constitutive equation—force deformation function for a par-
consolidation-time curve, time curve, or theoretical-time
ticular material. (ISRM)
curve—a curve that shows the relation between: (1) the
degree of consolidation, and (2) the elapsed time after the contact grouting—see backpack grouting.
application of a given increment of load. contact pressure, p [FL−2]—the unit of pressure that acts at
the surface of contact between a structure and the underlying
degree of consolidation or percent consolidation, U [D]—the soil or rock mass.
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of: (1) the amount of
primary consolidation at a given time, to (2) the total amount contaminant—in soil, rock and groundwater, an undesirable
of primary consolidation obtainable under a given stress substance not normally present or an unusually high concen-
increment within a soil mass/layer. See consolidation ratio tration of a naturally occurring substance in water or soil.
under Consolidation Grouping. D5088
DISCUSSION—This definition applies to the entire layer of soil being
evaluated, while consolidation ratio applies to any given point within
continuous mixer—a mixer into which the ingredients of the
the entire layer. mixture are fed without stopping, and from which the mixed
product is discharged in a continuous stream.
preconsolidation stress—see preconsolidation stress.
contraction—linear strain associated with a decrease in
overconsolidation ratio—see overconsolidation ratio. length. (ISRM)
12
D653 − 20´1
control rinse water—in decontamination, water used for critical hydraulic gradient—see hydraulic gradient.
equipment washing and rinsing having a known chemistry. critical slope—the maximum angle with the horizontal at
D5088 which a sloped bank of soil or rock of given height will stand
unsupported.
control well—in aquifer testing, well by which the aquifer is
stressed, for example, by pumping, injection, or change of critical surface—see critical circle.
head. D4043, D4044/D4044M, D4104/D4104M, D4105/ critical void ratio, ec [D], n—in soil, the void ratio above
D4105M, D5269 which the soil will exhibit contractive behavior at high shear
strain and below which it will exhibit dilative behavior at
controlled blasting—includes all forms of blasting designed
high strain. See critical density under Density Grouping.
to preserve the integrity of the remaining rocks, that is, DISCUSSION—The critical density or critical void ratio (the two
smooth blasting or pre-splitting. (ISRM) definitions are alternate and equivalent measures of soil packing) is an
aspect of soil behavior that has now been known since the 1930s. The
controlled-strain test—a test in which the load is so applied
critical density/void ratio of a given material varies with effective
that a controlled rate of strain results. confining stress and is affected by other factors. Some of those factors
being the fabric of the material, stress history, type of loading, and
controlled-stress test—a test in which the stress to which a
duration of loading. “High strain” is associated with strain at and after
specimen is subjected is applied at a controlled rate. peak strength conditions. The critical density/void ratio arises in the
convergence—generally refers to a shortening of the distance context of both liquefaction of cohesionless soil and in the fundamental
modeling of soil constitutive behavior (including sands, silts, and
between the floor and roof of an opening, for example, in the clays). For the particular case of saturated soil subjected to undrained
bedded sedimentary rocks of the coal measures where the deformation, contractive behavior will cause a strength reduction
roof sags and the floor heaves. Can also apply to the because of the build up of excess pore water pressure during shear. In
convergence of the walls toward each other. (ISRM) very loose soil, this pore pressure increase will often be so large as to
cause brittle strength reduction with shear strain (liquefaction). For
core—a cylindrical sample of hardened grout, concrete, rock, dense soil, dilative behavior will produce a strength gain whether
or grouted deposits, usually obtained by means of a core drained (as an increase in the soils friction angle) or undrained (as an
drill. increase in shear strength). For constitutive modeling, the variation of
critical void ratio with mean effective stress is often referred to as a
core drilling; diamond drilling—a rotary drilling technique, critical state locus (CSL) and in this form appears widely in modern
using diamonds in the cutting bit, that cuts out cylindrical models of soil behavior (including the Modified Cam Clay model found
rock samples. (ISRM) in most commercial finite element programs as the default “advanced”
soil model).
core recovery—ratio of the length of core recovered to the
length of hole drilled, usually expressed as a percentage. crown—also roof or back, that is, the highest point of the cross
section. In tunnel linings, the term is used to designate either
cover—the perpendicular distance from any point in the roof the arched roof above spring lines or all of the lining except
of an underground opening to the ground surface. (ISRM) the floor or invert. (ISRM)
cover—in grouting, the thickness of rock and soil material cryology—the study of the properties of snow, ice, and frozen
overlying the stage of the hole being grouted. ground.
crack—a small fracture, that is, small with respect to the scale cumulative material retained (cumulative retained material
of the feature in which it occurs. (ISRM) or cumulative mass retained), n—in sieving, the mass of
crater—excavation (generally of conical shape) generated by material retained on an individual sieve plus the masses of
an explosive charge. (ISRM) material retained on all the coarser sieves in a given stack/set
of sieves. D6913/D6913M
creep—slow movement of rock debris or soil usually imper-
ceptible except to observations of long duration. Time- cumulative percent retained, n—in sieving, the ratio of
dependent strain or deformation, for example, continuing cumulative material retained on a given sieve to the mass of
strain with sustained stress. the specimen, expressed in percent. D6913/D6913M
cure—in grouting, the change in properties of a grout with
critical circle (critical surface)—the sliding surface assumed
time.
in a theoretical analysis of a soil mass for which the factor of
safety is a minimum. cure time—in grouting, the interval between combining all
grout ingredients or the formation of a gel and substantial
critical damping—the minimum viscous damping that will
development of its potential properties.
allow a displaced system to return to its initial position
without oscillation. curtain grouting—injection of grout into a sub-surface for-
mation in such a way as to create a barrier of grouted
critical density—see same in Density Grouping.
material transverse to the direction of the anticipated water
critical frequency—see same in Wave Grouping.
flow.
critical height, Hc[L]—the maximum height at which a
vertical or sloped bank of soil or rock will stand unsupported cuttings—small-sized rock fragments produced by a rock drill.
under a given set of conditions. (ISRM)
13
D653 − 20´1
D18.24 GROUPING fluidization segregation, n—a mechanism that causes vertical
segregation, that is, horizontal layering of fine and coarse
DISCUSSION—This grouping applies to standards under the jurisdic-
particles, as resulting from fluidization of the bulk solid.
tion of Subcommittee D18.24 on Characterization and Handling of
Powders and Bulk Solids. Bulk solids in this case are not directly D6941
related to soil and rock, except for such bulk solids as coal and ore. In
the definitions presented, the generic delimiting phrase related to this
fluidized bed, n—a bed of particulate matter fully suspended
subcommittee is omitted; however, the standard from which it was by a gas or liquid (liquid suspensions are not covered in this
copied is identified. method). D7743
angle of internal friction, φI [degrees]—the angle between the funnel flow pattern, n—in storing, handling and processing
tangent to the yield locus and the abscissa. D6128 bulk solids using industrial equipment, a flow sequence in a
bin or hopper characterized by having some particles moving
angle of wall friction , φ' [degrees]—the arctan of the ratio of while other particles are stagnant during discharge.
the wall shear stress to the wall normal stress. D6128 D6940/D6940M
bin—a container or vessel for holding a bulk solid, frequently granular material—synonym for bulk solid. D6128
consisting of a vertical cylinder with a converging hopper.
hopper—the converging portion of a bin. D6128
Sometimes referred to as silo, bunker, or elevator. D6128
major consolidation stress, σ1—the major principal stress
bulk density, ρ [ML–3]—the mass of a quantity of a bulk solid
given by the Mohr stress circle of steady state flow. This
divided by its total volume. D6128
Mohr stress circle is tangential to the effective yield locus.
bulk solid—an assembly of solid particles handled in sufficient D6128
quantities that its characteristics can be described by the
mass flow pattern, n—in storing, handling and processing
properties of the mass of particles rather than the character-
bulk solids using industrial equipment, a flow sequence in a
istics of each individual particle. May also be referred to as
bin or hopper characterized by having all particles moving
granular material, particulate solid or powder. Examples are
when discharge occurs. D6940/D6940M
sugar, flour, ore, and coal. D6128
minimum bubbling velocity, Umb, n—the superficial gas
bunker—synonym for bin, but sometimes understood as being
velocity at which gas bubbles are first observed in a bed of
a bin without any or only a small vertical part at the top of
powder. D7743
the hopper. D6128
minimum fluidization velocity, Umf—the superficial gas ve-
complete fluidization velocity, Ucf, n—the superficial gas locity at which the bed is initially suspended by the fluid (or
velocity at which all particles in the bed are fully suspended liquid). D7743
by the gas. D7743
Mohr stress circle—the graphical representation of a state of
consolidation—the process of increasing the strength of a bulk stress in coordinates of normal and shear stress, that is, in the
solid. D6128 σ, τ-plane. D6128
effective angle of friction, δ [degrees]—the inclination of the normal stress, σ—the stress acting normally to the considered
effective yield locus (EYL) as defined by Jenike. D6128 plane. D6128
effective yield locus (EYL)—straight line passing through the particulate solid—synonym for bulk solid. D6128
origin of the σ, τ-plane and tangential to the steady state
Mohr circle, corresponding to steady state flow conditions of powder—synonym for bulk solid, particularly when the
a bulk solid of given bulk density. D6128 particles of the bulk solid are fine. D6128
elevator—synonym for bin, commonly used in the grain segregation, n—a process through which blended or uniform
industry. D6128 powders or bulk solids become non-uniform, with regions of
varying composition, for example, particle size. D6941
failure—in a bulk solid, plastic deformation of an overcon-
solidated bulk solid subject to shear, causing dilation and a silo—synonym for bin. D6128
decrease in strength. D6128 shear stress, τ—a stress acting parallel to the surface of the
plane being considered. D6128
flow, steady state or steady state flow—continuous plastic
deformation of a bulk solid at critical state. D6128 shear test—an experiment to determine the flow properties of
a bulk solid by applying different states of stress and strain
flow function, FF—the plot of unconfined yield strength
to it. D6128
versus major consolidation stress for one specified bulk
solid. D6128 shear tester—an apparatus for performing shear tests. D6128
fluidization, n—the state in which a powder exhibits fluid-like sifting segregation, n—in storing, handling and processing
properties. D6941 bulk solids using industrial equipment, a mechanism in
14
D653 − 20´1
which finer particles preferentially percolate into a zone decomposition—for peats and organic soils, see humification.
within the bulk solid. D6940/D6940M decontamination—in apparatus, the process of removing or
reducing to a known level undesirable physical or chemical
Sauter mean particle size, n—the diameter of a sphere that
constituents, or both, from a sampling apparatus to maxi-
has the same volume to surface area ratio as the particles
mize the representativeness of physical or chemical analyses
being measured. D7743
proposed for a given sample. D5088
superficial gas velocity, n—the calculated gas velocity if no decoupling—the ratio of the radius of the blasthole to the
particles were present, that is, the gas volumetric flow rate radius of the charge. In general, a reducing of the strain wave
divided by the cross-sectional area with respect to the bed amplitude by increasing the spacing between charge and
diameter. D7743 blasthole wall. (ISRM)
time angle of internal friction, φt—inclination of the time deflocculating agent or deflocculant or dispersing agent—in
yield locus of the tangency point with the Mohr stress circle hydrometer testing, an agent that prevents fine soil particles
passing through the origin. D6128 in suspension from coalescing to form flocs.
time yield locus—the yield locus of a bulk solid which has deformability—in grouting, a measure of the elasticity of the
remained at rest under a given normal stress for a certain grout to distort in the interstitial spaces as the sediments
time. D6128 move.
unconfined yield strength, fc—the major principal stress of deformation—change in shape or size.
the Mohr stress circle being tangential to the yield locus with
the minor principal stress being zero. A synonym for deformation—a change in the shape or size of a solid body.
compressive strength. D6128 (ISRM)
uniform bulk solid bed or bulk solid bed, n—a specimen in degradable, adj—in erosion control, decomposes under
a direct shear cell that has a consistent bulk density through- biological, chemical processes, or ultraviolet stresses asso-
out the bed. D8081 ciated with typical application environments.
wall normal stress, σw—the normal stress present at a confin- degree-days—the difference between the average temperature
ing wall. D6128 each day and 32°F [0°C]. In common usage degree-days are
positive for daily average temperatures above 32°F and
wall shear stress, τw—the shear stress present at a confining negative for those below 32°F (see freezing index).
wall. D6128
degree of consolidation or percent consolidation—see same in
wall yield locus—a plot of the wall shear stress versus wall Consolidation Grouping.
normal stress. The angle of wall friction is obtained from the
wall yield locus as the arctan of the ratio of the wall shear degrees-of-freedom—the minimum number of independent
stress to wall normal stress. D6128 coordinates required in a mechanical system to define
completely the positions of all parts of the system at any
yield locus—plot of shear stress versus normal stress at failure. instant of time. In general, it is equal to the number of
The yield locus (YL) is sometimes called the instantaneous independent displacements that are possible.
yield locus to differentiate it from the time yield locus.
D6128 degree of saturation—see percent saturation.
degree of saturation—the extent or degree to which the voids
End of Grouping in rock contain fluid (water, gas, or oil). Usually expressed in
percent related to total void or pore space. (ISRM)
d-10 or D10—in soils, see effective diameter or effective size.
degree of sensitivity—see sensitivity in Measurement Group-
d-60 or D60—in soils, see effective diameter or effective size. ing.
delay—time interval (fraction of a second) between detonation
damping—reduction in the amplitude of vibration of a body or
of explosive charges. (ISRM)
system due to dissipation of energy internally or by radia-
tion. (ISRM) DENSITY GROUPING
damping ratio—for a system with viscous damping, the ratio
of actual damping coefficient to the critical damping coeffi- See Unit Weight Grouping and Specific Gravity
cient. Grouping.
DISCUSSION—In soil and rock the term density requires the inclusion
data point or recorded value—see observation or observed of an adjective to define its specific application, such as dry, bulk,
value (data point or recorded value) in measurement submerged, and maximum. The adjectives “dry,” “total,” “wet,”
(grouping). “moist,” etc. do not modify the noun density, but the state of the soil or
rock, or both, along with its voids. However; in some professions, such
decay time—the interval of time required for a pulse to decay as Soil Science and Geology, the usage of the adjective "bulk" pertains
from its maximum value to some specified fraction of that to the volume of the soil/rock instead of its state. Acceptable SI units
value. (ISRM) are kg/m3, g/cm3 or Mg/m3. Acceptable inch-pound units are slugs/ft3
15
D653 − 20´1
or lbm/ft3 (only use lbm if force units are not included in that standard). DISCUSSION—The replacement of “bulk” with total, moist or wet is
See 3.5.2 for usage of symbols in definitions. common. This definition could apply to saturated conditions; however,
Density is a key element in the phase relations, phase relationships, it is preferable to replace bulk with saturated. See above Density
or mass-volume relationships of soil/rock. If dissolved solids, such as Grouping discussion and apparent saturated (surface dry) density.
salt, are present in the pore fluid, then modifications to these relation-
ships are required. apparent dry bulk density, ρr,d [ML−3], n—in rock or
In all density definitions, mass is determined in air without any aggregate, the dry mass of rock or aggregate per unit total
corrections for buoyancy in air and the unit total volume applies to the volume. See above Density Grouping discussion.
unit volume including both solids and voids. The density of water is a
function of temperature; therefore, reference temperature should be apparent saturated (surface dry) density, ρr,sat [ML−3], n—in
given, such as water density [20°C]. However, this reference tempera- rock or aggregate, the mass of saturated rock or aggregate
ture is typically omitted and assumed to be 20°C.
For definitions involving rock and aggregates, it is common practice,
with its surface(s) blotted dry per unit total volume. See
especially in the concrete industry, to include the terms absolute and above Density Grouping discussion.
apparent. In this case, absolute refers to mass-volume relations without
any voids (solids volume) while apparent refers to the mass-volume buoyant density or submerged density (@ temp),
relations with voids (unit total volume). Surface dry means all water on ρsub,(@temp),
the rock’s surface is removed, usually by light blotting. In definitions ρb,(@temp) [ML−3], n—the difference between the saturated
containing “surface dry,” the omission of “surface dry” is typical when density of soil or rock and the density of water (at 20°C or
using that term; such as, apparent bulk (surface dry) density becomes project specific temperature).
apparent bulk density. For highly porous rock, specialized surface dry
DISCUSSION—The buoyant/submerged density times acceleration of
techniques might be required to model specific applications. The
gravity is used to calculate effective stress verses depth, providing
saturation of rock or aggregate is typically accomplished by submerg-
hydrostatic conditions are applicable. See above Density Grouping
ing in water with or with out a vacuum for a prescribed period of time.
discussion.
It is acceptable practice to change the density adjective to a noun,
such as dry density to density of dry soil or rock, apparent saturated
critical density, ρc [ML−3], n—in soil, the dry density below
density to apparent density of saturated rock or aggregate, or solids
density to density of soil solids or particles. which the soil will exhibit contractive behavior at high shear
strain and above which it will exhibit dilative behavior at
NOTE 1—The most general density terms are presented first, such as high strain. See critical void ratio.
density, dry density, saturated density, and total density followed by the
DISCUSSION—The critical density or critical void ratio is an aspect of
special application terms in alphabetical order.
soil behavior that has now been known since the 1930s and these two
density, ρ [ML−3], n—the mass per unit volume. See above definitions are alternate and equivalent measures of soil packing. The
Density Grouping discussion. critical density/void ratio of a given material varies with effective
confining stress and is affected by other factors. Some of those factors
dry density, ρd [ML−3], n—the mass of dry soil or rock per unit being the fabric of the material, stress history, type of loading, and
total volume. See above Density Grouping discussion. duration of loading. “High strain” is associated with strain at and after
peak strength conditions. The critical density/void ratio arises in the
DISCUSSION—In some professions, such as Soil Science and Geology,
context of both liquefaction of cohesionless soil and in the fundamental
the term “bulk density” usually has the same meaning as “dry density.”
modeling of soil constitutive behavior (including sands, silts, and
See above Density Grouping discussion.
clays). For the particular case of saturated soil subjected to undrained
saturated density, ρsat [ML−3], n—the mass of saturated soil or deformation, contractive behavior will cause a strength reduction
because of the build up of excess pore water pressure during shear. In
rock per unit total volume. See above Density Grouping very loose soil, this pore pressure increase will often be so large as to
discussion. cause brittle strength reduction with shear strain (liquefaction), For
dense soil, dilative behavior will produce a strength gain whether
total, moist, wet or bulk density, ρt [ML−3], n—the total mass drained (as an increase in the soils friction angle) or undrained (as an
of partially saturated or saturated soil or rock per unit total increase in shear strength). For constitutive modeling, the variation of
volume. critical void ratio with mean effective stress is often referred to as a
DISCUSSION—Throughout D18 standards either the adjective of total, critical state locus (CSL) and in this form appears widely in modern
moist, wet or bulk is used to represent this density condition. The order models of soil behavior (including the Modified Cam Clay model found
of preference is as presented; however, any one of these adjectives is in most commercial finite element programs as the default “advanced”
acceptable. In some professions, such as Soil Science and Geology, the soil model).
term “bulk density” usually has the same meaning as “dry density.” See
above Density Grouping discussion. maximum dry density (Std.#), (Std.#)-ρd,max [ML−3]—in
soils, the densest state (represented as a dry condition) of a
absolute solids density, ρr [ML−3], n—in rock or aggregate, soil determined using the standard test method indicated.
the mass of the mineral constituents present in rock or DISCUSSION—The term “maximum” or “densest state” does not mean
aggregate per unit volume of the mineral without any voids. an absolute value, but a test value determined by a standard test method
DISCUSSION—It is usually measured by pulverizing the rock or (compaction test) developed to evaluate the subject property. Some of
aggregate to silt size or finer, so there are not any voids in the rock or these D18 test methods are D558/D558M (standard effort compaction
aggregate, then measuring their overall dry mass and volume. A D18 for soil-cement), D698 (standard effort compaction), D1557 (modified
test method is D854. See above Density Grouping discussion. effort compaction), D4253 (vibrating table), and D7382 (vibrating
hammer). The test method used to determine the maximum density
apparent bulk (surface dry) density, ρr,t [ML−3], n—in rock needs to be identified since the value typically depends on the test
or aggregate, the mass of partially saturated rock or aggre- method. In the above symbol presentation, “Std.#” is an abbreviation
gate with its surface(s) blotted dry per unit total volume. for the ASTM designation number associated with the applicable test
16
D653 − 20´1
method; an example might be “D698-ρd,max = 1750 kg/m3 or maximum End of Grouping
dry density (D698) equals 1750 kg/m3.” See above Density Grouping
discussion. depth of flow, n—in hydraulics, the distance from the channel
thalweg to the water surface, measure normal to the direction
minimum dry density (Std.#), (Std.#)-ρd,min [ML−3]—in of flow, for a given discharge.
soils, the loosest state (represented as a dry condition) of a
soil determined using the standard test method indicated. designated separating sieve, n—in composite sieving, the
sieve selected to separate the specimen into coarser and finer
DISCUSSION—The term “minimum” or “loosest state” does not mean
an absolute value, but a test value determined by a standard test method portions for composite sieving. D6913/D6913M
associated with that subject property. A D18 test method is D4254. The design discharge, n—in erosion control, the volumetric quan-
standard test method should be identified. In the above symbol
tity of water flow within a channel which is typically used in
presentation, “Std.#” is an abbreviation for the ASTM designation
number associated with the applicable test method; an example might
determining required channel dimensions and suitable lining
be “D4254-ρd,min = 1430 kg/m3 or minimum dry density (D4254) materials for ensuring adequate channel capacity and stabil-
equals 1430 kg/m3.” See above Density Grouping discussion. ity.
DISCUSSION—The discharge associated with a specified frequency of
relative density, Dr, Rd [D], n—in cohesionless soils, a recurrence, for example, an n-year flood. The n-year flood event has a
relationship describing the void ratio/density of a soil probability of 1/n being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
sample/specimen relative to the loosest and densest states for detection monitoring—in geoenvironmental programs, a pro-
that soil, and usually expressed as a percentage. It is defined gram of monitoring for the express purpose of determining
by either of the following two equations: whether or not there has been a contaminant release to
(a) by void ratio: groundwater. D5092/D5092M
e max 2 e
Dr 5 3 100 detonation—an extremely rapid and violent chemical reaction
e max 2 e min
causing the production of a large volume of gas. (ISRM)
where: deviator stress, ∆σ [FL−2]—see same in Stress Grouping.
Dr = relative density in %,
emax = void ratio in loosest state, from minimum dry density deviator of stress (strain)—the stress (strain) tensor obtained
(Std#), by subtracting the mean of the normal stress (strain) com-
e = any given void ratio (typically an in-situ test value or ponents of a stress (strain) tensor from each normal stress
that of a test specimen, and (strain) component. (ISRM)
emin = void ratio in densest state, from maximum dry density differential settlement—settlement that varies in rate or
(Std#). amount, or both, from place to place across a structure.
(b) by dry density:
dilatancy—property of volume increase under loading.
ρ d,max ρ d,max 2 ρ d (ISRM)
Dr 5 3 3 100
ρd ρ d,max 2 ρ d,min
dilatancy—the expansion of cohesionless soils when subject
where: to shearing deformation.
ρd,max = maximum dry density (Std#) in kg/m3,
ρd = any given dry density (typically an in-situ test value direct shear test—a shear test in which soil or rock under an
or that of a test specimen in kg/m3, and applied normal load is stressed to failure by moving one
ρd,min = minimum dry density (Std#) in kg/m3. section of the specimen/sample or specimen/sample con-
tainer (shear box/ring) relative to the other section.
DISCUSSION—The numerical value of the relative density is the same
whether performing the calculation based on void ratio or density. The discharge, n—in channel flow, the volume of water flowing
terms “loosest,” “densest,” “maximum,” or “minimum” does not mean through a cross-section in a unit of time, including sediment
an absolute value, but a test value determined by a standard test method or other solids that may be dissolved in or mixed with the
associated with that subject property. Therefore, the test methods water; usually cubic feet per second (ft3/s) or cubic meters
should be identified. In the above symbol presentation, “Std.#” is an per second [m3/s].
abbreviation for the ASTM Designation number associated with the
applicable Test Method. The usage of unit weight applies to Equation discharge velocity, v, q [LT−1]—rate of discharge of water
(b) if density is replaced by unit weight. See above Density Grouping through a porous medium per unit of total area perpendicular
discussion and definitions for void ratio and maximum dry density, and to the direction of flow.
minimum dry density under density grouping.
discontinuity surface—any surface across which some prop-
solids density or particle density, ρs [ML−3], n—the mass of erty of a rock mass is discontinuous. This includes fracture
dry solids (particles) of soil per unit volume of solids without surfaces, weakness planes, and bedding planes, but the term
any voids. See above Density Grouping discussion and should not be restricted only to mechanical continuity.
definition for absolute solids density. (ISRM)
water density (@ temp), ρw,(@ temp) [ML−3], n—the mass of dispersing agent—in grouting, an addition or admixture that
water per unit volume at a given temperature. See above promotes dispersion of particulate grout ingredients by
Density Grouping discussion. reduction of interparticle attraction.
17
D653 − 20´1
dispersing agent—see deflocculating agent. the bit and out of the borehole, and to seal fractures or
dispersion—the phenomenon of varying speed of transmission permeable formations, or both, preventing loss of circulation
of waves, depending on their frequency. (ISRM) fluid.
DISCUSSION—The most common drill mud is a water-bentonite
displacement—a change in position of a material point. mixture, however, many other materials may be added or substituted to
(ISRM) increase density or decrease viscosity.
displacement grouting—injection of grout into a formation in dry density—see same in Density Grouping.
such a manner as to move the formation; it may be controlled dry pack—a cement-sand mix with minimal water content
or uncontrolled. See also penetration grouting. used to fill small openings or repair imperfections in
concrete.
distortion—a change in shape of a solid body. (ISRM)
dry unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping.
divergence loss—that part of transmitted energy lost due to ductility—condition in which material can sustain permanent
spreading of wave rays in accordance with the geometry of deformation without losing its ability to resist load. (ISRM)
the system.
dye tracer—in grouting, an additive whose primary purpose is
double amplitude—total or peak to peak excursion. to change the color of the grout or water.
drag bit—a noncoring or full-hole boring bit, which scrapes its earth—see soil and rock.
way through relatively soft strata. (ISRM) earth pressure—see coefficient of earth stress/pressure.
drain—a means for intercepting, conveying, and removing effective angle of friction—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
water. effective diameter or effective size, D10, De–10 [L]—particle
drainage curtain—in grouting, a row of open holes drilled diameter corresponding to 10 % finer on the particle-size
parallel to and downstream from the grout curtain of a dam curve.
DISCUSSION—Other common sizes are 30 % and 60 %, see Practice
for the purpose of reducing uplift pressures.
D2487.
DISCUSSION—Depth is ordinarily approximately one-third to one-half
that of the grout curtain. effective drainage porosity, nd [D]—in aquifers, the ratio of:
(1) the volume of the voids that can be drained by gravity in
drainage gallery—in grouting, an opening or passageway
a unit total volume of a soil or rock mass, to (2) the unit total
from which grout holes or drainage curtain holes, or both,
volume of that soil or rock mass. See porosity and effective
are drilled. See also grout gallery.
porosity.
drawdown [L]—vertical distance the free water elevation is DISCUSSION—This type of porosity is typically used in the determi-
lowered or the pressure head is reduced due to the removal nation of the specific yield or storage coefficient of an aquifer. This
definition may be applicable to pavement base and subbase layers. In
of free water.
addition, it would be acceptable to replace effective drainage porosity
drill—a machine or piece of equipment designed to penetrate with effective porosity for drainage.
earth or rock formations, or both. effective flowable void ratio, ef [D], n—in hydraulic conduc-
drill cuttings—fragments or particles of soil or rock, with or tivity testing or aquifers, the ratio of: (1) the volume of voids
without free water, created by the drilling process. through which water can flow, to (2) the volume of solids in
a unit total volume of soil or rock. See void ratio, effective
drilling fluid—in drilling, a fluid (liquid or gas) that may be void volume, and effective void ratio.
used in drilling operations in remove cuttings from the DISCUSSION—For plastic cohesive soils, the difference between effec-
borehole, to clean and cool the drill bit, and to maintain the tive flowable void ratio and void ratio is very difficult to establish or
integrity of the borehole during drilling. D5092/D5092M quantify and is therefore rarely used. It is generally assumed to be less
than the calculated void ratio. In addition, it would be acceptable to
drillability—index value of the resistance of a rock to drilling. replace effective flowable void ratio with effective void ratio for
(ISRM) groundwater flow or water flow.
effective porosity, ne [D]—the total porosity reduced by a

drill carriage; jumbo—a movable platform, stage, or frame
definable method to represent a condition of interest. See
that incorporates several rock drills and usually travels on
porosity and effective drainage porosity.
the tunnel track; used for heavy drilling work in large
DISCUSSION—Effective porosity should be characterized based on the
tunnels. (ISRM) application, such as effective porosity for drainage, effective porosity
for groundwater flow, or effective porosity for oil and gas. Porosity that
drilling pattern—the number, position, depth, and angle of the
is considered effective porosity might exclude such items as water
blastholes forming the complete round in the face of a tunnel bound to clay particles, vugs (larger voids which are not
or sinking pit. (ISRM) interconnected), and small voids contained within many types of
carbonates.
drill mud (drilling mud)—in drilling, a dense fluid or slurry
used in rotary drilling; to prevent caving of the borehole effective force, F'[F]—the force transmitted through a soil or
walls, as a circulation medium to carry cuttings away from rock mass by intergranular pressures.
18
D653 − 20´1
effective stress, effective pressure, or intergranular pressure— endothermic—pertaining to a reaction that occurs with the
see same in Stress Grouping. adsorption of heat.
effective void ratio, ee[D], n—the total void ratio adjusted by envelope grouting—grouting of rock surrounding a hydraulic
a definable method to represent a condition of interest. See pressure tunnel for purpose of consolidation, and primarily,
effective void, void ratio, and effective flowable void ratio. reduction of permeability.
DISCUSSION—Effective void ratio should be characterized based on
epoxy—a multicomponent resin grout that usually provides
the application, such as effective void ratio for drainage, effective void
ratio for groundwater-flow, or effective void ratio for oil and gas. Void very high, tensile, compressive, and bond strengths.
ratio that is considered effective void ratio might exclude such items as
equipotential line—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a line
water bound to clay particles, vugs (larger voids which are not
interconnected), and small voids contained within many types of connecting points of equal hydraulic head. A set of such lines
carbonates. provides a contour map of a potentiometric surface.
D5270/D5270M
effective void volume, Vev[L3], n—the total volume of voids in
a unit of soil or rock mass adjusted by a definable method to equivalent diameter or equivalent size, D [L]—in hydrometer
represent a condition of interest. See effective porosity and testing, the diameter of a hypothetical sphere composed of
effective void ratio. material having the same specific gravity as that of the actual
DISCUSSION—Effective void volume should be characterized based on soil particle and of such size that it will settle in a given
the application; such as effective void volume for drainage, effective liquid at the same terminal velocity as the actual soil particle.
void volume for groundwater-flow, or effective void volume for oil and
gas. Void volume that is considered effective void volume might equivalent fluid—a hypothetical fluid having a unit weight
exclude such items as water bound to clay particles, vugs (larger void such that it will produce a pressure against a lateral support
which are not interconnected), and small voids contained within many presumed to be equivalent to that produced by the actual
types of carbonates. soil. This simplified approach is valid only when deforma-
tion conditions are such that the pressure increases linearly
effective yield locus—see same in D18.24 Grouping. with depth and the wall friction is neglected.
efflux time—in grouting, time required for all grout to flow
from a flow cone. equivoluminal wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
erosion control blanket (ECB), n—in erosion control, a
elasticity—property of material that returns to its original form temporary degradable Rolled Erosion Control Product
or condition after the applied force is removed. (ISRM) (RECP) composed of processed natural or synthetic fibers,
or a combination thereof, mechanically, structurally or
elastic limit—point on stress strain curve at which transition
chemically bound together to form a continuous matrix.
from elastic to inelastic behavior takes place. (ISRM)
erosion control product (ECP), n—in erosion control, a
elastic state of equilibrium—state of stress within a soil mass
temporary degradable or long-term, non-degradable material
when the internal resistance of the mass is not fully
designed to reduce soil erosion and assist in the growth,
mobilized.
establishment, and protection of vegetation. D8297/
elastic strain energy—potential energy stored in a strained D8297M, D8298/D8298M
solid and equal to the work done in deforming the solid from estimation—see same in Measurement Grouping.
its unstrained state less any energy dissipated by inelastic
deformation. (ISRM) excess hydrostatic pressure, (hydrostatic excess pressure),
∆u [FL−2]—the pressure that exists in pore water in excess
electric log—a record or log of a borehole obtained by of the hydrostatic pressure or back pressure.
lowering electrodes into the hole and measuring any of the
various electrical properties of the rock formations or exchange capacity—the capacity to exchange ions as mea-
materials traversed. sured by the quantity of exchangeable ions in a soil or rock.
DISCUSSION—Exchange capacity is only significant in materials
electrokinetics—involves the application of an electric field to having high specific surface area, such as clay minerals. See cation
soil for the purpose of dewatering materials of very low exchange capacity.
permeability to enhance stability. The electric field produces
excitation (stimulus)—an external force (or other input)
negative pore pressures near a grout pipe that facilitates
applied to a system that causes the system to respond in
grout injection.
some way.
elevation head—see same in Head Grouping. exothermic—pertaining to a reaction that occurs with the
elevator—see same in D18.24 Grouping. evolution of heat.
emulsifier—a substance that modifies the surface tension of expansive cement—a cement that tends to increase in volume
colloidal droplets, keeping them from coalescing, and keep- after it is mixed with water.
ing them suspended.
extender—in grouting, an additive whose primary purpose is
emulsion—a system containing dispersed colloidal droplets. to increase total grout volume.
19
D653 − 20´1
extension—linear strain associated with an increase in length. fault breccia—the assemblage of broken rock fragments
(ISRM) frequently found along faults. The fragments may vary in
size from inches to feet. (ISRM)
external force—a force that acts across external surface
elements of a material body. (ISRM) fault gouge—a clay-like material occurring between the walls
of a fault as a result of the movement along the fault
extrados—the exterior curved surface of an arch, as opposed surfaces. (ISRM)
to intrados, which is the interior curved surface of an arch.
(ISRM) fiber—for peats and organic soils, a fragment or piece of plant
tissue that retains a recognizable cellular structure and is
fabric—for rock or soil, the spatial configuration of all textural large enough to be retained after wet sieving on a 100-mesh
and structural features as manifested by every recognizable sieve (openings 0.15 mm).
material unit from crystal lattices to large scale features
requiring field studies. fibric peat—peat in which the original plant fibers are slightly
decomposed (greater than 67 % fibers).
fabric—the orientation in space of the elements composing the
rock substance. (ISRM) fibrous peat—see fibric peat.
field moisture equivalent—see moisture equivalent.
face (heading)—the advanced end of a tunnel, drift, or fill—man-made deposits of natural soils or rock products and
excavation at which work is progressing. (ISRM) waste materials.
facing—the outer layer of revetment. filling—generally, the material occupying the space between
failure (in rocks)—exceeding the maximum strength of the joint surfaces, faults, and other rock discontinuities. The
rock or exceeding the stress or strain requirement of a filling material may be clay, gouge, various natural cement-
specific design. (ISRM) ing agents, or alteration products of the adjacent rock.
(ISRM)
failure (in a bulk solid)—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
filter bedding stone—(generally 6-in. minus material) stone
failure by rupture—see shear failure. placed under graded riprap stone or armor stone in a layer or
failure criterion—specification of the mechanical condition combination of layers designed and installed in such a
under which solid materials fail by fracturing or by deform- manner as to prevent the loss of underlying soil or finer
ing beyond some specified limit. This specification may be bedding materials due to moving water.
in terms of the stresses, strains, rate-of-change of stresses,
rate-of-change of strains, or some combination of these filter or protective filter—a layer or combination of layers of
quantities, in the materials. pervious materials designed and installed in such a manner
as to provide drainage, yet prevent the movement of soil
failure criterion—theoretically or empirically derived stress particles due to flowing water.
or strain relationship characterizing the occurrence of failure
in the rock. (ISRM) final set—in grouting, a degree of stiffening of a grout mixture
greater than initial set, generally stated as an empirical value
false set—in grouting, the rapid development of rigidity in a indicating the time in hours and minutes that is required for
freshly mixed grout without the evolution of much heat. cement paste to stiffen sufficiently to resist the penetration of
DISCUSSION—Such rigidity can be dispelled and plasticity regained by a weighted test needle.
further mixing without the addition of water; premature stiffening,
hesitation set, early stiffening, and rubber set are other much used terms fineness—a measure of particle-size.
referring to the same phenomenon.
fineness modulus—an empirical factor obtained by adding the
fatigue—the process of progressive localized permanent struc- total percentages of an aggregate sample retained on each of
tural change occurring in a material subjected to conditions a specified series of sieves, and dividing the sum by 100; in
that produce fluctuating stresses and strains at some point or the United States, the U.S. Standard sieve sizes are: No. 100
points and that may culminate in cracks or complete fracture [149 µm], No. 50 [297 µm], No. 30 [590 µm], No. 16 [1,190
after a sufficient number of fluctuations. µm], No. 8 [2,380 µm], and No. 4 [4,760 µm] and 3⁄8 in. [9.5
mm], 3⁄4 in. [19 mm], 11⁄2 in. [38 mm], 3 in. [76 mm], and 6
fatigue—decrease of strength by repetitive loading. (ISRM)
in. [150 mm].
fatigue limit—point on stress-strain curve below which no
fines—portion of a soil finer than a No. 200 [75-µm] U.S.
fatigue can be obtained regardless of number of loading
standard sieve.
cycles. (ISRM)
finite element—one of the regular geometrical shapes into
fault—a fracture or fracture zone along which there has been which a figure is subdivided for the purpose of numerical
displacement of the two sides relative to one another parallel stress analysis. (ISRM)
to the fracture (this displacement may be a few centimetres
or many kilometres). (See also joint fault set and joint fault fishing tool—in grouting, a device used to retrieve drilling
system.) (ISRM) equipment lost or dropped in the hole.
20
D653 − 20´1
fissure—a gapped fracture. (ISRM) flow value, Nφ [degrees]—a quantity equal to tan [45
deg + (φ ⁄2)].
flash set—in grouting, the rapid development of rigidity in a
freshly mixed grout, usually with the evolution of consider- flow, steady state, or steady-state flow—see same in D18.24
able heat; this rigidity cannot be dispelled nor can the Grouping.
plasticity be regained by further mixing without addition of flow velocity—see specific discharge.
water; also referred to as quick set or grab set.
fluidifier—in grouting, an admixture employed in grout to
floc—loose, open-structured mass formed in a suspension by increase flowability without changing water content.
the aggregation of minute particles.
flush joint or flush coupled—in drilling, casing or riser with
flocculation—the process of forming flocs. ends threaded such that a consistent inside and outside
flocculent structure—see same under soil structure (Sub- diameter is maintained across the threaded joints or
Term Grouping). couplings. D5092/D5092M
floor—bottom of near horizontal surface of an excavation, fly ash—the finely divided residue resulting from the combus-
approximately parallel and opposite to the roof. (ISRM) tion of ground or powdered coal and which is transported
from the firebox through the boiler by flue gases.
flowing ground, n—in tunneling, soil or rock of soft and
plastic consistency and with very low cohesion that flows fold—a bend in the strata or other planar structure within the
into the excavation even through small unsupported areas. rock mass. (ISRM)
See running ground. D5878
foliation—the somewhat laminated structure resulting from
flow channel—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, the portion of a segregation of different minerals into layers parallel to the
flow net bounded by two adjacent flow lines. schistosity. (ISRM)
flow cone—in grouting, a device for measurement of grout footing—portion of the foundation of a structure that transmits
consistency in which a predetermined volume of grout is loads directly to the soil.
permitted to escape through a precisely sized orifice, the
time of efflux (flow factor) being used as the indication of footwall—the mass of rock beneath a discontinuity surface.
consistency. (ISRM)
flow curve—in liquid limit testing, the locus of points obtained forced vibration or forced oscillation—vibration that occurs
from a standard liquid limit test and plotted on a graph if the response is imposed by the excitation. If the excitation
representing water content as ordinate on an arithmetic scale is periodic and continuing, the oscillation is steady-state.
and the number of blows as abscissa on a logarithmic scale.
forepoling—driving forepoles (pointed boards or steel rods)
See Test Method D4318.
ahead of the excavation, usually over the last set erected, to
flow function, FF—see same in D18.24 Grouping. furnish temporary overhead protection while installing the
flow failure—failure in which a soil mass moves over rela- next set. (ISRM)
tively long distances in a fluid-like manner. foundation—lower part of a structure that transmits the load to
flow index, Fw, If [D]—the slope of the flow curve obtained the soil or rock.
from a liquid limit test, expressed as the difference in water
foundation soil—upper part of the earth mass carrying the
contents at 10 blows and at 100 blows.
load of the structure.
flow line—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, the path that a
fractional cumulative material retained, n—in composite
particle of water follows in its course of seepage under
sieving, when sieving a subspecimen, the mass of material
laminar flow conditions.
retained on an individual sieve plus the masses of material
flow net—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a graphical repre- retained on all the coarser sieves in a given sieve set.
sentation of flow lines and equipotential (piezometric) lines D6913/D6913M
used in the study of seepage phenomena.
fractional cumulative percent retained, n—in composite
flow path—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, represents the area sieving, the ratio of fractional cumulative material retained
between two flow lines along which groundwater can flow. on a given sieve to the mass of the subspecimen, expressed
D5092/D5092M in percent. D6913/D6913M
flow slide—the failure of a sloped bank of soil in which the fractional material retained, n—in composite sieving, when
movement of the soil mass does not take place along a sieving a subspecimen, the mass of material retained on an
well-defined surface of sliding. individual sieve. D6913/D6913M
flow, steady, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a characteris- fractional percent passing, n—in composite sieving, the
tic of a flow system where the specific discharge is constant portion of material by mass in the subspecimen(s) passing a
in time at any point. given sieve expressed in percent. D6913/D6913M
21
D653 − 20´1
fractional percent retained, n—in composite sieving, the ratio fundamental frequency—lowest frequency of periodic varia-
of fractional material retained on a given sieve to the mass of tion.
the subspecimen, expressed in percent. D6913/D6913M
gauge length, L [L]—distance over which the deformation
fracture—the general term for any mechanical discontinuity in measurement is made.
the rock; it therefore is the collective term for joints, faults, gauge protector—in grouting, a device used to transfer grout
cracks, etc. (ISRM) pressure to a gauge without the grout coming in actual
fracture—a break in the mechanical continuity of a body of contact with the gauge.
rock caused by stress exceeding the strength of the rock. gauge saver—see gauge protector.
Includes joints and faults. gel—in grouting, the condition where a liquid grout begins to
fracture frequency—the number of natural discontinuities in exhibit measurable shear strength.
a rock or soil mass per unit length, measured along a core or gel time—in grouting, the measured time interval between the
as exposed in a planar section such as the wall of a tunnel. mixing of a grout system and the formation of a gel.
fracture pattern—spatial arrangement of a group of fracture general shear failure—see shear failure.
surfaces. (ISRM) glacial till or till—material deposited by glaciation, usually
composed of a wide range of particle sizes, which has not
fracturing—in grouting, intrusion of grout fingers, sheets, and been subjected to the sorting action of water.
lenses along joints, planes of weakness, or between the strata
of a formation at sufficient pressure to cause the strata to gradation, n—in soil, the proportion by mass of various
move away from the grout. particle sizes. D6913/D6913M
fragmentation—the breaking of rock in such a way that the gradation, particle-size distribution, or texture—the propor-
bulk of the material is of a convenient size for handling. tions by mass of a soil or fragmented rock distributed in
(ISRM) specified particle-size ranges.
freezing index, F (degree-days)—the number of degree-days grain-size analysis—see particle-size analysis.

between the highest and lowest points on the cumulative granular material—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
degree-days—time curve for one freezing season. It is used gravel—rounded or semirounded particles of rock that will
as a measure of the combined duration and magnitude of pass a 3-in. [76.2-mm] and be retained on a No. 4 [4.75-µm]
below-freezing temperature occurring during any given U.S. standard sieve.
freezing season. The index determined for air temperatures gravel pack—in well filters, common nomenclature for the
at 4.5 ft [1.4 m] above the ground is commonly designated terminology, primary filter of a well (see primary filter
as the air freezing index, while that determined for tempera- pack). D5092/D5092M
tures immediately below a surface is known as the surface
freezing index. gravitational water—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
gravity grouting—grouting under no applied pressure other
free vibration—vibration that occurs in the absence of forced than the height of fluid in the hole.
vibration.
groin—bank or shore-protection structure in the form of a
frequency, f [T−1]—number of cycles occurring in unit time. barrier placed oblique to the primary motion of water,
designed to control movement of bed load.
friable, adj—in tunneling as applied to rock, easily
fragmented, disaggregated, crumbled, or pulverized. D5878 ground arch—the theoretical stable rock arch that develops
some distance back from the surface of the opening and
frost action—freezing and thawing of moisture in materials supports the opening. (ISRM)
and the resultant effects on these materials and on structures
of which they are a part or with which they are in contact. groundwater—in geotechnical practice, that part of the sub-
surface water that is in the saturated zone.
frost boil—(a) softening of soil occurring during a thawing DISCUSSION—Loosely, all subsurface water (with a positive head) as
period due to the liberation of water form ice lenses or distinct from surface water. This also excludes water that is in the
partially saturated zone, which is simply called water.
layers.
(b) the hole formed in flexible pavements by the extrusion groundwater barrier—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
of soft soil and melt waters under the action of wheel loads.
(c) breaking of a highway or airfield pavement under groundwater basin—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
traffic and the ejection of subgrade soil in a soft and soupy groundwater discharge—the water released from the zone of
condition caused by the melting of ice lenses formed by frost saturation; also the volume of water released.
action.
groundwater divide—a ridge in the water table or other
frost heave—the raising of a surface due to the accumulation potentiometric surface from which groundwater moves away
of ice in the underlying soil or rock. in both directions normal to the ridge line.
22
D653 − 20´1
groundwater elevation or free water elevation—see same in grout shoe—in drilling, a plug fabricated of relatively inert
Aquifer Grouping. materials that is positioned with the lowermost section of a
permanent casing and fitted with a passageway, often with a
groundwater flow—the movement of water in the zone of
flow check device, through which grout is injected under
saturation.
pressure to fill the annular space. After the grout has set, the
groundwater, free water, gravitational water, or phreatic grout shoe is usually drilled out. D5092/D5092M
water—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
grout system—formulation of different materials used to form
groundwater, perched—see perched groundwater. a grout.
groundwater recharge—the process of water addition to the
saturated zone; also the volume of water added by this grout take—the measured quantity of grout injected into a unit
process. volume of formation, or a unit length of grout hole.
groundwater table or water table—see same in Aquifer hanging wall—the mass of rock above a discontinuity surface.
Grouping. (ISRM)
DISCUSSION—Also see groundwater table, water table, or piezo-
metric surface. hardener—in grouting, in a two component epoxy or resin,
the chemical component that causes the base component to
grout—in soil and rock grouting, a material injected into a soil cure.
or rock formation to change the physical characteristics of
the formation. hardness—resistance of a material to indentation or scratch-
ing. (ISRM)
groutability—the ability of a formation to accept grout.
hardpan—a hard impervious layer, composed chiefly of clay,
groutability ratio of granular formations—the ratio of the cemented by relatively insoluble materials, that does not
15 % size of the formation particles to be grouted to the become plastic when mixed with water and definitely limits
85 % size of grout particles (suspension-type grout). This the downward movement of water and roots.
ratio should be greater than 24 if the grout is to successfully
penetrate the formation. HEAD GROUPING
groutable rock bolts—rock bolts with hollow cores or with DISCUSSION—The definition for head, then total head and its most
tubes adapted to the periphery of the bolts and extending to common components are given first followed by other definitions.
the bottom of the bolts to facilitate filling the holes surround-
ing the bolts with grout. head, n—pressure at a point in a liquid, expressed in terms of
the vertical distance of the point below the surface of the
grouted-aggregate concrete—concrete that is formed by in- liquid. (ISRM)
jecting grout into previously placed coarse aggregate. See
also preplaced aggregate concrete. total head, hT [L]—in hydraulics, the sum of the three energy
components of a fluid at a point: (1) elevation head, he; (2)
grout cap—a “cap” that is formed by placing concrete along pressure head, hp; and (3) velocity head, hv.
the top of a grout curtain. A grout cap is often used in weak DISCUSSION—The units for these components must be the same and
foundation rock to secure grout nipples, control leakage, and either SI or inch-pound units for length.
to form an impermeable barrier at the top of a grout curtain.
elevation head, he [L]—in hydraulics, the elevation of the
grout gallery—an opening or passageway within a dam point relative to a given reference level (datum).
utilized for grouting or drainage operations, or both.
pressure head, hp [L]—in hydraulics, the vertical height of a
grout header—a pipe assembly attached to a ground hole, and column of fluid that will produce a given pressure.
to which the grout lines are attached for injecting grout. DISCUSSION—This value is equal to the given pressure (p in FL–2)
Grout injector is monitored and controlled by means of divided by either the unit weight of the fluid (γf in FL–3) or the density
valves and a pressure gate mounted on the header; some- of the fluid times the acceleration due to gravity (ρf • g in ML–3 × LT–2
= FL–2) or hp = p/γf = p /(ρf • g) in [L].
times called grout manifold.
velocity head, hv [L]—in hydraulics, the square of the average
grout mix—the proportions or amounts of the various mate-
fluid velocity divided by twice the acceleration due to
rials used in the grout, expressed by weight or volume. (The
gravity.
words “by volume” or “by weight” should be used to specify
DISCUSSION—For non-turbulent (laminar) flow, such as groundwater
the mix.) seepage, velocity head is generally assumed to be zero.
grout nipple—in grouting, a short length of pipe, installed at capillary head, h [L]—the potential, expressed in head of
the collar of the grout hole, through which drilling is done water, that causes the water to flow by capillary action.
and to which the grout header is attached for the purpose of
injecting grout. head loss, hL or ∆h—in hydraulics, the change in total head of
water across a given distance. D5084
grout slope—the natural slope of grout injected into
preplaced-aggregate or other porous mass. hydraulic gradient—see hydraulic gradient.
23
D653 − 20´1
laminar flow—see laminar flow, streamline flow, or viscous hydraulically applied, adj—in erosion control, applied within
flow. a water slurry, solution, or emulsion to the soil surface as a
turbulent flow—see turbulent flow. spray-on or dropped-on application through various means
(for example, nozzle, tower, aerially, etc.) formation of a
End of Grouping compound by the combining of water with some other
substance.
heat of hydration—heat evolved by chemical reactions with
water, such as that evolved during the setting and hardening hydraulic conductivity, k—in laboratory testing, the rate of
of Portland cement. discharge of water under laminar flow conditions through a
unit cross-sectional area of porous medium under a unit
heave—upward movement of soil caused by expansion or hydraulic gradient and standard temperature conditions
displacement resulting from phenomena such as: moisture [20°C].
absorption, removal of overburden, driving of piles, frost DISCUSSION—In hydraulic conductivity testing, the term coeffıcient of
action, and loading of an adjacent area. permeability is often used instead of hydraulic conductivity, but
hydraulic conductivity is used exclusively in Test Method D5084. A
height of capillary rise—see capillary rise. more complete discussion of the terminology associated with Darcy’s
hemic peat—peat in which the original plant fibers are law is given in the literature. See coefficient of permeability.
moderately decomposed (between 33 and 67 % fibers).
hydraulic conductivity—in field aquifer tests, the volume of
heterogeneity—having different properties at different points. water at the existing kinematic viscosity that will move in a
(ISRM) unit time under a unit hydraulic gradient through a unit area
measured at right angles to the direction of flow. D4043,
homogeneity—having the same properties at all points. D4044/D4044M, D4050, D4104/D4104M, D4105/D4105M,
(ISRM) D4106, D5269
homogeneous mass—a mass that exhibits essentially the same hydraulic erosion control product, (HECP), n—a
physical properties at every point throughout the mass. manufactured, temporary, degradable, prepackaged fibrous
honeycomb structure—see soil structure (Sub-Term Group- material that is mixed with water and hydraulically applied
ing). as a slurry designed to reduce soil erosion and assist in the
hopper—the converging portion of a bin.see same in D18.24 establishment and growth of vegetation. D8198, D8298/
Grouping. D8298M
hydraulic fracturing—the fracturing of an underground strata
SUB-TERM GROUPING by pumping water or grout under a pressure in excess of the
horizon or soil horizon—in USDA Soil Taxonomy, one of the tensile strength and confining pressure; also called hydrof-
layers of the soil profile, distinguished principally by its racturing.
texture, color, structure, and chemical content. hydraulic gradient, i [D], n—in hydraulics, the change in
“A” horizon—the uppermost layer of a soil profile from which total head (head loss, ∆h) per unit distance (L) in the
inorganic colloids and other soluble materials have been direction of fluid flow, in which i = ∆h/L.
DISCUSSION—In most cases, the application of hydraulic gradient
leached. Usually contains remnants of organic life.
applies to flowing water in a saturated test specimen or aquifer
“B” horizon—the layer of a soil profile in which material consisting of soil or rock, or both. The literature typically does not use
∆h/L to indicate head loss; however, there is a need to emphasize that
leached from the overlying “A” horizon is accumulated.
head loss is a change (delta), ∆, in total head.
“C” horizon—undisturbed parent material from which the hydrologic unit—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
overlying soil profile has been developed.
hydrostatic head—see pressure head in head (grouping).
humic peat—see sapric peat. hydrostatic pressure, uo [FL−2]—a state of stress in which all
humification—a process by which organic matter decom- the principal stresses are equal (and there is no shear stress),
poses. as in a liquid at rest; the product of the unit weight of the
DISCUSSION—The degree of humification for peats is indicated by the liquid and the different in elevation between the given point
state of the fibers. In slightly decomposed material, most of the volume
consists of fibers. In moderately decomposed material, the fibers may
and the free water elevation.
be preserved but may break down with disturbance, such as rubbing hydrostatic pressure, excess—see excess hydrostatic pres-
between the fingers. In highly decomposed materials, fibers will be
sure.
virtually absent; see von Post humification scale.
hydrostatic pressure—a state of stress in which all the
humus—a brown or black material formed by the partial principal stresses are equal (and there is no shear stress).
decomposition of vegetable or animal matter; the organic (ISRM)
portion of soil.
hygroscopic capacity (hygroscopic coefficient), we [D]—the
hydration—formation of a compound by the combining of ratio, expressed as a percentage, of: (1) the maximum mass
water with some other substance. of water absorbed by a dry (or if preferred an oven-dried)
24
D653 − 20´1
soil or rock in a vapor saturated atmosphere (95 % or better intrinsic permeability, [L2]—a measure of the ease with
relative humidity) at a given temperature, usually 20°C, to which a porous medium can transmit a fluid under a potential
(2) the mass of oven-dried soil or rock. gradient.
DISCUSSION—If certain minerals are dried completely, the structure DISCUSSION—Intrinsic permeability is a property of the medium alone
may be permanently changed. Oven-dried usually means oven drying at and is independent of the nature of the fluid and of the force field
110 °C; if a different temperature is used, it should be identified. In this causing movement.
case maximum implies the water mass has equalized and further
absorption will be insignificant. intrinsic shear strength, So [FL−2]—the shear strength of a
rock indicated by Coulomb’s equation when p tan φ (shear
hygroscopic water content, wH [D]—the water content of an
resistance or internal friction) vanishes. Corresponds to
air-dried soil or rock.
cohesion, c, in geotechnical engineering.
hysteresis—incomplete recovery of strain during unloading
cycle due to energy consumption. (ISRM) invert—on the cross section, the lowest point of the under-
ground excavation or the lowest section of the lining.
impedance, acoustic—the product of the density and sonic (ISRM)
velocity of a material. The extent of wave energy transmis-
sion and reflection at the boundary of two media is deter- isochrome—a curve showing the distribution of the excess
mined by their acoustic impedances. (ISRM) hydrostatic pressure at a given time during a process of
consolidation.
inelastic deformation—the portion of deformation under
stress that is not annulled by removal of stress. (ISRM) isotropic mass—a mass having the same property (or proper-
ties) in all directions.
inert—not participating in any fashion in chemical reactions.
isotropic material—a material whose properties do not vary
influence value, I [D]—the value of the portion of a math- with direction.
ematical expression that contains combinations of the inde-
pendent variables arranged in dimensionless form. isotropy—having the same properties in all directions. (ISRM)
influent stream, n—see preferred term losing stream. jackhammer—an air driven percussion drill that imparts a
rotary hammering motion to the bit and has a passageway to
inhibitor—in grouting, a material that stops or slows a
the bit for the injection of compressed air for cleaning the
chemical reaction from occurring.
hole of cuttings.
initial consolidation or initial compression—see same in DISCUSSION—These two characteristics distinguish it from the pave-
Consolidation Grouping. ment breaker which is similar in size and general appearance.
initial set—a degree of stiffening of a grout mixture generally
jack-leg—a portable percussion drill of the jack-hammer type,
stated as an empirical value indicating the time in hours and
used in underground work; has a single pneumatically
minutes that is required for a mixture to stiffen sufficiently to
adjustable leg for support.
resist the penetration of a weighted test needle.
injectability—see groutability. jet grouting—technique utilizing a special drill bit with
inorganic silt—see silt. horizontal and vertical high speed water jets to excavate
in situ—applied to a rock or soil when occurring in the alluvial soils and produce hard impervious columns by
situation in which it is naturally formed or deposited. pumping grout through the horizontal nozzles that jets and
mixes with foundation material as the drill bit is withdrawn.
intact, adj—in soil and rock, material obtained by a process
following the state of the practice (or standard of care) jetting—in drilling, when applied as a drilling method, water
intended to preserve in-situ structure, water content, density, is forced down through the drill rods or casings and out
and other properties to a level consistent with the intended through the end aperture. The jetting water then transports
purpose for testing. the generated cuttings to the ground surface in the annulus of
the drill rods or casing and the borehole. The term jetting
intergranular pressure—see stress. may also refer to a development technique (see well screen
intermediate principal plane—see same in Principal Plane jetting). D5092/D5092M
Grouping.
intermediate principal stress—see same in Stress Grouping. jetty—an elongated artificial obstruction projecting into a body
internal friction or shear resistance), τ, s [FL−2]—the portion of water from a bank or shore to control shoaling and scour
of the shearing strength of a soil or rock indicated by the by deflection of the force of water currents and waves.
terms p tan φ in Coulomb’s equation s = c + p tan φ. It is joint—a break of geological origin in the continuity of a body
usually considered to be due to the interlocking of the soil or of rock occurring either singly, or more frequently in a set or
rock grains and the resistance to sliding between the grains. system, but not attended by a visible movement parallel to
interstice—see preferred term void. the surface of discontinuity. (ISRM)
interstitial—occurring between the grains or in the pores in joint diagram—a diagram constructed by accurately plotting
rock or soil. the strike and dip of joints to illustrate the geometrical
25
D653 − 20´1
relationship of the joints within a specified area of geologic leaky aquifer—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
investigation. (ISRM)
lime—specifically, calcium oxide (CaO2); also loosely, a
joint pattern—a group of joints that form a characteristic general term for the various chemical and physical forms of
geometrical relationship, and which can vary considerably quicklime, hydrated lime, and hydraulic hydrated lime.
from one location to another within the same geologic
formation. (ISRM) ledge—see bedrock.
linear (normal) strain—the change in length per unit of
joint (fault) set—a group of more or less parallel joints. length in a given direction. (ISRM)
(ISRM)
line of creep (path of percolation)—the path that water
joint (fault) system—a system consisting of two or more joint follows along the surface of contact between the foundation
sets or any group of joints with a characteristic pattern, that soil and the base of a dam or other structure.
is, radiating, concentric, etc. (ISRM)
line of seepage—see flow line.
jumbo—a specially built mobile carrier used to provide a work
platform for one or more tunneling operations, such as linear expansion, Le [D] —the increase in one dimension of a
drilling and loading blast holes, setting tunnel supports, soil mass, expressed as a percentage of that dimension at the
installing rock bolts, grouting, etc. shrinkage limit, when the water content is increased from the
shrinkage limit to any given water content.
kaolin—a variety of clay containing a high percentage of
kaolinite. linear shrinkage, Ls [D]—decrease in one dimension of a soil
mass, expressed as a percentage of the original dimension,
kaolinite—a common clay mineral having the general formula when the water content is reduced from a given value to the
Al2(Si2O5) (OH4); the primary constituent of kaolin. shrinkage limit.
karst—a geologic setting where cavities are developed in
lineation—the parallel orientation of structural features that
massive limestone beds by solution of flowing water. Caves
are lines rather than planes; some examples are parallel
and even underground river channels are produced into
orientation of the long dimensions of minerals; long axes of
which surface runoff drains and often results in the land
pebbles; striae on slickensides; and cleavage-bedding plane
above being dry and relatively barren. (ISRM)
intersections. (ISRM)
kelly—a heavy-wall tube or pipe, usually square or hexagonal
liquefaction—the process of transforming any soil from a
in cross section, which works inside the matching center
solid state to a liquid state, usually as a result of increased
hole in the rotary table of a drill rig to impart rotary motion
pore pressure and reduced shearing resistance.
to the drill string.
lagging, n—in mining or tunneling, short lengths of timber, liquefaction potential—the capability of a soil to liquefy or
sheet steel, or concrete slabs used to secure the roof and develop cyclic mobility.
sides of an opening behind the main timber or steel supports. liquefaction (spontaneous liquefaction)—the sudden large
The process of installation is also called lagging or lacing. decrease of the shearing resistance of a cohesionless soil. It
laminar flow (streamline flow) (viscous flow)—flow in which is caused by a collapse of the structure by shock or other type
the head loss is proportional to the first power of the velocity. of strain and is associated with a sudden but temporary
increase of the prefluid pressure. It involves a temporary
landslide—the perceptible downward sliding or movement of transformation of the material into a fluid mass.
a mass of earth or rock, or a mixture of both. (ISRM)
liquid limit, LL, wL [D]—in cohesive soils, the water content,
landslide (slide)—the failure of a sloped bank of soil or rock in percent, of a soil at the arbitrarily defined boundary
in which the movement of the mass takes place along a representing the transition from the semi-liquid to plastic
surface of sliding. states.
leaching—the removal in solution of the more soluble mate- DISCUSSION—The undrained shear strength of soil at the liquid limit
is considered to be approximately 2 kPa [0.28 psi]. See Test Method
rials by percolating or moving waters. (ISRM)
D4318 and flow curve.
leaching—the removal of soluble soil material and colloids by
liquidity index, IL [D]—in cohesive soils, the ratio of: (1) the
percolating water.
water content of soil at a given condition/state minus its
leakage, n—the flow of liquid from one hydrogeolic unit to plastic limit, to (2) its plasticity index. See relative consis-
another. tency.
DISCUSSION—the leakage may be natural, as through semi-impervious DISCUSSION—Typically, the given state is at the intact state or
confining layer, or man-made, as through an uncased well. as-received condition, but other conditions/states can apply. The
condition/state should be identified when presenting such data.
leakance, n [T−1]—the ratio K'/b', in which K' and b' are the
vertical hydraulic conductivity and the thickness, liquid-volume measurement—in grouting, measurement of
respectively, of the confining beds. D6028/D6028M, D6029/ grout on the basis of the total volume of solid and liquid
D6029M constituents.
26
D653 − 20´1
lithology—the description of rocks, especially sedimentary mathematical model—the representation of a physical system
clastics and especially in hand specimens and in outcrops, on by mathematical expressions from which the behavior of the
the basis of such characteristics as color, structures, system can be deduced with known accuracy. (ISRM)
mineralogy, and particle size.
matric suction (potential)—in geohydrology/hydrogeology,
loam—a mixture of sand, silt, or clay, or a combination of any matric suction is the difference between the pore gas
of these, with organic matter (see humus). pressure, ug, and the pore water pressure, uw, in soil; that is
DISCUSSION—It is sometimes called topsoil in contrast to the subsoils y = ug- uw, which yields a positive value in either pressure,
that contain little or no organic matter. FL-2 or pressure head, L.
DISCUSSION—In most cases the pore gas is air at atmospheric
local shear failure—see shear failure. pressure. Matric suction is also referred to as capillary suction, capillary
local velocity, n—in channel flow, the velocity at a specific pressure, and capillary potential. Water flows from a soil with low
point in the flow region of a channel. May be expressed as a matric suction (a moist soil) to soil with a high suction (a dry soil). The
term matrix should not replace matric because only matric refers to the
direction -dependent quantity with components Vx, Vy, and
two solid-liquid binding mechanism (adsorption and capillarity) con-
V z. tributing to the negative pore-water pressure, uw.
loess—a uniform aeolian deposit of silty material having an matrix—in grouting, a material in which particles are
open structure and relatively high cohesion due to cementa- embedded, that is, the cement paste in which the fine
tion of clay or calcareous material at grain contacts. aggregate particles of a grout are embedded.
DISCUSSION—A characteristic of loess deposits is that they can stand
with nearly vertical slopes. maximum amplitude—peak deviation from mean or zero
point.
logarithmic decrement—the natural logarithm of the ratio of
any two successive amplitudes of like sign, in the decay of maximum dry density—see same in Density Grouping.
a single-frequency oscillation. maximum dry unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Group-
ing and discussion for maximum dry density in the Density
longitudinal rod wave—see compression wave in Wave Grouping.
Grouping.
maximum particle size, n—in sieving, the smallest sieve size
longitudinal wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
from the standard sieve set on which less than one percent of
long wave—see same in Wave Grouping. the sample would be retained. D6913/D6913M
losing stream, n—a stream or reach of a stream in which water maximum sieve size, n—in sieving, the smallest sieve size that
flows from the stream bed into the ground. is larger than any particle in the specimen or subspecimen.
DISCUSSION—synonymous with influent stream. D6913/D6913M
loss of circulation—in drilling, the loss of drilling fluid into mean velocity, n—in hydraulics, the average velocity through-
strata to the extent that circulation does not return to the out a channel cross section. Defined as the discharge divided
surface. D5092/D5092M by the cross-sectional area of flow usually expressed in
meters per second [m/s] or feet per second (ft/s).
lubricity—in grouting, the physico-chemical characteristic of
a grout material flow through a soil or rock that is the inverse meaningful number/digit—see same or significant number/
of the inherent friction of that material to the soil or rock; digit in Measurement Grouping.
comparable to “wetness.”
MEASUREMENT GROUPING
lugeon—a measure of permeability defined by a pump-in test
or pressure test, where one Lugeon unit is a water take of 1 DISCUSSION—The purpose of this grouping is to combine terms used
L/min per metre of hole at a pressure of 10 bars. to define or specify a measurement process. Some of these terms being:
accuracy, resolution, readability, sensitivity, precision, bias,
major stress consolidation, σ1—see same in D18.24 Group- repeatability, reproducibility, uncertainty, linear regression, and corre-
ing. lation coefficient. The measurement process includes a multitude of
physical measurements, some being: time, acceleration, dimension
major principal plane—see same in Principal Plane Group- (length, diameter, depth, and circumference), force, mass, pressure, and
ing. velocity.
major principal stress—see same in Stress Grouping.
accuracy, [Unit of Measure], n—in measurements, the close-
manifold—see grout header. ness of agreement between the value of the measurement(s)
marl—a calcareous clay, usually containing from 35 to 65 % and the accepted reference value.
calcium carbonate (CaCO3). DISCUSSION—Accuracy depends on both the imprecision and the bias
of the measurement processes (test method). The term precision should
marsh—a wetland characterized by grassy surface mats which not be used for accuracy. Accuracy typically cannot be applied to the
are frequently interspersed with open water or by a closed test results of D18 test methods; because there is not an accepted
canopy of grasses, sedges, or other herbacious plants. reference value for soil or rock. However, it does apply to many of the
individual measurements made within these test methods, such as the
marsh-funnel viscosity—see Test Method D6910/D6910M. determination of force, mass, deformation, and volume. Typically, for
27
D653 − 20´1
measurement instruments the accuracy is given as a percentage of full response—see response.
range or a multiple of its resolution.
sensitivity, Sm [Unit of Measure]—in measurements, the
attenuation—see attenuation. smallest increment of change that can be measured by an
bias, [Unit of Measure]—in measurements, a systematic error instrument.
that contributes to the difference between the mean of a large DISCUSSION—Sensitivity applies only to the sensor. It is independent
number of test results and an accepted reference value. of its output display. It is useful in comparing sensors but has limited
application in D18 standards. See resolution.
DISCUSSION—Bias is numerically quantified by conducting an inter-
laboratory or round robin testing program in which measurements are signal noise or noise—in measurements, variation in a mea-
made on a material having a known value. However, test methods
sured parameter caused by external disturbances, such as
within the jurisdiction of D18 do not have accepted reference values
and hence a generic caveat statement is included in each standard test electrical or mechanical.
method. DISCUSSION—This definition only applies to quasi-static measure-
ments. Signal noise becomes significant when the most sensitive
degree-of-freedom—see degree-of-freedom. number/digit changes more than four counts/divisions/units within
about one minute under steady state conditions.
estimation—in measurements, the smallest increment that can
be visually approximated using a graduated scale. significant digit—in science/engineering, any of the numerals
DISCUSSION—Estimated values are most often specified as a fraction 0 through 9 that is used with its place value to denote a
of one marked division. numerical quantity to some desired approximation, except-
gauge length—see gauge length. ing all leading zeros and some trailing zeros in numbers not
represented with a decimal point.
meaningful number/digit or significant number/digit—in DISCUSSION—Establishing significant digits is a step-by-step proce-
measurements, any number/digit that is not “significantly dure (mathematical algorithm), see Practice D6026. The digits that are
affected” by signal noise. See signal noise. significant do not define or is not related to their precision, accuracy, or
DISCUSSION—“Significantly affected” may be defined as the most uncertainty. However, they need to be meaningful, see meaningful
sensitive number/digit that does not change by more than four number/digit in this grouping.
counts/divisions/units within about one minute under steady state
conditions. End of Grouping
observation/observed value or data point/recorded value, mechanical analysis—see particle-size analysis.
nth [Unit of Measure]—in measurements, the most elemen- mesic peat—see hemic peat.
tal single piece of information collected and recorded in the metering pump—a mechanical arrangement that permits
process of making a measurement. pumping of the various components of a grout system in any
DISCUSSION—In mechanical devices this would typically be the
desired proportions or in fixed proportions. (Syn. proportion-
displayed value, such as a dial or pressure gauge reading; while for data
acquisition systems it would typically be a voltage reading. ing pump, variable proportion pump.)
precision, [Unit of Measure]—in measurements, the closeness microseism—seismic pulses of short duration and low
of agreement between test results obtained under prescribed amplitude, often occurring previous to failure of a material
conditions. or structure. (ISRM)
DISCUSSION—Measures frequently used to express precision are such
items as standard deviation, relative standard deviation, variance,
minimum dry density—see same in Density Grouping.
repeatability, repeatability limit (r), reproducibility, reproducibility minimum dry unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Group-
limit (R), coefficient of variation, confidence interval, mean, average,
and range. Practice C802 or E691 may be used to control and establish
ing and discussion for minimum dry density in the Density
precision for an inter-laboratory study (ILS) or round-robin testing Grouping.
program. minimum sieve size, n—in sieving, the smallest sieve size in a
sieve set used in sieving the specimen or subspecimen.
resolution—see resolution or readability in Measurement
D6913/D6913M
Grouping.
minor principal plane—see same in Principal Plane Group-
resolution or readability, R [Unit of Measure]—in
ing.
measurements, (a) the smallest discernible increment of a
measuring sensor, or system, or device or (b) the largest minor principal stress—see same in Stress Grouping.
allowable discernible increment when specifying a measur- mixed-in-place pile—a soil-cement pile, formed in place by
ing sensor, system or device. forcing a grout mixture through a hollow shaft into the
DISCUSSION—Resolution represents the combined output of the sen- ground where it is mixed with the in-place soil with an
sor and the readout device. If used in specifying the resolution of a auger-like head attached to the hollow shaft.
given measurement, the adjective smallest might not be applicable. For
example, the height measurements shall have a resolution of 0.01 mm mixer—a machine employed for blending the constituents of
[0.001 in.] or better. Therefore, 0.01 mm might not be the smallest grout, mortar, or other mixtures.
discernible increment, but 0.002 mm. Discernible implies that the
display/recorded electronic digit is not significantly affected by “signal mixing cycle—the time taken for the loading, mixing, and
noise.” unloading cycle.
28
D653 − 20´1
mixing speed—the rotation rate of a mixer drum or of the at which a drop of water placed on a smoothed surface of the
paddles in an open-top, pan, or trough mixer, when mixing soil will not immediately be absorbed by the soil but will
a batch; expressed in revolutions per minute. spread out over the surface and give it a shiny appearance.
modifier—in grouting, an additive used to change the normal monitoring well or observation well, n—in geohydrology/
chemical reaction or final physical properties of a grout hydrogeology, a well installed, usually of small diameter, for
system. measuring water levels, collecting water samples, or deter-
mining other groundwater characteristics.
modified compaction—see compaction test.
DISCUSSION—The well may be cased or uncased, but if cased the
modular erosion control product (MECP), n—in erosion casing should have openings to allow flow of groundwater into or out
control, products engineered to be assembled in patterns of the casing, such as a well screen. Typically, a monitoring well is
constructed to last for the duration of the project, while an observation
whereby providing erosion control through the strength and
well is constructed to last long enough to establish the depth to the
integrity of the interlocking matrix. groundwater table or its elevation.
modulus of deformation—see modulus of elasticity. montmorillonite—a group of clay minerals characterized by a
modulus of elasticity (modulus of deformation), E, M weakly bonded sheet-like internal molecular structure; con-
[FL−2]—the ratio of stress to strain for a material under sisting of extremely finely divided hydrous aluminum or
given loading conditions; numerically equal to the slope of magnesium silicates that swell on wetting, shrink on drying,
the tangent or the secant of a stress-strain curve. and are subject to ion exchange.
DISCUSSION—The use of the term modulus of elasticity is recom-
mended for materials that deform in accordance with Hooke’s law; the muck—stone, dirt, debris, or useless material; or an organic
term modulus of deformation for materials that deform otherwise. soil of very soft consistency.
modulus of subgrade reaction—see coefficient of subgrade mud—a mixture of soil and water in a fluid or weakly solid
reaction. state.
modulus of volume change—see coefficient of volume com-
pressibility. mudjacking—see slab jacking.
Mohr circle—a graphical representation of the stresses acting mud pit—in drilling, usually a shallow, rectangular, open,
on the various planes at a given point. portable container with baffles into which drilling fluid and
cuttings are discharged from a borehole and that serves as a
Mohr circle of stress (strain)—a graphical representation of
reservoir and settling tank during recirculation of the drilling
the components of stress (strain) acting across the various
fluids. Under some circumstances, an excavated pit with a
planes at a given point, drawn with reference to axes of
lining material may be used. D5092/D5092M
normal stress (strain) and shear stress (strain). (ISRM)
Mohr envelope—the envelope of a sequence of Mohr circles multibench blasting—the blasting of several benches (steps)
representing stress conditions at failure for a given material. in quarries and open pits, either simultaneously or with small
(ISRM) delays. (ISRM)
Mohr envelope, failure envelope, rupture envelope, or multiple-row blasting—the drilling, charging, and firing of
rupture line—the envelope of a series of Mohr circles several rows of vertical holes along a quarry or opencast
representing stress conditions at failure for a given material. face. (ISRM)
DISCUSSION—According to Mohr’s rupture hypothesis, a rupture muskeg—level, practically treeless areas supporting dense
envelope is the locus of points the coordinates of which represent the
growth consisting primarily of grasses. The surface of the
combinations of normal and shearing stresses that will cause a given
material to fail. soil is covered with a layer of partially decayed grass and
grass roots which is usually wet and soft when not frozen.
Mohr stress circle—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
moist density—see same in Density Grouping. mylonite—a microscopic breccia with flow structure formed in
fault zones. (ISRM)
moisture unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping.
moisture content—see water content. natural frequency—the frequency at which a body or system
moisture-density curve—see compaction curve. vibrates when unconstrained by external forces. (ISRM)
moisture-density test—see compaction test.
natural frequency or displacement resonance fn—frequency
for which phase angle is 90° between the direction of the
SUB-TERM GROUPING excited force (or torque) vector and the direction of the
moisture equivalent: excited excursion vector.
centrifuge moisture equivalent, We, CME [D]—the water
content of a soil after it has been saturated with water and neat cement grout—in grouting, a mixture of hydraulic
then subjected for 1 h to a force equal to 1000 times that of cement and water without any added aggregate or filler
gravity. materials.
DISCUSSION—This may or may not contain admixture.
field moisture equivalent, FME—the minimum water content
expressed as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil, neutral stress—see stress.
29
D653 − 20´1
newtonian fluid—a true fluid that tends to exhibit constant oscillation—the variation, usually with time, of the magnitude
viscosity at all rates of shear. of a quantity with respect to a specified reference when the
magnitude is alternately greater and smaller than the refer-
node—see same in Wave Grouping. ence.
noise—see signal noise (noise) in measurement (grouping). outcrop—the exposure of the bedrock at the surface of the
nondegradable, adj—in erosion control, not subject to decom- ground. (ISRM)
position to the point the material looses its ability to function overbreak—the quantity of rock that is excavated or breaks
for its intended purpose for the design life of the project out beyond the perimeter specified as the finished excavated
under biological, chemical, and /or ultraviolet processes tunnel outline. (ISRM)
associated with typical application environments.
overburden—the loose soil, sand, silt, or clay that overlies
non-sample contacting equipment—in geoenvironmental bedrock. In some usages it refers to all material overlying the
drilling, related equipment associated with the sampling point of interest (tunnel crown), that is, the total cover of soil
effort, but that does not directly contact the sample (for and rock overlying an underground excavation. (ISRM)
example, augers, drilling rods, excavations machinery).
D5088 overburden load—the load on a horizontal surface under-
ground due to the column of material located vertically
normal force—a force directed normal to the surface element above it. (ISRM)
across which it acts. (ISRM)
overconsolidated soil deposit—a soil deposit that has been
normal stress—see same in Stress Grouping and D18.24 subjected to an effective pressure greater than the present
Grouping. overburden pressure.
normally consolidated soil deposit—a soil deposit that has
never been subjected to an effective pressure greater than the overconsolidation ratio, OCR—the ratio of preconsolidation
existing overburden pressure. vertical stress to the current effective overburden stress.
overdamped-well response—in geohydrology/hydrogeology,
no-slump grout—grout with a slump of 1 in. [25 mm] or less
characterized by the water level returning to the static level
according to the standard slump test (Test Method C143/
in an approximately exponential manner following a sudden
C143M). See also slump and slump test.
change in water level (see for comparison underdamped
observation/observed value or data point/recorded value—see well response). D4044/D4044M, D4104/D4104M
same in Measurement Grouping.
packer—in grouting, a device inserted into a hole in which
observation well—see monitoring well or observation well. grout or water is to be injected which acts to prevent return
oil air filter—in pneumatic drilling, a filter or series of filters of the grout or water around the injection pipe; usually an
placed in the air flow line from an air compressor to reduce expandable device actuated mechanically, hydraulically, or
the oil content of the air. D5092/D5092M pneumatically.
oil trap—in pneumatic drilling, a device used to remove oil paddle mixer—a mixer consisting essentially of a trough
from the compressed air discharged from an air compressor. within which mixing paddles revolve about the horizontal
D5092/D5092M axis, or a pan within which mixing blades revolve about the
vertical axis.
open cut—an excavation through rock or soil made through a
hill or other topographic feature to facilitate the passage of a pan mixer—a mixer comprised of a horizontal pan or drum in
highway, railroad, or waterway along an alignment that which mixing is accomplished by means of the rotating pan
varies in topographic relief. An open cut can be comprised of of fixed or rotating paddles, or both; rotation is about a
single slopes or multiple slopes, or multiple slopes and vertical axis.
horizontal benches, or both. (ISRM) parent material—material from which a soil has been de-
rived.
optimum moisture content or optimum water content,
OMC, wo [D] —the water content at which a soil can be particle density—see same in Density Grouping.
compacted to a maximum dry unit weight by a given particle-size analysis, gradation analysis, or mechanical
compactive effort. analysis—the process of determining particle-size distribu-
tion (see gradation).
organic clay—a clay with a high organic content.
particle-size distribution—see gradation, particle-size
organic silt—a silt with a high organic content.
distribution, or texture.
organic soil—soil with a high organic content. particulate grout—any grouting material characterized by
DISCUSSION—In general, organic soils are very compressible and undissolved (insoluble) particles in the mix. See also chemi-
have poor load-sustaining properties. cal grout.
organic terrain—see peatland. particulate solid—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
30
D653 − 20´1
passive earth stress/pressure—see same in Coefficients: Earth above symbol presentation, Std.# is an abbreviation for the ASTM
Grouping. designation number for the applicable test method. Some examples
passive state of plastic equilibrium—see plastic equilibrium. might be D698-PC = 95%, PC(D698) = 95 %, 95 % compaction (D698)
or the D698 percent compaction is 95 %.
path percolation (line of creep)—the path that water follows
along the surface of contact between the foundation soil or percent consolidation—see same in Consolidation Grouping.
rock and the base of a dam or other structure. percent fines—amount, expressed as a percentage by weight,
of a material in aggregate finer than a given sieve, usually
pavement pumping—ejection of soil and water mixtures from
the No. 200 [74 µm] sieve.
joints, cracks, and edges of rigid pavements, under the action
of traffic. percent passing, n—in sieving, the portion of material by mass
in the specimen passing a given sieve expressed in percent.
peak shear strength—maximum shear strength along a failure
D6913/D6913M
surface. (ISRM)
percent retained, n—in sieving, the ratio of the material
peat—a naturally occurring highly organic substance derived
retained on a given sieve to the mass of the specimen,
primarily from plant materials.
DISCUSSION—Peat is distinguished from other organic soil materials
expressed in percent. D6913/D6913M
by its lower ash content (less than 25 % ash by dry weight) and from percent saturation or degree of saturation, S [D]—the ratio,
other phytogenic material of higher rank (that is, lignite coal) by its expressed as a percentage, of: (1) the volume of water at a
lower calorific value on a water saturated basis.
given temperature (usually 20°C), to (2) the volume of voids
peatland—areas having peat-forming vegetation on which in a given soil or rock mass.
peak has accumulated or is accumulating. DISCUSSION—The various engineering or scientific disciplines within
Main Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, such as geohydrology,
penetrability—a grout property descriptive of its ability to fill hydrogeology, geology, and soil science, have different outlooks on
a porous mass; primarily a function of lubricity and viscos- what should be considered a void. Some disciplines want to just include
ity. voids in which water will flow through, thereby having different terms
for voids, such as “effective voids” and “true voids.” Then other
penetration—depth of hole cut in rock by a drill bit. (ISRM) disciplines want to treat rock containing vugs or carbonate materials in
different manners, depending upon its application.
penetration grouting—filling joints or fractures in rock or
pore spaces in soil with a grout without disturbing the perched groundwater, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a
formation; this grouting method does not modify the solid localized body of unconfined groundwater above and sepa-
formation structure. See also displacement grouting. rated from the main body of groundwater by a groundwater
barrier immediately below which lies unsaturated material.
penetration resistance, standard penetration resistance, or DISCUSSION—There can be more than one perched groundwater zone
Proctor penetration resistance, pR, N [FL−2 or Blows in a specific subsurface area. Perched groundwater zones are frequently
L−1]—(a) number of blows of a hammer of specified weight formed on aquitards or aquicludes.
falling a given distance required to produce a given penetra-
perched water table—a water table usually of limited area
tion into soil of a pile, casing, or sampling tube.
maintained above the normal free water elevation by the
(b) unit load required to maintain constant rate of pen-
presence of an intervening relatively impervious confining
etration into soil of a probe or instrument.
stratum.
(c) unit load required to produce a specified penetration
into soil at a specified rate of a probe or instrument. For a perched water table—groundwater separated from an under-
Proctor needle, the specified penetration is 21⁄2 in. [63.5 mm] lying body of groundwater by unsaturated soil or rock.
and the rate is 1⁄2 in. [12.7 mm]/s. Usually located at a higher elevation than the groundwater
table. (ISRM)
penetration resistance curve or Proctor penetration
curve—in compaction testing, the curve showing the rela- percolation—the movement of gravitational water through
tionship between: (1) the penetration resistance, and (2) the soil (see seepage).
molding water content.
percussion drilling—a drilling technique that uses solid or
percent compaction or relative compaction, Std.#-PC, or hollow rods for cutting and crushing the rock by repeated
PC(Std.#) [D], n—the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of (1) blows. (ISRM)
any given dry density or unit weight, to (2) the maximum dry
percussion drilling—a drilling process in which a hole is
density or unit weight obtained using a standard test method
advanced by using a series of impacts to the drill steel and
on soil similar to that used to obtain the “given dry density
attached bit; the bit is normally rotated during drilling. See
or unit weight.”
DISCUSSION—The “given dry density or unit weight” is typically an rotary drilling.
in-situ value or that of a test specimen. Some of the D18 test methods period—time interval occupied by one cycle.
are D558/D558M (standard effort compaction for soil-cement), D698
(standard effort compaction), D1557 (modified effort compaction), permafrost—perennially frozen soil.
D4253 (vibrating table), and D7382 (vibrating hammer). The test
method used to determine the maximum density or unit weight needs to permanent strain—the strain remaining in a solid with respect
be identified since the value typically depends on the test method. In the to its initial condition after the application and removal of
31
D653 − 20´1
stress greater than the yield stress (commonly also called pilot drift (pioneer tunnel)—a drift or tunnel first excavated
“residual” strain). (ISRM) as a smaller section than the dimensions of the main tunnel.
A pilot drift or tunnel is usually used to investigate rock
permeability—see coefficient of permeability and hydraulic conditions in advance of the main tunnel, to permit instal-
conductivity. lation of bracing before the principal mass of rock is
permeability—the capacity of a rock to conduct liquid or gas. removed, or to serve as a drainage tunnel. (ISRM)
It is measured as the proportionality constant, k, between
flow velocity, v, and hydraulic gradient, i; v = k·i. (ISRM) piping—the progressive removal of soil particles from a mass
by percolating water, leading to the development of chan-
permeameter—in hydraulic conductivity testing, the appara- nels.
tus (cell) containing the test specimen in a hydraulic con-
ductivity test. D5084 pit—an excavation in the surface of the earth from which ore
is obtained as in large open pit mining or as an excavation
permeation grouting—filling joints or fractures in rock or made for test purposes, that is, a testpit. (ISRM)
pore spaces in soil with a grout, without disturbing the
formation. plane of weakness—surface or narrow zone with a (shear or
tensile) strength lower than that of the surrounding material.
pH, pH [D]—an index of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil in (ISRM)
terms of the logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion
concentration. plane stress (strain)—a state of stress (strain) in a solid body
in which all stress (strain) components normal to a certain
phase difference—see same in Wave Grouping.
plane are zero. (ISRM)
phase of periodic quantity—fractional part of period through
which independent variable has advanced, measured from an plane wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
arbitrary origin.
plastic deformation—see plastic flow.
phase relationships, phase relations or mass-volume
relationships, n—in soil and rock, the collection of equa- SUB-TERM GROUPING
tions and terms used to describe the masses and volumes of plastic equilibrium—state of stress within a soil or rock mass
gases, fluids, and solids contained within a unit volume. or a portion thereof, which has been deformed to such an
DISCUSSION—Such terms as void ratio, porosity, water content, extent that its ultimate shearing resistance is mobilized.
degree of saturation, density of solids and water, volume of solids-
voids-water, and specific gravity of solids are typically used in defining active state of plastic equilibrium—plastic equilibrium ob-
the phase relationships. If dissolved solids, such as salt, are present in tained by an expansion of a mass.
the pore fluid, then modifications to these relationships are required.
passive state of plastic equilibrium—plastic equilibrium ob-
phreatic line—the trace of the phreatic surface in any selected tained by a compression of a mass.
plane of reference.
plastic flow or plastic deformation—the deformation of a
phreatic line—the upper free water surface of the zone of plastic material beyond the point of recovery, accompanied
seepage. by continuing deformation with no further increase in stress.
phreatic surface—see free water elevation or groundwater plastic limit, PL, wp [D]—in cohesive soils, the water
table. content, in percent, of a soil at the boundary representing the
phreatic water—see same in Aquifer Grouping. transition from the plastic to semi-solid states. See Test
piezometer—in groundwater, a device used to measure pres- Method D4318.
sure head at a point in the subsurface. D5269
plastic soil—a soil which has a range of water content over
piezometric line or equipotential line—line along which which it exhibits plasticity and which will retain its shape on
water will rise to the same elevation in piezometric tubes. drying. D4318
piezometric surface—the surface at which water will stand in plastic soil—a soil that exhibits plasticity.
a series of piezometers.
plastic state (plastic range)—the range of consistency within
piezometric surface—an imaginary surface that everywhere which a soil or rock exhibits plastic properties.
coincides with the static level of the water in the aquifer.
(ISRM) plasticity—the property of a soil or rock which allows it to be
deformed beyond the point of recovery without cracking or
pile—relatively slender structural element which is driven, or appreciable volume change.
otherwise introduced, into the soil, usually for the purpose of
providing vertical or lateral support. plasticity—property of a material to continue to deform
indefinitely while sustaining a constant stress. (ISRM)
pillar—in-situ rock between two or more underground open-
ings: crown pillars; barrier pillars; rib pillars; sill pillars; plasticity index, PI—in cohesive soils, the range of water
chain pillars; etc. (ISRM) content over which a soil behaves plastically. Numerically, it
32
D653 − 20´1
is the difference between the liquid limit and the plastic DISCUSSION—Yield stress in this case refers to when the loading
limit. D4318 behavior goes from the apparent overconsolidated “elastic” state to the
virgin consolidation “plastic” state. When testing intact specimens, the
plasticizer—in grouting, a material that increases the plasticity preconsolidation stress is a measure of the maximum vertical consoli-
of a grout, cement paste, or mortar. dation stress for mechanically formed deposits but will reflect the
additional strength gain associated with interparticle bonding of ce-
Poisson’s ratio, µ, v—ratio between linear strain changes mented deposits. However, in laboratory strength testing it can be the
perpendicular to and in the direction of a given uniaxial maximum principal stress applied during either anisotropic or isotropic
stress change. consolidation. The preferred term is preconsolidation stress versus
pressure since pressure usually pertains to fluids. The adjective appar-
pore pressure or pore water pressure—see same in Stress ent may be added to indicate that this term is dependent upon how it
Grouping. was determined or arrived at. See Test Methods D2435/D2435M and
pore volume of flow—in hydraulic conductivity testing, the D4186/D4186M.
cumulative quantity of flow into a test specimen divided by
preplaced aggregate concrete—concrete produced by placing
the volume of voids in the specimen. D5084
coarse aggregate in a form and later injecting a portland
pore water—water contained in the voids of the soil or rock. cement-sand or resin grout to fill the interstices.
porosity or total porosity, n (D)—the ratio of: (1) the volume pressure, p [FL−2]—the load divided by the area over which it
of voids in a unit total volume of a soil or rock mass, to (2) acts.
the unit total volume of that soil or rock mass. See effective
porosity and effective drainage porosity. pressure bulb—the zone in a loaded soil or rock mass
DISCUSSION—In this case all voids are included, even those contained bounded by an arbitrarily selected isobar of stress.
in carbonates or vugs (larger voids) and which may not be intercon-
nected. Some disciplines express this quantity as a percentage. pressure head—see Head Grouping.
pressure testing—a method of permeability testing with water
porosity—the ratio of the aggregate volume of voids or or grout pumped downhole under pressure.
interstices in a rock or soil to its total volume. (ISRM)
portal—the surface entrance to a tunnel. (ISRM) pressure washing—the cleaning of soil or rock surfaces
accomplished by jetting water, air, or other liquids, under
positive displacement pump—a pump that will continue to pressure.
build pressure until the power source is stalled if the pump
outlet is blocked. primary consolidation, primary compression, or primary time
effect—see same in Consolidation Grouping.
potential drop, ∆h [L]—the difference in total head between primary hole—in grouting, the first series of holes to be
two equipotential lines. drilled and grouted, usually at the maximum allowable
potentiometric surface—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, an spacing.
imaginary surface representing the static head of groundwa-
primary lining—the lining first placed inside a tunnel or shaft,
ter. The water table is a particular potentiometric surface.
DISCUSSION—Where the head varies with depth in the aquifer, a
usually used to support the excavation. The primary lining
potentiometric surface is meaningful only if it describes the static head may be of wood or steel sets with steel or wood lagging or
along a particular specified surface or stratus in that aquifer. More than rock bolts and shot-crete. (ISRM)
one potentiometric surface is required to describe the distribution of
head in this case. D5092/D5092M primary permeability—internal permeability of intack rock;
intergranular permeability (not permeability due to fractur-
powder—see same in D18.24 Grouping. ing).
power spectral density—the limiting mean-square value (for
example, of acceleration, velocity, displacement, stress, or primary porosity—the porosity that developed during the
other random variable) per unit bandwidth, that is the limit final stages of sedimentation or that was present within
of the mean-square value in a given rectangular bandwidth sedimentary particles at the time of deposition.
divided by the bandwidth, as the bandwidth approaches zero.
primary state of stress—the stress in a geological formation
pozzolan—a siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material, before it is disturbed by man-made works. (ISRM)
which in itself possesses little or no cementitious value but
will, in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture, PRINCIPAL PLANE GROUPING
chemically react with calcium hydroxide at ordinary tem-
peratures to form compounds possessing cementitious prop- principal plane—each of three mutually perpendicular planes
erties. through a point in a soil mass on which the shearing stress is
zero.
precision—see same in Measurement Grouping.
intermediate principal plane—the plane normal to the direc-
preconsolidation stress or preconsolidation pressure, tion of the intermediate principal stress.
σ'v, max σ'p [FL−2]—in soils, the yield stress of a soil
specimen as determined from a standard one-dimensional major principal plane—the plane normal to the direction of
consolidation test. the major principal stress.
33
D653 − 20´1
minor principal plane—the plane normal to the direction of radius of influence of a well—distance from the center of the
the minor principal stress. well to the closest point at which the piezometric surface is
not lowered when pumping has produced the maximum
See Stress Grouping.
steady rate of flow.
raise—upwardly constructed shaft; that is, an opening, like a
End of Grouping shaft, made in the roof of one level to reach a level above.
(ISRM)
principal stress (strain)—the stress (strain) normal to one of
three mutually perpendicular planes on which the shear range (of a deformation-measuring instrument)—the
stresses (strains) at a point in a body are zero. (ISRM) amount between the maximum and minimum quantity an
instrument can measure without resetting. In some instances
principal stress—see same in Stress Grouping. provision can be made for incremental extension of the
Proctor compaction curve—see compaction curve. range.
Proctor penetration curve—see penetration resistance curve.
Rayleigh wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
Proctor penetration resistance—see penetration resistance.
profile—see soil profile. readability—see resolution or readability in Measurement
progressive failure—failure in which the ultimate shearing Grouping.
resistance is progressively mobilized along the failure sur- reactant—in grouting, a material that reacts chemically with
face. the base component of grout system.
progressive failure—formation and development of localized reactive aggregate—an aggregate containing siliceous mate-
fractures which, after additional stress increase, eventually rial (usually in amorphous or crypto-crystalline state) which
form a continuous rupture surface and thus lead to failure can react chemically with free alkali in the cement.
after steady deterioration of the rock. (ISRM) DISCUSSION—The reaction can result in expansion of the hardened
material, frequently to a damaging extent.
proportioning pump—see metering pump.
proprietary—made and marketed by one having the exclusive reconstituted, adj—in soil, material formed in the laboratory
right to manufacture and sell; privately owned and managed. to prescribed conditions by a specified procedure.
DISCUSSION—The material involved may be modified depending on
protective filter—see filter. project requirements; for example, by adjusting its gradation or
pumpability—in grouting, a measure of the properties of a plasticity, or the addition of lime, cement, or other chemicals.
particular grout mix to be pumped as controlled by the reflected wave or refracted wave—see same in Wave Group-
equipment being used, the formation being injected, and the ing.
engineering objective limitations.
reflection and refraction loss—see same in Wave Grouping.
pumping of pavement (pumping)—see pavement pumping. refusal—in grouting, when the rate of grout take is low, or
pumping test—a field procedure used to determine in situ zero, at a given pressure.
permeability or the ability of a formation to accept grout.
relative consistency, Ic, Ic, Cr [D]—in cohesive soils, the ratio
pure shear—a state of strain resulting from that stress condi- of: (1) the liquid limit minus the water content at a given
tion most easily described by a Mohr circle centered at the condition/state, to (2) the plasticity index. See liquidity
origin. (ISRM) index.
DISCUSSION—Typically, the given state is at the intact state or
P-wave—see compression wave or irrotational wave in as-received condition, but other conditions/states can apply. The
Wave Grouping. condition/state should be identified when presenting such data.
quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)—in geoenviron- relative density—see same in Density Grouping.
mental programs, the efforts completed to evaluate the relative water content—see liquidity index.
accuracy and precision of a sampling or testing procedure, or remolded, adj—in soil, material whose structure has been
both. D5088 modified by shear distortion (destructured) while attempting
to maintain constant water content and density
quarry—an excavation in the surface of the earth from which DISCUSSION—Typically applies to cohesive soils that are not friable or
stone is obtained for crushed rock or building stone. (ISRM) brittle, can be kneaded in a rubber membrane, and reformed into a
testable shape.
Quer-wave or love wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
residual drawdown—in aquifer testing, the difference be-
quick condition or quicksand—condition in which water is tween the projected prepumping water-level trend and the
flowing upwards with sufficient velocity to reduce signifi- water level in a well or piezometer after pumping or
cantly the bearing capacity of the soil through a decrease in injection has stopped. D5269
intergranular pressure.
residual soil—soil derived in place by weathering of the
quick test—see unconsolidated undrained test. underlying material.
34
D653 − 20´1
residual strain—the strain in a solid associated with a state of rock anchor—a steel rod or cable installed in a hole in rock;
residual stress. (ISRM) in principle the same as rock bolt, but generally used for rods
longer than about four metres. (ISRM)
residual stress—stress remaining in a solid under zero exter-
nal stress after some process that causes the dimensions of rock bolt—a steel rod placed in a hole drilled in rock used to
the various parts of the solid to be incompatible under zero tie the rock together. One end of the rod is firmly anchored
stress, for example, (1) deformation under the action of in the hole by means of a mechanical device or grout, or
external stress when some parts of the body suffer permanent both, and the threaded projecting end is equipped with a nut
strain; or (2) heating or cooling of a body in which the and plate that bears against the rock surface. The rod can be
thermal expansion coefficient is not uniform throughout the pretensioned. (ISRM)
body. (ISRM)
rock burst—a sudden and violent expulsion of rock from its
resin—in grouting, a material that usually constitutes the base surroundings that occurs when a volume of rock is strained
of an organic grout system. beyond the elastic limit and the accompanying failure is of
such a nature that accumulated energy is released instanta-
resin grout—a grout system composed of essentially resinous neously.
materials such as epoxys, polyesters, and urethanes.
DISCUSSION—In Europe, this refers to any chemical grout system
rock burst—sudden explosive-like release of energy due to
regardless of chemical origin. the failure of a brittle rock of high strength. (ISRM)
resolution—see resolution or readability in Measurement rock flour—see silt.

Grouping. rock mass—rock as it occurs in situ, including its structural
discontinuities. (ISRM)
resonance—the reinforced vibration of a body exposed to the DISCUSSION—Rock mass also includes at least some of the earth
vibration, at about the frequency, of another body. materials in mixed-ground and soft-ground conditions. In addition, to
some extent it is scale-related; the localized occurrence of jointed rock
resonant frequency—a frequency at which resonance exists. (rock mass) could be inconsequential in regional analysis.
response—the motion (or other output) in a device or system rock mass, n—in situ rock, rock as it occurs in situ, including
resulting from an excitation (stimulus) under specified con- both the rock material and its structural discontinuities
ditions. D5878
rock material, intact rock, rock substance, or rock element,
retard—bank-protection structure designed to reduce the ri-
n—in rock mechanics/testing, rock without structural discon-
parian velocity and induce silting or accretion.
tinuities; rock on which standardized laboratory property
retardation—delay in deformation. (ISRM) tests are run. D5878
retarder—a material that slows the rate at which chemical rock mechanics—the application of the knowledge of the
reactions would otherwise occur. mechanical behavior of rock to engineering problems deal-
ing with rock. Rock mechanics overlaps with structural
reverse circulation—a drilling system in which the circulating geology, geophysics, and soil mechanics.
medium flows down through the annulus and up through the
drill rod, that is, in the reverse of the normal direction of rock mechanics—theoretical and applied science of the me-
flow. chanical behaviour of rock. (ISRM)
rolled erosion control product, RECP, n—in erosion control,a
revetment—bank protection by armor, that is, by facing of a
material manufactured or fabricated into roll form, and
bank or embankment with erosion-resistant material.
designed to reduce soil erosion and assist in the germination,
riprap stone—material generally less than 2 tons [1814 kg] in establishment or protection of vegetation.
mass, specially selected and graded, when properly placed roof—top of excavation or underground opening, particularly
prevent erosion through minor wave action, or strong cur- applicable in bedded rocks where the top surface of the
rents and thereby preserves the shape of a surface, slope, or opening is flat rather than arched. (ISRM)
underlying structure.
rotary drilling—a drilling process in which a hole is advanced
rise time (pulse rise time)—the interval of time required for by rotation of a drill bit under constant pressure without
the leading edge of a pulse to rise from some specified small impact. See percussion drilling.
fraction to some specified larger fraction of the maximum
value. rotational wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
round—a set of holes drilled and charged in a tunnel or quarry
rock—natural solid mineral matter occurring in large masses that are fired instantaneously or with short-delay detonators.
or fragments. (ISRM)
rock—any naturally formed aggregate of mineral matter oc- running ground—in tunneling, a granular material that tends
curring in large masses or fragments. (ISRM) to flow or “run” into the excavation. See flowing ground.
35
D653 − 20´1
rupture—that stage in the development of a fracture where sediment basin—a structure created by construction of a
instability occurs. It is not recommended that the term barrier or small dam-like structure across a waterway or by
rupture be used in rock mechanics as a synonym for fracture. excavating a basin or a combination of both to trap or
(ISRM) restrain sediment.
rupture envelope (rupture line)—see Mohr envelope. seep—a small area where water oozes from the soil or rock.
sagging—usually occurs in sedimentary rock formations as a seepage—the infiltration or percolation of water through rock
separation and downward bending of sedimentary beds in or soil to or from the surface. The term seepage is usually
the roof of an underground opening. (ISRM) restricted to the very slow movement of groundwater.
sample—piece or quantity of bulk material that has been (ISRM)
selected by some sampling process. seepage (percolation)—the slow movement of gravitational
sand—particles of rock that will pass the No. 4 [4.75-mm] water through the soil or rock.
sieve and be retained on the No. 200 [75-µm] U.S. standard seepage face, n—a boundary between the saturated flow field
sieve. and the atmosphere along which a subsurface liquid
sand boil—the ejection of sand and water resulting from discharges, either by evaporation or movement “downhill”
piping. along the land surface or in a well as a thin film in response
to the force of gravity.
sand equivalent—a measure of the amount of silt or clay
contamination in fine aggregate as determined by test (Test seepage force—the frictional drag of water flowing through
Method D2419). voids or interstices in rock, causing an increase in the
intergranular pressure, that is, the hydraulic force per unit
sanded grout—grout in which sand is incorporated into the volume of rock or soil which results from the flow of water
mixture. and which acts in the direction of flow. (ISRM)
sapric peat—peat in which the original plant fibers are highly seepage force, J [F]—the force transmitted to the soil or rock
decomposed (less than 33 % fibers). grains by seepage.
saturated—see percent saturation. seepage line—see flow line.
seepage line, n—the uppermost level at which a flowing liquid
saturated density—see same in Density Grouping. emerges along a seepage face.
saturated surface-dry condition, SSD, n—in coarse-grained seepage velocity, Va, V1 [LT−1]—the rate of discharge of
soils, a state in which the soil particles are basically saturated seepage water through a porous medium per unit area of void
with water, but there are not visible films of water. space perpendicular to the direction of flow.
D6913/D6913M
segregation—in grouting, the differential concentration of the
saturated unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping. components of mixed grout, resulting in nonuniform propor-
saturation—see percent saturation. tions in the mass.
saturation curve—see zero air voids curve. seismic support—mass (heavy) supported on springs (weak)
scattering loss—that part of transmitted energy lost due to so that mass remains almost at rest when free end of springs
roughness of reflecting surface. is subjected to sinusoidal motion at operating frequency.
schistosity—the variety of foliation that occurs in the coarser- seismic velocity—see same in Wave Grouping.
grained metamorphic rocks and is generally the result of the seismometer—instrument to pick up linear (vertical, horizon-
parallel arrangement of platy and ellipsoidal mineral grains tal) or rotational displacement, velocity, or acceleration.
within the rock substance. (ISRM) self-stressing grout—expansive-cement grout in which the
secant modulus—slope of the line connecting the origin and a expansion induces compressive stress in grout if the expan-
given point on the stress-strain curve. (ISRM) sion movement is restrained.
secondary consolidation, secondary compression, or second- sensitivity or sensitivity ratio, St [D], n—in soil, the ratio of
ary time effect—see same in Consolidation Grouping. (1) the strength of an intact specimen to (2) the strength of
secondary hole—in grouting, the second series of holes to be the same specimen after remolding.
DISCUSSION—This typically applies to cohesive materials. In
drilled and grouted usually spaced midway between primary
addition, the same testing method is typically used to determine both
holes. strengths; however, if the remolded strength is significantly reduced a
secondary lining—the second-placed, or permanent, structural different testing method may be required.
lining of a tunnel, which may be of concrete, steel, or sensitivity—see same in Measurement Grouping.
masonry. (ISRM)
separating, v—in material processing, dividing a sample,
secondary state of stress—the resulting state of stress in the specimen, or subspecimen into at least two portions, based
rock around man-made excavations or structures. (ISRM) on specific criteria (one or more).
36
D653 − 20´1
DISCUSSION—Separating criteria such as particle size, shape, or shear strength, s, τf [FL−2]—the maximum resistance of a
density, and/or composition or material type are commonly used. soil or rock to shearing stresses. See peak shear strength.
series grouting—similar to stage grouting, except each suc- shear stress, τ—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
cessively deeper zone is grouted by means of a newly drilled shear stress, shearing stress, or tangential stress—see same in
hole, eliminating the need for washing grout out before Stress Grouping.
drilling the hole deeper. shear test—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
shear tester—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
set—in grouting, the condition reached by a cement paste, or
shear wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
grout, when it has lost plasticity to an arbitrary degree,
usually measured in terms of resistance to penetration or shelf life—maximum time interval during which a material
deformation; initial set refers to first stiffening and final set may be stored and remain in a usable condition; usually
refers to an attainment of significant rigidity. related to storage conditions.
set time, [T]—in grouting, the hardening time for a cement- shock pulse—a substantial disturbance characterized by a rise
based grout; or the gel time for a chemical grout. of acceleration from a constant value and decay of accelera-
tion to the constant value in a short period of time.
setting shrinkage—in grouting, a reduction in volume of grout
prior to the final set of cement caused by bleeding, by the shock wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
decrease in volume due to the chemical combination of shotcrete—mortar or concrete conveyed through a hose and
water with cement, and by syneresis. pneumatically projected at high velocity onto a surface. Can
shaft—generally a vertical or near vertical excavation driven be applied by a “wet” or “dry” mix method. (ISRM)
downward from the surface as access to tunnels, chambers, shrinkage-compensating—in grouting, a characteristic of
or other underground workings. (ISRM) grout made using an expansive cement in which volume
shaking test—a test used to indicate the presence of significant increase, if restrained, induces compressive stresses that are
amounts of rock flour, silt, or very fine sand in a fine-grained intended to offset the tendency of drying shrinkage to induce
soil. It consists of shaking a pat of wet soil, having a tensile stresses. See also self-stressing grout.
consistency of thick paste, in the palm of the hand; observing shrinkage index, SI [D]—the numerical difference between
the surface for a glossy or livery appearance; then squeezing the plastic and shrinkage limits.
the pat; and observing if a rapid apparent drying and
subsequent cracking of the soil occurs. shrinkage limit, SL, ws [D]—the maximum water content at
which a reduction in water content will not cause a decrease
SUB-TERM GROUPING in volume of the soil mass.
shrinkage ratio, SR [D]—in cohesive soils, given two
shear failure or failure by rupture—failure in which move-
measurements of the total volume and the water content
ment caused by shearing stresses in a soil or rock mass is of
made above and another above or at the shrinkage limit, the
sufficient magnitude to destroy or seriously endanger a
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of: (1) the difference
structure.
between the two values of total volume divided by the
general shear failure—failure in which the ultimate strength of difference between the corresponding values of water
the soil or rock is mobilized along the entire potential surface content, to (2) the volume of dry soil at the shrinkage limit.
of sliding before the structure supported by the soil or rock DISCUSSION—The shrinkage ratio is typically determined by Test
is impaired by excessive movement. Method D4943.
sieve analysis—determination of the proportions of particles

local shear failure—failure in which the ultimate shearing
lying within certain size ranges in a granular material by
strength of the soil or rock is mobilized only locally along
separation on sieves of different size openings.
the potential surface of sliding at the time the structure
supported by the soil or rock is impaired by excessive sieve set, n—in sieving, a set of standard sized sieves. For
movement. single sieve-set sieving, the sieve set will range from the
maximum sieve size to the No. 200 [75-µm] sieve. For
shear force—a force directed parallel to the surface element composite sieving, there will be a coarser sieve set and a
across which it acts. (ISRM) finer sieve set. Together, these sets will range from the
shear plane—a plane along which failure of material occurs maximum sieve size to the No. 200 [75-µm] sieve. The
by shearing. (ISRM) designated separating sieve will be used as the minimum size
in the coarser set and the maximum size in the finer set.
shear resistance—see internal friction. D6913/D6913M
shear strain—the change in shape, expressed by the relative
sieve size, n—in sieving, the size of the opening in the wire
change of the right angles at the corner of what was in the
cloth of a given sieve in mm or µm. D6913/D6913M
undeformed state an infinitesimally small rectangle or cube.
(ISRM) signal noise—see same in Measurement Grouping.
37
D653 − 20´1
significant digit—see same in Measurement Grouping. sleeved grout pipe—see tube A manchette.
sliding—relative displacement of two bodies along a surface,
silo—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
without loss of contact between the bodies. (ISRM)
silt, inorganic silt, or rock flour—material passing the No.
200 [75-µm] U.S. standard sieve that is nonplastic or very slope—the excavated rock surface that is inclined to the
slightly plastic and that exhibits little or no strength when vertical or horizontal, or both, as in an open-cut. (ISRM)
air-dried.
slow test—see consolidated-drain test.
silt size—that portion of the soil finer than 0.02 mm and slug—in aquifer testing, a volume of water or solid object used
coarser than 0.002 mm (0.05 mm and 0.005 mm in some to induce a sudden change of head in a well. D4044/
cases). D4044M, D4104/D4104M
simple shear—shear strain in which displacements all lie in slump—a measure of consistency of freshly mixed concrete or
one direction and are proportional to the normal distances of grout. See also slump test.
the displaced points from a given reference plane. The
dilatation is zero. (ISRM) slump test—the procedure for measuring slump (Test Method
C143/C143M).
single-grained structure—see same under soil structure (Sub-
Term Grouping). slurry cutoff wall—a vertical barrier constructed by excavat-
single sieve-set sieving, v—in sieving, the process in which ing a vertical slot under a bentonite slurry and backfilling it
only one set of sieves is required to determine the gradation with materials of low permeability for the purpose of the
of the specimen from the maximum particle size to the No. containment of the lateral flow of water and other fluids.
200 [75-µm] sieve. D6913/D6913M
slurry grout—a fluid mixture of solids such as cement, sand,
or clays in water.
SUB-TERM GROUPING
slurry trench—a trench that is kept filled with a bentonite
site investigation, n—in geologic, geotechnical, hydrologic,
slurry during the excavation process to stabilize the walls of
and environmental evaluations, the effort(s) to plan a scope
the trench.
of work and collect data to support the assessment of the
acquired data (such as engineering, chemical and index slush grouting—application of cement slurry to surface rock
properties of rock, soil and/or groundwater) and possibly as a means of filling cracks and surface irregularities or to
their spatial variability, at the area of interest. prevent slaking; it is also applied to riprap to form grouted
DISCUSSION—One or more parties may have responsibility for various riprap.
elements of the site investigation. See site characterization. D6429
smooth (-wall) blasting—a method of accurate perimeter
site characterization, n—in geologic, geotechnical, hydrologic, blasting that leaves the remaining rock practically undam-
and environmental evaluations, to analyze the data collected aged. Narrowly spaced and lightly charged blastholes, some-
during the site investigation; then prepare various times alternating with empty dummy holes, located along the
presentations/reports covering the purpose/intent of the site breakline and fired simultaneously as the last round of the
investigation(s). excavation. (ISRM)
DISCUSSION—The site characterization findings and conclusions may
be based on a combination of engineering judgment, risk management soil or earth—in geology, sediments or other unconsolidated
considerations and standard of care appropriate at the time of the accumulations of solid particles produced by the physical
investigation(s). See site investigation. D6429 and chemical disintegration of rocks, and which may or may
size effect—influence of specimen size on its strength or other not contain organic matter.
mechanical parameters. (ISRM) soil binder—see binder.
skin friction, f [FL−2]—the frictional resistance developed soil bioengineering, n—in erosion control, the applications of
between soil and an element of structure. engineering practices and ecological principles to design and
construct systems composed of plant materials, frequently in
slabbing—the loosening and breaking away of relatively large association with inert materials and manufactured products
flat pieces of rock from the excavated surface, either to repair past or prevent future soil erosion and shallow slope
immediately after or some time after excavation. Often failures.
occurring as tensile breaks which can be recognized by the
subconchoidal surfaces left on remaining rock surface. soil-forming factors—factors, such as parent material,
(ISRM) climate, vegetation, topography, organisms, and time in-
volved in the transformation of an original geologic deposit
slabjacking—in grouting, injection of grout under a concrete into a soil profile.
slab in order to raise it to a specified grade.
soil horizon—see horizon.
slaking—deterioration of rock on exposure to air or water.
soil mechanics—the application of the laws and principles of
slaking—the process of breaking up or sloughing when an mechanics and hydraulics to engineering problems dealing
indurated soil is immersed in water. with soil as an engineering material.
38
D653 − 20´1
soil physics—in soil science, the organized body of knowledge for rock or rock aggregates; absolute, apparent saturated (surface dry),
concerned with the physical characteristics of soil and with apparent dry bulk, and apparent bulk (surface dry). The adjectives
the methods employed in their determinations. “dry,” “total,” “wet,” “moist,” etc. do not modify the noun “specific
gravity,” but the state of the soil or rock, or both, along with its voids.
soil profile or profile—vertical section of a soil, showing the See 3.5.2 for usage of symbols in definitions. Specific gravity is a key
nature and sequence of the various layers, as developed by element in the phase relations, phase relationships, or mass-volume
relationships of soil/rock. If dissolved solids, such as salt, are involved,
deposition or weathering, or both.
then corrections to these relationships are required. See unit weight
soil stabilization—chemical or mechanical treatment designed discussion for additional restrictions.
to increase or maintain the stability of a mass of soil or The density of water is a function of temperature; therefore, the
reference temperature should be given, such as water density (20°C).
otherwise to improve its engineering properties.
However, this reference temperature is typically omitted and assumed
to be (20°C).
SUB-TERM GROUPING For definitions involving rock and aggregates, it is common practice,
soil structure—the arrangement and state of aggregation of especially in the concrete industry, to include the terms absolute and
soil particles in a soil mass. See fabric (rock or soil). apparent. In this case, absolute refers to mass-volume relations without
any voids (solids volume) while apparent refers to the mass-volume
flocculent structure—an arrangement composed of flocs of soil relations with voids (unit total volume). Surface dry means that all
particles instead of individual soil particles. surface water above the rock’s surface is removed, usually by light
blotting. For highly porous rock, specialized surface dry techniques
honeycomb structure—an arrangement of soil particles having might be required to model specific applications. The “saturation” of
a comparatively loose, stable structure resembling a honey- rock or aggregate is typically accomplished by submerging in water
comb. with or with out a vacuum for a prescribed period of time.
single-grained structure—an arrangement composed of indi- specific gravity (@temp), G(@temp) [D], n—in soil and rock,
vidual soil particles; characteristic structure of coarse- the density of soil or rock divided by the water density at a
grained soils. given temperature (usually 20°C) or the ratio of: (1) the mass
in air of a given volume of soil or rock to (2) the mass in air
soil suspension—highly diffused mixture of soil and water. of an equal volume of distilled/demineralized water at a
soil texture—see gradation. given temperature.
solids density—see same in Density Grouping.
solids specific gravity (@ temp), Gs (@temp) [D], n—in soil, the
solids specific gravity—see same in Specific Gravity Group-
solids or particle density divided by the water density at a
ing.
given temperature.
solids volume—see volume of solids.
DISCUSSION—The usage “solids” is commonly omitted when refer-
solution cavern—openings in rock masses formed by moving ring to this specific gravity. See Specific Gravity Grouping and
water carrying away soluble materials. Density Grouping discussions.
sounding well—in grouting, a vertical conduit in a mass of absolute solids specific gravity (@ temp), Gr (@temp) [D],
coarse aggregate for preplaced aggregate concrete which n—in rock and aggregate, the absolute solids density divided
contains closely spaced openings to permit entrance of grout. by the water density at a given temperature.
DISCUSSION—The grout level is determined by means of a measuring
line on a float within the sounding well. DISCUSSION—It is usually measured by pulverizing the rock or
aggregate to silt size or finer, so there are not any voids in the rock or
spacing—the distance between adjacent blastholes in a direc- aggregate, then measuring their overall dry mass and volume. A D18
tion parallel to the face. (ISRM) test method is D854. See Specific Gravity Grouping and Density
Grouping discussions.
spalling—(1) longitudinal splitting in uniaxial compression, or
(2) breaking-off of plate-like pieces from a free rock surface. apparent bulk (surface dry) specific gravity (@temp),
(ISRM) Ga,b (@temp) [D], n—in rock or aggregate, the apparent bulk
(surface-dry) density divided by the water density at a given
specific capacity—the rate of discharge from a well divided by temperature.
the drawdown of the water level within the well at a specific DISCUSSION—The replacement of “bulk” with total, moist or wet is
time since pumping started. D4043 common. This definition could apply to saturated conditions; however,
it is preferable to replace bulk with saturated. See Specific Gravity
specific discharge, n [LT−1]—the rate of flow of water through
Grouping discussion.
a porous medium per unit area measured at a right angle to
the direction of flow. apparent dry bulk specific gravity (@temp), Ga,d (@temp)
[D], n—in rock and aggregate, the apparent dry-bulk density
SPECIFIC GRAVITY GROUPING divided by the water density at a given temperature.
See Density Grouping. DISCUSSION—The omission “bulk” is common, since both apparent
and bulk infer the usage of unit total volume. See Specific Gravity
DISCUSSION—Specific gravity is the density of soil or rock normalized Grouping discussion.
by the density of water (water usually distilled or demineralized).
Specific gravity requires the inclusion of a modifying term to define its apparent saturated (surface dry) specific gravity (@temp),
specific application, such as for soils; solids/particle or total/bulk, while Ga,s (@temp) [D], n—in rock or aggregate, the apparent
39
D653 − 20´1
saturated (surface-dry) density divided by the water density H cγ t
Nf 5
at a given temperature. Su
specific storage, n [L−1]—see same in Aquifer Grouping. where:

−1
specific surface [L ]—the surface area per unit of volume of Hc = critical height of embankment,
γt = total unit of weight of the soil, and
soil particles.
Su = undrained shear strength of the clay.
End of Grouping
DISCUSSION—The stability factor is the numerical reciprocal of the
specific yield—in aquifers, the ratio of the volume of water stability number for the special case of a ø = 0 analysis.
that the saturated rock or soil will yield by gravity to the
stability number, Nn [D]—the ratio of: (1) the undrained shear
volume of the rock or soil. In the field, specific yield is
strength to (2) the vertical stress level. The stability factor is
generally determined by tests of unconfined aquifers and
used in combination with design charts for analysis of soft
represents the change that occurs in the volume of water in
homogeneous clay embankments. It is computed using the
storage per unit area of unconfined aquifer as the result of a
following equation:
unit change in head. Such a change in storage is produced by
the draining or filling of pore space and is, therefore, mainly Su
Nn 5
dependent on particle size, rate of change of the water table, H cγ t
and time of drainage. D4043
Hc = critical height of embankment,
specimen—pieces or quantity taken or prepared from a sample γt = total unit of weight of the soil, and
for testing. Su = undrained shear strength.
DISCUSSION—In some standards under the responsibility of Subcom-
DISCUSSION—In the case of a ø = 0 analysis, the stability number is
mittee D18.24 on Characterization and Handling of Powers and Bulk
the numerical reciprocal of the stability factor.
Solids use “bed” instead of specimen.
spherical wave—see same in Wave Grouping. stabilization—see soil stabilization.
stage—in grouting, the length of hole grouted at one time. See
split spacing grouting—a grouting sequence in which initial also stage grouting.
(primary) grout holes are relatively widely spaced and
subsequent grout holes are placed midway between previous stage grouting—sequential grouting of a hole in separate steps
grout holes to “split the spacing;” this process is continued or stages in lieu of grouting the entire length at once; holes
until a specified hole spacing is achieved or a reduction in may be grouted in ascending stages by using packers or in
grout take to a specified value occurs, or both. descending stages downward from the collar of the hole.
splitting, v—in sampling or subsampling, the process of standard compaction—see compaction test.
stockpile sampling, quartering material, or passing material standard penetration resistance—see penetration resistance.
through a splitter or riffle box to obtain a representative standard shaking period, n—in sieving, a time period ranging
portion of that material for testing; that is, a specimen or from 10 to 20 minutes that a mechanical sieve shaker
subspecimen. D6913/D6913M operates during the sieving process and which has been
spring characteristics, sc [FL−1]—ratio of increase in force/ verified to satisfy the requirements for sieving thoroughness.
load to increase in deflection: D6913/D6913M
∆F standard sieve set, n—in sieving soils, the group of fourteen
sc 5
∆L specific sieve sizes required to determine the gradation of
soils between and including the 3-in. [75-mm] and No. 200
where:
[75-µm] sieves. D6913/D6913M
∆L = deflection.
standing wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
squeezing ground, n—in tunneling, soil or rock that contains
a large amount of clay and that advances slowly into the static head—in hydrogeology and laminar flow, the height
excavation with no perceptible increase in volume and above a standard datum of the surface of a column of water
without fracturing. D5878 (or other liquid) that can be supported by the static pressure
stability—the condition of a structure or a mass of material at a given point. The static head is the sum of the elevation
when it is able to support the applied stress for a long time head and the pressure head. D5092/D5092M
without suffering any significant deformation or movement steady flow—see flow, steady.
that is not reversed by the release of stress. (ISRM)
steady-state vibration—vibration in a system where the
stability factor, Nf [D]—the ratio of: (1) the vertical stress velocity of each particle is a continuing periodic quantity.
level to (2) the undrained shear strength. The stability factor
is used in combination with design charts for analysis of soft stemming—(1) the material (chippings, or sand and clay) used
homogeneous clay embankments. It is computed using the to fill a blasthole after the explosive charge has been
following equation: inserted. Its purpose is to prevent the rapid escape of the
40
D653 − 20´1
explosion gases. (2) the act of pushing and tamping the STRESS GROUPING
material in the hole. (ISRM)
DISCUSSION—Pressure is typically associated with fluids which can-
step-drawdown test—in aquifers testing, a test in which a not support static shear stresses, while stress is associated with
control well is pumped at constant rates in “steps” of materials that can support static shear stresses. Therefore, when
referring to soil and rock one should not use pressure but stress. For the
increasing discharge. Each step is approximately equal in stress definitions from normal to intermediate stress, as presented they
duration, although the last step may be prolonged. D5269 are total stresses, which is typically not noted; however, they can be
effective and if they are, then that should be identified, such as effective
stick-slip—rapid fluctuations in shear force as one rock mass
normal stress.
slides past another, characterized by a sudden slip between
the rock masses, a period of no relative displacement stress, σ, p [FL−2]—the force per unit area acting within the
between the two masses, a sudden slip, etc. The oscillations soil mass.
may be regular as in a direct shear test, or irregular as in a
total stress, σ [FL−2]—the total force per unit area acting
triaxial test.
within a mass of soil. It is the sum of the neutral and
sticky limit, Tw[D] —the lowest water content at which a soil effective stresses.
will stick to a metal blade drawn across the surface of the
pore pressure, pore water pressure, or neutral stress, u, uw
soil mass.
[FL−2]—stress transmitted through the pore water (water
stiffness—the ratio of change of force (or torque) to the filling the voids of the soil).
corresponding change in translational (or rotational) deflec- DISCUSSION—Geotechnical engineers do not use the term neutral
tion of an elastic element. stress, whereas geologists do.
DISCUSSION—See spring characteristics. effective stress, effective pressure, or intergranular
stiffness-force—displacement ratio. (ISRM) pressure, σ̄ [FL−2 ]—the average normal force per unit area
transmitted from grain to grain of a soil mass. It is the stress
stone—crushed or naturally angular particles of rock. that is effective in mobilizing internal friction.
DISCUSSION—Instead of a bar over the sigma symbol (σ) a sigma
stop—in grouting, a packer setting at depth.
prime mark is now typically used to indicate the stress is effective, such
stop grouting—the grouting of a hole beginning at the lowest as σ’ , σ’1 , or σ1’.
packer setting (stop) after the hole is drilled to total depth. normal stress, σ, p [FL−2]—the stress component normal to a
DISCUSSION—Packers are placed at the top of the zone being grouted. given plane.
Grouting proceeds from the bottom up. Also called upstage grouting.
principal stress, σ1, σ2, σ3 [FL−2]—stresses acting normal to
storage coefficient—in aquifers, the volume of water an
three mutually perpendicular planes intersecting at a point in
aquifer releases from or takes into storage per unit surface
a body, on which the shearing stress is zero.
area of the aquifer per unit change in head. For a confined
aquifer, the storage coefficient is equal to the product of the major principal stress, σ1 [FL−2]—the largest (with regard to
specific storage and aquifer thickness. For an unconfined sign) principal stress.
aquifer, the storage coefficient is approximately equal to the
specific yield. D4043, D4044/D4044M, D4050, D4104/ minor principal stress, σ3 [FL−2]—the smallest (with regard
D4104M, D4105/D4105M, D4106, D5269 to sign) principal stress.
strain, ε [D]—the change in length per unit of length in a intermediate principal stress, σ2 [ FL−2]—the principal stress
given direction. whose value is neither the largest nor the smallest (with
regard to sign) of the three.
strain (linear or nonlinear), ε[D]—the change in length per
shear stress—stress directed parallel to the surface element
unit of length in a given direction.
across which it acts. (ISRM)
strain ellipsoid—the representation of the strain in the form of
shear stress, shearing stress, or tangential stress, τ, s
an ellipsoid into which a sphere of unit radius deforms and
[FL−2]—the stress component tangential to a given plane.
whose axes are the principal axes of strain. (ISRM)
deviator stress, ∆σ [FL−2]—the difference between the major
strain (stress) rate—rate of change of strain (stress) with time.
and minor principal stresses in a triaxial test.
(ISRM)
strain (stress) tensor—the second order tensor whose diago- End of Grouping
nal elements consist of the normal strain (stress) components
with respect to a given set of coordinate axes and whose stress ellipsoid—the representation of the state of stress in the
off-diagonal elements consist of the corresponding shear form of an ellipsoid whose semi-axes are proportional to the
strain (stress) components. (ISRM) magnitudes of the principal stresses and lie in the principal
directions. The coordinates of a point P on this ellipse are
streamline flow—see laminar flow. proportional to the magnitudes of the respective components
strength—maximum stress which a material can resist without of the stress across the plane normal to the direction OP,
failing for any given type of loading. (ISRM) where O is the center of the ellipsoid. (ISRM)
41
D653 − 20´1
stress (strain) field—the ensemble of stress (strain) states suspension agent—an additive that decreased the settlement
defined at all points of an elastic solid. (ISRM) rate of particles in liquid.
stress relaxation—stress release due to creep. (ISRM) swamp—a forested or shrub covered wetland where standing
or gently flowing water persists for long periods on the
strike—the direction or azimuth of a horizontal line in the
surface.
plane of an inclined stratum, joint, fault, cleavage plane, or
other planar feature within a rock mass. (ISRM) S-wave—see shear wave in Wave Grouping.
structural discontinuity (discontinuity), n—in rock swelling ground, n—in tunneling, soil or rock that contains a
mechanics, an interruption or abrupt change in a rock’s large amount of clay and that advances into the excavation
structural properties, such as strength, stiffness, or density, principally because the material’s volume is increasing.
usually occurring across internal surfaces or zones, such as D5878
bedding, parting, cracks, joints, faults, or cleavage.
DISCUSSION—To some extent this definition is scale-related. A rock’s syneresis—in grouting, the exudation of liquid (generally
microfractures might be structural discontinuities to a petrologist, but to water) from a set gel which is not stressed, due to the
a field geologist the same rock could be considered intact. Similarly, the tightening of the grout material structure.
localized occurrence of jointed rock (rock mass) could be inconsequen-
tial in regional analysis. D5878 take—see grout take.
talus—rock fragments mixed with soil at the foot of a natural
structure—one of the larger features of a rock mass, like
slope from which they have been separated.
bedding, foliation, jointing, cleavage, or brecciation; also the
sum total of such features as contrasted with texture. Also, in tangential stress—see stress.
a broader sense, it refers to the structural features of an area tangent modulus—slope of the tangent to the stress-strain
such as anti-clines or synclines. (ISRM) curve at a given stress value (generally taken at a stress equal
structure—see soil structure. to half the compressive strength). (ISRM)
subbase—a layer used in a pavement system between the tensile strength or unconfined/uniaxial tensile strength),
subgrade and base coarse, or between the subgrade and To [FL−2]—in rock or concrete testing, the load per unit area
portland cement concrete pavement. at which an unconfined cylindrical specimen will fail in a
subgrade—the soil prepared and compacted to support a simple tension (pull) test.
structure or a pavement system. tensile stress—normal stress tending to lengthen the body in
subgrade surface—the surface of the earth or rock prepared to the direction in which it acts. (ISRM)
support a structure or a pavement system. test pit—in soil and rock, a shallow excavation made to
submerged density—see same in Density Grouping. characterize the subsurface.
submerged unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping.
tertiary hole—in grouting, the third series of holes to be
subsealing—in grouting, grouting under concrete slabs for the
drilled and grouted usually spaced midway between previ-
purpose of filling voids without raising the slabs.
ously grouted primary and secondary holes.
subsidence—the downward displacement of the overburden
(rock or soil, or both) lying above an underground excava- texture—of soil and rock, geometrical aspects consisting of
tion or adjoining a surface excavation. Also the sinking of a size, shape, arrangement, and crystallinity of the component
part of the earth’s crust. (ISRM) particles and of the related characteristics of voids.
subsoil—in soil science, (1) soil below a subgrade of fill, or (2) texture—the arrangement in space of the components of a rock
that part of a soil profile occurring below the “A” horizon. body and of the boundaries between these components.
(ISRM)
subspecimen, n—in composite sieving, a representative por-
tion of the material passing the designated separating sieve; theoretical-time curve—see same in Consolidation Grouping.
that is, the finer portion. D6913/D6913M thermal spalling—the breaking of rock under stresses induced
by extremely high temperature gradients. High-velocity jet
sulfate attack—in grouting, harmful or deleterious reactions flames are used for drilling blast holes with this effect.
between sulfates in soil or groundwater and the grout. (ISRM)
support—structure or structural feature built into an under- thermo-osmosis—the process by which water is caused to
ground opening for maintaining its stability. (ISRM) flow in small openings of a soil mass due to differences in
surface force—any force that acts across an internal or temperature within the mass.
external surface element in a material body, not necessarily
thickness—the perpendicular distance between bounding sur-
in a direction lying in the surface. (ISRM)
faces such as bedding or foliation planes of a rock. (ISRM)
surface wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
thixotropy—the property of a material that enables it to stiffen
suspension—a mixture of liquid and solid materials. in a relatively short time on standing, but upon agitation or
42
D653 − 20´1
manipulation to change to a very soft consistency or to a triaxial compression—compression caused by the application
fluid of high viscosity, the process being completely revers- of normal stresses in three perpendicular directions. (ISRM)
ible.
triaxial shear test or triaxial compression test—in
throw—the projection of broken rock during blasting. (ISRM) unconsolidated-undrained triaxial testing, a test in which a
cylindrical specimen of soil or rock encased in an impervi-
thrust—force applied to a drill in the direction of penetration. ous membrane is subjected to a confining pressure and then
(ISRM) loaded axially to failure.
tight—rock remaining within the minimum excavation lines triaxial state of stress—state of stress in which none of the
after completion of a blasting record. (ISRM) three principal stresses is zero. (ISRM)
till—see glacial till. true solution—one in which the components are 100 %
time angle of internal friction, φt—see same in D18.24 dissolved in the base solvent.
Grouping.
time curve—see same in Consolidation Grouping. tube A manchette—in grouting, a grout pipe perforated with
rings of small holes at intervals of about 12 in. [305 mm].
time factor—see same in Consolidation Grouping.
DISCUSSION—Each ring of perforations is enclosed by a short rubber
time yield locus—see same in D18.24 Grouping. sleeve fitting tightly around the pipe so as to act as a one-way valve
topsoil—surface soil, usually containing organic matter. when used with an inner pipe containing two packer elements that
isolate a stage for injection of grout.
torsional shear test—a shear test in which a relatively thin test
specimen of solid circular or annular cross-section, usually tunnel—a man-made underground passage constructed with-
confined between rings, is subjected to an axial load and to out removing the overlying rock or soil. Generally nearly
shear in torsion. In-place torsion shear tests may be per- horizontal as opposed to a shaft, which is nearly vertical.
formed by pressing a dentated solid circular or annular plate (ISRM)
against the soil and measuring its resistance to rotation under turbulent flow—that type of flow in which any water particle
a given axial load. may move in any direction with respect to any other particle,
total density—see same in Density Grouping. and in which the head loss is approximately proportional to
the second power of the velocity.
total head—see same in Head Grouping.
total stress—see same in Stress Grouping. ultimate bearing capacity, qe, qult [FL−2]—the average load
per unit of area required to produce failure by rupture of a
total unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping.
supporting soil or rock mass.
toughness index, IT, Tw—the ratio of: (1) the plasticity index,
to (2) the flow index. unconfined aquifer—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
unconfined compressive strength—the load per unit area at
traction, S1, S2, S3 [FL−2]—applied stress. which an unconfined prismatic or cylindrical specimen of
transformed flow net—a flow net whose boundaries have material will fail in a simple compression test without lateral
been properly modified (transformed) so that a net consisting support.
of curvilinear squares can be constructed to represent flow unconfined compressive strength—see compressive strength.
conditions in an anisotropic porous medium. unconfined yield strength, fc—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
transmissivity—see same in Aquifer Grouping. unconsolidated-undrained test or quick test—a soil test in
transported soil—soil transported from its place of origin to which the water content of the test specimen remains
another by wind, water, or ice. practically unchanged during the application of the confining
pressure and the additional axial (or shearing) force.
transverse wave—see same in Wave Grouping.
undamped natural frequency—of a mechanical system, the
transverse wave (shear wave)—see same in Wave Grouping. frequency of free vibration resulting from only elastic and
inertial forces of the system.
trapped groundwater, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a
localized body of groundwater surrounded by relatively underconsolidated soil deposit—a deposit that is not fully
impermeable material that limits recharge to and/or dis- consolidated under the existing overburden pressure.
charge from that body.
underdamped-well response—in aquifers, response charac-
DISCUSSION—There can be more than one trapped groundwater body
in the subsurface of a local/project area.
terized by the water level oscillating about the static water
level following a sudden change in water level. (See for
tremie—material placed under water through a tremie pipe in comparison overdamped well response.) D4044/D4044M,
such a manner that it rests on the bottom without mixing D4104/D4104M
with the water.
undisturbed, adj—in soil and rock, sampled material having
trench—usually a long, narrow, near vertical sided cut in rock exactly the same composition, properties, and conditions as
or soil such as is made for utility lines. (ISRM) the material in situ.
43
D653 − 20´1
DISCUSSION—It is considered impractical to obtain undisturbed effective unit weight—see buoyant unit weight or submerged
material, see intact. unit weight.
uniaxial (unconfined) compression—compression caused by maximum dry unit weight (Std.#), (Std.#)-γd,max [FL–3],
the application of normal stress in a single direction. (ISRM) n—in soils, the maximum dry density multiplied by standard
acceleration of gravity. See Unit Weight Grouping’s dis-
uniaxial state of stress—state of stress in which two of the cussion and discussion for maximum dry density.
three principal stresses are zero. (ISRM)
minimum dry unit weight (Std.#), (Std.#)-γd,min [FL–3],
uniformity coefficient—in soils, the ratio of d-60/d-10, where n—in soils, the minimum dry density multiplied by standard
d-60 and d-10 are particle diameters corresponding to 60 % acceleration of gravity. See Unit Weight Grouping’s dis-
and 10 % finer on the cumulative particle size curve, cussion and discussion for minimum dry density.
respectively. D2487, D5092/D5092M
saturated unit weight, γsat [FL−3], n—the saturated density
uniform flow, n—in hydraulics, the condition of flow where multiplied by standard acceleration of gravity. See Unit
the rate of energy loss due to frictional and form resistance Weight Grouping’s discussion.
is equal to the bed slope of the channel.
DISCUSSION—Where uniform flow exists, the slopes of the energy
buoyant unit weight or submerged unit weight, γb,@temp or
grade line, the water surface, and the channel bed are identical. γsub,@temp [FL–3], n—the buoyant density or submerged
Cross-sectional area and velocity of flow do not change from cross density multiplied by standard acceleration of gravity (at
section to cross section in uniform flow. 20°C or project specific temperature).
DISCUSSION—The buoyant/submerged unit weight is used to calculate
uniformly graded—in soils, a quantitative definition of the effective stress verses depth, providing hydrostatic conditions are
particle size distribution of a soil which consists of a applicable. See Unit Weight Grouping’s discussion.
majority of particles being of the same approximate diam-
water unit weight (@temp), γw,(@temp) [FL−3], n—the density
eter. A granular material is considered uniformly graded
of water (temp) multiplied by standard acceleration of
when the uniformity coefficient is less than about five (see
gravity. See Unit Weight Grouping’s discussion.
Test Method D2487). Comparable to the geologic term well
sorted. D5092/D5092M total, moist, wet or bulk unit weight, γt [FL−3], n—the total
density multiplied by standard acceleration of gravity.
UNIT WEIGHT GROUPING DISCUSSION—Throughout D18 standards either the adjective of total,
moist, wet or bulk is used to represent this unit weight condition. The
See Density and Specific Gravity Groupings. order of preference is as presented; however, any one of these
adjectives is acceptable. See Unit Weight Grouping’s discussion and
DISCUSSION—In soil and rock the term unit weight requires the Density Grouping’s discussion.
inclusion of a modifying adjective to define its specific application,
such as dry, total, saturated, buoyant, and maximum. The adjectives End of Grouping
“dry,” “total,” “wet,” “moist,” etc. do not modify the noun unit weight, unloading modulus—slope of the tangent to the unloading
but the state of the soil or rock, or both, along with its voids.
In all subsequent unit weight definitions, the use of the term weight
stress-strain curve at a given stress value. (ISRM)
means force; therefore, unit weight is equal to density multiplied by uplift—the upward water pressure on a structure.
standard acceleration of gravity (free fall) having a value of 9.806 650
Symbol Unit
m/s2 or 32.17 405 ft/s2, or a location-specific (local) value. The
unit symbol u FL−2
acceptable SI unit for unit weight is kN/m3 while for inch-pound units total symbol U F or FL−1
it is lbf/ft3, kip/ft3 or ton/ft3. The unit total volume applies to the unit
volume including both solids and voids. See 3.5.2 for usage of symbols uplift—the hydrostatic force of water exerted on or underneath
in definitions. a structure, tending to cause a displacement of the structure.
The unit weight of water is a function of temperature; therefore, (ISRM)
reference temperature should be given, such as water unit weight
(20°C). However, this reference temperature is typically omitted and uplift—in grouting, vertical displacement of a formation due
assumed to be 20°C. Unit weight of soil or rock should be converted to to grout injection.
density prior to being applied in phase relationships.
D18 is emphasizing the distinction between density (mass) and unit vadose zone, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, the hydrogeo-
weight (force). To help maintain this distinction, the usage of unit logical region extending from the soil surface to the top of
weight is being de-emphasized. the water (groundwater) table.
It is acceptable practice to change the unit weight adjective to a DISCUSSION—The capillary fringe is included in this zone. Overall
noun, such as dry unit weight to unit weight of dry soil or rock, or movement of water is vertical in the vadose zone. There can be more
saturated unit weight to unit weight of saturated soil or rock. than one vadose zone in special cases, such as when there is perched
groundwater. The vadose zone is commonly referred to as the "unsatu-
unit weight, γ [FL−3], n—the density multiplied by standard rated zone" or "zone of aeration." These alternate names are inadequate
acceleration of gravity. See Unit Weight Grouping’s dis- as they do not take into account locally saturated regions, such as
cussion. perched groundwater.
dry unit weight, γd [FL–3], n—the dry density multiplied by vane shear test—an in-place shear test in which a rod with
standard acceleration of gravity. See Unit Weight Group- thin radial vanes at the end is forced into the soil and the
ing’s discussion. resistance to rotation of the rod is determined.
44
D653 − 20´1
varved clay—alternating thin layers of silt (or fine sand) and wall shear stress, τw—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
clay formed by variations in sedimentation during the wall yield locus—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
various seasons of the year, often exhibiting contrasting washing—in grouting, the physical act of cleaning the sides of
colors when partially dried. a hole by circulating water, water and air, acid washes, or
velocity, n—time rate of linear motion in a given direction. chemical substances through drill rods or tremie pipe in an
open hole.
velocity head—see same in head (grouping).
vent hole—in grouting, a hole drilled to allow the escape of air washout nozzle—in drilling, a tubular extension with a check
and water and also used to monitor the flow of grout. valve utilized at the end of a string of casing through which
water can be injected to displace drilling fluids and cuttings
vent pipe—in grouting, a small-diameter pipe used to permit from the annular space of a borehole. D5092/D5092M
the escape of air, water, or diluted grout from a formation.
water-cement ratio—the ratio of the weight of water to the
vibrated beam wall or injection beam wall—barrier formed weights of Portland cement in a cement grout or concrete
by driving an H-beam in an overlapping pattern of prints and mix. See also grout mix.
filling the print of the beam with cement-bentonite slurry or
other materials as it is withdrawn. water content, w [D]—the ratio of the mass of water contained
in the pore spaces of soil or rock material, to the solid mass
vibration—an oscillation wherein the quantity is a parameter of particles in that material, expressed as a percentage.
that defines the motion of a mechanical system (see oscilla-
tion). water density—see same in Density Grouping.
water gain—see bleeding.
virgin compression curve—see compression curve. water-holding capacity [D]—the smallest value to which the
viscoelasticity—property of materials that strain under stress water content of a soil or rock can be reduced by gravity
partly elastically and partly viscously, that is, whose strain is drainage.
partly dependent on time and magnitude of stress. (ISRM)
water table—see groundwater table.
viscosity—the internal fluid resistance of a substance which
makes it resist a tendency to flow. water-table aquifer, n—see preferred term unconfined aqui-
fer.
viscous damping—the dissipation of energy that occurs when
a particle in a vibrating system is resisted by a force that has water unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping.
a magnitude proportional to the magnitude of the velocity of
the particle and direction opposite to the direction of the WAVE GROUPING
particle.
compression wave or irrotational wave, P-wave [LT–1]—
viscous flow—see laminar flow. wave in which element of medium changes volume without
void—space in a soil or rock mass not occupied by solid rotation.
mineral matter. This space may be occupied by air, water, or
other gaseous or liquid material. critical frequency, fc—in waves, frequency at which maxi-
mum or minimum amplitudes of excited waves occur.
void ratio, e [D], n—in soils and rock, the ratio of: (1) the
volume of voids, to (2) the volume of solids in a unit total impedance, acoustic—see impedance, acoustic (in main list-
volume of soil or rock. See volume of solids and void. ing).
volume of solids or solids volume, Vs [L3], n—the space longitudinal rod wave—see above compression wave defini-
occupied by the mineral portion of soil or rock without any tion.
voids or the dry mass of soil or rock divided by the product longitudinal wave, vl [LT−1]—wave in which direction of
of water density times the solids specific gravity of soil or displacement at each point of medium is normal to wave
rock (at a given temperature or 20°C). front, with propagation velocity, calculated as follows:
volumetric shrinkage or volumetric change, Vs [D]—the
decrease in volume, expressed as a percentage of the soil
mass when dried, of a soil mass when the water content is
yl 5 ŒS DE
ρ
@ ~ 1 2 v ! / ~ 11v !~ 1 2 2v ! # 5 Œ λ12µ
ρ
reduced from a given percentage to the shrinkage limit. where:

von Post humification scale—a scale describing various E = Young’s modulus,
stages of decomposition of peat ranging from H1, which is ρ = mass density,
λ and µ = Lamé’s constants, and
completely undecomposed, to H10, which is completely
v = Poisson’s ratio.
decomposed.
long wave (quer wave), W [LT−1]—dispersive surface wave
wall friction, f ' [FL−2]—frictional resistance mobilized be-
with one horizontal component, generally normal to the
tween a wall and the soil or rock in contact with the wall.
direction of propagation, which decreases in propagation
wall normal stress, σw—see same in D18.24 Grouping. velocity with increase in frequency.
45
D653 − 20´1
node, adj—point, line, or surface of standing wave system at wave—disturbance propagated in medium in such a manner
which the amplitude is zero. that at any point in medium the amplitude is a function of
time, while at any instant the displacement at point is
phase difference—in waves, difference between phase angles
function of position of point.
of two waves of same frequency.
plane wave—wave in which fronts are parallel to plane normal wave front—moving surface in a medium at which a propa-
to direction of propagation. gated disturbance first occurs.
Quer-wave or love wave, W—dispersive surface wave with wave front—(1) a continuous surface over which the phase of
one horizontal component, generally normal to the direction a wave that progresses in three dimensions is constant, or (2)
of propagation, which decreases in propagation velocity with a continuous line along which the phase of a surface wave is
increase in frequency. constant. (ISRM)
Rayleigh wave, vR [LT−1]—dispersive surface wave in wave length—normal distance between two wave fronts with
which element has retrograding elliptic orbit with one major periodic characteristics in which amplitudes have phase
vertical and one minor horizontal component both in plane difference of one complete cycle.
of propagation velocity:
v R 5 αv t with 0.910,α,0.995 for 0.25,v,0.5 End of Grouping
reflected wave or refracted wave—components of wave weathering—the process of disintegration and decomposition
incident upon second medium and reflected into first me- as a consequence of exposure to the atmosphere, to chemical
dium (or refracted) into second medium. action, and to the action of frost, water, and heat. (ISRM)
reflection and refraction loss—in waves, that part of trans- well screen jetting (hydraulic jetting)—in wells, when jetting
mitted energy lost due to nonuniformity of mediums. is used for development, a jetting tool with nozzles and a
seismic velocity—in waves, the velocity of seismic waves in high-pressure pump is used to force water outwardly through
geological formations. (ISRM) the screen, the filter pack, and sometimes into the adjacent
geologic unit. D5092/D5092M
shear wave, rotational wave, or equivoluminal wave,
S-wave [LT–1]—wave in which medium changes shape wetland—land which has the water table at, near, or above the
without change of volume (shear-plane wave in isotropic land surface, or which is saturated for long enough periods to
medium is transverse wave). See transverse wave. promote hydrophylic vegetation and various kinds of bio-
logical activity which are adapted to the wet environment.
shock wave—a wave of finite amplitude characterized by a
shock front, a surface across which pressure, density, and wetting agent—a substance capable of lowering the surface
internal energy rise almost discontinuously, and which tension of liquids, facilitating the wetting of solid surfaces,
travels with a speed greater than the normal speed of sound. and facilitating the penetration of liquids into the capillaries.
(ISRM)
wet density—see same in Density Grouping.
spherical wave—wave in which wave fronts are concentric wet unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping.
spheres.
working pressure—the pressure adjudged best for any par-
standing wave—a wave produced by simultaneous transmis- ticular set of conditions encountered during grouting.
sion in opposite directions of two similar waves resulting in DISCUSSION—Factors influencing the determination are size of voids
fixed points of zero amplitudes called nodes. to be filled, depth of zone to be grouted, lithology of area to be grouted,
grout viscosity, and resistance of the formation to fracture.
surface wave—a wave confined to a thin layer at the surface
of a body. (ISRM) yield—in grouting, the volume of freshly mixed grout pro-
duced from a known quantity of ingredients.
transverse wave, vt [LT−1]—wave in which direction of
displacement of element of medium is parallel to wave front. yielding arch—type of support of arch shape, the joints of
The propagation velocity, vt, is calculated as follows: which deform plastically beyond a certain critical load, that
vt 5 Œ ŒS D F
G
ρ
5
E
ρ
1
2 ~ 11v ! G
is, continue to deform without increasing their resistance.
(ISRM)
where: yield locus—see same in D18.24 Grouping.

G = shear modulus, yield stress—the stress beyond which the induced deformation
ρ = mass density, is not fully annulled after complete destressing. (ISRM)
v = Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus—the ratio of the increase in stress on a test
E = Young’s modulus.
specimen to the resulting increase in strain under constant
transverse wave (shear wave)—a wave in which the displace- transverse stress limited to materials having a linear stress-
ment at each point of the medium is parallel to the wave strain relationship over the range of loading. Also called
front. (ISRM) elastic modulus.
46
D653 − 20´1
zone of saturation—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a hydro- density at zero air voids or 100 % saturation as a function of
logic zone in which all the interstices between particles of molding water content (greater than zero).
geologic material (soil and rock) or all of the joints, DISCUSSION—The usage of unit weight applies to this definition if
fractures, or solution channels in a consolidated rock unit, or “density” is replaced by “unit weight.” The usage of “saturated curve”
both, are filled with water under pressure greater than that of implies 100 % saturation, where as saturation curve does not.
the atmosphere. Therefore, the percent saturation has to be identified.
DISCUSSION—Although the zone may contain some gas-filled inter-
stices or interstices filled with fluids other than water, it is still zero air voids densityorzero air voids unit weight—see zero air
considered saturated. D5092/D5092M voids curve.
zero air voids curve, 100 % saturation curve, or saturated
curve, n—in compaction testing, the curve showing the dry
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. REFERENCES
X1.1 Dictionary of Mining; Mineral and Related Terms, Representation, Final Document on Terminology, English
2nd edition, Compiled by the American Geological Institute for Version, 1972, and List of Symbols, 1970.
the U.S. Bureau of Mines, 656 pp., 1997.
X1.4 Jackson, J.A., (ed), Glossary of Geology, Fourth
X1.2 Glossary of Landform and Geologic Terms, National Edition, 800 pp., American Geological Institute (1997).
Soil Survey Handbook-Part 629, 61 pp., Natural Resources
Conservation Service, USDA, (2002–frequently revised) X1.5 Thrush, R. P. (ed), et al., A Dictionary of Mining,
X1.3 International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM), Mineral and Related Terms, U. S. Bureau of Mines (1968).
Commission on Terminology, Symbols and Graphic
X2. ISRM SYMBOLS RELATING TO SOIL AND ROCK MECHANICS
NOTE X2.1—These symbols may not correlate with the symbols γd dry unit weight
appearing in the text. γw unit weight of water
X1.1 Space γ' buoyant unit weight
γs unit of solids
Ω, ω solid angle T torque
l length I moment of inertia
b width W work
h height or depth W energy
r radius X1.4 Applied Mechanics
A area
V volume e void ratio
t time n porosity
v velocity w water content
ω angular velocity Sr degree of saturation
g gravitational acceleration p pressure
X1.2 Periodic and Related Phenomena u pore water pressure
σ normal stress
T periodic time σx, σy, σz stress components in rectangular coordinates
f frequency σ1, σ2, σ3 principal stresses
ω angular frequency S1, S2, S3 applied stresses (and reactions)
λ wave length σh horizontal stress
σv vertical stress
X1.3 Statics and Dynamics τ shear stress
τxy, τyz, τzx shear stress components in rectangular
m mass coordinates
ρ density (mass density) ε strain
Gm mass specific gravity εx, εy, εz strain components in rectangular coordinates
Gs specific gravity of solids
Gw specific gravity of water γxy, γyz, γzx shear strain components in rectangular coordinates
F force
T tangential force θ volume strain
W weight E Young’s modulus; modulus of elasticity
γ unit weight
47
D653 − 20´1
E = σ ⁄ε q quantity rate of flow; rate of discharge

ε1, ε2, ε3 principal strains Q quantity of flow
G shear modulus; modulus of rigidity FS safety factor
G = τ ⁄γ X1.5 Heat
c cohesion
φs angle of friction between solid bodies T temperature
φ angle of shear resistance (angle of internal friction) β coefficient of volume expansion
h hydraulic head
i hydraulic gradient X1.6 Electricity
j seepage force per unit volume or seepage
pressure per unit length I electric current
k coefficient of permeability Q electric charge
η viscosity C capacitance
ηpl plasticity (viscosity of Bingham body) L self-inductance
tret retardation time R resistance
trel relaxation time ρ resistivity
Ts surface tension
X3. LISTINGS OF RELATED TERMS
X3.1 Listings: critical density

NOTE X3.1—These listings of related terms defined in this terminology maximum dry density
standard are presented to assist the user in finding definitions for selected minimum dry density
listings. The addition to or removal of terms from these listings, along
with the addition or removal of listings, is considered editorial. In
relative density
addition, Subcommittee D18.93 on Terminology for Soil, Rock and solids or particle density
Contained Fluids requests users of this standard to submit recommenda- water density
tions for the addition of other listings.
compaction related terms
compaction
compaction curve or Proctor Curve
compaction test
maximum dry density in Density Grouping
modified compaction—see compaction test
moisture-density curve
maximum-density test
percent compaction or relative compaction
Proctor compaction curve—see compaction curve
Proctor curve—see compaction curve
Proctor penetration curve—see penetration resistance
curve
Proctor penetration resistance—see penetration resistance
zero air voids—see zero air voids curve
zero air voids curve, 100 % saturation curve or
saturation curve
relative compaction—see percent compaction
100 % saturation curve—see zero air voids curve.
density related terms
See Unit Weight Grouping and Specific Gravity
Grouping.
See compaction related terms
from Density Grouping:
density
dry density
saturated density
total, moist, wet or bulk density
absolute solids density
apparent dry bulk density
apparent saturated (surface dry) density
buoyant or submerged density
48
D653 − 20´1
effective related terms primary porosity
effective diamter relative density
effective drainage porosity critical void ratio
effective porosity void
specific effective force void ratio
effective stress, effective pressure or intergranular volume of solids or solids volume
pressure—see Stress Grouping volume of water
water content
effective unit weight—see Unit Weight Grouping
water unit weight—see unit weight (grouping)
specific gravity related terms unit weight related terms
See density related terms See compaction related terms.
See Specific Gravity Grouping See Unit Weight Grouping.
from Specific Gravity Grouping: from Unit Weight Grouping:
specific gravity unit weight
solids specific gravity dry unit weight
absolute specific gravity effective unit weight—see buoyant or submerged
apparent bulk (surface dry) specific gravity unit weight
apparent dry bulk specific gravity maximum dry unit weight
apparent saturated (surface dry) specific gravity minimum dry unit weight
effective drainage porosity saturated unit weight
effective porosity buoyant or submerged unit weight
phase relationships, phase relations or mass-volume water unit weight
relationships total, moist, wet or bulk unit weight
porosity or total porosity hydrostatic pressure
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (2014) that may impact the use of this standard. (June 15, 2020)
(1) Added term separating. (11) Added a new D18.24 Grouping that included definitions
(2) Added term consistency terms. developed by that subcommittee on Characterization and
(3) Added term effective void ratio. Handling of Powers and Bulk Solids and copied from their
(4) Added term effective void volume. standards. A total of thirty one (31) terms were added, of which
(5) Added term effective flowable void ratio. eleven (11) were new additions.
(6) Revised Significance and Use section (3.8.1 and 3.8.2). (12) Made extensive changes to the Wave Grouping.
(7) Editorially added the usage of Sub-Term Grouping within (13) Added or modified Discussions to the following terms:
D653. This included the addition to Significance and Use, coefficient of permeability
subsection 3.8.1.1, covering this usage and the addition of consolidated-undrained test
TABLE 1B that lists these groupings and changing the existing effective drainage porosity
TABLE 1B to 1C within D653. effective porosity
(8) Added terms site investigation and site characterization as
effective stress in Stress Grouping
a Sub-Term Grouping.
groundwater table
(9) Editorially updated Appendix X3 on Listings of Related
leaky aquifer in Aquifer Grouping
Terms.
(10) Added a new Aquifer Grouping that included the moving monitoring well
of over twenty (20) terms covering aquifer types and related pore pressure in Stress Grouping
terms. (14) Editorially updated wherever needed.
49
D653 − 20´1
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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
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What are the main groupings and sub-groupings discussed in the document?

What are the main groupings and sub-groupings discussed in the document?

What changes were made in the most recent edition of the document?

What changes were made in the most recent edition of the document?

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

Designation: D653 − 20´1

Standard Terminology Relating to

ε1 NOTE—Editorial corrections were made in October 2020.

1. Scope* D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

confined aquifer—see same in Aquifer Grouping. CONSOLIDATION GROUPING

effective porosity, ne [D]—the total porosity reduced by a

freezing index, F (degree-days)—the number of degree-days grain-size analysis—see particle-size analysis.

resolution—see resolution or readability in Measurement rock flour—see silt.

sieve analysis—determination of the proportions of particles

specific storage, n [L−1]—see same in Aquifer Grouping. where:

reduced from a given percentage to the shrinkage limit. where:

where: yield locus—see same in D18.24 Grouping.

X2. ISRM SYMBOLS RELATING TO SOIL AND ROCK MECHANICS

E = σ ⁄ε q quantity rate of flow; rate of discharge

X3. LISTINGS OF RELATED TERMS

X3.1 Listings: critical density

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