Humboldt HM-2415 Soil Volume Change Meter (PVC) User Manual

Page 2

General Information

The HM-2415 Soil Volume Change Meter is used to evaluate potentially

dangerous swelling or shrinking conditions existing in some clay soils used

in residential and commercial developments. Severe damage to building

foundations, walls, and floors can result when alteration of moisture in these

soils causes volume change. This device yields PVC values which refer to the

maximum possible volume change that a soil could undergo when subjected to

changing moisture conditions.

Easily operated, the HM-2415 includes: H-4454.010, 1,000 lb. (4.5 kN) capacity

proving ring, mold assembly, loading cap, porous stones, loading pistons,

2-3/4" (70 mm) dia. specimen ring (HM-1220.70), and conversion charts.

Related User Documentation

Refer to The Character and Identification of Expansive Soils, a guide (FHA-701)

published by the Federal Housing Administration, Washington, D.C., USA for a

more complete explanation of the relationship between environment, moisture

conditions, and expansive soils. Instructions in the use of the Soil PVC Meter are

also contained in FHA Guide 595.

Preparation of Sample
A.

Remove approximately one pint of soil from the soil layer in which the

foundation will be placed.

Air dry sample by breaking the soil into small lumps and leaving it in the

sun for a few hours.

For testing soil samples in moist or wet condition. See FHA guide 701 .

Use of Compaction Hammer
A.

Place the compaction hammer on the soil in the ring with the hammer

sleeve vertical and the rubber handle at the top. Make sure that the sleeve

of the hammer rests inside the rings so that the hammer does not damage

them in falling.

With one hand hold the sleeve in position.

C. With the other hand grasp the rubber handle and pull it all the way up

until it is stopped by the top of the sleeve; then drop the hammer by

releasing the handle. This constitutes one blow, with the bottom of the

hammer hitting the soil surface.

D. Repeat pulling the handle to the top limit and dropping the hammer as

often as prescribed for the particular test.