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Designation: D 6635 – 01

Standard Test Method for

Performing the Flat Plate Dilatometer1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6635; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method describes an in-situ penetration plus 2.1 ASTM Standards:
expansion test. The test is initiated by forcing the steel, flat D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock and Contained
plate, dilatometer blade2, with its sharp cutting edge, into a Fluids3
soil. Each test consists of an increment of penetration, gener- D 1586 Test Method for Penetration Test and Split-Barrel
ally vertical, followed by the expansion of a flat, circular, Sampling of Soils3
metallic membrane into the surrounding soil. The test provides D 2435 Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation
information about the soil’s in-situ stratigraphy, stress, Properties of Soil3
strength, compressibility, and pore-water pressure for use in the D 3441 Test Method for Mechanical Cone Penetration Tests
design of earthworks and foundations. of Soil3
1.2 This method includes specific requirements for the D 3740 Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in
preliminary reduction of dilatometer test data. It does not the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
specify how to assess or use soil properties for engineering Engineering Design and Construction3
design.
iTeh Standards
1.3 This method applies best to those sands, silts, clays, and
D 5778 Test Method for Performing Electronic Friction
Cone and Piezocone Penetration of Soils4

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organic soils that can be readily penetrated with the dilatometer
blade, preferably using static push (see 4.2). Test results for
soils containing primarily gravel-sized particles and larger may
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
not be useful without additional research. Document Preview
1.4 This method is not applicable to soils that cannot be
3.1.1 A-pressure—the gage gas pressure against the inside
of the membrane when the center of the membrane has lifted
penetrated by the dilatometer2 blade without causing signifi- above its support and moved laterally 0.05-mm (tolerance
cant damage to the blade or its membrane. +0.02, -0.00 mm) into the soil surrounding the blade.
ASTM D6635-01
1.5 The American Society for Testing and Materials takes 3.1.2 B-pressure—the gage gas pressure against the inside
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no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted of the membrane when the center of the membrane has lifted
in connection with any item mentioned in this standard. Users above its support and moved laterally 1.10-mm (6 0.03 mm)
of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the into the soil surrounding the blade.
validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement 3.1.3 C-pressure—The gage gas pressure against the inside
of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility. of the membrane when the center of the membrane returns to
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the the A-pressure position during a controlled, gradual deflation
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the following the B-pressure.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.4 DMT—abbreviation for the flat plate dilatometer test
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- as described herein.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.5 DMT sounding—the entire sequence of dilatometer
tests and results along a vertical line of penetration in the soil.
1
3.1.6 DMT test—the complete procedure of penetration,
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and
membrane inflation and then deflation for a single test depth
Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations. using the fiat plate dilatometer.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2001. Published November 2001. 3.1.7 DA—the gage gas pressure inside the membrane
2
The dilatometer is covered by a patent held by Dr. Silvano Marchetti, Via (corrected for Zm) required to overcome the stiffness of the
Bracciano 38, 00189, Roma, Italy. Interested parties are invited to submit informa-
tion regarding the identification of acceptable alternatives to this patented item to the
Committee on Standards, ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
3
Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959. Your comments will receive careful consideration Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
4
at the meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 6635
membrane and move it inward to a center-expansion of 0.05 the thrust to accomplish this penetration and then using gas
mm (a negative gage or suction pressure, but recorded as pressure to expand a circular steel membrane located on one
positive) with only ambient atmospheric pressure acting exter- side of the blade. The operator measures and records the
nally. pressure required to produce expansion of the membrane into
3.1.8 DB—the gage gas pressure inside the membrane the soil at two preset deflections. The operator then deflates the
(corrected for Zm) required to overcome the stiffness of the membrane, possibly recording an optional third measurement,
membrane and move it outward to a center-expansion of 1.10 advances the blade the desired penetration increment and
mm against only the ambient atmospheric pressure. repeats the test. Each test sequence typically requires about 2
3.1.9 ED—the dilatometer modulus, based on linear elastic minutes. A dilatometer sounding consists of the results from all
theory, and the primary index used in the correlation for the the tests at one location presented in a fashion indicating
constrained and Young’s moduli (see Section 9). variation with depth.
3.1.10 Gm—bulk specific gravity = moist soil unit weight 4.2 The operator may advance the blade using either a
divided by the unit weight of water. quasi-static push force or dynamic impact from a hammer, with
3.1.11 ID—the dimensionless dilatometer material index, quasi-static push preferred. A record of the penetration resis-
used to identify soil type and delineate stratigraphy (see tance (thrust force or blows per penetration increment) is
Section 9). desirable both for control of the penetration and later analyses.
3.1.12 KD—the dimensionless dilatometer horizontal stress
NOTE 1—In soils sensitive to impact and vibrations, such as medium to
index, the primary index used in the correlation for in-situ loose sands or sensitive clays, dynamic insertion methods can significantly
horizontal stress, overconsolidation ratio, and undrained shear change the test results compared to those obtained using a quasi-static
strength in cohesive soils. KD is similar to the at-rest coefficient push. In general, structurally sensitive soils will appear more compressible
of earth pressure except that it includes blade penetration when tested using dynamic insertion methods. In such cases check for
effects. dynamic effects and, if important, calibrate and adjust test interpretations
3.1.13 membrane—a thin, flexible, 60-mm diameter circu- accordingly.
lar piece of sheet metal (usually stainless steel), fixed around 4.3 The penetration increment typically used in a dilatom-

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its edges, that mounts on one side of the dilatometer blade and eter test (DMT) sounding varies from 0.15 to 0.30 m (0.5 to 1.0
which, as a result of an applied internal gas pressure, expands ft). Most soundings are performed vertically and this Test
into the soil in an approximate spherical shape along an axis Method requires that the membrane face the horizontal direc-
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perpendicular to the plane of the blade.
3.1.14 P—the total push, or thrust force required to advance
tion. Testing below impenetrable layers will require preboring
and supporting (if required) a borehole with a diameter of at

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only the dilatometer blade to its test depth, measured at its test
depth and exclusive of soil or other friction along the pushrods.
3.1.15 p0—the A-pressure reading, corrected for Zm, the DA
least 100 mm (4 in.).
4.4 The operator performs a membrane calibration before
and after each DMT sounding.
membrane stiffness at 0.05-mm expansion, and the 0.05-mm 4.5 The field data is then interpreted to obtain profiles of
expansion itself, to estimate the total soil stress actingASTM
normal D6635-01
those engineering soil properties of interest over the depth
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to the membrane immediately before its expansion into the soil range of the DMT sounding.
(0.00-mm expansion, see Section 9).
3.1.16 p1—the B-pressure reading corrected for Zm and the 5. Significance and Use
DB membrane stiffness at 1.10-mm expansion to give the total
soil stress acting normal to the membrane at 1.10-mm mem- 5.1 Soundings performed using this test method provide a
brane expansion (see Section 9). detailed record of dilatometer results which are useful for
3.1.17 p2—The C-pressure reading corrected for Zm and the evaluation of site stratigraphy, homogeneity, depth to firm
DA membrane stiffness at 0.05-mm expansion and used to layers, voids or cavities, and other discontinuities. The pen-
estimate pore-water pressure (see 9.3). etration resistance and subsequent membrane expansion are
3.1.18 s8v—vertical effective stress at the center of the used for soil classification and correlation with engineering
membrane before the insertion of the DMT blade. properties of soils. When properly performed at suitable sites,
3.1.19 sv—total vertical stress at the center of the mem- the test provides a rapid means of characterizing subsurface
brane before the insertion of the DMT blade, generally conditions.
calculated from unit weights estimated using the DMT results. 5.2 The DMT test provides measurements of penetration
3.1.20 u0—the pore-water pressure acting at the center of resistance, lateral stress, deformation modulus and pore-water
the membrane before the insertion of the DMT blade (often pressure (in sands). However, the in-situ soil properties are
assumed as hydrostatic below the water table surface). affected by the penetration of the blade. Therefore, published
3.1.21 Zm—the gage pressure deviation from zero when correlations are used to estimate soil properties for the design
vented to atmospheric pressure (an offset used to correct and construction of earthworks and foundations for structures,
pressure readings to the true gage pressure). and to predict the behavior of soils subjected to static or
dynamic loads.
4. Summary of Test Method 5.3 This test method tests the soil in-situ and soil samples
4.1 A dilatometer test (DMT) consists of forcing the are not obtained. However, the interpretation of the results
dilatometer blade into the soil, with the membrane facing the from this test method does provide an estimate of the types of
horizontal direction, to a desired test penetration, measuring soil penetrated. Soil samples from parallel borings may be

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 D 6635
obtained for correlation purposes, but prior information or standard penetration test (SPT, see Test Method D 1586 and
experience may preclude the need for borings. Note 1), or inserted using other suitable equipment. Drill rig
support may be required to born through impenetrable soil or
6. Apparatus rock layers above the desired test depth.
6.1 The annotated Fig. 1 illustrates the major components of 6.3 Push rods are required to transfer the thrust from the
the DMT equipment, exclusive of that required to insert the surface insertion equipment and to carry the pneumatic-
blade. The dimensions, tolerances, deflections, etc. have been electrical cable from the surface control unit to the dilatometer
set by the inventor, and holder of the dilatometer patent, S. blade. The rods are typically those used with the CPT (Test
Marchetti. Method D 3441/D 5778) or SPT (Test Method D 1586) equip-
6.1.1 Blade, (1), 96 mm wide (95 to 97 mm) and 15 mm ment. Suitable adapters are required to attach the blade to the
thick (13.8 to 15 mm). bottom of the rod string and allow the cable to exit near the top
6.1.2 Membrane, (2), 60 mm diameter.
of the rods. When testing from the bottom of a borehole, the
6.1.3 Control Unit, with a pressure readout system (3) that
cable may exit from the rod string some suitable distance above
can vary in type, range, and sensitivity as required. Gages with
the blade and then be taped to the outside of the rods at
an accuracy better than 1⁄4 percent of span are recommended.
appropriate intervals. The exposed cable should not be pinched
The unit shown has both low-range and high-range Bourdon
or allowed to penetrate the soil.
gages that are read manually. Older units have a single
Bourdon gage, typically medium-range. The gages should be 6.4 A gas pressure tank with a suitable regulator and tubing
annually calibrated against a traceable standard, more often if to connect it to the control unit is required. The operator may
heavily used. The control unit also includes connections (5) for use any nonflammable, noncorrosive, nontoxic gas as a pres-
a pressure source, a pneumatic-electrical cable, and an electri- sure source. Dry nitrogen is recommended.
cal ground cable, and has valves to control gas flow and vent 6.5 A suitable load cell, just above the blade or at the top of
the system (6). the rods, is required to measure the thrust P applied during the
6.1.4 Calibration Syringe, (4) for determining the DA and blade penetration. Hydraulic ram pressure may also be used to

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DB membrane calibrations using the low-range Bourdon gage. measure thrust with proper correlation. Parasitic soil-rod fric-
Some control units have a separate low-range pressure gage tion is generally insignificant in sands, but may be measured
which attaches to the control unit for determining the DA and during upward withdrawal.
DB membrane calibrations
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6.1.5 Pneumatic-Electrical Cable, (7) to transmit gas pres- 7. Procedure
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sure and electrical continuity from the control unit to the blade.
6.1.6 Ground Cable, (8) to provide electrical continuity 7.1 Preparation for Testing and Calibration:
7.1.1 Select for testing only blades that conform to the
between the push rod system and the calibration unit.
6.2 Insertion equipment is required to advance the blade to manufacturer’s internal tolerance adjustments and that are in
ASTM D6635-01
the test depth. The blade may be pushed using the quasi-static good visual external condition. The blade should have no
thrust https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/aa818df6-104b-4afc-b640-cb70f6cfb79f/astm-d6635-01
of a drill rig or cone penetrometer rig (CPT, see Test discernible bend, defined as a clearance of 0.5 mm or more
Method D 3441/D 5778), driven using a hammer such as in the under a 150-mm straight edge placed along the blade parallel

FIG. 1 DMT Equipment

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 D 6635
to its axis. Its penetrating edge should be straight and sharp, electrical/audio signal stops (0.05-mm membrane displace-
and it should not deviate more than 2 mm transverse to the axis ment) is recorded as the A-pressure reading. Obtain this
of the rods. reading within 15 to 30 seconds after beginning the gas flow.
7.1.2 Attach the pressure source and pneumatic-electrical Without stopping the gas flow at the A-pressure, continue
cable to the control unit. Plug the blade end of the cable with pressurization of the membrane until the signal comes on again
an appropriate fitting and apply 4000-6000 kPa pressure to the at a 1.10-mm displacement. This is the B-pressure reading
cable through the control unit. Close the flow control valve and and-should be obtained 15 to 30 seconds after beginning the
observe the gage for any pressure drop that would indicate a gas flow. Without stopping the gas flow at the A-pressure,
leak in the system. Locate and repair any leaks in the cable. continue pressurization of the membrane until the signal comes
Small leaks (less than 100 kPa/min) in the control unit, though on again at a 1.10-mm displacement. This is the B-pressure
undesirable and indicative of a potential problem, should not reading and should be obtained 15 to 30 seconds after the
significantly affect the test results. A-pressure. These time limits require that the pressurization
7.1.3 Thread the pneumatic-electrical cable through the rate be varied according to the anticipated pressure readings,
lower blade-rod adapter, as many of the push rods as needed faster in stiff soils and dramatically slower in soft soils. Read
and any other adapters, stabilizers or push frames as required. the gages with the best possible accuracy, typically 1 kPa for a
Always cap the cable ends to prevent contamination of the low-range gage and 5-10 kPa for a high-range gage. Upon
cables and corrosion of the terminals. Connect and tighten the reaching the B-pressure, immediately open the vent valve and
cable to the blade. Insure that the blade and any lower adapters stop the gas flow. Immediate depressurization prevents over-
shoulder squarely and tightly to the bottom rod. expansion of the membrane, which may change its calibrations.
7.1.4 Attach the pneumatic-electrical cable to the control See 7.2.4 for an alternative, controlled depressurization proce-
unit and connect the ends of the electrical ground cable to the dure to obtain the “C-pressure” (strongly recommended).
control unit and blade, respectively. To check the circuitry, NOTE 2—The difference between the A-pressure and B-pressure read-
press the center of the membrane down to activate the ings should always be greater than the sum of the DA and DB calibrations.
electrical/audio signal on the control unit. 7.2.4 At least every other DMT test in a sounding (prefer-
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7.1.5 With the membrane unrestrained, use the calibration
equipment to determine and record the DA and DB membrane
ably more) should include a smooth, controlled depressuriza-
tion to measure the C-pressure. Newer control units include a

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stiffness pressures. Correct the DA and DB for the gage offset, flow control vent valve for this purpose. Read the C-pressure
Zm. The calibrations should fall within the manufacturer on the low-range gage when the membrane has deflated to the
tolerances and are recorded as positive values. The electrical/ A-pressure position (0.05-mm deflection) and the electric
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audio signal should stop and start unambiguously at the
0.05-mm and 1.10-mm expansions. The membrane should be
signal comes on again (not when the B-pressure signal stops).
Obtain the C-pressure within 15 to 30 seconds immediately
free of wrinkles and deep scratches and should expand following the B-pressure. Readings to the nearest 1 kPa are
smoothly during pressurization without popping or snapping
ASTM
sounds. Repeat the calibration procedure several times to
D6635-01
recommended.
verify https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/aa818df6-104b-4afc-b640-cb70f6cfb79f/astm-d6635-01
consistency. Replace any membrane that fails these NOTE 3—The pore-water pressure must exceed the DA calibration to
result in a positive C-pressure reading. If the electric signal does not
checks.
activate during the C-pressure deflation then use the calibration syringe to
7.1.6 The calibration procedure provides a final check of the apply a suction and obtain a negative C-pressure. The value of p2 will
equipment prior to testing. If the equipment is disassembled for remain positive provided the magnitude of the negative C-pressure does
any reason, the operator should verify the calibrations before not exceed the DA calibration (see Table 1).
proceeding. NOTE 4—The C-pressure is sensitive to operator technique. Abrupt
7.2 DMT Tests: pressure changes during the membrane deflation may collapse the soil in
front of the membrane and yield a poor measurement. In free-draining
7.2.1 With the vent valve open and the push rods vertical, soils, the C-pressure will not change significantly with time and the
advance the dilatometer blade to the first depth. Advance the operator may check it by repeating the (A-B-C) sequence. The A- and
blade by means of quasi-static push at a rate of 10-30 mm/sec. B-pressures will change from the initial test but the C-pressure should
If possible, measure and record the thrust just before reaching remain constant. The repeated A- and B-pressures are not generally useful.
the test depth. An example field data sheet is shown in Fig. Soils which are not freely-drained will behave differently (see 7.3).
X1.2. Alternatively advance the blade using a drop hammer 7.2.5 Repeat the test sequence for a new set of A-, B-, and
and record the number of blows required for each 100-150 mm possibly C-pressures, at each depth interval down to the
of penetration. If estimating the equivalent static thrust from maximum depth of the sounding. The minimum penetration
blow counts, use an average of above and below the test depth. increment between tests is 100 mm (4 in.). Pressure check the
Borehole predrilling with casing or drilling mud is acceptable system every third or fourth test during the sounding. See 8.8
as required. for details.
7.2.2 The blade penetration must produce an electrical/ 7.3 A-Pressure Dissipation Tests:
audio signal to indicate the membrane has been pressed flush 7.3.1 In poorly drained soils, with ID< 2, the excess pore-
against the blade to start the 7.2.3 DMT sequence. See 8.3. water pressure induced by the blade penetration usually dissi-
7.2.3 Within 15 seconds after reaching the test depth, unload pates over a period of time longer than required for the DMT
any static force on the push rods, close the vent valve, and tests. The coefficient of consolidation may be estimated by
pressurize the membrane. The gage pressure at the instant the observing the dissipation of the A-pressure. To perform a

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TABLE 1 Calculations for Preliminary Reduction of Dilatometer Test DataA,B,C
Parameter Symbol Formula Notes
Preliminary Calculations

Corrected A-pressure p0 1.05(A–Zm+DA) – 0.05(B–Zm–DB)

Corrected B-pressure p1 (B–Zm–DA)
Corrected C-pressure p2 (C–Zm+DA)

Estimate of Pore-Pressure and Effective Vertical Stress

In-situ Water Pressure u0 Estimate from groundwater table or p2 use p2 depth profile, see 9.3
Bulk Specific Gravity GM use best estimate see Fig. X1.1

Total Vertical Stress S(layer unit weight 3 height) where layer unit
sv weight = Gm 3 unit weight of water see 9.4
Effective Vertical Stress sv8 (sv– u0)

DMT Indices (include effect of blade penetration)

Material Index ID (p1–p0) / (p0–u0) see Fig. X1.1

Horizontal Stress Index KD (p0–u0) / sv8 correlate with K0
Dilatometer Modulus ED 34.7(p1–p0) correlate KD and ED with M
A
Schmertmann, John H., “Guidelines for Using the CPT, CPTU and Marchetti DMT for Geotechnical Design,” U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway
Administration, Report No. FHWA-PA-024+84-24, Vol 3.
B
Marchetti, S., “In-Situ Tests by Flat Dilatometer,” Journal of Geotechnical Engineering Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 106, No. GT3, March, 1980,
pp. 299–321.
C
Briaud, J.L., and Miran, J., “The Flat Dilatometer Test”, FHWA-SA-91–044, Federal Highway Administration, Feb., 1992.

dissipation test, stop the blade penetration at the chosen test 7.3.2.3 Continue performing the test sequence in 7.3.2.2 to
depth and make successive A-pressure readings over time. obtain reasonably spaced data points for the time-dissipation
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Dissipation tests can be time consuming and are performed
only as needed. Two similar test procedures, the A2-method
curve (see 7.3.2.4). A factor of 2 increase in time at each
A-pressure is satisfactory (i.e. A-pressures at 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30

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and the A-method, are described in 7.3.2 and 7.3.3 respectively. minutes...). A B-pressure should be obtained following the final
Either is acceptable. A-pressure.
7.3.2.4 Plot the A-pressure readings obtained as soon as
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NOTE 5—Before making a detailed analysis of the time-dissipation
curves in 7.3.2 and 7.3.3, the A-pressure measurements may be corrected
to obtain p0 values. If a paired B-pressure measurement is available, as for
convenient and continue the plot for each successive reading.
Plot the A-pressure (uncorrected) vs. the elapsed time for each
the final A-pressure, then p0 may be calculated as shown in Table 1. For reading. A square-root-of-time scale works well for the ex-
dissipation analysis a paired B-pressure is generally not available, and the
following equation may be used to correct A-pressure readings:
ASTM D6635-01
trapolations described below. (See Fig. 2 for an idealized
example field plot.)
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p0 ~dissipation! 5 ~A – Zm 1 DA! 7.3.2.5 Stop the dissipation test only after making enough
7.3.2 A2-method Dissipation—This procedure attempts to measurements to determine t50, the time at 50 percent dissipa-
measure the pore-water pressure directly and determine con- tion of the A-pressure. Use t50 to calculate the coefficient of
solidation parameters from analysis of the resulting pore- consolidation.5 If convenient, continue the test long enough for
pressure curve. The A2-method requires a complete DMT test the dissipation curve to approach its eventual asymptote at 100
(A-B-C) before beginning a series of A-pressure only measure- percent dissipation, A100. This helps define A100 (ideally = u0
ments. When carried to complete dissipation in free-draining when corrected). A possible method for obtaining t50 is
soils, the final value of p0 (see Note 5) should equal the in-situ outlined below:
pore-water pressure, u0. Ideally, the initial DMT test opens a (1) Extrapolate the beginning of the dissipation curve back to
1.10-mm cavity and the subsequent A-pressures measure only the A-pressure intercept at time = 0, A0, mathematically or
the pore-water pressure in the open cavity (or greatly disturbed graphically. A straight line through the early data points is
soil zone) immediately adjacent to the membrane. If the usually adequate.
time-dissipation curve approaches u0 asymptotically, then this (2) Extrapolate the end of the dissipation curve forward to
assumption is justified. estimate the asymptotic A-pressure, A100. Alternatively, esti-
7.3.2.1 After penetration to the test depth, follow the full mate A100 from the expected in-situ pore-water at the test
DMT sequence of readings (A-B-C). Start a stopwatch or depth:
record initial time at the instant of the thrust removal. Note the A100 ~estimated! 5 ~u0 – DA 1 Zm!
time elapsed in seconds at the instant of the C-pressure reading
and record the data. (3) Average A0 and A100 to find A50 at 50 percent dissipation.
7.3.2.2 Immediately repressurize the system, obtain an
A-pressure reading, and then vent the pressure without further
membrane expansion. Record the reading and elapsed time in 5
Schmertmann, John H., “Guidelines for Using the CPT, CPTU and Marchetti
seconds at the instant of this A-pressure reading. Obtain DMT for Geotechnical Design,” U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway
A-pressure readings to the nearest 1 kPa. Administration, Report No. FHWA-PA-024+84-24, Vol 3.

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 D 6635

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ASTM D6635-01
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FIG. 2 Idealized Example Field Plot of Uncorrected A2-Method Dissipation Data