Significance and Use
Computers are becoming an integral part of each testing laboratory. A variety of automated test devices which collect and store data now exist. A variety of software programs to perform calculations and produce reported results are used. There is no consistency in the formats used to store data. Consequently, it is time consuming and expensive to exchange computerized test data files among organizations.
This guide presents a standard yet versatile format that can be used to exchange data across systems.
This guide defines the principal data elements that are considered important and worth recording and storing permanently in a computerized data storage system from which larger databases may be prepared. These data elements are not intended to be requirements of any specific or single database. The format permits only those elements that a specific user may require. Additional data elements may be added using the general outline of this guide. Those elements must be added in a manner consistent with the definitions in this guide, such that a computer program written to follow this guide can successfully read the entire data file, including one that contains data elements not identified in this guide.
This guide does not define how to obtain and record specific data. That activity is covered by each specific test method.
This guide may be incomplete for some applications. It is intended that additions to the formats will be made as requests come from each ASTM subcommittee responsible for a particular standard. Those additions will be made without rendering older files unreadable.
The recommended format in this guide does not require that all data elements be included in the data base. A user may elect to omit any data element without affecting the ability of the file format structure to work. However, those elements that are required in the report section of the relevant ASTM standard should be included in the standardized data file.
Following ASTM recommended practice, all data are stored in SI units.
Scope
1.1 This guide covers recommended data formats for the exchange of mechanical test data for soils and rocks. From this guide, a standardized file of data can be prepared that can be read by others who use this guide.
1.2 The format specified in this guide is used for the exchange of data between computer programs, users, agencies, etc. It is not necessary that test data for internal use be stored in this format, only that a program adhering to this guide have the capability to read, or write test data in this format, or both.
1.3 This guide does not cover digital geospacial data which is treated Specification D 5714.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word "Standard" in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
