SEDL / STP / STP777-EB / STP28907S

Determination of Calcium Carbonate Content in Soils

Chaney, RC
Associate professor, Marine Geotechnical Laboratory, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.

Slonim, SM
Supervisor of chemical quality control, Research Division, Boehringer-Mannheim Corp., Tustin, Calif.

Slonim, SS
Chemistry supervisor, St. Jude Hospital, Fullerton, Calif.

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1982

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Abstract

A survey of laboratory methods is presented for the determination of the calcium carbonate content of soils. The survey looks at (1) the accuracy obtained, (2) operator skill required, and (3) relative equipment costs, in addition to other variables. In addition, a summary of marine carbonate materials is also presented which illustrates their various sizes, shapes, locations, porosities, and chemical constituents. The conclusion from this survey is that the pressure calcimeter method (“Karbonat-Bombe”) is the best method suited for geotechnical engineering applications.