ASTM D2216 Moisture Content of Soils: Test Procedure, Formula, and Reporting Guide

ASTM D2216 moisture content testing is one of the most frequently performed laboratory tests in geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing. While the procedure is simple, consistent documentation, calculation accuracy, and reporting efficiency are where many labs struggle.

The test itself is straightforward. The challenges show up in reporting, compliance, and keeping workflows flexible as project requirements change. Legacy software and spreadsheets often make a simple test more painful than it needs to be.

This guide explains what ASTM D2216 is, how the test is performed, how to calculate moisture content, and how Aldoa simplifies the entire workflow.

Section 1: What is ASTM D2216?

ASTM D2216 describes standard laboratory methods to determine the water (moisture) content of soils and rock by mass.

Moisture content is defined as:

The ratio of the mass of water in a specimen to the mass of the dry specimen, expressed as a percentage.

Why it matters:

• Too little moisture – soil is brittle and difficult to compact.
• Optimum moisture – soil compacts well and achieves maximum dry density.
• Too much moisture – soil loses strength, which can lead to settlement, instability, or failure.

You will see ASTM D2216 referenced across:

• Building foundations and retaining structures
• Roadways and pavements
• Embankments and earthworks
• Backfill and compaction control
• Aggregate stockpile control and quality assurance

If you care about compaction, shear strength, or settlement, you care about moisture content. Because moisture content directly affects compaction, strength, and settlement behavior, ASTM D2216 results often feed into multiple downstream tests and design decisions.

Section 2: ASTM D2216 Test Procedure (Step by Step)

The D2216 moisture content test is conceptually simple but requires careful measurement and documentation.

1. Weigh the empty pan (P)

• Select a clean, dry container (pan).
• Weigh it and record the mass as P.

2. Add the moist specimen and weigh (M)

• Place the moist soil or aggregate in the pan.
• Weigh pan plus moist specimen.
• Record this mass as M.

3. Dry the specimen

• Dry the specimen in an oven at 110 ± 5°C until constant mass is achieved.
• Some labs use microwaves for rapid drying where allowed by specifications.

4. Weigh the dry specimen (D)

• Once dry, allow the pan to cool in a desiccator if required.
• Weigh pan plus dry specimen.
• Record this mass as D.

5. Calculate moisture content

Use the ASTM D2216 formula to compute water content by mass.

While the test steps are straightforward, managing large volumes of samples, weights, and calculations across projects is where manual workflows begin to break down.

Section 3: Moisture Content Formula and Example

ASTM D2216 defines moisture content as:

Where:

• M = Mass of pan + moist specimen
• D = Mass of pan + dry specimen
• P = Mass of pan

As shown above, digital ASTM D2216 forms automatically calculate moisture content as weights are entered, eliminating spreadsheet formulas and rework.

Example Calculation

In Aldoa, this calculation is built into the form. Technicians only enter weights, and the software handles the rest.

Section 4: ASTM D2216 Reporting Requirements

To stay compliant with ASTM D2216 and satisfy clients or DOT reviewers, the report should include at least:

Standard fields

• Project and sample identification
• Pan number or ID
• Pan weight (P)
• Pan + moist specimen (M)
• Pan + dry specimen (D)
• Calculated moisture content (%)
• Date and technician

Helpful additional fields

• Drying method (oven, microwave, other)
• Material description or soil type
• Depth or station
• Requested by / client or project
• Remarks or notes

Without standardized technical report generation, even simple moisture tests can slow down reviews and complicate audits. Accurate, consistent reporting reduces rework and makes it easy to trace moisture values back to original samples during audits or dispute resolution.

Section 5: Challenges Labs Face with ASTM D2216

Despite being straightforward, moisture content testing creates challenges in daily operations. For many labs, the challenge with ASTM D2216 is not the test itself, but managing volume, consistency, and administrative overhead.

Common Challenges with ASTM D2216

Section 6: How Aldoa Simplifies ASTM D2216 Compliance

Aldoa is built for modern geotechnical and CMT labs that need both compliance and flexibility.

Standardized Digital ASTM D2216 Forms

Each ASTM D2216 form in Aldoa includes:

• Required fields for pan and specimen weights
• Automated moisture content calculation
• Standard report layout that aligns with ASTM expectations

Automated Moisture Content Calculations

The D2216 equation is mapped directly to form fields:

• M = Pan + moist specimen
• D = Pan + dry specimen
• P = Pan weight

Technicians only enter weights. Aldoa computes the moisture content and flags missing or inconsistent inputs.

Configureable Lab Workflows

Labs can add:

• Dropdowns for drying method
• Custom material categories
• Project notes fields
• Additional calculated fields if needed

Changes happen in days rather than vendor controlled release cycles.

Built-in Validation and Audibility

Aldoa’s equation builder links variables to form fields so that formulas are transparent and auditable. Validation rules can enforce:

• Required fields
• Value ranges
• Consistency checks across tests

Embedded D2216 Visuals in Reports

If a client or DOT requires reference charts or method notes, Aldoa can embed those directly into the report template. Reports remain professional and consistent without manual formatting.

Section 7: Case Study – Maakil Group Saves $200,000 with Aldoa

Maakil Group, a geotechnical engineering and materials testing firm in Ohio and Michigan, struggled with inefficiencies under their previous software provider. Requests for form changes went unanswered, field workflows were clunky, and billing took months.

Challenges Before Aldoa

• Multi-layered forms slowed field staff.
• Manual cost tracking delayed profitability insights.
• A $60K/year administrator was needed to manage tasks that should have been automated.
• Billing cycles took 3 months.

“We accomplished more with Aldoa in a few months than we did in a year before with our old solution.” – Thia Light, Maakil Group

Aldoa’s Solution

• Streamlined Data Collection: One-time entry, no duplication.
• Workflow Automation: Custom proctor forms delivered in weeks, not years.
• Real-Time Cost Tracking: Visibility into project profitability.
• Automated Billing: Billing cycles cut from 3 months to 3 hours.

“My guys are loving it. They don’t have to worry about what to do or when to do it. The forms are like ‘wow’—we don’t have to do all that work anymore.” – Ben Prenger, Maakil Group

Results

The Aldoa Difference for Maakil Group

Responsiveness, customization, and cost savings made the transition transformative.

“You’ve overdelivered and underpromised, which is the opposite of what we had before.” – Ben Prenger

Section 8: The Aldoa Difference vs. Competitors

When evaluating software to support ASTM D2216 workflows, responsiveness and flexibility often matter as much as compliance.

Comparison Chart

With Aldoa, ASTM D2216 isn’t just a test — it’s part of an integrated, profitable workflow.

Section 9: FAQs about ASTM D2216 Moisture Testing

What is ASTM D2216 used for?

ASTM D2216 is used to determine the water content of soils and rock by mass. The results support geotechnical design, compaction control, and materials QA.

How do you calculate moisture content in soils?

Use the formula: (M−D)÷(D−P)×100(M − D) ÷ (D − P) × 100(M−D)÷(D−P)×100 where M is pan plus moist specimen, D is pan plus dry specimen, and P is pan weight.

What drying methods are allowed?

Standard practice uses oven drying at 110 ± 5°C. Microwaves can be used with care and only where permitted by specifications.

Can ASTM D2216 be combined with other tests?

Yes. Moisture content testing is commonly performed alongside compaction tests (ASTM D698 or D1557) and Atterberg Limits testing (ASTM D4318) to support soil classification and design decisions.

How does Aldoa help with ASTM compliance?

Aldoa uses preconfigured ASTM compliant templates, embedded equations, audit trails, and flexible customization so labs can meet project requirements without sacrificing efficiency.

Related ASTM Testing Workflows

ASTM D2216 moisture content testing is frequently performed alongside other geotechnical and materials testing standards, including:

• ASTM D4318 – Atterberg Limits for soil classification and plasticity evaluation

• ASTM D1557 – Proctor Compaction to assess density and compaction characteristics

• ASTM D420 – Site Characterization to support subsurface investigation and design decisions

Together, these standards help geotechnical and CMT labs deliver accurate, defensible results across projects.

Conclusion

ASTM D2216 moisture content testing is simple to run but critical for geotechnical and construction performance. For CMT firms, the real challenge is doing it consistently, documenting it correctly, and managing the volume efficiently.

Aldoa gives labs:

• ASTM compliant forms from day one
• Configurable workflows that match how your team actually works
• Automatic calculations and error checks
• Integrated reporting, cost tracking, and billing
• Proven results like Maakil Group’s $200,000 in annual savings

If your team wants to simplify ASTM D2216 testing and turn a routine lab test into a streamlined, profitable workflow, Aldoa is ready to help.

Ready to see how Aldoa can simplify ASTM D2216 testing and reporting for your firm? Request a demo today.