ASTM D3877-02

From these tests the relative expansive potential of soil-lime mixtures containing varying amounts of lime can be evaluated. From such an evaluation, the amount of lime required to reduce expansion to acceptable levels can be determined. The data can then be used for the design and specification requirements for structural fill and subgrade fill where expansive soils are encountered and it is desired to give a certain degree of expansion-shrinkage control to structure foundations and road subgrades. The tests will also show if the specific soils are amenable to lime stabilization.

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 D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 These test methods provide procedures for conducting expansion, shrinkage, and uplift pressure tests on compacted soil-lime mixtures and can be used to determine the lime content required to achieve desired control of volume changes caused by increases or decreases of moisture.

1.2 The tests can be used to determine (1) the magnitude of volume changes under varying load conditions, (2) the rate of volume change, and (3)the magnitude of pressure change as moisture changes of the soil-lime mixture take place. The permeability of soil-lime mixture can also, if desired, be determined at the various load conditions.

Note 1—Changes in field conditions can have major effects on the expansion and shrinkage characteristics of expansive soils. Therefore, to the greatest extent possible, initial and anticipated future field conditions should be duplicated, particularly with respect to moisture and density.

1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026

1.3.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this standard is beyond its scope.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 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.