These tests determine the optimum water content and maximum density (unit weight) to be used for molding soil-cement specimens in accordance with Test Methods D559 and D560.

Note 1—Since these tests are used in conjunction with Test Methods D559 and D560 and the criteria referenced therein, the test differs in several aspects from Test Method D698. There are three main differences between this standard and Test Method D698. Firstly, this standard allows a maximum particle size of ¾-in. (19.0 mm) for a 4-in. (101.6-mm) mold while Test Method D698 allows a maximum particle size of ³/₈-in. (9.5-mm) for the same size mold. Secondly, this standard permits the material leftover after the water content specimen has been obtained to be mixed with the rest of the sample and reused for the next determination. Test Method D698 does not permit the material to be reused. Thirdly, this standard allows the material that is retained on the ¾-in. (19.0-mm) and passing the 3-in. (75-mm) to be discarded (scalping technique) and replaced with an equal mass of material that passes the ¾ -in. (19.0-mm) sieve and is retained on the No.4 (4.75-mm) sieve. Test Method D698 does not permit the scalp and replacement technique.

Note 2—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the relationship between the water content and the density of soil-cement mixtures when compacted before cement hydration as prescribed.

1.2 A ¹/₃₀-ft ³ (944-cm³) mold and a 5.50-lbf (24.5-N or mass of 2.49-kg) rammer dropped from a height of 12.0 in. (30.5 cm) are used and two methods, depending on soil gradation, are covered, as follows:

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C150 Specification for Portland Cement

C595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements

D559 Test Methods for Wetting and Drying Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures

D560 Test Methods for Freezing and Thawing Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))

D2168 Practices for Calibration of Laboratory Mechanical-Rammer Soil Compactors

D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing

D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data

E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens

Keywords

compaction; dry density; optimum water content; soil-cement; soil-stabilization; unit weight; Compaction measurement--soils; Maximum dry density; Moisture-density (MD) relationships; Soil-cement; Soil-moisture analysis;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 93.020 (Earth works. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works)

Citing ASTM Standards

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