Significance and Use 5.1 The displacement transducer plays an important role in geotechnical applications to measure change in dimensions of specimens. 5.2 The displacement transducer must be calibrated for use in the laboratory to ensure reliable conversions of the sensor’s electrical output to engineering units. 5.3 The displacement transducer should be calibrated before initial use, at least annually thereafter, after any change in the electronic configuration that employs the sensor, after any significant change in test conditions using the transducer that differ from conditions during the last calibration, and after any physical action on the transducer that might affect its response. 5.4 Displacement transducer generally has a working range within which voltage output is linearly proportional to displacement of the transducer. This procedure is applicable to the linear range of the transducer. Recommended practice is to use the displacement transducer only within its linear working range.Scope 1.1 This practice outlines the procedure for calibrating displacement transducers and their readout systems for geotechnical purposes. It covers any transducer used to measure displacement, which gives an electrical output that is linearly proportional to displacement. This includes linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs), linear displacement transducers (LDTs) and linear strain transducers (LSTs). 1.2 This calibration procedure is used to determine the relationship between output of the transducer and its readout system and change in length. This relationship is used to convert readings from the transducer readout system into engineering units. 1.3 This calibration procedure also is used to determine the accuracy of the transducer and its readout system over the range of its use to compare with the manufacturer’s specifications for the instrument and the suitability of the instrument for a specific application. 1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units given in brackets are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combination values from the two systems may results in non-conformance with standard. 1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026 unless superseded by this standard. 1.5.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected, recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consideration for the user’s objectives; it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these consideration. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical methods for engineering design. 1.6 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This standard cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice 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. 1.7 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.
