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D2573 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
The ASTM D2573/D2573M standard outlines the field vane shear test method for evaluating the undrained shear strength of saturated fine-grained soils. This test is critical for geotechnical engineering applications, particularly in clay and silt deposits.
📐 Scope and Applicability
This test method specifically addresses the field vane test in saturated clay and silt soils. It is not suitable for sandy soils or non-plastic silts, as these materials may allow drainage during testing, compromising the undrained conditions required for accurate measurements. The standard covers testing on land and in drill holes, including self-drilling or continuous push methods from the ground surface. However, it does not specifically address marine testing; users are referred to ASTM STP 1014 for marine applications. This test is often conducted in conjunction with other geotechnical investigations such as fluid rotary drilling (D5783), hollow-stem augers (D6151/D6151M), or cone penetration testing (D5778).
⚙️ Test Procedure and Equipment Considerations
The field vane test involves inserting a vane into the soil and rotating it to measure the torque required to shear the soil. The equipment can be advanced through drill holes or using self-drilling methods. Some apparatuses feature a retractable vane within a protective shoe for incremental testing. The test is often combined with sampling using thin wall tubes (D1587/D1587M). Subsurface geotechnical explorations are reported in accordance with Practice D5434. The laboratory vane test (D4648/D4648M) can also be used for similar measurements under controlled conditions.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Units
The primary property measured is undrained shear strength, and sensitivity of cohesive soils can also be determined. The standard specifies that values can be reported in either SI units or inch-pound units, as presented in brackets. These units must be used independently, and combining values from both systems is not permitted. For inch-pound units, the gravitational system is used, where pound (lbf) represents force and slugs represent mass. All observed and calculated values should conform to the significant digits and rounding guidelines in Practice D6026. It is important to note that the procedures for data collection and calculation are industry standards, but the number of significant digits may be adjusted based on project objectives.
| 🟦 Unit System | 📏 Force Unit | 📐 Mass Unit |
|---|---|---|
| SI | Newton (N) | Kilogram (kg) |
| Inch-Pound | Pound-force (lbf) | Slug |
⚠️ Warning: Combining SI and inch-pound units may result in non-conformance with the standard. Always use each system independently.
💡 Tip: For tests in non-plastic silts or sands, consider alternative methods as drainage may invalidate results. The test is designed for saturated fine-grained soils only.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary purpose of the field vane shear test?
The test is used to determine the undrained shear strength of saturated fine-grained soils, such as clays and silts, which is essential for geotechnical engineering design.
💡 Can this test be applied to all soil types?
No, it is not applicable to sandy soils or non-plastic silts because these materials may drain during the test, affecting the undrained strength measurement.
⚡ How are units handled in this standard?
Values are reported in either SI units or inch-pound units, each system used independently. Combining units from both systems is not allowed to avoid non-conformance.
📌 What related standards are often used with this test?
This test is often used with fluid rotary drilling (D5783), hollow-stem augers (D6151/D6151M), cone penetration testing (D5778), and thin wall tube sampling (D1587/D1587M).