This test method is used with Methods A and B of Test Methods D698 or D1557 to develop relationships between moisture content, density, and penetration resistance. These relationships are used with a previously prepared family of moisture-penetration curves as a rapid field test to determine the approximate amount of moisture in the soil.

Note 1-When a penetration-resistance measurement of material in place is compared at a given moisture content with penetration-density curves prepared at a specified compactive effort, an approximate check of compaction (density) may be obtained.

Penetration resistance determinations are not reliable for very dry molded soil specimens or very granular soils.

Note 2-The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equipment and the facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.