Submitting Sample and Test Data using DIME
for
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C1252 version 17
Standard Test Methods for Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate (as Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface Texture, and Grading)
General Information
Data Interchange for Materials Engineering(DIME) is a web application and database developed by the California Department of Transportation, Materials Engineering & Testing Services (METS) to allow material testing laboratories the ability to easily submit sample information and test data into the DIME database via the internet.
DIME's vision is to provide a user-friendly web-based interface for storing and sharing material data.
DIME is secure and password protected. If your lab/organization does not have an account you will have to request that one be created for your laboratory or organization prior to submitting data to DIME. Please see the instructions found on the Sign In / Registration page. If your lab/organization already has an account, please sign in and/or continue to read below for instructions.
If further assistance is needed, please contact the DIME Administrator.
How to create a sample record and test record for ASTM C1252-17
A sample record contains information to identify the material sample such as the project identifier, material type, date and time of sampling, name of the person that collected the sample and location where the sample was collected. A test record contains results of the test or tests performed on a portion or all of the sample of the material that was collected. Prior to creating a test record in DIME, a sample record must be created and recorded in DIME. A sample record may be created without any test records associated with it and then test records added as needed.
Sample and test records can be created in DIME using one of two methods: online forms or DIMEXML uploads.
Online Form Method
Create a sample record online by completing the "Sample Record" Form
The sample record is the material/sample identification.
After signing in, look for the "New Sample" button or the "New Sample" link to get to the Sample Record form. Upon arrival at the Sample Record form, provide the project identifier (use "99999" if doing a trial run), select "Aggregate" for "Material Type", pick the "Sample Taken Date", and click the "Next" button to load the remainder of the "Sample Record" form. If the project does not exist within DIME then contact the METS Representative responsible for the area where the project is located. An example of a Sample Record form is shown below.
Click here to view step-by-step instructions
Submit test data using the online form method
Once a sample record has been created and saved in the DIME database the test data can be submitted. If not already on the sample detail page, click here for detailed instructions on how to search for an existing sample record. If you are already on the Sample Detail page, click on the "Submit New Test" link on the right hand side of the page to start the submission process. An example of a New Test form is shown below. The 3-step process is listed below:
- Select "ASTM C1252-17: Standard Test Methods for Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate (as Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface Texture, and Grading)" from the dropdown list, click "Next"
- Answer any preliminary questions the test method may have and click "Next"
- Fill in the online form with the test data in the appropriate areas.
Click here to view step-by-step instructions.
DIMEXML Upload Method
Create sample and test records with DIMEXML upload method
DIME supports uploading of sample records and test results for ASTM C1252-17 in an XML file format that is validated against the Aggregate DIMEXML schema defined by Caltrans' Office of Structural Materials. The DIMEXML upload method is the preferred method of submitting data to DIME. Initial set-up of a system to create XML files is required but using the DIMEXML file upload method will enable testing laboratories to upload multiple files in a much more efficient manner as opposed to individual form input and submission. An example of the DIMEXML upload form is shown below. The complete Aggregate DIMEXML schema, which includes the definitions for ASTM C1252-17, can be viewed/downloaded by clicking here. These files can be opened and viewed in a simple text editor program. If you are only interested in the structure of the DIMEXML file for ASTM C1252-17, click here.
Once you are familiar with the Aggregate DIMEXML schema and have created DIMEXML files for ASTM C1252-17, follow the instructions below to upload the file(s):
- Click the "DIMEXML Upload" link after you have successfully logged in.
- Select the ASTM C1252-17 DIMEXML file(s) that you want to submit
- Click the "Upload All Selected Files" button.
Click here to view step-by-step instructions.