ASTM D559-03

These test methods are used to determine the resistance of compacted soil-cement specimens to repeated wetting and drying. These test methods were developed to be used in conjunction with Test Methods D 560 and criteria given in the Soil-Cement Laboratory Handbook⁷ to determine the minimum amount of cement required in soil-cement to achieve a degree of hardness adequate to resist field weathering.

Note 1—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/etc. 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 cover procedures for determining the soil-cement losses, water content changes, and volume changes (swell and shrinkage) produced by repeated wetting and drying of hardened soil-cement specimens. The specimens are compacted in a mold, before cement hydration, to maximum density at optimum water content using the compaction procedure described in Test Methods D 558.

1.2 Two test methods, depending on soil gradation, are covered for preparation of material for molding specimens and for molding specimens as follows:

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

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted below. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, and are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs.

1.4.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in commercial practice (density, scales, balances, etc.). Therefore, the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram (kg) or gram (g) or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit (slug) is not given.

1.4.3 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As stated in 1.4.2, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit for mass. However, the use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft³ shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.

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.