Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data

SCOPE
1.1 This practice is intended to assist in the use of uniform methods of indicating the number of digits that are to be considered significant and rounding for intermediate calculations when reporting geotechnical test results.  
1.2 This practice uses a variation of the traditional rounding method (see Practice E 29) that recognizes the algorithm common to most hand-held calculators.

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Historical
Publication Date
09-Dec-1999
Current Stage
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ASTM D6026-99 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 6026 – 99
Standard Practice for
1
Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6026; 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 * D 4356 Practice for Establishing Consistent Test Method
4
Tolerances
1.1 This practice is intended to promote uniformity in
E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
recording significant digits for measured and calculated values
4
Determine Conformance with Specifications
involving geotechnical data. The guidelines presented are
E 344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrom-
industry standard, and are representative of the significant
5
etry
digits that should generally be retained. The guidelines do not
2
E 456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data,
6
E 833 Terminology of Building Economics
special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International
objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce
4
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
significant digits of reported data to commensurate with these
considerations. It is beyond the scope of this practice to
3. Terminology
consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engi-
3.1 Definitions:
neering design.
3.1.1 For common definitions of soil and rock terms in this
1.1.1 Using significant digits in geotechnical data involves
standard, refer to Terminology D 653.
the processes of collecting, calculating, and recording either
3.1.2 accuracy, n—the degree of agreement of an individual
measured values or calculated values (results), or both.
measurement or average of measurements with an accepted
1.2 This practice uses a variation of the traditional rounding
reference value, or level. See Terminology E 344 - 97
method (see Practice E 29) that recognizes the algorithm
3.1.3 calculated value, n—the resulting value determined
common to most hand-held calculators.
by processing measured value(s) using an equation. See
1.3 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing
Practice D 4356 - 84(Reapproved 1996).
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
3.1.3.1 Discussion—In many cases the calculated value(s)
education or experience and should be used in conjunction
is considered a determination value(s).
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may
3.1.4 determination value, n—the numerical quantity calcu-
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not
lated by means of the test method equation from the measure-
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which
ment values obtained as directed in a test method. See Practice
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged,
D 4356 - 84(Reapproved 1996).
nor should this document be applied without consideration of
3.1.5 measurement value, n—the resulting value determined
a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
by measuring a dimension, quantity, or property.
title of this document means only that the document has been
3.1.5.1 Discussion—In many cases the term “measured
approved through the ASTM consensus process.
value(s)” is also referred to as “measurement value(s)”. See
2. Referenced Documents Practice D 4356 - 84(Reapproved 1996).
3.1.6 precision, n—the closeness of agreement between
2.1 ASTM Standards:
independent test results obtained under stipulated conditions.
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
2 See Terminology E 456 - 96.
Fluids
3.1.6.1 Discussion—Precision depends on random errors
D 2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens
3 and does not relate to the true or specified value.
for Textiles
3.1.6.2 Discussion—The measure of precision usually is
expressed in terms of imprecision and computed as a standard
deviation of the test results. Less precision is reflected by a
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and larger standard deviation.
Rockand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.91 on Standards
Development and Review.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1999. Published April 2000. Originally
e1
published as D 6026–96. Last previous edition D 6026 . 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08. 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01. 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © A
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