What is defined as Standard Effort in D698?

Standard Effort, as defined in the context of D698, is specifically associated with the amount of compactive effort applied during soil compaction testing. The value of 12,400 ft-Ibf/ft³ represents the compactive effort needed to achieve a standardized degree of compaction for soils in laboratory conditions, and this value is crucial for consistency in testing and quality control in construction projects.

This particular compactive effort ensures that the results obtained from the testing can be reliably compared across different samples and projects, allowing engineers to predict how well the soil will behave under load when utilizing this standard method. The use of this precise figure is part of the methodology that standardizes soil testing procedures in construction, allowing for better decision-making in the design and execution stages of a project. Understanding this number is important not only for passing certification tests like NICET but also for practical applications in earthworks and foundation designs.