TECHNICAL METHODS FOR HIGHWAYS

TMH1

STANDARD M.ETHODS OF TESTiNG ROAD CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Second edition

1986

i •

ISBN a 7988 3653 9

TMH1, pp 1 - 232, Pretoria, South Africa, 1985

FOREWORD

The importance of standardized and consistent test procedures in establishing the quality of road construction cannot be overemphasized.

It has been said that 'One test result is worth a hundred expert opinions', but this is only true if such a result is really accurate. In practice it is essential that test procedures are clearly specified and uniformly applied.

Since 1948 the Department of Transport has been responsible for the compilation and publication of a document entitled 'Standard Methods for Testing Materials', which has prescribed test procedures for the control-of quality for many thousands of kilometres of roads in South Attica. Nowadays standardized test methods are needed by national, provincial and urban road authorities throughout the Republic. To satisfy this need the CSRA, in agreement with the NTC, has produced an updated version of the original document which is now issued under the aegis of the CSRA as part of a series of technical manuals for road construction in Southem Africa (the 'TMH' series).

In its capacity as the central government body responsible for road design and construction, and the control of road research in South Attica, the National Transport Commission recommends widespread use of this manual.

I,

ABEKSTEEN CHAIRMAN:

NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMMISSION SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT

1979

iv

Preface Foreword

CONTENTS

A Tests on soils and gravels

Method A 1 (a) Method A 1 (b) Method A2 Method A3 Method AS

Method Afi Method A7

Method A8 MethodA9

Method A 1 O{a)

Method A 1 O(b)

Method A11T

Method A12T MethodA14

Appendix to Method A14

Method A 15(a)

Method A 15(b)

Method A 15(c)

Method A 15(d)

Method A16T

Method A19 Appendix to Method A19

Method A20 Method A21T

Method A22T

The wet preparation and sieve analysis of gravel, sand and soil samples ,,""' .

The dry preparation and sieve analysis of gravel, sand and soil samples ,." .

The determination of the liquid limit of soils by means of the flow curve method .

The determination of the plastic limit and plasticity index of soils .

The determination of the percentage of material passing a 0,075 mm sieve in a soil

sample _ .

The determination of the grain size distribution in soils by means of a hydrometer .

The determination of the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of

gravel, soil and sand 27

The determination of the California Bearing Ratio of untreated soils and gravels .

The determination of the California Bearing Ratio of lime-stabilized soils and grav-

els , .

The determination of the in-place dry density of soil or gravel by the sand replace-

rnent method .

Page iii

iv

9 11 17

19 21

35

47

49

The determination of the in-place density and moisture content of soils and gravels

by nuclear methods 55

Tentative method for the determination of the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of graded crushed stone and cohesion less sand by means of vi-

bration compaction •.......... 63

Tentative method for the determination of the relative density of soils 69

The determination of the unconfined compressive strength of stabilized soils, grav-

els and sands .....•....... 73

Procedure for the making of specimens for the determination of the unconfined

compressive strength of stabilized soils, gravels and sands 75

The determination of the cement or lime content of stabilized materials by means of

the Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (EDT A) test 81

The determination of the cement or lime content of cement-stabilized or lime-stabi-

lized materials by means of a flame photometer 85

The determination of the lime content of lime-stabilized material using ammonium

chloride . 87

The determination of the cement or lime content of stabilized materials by mean~.pI

the back titration (acid base) method :....... 89

Tentative method for the determination of the indirect tensile strength of stabilized

materials 93

The wet-dry durabiiity test for cement-treated materials 97

Procedure for the making of specimens of soil-cement for the wet-dry durability

test 98

The electrometric determination of the pH value of a soil suspension 103

Tentative method for the determination of the conductivity of a saturated soil paste

and water .. 1 05

Tentative method for the quantitative determination of acid-soluble sulphates in

soils and aggregates by means of a nephelometer 113

v

B Tests on aggregates

Method 81 Method 82 Method 83 Method 84

Method 86 Method 87 Method 89 Method B10 Method 811

Method B12

Method 813 Method B14

Method B15

Method 816T

Method B17T

Method 818(a)

Method 818(b)T

Method B19

C Tests on asphalt

Method C1 Method C2

Appendix to Method C2

Method C3

Method C4

Method C5 Method C6T

Method C7(a) Method C7(b) Method C7(c) Method C8T

Method C11

vi

The determination of the aggregate crushing value .

The determination of the 10 per cent fines aggregate crushing value .

The determination of the Flakiness Index of a coarse aggregate .

The sieve analysis of aggregates, including the determination of the material pass-

ing the 0,425 and 0,075 mm sieves .

The determination of organic impurities in sand for concrete .

The determination of the Treton impact value of aggregate .

The determination of the bulk density of coarse and fine aggregate .

The determination of the shrinkage properties of concrete aggregate .

The determination of the adhesion of bituminous binder to stone aggregate by

means of the chemical immersion test (Riedel & Weber) .

The determination of the effect of soluble deleterious material in fine aggregate for

concrete .

The determination of the fineness modulus of fine aggregates .

The determination of the dry bulk density, apparent relative density and water ab-

sorption of aggregate retained on a 4,75 mm sieve ,. u

The determination of the dry bulk density, apparent relative density and water ab-

sorption of material passing the 4,75 mm sieve .

Tentative method for the quantitative determination of the total water-soluble salts

in soils and aggregates ..

Tentative method for the quantitative determination of water-soluble sulphates in

soils and aggregates ..

The determination of the average least dimension of aggregates by direct measure-

ment ..

Tentative method for the determination of the average least dimension of aggre-

gates by computation : .

The determination of the sand equivalent of aggregates .

The determination of a suitable binder content for use in an asphalt mix .

The determination of the resistance to ffow of a cylindrical briquette of a bituminous

mixture by means of the Marshall apparatus ..

Procedure for the making of asphalt specimens for the determination .of resistance

to flow and for voids analysis by the Marshall method .

The determination of the bulk relative density of a compacted bituminous mixture

and the calculation of the voids content .

The determination of:

(a) The maximum theoretical relative density of asphalt mixes (Rice's method)

(b) The quantity of bituminous binder absorbed by the aggregate .

The determination of the immersion index of a bituminous mixture .

Tentative method for the determination of the creep characteristics of asphalt

mixes .

The determination of the binder content of a bituminous mixture (direct method) ..

The determination of the binder content of a bituminous mixture (indirect method) ..

The determination of the binder content of a bituminous mixture by reflux methods ..

Tentative method for the determination of the binder content of a slurry seal mix-

ture ..

The determination of moisture in bituminous mixtures ..

119 I
121
123 (.
125 I
131
133
135
137
139
141
143
145
147
151
153
155
157
161 165

169

170

177

181 183

185 189 193 195

199 201

o Tests on concrete

Method 01

Method 03 Method 04 Method 05

----------------

The making, curing and compressive strength determination of concrete test cubes

205

The determination of the slump of freshly mixed concrete ..................•........................ 209

The analysis of fresh concrete .. 211

The determination of the air content of concrete ...................................................•...... 211

Method E1
Method E2
Method E3
Method E4
Method E5
Method E6
Method E7
Method E8
~, Method E9
Method E10
Method E11
Method E12
Method E13
Method E14
Method E15
Method E16
Method E17
Method E18
Method E20
Method E21
Method E22
Method E23
Method E24
Method E25
Method E26 E Tests on bituminous materials

The determination of the penetration value of bituminous binders 215

The determination of the relative density of bituminous binders 215

The determination of the percentage of bitumen soluble in trichloroethylene 215

The determination of the ductility of bitumen 216

The determination of the softening point of bituminous binders by the ring and ball

method 216

The performance of bitumen when subjected to the thin film oven test 216

The determination of the xylene-N-heptane equivalent of bitumen (spot test) 217

The determination of the viscosity of bitumen and cationic bitumen emulsions by

means of the Saybolt Furol viscometer 217

The determination of the viscosity of road tars by means of the standard tar vis-

cometer _..................................................................................... 217

The distillation of road tars _..................................................................................... 21 B

The determination of the phenol content of tars 21 B

The determination of the naphthalene content of tars """ "'" 21 B

The determination of matter insoluble in toluene in road tars 219

The determination of the water content of road tars 219

The determination of the anthracene paste content of road tars 219

The determination of the viscosity of anionic bitumen emulsions using the Engler

viscometer 220

The determination of the water content of emulsions 220

The determination of the residue on sieving of bitumen emulsions ............•...........••..... 220 The determination of the coagulation value of bituminous emulsions when performed at a low temperature (stability), when mixed with coarse-graded stone chip-

pings (anionic only) and when mixed with cement (anionic only) 221

Binder deposit on cathode in particle charge test of cationic bituminous emulsions . 221

The distillation of cutback bitumen 221

The determination of the viscosity of cutback bitumen 222

The determination of the flashpoint of cutback bitumen by means of the Abel appa-

ratus 222

The determination of the penetration on residue from distillation of cutback I:;Jitw:.

F Tests on cement

Method F1 Method F2 Method F3 Method F4 Method F5

men _ .

222

The determination of the water content of cutback bitumen 222

The determination of the silicon dioxide content of cement 225

The determination of the ammonium hydroxide group content of cement 225

The determination of the ferric oxide content of cement 225

The determination of the aluminium oxide content of cement 226

The determination of the calcium oxide content of cement 226

vii

Method F6
Method F7
Method F8
Method F9
Method FlO
Method Fl1
Method F12
Method F13
p. Method F14
Method F15
Method F16
Method F17
Method F18
Method F19
Method F20 LIST OF FIGURES

A211 A212 A213 A6/1 A7/l A7/2 A8/1 A8/2 Al0(a)!1 Al1T/1 A14/l A16T/1 A19/l A19/2 A21T/1 A21T/2 A21T/3

A21T/4

A22T/1 B1/1

B7/1 B18(b)T/1 B18(b)T/2 C2/l C2I2 C2I3 C2I4

viii

The determination ofthe magnesium oxide content of cement ......•... 226

The determination ofthe sulphur trioxide content of cement 227

The determination of the sulphide sulphur content of cement 227

The loss on ignition of cement 227

The determination of the insoluble residue content of cement 228

The calculation of the lime saturation factor of cement 228

The determination ofthe coarse particles content of cement 228

The determination of the density of cement 229

The determination of the specific surface of cement 229

The determination of the compressive strength of cement mortar cubes 229

The determination of the transverse strength of cement mortar prisms 230

The determination of the standard consistency of cement paste 230

The determination ofthe setting times of cement 230

The determination of the soundness of cement 231

The determination of the autoclave expansion of cement 231

Liquid limit device ..

Grooving tool ..

Example of a flow curve .

Dispersing apparatus .

The compacting base plate, the perforated base plate. the mould and the collar .

Example of a moisture-density relationshi p curve ..

Example of a CBR curve ..

The tripod and the annular surcharge weight with adjustable stem .

Sand density apparatus .

Vibrating table and surcharge weight .

Split mould for the unconfined compressive strength test ..

Indirect tensile testing apparatus .

Split-type mould for compacting briquettes for the wet-dry durability test .

Mould and base plate for compacting briquettes for the wet-dry durability test .

Conversion of soil paste conductivity to the standard temperature .

Conversion of water conductivity to the standard temperature .

Relationship between soil paste conductivity at 25 °C and approximate total soluble

salt content .

Relationship between water conductivity at 25 °C and approximate total soluble salt

content .

Standard calibration graph .

The steel cylinder with plunger and base plate ..

The Treton apparatus .

Determination of median size .

Determination of average least dimension ..

The breaking head : .

Stability correlation ratio .

The Marshall compaction mould. base plate and collar ..

The compaction hammer .

I

"

I

I

14
14
15
24
32
33
41
42
53
67
78
95
101
101
108
109
110
_{~,-.
111
115
120
134
158
159
173
174
175
175 C2I5 C6T/1 C7(c)/1 C7(c)/2 C11/1 0311

USTOFFORMS
A1(a)/1
A1(a)/2
A1(a)/3
A211
A6/1
A7/1
c-
A8/1
A8/2
A8/3
A8/4
A10(a)/1
A10(b)/1
A10(b)/2
A10(b)/3
A10(b)/4
A11T/1
A14/1
A14/2
B4/1
B4/2
84/3
Cl/1
C1/2
C7(a)/1 ,

1

I

ej

Example of temperature-viscosity relationship .....................................................•...... 176

Interpretation of the curve of percentage of deformation against log oftime curve 187

The Soxhlet extractor ....................•..•......................................................•.................... 197

The extraction apparatus _.............................................................................. 198

Apparatus for the determination of the moisture content of bituminous mixtures .......•. 202

The slump mould _.............................................................................. 210

Recording sheet for sieve analysis ......•... '" •.•..... ..•... 5

Data sheet for sieve analysis and Atterberq constants 6

Grading sheet for sieve analysis _........................ 7

Recording sheet for the determination of Atterberg constants 16

Data sheet for sieve analysis (hydrometer) and Atterberg constants 25

Recording sheet for the determination of the maximum dry density and the opti-

mum moisture content '" ...........•............... 34

Recording sheet for the determination of the CBR of untreated soils and gravel 43

Form for the CBR-density relationship curve 44

Data sheet for the CBR-density relationship .

Moisture-density relationship ......•................................................................................ Sheet for field compaction data ...•................................................................................

45 46 54

Recording sheet for the determination of the in-place density of soils and gravels by

nuclear methods . .•.. 59

Monthly count rate record on reference unit 60

Long-term count rate performance record 61

Count rate on reference unit record , 62

Vibration compaction of cohesion less material 66

Recording sheet for unconfined compressive strength tests 79

Data sheet for unconfined compressive strength tests 80

Recording sheet for sieve analysis 127

Data sheet for tests on aggregate for concrete 128

Data sheet for tests on aggregate for bituminous surfacings 129

Sheet for recording Marshall briquette data 167

Data sheet for the determination of a suitable binder content .. 168

Data sheet for the determination ofthe binder content of a bituminous mixture 192

r-

A. TESTS ON SOILS AND GRAVELS

1

METHOD A1(a)

THE WET PREPARATION AND SIEVE ANALYSIS OF GRAVEL, SAND AND SOIL SAMPLES

SCOPE

The preparation of a gravel, sand or soil sample involves the quantitative separation of the soil fines portion, i.e, the material passing the 0,425 mm sieve, from the coarser portion as well as the sieve analysis of the coarser portion. The soil fines are required for the mechanical analysis and for the determination of the Atterberg constants.

2 2.1 2.2

APPARATUS

A riffler with 25,0 mm openings.

The following test sieves, complying with SABS 197, with sieves larger than 4,75 mm of perforated plate and sieves 4,75 mm and smaller of wire mesh:

A 19,0 mm sieve, recommended diameter 450mm.

63,0 mm, 53,0 mm, 37,5 mm, 26,5 mm and 19,0 mm sieves, recommended diameter 300 mm, with a pan.

63,0 mm, 53,0 mm, 37,5 mm, 26,5 mm, 19,0 mm, 13,2 mm, 4,75 mm, 2,0 mm and 0,42q_ mm sieves, recommended diameter 200 mm, with pan and cover.

A mechanical sieve shaker (optional).

A balance with a pan, accurate to 1 g, to weigh up to 5 kg.

Basins and pans:

A basin about 500 mm in diameter. Basins about 350 mm in diameter.

Square pans about 300 mm square at the top, tapering to 250 mm square at the bottom.

A 150 mm nominal diameter iron mortar and pestle and a rubber-tipped pestle.

Hotplates or ring gas-bumers.

A drying oven, thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110 cc.

Brushes:

A brass or copper wire brush, measuring about 50 x 25 mm, with bristles not more than 25 mm long.

(a)

(b)

(c)

2.3 2.4

2.5 (a) (b) (c)

2.6

2.7 2.8

2.9 (a)

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, '966

(b) A hard-bristle nail-brush, measuring about

80 x 25 mm.

2.10 A supply tank for distilled water.

2.11 Paper bags,.of capacity 1 kg.

2.12 A steel-bladed spatula, with a blade about 100 mm iong.

3 METHOD

3.1 Size of test sample

The size of the test sample will depend on the amount of soil fines (Le. the portion passing the 0,425 mm sieve) present in the material. At least 300 g of soil fines are required for the mechanical analysis and for the determination of the soil constants. In the case of a soil which consists mostly of soil fines, a test sample of about 400 g should prove adequate, while in the case of a gravel containing, for example, only 10 per cent of soil fines, the required quantity of material will be approximately 3 000 to 4 000 g. The sample received from the field should therefore be quartered down by means of a riffler to the required size.

.3.2 Quartering

3.2.1 The sample is emptied from the sample bag into one or more of the riffler pans. The material is then poured through the riffler by siowiy tiiting the pan so that the material flows in an even stream over the width of the pan. At the same time the pan is moved to and fro along the full length of the riffler ensuring an even flow of material. The process is repeated with the contents of one of the pans under the riffler until a sample of the required size is obtained. i~ ..

3.2.2 The test sample should, of course, be representative of the field sample and it is important to ensure the free flow of the material through the openings of the riffler. Problems arise in the case of samples containing coarse aggregate, large soil clods and/or large lumps of wet clay. As these will lodge in or on the openings of the riffler, they should first be removed by sieving before the material is passed through the riffler. In such cases, the following procedure should be used:

Method A 1 (a)

3.2.2.1 The sample is poured into the 450 rnrn diameter, 19,0 mm sieve, which is placed in a 500 mm basin. Any large soil aggregations or clods retained on the sieve should be disintegrated in the mortar by applying pressure to the pestle or by tamping very lightly. The disintegrated material is added to the portion passing the sieve, which is then subdivided in the riffler as described above.

The aggregate retained on the sieve is subdivided by the method of coning and quartering. This is accomplished by forming the material into a cone which is pressed flat, by dividina the material into four quadrants, discarding the two opposite quadrants and continuing the process of coning and quartering until a portion of the required size is obtained. If the material passing the 19,0 mm sieve is divided by the riffler to obtain a portion of say one-eigth of the field sample, the coarse aggregate is divided an equal number of times. That portion of the coarse aggregate is now added to the portion passing the 19,0 mm sieve and this then constitutes the test sample, which is considered to be representative of the sample as received from the field (see 5.1).

3.2.2.2 There is normally no need to dry the material before quartering, but if the sample contains large lumps of wet clay which cannot be disintegrated it should first be dried in an oven at a temperature not exceeding 110 DC. The clods are then disintegrated in the mortar so as to pass the 19,0 mm sieve after which the material is divided into the riffler in the same manner as described above.

3.3 Dry sievinq

The material should be dry enough to be sieved through the 0,425 mm sieve without clogging the sieve. Therefore, if the quartered test sample is wet or damp, it should be dried in an oven at a temperature not exceeding 110 DC. The sample is then weighed and sieved through a 0,425 mm sieve. It is desirable to place a 2,0 mm or a 4,75 mm sieve above the 0,425 mm sieve to act as a guard for the finer sieve. The material retained on the 0,425 mm sieve is transferred to a mortar and by rubbing with a rubber-tipped pestle, most of the soil aggregations are disintegrated and at the same time most of the soil adhering to the aggregate is dislodged. The material is then sieved again through the 0,425 mm sieve. As much of the soil fines as possible should be separated in this way. The soil fines thus obtained are transferred to a

2

-----------

paper bag which is placed in a drying oven at a temperature of 105 to 110 DC (see 5.2).

I

.

I

3.4 Soiling and washing

The material retained on the 0,425 mm sieve is transferred to a tin basin, covered with distilled or deionized water and brought to the boil (see 5.3). It is boiled vigorously for about one minute and then allowed to cool. If necessary. the material should then be worked thoroughly by hand in the water so as to ensure that all soil aggregations are diSintegrated and that all the soil adhering to the aggregate has been toosened.

The larger aggregate is removed and washed with distilled water on the 0,425 mm sieve held over a clean basin until the wash water is clear. It is again desirabie to protect the sieve by fitting a coarser sieve above it. The clean aggregate is then transferred to a square pan.

The finer material remaining in the basin used for boiling is then stirred vigorously and the mass is poured quantitatively on to the 0,425 mm sieve held over the second basin. Both the sieve and the basin from which the material is poured should be agitated vigorously during pouring.

The basin is then washed clean with a jet of distilled or deionized water whilst still being held over the sieve. The material on the sieve is washed by directing a jet of distilled or deionized water onto the material until the wash water is clean. The sieve should be agitated during washing. If the soil is very clayey, the sieve should be placed in the water and the material on the sieve agitated by rubbing with the fingers again·st the side of the sieve as this will speed up the washing process. The sieve should also be raised and lowered in the wash water as this facilitates washing and keeps the amount of water required to a minimum.

The washed material is transferred to the square pan by inverting the sieve and washing down with water. The water in the pan is poured off carefully and the material dried in an oven at a temperature of 105 to 110 DC.

3.5 Drying and. disintegration of fines

The suspension containing the fines washed through the 0,425 mm sieve is boiled down to a slurry which is then dried in an oven at a temperature of 105 to 110 DC (see 5.4). The dried soil in the bottom of the basin is loosened with a stiff wire brush or with a spatula in the case of

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

clayey soils. The material adhering to the sides of the basin is brushed down and the slurry is disintegrated as far as possible with the brush. The material is sieved through the 0,425 mm sieve and clods retained on the sieve are disintegrated in the mortar with a rubber-tipped pestle, or if too hard, with the iron pestle. It is not necessary to crush the material very fine - the material must be just fine enough for all the material to pass the 0,425 mm sieve. The soil fines are added to the portion obtained by dry sieving as described in 3.3.

3.6

Sieve analysis

After drying, the material retained on the 0,425 mm sieve is sieved through a nest of sieves consisting of the following: 63,0 mm, 53,0 mm, 37,5 mm, 26,5 mm, 19,0 mm, 13,2 rnrn, 4,75 mm, 2,0 mm and 0,425 mm.

The sieving should be thorough and may be done either by hand or by means of a mechanical sieve shaker. On no account should any sieve be overloaded as some of the fine material may be kept back if the layer on the sieve is too deep. If necessary, the material should be divided into fractions which are then sieved separately. After sieving, the material retained on each sieve is weighed and the masses recorded in the appropriate column of Form A1(a)/1 or a similar form. Weighings should be accurate to the nearest 1 g.

The material passing the 0,425 mm sieve is added to the soil fines portions obtained by dry Sieving and by washing. All this material is now transferred to the scoop of the scale (or other similar container) where it is thoroughly mixed by stirring. It is then weighed and retumed to the paper bag ready for mechanicai anaiysis and the determination of the Atterberg constants.

"

4

CALCULATIONS

The mass of each fraction retained between two sieves and the fraction passing the 0,425 mm sieve and the fraction passing the 0,425 mm sieve is converted to a percentage of the total mass of the dry material. (The mass of the original test sample is merely determined to serve as a check that no serious error has been made. The later mass will normally be somewhat higher than that of the dry material owing to the presence of hygroscopic moisture.) The percentage retained on each sieve is then converted to a percentage passing the sieve.

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

Method A1(a)

The percentages are calculated and reported to the nearest whole number on Form A1(a)/2 or a similar form and/or plotted on a suitable grading sheet such as Form A 1 (a)/3.

5 NOTES

5.1 Where the quantity of the different sizes of

coarse aggregate in the field sample is such that it cannot be subdivided into a reasonably representative portion by coning and quartering, the sieve analysis carried out on the relatively small test sample will be far from accurate. A sieve analysis is therefore carried out on all the aggregate retained on the 19,0 mm sieve using a nest of 300 mm diameter sieves with openings from 63,0 mm to 19,0 mm. Since in this case the aggregate is not subjected to the usual boiling and washing, care should be taken to remove any soil adhering to the aggregate before the sieve analysis is carried out. The actual test sample will now only consist of a portion of the material passing the 19,0 mm sieve and it is therefore important to remember that the above sieve analysis should be corrected, as it is carried out on all the coarse aggregate in the field sample. If the test sample consists of an eighth of the field sample, the masses of the aggregate fractions retained on the sieves should be divided by eight. After the sieve analysis, all the coarse aggregate is retumed to the sample bag, i.e. it is combined with the unused portion of the material passing the 19,0 mm sieve. It should now be remembered that the material in the bag is no longer a representative sample, and, if it is necessary to repeat the test, allowance must be made in the subsequent calculations ..

5.2 The soil fines obtained from sieving will contain hygroscopic moisture, except where the test sample was oven-dried before sieving. It is nut considered necessary to dry the fines to constant mass, but by keeping the paper bag with the fines in the oven for at least the time requiredeo ~6mplete all the subsequent processes, some of the moisture will be driven off. Such soil is considered to be sufficiently dry for the determination of the percentage passing through the 0,075 mm sieve and for hydrometer analysis (se~ Methods AS and A6).

5.3 As an alternative to boiling, the material may be left to soak ovemight.

5.4 Care should be taken to ensure that the soil is not overheated as this may change its

3

Method A1(a)

characteristics. The basin should, therefore, be removed from the hotplate or gas bumer in good time, Le. while the material is still in the fonn of a thin slurry.

5.5 Clean rain water may be used instead of distilled or deionized water.

5.6 It is essential that the particle size should not be altered during preparation. Only friable decomposed material and soil clods should be disintegrated. The extent to which decomposed material is to be disintegrated cannot be specified and must be left to the discretion of the operator. Material from compacted layers in the road should .be prepared without disinteqratinq the decomposed material.

I I I I

REFERENCES '

AASHTO Designation R146 - 49 SASS 197

4

Standard Test Methods TMH 1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

SAMPLE NO/MONSTERNR.:·---------

DRY MASS/DROE MASSA: _

DATE /DATUM: _

PAN NO /NR: _

jslEVE APERTtItE/SRlPENlNG MASS RETAIN£[) MASSA \IoVlT

mm AGTERBLY

0;,,0

Z6,5

19,0

4.(0

13,2

Z.O

0.4Z5

<0.4Z5

TOTAL/ TOTAAL

DESCRIPTION:

BESKRYWING :

SAMPLE NO/MONSTERNR.:-------DRY MASS/ORoE MASSA: - ----

DATE/~TUM: -----------PAN NO'/NR: ---------

mm

pt~~\~I~~~ E PE':.~~mgE

PERSENTASIE PERSENTASIE

WAT AGTERBLY OEUR

SIEVE APERllJRElSIFOPENNG MASS RETAINED MASSAWAT AGTERBLY

63.0

53.0

26,5

37.5

19,0

4.75

Z.O

0.4Z5

<0.425

TOTAL/TOTAAL

DESCRIPTION:

BESKRYWING :

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

FORM A 1 (a)/1 Recording sheet for sieve analysis

Method Aila)

5

Method A1(a)

~:~ S>l30NIS.LI3.J.lSUSlfld
II: !II
w~<l X30NI A.lI::lUS1tld
Ill<ll-
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Data sheet for sieve analysis and Atterberg constants

6

Standard Test Methods TMH I, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

. ,

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1MH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

KUMULATIEWE PERSENlASlE DEUR

a

mm 0 75,0

63,0 53,0

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a QD

a U'I

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0,





0
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CUMULATIVE PERC£NTAGE PASSING

FORM A1(a)/3

Grading sheet for sieve analysis

o rtI

a N

o N

Method A 1 (a)

o

Q

o

7

8

I

I

I

I~

,

Standard Test Methods lMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

METHOD A 1 (b)

THE DRY PREPARATION AND SIEVE ANALYSIS OF GRAVEL, SAND AND SOil SAMPLES

1

SCOPE

In this method the fines portion (i .e. material passing the 0,425 mm sieve) of a soil, sand or gravel sample is separated by dry sieving for tests where the boiling and heating of the fines may influence the results. The sieve analysis, which forms part of the method, is done by washing the material through certain sieves and includes the determination of the fraction passing the 0,075 rnrn sieve described in Method AS.

2 2.1

APPARATUS

As described in Method A 1 (a), Subsections 2.1 to 2.6 and 2.11.

An 0,075 mm test sieve, 200 mm in diameter, complying with SABS 197.

Sodium hexametaphosphate solution, prepared by dissolving 2 g of sodium hexametaphosphate (any grade) in 1 e of water.

2.2

2.3

3 3.1

METHOD

Size of sample

Determine the size of the test sample as described in Method A 1 (a), Subsection 3.1.

:.'l .

DivIding the sample

Divide the sample as described in Method Al(a), Subsection 3.2, except that if the sample is too wet, it should first be dried in an oven at a temperature not exceeding 50·C (see 5.1).

3.3

Dry sieving

For all tests except the determination of the particle size distribution, dry sieve the material as follows: Using a stiff bristle brush, brush all bigger aggregate pieces to remove as much soil and clay as possible. Sieve the material through the 0,425 mm sieve. Transfer the material retained on the sieve to a mortar and rub it with a rubbertipped pestle to disintegrate all soil aggregations and clay lumps.

Sieve the material again through the

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

, ,

0,425 mm sieve. Mix the soil fines properly and transfer to a marked paper bag.

3,4

Detennining the particle size distribution Dry the test sample in an oven at a temperature not exceeding 110 "C. Weigh the dried sample accurately to 1 g.

Place the sample in a marked basin and cover it with the hexametaphosphate solution. Stir the soil well to wet it thoroughly and let it stand for at least 1 hour.

Wash the sample with tap water through the 0,425 mm sieve nested with the 0,075 mm sieve. Allow the material passing the 0,075 mm sieve to run to waste. While washing it, agitate the material in the sieve and stir it with the fingers. Break down any lumps between the fingers or against the side of the sieve. Continue washing until the wash water runs clear.

Transfer the washed material on each of the two sieves to numbered square pans. Dry the material in the oven at a temperature of 105 to 110 ·C.

3.5

Sieve analysis

Sieve the dried material retained' on the 0,425mm sieve as described in Method A1(a), Subsection 3.6. Also weigh the material passing the 0,425 mm sie\le and retained on the 0,075 mm sieve to the same accuracy (see 5.2). Record these masses on a suitable form.

4 4.1

CALCULATIONS

4.2

~~ .. , '"

Calculate the total mass of material re-

tained on the sieves. Subtract this mass from the total mass of the dried sample to obtain the mass of material passing the 0,075 mm sieve.

Calculate the cumulative percentages passing each sieve (by mass of the total dry sample) accurately to the nearest 1 per cent.

If required, calculate the soil mortar analysis as described in Method AS, Subsection 5.2.

4.3

9

Method A1(b)

4.4

Report the results on Form A 1 (a)/2 to the nearest 1 per cent.

5 5.1

NOTES

If only the mechanical analysis of a sample is required it may be dried at a temperature of 105 to 110 cC.

If required, the material passing the 0,425 mm sieve and retained on the 0,075 mm sieve may be further subdivided using 0,250 and 0,150 mm sieves, as described in Method AS, Subsection 5.3.

5.2

REFERENCE SABS 197

10

Standard Test MethOds TMH 1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

I I

.

I

I

I

~~. '"

METHODA2.

THE DETERMINATION OF THE LIQUID LIMIT OF SOilS BY MEANS OF THE FLOW CURVE METHOD

1

SCOPE

The liquid limit of a soil, as defined below, is determined by using the specified device to plot a curve of the number of taps neeessary to obtain a specific consistency of the soil fines against the moisture contents in three trials. Provision is also made for tI1e calculation of the liquid limit from a onepoint determination if that method is specifleet

Definition

The liquid limit of a soil is the moisture COntent, expressed as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil, at the boundary between the liquid and plastiC states. The moisture content at this boundary' is arbitrarily defined as the liquid limit and is the moisture content at a consistency determined by means of the standard liquid limit apparatus.

2 APPARATUS

2.1 A liquid limit device (Figure A2Il). The base of the apparatus must be made of hard rubber with a Shore D value of 85 to 95 at 23 ± 2 -c.

2.:> A grooving tool (Figure A212).

2.3 A calibrating plate with a thickness of 10,0 mm ± 0,1 mm.

2.4 A porcelain evaporating dish with a diameter of about 100 mm.

2.5 A spatula with a slightly flexible blade about 100 mm long and 20 mm wide.

2.6 A burette with a capacity of 50 me or 100 me.

2.7 Suitable containers, such as weighing bottles with a capacity of 30 to 45 me, or matched watch glasses which will prevent the loss of moisture during weighing.

2.8 A balance to weigh up to 100 g, accurate to 0,Q1 g.

2.9 A drying oven, thermostatically controlled, and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110 -c.

Standard Test Methods

TMHI. Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

3 3.1

METHOD

Calibration of the liquid limit device

The height to which the bowl is raised on rotating the handle is adjusted by means of the 10 mm calibratlnq plate .. The plate is placed on the hard rubber base and the bowl is allowed to rest on the plate. The hinged support of the bowl is now moved backwards or forwards by means of the

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raises the bowl free of the plate. The lackscrew is then tightened and the fall again checked. The device should preferably be checked daily.

3.2

Test procedure for plastic soils

48 g of the thoroughly mixed soil fines (i.e. the material passing the 0,425 mm sieve), obtained in accordance with the prescribed standard method of preparation (Method A1(a) or A1(b)), is weighed out and transferred to a porcelain dish. Distilled water is added by means of a' burette and the moist material is then thoroughly mixed for 10 minutes with a spatula (see 5.1). To facilitate mixing, the water should be added in small quantities. When sufficient water has been mixed with the soil to form a stiff consistency, approximately three-quarters of the wet soil is transferred to the brass bowl of the liquid limit device, mixed slightly and flattened out in the front portion of the bowl with the spatula. The material is then divided into two equal portions with one cut of the grooving tool. The groove should fall along the centre-line drawn through the cam-follower attached to the bowl. The device is then operated at a speed~whtch re-' suits in two taps per second being applied to the soil, until the lower parts of the faces of the two soil portions have flowed together and made contact across a distance of about 1 0 mm. The number of taps required to close the groove across this distance is recorded and a sample of approximately 2 to 3 g, representative of the total thickness of the layer, is transferred to a tared weighing bottle (or other suitable container) for the determination of its moisture content.

11

MethodA2

The procedure is repeated for two additional deterrriinations on the soil in the bowl of the liquid limit device. However, before each test 2 to 3 g of material from the porcelain dish is added to the material in the bowl, to ensure that the quantity of material in the bowl is approximately the same for all the determinations. Sufficient distilled water is added each time in order to obtain three samples of varying consistencies, so that at least one determination will be made in preferably each of the following ranges of taps: 28 to 35, 22 to 28 and 15 to 22. The test should preferably proceed from the drier to the wetter condition of the soil.

L~.:::.. 4~·""."'.· /

... ;\ .

~ ":+1.,(':';"

DIVIDED SOil CAKE BEFORE TEST

SOil CAKE AFTER TEST

The moist material which has been left over in the porcelain dish is set aside for the determination of the plastic limit (see Method A3).

The containers with the soil samples are weighed, aft~r which the samples are ovendried to constant mass at 105 to 110 "C. Usually the material is dried overnight. When the containers are removed from the oven, the lids are replaced to prevent the absorption of hygroscopic moisture, and after being allowed to cool, the containers are weighed again. The loss in mass is the mass of water which is then expressed as a percentage of the oven-dried mass of soil. Form A2J1 or any similar form may be used to record the mass determinations which should be accurate to 0,01 g.

3.3

Test procedure for slightly plastic or non-plastic soils

The procedure is the same as for plastic soils, except that special care should be taken in the cutting of the groove. After the wet material has been transferred to the

12

bowl, it is again mixed Slightly and then bedded down in the bowl by pressing it down with the spatula and tapping the bowl a few times before grooving. The groove should be so cut in the material as to avoid tearing of the sides of the groove or slipping of the soil cake in the bowl. Instead of making one clear cut, a succession of light cuts which gradually result in the required cut may be found to work better. When tapping, the operator should ensure that the soil portions actually flow together and do not slide together. If the soil portions slide together, the material should be remixed slightly and the test repeated. If the soil portions continue to slide. it must be accepted that the liquid limit cannot be determined.

4 4.1

CALCULATIONS Moisture content (%)

The moisture content of the soil is expressed as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil and is calculated as follows:

Moisture content (%) =

mass of water 100

mass of oven-dried soil x

The calculations should be carried out to the first decimal figure. -

4.2

Liquid limit

A 'flow curve' representing the relationship between moisture content and corresponding number of taps is then drawn by plotting the moisture contents as ordinates on a natural scale and the number of taps as abscissae on a logarithmic scale. The flow curve should be a straight line drawn as near as possible through the three plotted. points (see the example in Figure A2J3).

The moisture content corresponding to 25 taps is then read off from the curve and is taken as the liquid limit of the soil and reported to the nearest whole number on Form A 1 (a)/2 or any similar form.

5 5.1

NOTES

It has been found that the liquid limit of certain materials is influenced by the mixing time. There is a tendency, particularly noticeable in the case of decomposed dolerites and certain pedogenic materials, for the liquid limit to increase as the mixing time is increased, although this increase will, of course, not continue indefinitely. Hence it was considered necessary to stip-

Standard Test Methods TMH 1. Pretoria, South Africa, 19S6

I I

..

I

I

@

ulate a mixing time and a period of ten minutes was decided on.

5.2

One-point method

The liquid limit may also be determined by means of the one-point method, which is considered a derivation of the flow curve method described above. In the one-point method, the test is carried out at one consistency of the soil sample and the liquid limit is calculated by means of a formula.

The test procedure is the same as for the first determination in the flow curve method, except that the number of taps for groove closure should be restricted to between 22 af1d 28. After the moisture content has been determined, the liquid limit (LL) corresponding to 25 taps is calculated by the following formula:

N 0.12 LL = WN (i;~)

.. -.,::,-

where

N = number of taps required to close the groove at the moisture content WN-

To simplify the calculation of the LL above, N 0.12

values of ~5) are given in the table be-

low for various values of N

N N 0.12
~
22 0,985
23 0,990
24 0,995
25 1,000
26 1,005
27 1,009
28 1,014 The test is duplicated by adding 2 to 3 9 of material from the porcelain dish to the material in the bowl of the liquid limit device and repeating the procedure.

The calculations should be carried out to the first decimal figure and the average of the two determinations is taken as the liquid limit, which is reported to the nearest whole number on a suitable form such as Form A 1 (a)/2.

The remainder of the moist material in the porcelain dish is set aside for the determination of the plastic limit (see Method A3) ..

5.3 Two-point method

Whereas in the one-point method the soil sample is tested at only one consistency, in

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria, South Africa, 1966

MethodA2

the two-point method it is tested at two consistencies. The test is done at a moisture content that closes the groove after about 28 taps, and is then repeated at a higher moisture content, as described in the method, so that the groove closes at

about 22 taps. /

In both cases the liquid limit corresponding to 25 taps is calculated as for the one-point method. The average of the two calculated values is then recorded as the liquid limit. Thereafter the linear shrinkage and plastic limit are determined as previously stated,

This method is regarded as being more accurate than the one-point method since an adiustment is made for the stone of the fi~;;cu"rve," wlle~eas in t"he one-point method this slope is taken as being constant.

5,4 The bowl and the hard rubber base of the

liquid limit device win be found to wear and these parts should be inspected regularly. If the bowl is badly worn, it should be replaced, If the base is badly worn, it should be reversed and machined off level or replaced.

5,5 The groover should also be inspected regularly and its head reversed or replaced whenever the cutting edge becomes slightly worn.

5,6 In case of dispute, the flow curve method shall be the referee method.

REFERENCES

AASHTO Designation T89 - 60 ASTM Designation 0423 - 66

13

MethodA2

It)~

o +1 o CD

I ,RUBBER BASE

It)

I~

150

SECTION A-A

AI

125

-I

A-+

PLAN

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

FIGUREA2I1

Liquid limit device

14

II

,

I

SECTION B-B

B

65

15 _---Lt #"

W

PLAN

FIGUREA2I2

Grooving tool

Standard Test Methods TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

5°1 I I 1111111 II 1I111111111111111~

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Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

10 10

15

20

.NUMBER OF TAPS

FIGUREA2l3

Example of a ttow curve

25

-- -

llI'u:ruu,"'" ru. I

30 35 40

15

MethodA2

SAMPLE NO.1 MONSTER NR.

MOISTURE CONTENT PLASTIC LIMIT CALCULATION
VOGINHOUD PLASTISITEITSGRENS BEREKENING
CONTAINER NO. L.L.
HOUERNR VG
MASS OF CONTAINER AND WET MATERIAL P.L.
MASSA VAN HOUER EN NAT MATERIAAL PG
MASS OF CONTAINER AND O~Y MATERIAL P.1.
MASSA VAN HOUER EN ORO MATERIAAL PI
MASS OF CONTAINER
MASSA VAN HOUER ~~~8t'Ji~
MASS OF MOISTURE
MASSA VAN VOG L.L.
MASS OF DRY l1:ATERIAL VG
MASSA VAN ORO MATERIAAL P.1.
% MOISTURE PI
% VOG
NUMBER OF TAPS
AANTAL TIKKIES I I

.. I

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z
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25

10

20

30

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40

1

NUMBER OF TAPSI AANTAL TlKKIES

SAMPLE NO.1 MONSTERNR.

MOISTURE CONTENT PLASTIC LlMI T CALCULATION
VOGINHOUO PLASTISITEITSGRENS BEREKENING
CONTAINER NO. L.L.
HOUERNR. VG
MASS OF CONTAINER AND WET MATERIAL P.L.
MASSA VAN HOUER EN NAT MATERIAAL PG
MASS OF CONTAINER AND DRY MATERIAL P.1.
MASSA VAN HOUER EN DRO£ MATERIAAL PI
MASS OF CONTAINER
MASSA VAN HOUER .REPORTING
MASS Of MOISTURE RESUL TAAT
MASSA VAN VaG L.L.
MASS Of DRY MATERIAL VG
MASSA VAN ORO£ MATERIAAL
v: MOISTURE P.1.
v; VOG PI
NUMBER OF TAPS
AANTAL TIKKIES Jii' ...

FORMA2I1

Recording sheet for the determination of the Atteroerg constants

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

16

METHODA.3

THE DETERMINA.TION OF THE PLASTIC LIMIT AND PLASTICITY INDEX OF SOilS

1

SCOPE

This method covers the determination of the plastic limit of a soil, as defined below, by measuring the lowest moisture content at which the soil can be rolled into threads 3 mm in diameter without the threads crumbiing. It also covers the calculation of the plasticity index from the liquid limit determined in Method A2, and the plastic limit.

Definition

Plastic limit: The plastic limit of a soil is the moisture content, expressed as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil, at the boundary between the plastic and semi-solid states.

Plasticity index: The plasticity index of a soil is the numerical difference between the liquid limit and the plastic limit of the soil and indicates the magnitude of the range of the moisture contents over which the soil is in a plastic condition.

2 2.1

APPARATUS

A ground-glass plate measuring 150 x 220 mm.

Suitable containers, such as weighing bottles with a capacity of 30 to 45 mi', or matched watch glasses which will prevent the loss of moisture during weighing.

A balance to weigh up to 100 g, accurate to 0,01 g.

A drying oven, thermostatically controlled, and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105to 110 -c.

2.2

2.3

2.4

3

METHOD

Approximately 2 to 3 g of the moist soil set aside from the liquid limit determination is formed with the fingers into an ellipsoidal shape. It is then rolled into a thread of uniform diameter throughout its length. As a' rule the rolling is done between the palms of the two hands. or, when dealing with slightly cohesive or cohesion less materials, between the finger of one hand and the

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1, Pretoria, South Africa. 1986

palm of the other hand, so as to reduce the pressure on the thread. This is considered to be a satisfactory and convenient procedure and only in the case of highly plastic soils with very tough threads is the rolling done on the ground-glass plate, using either the fingers or the palm of the hand (see 5.1). When the diameter of the thread is 3 mm, the soil is again formed into an ellipsoidal shape and rolled out. This process is continued until the crumbling of the soil prevents the formation of a thread 3 mm in diameter. This means that the crumbling occurs when the thread has a diameter slightly greater than 3 mm, but this is regarded as a satisfactory end point, provided that, just before that, the soil has been rolled into a thread 3 mm in diameter. The operator should ensure that the thread is not broken up or crumbled by applying excessive pressure, but that it crumbles on account of a lack of plasticity. The crumbled soil thread is transferred to a tared weighing bottle (or other suitable container) for the determination of its moisture content. A duplicate determination should be carried out in precisely the same manner.

The containers with the soil samples are weighed to the nearest 0,01 g, after which the samples are oven-dried to constant mass at 105 to 110 "C. Usually the material is dried ovemi,ght. When the containers are removed from the oven, the lids are replaced to prevent the absorption of hygroscopic moisture, and after being allowed to cool, the containers are weighed again. The determinations of mass are recorded on Form A2J1 or any similar form (see Method A2). The loss in mass is the mass of water, which is expressed as a percentage <tif the oven-dried mass of the soil. Duplicate determinations should not vary by more than 1,5 units.

4 4.1

CALCULATIONS

Plastic limit: The plastic limit is expressed as the moisture content, i.e. as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil and

is calculated as follows: '

Plastic limit = mass of water

mass of oven-dried soil x 100

17

MethodA3

The calculation should be carried out to the first decimal figure, and the average of the two determinations is taken as the plastic

limit. .

4.2 Plasticity index: The plasticity index is obtained by subtracting the plastic limit from the liquid limit, and is determined to the first decimal figure.

The plasticity index is reported with the liquid limit (see Method A2) to the nearest whole number on Form A 1 (a)/2 or a similar form.

If the liquid limit cannot be determined and the wet soil feels slightly plastic if rubbed between the thumb and forefinger, the liquid limit and plasticity index are both recorded as SP (slightly plastic). If it feels gritty without any plasticity the results are recorded as NP (non-plastic).

I I I It

I

5 NOTES

5.1 In the case of plastic soils, a considerable amount of kneading and rolling is required to reduce the moisture content of the moist material to the plastic limit. This is timeconsuming, and it is therefore suggested that the moist material from the liquid limit determination be spread out in a thin layer on the table and left to dry out appreciably before rolling is commenced. The moisture content should not be reduced by the admixture of dry soil.

5.2 If it is found impossible to determine the liquid limit, the determination of the plastic limit is not attempted.

REFERENCES

AASHTO "'esignation T90 - 61 ASTM Designation 0424 - 59

18

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

METHODA5

THE DETERMINATION OF THE PERCENTAGE OF MATERIAL PASSING A 0,075 mm SIEVE IN A SOil SAMPLE

1

SCOPE

This method covers the determination of the quantity of material passing a 0,075 mrn sieve, expressed as a percentage of the total material, by washing a sample of prepared soil fines on a 0,075 mm sieve.

2 2.1

APPARATUS

A balance to weigh up to 200 g, accurate to 0,1 g.

A glass beaker or other suitable container, about 500 me in capacity.

An 0,075 mm sieve, complying with SASS 197.

A measuring cylinder, 500 me in capacity. A glass rod ± 180 mm long.

A dish or small basin approximately 150 mm in diameter.

A drying oven, thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110 ac.

2.2

2.3

2.4 2.5 2.6

2.7

3

METHOD

Weigh out 100 g (50 g for clayey materials containing a fairly high percentage of the -0,075 mm fraction) of the soil fines (Le. material passing the 0,425 mm sieve) as prepared in accordance with Method A 1 (a) or A 1 (b), as prescribed. Transfer the weighed sample to the glass beaker and add about 300 mt of water. Stir the soilwater mixture well with a glass rod and leave it to stand for at least two hours.

Pour the suspension onto the 0,075 mm sieve and rinse the beaker with water until all the soil is transferred from the beaker to the sieve.

Wash the soil on the sieve thoroughly with water and rub it with the fingers against the side of the sieve until there is no further noticeable disintegration of soil aggregations. All finer particles so produced are also washed through the sieve. The material retained on the sieve is washed

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

quantitatively into a suitable dish and dried to constant mass. The oven-dried material is then sieved through the 0,075 mm sieve and the fraction retained and weighed. Weighings should be done to the nearest 0,1 g and recorded.

4 CALCULATIONS

The percentage passing the 0,075 mm sieve in the tatai sampie is caicuiated as follows:

p

== Sf (A - S) A

where:

P percentage of the total material passing the 0,075 mm sieve

Sf percentage of soil fines in the total material

A mass of soil fines used for test, before washing (g)

S mass of dry material retained on

sieve after washing (g).

The results must be calculated and reported to the nearest whole number on Form A 1 (a)/2 or a similar form.

5 5.1

NOTES

The amount of material passing the 0,075 mm sieve can also be determined by hydrometer (see Method AS). Comparative determinations have shown that the method of sieving and washing gives slightly higher values for the peL<:entage passing the 0,075 mm sieve. This is because aggregations are diSintegrated more effectively. Method AS is therefore considered the more accurate of the two.

If a soil mortar analysis is required, the coarse sand fraction (2,0 to 0,425 mm), the fine sand. fraction (0,425 to 0,075 mm) and the fraction passing the 0,075 mm sieve are expressed as percentages of the soil mortar (Le. material passing the 2,0 mm sieve as determined in Method A 1 (a) or Al(b)).

5.2

19

MethodA5

The percentages are calculated as follows:

Percentage of coarse sand (2,0 mm to 0,425 mm)

= Sm-Sf x 100 Sm

Percentage of fine sand (0,425 mm to O,075mm)

Sf - P x 100 Sm

Percentage of medium fine sand

(0,250 mm to 0,150 mm)

W2 x Sf

Sm

Percentage of fine fine sand (0,190 mm to 0,075 mm)

W3 x Sf Sm

I I I I~

where

W, = mass of fraction retained on the 0,250 mm sieve per 100 g of soil fines

Percentage of material (-0,075 mm) ---:S::::-~-- x 100

5.3

where

Sm = percentage of soil mortar as determined in Method A 1 (a) or A 1 (b)

Sf percentage of soil fines as determined in Method A1(a) or A1(b)

P percentage passing the 0,075 mm

sieve in the total sample.

The fine sand fraction (0,425 mm to 0,075 mm) can also be subdivided, if required, by sieving the oven-dried material retained on the 0,075 mm sieve through the 0,250 mm and 0,150 mm sieves. The material retained on each of these sieves is then weighed and the quantity expressed as a percentage of the soil mortar (i.e, material passing the 2,0 mm sieve) as follows:

Percentage of coarse fine sand (0,425 mm to 0,250 mm)

W, x Sf Sm

mass of fraction retained on the 0,150 mm sieve per 100 g of soil fines

mass of fraction retained on the 0,075 mm sieve per 100 g of soil fines

Sf = percentage of soil fines as determined in Method A 1 (a) or A 1 (b).

Sm = percentage of soil mortar as determined in Method A 1 (a) or A 1 (b).

REFERENCES

ASTM Designation 0422 - 63 AASHTO Designation T88 - 57 SASS 197

20

standard Test Methods TMHI. Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

;.,

1

!

METHODA6

THE DETERMINATION OF THE GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN SOILS BY MEANS OF A HYDROMETER

1

SCOPE

This method covers the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of particle sizes larger than 0,075 mm is determined by sieving. while the distribution of particle sizes smaller than 0,075 mm is determined by a sedimentation process, based on Stokes's law as defined below, using a specially calibrated hydrometer. This method does not give absolute results, but gives data which are comparable and consistent if the method is followed in detail (see 5.1).

Stokes's law:

Stokes's law states that: Maximum qrain diameter

""\ / 300 nL

V 980 (G - G,) T

d

where n

viscosity of the suspending medium in Pascal-seconds. The viscosity of distilled water at 20 DC is 0,001005 Pa.s

the distance in centimetres through which the grains settle in a period of time, T

T time in minutes, period of sed-

L

imentation

G relative density of soil particles

G, relative density of suspending medium (which is 0,99823 for water at 20 DC)

2 2.1

APPARATUS

A balance to weigh up to 200 g, accurate to 0,1 g.

A canning jar, wide mouth, about 1 000 mf capacity.

A Bouyoucos cylinder, graduated at 1 130 and 1 205 rnr.

A Bouyoucos hydrometer (ASTM 152H).

A dispersinq apparatus with paddle as shown in Figure A6/1. The paddle is attached to a 120 to 150 mm shaft which is

2.2

2.3

2.4 2.5

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, '986

rotated (by an electric motor) at a rate of 1 450 revolutions per minute. If such a disperser is not available an egg whisk with 4 vanes may be used.

2.6 A tablespoon.

2.7 A stop-watCh.

2.8 A water bath suitably lined or fitted with a thermostat unit to maintain a constant temperature of 20 ± 1 DC.

2.9 A wash bottle.

2.10 A dish or small basin ± 150 mm in diameter.

2.11 A thermometer, measuring 0 to 50 DC, graduated in 0,2 DC.

2.12 2.13

A pipette, 10 me in capacity.

Sodium silicate solution to be prepared as follows:

Dissolve sodium silicate (preferably the waterglass solution) in distilled water until the solution gives a reading of 36 at 20 DC on the standard soil hydrometer. Filter the solution.

Sodium oxalate solution - this consists of a filtered saturated solution of sodium oxalate.

2.14

3 3.1

METHOD

Preparation of sample

Weigh out, accurately to 0,1 g, 100 9 of the soil fines prepared by the prescribed procedure {see Method A 1 (a) or A 1 (b)). If the material consists mainly of fine material with a relatively high percentage of silt and/or clay, ~eigh out 50 g acc.lJr!l~ely. to 0,1 g. The weighed sample is transferred to the canning jar, and about 400 me of distilled water (see 5.2) and 5 me each of the sodium oxalate and sodium silicate solutions (see 5.3) are added. The soil-water mixture is stirred well with a glass rod and left to stand for at least two hours but preferably overnight.

After the mixture has been allowed to stand, it is dispersed for 15 minutes with the standard dispersing paddle or five minutes with the egg whisk. The paddle is

21

MethodA6

washed clean with distilled water, and the wash water is allowed to run into the container with the suspension.

3.2 Filling the cytinder and correcting the temperature

The suspension is poured into the Bouyoucos cylinder and the canning jar is rinsed with distilled water from the wash bottle. All the suspension is tranferred quantitatively to the cylinder. The cylinder is then filled with distilled water to the 1 205 rnf mark (1 130 me for a 50 g sample) with the hydrometer inside.

The hydrometer is removed, and the cylinder inverted a few times with the palm of one hand held as a stopper over the mouth of the cylinder to ensure that the temperature is uniform throughout. It is then placed in the thermostat bath which is kept as near to 20 ac as possible. When the contents of the cylinder are approximately at 20°C (see 5.4), the cylinder is again shaken end over end until a homogeneous suspension is obtained. The cylinder is retumed to the water bath and the time recorded. The water in the bath should come to almost the top of the contents of the cylinder but should not be too high as it will then not be possible to read the hydrometer.

3.3 Hydrometer readings

Sixty minutes after the cylinder has been placed in the bath, the hydrometer is inserted and a reading is taken to the nearest 0,5. The temperature of the contents is also determined. The hydrometer is removed and the cylinder is shaken again as described above. It is placed on a table and the stop-watch started. At about 20 seconds the hydrometer is inserted and a reading is taken at 40 seconds.

An 18-second reading, if required, can also be taken in the same way as the 40-second 'eading, except that the hydrometer is inserted at about 10 seconds (see 5.5).

The temperature measured for the onehour reading is also taken as the tempera, ture for the 40 and 18-second readings, provided the readings are taken immediately one after the other.

The hydrometer readings, taken to the nearest 0,5, and the temperature should be recorded on any suitable data sheet.

4 4.1

CALCULATIONS

The following table gives the maximum diameter of the particles as indicated by the

22

hydrometer after different time intervals (see 5.6).

Maximum
Hydrometer diameter Common term
reading at of particles /
inmm
18 seconds 0,075 Material passing the
0,075 mm sieve
40 seconds 0,05 Silt + clay
1 hour 0,005 Clay 4.2 The following corrections should be applied to the hydrometer readings:

4.2.1 If the temperature of the suspension at the time of the hydrometer reading is not 20 "C. a correction should be made to the

reading in accordance v.;ith the fonowing

table:

Degrees Celsius Correction
18,2 -18,4 -0,6
18,5 -18,7 -0,5
18,8 -19,0 -0,4
19,1-19,3 -0,3
19,4 -19,5 -0,2
19,6 -19,8 -0,1
19,9 - 20,1 0,0
20,2 -20,4 +0,1
20,5-20,6 +0,2
20,7 -20,9 +0,3
21,0-21,2 +0,4
21,3-21,5 +0,5
21,6-21,8 +0,6 4.2.2 If a 50g sample is used, the readings must be doubled after the correction for temperature has been made. The rest of the calculations are then the same as set out below.

4.3 The material smaller than 0,075 mm (18- second reading) is always expressed as a percentage of the total sample. The material smaller than 0,05 mm is expressed as a percentage of the total sample and also as a percentage of the soil mortar (i.e. the fraction passing the 2,0 mm sieve). The material smaller than 0,005 mm is only expressed as a percentage of the soil mortar.

4.4 The soil mortar is divided into four fractions viz:

Coarse sand: passing the 2,0 mm and retained on the 0,425 mm sieve

Fine sand: passinq the 0,425 mm and retained on the 0,05 mm sieve

Standard Test Methods TMH 1, Pretoria, South Ahica, 1966

I I

~

I

Silt: passing the 0,05 mm and retained on the 0,005 mm sieve

Clay: passing the 0,005 mm sieve

These fractions are expressed as percentages of the soil mortar and are calculated as follows:

4.4.1

Coarse sand

p, = (sms~ Sf) x 100

where

p, = percentage of coarse sand in the soil mortar

Sm = percentage of soil mortar in the total sample (deteilTiined in Method A1(a) or A1(b»

Sf percentage of soil fines in the total sample (determined in Method A1(a) or A1(b».

Fine sand

The percentage of fine sand in the soil fines is obtained by subtracting from 1 00 the reading obtained with the hydrometer at 40 seconds (the mass of soil fines used for hydrometer analysis). The percentage of fine sand in the soil mortar can thus be calculated as follows:

P2 = Sf(100 - F) Sm

4.4.2

where

P2 percentage of.fine sand in soil mortar

F 40-second hydrometer reading.

4.4.3

Silt

The percentage of silt in the soil fines is obtained by subtracting the one-hour hydrometer reading from the 40-second reading and then calculating the percentage of silt in the soil mortar as follows:

Sf(F - C) Sm

where

p, percentage of silt in the soil mortar

C one-hour hydrometer reading.

4.4.4 Clay

The percentage of clay in the soil mortar can be calculated from:

C x Sf

P, = 8m

where

P, == percentage of clay in the soil mortar.

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

4.5

MethodA6

=;~tage of silt plus clay in the total I This can be calculated from:

Sf Ps = F x 100

where

Ps = percentage of silt plus clay in the total sample.

I I

4.6

Percentage passing the 0,075 mm sieve in the total sample

This can be calculated from:

Sf Ps = Ex 100

where

Ps = percentage smaller than 0,075 mm

E 18-second hydrometer reading.

The calculations should be done to the nearest 0,1 and the percentage passing the 0,075 mm sieve and the soil mortar analysis reported on Form A6/1 or any similar form.

I

I

•

I

5 5.1

NOTES

If absolute results are required the method given in A8TM Designation 0422 should be used.

Demineralized water or clean rain-water

and sometimes even tap water may be used instead of distilled water. If any water other than distilled or demineralized water

is used it is necessary to carry out comparative tests with distilled water. I

If the dispersing agents are being used up Ii regularly and rapidly equal volumes of each may be premixed and 10 me of the mixture added instead of 5 me of each agent.

A skilled operator will be able to make up the suspension in the cylinder so that the temperature is very near to the required 20°C by using warm water and/or cold water when filling up the cylinder. It will then not be necessary to leave the cylinder with the suspension in the water bath to acquire the right temperaturE4~'This procedure is in fact commonly followed.

In this respect, it must be emphasized, however, that if the temperature in the cylinder is slightly high, it is unsound practice to make the water bath slightly colder (or vice versa) in order to obtain more or les~ the correct temperature in the cylinder when the one-hour reading is taken. This means that the temperature in the cylinder is never constant during the settlement period. Furthermore, if the correct tempera-

5.2

5.3

5.4

23

MethodA6

5.5

ture cannot be obtained, it is better theoretically to have a slightly high temperature than a slightly low temperature.

The percentage passing the 0,075 mm sieve which is obtained from the 18-second reading. can also be determined by wet sieving. The procedure is fully described in Method A5, which is considered to be a more accurate method. In case of dispute, Method A5 shall be regarded as the referee method.

The maximum particle sizes after 40 seconds and one hour are those given by Bouyoucos in his paper. The maximum particle size after 18 seconds has been obtained from Stokes's equations, assuming average test conditions as far as Land G are concerned.

The hydrometer method of detennining particle size distribution as detailed above does not give absoh .... rte results, but does give data which are comparable and, provided the method is followed in detail, these data are consistent. The method is

5.6

5.7

I I
r r

\ /
-
0
10
-
I
0
C\I ELECTRIC MOTOR

5.8

rapid and the calculations have b ·~n reduced to a minimum.

The hydrometer should be kept in a soap solution (of about 10 %) when not in use, as this removes all traces of grease which may be present as a result of h~dlin] and which will result in wrong readings.

Calcareous materials and some materials containing soluble salts cannot always be tested, as the suspension .becomes flocculated. If excessive flocculation occurs, the one-hour readings are not taken. Only the 40-second readings are taken.

I

5.9

I

REFERENCES

AASHTO Designation T88 - 51 ASTM Designation 0422 - 63 ASTM 152H

Bouyoucos, G .. J. Directions for making mechanical analysis of soils by the hydrometer method. Soil Science Vol. 42, 3 September 1936.

o

1,00 mm STEEL

DISPERSING PADDLE

L_DISPERSING PADDLE

FIGURE A6/1

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

24

Dispersing apparatus

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

MethodA6

C:J~ gooN! S1I3.LISI.l.SVld
11:1-
wzz X30NI .... .LI:lI.lSVld
~~~
WU'IU'I SN3H9130'"
I-ZZ
I-O~ .LIWIl OlnOI1
~.., I
>-- III
C) ~W o e ,
Z ...1...1 Q.e
!!! a ..,X s>
IIIW
>-...1 Ill'"
...II- I-X o ge
~ Z ...1- o c:fe
Z 0 _...I
~II.. U'l1II V ...
a: g "'Ill
<l U'I Wz N O_e
1-0 ~>- v_ Oe
a:Z c 11..11.. ca ...
0-
::E :g Z
et WIL o_ ~e
...J Z III ~o
- 0 ~a: N V_e
Oil:
III C) OC) V ex
U
~~
0
'"
,... E
6E
ICl
N e
v_ E
C) E 0
Z e_ O_ e
Ci -E
W Ule '" e
...I w_
I- >w
Z ~~ '"
0
II.. III~ ,... e
- C)- ';e
U'I ZIII
<, -0:
III:;, "'-e
en U)w
- ~o ~ E
III
~ w~
~ C)III o_ E
Z <let !!! E
~ 1-1-
zz
W WW
> UIII "'tE
W a:: 0:
- Will ~ E
U) 0..0..
,. ~E
,... E
'" .
~e
"'E
on
0
_ E
~ E
E E
..s ..s
:x: III
l- I-
0.. !l:;
III
0 s .. :"",,'1
Wo 0'
Uz
z~_ zit:
<II- E Z
~~ .:! c)z
WW
a~ 0..0..
0 Ii
z Z
It:
W LlJ
...J t-
o.. UI
::E Z
<I 0
(Jl ::E FORM AS/1

Data sheet for sieve analysis (hydrometer) and Atterberg constants

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

25

I I I I

26

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria. South Afnca. 1986

'"

METHODA7

THE DETERMINATION OF THE MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY AND OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT OF GRAVEL, SOil AND SAND

1

2 2.1

SCOPE

The maximum dry density and optimum moisture content, as defined below, are determined by establishing the moisture-density relationship of the material when prepared and compacted at the Modified AASHTO compaction effort at different moisture contents.

Definition

Maximum density: The maximum density of a material for a specific compactive effort is the highest density obtainable when the compaction is carried out on the material at varied moisture contents.

Optimum moisture content: The optimum moisture content for a specific compactive effort is the moisture content at which the maximum density is Obtained.

2.2

APPARATUS

A mould, 152,4 ± 0,5 mm in diameter, 152,4 ± 1 mm high, with detachable collar and base plate and a 25,4 ± 1 mm thick spacer plate; with the spacer plate inside the mould the effective depth of the mould shall be 127 ± 1 mm. The spacer plate should be firmly attached to the base plate (Figure A7/1). The compaction base plate should be bolted onto a concrete block at least 150 mm thick and weighing at least 200 kg.

A 4,536 kg ± 20 g tamper with a 50,8 ± 1,0 mm diameter face and with a sheath to give a 457,2 ± 2 mm drop.

A steel straight-edge, about 300 mm in length and having one bevelled edge.

A riffler.

A balance to weigh up to 15 kg, accurate to 5 g.

A balance to weigh up to 2 kg, accurate to 0,1 g.

A steel tamper or a small laboratory crusher.

Sieves: 19.0 mm and 4,75 mm complying with SABS 197.

2.3

2.4 2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

Standard Test Melhods

TMH 1, Pretoria, South Afnca, 1986

2.9

An iron mortar and pestle and a rubbertipped pestle.

Basins, approximately 350 mm in diameter. A mixing basin, approximately 500 mm in diameter.

2.1,0 2.11

2.12 2.13 2.14

A garden trowel. A spatula.

Suitable containers to hold about 1 000 g of material for the determination of moisture contents.

A drying oven, thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110 ·C.

Measuring cylinders, 1 000 me and 500 me in capacity.

A spray-can or sprinkler. Filter paper, 150 mm rounds.

2.15

2.16

2.17 2.18

2.19 A sample extruder, i.e. a jack, lever, frame or other device adapted for the purpose of extruding compacted specimens from the mould (optional).

For calibrating the mould:

2.20 A 180 x 180 mm glass plate approximately

7 mm thick.

2.21 Lubricating grease.

2.22 A 5 me pipette.

2.23 A thermometer measuring 0 to 50 ·C.

3 METHOD

3.1 Preparation

An adequate quantity of the air-dried sample is sieved through a 19,0 mm si§!ve, The aggregate retained on the 19,0 rnrn sieve is crushed lightly by means of a steel tamper (or laboratory crusher) to pass the 19,0 mm sieve, and added to the portion passing the sieve. Care should be taken that the aggregate is not crushed unnecessarily small. If the material contains soil aggregations, these should be disintegrated as finely as possible with a mortar and pestle without reducing the natural size of the individual particles (see S.1).

Mix the material thoroughly and quarter out

27

MethodA7

a specimen of approximately 35 kg, which in tum is again quartered so as to obtain five basins of exactly similar material. This is best done by dividing the sample into 16 equal portions by means of the riffler and using three portions, i.e. 3/16 of the sample, for the determination of one point on the moisture-density relationship curve. The one portion which is surplus may be discarded. The mass of the material in each of the five basins should be between 6 and 7 kg, the higher mass to be used for material with a high relative density. For convenience the mass in the five basins may be made the same.

3.2 Mixing

Weigh the sample in each basin accurately to the nearest 5 g and transfer it to the mixing basin.

A measured volume of water is placed in the spray-can or sprinkler and added slowly to the material in the basin. While adding the water, the material should be mixed continuously with a trowel. Water is added until, in the opinion of the operator, the optimum moisture content is reached (see 5.2). The mixing of the moist material is continued for another few minutes. The water remaining in the spray-can or sprinkler is measured in order to obtain the quantity actually added, which is then expressed as a percentage of the air-dried material, The moist material should now be covered with a damp sack to prevent evaporation and allowed to stand for half an hour so that the moisture may become evenly distributed throughout. (In the meantime another basin of material may be treated by mixing at a moisture content of 1 per cent lower or higher than the first moisture content.) If the material has been moistened beforehand and allowed to soak ovemight, as described in Method A8, it is not necessary to wait for half an hour and compaction may therefore commence immediately after the water has been mixed in.

1

3.3 Preparation of the mould

The volume of the mould is determined as set out in 5.3.

The clean, dry mould is weighed accurately to the nearest 5 g and assembled on the base plate with the spacer plate. Two 150 mm rounds of filter paper are placed on the spacer plate to prevent the material from sticking to the plate. The collar is then fitted to the mould.

28

3.4

Compaction

The moist material is now mixed again and about 1 000 g of material is weighed off and transferred to the mould. The surface of the soil is levelled by hand by pressing down and light tamping, and tamped 55 times with a 4,536 kg tamper which is dropped exactly 457,2 mm. The blows must be distributed over the whole layer in five cycles of 11 blows each. In each cycle eight blows are applied to the outside circumference and three blows round the centre (see 5.4). When the tamper is raised, the operator should ensure that the guide sheath is restina on the soil and that the temper is right it the top of the sheath before being dropped. The fall of the tamper should be perfectly free. The operator should also ensure that the tamping face of the tamper is kept clean and that no cake of material is formed on the face. After the tamping of the first layer, the depth of the surface of the tamped material below the top of the mould, without the collar, is measured and should be between 96 and 99 mm. If the depth is not correct, the mass of moist material weighed out for the next layer should be increased or decreased slightly. Four more layers of material should be tamped in in exactly the same manner and each layer should be slightly more than 25 mm but not more than 30 mm thick. The depth from the top of the mould 10 the surface of a compacted layer should preferably be within the following limits:

I

..

I

First layer:

Second layer:

Third layer:

Fourth layer:

96t099mm 68 to 71 mm 43t046mm 15t020mm

After the compaction of the fifth layer, the surface of the material should be between 5 and 15 mm above the top of the mould without the collar.

3.5

Determination of moisture content

After the second layer has been compacted, a representative sample is taken trorn the material in the basin and placed in a suitable container for the determination of the moisture content.

The sample should be between 500 and 1 000 g. The more coarsely graded the material, the larger the sample. The moist sample is weighed immediately to the nearest 0,1 g and dried to constant mass in an oven at 105 to 110 "C. The moisture content is determined to the nearest 0,1 per cent. The results are recorded on Form A7/1 or any similar form.

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

3.6

Removal of excess material

The material which adheres to the collar of the mould is gently eased from the collar with a spatula. The collar is turned round gently and removed without disturbing the projecting layer of material. The projecting material is cut off carefully with a steel straight-edge (a little at a time) until the material is level with the top of the mould. Loose pebbles should be pressed in with the flat of the straight-edge. The excess material which was cut off, and, if required, also the remaining material in the mixing basin, is sieved rapidly through a 4,75 mm sieve. The material passing the sieve is spread over the surface of the material in the mould and tapped lightly with the flat of the straight-edge and cut off. If necessary this process is repeated so as to obtain an even and compact surface. Where pebbles project slightly above the top of the mould these should be pressed in below the level of the mould.

The surface of the moulded material is inspected. If it is hard and unyielding to pressure from the thumb it is probable that the optimum moisture content has not been exceeded. If, however, the material tends to be slightly spongy or yields when pressed down by the thumb, then the optimum moisture content has been exceeded.

3.7

Mass of mould

Remove the mould with compacted material from the base plate and weigh it accurately to the nearest 5 g.

The compacted material can now be removed from the mould with an extruder or other suitable means.

3.8

Establishing additional points for the moisture-density relationship curve

The above represents the determination of one point on the moisture-density relationship curve and additional points have still to be obtained. The whole procedure is, therefore, carried out on each of the other four basins of prepared material at various moisture contents. After the second compaction the approximate dry density for the two compactions is calculated, using an assumed moisture content which is the percentage of water added plus the estimated moisture content of the air-dried sample. The approximate dry densities are plotted against the assumed moisture contents and the relative position of the two paints will indicate the amount of water to be added for the third point After plotting the third point, the shape of the curve will

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

MethodA7

• f

"I

indicate the best moisture contents for the remaining points. If possible, at least two paints differing by about 1 per cent in moisture content should be obtained on either side of the peak of the moisture-density curve and the last point should be taken as near to the peak as possible unless one has already been obtained earlier near that point.

4 4.1

CALCULATIONS

Calculate the moisture content of the material for each point to the nearest 0.1 per cent as follows:

a-b

d = b _ c x 100

where

d moisture content expressed as a percentage of the dry soil

a mass of container and wet material (g)

b mass of container and dry material

(g)

c mass of container only (g).

Calculate the dry density for each point to the nearest 1 kg/mJ as follows:

W 100

D = d + 100 x v- x 1 000

where

D dry density (kg/m"l

W = mass of wet material (g) V =: volume of mould (mt).

As the volume M of the mould is a constant, the above formula can be Simplified as 10UO' .. "5:

4.2

W

D = d + 100 x F

where

F (the factor of the mould) (see 5.3) 100

= v- x 1000

Calculate the moisture content to the nearest first decimal figure and the density to the nearest whole number.

4.3

Moisture-density relationship

After the calculations have been completed the moisture contents are plotted graphically against the respective dry densities (see Figure A7/2J. The peak of the curve indicates the optimum moisture content and the maximum density of the material when compacted under this particular effort.

29

MethodA7

4.4 Reporting of results

The maximum density shall be reported to the nearest whole number on forms such as Form A 1 0(a)/1 if the results are required for field densities, or on Form A8/1 or a similar form if required for CBR determinations (see Method A8).

The optimum moisture content shall be reported to the nearest first decimal figure.

5 5.1

NOTES

Where the material contains soft and friable aggregate which will break up during compaction, e.g. certain types of ferricrete, calcrete, soft sandstone, etc., such aggregate should be disintegrated. The operator should use his discretion in borderline cases and also as regards the extent to which particles should be disintegrated.

5.2

The material is at or near its optimum moisture content when it can be readily pressed together by hand to form a lump that will not crumble. A spongy feeling is an indication that the moisture content exceeds optimum.

5.3

To determine the volume of the mould, both ends of the mould and the circumference of the spacer plate are greased and the mould, spacer and base plate assembled. Any excess grease that may be squeezed out between the mould and spacer plate is removed. The assembled mould plus the 180 mm square glass plate is weighed. Water is now poured into the mould and when it is full the glass plate is slid gently over the top of the mould. Before the glass plate quite covers the mould, the final drops of water are added by means of a pipette. When the container is covered fully by the glass plate, no air bubbles should be trapped under the plate. The mould with water and glass plate is weighed and the mass of water in the mould is calculated. This determination should be carried out at least in duplicate. The temperature of the water is measured and the volume M as well as the factor (F) of the mould are obtained as follows:

V (rnr) ==

Mass of water (9)

and F =

RD of water at test temperature 100 x 1000

V

30

Temp. 'C Relative density Temp.'C Relative density
(RD) of water (RD) of water
15 0,99913 23 0,99756
16 0,99897 24 0,99732
17 0,99880 25 0,99707
18 0.00862 26 0.99681'
19 0,99843 27 0,99654
20 0.99823 28 0,99626
21 0.99802 29 0.99597
22 .0.99780 30 0.99567 I I I

5.4

The material can also be compacted with a mechanical tamping machine of satisfactory design. At ieast ten comparative tests should be carried out on different material and for 90 per cent of the results the densities should not differ by more than 16 kglmJ from those obtained with the hand tamper.

!n following this method, the operator should ensure that the optimum obtained is the true optimum. because some materials, particularly sandy and silty materials, often have a false optimum at a lower moisture content than the true optimum. The plastic limit can be used as a gauge for the optimum moisture content, as in many cases the optimum moisture content is approximately 2 per cent lower than the plastic limit. In estimating the optimum moisture content from the plastic limit, it should be remembered that-the percentage of material passing the 0,425 mm sieve must be considered because the higher the percentage of this fraction, the more closely the plastic limit and the optimum moisture content agree.

The maximum density and optimum moisture content can also be determined using other compaction efforts. The test procedure remains the same.

The following efforts are commonly used:

5.5

5:6

Mass of Drop Blows per Layers DeSCription of
tamper (kg) (mm) layer effort
4.536 457.2 55 5 Mod.AASHTO
4.536 457.2 25 5 NAB
2.495 304.8 55 3 Standard Proctor
2.495 304.8 20 3 - 5.7

Once material has been compacted it should not be used for another compaction, i.e. fresh material should be used for every compaction. However, if for some reason the field sample was too small for the usual five test points, or if additional test points are required to obtain a satisfactory curve with a well-defined peak, the same material may be used for another compaction.

Standard Test Methods TMH r. Pretona. South Africa. 1986

MethodA7

5.8 Throughout the test the utmost care must be exercised to keep all the following variables as constant as possible:

(a) Grading of material

(b) Uniform mixing-in of water

(c) Time of standing before compaction (d) Evaporation of water during test

(e) Height of fall of tamper

(f) Free fall of tamper

(g) Distribution of tamper blows (h) Thickness of successive layers

(i) Final layer to project between 5 and 15 mm above the top of the mould

OJ Finishing off of the top surface.

5.9 Although it is not necessary to determine the volume and the mass of the mould for each test, these should, nevertheless, be checked regularly.

REFERENCES

AASHTO Designation T180 - 61 ASTM Designation 01557 -70 SABS 197

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria. South Afnca. 1986

31

MethodA7

I I I I

COLLAR

:3 mm DIAMETER HOLES

B HOLES ON 20 mm RADIUS 16 HOLES ON <10 mm RADIUS 2<1 HO lES ON 60 mm RADIUS

MOULD

COMPACTING BASE PLATE

PERFORATED BASE PLATE

DIMENSIONS IN MllLiMETRES

FIGUREA7/1

The compacting base plate, the perforated base plate, the mould and the collar

32

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretona. South Africa. 1986

1940

1930

1920
~
",. e
.....
co 1910
-'"
)-
t-
U)
z 1900
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0
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a::
0
1890 Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986




i'"



IJ
II








v
l


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'I 1880

1870

8

10

9

II

MOULDING MOISTURE CONTENT (%)

MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY: 1935 kg/m3 OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT: 10,1 %

FIGUREA7/2

Example of a moisture-density relationship curve

MethodA7

12

33

MethodA7

34

DATE /DATUM : _

SAMPLE NO/MONSTERNR. : _

MASS TAKEN /MASSA GENEEM : _

OPERATOR/TOETSER: _

DESCRIPTION / BESKRYWING : -----

I. APPROXIMATE VALUES / BENADERDE WAARDES

'1:~~~~:::~~~~~~::<~GEVaEG I~-----+I----~I-----+II-----;II----~\\

:r.;~~~'~;~~C: ; ~~;~'~~~;;TELDE v L %{ DIll I I

% ADDED + HYGROSCOPIC MOISTURE CONTENT /

% BYGEVOEG+HIGROSKOPIESEVOG-INHOUD L._ __ --L.. __ ---'L-. __ -L.. ..._ __ -'

bjDRY DENSITY / OROE DIGTHEID MOULD NO. / VORMNR.

MOULD FACTOR / VORMFAKTOR {Fll- __ -t- __ -; ++ t- __ -1

MASS OF MOULD + WET SOIL

MASSA VAN VORM + NAT GROND

MASS OF MOULD / MASSA VAN VORM

MASS a: WET SOIL/MASSA VAN NAT GROND (Wl ~----+_----r---~+-----;_----~

APPROXIMATE DR:t DENSITY! WXF )

BENADERDE DROE DIGTHEID\~I

2.ACTUAL VAWES / WERKLIKE WAARDES a)MOISTURE / VOG

CONTAINER NO. I HOUERNR. MASS OF CONTAINER + WET SOIL MASSA VAN HOUER + NAT GROND

I I I I I I

MASS OF COi~TAiNER + DRY SOiL MASSA VAN HaUER + DROE GROND

MASS OF CONTAINER / MASSA VAN HOUER

MASS OF WATER I MASSA VAN WATER

MASS OF DRY SOIL /MASSA VAN DRDE GROND MOISTURE CONTENT{%l / VOGINHOUD(%l «»

b) DRY DENSITY / DROE DIGTHEID I WXF ) \100+0

MAX DRY DENSITY I OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT MAKS.DROE OIGTHEID / OPTIWAJM VOGINHOI:JO

FORM A7/1

Recording sheet for the determination of the maximum dry density and the optimum moisture content

I

II

I I I

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria, South Africa. 1986

1

METHODA8

THE DETERMINATION OF THE CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO OF UNTREATED SOILS AND GRAVELS

SCOPE

The California Searing Ratio (CSR) of a material, as defined below, is determined by measuring the load required to allow a standard piston to penetrate the surface of a material compacted according to Method A7. The determination of the CSR-density relationship and swell of the material is also covered.

Definition

The California Bearing Ratio of a material is the load in newtons, expressed as a percentage of California standard values, required to allow a circular piston of 1 935 mrrt to penetrate the surface of a compacted material at a rate of 1,27 mm per minute to depths of 2,54, 5,08 and 7,62 mm. The Califomia standard values for these depths are 13,344, 20,016 and 25,354 kN respectively.

2 2.1

APPARATUS

Moulds, 152,4 ± 0,5 mm in diameter and 152,4 ± 1 mm high, each with a detachable collar, a base plate, a 25,4 ± 1 mm spacer plate and perforated soaking base plates (see Method A7, Subsection 2.1 and Figure A7/1).

A 4,536 kg ± 20 g tamper with a 50,8 ± i ,0 mm diameter face and with a sheath to give a 457,2 ± 2 mm drop.

A 2,495 kg ± 10 g tamper with a 50,8 ± 1,0 mm diameter face and with a sheath to give a 304,8 ± 2 mm drop.

Annular 4,536 kg ± 50 g surcharge weights for use during soaking, or alternatively a combined unit for items 2.4 and 2.6, i.e. a surcharge weight of 5,56 kg with adjustable stem (Figure A8/2).

An annular 5,56 kg ± 50 g surcharge weight for use during penetration.

1,024 kg ± 10 g perforated plates with adjustable stems.

A steel straight-edge. approximately 300 mm in length and having one bevelled edge.

A tripod (Figure A8/2).

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

2.9 Two dial gauges reading in 0,01 mm with a range of 25 mm, one to be fitted onto the tripod for measuring swell and one for measuring depth of penetration (see 5.1 j.

or

A dial gauge with 0.127 mm divisions, range 25 mm and 1.27 mm per revolution, for measuring depth of penetration (SOO

5.1). ~'(.

2.10 A compression testing machine with a'bapacity of at least 55 kN of total load,:;recordable to the nearest 50 N and capable of applying load at a rate of strain of 1,27 mm per minute.

2.11 A metal circular piston with a diameter of 49,6 ± 0,5 mm and weighing 4,536 kg ± 50 g, i.e. if not attached to the compression machine.

2.12 A stop-watch with a 60 second dial.

2.13 A balance to weigh up to 15 kg, accurate to 5 g.

2.14 A balance to weigh up to 2 kg, accurate to 0,1 g.

2.15 Suitable containers to hold about 1 000 g of material for the determination of moisture content.

2.16 A drying oven, thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature

of 105 to 110 DC. ;

2.17 Sieves, 19,0 mm and 4,75 rnrn, complying with SASS 197.

2.18 A steel tamper or a small laboratory crusher.

2.19 Ariffler.

2.20 An iron mortar and pestle and a rubbertipped pestle.

2.21 A sample extruder, i.e. a jack. le~~r.·frame. or other device adapted for the purpose of extruding compacted specimens from the mould (optional).

2.22 Measuring cylinders. 1 000 me and 500 mt

in capacity.

2.23 A spray-can or sprinkler. 2.24 Filter paper. 150 mm rounds.

2.25 Copper or brass gauze discs. about 30 mesh and 170 mm in diameter.

35

MethodA8

2.26 A galvanized iron mixing bath, about 450 x

650 x 200 mm deep.

2.27 A garden trowel.

2.28 A spatula.

2.29 An airtight container, about 18 e in capacity.

2.30 A soaking bath, about 300 mm deep.

For calibrating the moulds:

2.31 A 180 x 180 mm glass plate, ± 7 mm

thick.

2.32 Lubricating grease.

2.33 A 5 mf pipette.

2.34 A thermometer. measuring 0 to 50 "C.

3 METHOD

3.1 Preparation

The material is prepared as set out in Method A7, Le. all aggregate retained on the 19,0 mm sieve is crushed lightly to pass that sieve, and if the sample contains soil aggregations, these should bedisintegrated. Approximately 25 kg of the thoroughly mixed material is now divided out. In order to ensure that the material used for this test is exactly similar to that used for the determination of the moisture-density relationship, the preparation and division for the two tests are carried out at the: same time, as one operation (see 5.2). .

3.2 Detennination of hygroscopic moisture, content

Two representative samples are taken and placed in suitable containers to determirie the moisture content. The samples should be between 500 and 1 000 g. The more coarsely graded the material, the larger the samples. The samples are weighed immediately and dried to constant mass in an oven at 105 to 110 DC. The average hygroscopic moisture content is determined to the nearest 0,1 per cent (see 5.3).

Immediately after the moisture content samples have been taken, the remainder of the material is transferred to an airtight container.

3.3

Admixture of water

The moulding moisture content should be the optimum moisture content (± 0,3 per cent) as determined in accordance with Method A7. therefore, the additional water to be admixed is the difference between the optimum and the hygroscopic moisture content. After the latter has been deter-

36

mined the material. in the airtight tin is weighed and transferred to the mixing bath. The required amount of water is calculated, measured out and added slowly by means of the spray-can or sprinkler (see 5.4). While the water is added, Vle material should be mixed continuously with a trowel. The moist material is now covered with a damp sack to prevent evaporation and allowed to stand for at least half an hour so that the moisture may become evenly distributed throughout. After a quick remix, a representative sample is taken for the determination of the moisture content and the moist material is then again transferred to the airtight tin, where it remains until the result of the moisture determination is available, usually overnight. If the moisture content is more than 0,3 per cent above the optimum moisture content, the whole sample is remixed in the bath, aiiowing the moist material to dry slightly by evaporation. The operator will have to use his discretion as to how long the material should be mixed. If the moisture content is more than 0,3 per cent below the optimum moisture content, the calculated additional water is admixed. After either of these adjustments has been made, the moisture content is determined again, the moist material in the airtight tin again being stored until the. result is available. No further adjustment ought to be necessary if the operator is reasonably experienced.

NOTE: Careful mixing of the wet material to ensure that it is homogeneous and at the right moisture content is most important. When mixing, the moist material should be kept loose and on no account should the clayey soil fines be allowed to form clods. Care should also be exercised to ensure that representative samples are taken for moisture content determinations.

I I I IE

3.4 Preparation of moulds

The volumes of three moulds are determined as set out in Method A7, Subsection 5.3. The clean dry moulds are then. weighed and one is assembled ready for tamping. Two 150 mm rounds of filter paper are placed on the spacer plate and the collar is fitted to the mould.

3.5

Compaction

The moist material (at the specified moisture content) is transferred from the tin to the mixing bath. It is thoroughly but rapidly mixed and then covered with a damp sack, which should be kept over the material until compaction is completed so as to keep the moisture content as constant as possible.

Standard Test Methods TM H 1. Pretoria, South Africa. 1986

The first mould is now tamped full of material, the excess material removed and only the mould with the material weighed as described in Method A7, Subsections 3.4 to 3.7. A representative sample for moisture content is now taken from the mixing bath.

The second mould is then assembled immediately and tamped full of material in a similar manner, except that only 25 blows of the 4,536 kg tamper are applied to each layer. It is probable that, for each layer to be compacted, less material will have to be weighed off than in the case of the higher compactive effort. The moulded material is finished off and weighed and another representative sample for moisture content is taken from the mixing bath.

The third mould is then prepared and tamped full of material, but in this case only three layers of material are compacted and on each layer 55 blows of the 2,495 kg tamper are applied. As with the other compactive efforts, between 5 and 15 mm of material should project above the top of the mould, and therefore each layer should be approximately 46 mm in thickness. The moulded material is again finished off and weighed.

The compactive effort used for the three moulds is summarized as follows:

(a) 4,536 kg tamper, 457,2 mm drop, five layers and 55 blows per layer.

(b) 4,536 kg tamper, 457,2 mm drop, five layers and 25 blows per layer.

(c) 2.,495 kg tamper, 304,8 mm drop,

three layers and 55 blows per layer.

The average of the two moisture content determinations taken after the compaction of the first and second mouids, is taken as the moulding moisture content for all three moulds.

3.6

Soaking and swell measurement

Three perforated soaking base plates are placed ready with a wire gauze disc over the perforations and a 150 mm round of filter paper on top of the gauze. Each mould is then placed on the filter paper with the finished-off surface facing downwards and screwed down tightly onto the soaking plate. The surface of the moulded material which was against the spacer plate, and on which there is a round of filter paper; should be facing upwards.

A perforated plate with adjustable stem is then placed on top of the filter paper on the surface of the material and a 4,536 kg sur-

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria. South Africa, 1986

Method AS

charge weight is placed carefully on top of the plate. The whole assembly is then transferred to an empty soaking bath. The tripod with the dial gauge is then placed on the mould with the rear leg on a mark on the rim of the mould so that the same position is used for subsequent readings of the swell. The stem of the perforated plate is adjusted so that the dial gauge reads 1 mm. After removal of the tripod and dial gauge, the bath is filled with water' to a depth of about 12 mm above the top of the mould, To ensure that the water has free access to the bottom of the material in the mould, suitable strips are fitted to the bottom of the bath, or, alternatively, a layer of small stone chippings is placed in the bath .. The mould with material is allowed to soak for four days, and readings with the dial gauge should, if possible, be taken each day.

3.7 Draining after soaking

After four days' soaking, the mould, with perforated plate, etc., is removed from the water. The water is poured out by holding the mould in a slanting downward position and holding the perforated plate and soaking weight in position. It is held like this for about one minute and then returned to its normal position and allowed to drain for 15 minutes on a grid or a layer of chippings. The perforated plate with stem and the soaking weight are removed carefully.

NOTE: In all handling of the moulded material care should be exercised not to jar the material.

3.B Penetration

The mould containing the material, still screwed down on the soaking plate, is piaced in the press and the 5,56 kg surcharge weight is placed carefully on top of the material as centrally as possible. The penetration piston is seated on the surface of the material through the centre of the annular weight (see 5.5). The depth gauge is fitted in such a manner that the depth' of penetration of the piston into th~J1J,teral can be measured. The speed of penetration is determined by means of the stopwatch and it is therefore desirable to have the stop-watch mounted next to the dial gauge, with the two zeros at the top of the dials.

After setting the depth gauge to zero, the load is applied at a uniform rate of penetration of 1,27 mm per minute. Load readings are taken at every 0,635 mm of penetration as recorded on the depth gauge. The piston is allowed to penetrate 9,0 mm or

37

;::;:....;. ..... _ ........ -~ ... ~.- .... -"---- _. ---

MethodAB

4

4.1 4.1.1

. 4.2

slightly more (see 5.6). With a depth gauge registering. 1,27 mm per revolution, and a stop-watch with a 60~second dial, the hands of the· gauge and the stop-watch should move round together (see 5.1).

CALCULATIONS

Moisture content (per cent)

The hygroscopic moisture content, the moisture content after admixing of water and the moulding moisture content are calculated as set out in Method A7.

Amount of water to be admixed W = z(y - x)

100 + x

where

W amount otwater to be admixed

x hygroscopic moisture content

y required (optimum) moisture content

z mass of air-dried test sample.

4.3

Dry density of moulded material (kglm~ USing the moulding moisture content, the dry density of the moulded material is calculated as set out in Method A7, Subsection 4.2.

4.4

Swell (per cent)

S = (k - L) x 100 127

where

S = swell expressed as a percentage of the height of the moulded material before soaking, i.e, 127 mm

k dial gauge reading after four days'

soaking

L dial gauge reading before soaking.

The swell is reported to the nearest first decimal point on Form A8/1 or any similar form.

4.5

California Bearing Ratio

For each specimen the stress-strain curve is drawn on a natural scale, i.e, the load readings are plotted against the depth of penetration (see appended example, Figure A8/1). In some cases the curve will have a concave downward shape, varying from an almost straight line relationship to a curve in which the rate of increase in the load readings decreases with the depth of penetration. However, many curves in the initial stages have a concave upward shape, and in order to obtain true stress-strain

38

relationships, such curves should be corrected by extending the straight line portion of the curve downwards until it intersects . the abscissa. The point of intersection is then taken as the zero depth of penetration (see 5.11).

Using this new zero, the load is read off at 2,54 mm, 5,08 mm and 7,62 mm penetration. The readings for the above depths of penetration are then expressed as a percentage of the California standard for that penetration, viz:

. Penetration I California Standard I

mm kN
2,54 13,344
5,08 20,016
7.62 25,354 4.6

This percentage is called the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) at the particular depth of penetration. The CBR at 2,54 mm penetration is generally used for assessing the quality of materials.

All calculations should be carried out to the first decimal figure except for the quantity of water to be added which is calculated to the nearest gram or millilitre.

CBR-Density Relationship

In order to obtain the relationship between CBR and dry density, the CBR at 2,54 mm penetration is plotted on a logarithmic scale against the dry density on a natural scale for the three compactive efforts used, on Form A8/2. The points are connected to each other to indicate the CBR-

- density relationship. The design CSR can thus be obtained at the desired percentage of the maximum dry density - normally the specified minimum percentage compaction. The results are recorded on Form A8/3 or a similar form.

5 5.1

NOTES

5.2

The 0,01 mm gauge may be used to measure the depth of penetration and the 0,127 mm gauge to control the rate of penetration, as described in 3.8. As an alternative, the 0,127 mm gauge may also be used to measure the depth of penetration and load readings may be taken of every 0,635 mm of penetration, i.e, at the 'bottom' and 'top' positions of the gauge.

In view of the fact that the optimum moisture content has to be determined (see Method A7) before the CSR test can be

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

II

<

I I~

carried out, the first part of the procedure (3.1 to 3.5) can be adapted as follows:

5.2.1 Preparation

After a sufficiently large sample for the moisture-density and CBR test has been prepared to pass the 19,0 mm sieve, the material is moistened to about three per cent below optimum moisture content and mixed thoroughly. The whole sample is then transferred to airtight tins and stored at least overnight. This will allow the moisture to become evenly distributed which is a desirable condition.

The material is then quartered so as to obtain eight portions of equal mass (6 to 7 kg is required per portion). Five portions are used for the moisture-density test and are kept under damp sacks to avoid loss of moisture. The other three portions may be returned to airtight tins.

5.2.2 Hygroscopic moisture

The determination of this is no longer necessary.

5.2.3 Admixture of water

The optimum moisture content for the dry density can be obtained by plotting the wet density against an assumed moisture content (which is the estimated moisture content plus the nominal percentage of water added) on Form A8/4. It can also be obtained by plotting the computed dry density as described in Method A7, Subsection 4.2. As the moisture content of the material used for the moisture-density test and for the CBR test is the same (because of the moistening beforehand), the same percentage of water required to achieve optimum moisture content on the preliminary moisture-density curve is added to the material. It is not necessary to carry out a moisture content determination with a view to adjusting the moisture content. After the mixing in of the water, the material is kept under a damp sack, ready for compaction.

5.2.4 Compaction

Immediately before compaction a sample of approximately 1 000 g is taken to determine the moisture content, and the material is compacted as described above.

5.3 If the duplicates of the moisture content determinations differ by more than a,s per cent, another determination ought to be carried out and the average of the two with the best agreement taken.

5.4 In calculating the required amount of water to be admixed, it is advisable to allow for evaporation during mixing by adding slightly more water. say 0,1 to 0,3 per cent, depending on weather conditions.

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

Method AS

5.5 If the penetration piston is attached to the penetration machine, a load of 45 N should be applied to the piston before the dial gauge is set at zero. This load is the same as the weight of a loose piston and ensures that the piston is truly seated.

5.6 The penetration is continued beyond 7,62 mm to allow for an extension in the stress-strain curve if a correction is required which results in a considerable shift

of the zero depth of penetration. .

5.7 The material may also be compacted with a mechanical tamper, provided that:

(a) the density requirement stated in Method A7, Subsection 5.4, is satisfied,and

(b) it has been determined from at least ten samples of different material, covering a wide range of CBRs, and with a 95 per cent level of confidence, tt ,. the results of mechanical compaction do not differ significantly from those of manual compaction.

s.a Particular care should be taken with materials which do not adhere to the side of the mould and are liable to drop out of the mould if the mould is handled without the base plate. In this instance, after the surface of the moulded material has been finished off, a weighed soaking plate and wire gauze are inverted over the top of the moulded material on which a round of filter paper has already been placed. The soaking plate is screwed into position and the whole assembly, including the base plate, is inverted. The base plate, with the spacer plate, is removed carefully and the mould, material and soaking plate are weighed.

5.9 When. granular materials are compacted, it wilt be found that the filter paper on the spacer piate side of the mouided material becomes fractured and should be covered with a fresh round of filter paper before the perforated plate with stem is placed in position.

5.10 Although it is not necessary to determine the volume and mass of the moulds for each test, these should, nevertheless, be checked regularly.

5.11 Some combinations of apparatus may result in a load being registered at zero penetration depth, for which the figures cannot easily be adjusted. In such a case the zero penetration point adjustment must be moved along the ordinate to the zero axial point, or, as mentioned in 4.5, this adjustment may be done when the load is read off at the three penetration depths.

Sometimes, particularly when dealing with

39

MethodAB

material with a collapsing grain structure. it is found that the penetration curve has a concave upward shape almost from the beginning. within the penetration area In such a case it is difficult and sometimes impossible to decide where the zero point adjustment should be made. Such materials will show the same collapsing properties in the field and since there is a danger that the evaluation may be tao high. no zero point adjustment should be made.

I I I

I

REFERENCES

AASh'TO Designation T193 - 63 ASTM Designation 01883 - 67 SABS197

I

•

I'

1

40

Standard Test Methods TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

MethodA8

12,5

2






-
/11
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,/

II

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OIL l/ 10

... I,

a « o ...J

(0) 0

2 3 4 (b) 0

5 6 7 8 9 23456789

(c) 0 2 3 4 5

DEPTH OF PENETRATION (mm)

FIGUREA8/1

6 7 8 9

Example of a CBR curve

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

41

(i

MethodAB

42

I I

FIGUREA8/2

The tripod and the annular surcharge weight with adjustable stem

Standard Test Methods TMH 1. Pretona. South Afnca. 1986

SAMPLE NO': _

MONSTERNR.: _

Method AS

DATE: _

DATUM: _

MAX. DRY DENSITY' /O.II.C. _

MAKs.pROE DIGTHElll.. /OVI _

MASS OF AIR DRY MP.TERIAL, _

MASSA VAN LUGOROE MATERlAAL: __ . _

MOISTURE CONTENT DATA VOGINHQUDDATA

CONTAINER NO. HOUERNR.

MASS Of CONTAINER a WET MATERIAL MASSA Vl>.N HOUER a NAT MATERIAAL MASS OF CONTAINER B DRY MATERIAL MASSA VAN HOllER a OROt MATERIAAL MASS OF CONTAINER

MASSA VAN HQUER

MASS OF WATER

MASSA VAN WATER

MASS OF DRY MATERIAL

MASSA VAN ORoE MATERIAAL

v; WATER

v; WATER

COMPACTION DATA VERDIGTINGSDATA

COMPACTIV E EFFORT VERDIGTINGSKRAG

MOULD NO.

VORMNR

FACTOR

FAKTOR

MASS OF MOULD a WET MATERIAL MASSA VAN VORM a NAT MATERIAAL MASS OF MOULD

MASSA VAN VORM

MASS OF WET MATERIAL MASSA VAN NAT MATERIAAL MAS S OF DRY MATERIAL MASSA VAN DROE MATERIAAL DRY DENSITY

DROE DIGTIIE 10

% COMPACTION

v; VER DIG TlNG

EXPANSION DATA UITSETTlNGSDATA

M.C.
HYGROSCOPIC M.c. AFTER NIXING MOUlDING N.C.
HIGROSKOPIESE V I VI "A VORM iNGS-VI
WATER MENGPilOSES
REQUIRED
(%1
WATER
BENOOIG



m(

AVERAGE NOULDING M.C. %
GEMIOOELOE VORMlNGS-VI Ie)

(0 )

I b)

~~S ~I ___l___._.I_3 1 4tll _t__1 Z L--.LI--lI--4 II __,__I 1 z --,----I 3 --'----jl 4

~. SWELL ~----------------~-----------------a-----------------i

"l.UTSWELLING L... ...IL -"- --'

CORR[CT[ ~:~~J~ CORRECTED
DE PTII I OIEPTE Imm) REAOING READING CBR
A~.anINr. CBR READ!NG CBR READING
0,01 mm GAUGE 0,121 mm GAUGE L£SIN·i;- ~~~. KDV LESIfjG AANC[PAS- KDV LESING AHC(P&S~ KOV
o OI·mm·METER Ot27·mm-METE'R IE lESINCi 1'[ LESING
0,0 0,000 I---
05 0635
10 I 210 I---- I---
1,5 I 905 I--- I---
20 Z 540 - -
2 5 3 115 - -
-
3,0 3,B 10 -
35 4 445
40 5 aBO ,___ ,
45 5 115 I--- r---
50 6350 I---- I---
5,5 6,9B5 I--- I----
- t------
6,0 1 620 - I---
65 B 255 - t------
7,0 B,B90
1 5 9 525 - I---
B,O - r--
- t------
B 5 - I---
90 PENETRATION DATA PENETRASIEDATA

ii

FORM A811

Siandard Test Methods

TMH I, Pretoria, Soulh Afnca. 1986

Recording sheet for the determination of the CBR of untreated soils and gravel

43

II

Method AS

i

44

500

5
4



2

I








0

0

0

~
8
7
6
5
4

:3

2

I 400

300

200

100 90

80

70 60 50

40

3

0:::> mO u:x::

2

I 1800 20 40 60 80 1900 20 40 60 80 2000 20 40 60

DRY DENSITY (kg 1m 3) DROE: DIGTHEID (kg/ m:3)

FORM AS/2

Form for the CBR-density relationship curve

00

00

I I

00

00 90 80 70

60 50

40

30

20

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
:3
2
~'" " Standard Test Methods TMH 1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

MethodAB

C 8 R J KDV
BEARING RATIO AT MOD. AASHTO DATA COMPACTION DATA
ORAKRAGVERHOUOING BY GEWYS.AASHm-OATA VERDIGTINGSDATA
SAMPLE NO. SWELL
(O/oJ OPTIMUM DRY ~ M06TURE
MONSTERNR. MOISTURE DENSITY
2,5'1 mm 5,OBImI 7,62mm UITSWEL- MOD (%J ('Yo)
LING OPTIMUM DROE VERDIGllNG VOG
VOG DIGTHEID
a
~
c
\ \~I I I I I I I I I I



b
c
a
b
c
a
b
c
Q
b
c
a
b
c
a
b
c
a "~';.: - .
..
b
c FORM AB/3

Data sheet for the CBR-density relationship

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

45

MethodAB

2400~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,,~~~~~

80 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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<,

'"

- ;<

'" -

~o

oZ -"'0

-0::

=CI Oz tn",

LL> 00

>- -

!::~

tn .... :zCl Wo o

'w >- 0 0:: 0:: 00

o

2

3 4

!I 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2J 2Z 23 MOISTURE CONTENT!% OF DRY MASS OF SOIL I

VOGINHOUO ! % VA~ MASSA VAN DROE GROND)

FORM ABI4

Moisture-density relationship

46

Standard Test Methods TMHI. Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

METHODA9

THE DETERMINATION OF THE CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO OF LIME-STABILIZED SOilS AND GRAVELS '

1 SCOPE 3.1.2 After compaction as described in Method
This method describes the determination of A8, Subsection 3.5 (and before soaking),
the CBR (according to Method A8) of lime- the moulded specimens are damp-cured
stabilized soils and gravels and is also ap- for s~ven days. This can be achieved by
plied to obtain the lime content required to keepmg them under wet jute bags or in a
satisfy a specified CBA. moisture room if available at a temperatUie
of 22 to 28 "C, After curing, the specimens
are soaked and penetrated in exactly the
2 APPARATUS same manner as described in Method A8,
Same as for ~ .. 4ethcd .48. Subsections 3.6 to 3.8 (see 5.2 and 5.3).
4 CALCULATIONS
,. 3 METHOD
As for Method A8.
3.1 As for Method A8 with the following addi-
tions:
3.1.1 Three or more different lime contents at 5 NOTES
which the California Bearing Ratio (CSR) is 5.1 Unslaked or partially slaked lime has to be
to be determined, are selected. These are
usually in increments of two percentage slaked before being used by mixing it with
points, e.g. 2, 4 and 6 per cent by mass of one-third of its mass in water in a suitable
the total oven-dry raw material (2 per cent container and leaving overnight.
means two parts of lime to 100 parts of 5.2 The test is carried out at optimum moisture
oven-dry raw material). The calculated content (± 0,3 per cent) of the stabilized
amount of lime is admixed with the raw mix. This means that the optimum moisture
material (see 5.1) after the material has content has to be determined in accord-
been prepared and quartered as described ance with Method A 7, except that the re-
in Method A8, Subsection 3.1. The different qui red quantity of lime is added. The lime is
quantities of lime are added and the added separately to each portion quartered
material brought to optimum moisture con- for the moisture-density test.
tent. The material is left covered under wet 5.3 After penetration, the sample extruded
hessian bags for 4 hours ± 15 minutes af- from the mould is normally used for the de-
ter the water and lime have been mixed in termination of the Atterberg constants.
before compaction (see 5.2). The cornpac-
tion must be completed within six hours of
the addition of the water.
~~ - .. Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa, 1986

47

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48

Standard Test Methods TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

1

,.

2 2.1

...

METHOD A10(a)

THE DETERMINATION OF THE IN-PLACE DRY DENSITY OF sou.on GRAVEL BY THE SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD

SCOPE

The in-place dry density of compacted soil or gravel, as defined below, is determined by making a hole in a compacted layer and dividing the dry mass of the material removed from the hole by the volume of the hole, which is determined by filling the hole with a fine sand of known density.

Definition

The in-place dry density of a material is the dry mass per unit volume of the material and is expressed in kilograms per cubic metre.

2.2

APPARATUS

A density device complete with accessories, viz. pouring can, dolly, garden trowel, chisel and three pegs (Figure A 1 0(a)/1) (see 5.1 and 5.2).

A balance with scoop to weigh up to 6 kg, accurate to 1 g.

About 10 kg of specially prepared and calibrated sand (see 5.3 and 5.4).

A drying oven, thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110 DC.

A small spade (border spade).

Paint brushes: a 100 mm and a 20 to 30 mmbrush.

A road tamper.

A 2 kg hammer.

A pan, about 300 x 300 mm. A tablespoon.

A 300 mm rule.

A suitable container such as a tin of about 5 e capacity.

For preparation and calibration of sand:

Sieves, 0,425 mm and 0,250 mm. A basin, about 400 mm in diameter.

A cylindrical container with an intemal diameter and height of 152,0 ± 5 mm.

A 180 x 180 mm glass plate about 7 mm thick.

2.3

2.4

2.5 2.6

2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12

2.13 2.14 2.15

2.16

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria, Soutn Africa, 1986

2.17 Lubricating grease.

2.18 A 5 me pipette.

2.19 A thermometer, a to 50 DC.

3 METHOD

3.1 Preparation

The point at which the density is to be determined is selected and a fairly even surface of about 300 mm by 300 mm is chosen. All loose material is brushed away to leave a clean and firm surface. If the surface is very uneven, it can be levelled by carefully skimming off the irregularities with the small border spade. The ring of the density device is now placed on the surface of the material and the dolly is placed on the ring. The three pegs are hammered in so that they just touch the rim of the ring (see 5.2). By means of light blows with the road tamper on the dolly, the density ring is driven down until the lower surface of the ring makes firm contact with the surface of the material. If coarse aggregate near the surface prevents the penetration of the edge of the ring, the ring should be shifted somewhat. Care should be taken to ensure that the material in the centre 01 the ring is not loosened unduly. The three pegs are now hammered in the rest of the way to hold the density ring firmly in place. The dolly is removed and the material which may have been loosened in the ring is removed by brushing it lightly into the trowel or spoon.

3.2

Volume of density ring and funpel

The density funnel is now placed on the density ring so that the lower funnel rests in the recess in the ring. The machined recess should be clean with no soil or grit on the ring. The funnel tap is closed. About 2 000 g of the prepared and density-calibrated sand (which should be more than sufficient to fill the lower funnel and the volume of the ring not occupied by the material) is accurately weighed and transferred to the pouring can. It is then poured from the can into the upper funnel. When

49

Method A10(a)

the sand level comes to within about 25 mm of the top of the upper funnel, the tap is opened completely and the sand is allowed to flow into the lower funnel. In the meantime the sand from the can is allowed to run out completely, keeping the sand level in the upper funnel about 25 mm from the top. As soon as the sand in the upper funnel stops flowing, the funnel tap should be closed carefully. On no account should the funnel be jarred (see 5.1).

The density funnel is now removed and inverted over the scale scoop. The tap is opened and the sand confined in the orifice in the tap is also retumed to the scale scoop. This sand is weighed and then returned to the bulk supply.

As much of the sand remaining in the density ring as can readily be transferred by means of a trowel or tablespoon should be removed and placed in the square pan. Care should be taken to see that the surface of the material is not touched. When most of the sand has been removed, the remainder is brushed into the centre of the ring. The sand in the square pan is weighed and then retumed to the bulk supply. The remainder is collected with the material later on.

3.3 Removal of material from the density hole

The cold chisel is now used to loosen the material in the density ring and this including the sand remaining in the ring, is removed by means of a trowel and a spoon and placed in the square pan. When possible, only the chisel and the trowel are used to loosen the material, except when the iayer of material is extremely hard, in which case a chisel and hammer may have to be used. The edge of the density ring should not be used as a fulcrum when using the chisel. The procedure should be to push or tap the chisel into the soil and then rotate the chisel by means of the cross handles and move the chisel to and fro.

The sides of the density hole must be cut vertically and should extend to the full depth of the layer to be tested, as otherwise a true average density is not obtained (see 5.6). If a stone is removed from the wall of the hole, the cavity should be cut away at the top so that there is a gradual slope down the wall to ensure that the sand when poured, will fill the hole completely. As far as possible the sides and bottom of the hole should not be loosened, but maintained in their compacted state.

All loose material in the hole should be re-

50

moved and collected in a container. Any material which may have fallen on the density ring should be collected by means of a brush and spoon. The average depth of the hole is then measured.

I I I I

3.4

Volume of the density hole

The density funnel is replaced on the density ring which should be perfectly clean. From 5 500 to 6 000 g of density sand is weighed off accurately and transferred to the pouring can. The density hole, etc., is now filled up as in 3.2. It is possible that the sand may be more than sufficient to fill the upper funnel as well, in which case some sand will be left in the pouring can. The funnel tap is then closed carefully. The sand in the upper funnel and the pouring can and also in the orifice of the tap is retumed to the scale scoop and weighed. This sand can then be remixed with the bulk supply. The sand remaining in the hole and on the density ring is removed and placed in the bag containing used sand, which must be prepared before being used again (see 5.S).

3.5

Drying and weighing of material

The material removed from the hole is taken to the laboratory where it is transferred to a square pan and dried to constant mass in an oven at 105 to 110 "C. The sand and material should be weighed accurately to the nearest 1 g.

4

CALCULATIONS Dry density in kg/rrr n _ WF

~ "",-. --w-

where

o dry density (kg/m~

W mass of dry material from density hole (g)

w mass of sand to fill density hole (g)

F poured density of sand (kq/rrr') (see 5.4)

Wand ware obtained from the test data as follows:

Xg

mass of sand taken initially for filling the lower funnel and unoccupied part of ring

mass of sand over after filling lower funnel and part of ring

mass of sand in lower funnel and unoccupied part of ring

mass of sand removed from

Yg

x- Yg

Mg

Standard Tesl Melhods TMH 1. Prelona, South Afnca, 1986

ring with trowel and tablespoon

. '. (X - Y) - M g = mass of residual sand left on surface of material and taken out with density sample

Z g mass of sand taken initially for filling the lower funnel, ring and density hole

d g mass of sand over from this

operation

.: . Z - d g = mass of sand in lower funnel, ring and density hole

Kg = mass of dry material and re-

sidual sand

__ . K - (X - Y - M) = W (L8. mass of dry material) and (Z - d) - (X - Y) = w (l.e, mass of sand)

Finally, substitute the above values for W and w in the formula

o =

[K - (X - Y - M)]F (Z-d}-(X-Y)

The calculation should be carried out to the nearest 1 kg/mJ and the dry density reported to the nearest 5 kg/mJ on Form A 1 0(a)/1 or a similar form.

5 5.1

NOTES

In windy conditions a density funnel with a metal cylinder welded to the top cone may be used to protect the sand from the wind. The metal cylinder should be 300 mm long and have the same inside diameter as the inside diameter of the tap of the funnel. All the sand is poured into the funnel before the tap is opened. To eliminate any possible errors it is advisable to calibrate the density sand with the same funnel.

For granular material where the material may be disturbed when hammering in the pegs, three metal bars, approximately 10 mm long, 20 mm wide and 5 mm thick with a 12 mm hole drilled through one end may be welded, at an equal spacing, to the side of the density ring. The pegs for holding the ring are then hammered through the holes in the bars.

5.2

Preparation of sand

A large quantity of sand (preferably quartzitic sand) should be washed thoroughly with water and the water decanted from time to time until clear. The sand is then dried and sieved through 0,425 mm and 0,250 mm sieves. The fraction passing the 0,425 mm sieve and retained on the 0,250 mm sieve is used in the density determination. Other

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

5.3

Method A10(a)

closely graded fine sand may also be used but it is desirable that not more than one type of sand should be used on one job .

5.4 Calibration of the sand (determination of poured density)

5.4.1 Mass of sand required to fill funnel

The density funnel is placed with the lower funnel resting on the glass. plate. The funnel tap is closed. About 1 700 g of the density sand is accurately weighed and transferred to the pouring can. The sand is then poured into the upper funnel. When the level of the sand comes within about 25 mm of the top of the upper funnel, the tunnel tap is opened, and the sand aiiowed to flow into the lower funnel. The remainder of the sand in the can is poured into the upper funnel, maintaining the level at about 25 mm from the top of the funnel. When the sand stops flowing into the iower funnel, the tap is closed carefully without jarring the funnel. The density funnel is removed and the sand remaining in the upper funnel, including the sand contained in the orifice in the tap, is transferred to the scale scoop and weighed. This determination should be carried out in triplicate and the average mass of sand required to fill the lower funnel recorded.

5.4.2 Mass of sand required to fill container (see 2. 1S) and funnel

The density funnel is placed centrally over the container so that the lower funnel is on top of the container. The funnel tap is closed. About 6 000 g of the density sand is accurately weighed and transferred to the pouring can. The sand is then 'poured into the upper funnel. When the level of the sand comes within 25 mm of the top of the upper runnel, the funnel tap is opened, and the sand allowed to flow into the lower funnel and the container. The remainder of the sand from the can is poured into the upper funnel, maintaining the level at about 25 mm from the top of the funnel. When the flow through the tap ceases, the tap is closed carefully without jarring ttl1'l. tunnel. The funnel is then removed and the sand in the upper funnel and tap orifice, as well as any sand that may have remained in the pouring can, is transferred to the scale scoop and weighed. The determination should be carried out in triplicate and the average mass of sand required to fill the

funnel and container is recorded. .

5.4.3 Volume of the container

A fairly thin film of lubricating grease is applied to the top edge of the container. The container and the glass plate are weighed.

51

Method MO(a)

Water is now poured into the container and, when full, the glass plate is slid gently over the top of the container. Before the glass plate quite covers the container, the final drops of water are added from a pipette. When the container is covered fully by the glass plate, no air bubbles should be entrapped under the plate. The container with water and glass plate are now weighed. The temperature of the water is measured. This determination should also be carried out in triplicate to obtain an average value for the mass of water in the container.

5.4.4 Calculations

5 41 F = 1000W

.4. . V

where

F poured density of the sand (kg/m"J

W = mass of sand to fill container (g)

V = volume of container (mt).

5.4.4.2 Wis obtained from the test data as follows:

5 g mass of sand initially taken for filling lower funnel

t g mass of sand over after filling lower funnel

:. s - t g = mass of sand in lower funnel

u 9 mass of sand initially taken for filling lower funnel and container

v g mass of sand over after filling fun-

nel and container

:. u - v g = mass of sand in funnel and container

(u - v) - (s - t) g = W (i.e. mass of sand in container only).

5.4.4.3 V is obtained from the test data as follows:

m g mass of container and glass plate

and water

n g mass of container and glass plate

:. m - ng = mass of water

If d = relative density of water at the temperature at which the test is carried out (see Method A7, Subsection 5.3) then

m-n VI' I'

-d- == I.e. volume 0 container) (mE)

52

5.4.4.4 Substitute the above values for Wand V in the formula in 5.4.4-1:

then F = flu - v} - (5 - t}j x d x 1 000 m -n

5.5 Once sand has been used for a density de-

termination, it should be resieved. (lllis, of course, does not apply to clean sand returned to the bulk supply.) After the sand has been used for -sorne time, it tends to become dirty, in which case it should be rewashed as well as resieved and its poured density (or factor) redetermined. Whenever a new batch of sand is prepared, it should be calibrated.

Layers in the road foundation are normally constructed to a compacted thickness of between 75 and 150 mm and density determinations are normally limited to approximately these minimum and maximum depths. In any case, a determination to a depth of less than 75 mm is more subject to error and may not be very reliable, whereas a determination to a depth of more than 150 mm creates practical difficulties in the digging of the hole. It should also be remembered that the poured density of the sand is determined in a 152,4 mm deep container. Another consideration is the effect of density gradients, and although the construction 01 layers considerably thicker than 150 mm may be permissible (or unavoidable in the case of very coarse material), it is considered that the density determinations should be limited to a depth of 150 mm.

If a large stone is encountered in the density hole, the determination should not be attempted. Apart from the practical difficulty of removing the stone, the test result will be meaningless. Another spot should then be selected for the determination. If the material contains a large proportion of very coarse aggregate, i.e. aggregate of, say, more than 75 mm in diameter, the density test is hardly considered worthwhile as the results with not be sufficiently reliable.

5.6

5.7

REFERENCES

AASHTO Designation T191 - 61 ASTM Designation 01556 - 64

Standard Test Methods TMH 1, Pretoria. South Africa, 1986

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~ ~."'".
I- I- 152 -I -I
225

DENSITY RING \ 172

MARK "TOP"

M ARK "BOTTOM"

{_ TIJI~-------~\~~~-------~I~

DENSITY FUNNEL

173

Methoci A10(a)

o C\J

o C\J

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

FIGURE A10(a)/1 Sand density apparatus

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa, 1986

53

Method MO(a)

54

MODIFIED IIlC. AT FIELD DENSITY RESULTS
AASHTO OATA
WHICH
DISTAHCE PEG NO' 9EWYSIeDE COMPACTED VEUlDI9THEIDIIIESULTATE COIolPACTIOH
AASHTO- DATA
IoIAXIMUIoI OPTIWUIoI (%) 1oI0lSTURE
lko,) DENSITY CONTENT 1%)
"'.C. VOGIHHOUD DEPTH DENSITY ,
WAARBY (%)
AFSTAND PENr.&R. MAlCSIWUIoI OPTIIoIUW VERDIGTIHG
tvoBINH<lW DIEPTE DIQTHEID VOGaHHOUn
DIQTHEID VERDIQ \ \ \ \ \ I I I

FORM Ai O(a)/1

Sheet for field compaction data

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Standard Test Methods TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

c

METHOD A10{b}

THE DETERMINATION OF THE IN-PLACE DENSITY AND MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOILS AND GRAVELS BY NUCLEAR METHODS

1

SCOPE

This method describes the in-place determination of the density and moisture content of a compacted layer by nuclear methods.

Definition

The in-place dry density of a material is the dry mass per unit volume of the material expressed in kilograms per cubic metre.

The In-place moisture content (mJV) is the mass of water per unit volume of the inplace material expressed in kilograms per cubic metre. (In this method moisture content will refer to this definition.) This moisture content can be converted and expressed as a percentage of moisture per mass of dry material (m/m).

2 2.1

APPARATUS

A nuclear system complete with accessories and stored in a suitable transit case as supplied by the manufacturer. A detailed description of each unit and principles of operation should be given in the manual for the nuclear instrument.

Other equipment required for the test, viz bedding sand, for levelling site if necessary, bedding plate, paint brush, etc.

2.2

2.3

Safety

Radiation levels and shielding must comply with government regulations. The equipment should also have safety features such as an automatic source retraction mechanism.

NOTE: Nuclear apparatus must be registered with the Atomic Energy Corporation.

3 METHOD

3.1 Standardization of equipment

3.1.1 The following checks must be made before any instrument is used:

(a) The warm-up time must be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

Standard Test Melhods

TMH1, Pretoria. South Atnca, 1986

(b) The power supply must be properly charged (a low power level should be indicated by an audible warning or any other suitable indicator).

(c) The metering or display system must be checked for correct functioning.

3.1.2 Laboratory check

(a) On receipt of the instrument, and at intervals of 6 months, it must be checked against the calibration standards to confirm calibration values. If values agree, proceed. If values do not agree, return the machine to the manufacturer for adjustment or repair.

(b) Check the instrument against the reference unit at the preselected reference spot at the main laboratory before the instrument is taken into the field.

Twenty readings in each mode are to be taken at the beginning of each month and thereafter three readings in each mode daily. If the readings fall outside the calibration limits prescribed, check the instrument as described in (a) above. (Use Forms A 1 O(b)/2. 3 and 4 for recording results.)

These counts are taken to ensure instrument stability. The daily counts recorded must be checked against thernonthly counts recorded, as a short-term stability control. Tne monthly counts recorded must be checked against the factory or calibration standard counts, to check the longterm stability of the machines. Tolerances allowed here must comply with the manufacturer's specifications, but must not exceed 2 per cent for density and 4 per cent for moisture in the short-term Gttepk and 3 per cent for both moisture and density in the long-term stability check.

3.1 .3 Field check

A reference spot must be selected in the field against which daily checks can be made before and after routine tests. Three readings must be taken which must fall within the field calibration limits set by the manufacturer, but may not vary by more than 3 per cent for both density and moisture counts. Should the machine not satisfy

55

Method A10(b)

these limits retum to 3.1.2(a) and check the machine.

Care should be taken to ensure. that other objects, such as vehicles, walls or other nuclear instruments, are not in the immediate vicinity, but are at least 10 m away.

A permanent record should be kept of the readings taken on the reference unit. Forms A10(b)/2, 3 and 4 may be used.

3.2 Preparation of test site

3.2.1 Flush backscatter measurements

The gauge must be properly bedded on the surface of the material for all flush count measurements.

A bedding of fine graded sand (passing the 0,600 mm sieve) should be strewn lightly over the site. The surface gauge should then be bedded on the surface by shifting it backwards and forwards over the site. The bedding sand should only serve to fill the surface voids. A continuous layer of sand over the material must be avoided.

3.2.2 Direct transmission mode of measurement The drill rod is placed through the guide in the bedding plate and then driven into the ground at least 50 mm deeper than the desired depth of measurement. Care must be taken not to damage the hole when withdrawing the drill rod.

3.3 Moisture and density measurements There are three methods for determining the density of material. These are:

A - the flush backscatter method;

B - the airgap count ratio method; and C - the direct transmission method.

The moisture content (mN) of a material can only be determined with nuclear equipment by the flush backscatter method.

3.3.1 Method A - Flush backscatter (FBS)

The following procedure should be used to carry out the flush backscatter density and moisture count measurements:

(a) Bed the surface gauge, ensuring that it is flush with the surface of the material.

(b) Activate the nuclear instrument (ensure that the source is not in the retracted position).

(c) Read and record moisture and density readings after the counting period has ceased. (Record in 1 and 3 of Form Al0(b)/1.)

(d) The source must then be retracted and the gauge turned through 180'. Rebed at the same test point. Repeat

56

procedures (b) and (c). (Record in 1 and 3 of Form A 1 0(b)/1.)

3.3_2 Method B - Airgap count ratio method (ACR)

This method is applied with instruments having the appropriate facility. The procedure is as follows:

(a) Bed the surface gauge ensuring that it is flush with the surface of the material.

(b) Activate the nuclear instrument (ensuring that the source is not in the re. tracted position).

(c) Read and record the moisture and density readings after the counting period has ceased. (Record in 1 and 3 of Forin A 1 0(b)/1.)

(d) The source must then be retracted and the gauge tumed through 180°. Rebed at the same test point. Repeat procedures (b) and (c). (Record in 1 and 3 of Form A 1 O(b)/l.)

(e) After retracting the source of the surface gauge, lift it gently off the test point. Care must be taken not to disturb the bedding sand, when used.

(f) Carefully place the airgap cradle over the point previously occupied by the surface gauge. Lower the surface gauge into the recess in the cradle, ensuring that the radioactive source is in the same position as before. Care should be taken to ensure that the sole-plate is free of mud and bedding sand before being placed onto the cradle.

(g) Read and record the density reading after counting has ceased. (Record in 2 of Form A 1 O(b)/1.)

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(h) Retract the source of the gauge.

(i) Without disturbing the airgap cradle turn the surface gauge through 180e and replace in the recess.

(j) Activate the source and read and record the density reading after counting has ceased. (Record in 2 of Form ,< Al0(b)/1.)

3.3.3 Method C - Direct transmission (DT)

The direct transmission (OT) mode of measurement is used for determining density only.

With some machines moisture count readings may be taken by backscatter simultaneously with the OT density readings.

The procedure for determining the density by OT is as follows:

(a) Place the instrument over the pre-

Standard Test Methods ThIH 1. Pretoria. South Afnea. 1986

pared test point with the direct transmission probe directly above the hole.

(b) Lower the probe into the hole to the desired depth of density measurement.

(c) To minimize the airgap between the source and the detector, the gauge must be gently pulled to position the probe against the side of the hole.

(d) After density count readings, the probe must be retracted before attempts to remove the instrument from the test point are made, in order to prevent damage to the probe and possible radiation.

(e) A second density count reading may be taken by turning the gauge through 1800 and carrying out the procedures in (a) to (d).

4

CALCULATIONS

4.1 For Method A - Flush backscatter (FBS)

4.1.1 Wet density

Calculate the average of the flush backscatter density counts for each test point. Read off the corresponding wet density in kilograms per cubic metre from the backscatter density calibration curve or tables. The wet density should be read off to the nearest 5 kg/ml.

4.1 .2 Moisture content (mN)

Calculate the average of the moisture counts for each test point. Read off the corresponding moisture to the nearest 5 kg/ml from the relevant moisture calibration curve or' tables.

4.2 For Method B - Airgap count ratio (ACR)

4.2.1 Wet density

(a) Calculate the aV'fage of the flush backscatter densify counts and the average of the airgap density counts.

(b) Divide the average airgap density count by the average backscatter density count to determine the airgap count ratio (ACR). The division shall be carried out to the third decimal place.

(c) Read off the corresponding wet density from the ACR density curve. The wet density should be read off to the nearest 5 kq/rn",

4.2.2 Moisture content (mN)

Calculate the average of the moisture counts. Read off the corresponding moisture content to the nearest 1 kg/m3 from the moisture curve.

Standard Test Methods

TMH1. Pretoria, South Afnea, '986

Method A10(b)

4.3 For Method C - Direct transmission (DT)

4.3.1 Wet density'

Calculate the average of the direct transmission density counts for each test point. Read off the wet density to the nearest 5 kg/m3 from the calibrated' DT density curve.

4.3.2 Moisture content (mN)

Calculate the average of the moisture counts. Read off the corresponding moisture content to the nearest 1 kg/m3 from the moisture curve.

4.4 Dry density

Calculate the dry density by subtracting the moisture content from the wet density. Round off the result to the nearest 5 kg/ml.

4.5 Reporting of results

The results should be reoorted to the near-

est 10 kg/m3• .

5 NOTES

5.1 The basic counUmoisture and count/density backscatter curves and the airgap count ratio/density curve are supplied by the manufacturer.

5.2 Effect of type of material

Owing to the effect of changes in the chemical composition of a material, the basic calibration curve of some instruments may require adjustment as described in 5.3 for the density, and in 5.4 for the moisture calibration curves for all instruments.

Techniques such as the airgap count ratio (ACR) method can be employed to compensate for this effect.

5.3 Compensation of basic backscatter density curve

5.3.1 Carry out ACR wet density measurements as in Method B at six different test points.

(a) Calculate the average FBS density count for each test point. fe. ':.

(b) Calculate the average airgap density backscatter count for each test point.

(c) Determine the airgap count ratio for each test point.

(d) Determine the wet density for each test point from the ACR curve.

5.3.2 Plot the average of these wet densities against the average of the corresponding six flush backscatter count averages on copies of the basic backscatter graph supplied with the equipment.

57

Method A10(b)

5.3.3 Through this point plot a line parallel to the basic backscatter curve. This is then the compensated density backscatter for the material concerned.

5.4 Compensation of basic moisture curve

5.4.1 Investigations have shown that where moisture measurements are carried out on ferruginous materials Oaterite, ironstone, ferricrete) or on materials containing chemically bound water (such as clay or soil having a high organic matter content), it is necessary to compensate the basic moisture curve supplied with the instrument.

The appropriate moisture calibration curve for these materials can be established by means of comparative gravimetrical moisture determinations. The calibrated curve is generally offset by a constant factor from the basic curve. The following procedure should be followed to establish the correct curve.

58

5.4.2 Determine nuclear moisture and wet density counts at five different test points using

Method B. .

5.4.3 Immediately after each test, take a sample (approximately 2 kg) at the same test point to a depth of 75 mm. Determine the moisture content (mlmJ by oven-drying.

5.4.4 Determine the wet densities from the basic ACRcurve.

5.4.5 Convert the moisture content (mlmJ to a mass per volume basis by means of the following formula:

I I

.

I

M x Ow Moisture content (mN) (kg/m1 = ~_,=-M + 100

where

Ow = wet density (kglm1

M = moisture content (mlmJ (per cent).

5.4.6 Establish the correct calibration curve by drawing a line parallel to the basic curve through a plot of the average of the five mean moisture counts against the average of the five moisture contents (mN) in kilograms per cubic metre.

Standard Test Methods TMH1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

------------------- ---------------

(/)

t-; ~w (/)~ WI-: 0::::..J

:::l >-(/)

I-W _0:::

(/)9 ZW w:I:

Db

we ul <(:::l

...J!:: a..(/)

I zz

Method A10(b)

FORM A10(b)/1

t--

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Attica, 1986

Recording sheet for the determination of the in-place density of soils and gravels by nuclear methods

59

Method A10(b)

TYPE OF INSTRUMENT SERIAL NUMBER

TIPE INSTRUMENT ----- -- - REEKSNOMMER--- --- - --

OPERATOR DESIGNATION

TOETSER -------- - -- -- - , AANWYSING - -- - - - - -- - - -

DATE OF COUNT TIME hrs TEMPERATURE DC

TEL DATUM TYD ure TEMPERATUUR DC,

MEASURING MODES / MEETMODUSSE
MOISTURE/VOG DENSITY / DIGTHEI D
I I
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 a
9 9
10 10
II II
12 12
13 13
14 14'
15 15
i6 16
17 17
18 18
19 19
20 20
MEAN: MEAN:
GEMIDDELDE: GEMIDDELDE:
STANDARD DEVIATION = STANDARD DEVI ATION=
STA NDA ARD AFWYKI NG= STANDAARDAFWYKING = I I

NOTE:TRANSFER MEAN OF MEASURED COUNT RATES TO COUNT RATES TO BE MEASURED AS PRESCRIBED BY MANUFACTURER

LETWEL: DRA GEMIDDELDE VAN GEMETE TELKOERSE OOR NA TELKOERSE WAT GEMEET MOET WORD VOLGE NS VOORSKRIF VAN VERVAARDIGER

FORM A10(b)/2

Monthly count rate record on reference unit

60

Standard Test Methods TMH1, Pretona, South Atnca, 1966

Method AtO(b)

TYPE OF INSTRUMENT:

TIPEINSTRUMENT

SERIAL NUMBER:

REEKSNOMMER: _

SPECIFIED MEAN COUNT ON REFERENCE UNIT (FACTORY CALIBRATION)
GESPESIFISEERDE GEMIDDELDE TELLING OP VERWYSINGSEENHEID (FABRIEKS-
KAL IBRERING)
MEASURING MODES I MEETMODUSSE
DATE OF CALIBRATION
KA LlBRER I NGSDATU M
MOISTURE I VOG DENSITY I DIGTHEI D
I I
SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE ON REFERENCE UNIT ICOUNT RATE}
OPSOMMING VAN WERKVERRIGTING OP VERWYSINGSEENHEiD (TELKOERSE)
DATE OF MEASURING Mt.AN I-HOM DIFFERENCE MEAN FROM DIFFERENCE
(PERIOD) FORM AIOtbl/2 ." TABLE I
GEMIDDELDE GEMIDDELDE '"I.
METINGSDATUM VANAF VORM VERSKIL VERSKI L
(PERIODE) AIOlbl/2 VANAF TABEL I







.



_;:,,:-., " NOTE

: PERIOD = TIME BETWEEN FACTORY CALIBRATION AND MEASURING DATES (MONTHS)

% DIFFERENCE = PERCENTAGE DIFFERENCE OF THE MEAN OF THE MEASURED COUNT RATE PER MEASURING DATE

LET WEL: PERIODE = TYD TUSSEN FABRIEKSKALIBRERING EN METINGSDATUMS IMA ANDE)

% VERSKIL = PERSENTASIEVERSKIL VAN DIE GEMIDDELDE VAN DIE GEMETE TELKOERS PER METINGSDATUM

FORM A 1 O(b}/3

Long-term count rate performance record

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1985

61

Method A 1 O(b)

TYPE OF INSTRUMENT: SERIAL NUMBER:

TIPE INSTRUMENT: -------------------- REEKSNOMMER:------------

OPERATOR: DESIGNATION:

TOETSER : BESTEMMING:-------------------

DATE:

DATUM:

I ,I

A LABORATORY MEAN COUNT RATES
LABORATORIUM GEMIDDELDE TELKOERSE
DATE OF MEASURING MOISTURE DENSITY
METINGSDATUM VOG DIGTHEID
I I = '-

B MEASURED COU NT RATE - MORN I NG
GEMETE TELKOERS - OGGEND
TIME OF MEASURING I ,
METINGSTYD I. I.
HOURS 2. 2.
URE
TEMPERATURE ·C 3. 3.
TEMPERAT'UUR
X X

C PERCENTAGE DIFFERENCE OF A AND B COUNT RATES = MEAN B-A x 100
PERSENTASIEVERSKIL VAN A- EN B-TELKOERSE = GEMIDDELDE A
ALLOWED ~ .!4,O% s r 2,0%
TOEGELAAT
MEASURED 0/0 °/0
GEMEET
D MEASURED COUNT RATE-AFTERNOON
GEMETE TELKOERS - NAMIDDAG,
TIME OF MEASURTNG I I. I I.
METINGSTYD
HOURS
URE 2. 2.

3. 3.
TEMPERATU RE °C
TEMPERATUUR x- X

E INSTRUMENT STABILITY CHECK FOR DAY = 0- B x 100
STABILITEITSKONTROLE VAN INSTRUMENT = B
ALLOWED ~:!:3,0% _±3,0%
TOEGELAAT
MEASURED °/. °/.
GEMEET NOTE: FOR TROXLER ONLY USE FOUR -MINUTE COUNTS

LETWEL: VIR TROXLER MOET SLEGS TELUNGS VAN VIER MINUTE GEBRUIK WORD

FORM A10(b)/4

Count rate on reference unit record

62

Standard Test Methods TMH1, Pretona, South Afnca, 1986

METHOD A11T

TENTATIVE METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY AND OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT OF GRADED CRUSHED STONE AND COHESIONLESS SAND BY MEANS OF VIBRATION COMPACTION

1

SCOPE

In this method graded crushed stone or cohesionless sand are compacted by means of vibration in order to determine the maximum density and optimum moisture content, as defined in Method A7.

\.< 2
2.1
~
2.2
2.3 APPARATUS

A vibration table with an amplitude of 1 ± 0,5 mm and a frequency of 47 ± 3 Hz. capable of having a compaction base plate bolted to it (see 5.1).

A compaction mould with detachable collar as described in Method A7, Subsection 2.1.

A compaction base plate of steel 12 ± 2 mm thick, with clamps to hold the mould

firmly in position and capable of being firmly bolted to the vibration table.

2.4 A surcharge weight of soft steel with a mass of 50. ± 0,1 kg and a diameter of 150 ± 1 mm, with a handle fastened to one end, and with a hole approximately 5 mm in diameter bored right through the weight (see Figure A11T/1).

2.5 A ruler, at least 300 mm long and able to

measure accurately to 0,5 mm. The ruler

must be calibrated from one end.

2.6 A riffler with 37,5 mm openings for the crushed stone and 13,2 mm openings for the sand.

2.7 A round steel tamping rod approximately 450 mm long and with a diameter of 16 mm, with one rounded end.

2.8 A balance capable of weighing up to 20 kg, accurate to 5 g.

2.9 A balance capable of weighing up to 2 kg,

accurate to 0,1 g.

2.10 Basins approximately 350 mm in diameter.

2.11 A mixing bowl at least 500 mm in diameter.

2.12 A small garden spade.

2.13 Suitable containers with lids for holding about 1 000 g of material for moisture content determinations.

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria, South Africa. 1986

2.14 A drying oven, thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110 "C.

2.15 A water sprinkler.

2.16 A metal measure 150 ± 2 mm in diameter and 60 ± 2 mm high, made of steel at least 2 mm thick. All welding joints must be smoothed off on the inside of the measure.

3 3.1

METHOD Preparation

Sieve the sample through a 37,5 mm sieve and dispose of the material remaining on the sieve. If particularly long aggregate chips are present, remove them or break them in half.

Air-dry the prepared sample and mix it thoroughly. Then divide it using a riffler with suitably sized openings so that five basins of . material containing approximately 7 kg each are obtained.

3.2

Mixing

Mix the material from one basin with enough water to bring it to approximately optimum moisture content. On Form A 11T!1 record the quantity of water added. Allow the material to stand for approximately 30 minutes covered' with a wet cloth before compacting it. If the material was very dry and the aggregate has absorbed a lot of water, it is preferable to allow it to stand for a longer period, or even overnight. While one basin is being allowed to stand, the next basin of mateft~d·eatt be prepared in a similar way to give a moisture content above or below the optimum, as described in Method A7.

3.3

Preparation of the mould

Screw or clamp the compaction base plate firmly to the vibration table. Place the compaction mould and collar on top and ensure that both are firmly screwed into position.

Measure the height of the mould, i.e. the distance from the top of the base plate to

63

Method A11T

the top of the collar, at at least three places on the inside of the mould, to an accuracy of D,S mm. Record the average of these measurements as "a" on Form A 111/1.

The height of the surcharge weight must also be measured at three places to an accuracy of D,S mm, and the average of the measurements recorded as "b" on Form A11T/1.

3.4

Compaction

Mix the first basin of wet material thoroughly. Fill the metal measure to overflowing with the materiai from the basin and tap it two or three times on the floor or table top to consolidate the material. Scrape off the excess material from the measure, empty it into the balance pan or a tared basin and weigh the material. t"ote this weight. Cover the material in the basin with a wet cloth. Pour the material into the compaction mould and tamp it ten times with the tamping rod by pushing the rod into the material. Smooth the surface of the material with the tamping rod.

Place the surcharge weight on the material and vibrate it for 2 min ± 10 s. Remove the surcharge weight carefully by lifting it slowly off the material with a circular motion to prevent the material from being disturbed by air suction.

Using the ruler, measure the height from the top of the material in the mould to the top of the mould, If the height is less than 100 mm, slightly less material should be used for each of the subsequent layers.

Compact a further two layers as described above. Use the same mass of material for each layer as determined or slightly less if the layer thickness should be reduced. The operator should use his discretion in this regard. The ideal is to have the final level of the compacted material level with or slightly lower than the top of the mould. After the third layer has been compacted, measure the height of the surcharge weight protruding above the collar at three positions accurately to the nearest D,S mm. Record the average of these measurements as "c" on Form A11T/1.

Remove the surcharge weight as described above, and remove the collar and mould from the compaction base, taking care that the material does not slip out of the mould, Wipe the mould clean of all water and material adhering to its outside and weigh it with the material accurately to the nearest 5 g. Record this mass as "Mw" on Form A 11 T 11. Determine and record the mass of

64

3.5

the clean, empty mould, "Mm", in the same way.

I

=

I

Determination of the moisture content Press or knock the compacted material out of the mould into a clean basin -. Break up the lumps that may have formed during compaction and take a representative moisture sample of at least 500 g of sand or 1 00'0 g of graded. crushed stone from the material by digging into it at several places with the small spade. Place the material in a weighed moisture container and weigh it accurately to the nearest 0,1 g (mass m1). Dry it in an oven at 105 to 110 DC to constant mass, allow it to cool and weigh it again (mass m2). Record these masses on Form A11T/1.

3.6

The determination of additional points on the moisture-density relationship curve

The method described above enables one to determine a single point on the moisture-density relationship curve. The additional points are determined by compacting the contents of each of the remaining four basins of prepared material at different moisture contents, following the instructions given above. It is not necessary to measure the material with the metal measure every time. The material can be weighed off by using the mass that filled the measure during the first determination.

Once the second quantity has been compacted, the approximate dry densities of the two points are calculated, using the quantity of water added. Plot these calculated dry densities against the supposed moisture contents, determining in this 'w·~ay how much water has to be added to the third basin of material. The quantity of . water to be added to the fourth and fifth basins of material is determined in the same way so that points above and below the optimum are obtained. The moisture contents are usually so chosen that they differ from one another by approximately 1 per cent per mass of dry material.

4 4.1

CALCULATIONS Moisture content

Calculate the moisture content of the material for every point to the nearest 0,1 per cent as follows:

m1 - m2

M % = m2 _ h x 100

Standard Test Methods TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

where
M moisture content expressed as a
percentage of the dry material
m1 mass of container and wet material
(g)
m2 mass of container and dry material
(g)
h mass of container (g).
4.2 Calculate the volume of the material in the
mould to the nearest 0,001 rrr' as follows 5
(5ee5.2): 5.1
Vm := (O,076)2.0.rr
lJ,018150
where
Vm volume of the material (m~
0 height of the material (m)
a+c-b
1000
where . 4.3

a height of mould and collar (mm)

b height of surcharge weight (mm)

c height of surcharge weight pro-

truding after compaction (mm).

Calculate the dry density for every point to the nearest 1 kg/mJ as follows:

o Vm (MW+ 100) x 100

where

o dry density of the material (kg/m")

Vm volume of the material (m~

M moisture content of material (%) (mlm)

W mass of the wet material (kg)

Mw-Mm

1000

where

Mw mass of the mould and material (g)

Mm = mass of the mould (g).

4.4 Moisture-density relationship

Plot the moisture contents as abscissae and the dry densities as ordinates on linear graph paper (see Figure A7/2 in Method A7). The peak of the curve indicates the optimum moisture content and maximum density of the material for the appropriate method of compaction (see 5.3).

4.5 Recording of results

Record the results as follows on a suitable form:

number and description of the sample;

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

MethodA11T

origin of the sample;

maximum dry density (MOD) to the nearest 1 kg/m3; and

optimum moisture content (OMC) to the nearest 0,1 per cent.

If the results are needed for field density monitoring, Form A10(a)/1 in Method A10 may be used.

5.2

NOTES

The vibration frequency is determined by measuring the speed of the electric motor, taking into account the pulley relationship if the motor is net coupled direct to the camshaft. Most vibration tables have an adjustable cam for controlling the amplitude. Since the amplitude may vary with the frequency and the load on the table, the determination under test conditions must be done within the first 30 seconds after commencement of the test.

The formula in 4.2 is only valid if the diameter of the mould is exactly 152 mm, Le. if the radius is 0,076 m. If the diameter deviates, the necessary alteration must be made to the formula.

Most cohesion less material reaches an optimum saturation point which approximately coincides with the determined optimum moisture content. In such a case the surplus water is forced out of the material during compaction and the MDO/OMC graph usually does not curve but remains completely flat. The quantity of water added can be used to determine the .turning point. The maximum moisture content, however, does not play an important part with such material, and the maximum density can be determined in any case, even if the graph does not curve.

5.3

65

MethotlAiiT

FORM A1iT/1

Vibration compaction of cotiesionless material

66

Standard Test Methods TMH 1, Pretona, South Afnca, 1986

MethodA11T

VIBRASIEVERDIGTING VAN KOHESIELOSE MATERIAAL
VIBRATION COMPACTION OF COHESIONLESS MATERIAL
MONSTERNR. DATUM --- - ---
SAMPLE No. ----------- DATE
BESKRYWING -------- - - - - ----- - - -- ---- -- -
DESCRIPTION
---- - ------------ -- - - ---
TOETSER MASSA GENEEM
--_- -- --- --- - --- ----
OPERATOR MASS TAKEN
VOGINHOUD MOISTURE CONTENT
WATER BYGEVOEG 0/0 P
WATER ADDED m~
Houernr. ! Con toiner no. I I I I I I
Massa van houe r en nat materiaal
Mass of contoiner and wet material (g) m I
Massa van houer en droe maleriaal (g)m2
Moss of container and dry maier-lui
Massa van houer
M ass of cantaiiler (g) h
VOGINHOUD / MOISTURE CONTENT
ml- m2 = 100 % M
m2-h
DROE DIGTHEID DRY DENSITY
VORMNR. / MOULD NO.
(daogte van vorm en kraag (mm) a
Height of mould and collar
HoagIe van bolasgewlg (rnrn ) b
Heighl of sur ch c rqa weighl
HoagIe van bolasgeWtg wat uit steak (mm)c
Heighl of subcharge weighl protrudinq
VOU)ME VAN MATERIAAL
VO LUME OF MATERIAL 1m3)
Vm= a,OI8I!1I.+~-~ I
1000
Massa van vorm en materioal
Mass of mould and material III )Mw
Massa von vorm
Mass of mould (g) Mm
Massa van materiaal M ... ·-Mm
Mass of malerlal (kg)~ W
DROE DIGTHEiO I DRY DENSITY
~'~
Op waler bygeva a II w
On water added Vm I P + 100 I
Op werklike vag w
On actual moisture Vm ('" + 1001
MAKS. DROE DIGTHEID OPT. VOGINHOUD
kg/m3 010
MAX. DRY DENSITY OPT. MOISTURE CONTENT FIGURE A11T/1

Vibrating table and surcharge weight

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretona, South Africa, 1986

67

I

.

I

68

Standard Test Methods TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

1

2. 2.1

METHODA12T

TENTATIVE METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE RELATIVE DENSITY OF SOilS

SCOPE

This method covers the determination of the relative density of soils by means of a pycnometer. When the soil is composed of particles retained on the 4.75 mm sieve. Method B14 should be followed. When the soil is composed of particles both retained on and passing the 4.75 mm sieve. the sample must be separated on the 4.75 mm sieve and the appropriate test method used on each portion. The relative density value fnr tlu. -=:nil must hp. thp. wp.iohted averaoe

._ ...... - -- ..... _-- -- -.-_ ----w----- --- ---- .... -

of the two values. When the relative density value is to be used in calculations in connection with the hydrometer portion of particle size analysis of soils, it is intended that the determination should be done on that portion of the soil which passes the 2.00 mm sieve.

Definition

Relative density is the ratio of the mass in air of a given volume of a material at a stated temperature to the mass in air of an equal volume of distilled water at the same temperature.

2.2

APPARATUS

A pycnometer: Either a volumetric flask having a capacity of at least 100 me or a stoppered density bottie having a capacity of at least 50 me (see 5.1). The stopper must be of the same material as the bottle. and of such a size and shape that it can be easily inserted to a fixed depth into the neck of the bottle; it must also have a small hole through its centre to permit the emission of air and surplus water.

A balance: Either a balance accurate to 0,01 9 for use with the volumetric flask. or a balance accurate to 0,001 g for use with the stoppered density bottle.

3

3.1 3.1.1

METHOD

Calibration of pycnometer

The pycnometer must be cleaned, dried, cooled in a desiccator, weighed, and its mass recorded. Fill the pycnometer with

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

3.1.2

distilled water at room temperature (see 5,2). Determine and record the mass of the pycnometer and water. W.. Measure the temperature of the water, T" to the nearest whole degree.

From the mass W. determined at the observed temperature T;, a table of values for mass W. can be prepared for a series of temperatures that are likely to prevail when mass Wb is determined later {see 5.3}.

These values of W. are calculated as fol-

lows:

W. {at T.}

= (density of water at T Jdensity of water

at T~ x ('N. (at T;) - W,) + W,

where

W. mass of pycnometer and water (g)

W, mass of pycnometer (g)

T.

observed temperature of water ("C)

T. any other desired temperature ("C).

3.2 3.2.1

Sample

The soil to be used in the relative density test may contain its natural moisture or be oven-dried. The mass of the test sample after drying in the oven must be at least 25 9 when the volumetric flask is to be used. and at least 10 9 when the stoppered density bottle is to be used.

Samples coniaining naiural moisture. Vv'hen the sample contains its natural moisture, the mass of the soil. Woo must be determined at the end of the test by drying in an oven at 105 to 110 DC (see 5.4).

Samples of clay soils containing their natural moisture content must be dispersed in distilled water before being pli1lce~ in the flask.

Oven-dried samples. When an oven-dried sample is to be used, the sample must be dried for at least 12 hours, or to constant mass, in an oven at 105 to 110 DC (see S.4), cooled in a desiccator, and weighed upon removal from the desiccator.

Procedure

Place the sample in the weighed pycnometer and weigh it again. Add distilled water to fill the volumetric flask about three-quat-

3.2.2

3.2.3

3.3 3.3.1

69

MethodA12T

ters full or the stoppered bottle about half full. If the sample has been oven-dried, let it soak for at least 12 hours before further testing.

3.3.2 Remove entrapped air by either of the following methods:

(a) Subject the contents to a partial vacuum (air pressure not exceeding 100 mm Hg).

Subject the contents to reduced air pressure either by connecting the pycnometer directly to an aspirator or vacuum pump, or by using a bell jar. Some soils may boil Violently when subjected to reduced air pressure. In such cases it will be necessary to reduce the air pressure at a slower rate or to use a larger flask.

or

(b) Boil the contents gently for at least ten minutes while occasionally rolling the pycnometer to assist in removing the air. Cool the sample to room temperature before commencing with the test.

3.3.3 Fill the pycnometer with distilled water, clean the outside and dry with a clean, dry cloth. Determine the mass of the pycnometer and its contents, Wb, and the temperature, T., of the contents in DC.

4 CALCULATIONS AND REPORT

4.1 Calcuiate the relative density (RD) of the soil, based on water at a temperature T •. as follows:

RD (UT.) = WJfYl/o + fYI/. - Wb)) where

Wo mass of sample of oven-dried soil (g)

W. mass of pycnometer filled with water at temperature T, (see 5.6) (g)

Wb mass of pycnometer filled with water and soil at temperature T, (g)

T, temperature of the contents of the pycnometer when mass Wo was determined (DC).

Unless otherwise required, relative density values reported are based on water at 20 DC. The value based on water at 20 DC is calculated from the value based on water at the observed temperature, T" as follows:

Relative density T J20 DC = K.relative density TJT.

4.2

where

K a number found by dividing the relative density of water at tempera-

70

ture T. by the relative density of water at 20°C.

Values for a range of temperatures are given in Table 1.

4.3 When it is desired to report the relative density based on water at 4°C, such a value may be calculated by multiplying the relative density value at temperature T. by the relative density of water at temperature T •.

4.4 When any portion of the original sample of soil is calculated in the preparation of the test sample, the portion on which the test has been done must be reported.

I I

s:

I

I

TABLE 1

Relative density of water and conversion factor K for various temperatures

Temperature Relative density Conversion
rC) of water factor, K
18 0,9986244 1,0004
19 0,9984347 1,0002
20 0,9982343 1,0000
21 0,9980233 0,9998
22 0,9978019 0,9996
23 0,9975702 0,9993
24 0,9973286 0,9991
25 0,9970770 0,9989
26 0,9968156 0,9986
27 0,9965451 0,9983
28 0,9962652 0,9980
29 0,9959761 0,9977
30 0,9956780 0,9974 5

NOTES

5.1

The use of either the volumetric flask or the stoppered bottle is a matter of individual preference but, in general, the flask should be used when a larger sample is needed than can be used in the stoppered bottle, owing to the maximum grain size of the sample.

Kerosene is a better wetting agent than water for most soils and may be used in place of distilled water for oven-dried samples.

. This method provides a procedure that is most convenient for laboratories that make many determinations with the same pycnometer. It is equally applicable to a Single determination. Bringing the pycnometer and its contents to some designated temperature when masses W. and Wb are taken, requires considerable time; it is much more convenient to prepare a table

5.2

5.3

Standard Test Methods TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

memou A I" I

for mass W. for various temperatures likely to prevail when mass Wb is taken. It is important that masses W. and Wb be based on water at the same temperature. Values for the relative density of water at temperatures from 18 to 30 ac are given in Table 1.

5.4 Drying of certain soils at 110°C may bring about loss of moisture of composition or hydration. and in such cases drying should be done. if desired. in reduced air pressure and at a lower temperature.

5.5 The minimum volume of slurry that can be prepared by the dispersing equipment is such that a 500 me flask is needed as the pycnometer.

5.6 'l.Ja must be taken from the table of values of W •• prepared in accordance with 4.2. for the temperature prevailing when mass Wb was measured.

"

REFERENCE SASS Method 844

J:..t:.- ..

Standard Test Methods

TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

71

-
I
I
e
r 72

Standard Test Methods TMH1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

METHODA14

THE DETERMINATION OF THE UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF STABILIZED SOilS, GRAVELS AND SANDS

1

SCOPE

In this method the unconfined compressive strength of stabilized material as defined below is determined by subjecting prepared specimens to an increasing load until failure.

Definition

The unconfined compressive strength (UeS) of a stabilized material is the load in kilopascals required to crush a cylindrical specimen 127,0 mm high and 152,4 mm in diameter to total failure at a rate of application of load of 140 kPais.

2 2.1

APPARATUS

A moisture-curing room capable of maintaining a relative humidity of 95 to 100 per cent and a temperature of 22 to 25 "C, or suitable plastic bags to hold specimens and carriers in an airtight condition in a water bath as described in 2.2 below.

A suitable water bath with thermostatic control capable of maintaining a temperature of 22 to 25 "C.

A suitable compression testing machine capable of applying a rate of loading of 140 kPa/s and capable of measuring a load of 200 kN accurately to 1 kN.

2.2

2.3

3 3.1

METHOD

Preparation of specimens

Prepare specimens in accordance with the procedure described in the Appendix to Method A 14 (see 5.1).

3.2

Curing of specimens

Cure the specimens for seven days at a relative humidity of 95 to 100 per cent and a temperature of 22 to 25°C in a suitable curing room or in plastic bags and a suita-

ble water bath. .

After seven days, remove the specimens from the curing room or plastic bags and submerge them in water for four hours. The temperature of the water should be controlled at 22 to 25 DC.

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

3.3

Compressive strength determination Remove the specimens from the water and crush each specimen to total failure in the compression testing machine. The load must be applied to the flat faces of the specimen and the rate of application of load shall be 140 kPals. (This is equivalent to a rate of 153 kNlmin for 152 mm diameter specimens.) Record the load to the nearest 1 kN.

4

CALCULATIONS

Calculate the unconfined compressive strength to the nearest 10 kPa as follows:

kN kN

u

nf = 0,01824

where

U unconfined compressive strength (kPa)

kN load required to crush specimen (kN)

radius of specimen face (0,0762) (m).

Report the UCS to the nearest 10 kPa on Form A 14/1 or A 14/2 or any similar form.

5 5.1

NOTES

In order to establish the required stabilizer content to produce a mixture conforming to a specified UCS, three specimens are necessary for each stabilizer content. In the case of samples for field control, one specimen per field sample is sufficient.

To establish the required stabilizet)i£Q!'ltent to produce a soil-cement mixture conforming to a specified strength, the UCS results should be recorded and a graph of stabilizer content against strength should be plotted on a suitable sheet. For the graph the average UCS of the three specimens of each stabilizer content should be used but an obviously incorrect result, due to possible damage to a specimen before testing, should be ignored.

Mixtures of cement, milled blastfumace slag, lime or other additives usually take

5.2

5.3

73

....... , ...

Method A14

longer to reach the same strength as that of ordinary Portland cement. To achieve comparable strengths it is therefore necessary to determine the hardening time that gives equivalent cement strengths for each mixture, and to adapt the procedure accordingly. Thus, for example, it has been found that some lime/cement mixtures achieve equivalent strength after eleven days. However, the actual hardening time has to be determined in each case. If a hardening time other than seven days is used, this must be stated or. the report sheet.

I

I

I

REFERENCE

Portland Cement Association: Soil Cement Laboratory Handbook (1965)

74

Standard Test Methods TMH I, Pretoria, South Africa, 1986

: .... : ...... r"

.' .

APPENDIX TO METHOD A14

PROCEDURE FOR THE MAKING OF SPECIMENS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF STABILIZED SOilS, GRAVELS AND SANDS

1 APPARATUS

1.1 Compaction moulds, two or three segment split type, 152 mm in diameter and 152,4 mm high with a detachable collar and base ptata and a 25,4 mm thick spacer

. plate fixed to the base plate (Figure A 14/1), or

compaction moulds 152,4 mm in diameter and 152,4 mm high with a detachable collar and compaction base plate, with a fixed 25,4 mm thick spacer plate and a suitable extrusion jack to extrude specimens from the mould (see Method A7. Subsection 2.1).

In both cases the base plate should be fixed to a concrete block at least 150 mm thick and weighing at least 200 kg.

1.2 to 1.18 As for Method A 7, Subsections 2.2 to 2.18.

1.19 Galvanized iron mixing baths 450 x 650 x 200 mm deep (at least three).

1.20 Suitable carrier plates to hold specimens.

1 .21 Airtight containers with lids. about 20 ( in capacity (at least four).

For calibrating moulds:

1.22 to 1.25 As for Method A7. Subsections 2.20 to 2.23.

material. the larger the sample should be. Weigh the samples immediately to the nearest 0,1 g and dry them to constant mass in an oven at 105 to 110 "C. Transfer the remaining materi.a! to airtight tins.

2.3

Determination of optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MOD) of stabilized material

\"Jeigh aut 4 per cent of stabilizer by mass of the air-dried raw material for each of the five lots as prepared in 2.1 above. Determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density for the stabilized material as described in Method A7, Subsections 3.2 to 3.B and 4.1 to 4.3. The stabilizer should be admixed with the raw material immediately before the admixing of the water. In order to simulate conditions on the road. compaction of the stabilized material is delayed for four hours after the mixing-in of the stabilizer and water. The moist material is covered with damp hessian and every half hour it is thoroughly mixed with a trowel.

2.4

Making of specimens for the determination of compressive strength

Using the remaining air-dry material in the airtight tins (see 2.2), divide out three similar lots of material of approximately 21 kg (oven-dry) each. For convenience the mass of the three lots may be made the same by adding or scooping out some of the material so as to bring the mass of each lot to 21 kg oven-dry (calculate the mass of air-dry material required for each lot by taking into account the moisture conilirifof the air-dry material as determined on the samples in 2.2 above). Select three different stabilizer contents at which the specimens for compressive strength determination are to be made. These are usually in increments of two percentage points. e.g. 2 per cent. 4 per cent and 6 per cent by mass of the total oven-dry material (2 per cent means two parts stabilizer to 100 parts oven-dry raw material).

Calculate and weigh out the three quanti-

2 PROCEDURE

2.1 Preparation

Prepare an adequate quantity (approximately 150 kg) of the air-dried material as described in Method A7. Subsection 3.1 (see 4.1 below).

Mix the sample thoroughly and divide out five lots of approximately 7 kg each as described in Method A7. Subsection 3.1.

2.2 Determination of hygroscopic moisture content

Take two representative samples of between 500 and 1 000 g each of the remaining material and place them in suitable containers to determine the moisture content. The more coarsely graded the

Slandard T est Melhods

TMH1. Pretorra. Soulh Africa. 1986

75

Appendix to Method A14

ties of stabilizer required for the above three lots of raw material.

Calculate and measure out the required quantity of water to bring each lot to OMC (see 4.2). The quantity of water required is the difference between the quantity of water present in the air-dry material (as detennined by the hygroscopic moisture content) and the quantity of water required to obtain the optimum moisture content as determined in 2.3 above. Mix in the stabilizer and then the water and treat for four hours as for 2.3 above. Compact three specimens from each lot according to Method A7, Subsections 3.3 to 3.6.

Weigh the moulds with compacted specimens. Remove the specimens from the moulds either by dismantling the split moulds or, if ordinary moulds are used, extrude the specimens with the extrusion jack (see 4.3). The specimens are now placed on the carrier plates and are ready for curing.

3 3.1

CALCULATIONS Moisture content (%)

a-b

d = b _ c x 100

where

d moisture content expressed as a percentage of the dry material

a mass of container and wet material (g)

b mass of container and dry material (g)

c = mass of container only (g).

3.2

Quantity of stabilizer to be added for specimens

YW

C = 100

where

c y

W

mass of stabilizer required (g) percentage of stabilizer required mass of oven-dry material (g).

3.3

Quantity of water to be admixed with the material for specimens

V = Q(P + C) - (M - P) 100

where

V volume of water (mE)

Q = optimum moisture content

76

.; ,";:: "', v , ~

mass of material (oven-dry) to be used (g)

C mass of stabilizer to be added (g)

M mass of material (air-dry) (g).

P

I

3.4

Percentage of stabilizer by volume

100 (Am) v = 8(100 + A)

where

v % of stabilizer by volume of the total stabilized material

A - % of stabilizer by mass of the total raw material (as obtained from gniph of cement content against strength)

m maximum dry density (kglm~ as obtained according to Subsection 2.3

B = density of stabilizer (kglm').

I

3.5

Dry density of UCS specimens

W 100

o = d + 100 x ---v- x 1 000

where

o W

dry density (kglm~

mass of wet specimen immediately after compaction (g)

volume of mould (crrr)

moulding moisture content expressed as a percentage of the dry stabilized material.

V d

3.6.. Accuracy of calculations

3.6.1 Moisture content: to the nearest 0,1 per cent.

3.6.2 Dry density: to the nearest 5 kglmJ.

3.6.3 Quantity of water to be admixed to the material for specimens: to the nearest rnillilitre.

3.6.4 Quantity of stabilizer to be added to the raw material for specimens: to the nearest gram.

3.6.5 Stabilizer content: to the nearest 0,1 per" cent (for mass as well as volume).

4 NOTES

4.1

Where the material contains soft and friable aggregate which will break up during compaction, e.g. certain types of ferricrete, calcrete, soft sandstone, etc., such aggregate should be dlsinteqrated. In borderline cases, the operator should use his discretion as to the extent to which particles should be disintegrated.

Standard Test Methods TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa, 1986

.. :.': "".> .",,"

, .. :':-','" .

Appendix to Method A14

4.2 In calculating the required amount of water to be admixed, it is advisable to allow for evaporation by adding slightly more water - say about 0,3 to 0,5 per cent depending on weather conditions. The actual quantity is left to the discretion of the operator.

4.3 With certain materials lacking cohesion it may be necessary to leave the samples in their moulds for 24 hours to develop some strength before the moulds are removed. If this is necessary, the specimens in th-e moulds should be kept in the damp-room or covered with damp hessian for 24 hours.

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1, Pretoria, South Afnca, 1986

77

Appendix to Method A14

,
.;
" >;
.. ,
. L ' .
..
, s-
,. FIGURE A 14/1

Split mould for the unconfined compressive strength test

78

Staild2rd Tes: ~~fe!hods TMHi, Pretcna, South Alnca, i9S6

Appendix to Method A14

UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE S"TRENGTH TEST RESULTS
RESULTATE VAN ONBEGRENSDEDRUKSTERKTE-TOETS
ROUTE --------- SECTION ---------
ROETE SEKSIE
CEMENT MODIFIED/ GEWYSIGDE SPECIMEN DATAl SRIKETDATA
AASKTO DATA
CONTENT 7 DAY COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (kP )
MAX. DRY DENS. OPT. DRY DENS. MOlSTURE
(%) MAKS. ORcE DIG[ MOISTURE DRDE OIGT. 7-DAE-DRUKSTERKTE Q
SEMENT- OPT. VOG (%) INDIVIDUAL AVERAGE
INHOUD (k~ 1m3) (%) (k~/m31 VOG AFSONOERUK GEMIDDELD \ I

a e, ...

<, ::r:

IeI Z .... II:

Ien

.... > a; en w II:

Q.

::f o <.l

\ I

FORM A14/1

I I

CEMENT CONTENT (%1 I SEMENnNHOUD (%1

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1, Pretona, South Atnca, 1 SB6

Recording sheet for unconfined compressive strength

79

Appendix to Method A14

ANALYSIS OF UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULTS
ONTLEDING VAN RESULTATE VAN ONBEGRENSDEDRUKSTERKTE-TOETS
ROUTE SECTION
ROETE SEKSIE
km MAX. DRY OPT. DRY ~OISTURE u C. S.
CHAINAGE DENSITY. IdOISTURE DENSITY (O/o)
KETTING MAKS. DROE (%1 DROE ODS X2
DIGTHEID OPT. DIGTHEID VOG
(1<9/m"3) VOG (l<lI/m"3) X
LANE: LAYER:
LAAN: LAAG:
lal AVERAGE U.C.S.
GEMIDDELDE ODS
X = :t (x)
---
n
=


(bl STANDARD DEVIATlOII
STANDAARDAF'HYKING
S= J :tlX-Xj2 .
n-I

=
=

(e) COEFFICIENT
OF
VARIATION
KOEFFISIENT VAN
VARIASIE

V= S 100
i x
=

=






:t I

.

I

FORM A14/2

Data sheet for unconfined compressive strength tests

80

Standard Test Melhods Th,1H 1. Pretoria. South Afnca. 1986

METHOD A15{a)

THE DETERMINATION OF THE CEMENT OR LIME CONTENT OF STABILIZED MATERIALS BY MEANS OF THE ETHYLENE DIAMINE TETRA ACETATE (EDTA) TEST

2 2.1 2.2

SCOPE

This method covers the determination of the proportion by mass of the lime or

cement in a stabilized material. This is done

by extracting the calcium from the raw material, from the stabilizing agent and from the stabilized material with hydrochloric acid and titrating with EDT A.

From the results obtained the proportion of stabilizing agent in the stabilized material can be calculated.

2.3 2.4

APPARATUS

A riffler with 25,0 mm openings.

The following test sieves (recommended diameter 200 mm): 19,0 mm, 13,2 mm, 2,36 mm and 0,425 mm with pan and lid.

A suitable laboratory crusher.

A suitable mechanical pulverizer, capable of pulverizing the sample to pass the 0,425 mm sieve.

A balance to weigh up to 100 g, accurate to 0,001 g.

A balance to weigh up to 5 kg, accurate to 2 g.

A drying oven, thermostatically controiied and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110°C.

Heating apparatus such as hotplates or Bunsen bumers.

A 25 me pipette (at least Class B, accurate at 20 QC).

A 50 m( burette with stand (at least Class B, accurate at 20°C).

250, 500 and 1 000 m( volumetric flasks (at least Class B, accurate at 20 QC).

250 mt Erlenmeyer flasks.

500 mf beakers.

A wash bottle.

Filter funnels.

Filter paper (Whatman 541 or 41 or similar). A fume cupboard (optional).

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.10

2.11

2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretona. South Afnca. 1986

2.18 Cover glasses for the beakers.

2.19 Glass stirring rods with rubber tips.

2.20 A 50 me measuring cylinder.

2.21 A dropping bottle.

Reagents

2.22 Nitric acid, concentrated (CP).

2.23 Hydrogen peroxide 100 vol.

2.24 1:1 hydrochloric acid solution (equal volumes of concentrated hydrochloric acid {CP} and distilled water).

2.25 1: 1 ammonia solution (equal volumes of concentrated ammonia (CP) and distilled water).

2.26 10 per cent sodium hydroxide solution {dissolve 109 of sodium hydroxide (CP) in 100 me of distilled water}.

2.27 2 per cent ammonium chloride solution (dissolve 20 g of ammonium chloride (CP) in 1 000 me of distilled water).

2.28 Nile blue 'A' indicator (dissolve 0,05 g of Nile blue 'A' in 100 me of ethyl alcohol).

2.29 Calcein indicator (mix 0,2 9 of calcein in 20 g of finely ground sodium chloride).

2.30 0,05 M EDTA solution (dissolve 18,612 9 of EDT}l, (CP) disodiurn salt ~.,,1 372,24) in distilled water and make up to 1 000 mC). This solution should be stored in a plastic container as the metal ion from the glass rna I decrease the titre of the EDTA. .

2.31 Red litmus paper.

3 3.1

METHOD Preparation of test sample

By means of the riffler quarter out a re;iresentative laboratory sample of the size given below. If the sample contains aggregate retained on the 13,2 mm sieve. it should be crushed to pass the 13,2 mm sieve. The loss of fines and dust should be kept to an absolute minimum. For the sake of convenience it is suggested that the raw soil and the stabilizing agent be tested simultaneously.

~.~ .. '.

11

Method A15(a)

6 kg

Type of material

Approximate mass of laboratory sample

Coarsely graded material (more than 20 % retained on the

19,0 mm sieve} .

Medium graded material (less than 20 % retained on the 19,0 mm and less than 80 % passing the

2,36 mm sieve} .

Finely graded material (more than

I 80 ''io passing the 2,36 mm sieve)... I

2,5 kg

250 g

Dry the laboratory sample to constant mass at a temperature of 105 to 110 DC. Pulverize the dried sample to pass a 0,425 mm sieve and mix thoroughly. Quarter out and weigh accurately, approximately 10 g and transfer to a 500 me glass beaker. In the case of lime or cement the sample should be approximately 1 g.

3.2 Dissolving the test sample

It is recommended that 3 to 4 me of hydrogen peroxide per gram of sample be added to oxidize organic matter that may be present. Slight heating is suggested to accelerate the reaction. Wait until all surface froth has disappeared, and then add about 10 mC of distilled water to prevent gelling, which may occur when hydrochloric acid is added.

Add about 10 mt of 1: 1 hydrochloric acid per gram of sample (25 mC in the case of lime or cement) and then add a few drops of concentrated nitric acid to oxidize any iron that may be present and boil gently for about 5 minutes (not longer, as prolonged boiling may cause the forming of a gel which will impede the subsequent filtration). Add the 1: 1 ammonia solution until the red litmus paper tums blue. An excess of ammonia must be avoided. A brown precipitate will probably be formed owing to the presence of iron, aluminium, etc. (see 5.1). Boil the solution gently for one minute (not more as the precipitate may become slimy).

Filter the hot solution into a 500 mt volumetric flask. In order to reduce filtration time, first wet the filter paper with hot 2 per cent ammonium chloride. Transfer the contents of the beaker quantitatively into the funnel and wash the beaker and the residue on the filter at least four times with hot 2 per cent ammonium chloride. Allow the

82

3.3

, '. ... ' '.~.

filtrate to cool to room temperature and make up to the mark with distilled water.

This is called the master solution.

TItration for calcium

By means of a pipette, transfer 25 mt of the master solution to an Erlenmeyer flask and add two to three drops of Nile blue 'A' indicator. Add 10 per cent sodium hydroxide solution until the blue colour changes to pink. Add 1 mt in excess. In samples with a high calcium content a white precipitate of calcium hydroxide may form but during titration this will normally disappear. This may be expedited by agitating the flask vigorously. If the precipitate still remains, take another 25 me of the master solution but add 50 mt of distilled water before adding the sodium hydroxide solution.

Add approximately 10 mg of the prepared calcein indicator and titrate with the 0,05 M EDTA solution until the green fluorescent colour disappears and a non-fluorescent pink colour develops. If this pink colour remains for longer than 1 5 seconds the end point has been reached. Record the quantity of EDTA used.

A duplicate titration is recommended.

4 4.1

CALCULATIONS

Calculations of percentage of CaO in sample

Molecular mass of CaO = 56 g

1 litre 1 M EDTA = 56 g CaO

1 litre 0,1 M EDTA 1 litre 0,05 M EDTA 1 me 0,05 M EDTA

= 5,69 CaO = 2,8 g CaO

= 0,0028 9 CaO

.'. % CaD in sample

(E, x 0,0028) v~s x ~~

where

E, volume of EDTA used for titration in 3.3 (me)

Vms volume of master solution prepared (me)

Vp volume of master solution used for titration (mt)

Ms mass of test sample (g).

4.2

Calculation of percentage of lime or cement in sample

% lime or cement in sample Cm - Cs

C C x 100

a- m

Slandard Test Methods TMH1. Prelona. South Atrica, 1986

Method A 15\a)

where

Ca % CaO in cement or lime

Cm = % CaO in mixture

Cs % CaO in raw material.

Report the percentage of stabilizer to the nearest 0,1 per cent.

5 5.1

NOTES

If there is a large precipitate, calcium may be coprecipitated and it would be advisable to redisolve the residue obtained during filtralion by washing it back into the original beaker and repeating the process as described under 3.2, but using 50 mE of the 1: 1 hydrochloric acid.

When two stabilizing agents (e.g. cement plus slagment) have been used and it is required to determine the proportion of each

5.2

of these in the mixture, it 'NiH be necessary

.,

I

to determine the MgO content in addition to the CaO content. The master solutions prepared for determining the CaO can be used for this purpose as well. The following additional reagents are required:

Buffer solution (dissolve 34 g of ammonium chloride (CP) in 285 me of ammonia. When dissolved, make up to 500 me in a volumetric flask with distilled water).

Eriochrome Black 'T' indicator (mix 0,05 g of Eriochrome Black 'T' indicator with 100 g of finely ground sodium chloride).

Titrate as follows for CaO + MgO:

Pipette 25 me of the master solution into an Erlenmeyer flask and add 10 mE of the buffer solution. Heat the flask with contents to approximately 70°C (avoid boiling as this will cause the ammonia in the buffer solution to evaporate which in tum will impede the colour change during titration). Add approximately 1 0 mg of Eriochrome Black 'T' indicator and titrate with 0,05 M EDTA until the dark red colour changes to dark blue. Record the quantity of EDT A used.

A duplicate titration is again recommended.

5.2.4 The percentage of MgO in the sample is calculated as follows:

Molecular mass of MgO = 40,30

5.2.1

5.2.2

5.2.3

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

1 me 0,05 M EDTA %MgO=

[0,002015 (E2 - E,)] Vms x 100

Vp Ms

= 0,002015 g MgO

where

E, volume of EDT A used for the titration in 3.3 (mt)

volume of EDTA used for this titration (mO.

Calculate the percentage of stabilizing agents in stabilized material (e.g. cement and slagment) as follows:

% cement =

(Mm-Ms) (Cb-Gs) - (Gm-Gs) (Mb-Ms) (Gb-Gs) (Ma-Ms) - (Ga-Cs) (Mb-Ms)

where

xl00

Ga 0/0 GaO in cement
Gb % CaO in slagment
Gs % CaD in raw material
Gm % CaD in mixture
Ma % MgO in cement
Mb % MgO in slagment
Ms % MgO in raw material Mm % MgO in mixture.

% slagment =

(Gm-Cs) (Ma-Ms) - (Ca-Cs) (Mm-Ms) (Cb-Cs) (Ma-Ms) - (Ca-Cs) (Mb-Ms)

% cement + slagment = the sum of the values obtained above.

The content may also be calculated from the following formula:

x 100

% cement + slagment =

(Cm-Cs) (Ma-Mb) + (Mm-Ms) (Gb-Ca) (Cb-Cs) (Ma-Ms) - (Ca-Cs) (Mb-Ms)

x 100

5.3

It is not possible to carry out accurate determinations of stabilizer content in cases where the Ga (and Mg) content of the raw soil varies, as in the case of calcretes, for example.

REFERENCES i''' .,

BS 1924 -1967

ASTM Designation 2901 - 1970 Road Note 28 (R.R.l. England)

83

84

Siandard Tesl Melhods TMH I. Pretoria, South Africa. 1986

•

METHOD A 15(b)

THE DETERMINATION OF THE CEMENT OR LIME CONTENT OF CEMENT -STABILIZED OR LIME-STABILIZED MATERIALS BY MEANS OF A FLAME PHOTOMETER

1

2 2.1 2.2

SCOPE

This method covers the determination of the proportion by mass of the lime or cement in a stabilized material. This is done by extracting the calcium from the raw material, stabilizing agent and stabilized material with hydrochloric acid. The solutions so obtained are then sprayed through the gas flame of a flame photometer which measures the intensity of the coiouration by means of a photo-electric cell connected to a galvanometer. From the readings obtained the proportion 01 stabilizing agent in the stabilized material can be calculated.

2.3

APPARATUS

A riffler with 25,0 mm openings.

A flame photometer, complete with electricity, gas and compressed air supply, fitted with a calcium filter.

The following test sieves (recommended diameter 200 mm): 37.5 mrn: 19.0 mrn: 13.2 mm; 0.425 mm with pan and lid.

A suitable laboratory crusher.

A suitable mechanicai pulverizer. capable of pulverizing the sample to pass the 0.425 mm sieve.

A balance to weigh up to 100 g. accurate to 0,01 g.

A drying oven. thermostatically controlled and capable 01 maintaining a temperature 01 lOS to 110 °C.

Heating apparatus such as hotplates or Bunsen burners.

A 2S rnr pipette (at least Class B. accurate at 20 0C).

250 m( volumetric lIasks (at least Class B). SOD mt glass beakers.

A wash bottle.

Glass funnels.

Cover glasses for beakers. Rubber-tipped glass stirring rods.

2.4 2.S

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretona. South Atnca, 1985

2.16 10 mE glass beakers (or other similar containers).

2:17 ASO me measuring cylinder.

Reagents

2.18 1:1 hydrochloric acid solution (equal volumes of concentrated hydrochloric acid (CP) and distilled water).

2.1 9 1:3 ammonia solution (one volume of ammonia (CP) plus three volumes of distilled water).

2.20 Methyl orange indicator (dissolve 1 g of methyl orange in 100 me of distilled water) or alternatively red litmus paper.

3 METHOD

3.1 Preparation of test sample

3.1.1 Prepare a sample of the raw soil and of the stabilized material to be tested to pass the 0,425 mm sieve as described in Method A lS(a), Subsection 3.1. Using the raw material passing the 0.425 mm sieve. prepare a 10 per cent soil-cement or lime mixture. The mixture may be made by thoroughly mixing 4,S5 9 of the prepared raw soil with 0.455 g of cement or- lime (see 5.1).

Weigh out accurateiy 5.00 g to the nearest 0,Q1 g of each of the prepared samples and transfer each to a separate 500 me beaker.

3.1.2 Treat each of the prepared test samples as follows:

Add 50 rru of the 1:1 hydrochloric acid to the sample. cover with the coveFgfassal1d' let boil for two to five minutes (not more).

Remove from the heat and let cool for approximately ten minutes to facilitate handling.

Transfer the contents of the beaker to a 250 m( volumetric flask. using a funnel. Rinse the contents of the beaker into the volumetric flask with distilled water and make up to 250 mE with distilled wate·. Shake the solution well and let the residue settle until the supernatant liquid is clear.

85

Method A 15(b)

3.1.3 Pipette 25 me. of the clear solution into 4 CAlCULATIONS
another 250 me volumetric flask and add Divide the photometer scale readings by 10
three to four drops of methyl orange indica- to obtain the percentage cement or lime in I-
tor or a piece of red litmus paper. Add 1:3 the sample. Calculate the results to the
ammonia solution until the colour of the nearest 0,1 per cent.
methyl orange changes to pink or that of ..
the red litmus paper changes to blue. A I
brownish precipitate will form. ~
Make up the volume to 250 me with dis- S NOTES
tilled water, shake well and allow the pre- 5.1 The raw soil and the cement or lime must
cipitate to settle. be from the same lot as that used in the
road sample to be tested.
3.2 Calibration of the flame photometer 5.2 The master solution as prepared in Method
By referring to the operator's manual of the A 15{a) may also be used in the flame pho-
flame photometer, use the solution ob- tometer.
tained from the raw soil to set the scale to 5.3 Avoid taking solid particles of the precip-
zero and the solution from the 10 per cent itate as this may block the capillary tube of
mixture to set the scale to read 100. Re- the atomizer in the photometer. It is advis-
peat the operation until constant readings able to filter the solution before it is tested
are obtained. in the flame photometer.
Determination of the cement or lime 5.4 It is not possible to carry out accurate de-
3.3 terminations of stabilizer content where the
content (see 5.2) Ca (and Mg) content of the raw soil varies,
Transfer some of the solution of the sample as in the case of calcretes, for example.
of the stabilized material into the 10 me
glass containers and test in the flame pho-
tometer (see 5.3). After every two or three General note
readings, recheck the calibration of the 5.5 After use, switch off the flame photometer
scale settings with the raw soil and 10 per and lock as prescribed in the operator's
cent mixture solutions. manual. Use compressed air to pass 10 to
Record the photometer scale readings for 15 rnt' of distilled water through the pho-
each sample tested to the nearest 001 on a tometer to wash all traces of acid away as
suitable data sheet. it may corrode the metal parts. 86

Standard Test Melhods TMHI. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

1

2 2.1 2.2

METHOD A15(c)

THE DETERMINATION OF THE LIME CONTENT OF LIME-STABILIZED

MATERIAL USING AMMONIUM CHLORIDE

SCOPE

This method covers the determination of the proportion by mass of the lime present in a lime-stabilized material. This is done by extracting the calcium from the raw material, from the stabilized materiai and from the lime with ammonium chloride and titrating with EDT A. The method is not applicable to soils containing a large or variable amount of calcium or magnesium salts or to soils which aiso contain cement. In such cases, it may not be possible to determine the lime content by chemical means. The use of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer is dealt with in the notes (see 5.1).

2.3 2.4

APPARATUS

A riffler with 25 mm openings.

The following test sieves: recommended diameter 200 mm, 37,5 mm, 19,0 mm, 13,2 mm, 9,50 mm, 2,36 mm,o,425 mm with pan and lid, conforming to SABS 197.

A suitable laboratory crusher.

A suitable mechanical pulverizer, capable of pulverizing the sample to pass the 0,425 mm sieve.

A balance to weigh up to 100 g, accurate to 0,001 g.

A drying oven, thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110°C.

Heating apparatus such as hotplates or Bunsen burners.

A 25 me pipette (at least Class B).

A 50 mf burette with stand (at least Class B).

250, 500 and 1 000 m( volumetric flasks (at least Class B).

250 m[ Erlenmeyer flasks. 500 mf beakers.

Wash bottles.

A fume cupboard (optional). Cover glasses for the beakers. Glass stirring rods.

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8 2.9

2.10

2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16

Standard Test Methods

TMHI. Pretona. South Afnea. 1986

2.17 2.18

2.19

Reagents

Distilled or demineralized water.

EDTA: dissolve 4 g of EDTA (CP) disodium salt (M 372,24) in 1 litre of distilled water. The exact strength of this reagent need not be known since the calculations are on a relative basis.

Ammonium chloride (20 % solution) (dissolve 200 g of ammonium chloride (CP) in distilled water and dilute to 1 000 mf).

10 % sodium hydroxide solution (10 % NaOH solution) (dissolve 10 g of NaOH (CP) in water and make up to 100 mf).

Calcein indicator (mix 0,2 9 of calcein in 20 g of finely ground sodium chloride (NaCI».

Red litmus paper.

Nile blue 'A' indicator (dissolve 0,05 g of Nile blue 'A' in 100 me of ethyl alcohol).

If an M spectrophotometer is used: Calcium solution (Ca(OH), SoL) (100 me of 1 000 ppm Ca(OHh Sol. (CP) in a volumetric flask made up to 250 mt' with distilled water).

2.20

2.21

2.22 2.23

2.24

3

3.1 3.1.1

METHOD

Preparation of the test sample

Samples of the stabilizing agent and virgin soil must be tested simultaneously with the field samples. If the samples contain material retained on the 13,2 mm sieve, they should be crushed to pass the 13,2 mm sieve. Thoroughly mix,Sbeeample and divide it by dividing and riffling until a representative test sample of the required size is obtained. See Table 1. The loss of fines and dust should at all times be kept to a minimum.

Oven-dry the laboratory sample to constant mass at a temperature of 105 to 110 "C. Pulverize the dried sample mechanically to pass a 0,425 mm sieve and mix thoroughly.

Weigh out 5 9 accurately to 0,001 g of the prepared sample, except for cement or

87

Method AiS(e)

TABLE 1

Approximate
Type of material mass of
laboratory
sample
Coarsely graded material (more
than 20 % retained on the
19,0 mm sieve) ............................... 6 kg
Medium graded material (less than
20 % retained on the 19,0 mm
sieve and less than 80 % passing
the 2,36 mm sieve) ......................... 2,5 kg
Finely graded material (more than
80 % passing the 2,36 mm sieve) ... 250 g iime where a sample of 0,5 9 is sufficient, and transfer to a 500 mE glass beaker.

3.2

Analysis of the prepared soil and soillime samples

Add 50 me of 20 per cent ammonium chloride solution. Cover the beaker with a cover glass and boil the contents until no further evolution of ammonia occurs. This can be checked by holding a moistened red litmus paper over the mouth of the beaker: the paper will tum blue if ammonia is still being evolved. Care should be taken during boiling to ensure that the solution does not boil dry, and if necessary, additional water should be added to prevent this occurring.

After boiling. remove the beaker and allow to cool for ten minutes. Transfer the contents of the beaker quantitatively through a glass funnel into a 250 rnr volumetric flask. taking care that no soiid material remains in the beaker. Adjust the volume to 250 mt with distilled water. Shake the flask and allow the suspension to settle for a few minutes.

Remove a 25 ml aliquot of the clear supernatant liquid with a pipette and transfer to a beaker.

Add two to three drops of the Nile blue indicator. Add 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution until the solution tums pink. then add 2 mt in excess.

Add approximately 10 mg of calcein indicator and titrate with EOTA solution until the green fluorescent colour disappears and a non-fluorescent pink colour develops. If this pink colour remains for longer than 15 seconds the end point has been reached. Record the volume in millilitres of EOTA used.

88

4 4.1

.' .~r

CALCULATIONS

The volume of EDT A solution that would be required to neutralize the calcium and magnesium in 1 9 of soil (X rnr), 1 g of the soillime mix (Y mt), and 1 g of lime (Z rnf) is calculated from the formulae:

250 Vx

25x Wx

250 x.::!1._

25 Wy

Z = 250 Vz

25 x Wz

x

,

..

I

y

4.2

where

V volume of EDTA solution required in titration (mi)

W mass of prepared oven-dry soil, soillime mix or lime sample (g).

If the amount of lime in the soil-lime mix = L % then 1 g of soil-lime mix contains L .

100 g lime

100 - L ,

and 100 g SOil

Y Z 1~O + X (10~0~ L)

,L = 1 00 (y - X)

Z-X

In this case: Wx = Wy = 5 g and: Wz = 0,5 g

, L 100 (Vy - Vx) 0;' 10 (Vy - Vx)

10 Vz - Vx 0 or Vz - Vx

10 Calculate the percentage of lime to the nearest 0,01 per cent and report it to the nearest 0,1 per cent.

5

~..aOTES

5.1

This procedure may be used for lime determinations by means of an AA spectrophotometer. The spectrophotometer is set at the calcium wavelength of 422,7 and calibrated so that distilled water = zero reading and 40 ppm of calcium solution (AR) = 100 reading.

5.2

~~ Proceed as above to the end of the second

paragraph of 3.2. The contents of the volumetric flasks are then tested in the spectrophotometer in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The lime content. L.

is calculated by the formula above except that spectrophotometer readings are substituted for EDTA volumes (V).

In order to expedite the pulverizing, a smaller representative test sample may be taken. separated on a 9,5 mm sieve. riffled. pulverized and recombined to obtain a laboratory sample of approximately 250 g.

Standard Test Me!hods TMH1, Pretona, South Amca, 1986

1

"

2 2,1 2,2

2,3 2.4

METHOD A15(d)

THE DETERMINATION OF THE CEMENT OR LIME CONTENT OF STABILIZED MATERIALS BY MEANS OF THE BACK TITRATION (ACID BASE) METH'OD

SCOPE

This method covers the determination of the proportion by mass of the cement or lime in a freshly stabilized material by neutralizing the cement or lime with an excess of hydrochloric acid, The residual acid is back-titrated with a volume of alkali that is inversely proportional to the cement or lime content of the stabilized sample,

2,5

APPARATUS

A riffler with nominal 25,0 mm openings.

A 19 mm test sieve (recommended diameter 200 mm) with pan and lid, conforming to SABS 197,

A suitable laboratory crusher.

A balance to weigh up to 1 kg, accurate to 0,1 g,

A balance to weigh up to 160 g, accurate to 0,01 s

A drying oven, thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 to 110 "C.

Tinned or galvanized iron basins, about 300 to 500 mm in diameter.

A timer.

2,6

2.7

2,8

2.10 2.11

2 f polyethylene containers, wide mouth, with screw-on or snap-on lids,

500 me polyethylene beakers.

A 100 mf burette with stand (at least Class B).

A 50 ml burette with stand (at least Class B).

A 1 000 mt measuring cylinder (at least Class B].

A 500 m( measuring cylinder (at least Class B).

200 rru volumetric flasks (at least Class B). 250 rnf Erlenmeyer flasks,

50 and 100 rnf pipettes (at least Class B). 10 to 20 m( polyethylene carboys, with siphons, tubing and hose clamps, to hold working solutions of acid, base and water,

2,12

2,13

2,14

2,15 2,16 2,17 2,18

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1, Pretoria, South Afnca, 1986

2.19

Stainless steel or glass stirring rods.

2.20 A magnetic stirrer.

Reagents

2.21 Hydrochloric acid solution, approximately 5N (one volume of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) (CP) to two volumes of distilled water).

2,22 Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, approximately 1 N (dissolve 500 9 of NaOH (CP) in 2 e of water and make up to 12,5 e with distilled water).

Phenolphthalein indicator (dissolve 5 9 in 500 me of ethyl alcohol and make up to 1 000 me with distilled water).

2.23

or

Bromothymol blue (dissolve 1 g in 1 000 me of distilled water and titrate the solution with NaOH solution until deep blue colour persists).

2.24 Mixing water: a flocculation agent such as 100 me of Flocotan TE 145 made up to 20 e with water.

3 METHOD

3.1 Determination of a calibration curve

The calibration curve establishes the relationship between the amount of sodium hydroxide used in the titration and the cement or lime content of a sample prepared from the particular material, stabilizing agent and water used for construction. A calibration curve should be determined at least once a day. Each operatorNihouldes-' tablish his own calibration curve.

In the event of any change in the source of the aggregate, the stabilizing agent or the working solutions of acid or hydroxide, a new calibration curve should be made, Chemicals sufficient for only two weeks should be made up.

3,1,1 Calculation of quantities

From the material to be used for construction, prepare three sets of duplicate samples, at the design moisture content, con-

89

Method A 15(d)

taining the following amounts of stabilizing agent (cement or lime):

Set 1: Two samples at 0 per cent.

Set 2: Two samples at 75 per cent of the design stabilizing agent content.

Set 3: Two samples at 125 per cent of the

design stabilizing agent content.

Other calibration points may be selected as long as they are within the range of the design stabilizing agent content.

For each sample calculate the quantities of material and stabilizing agent from the formula:

Ms

Mm =

ST 1

1 +--

100

ST

Mst = 100 x Mm

where

Mm mass of dry material (g)

Ms mass of calibration sample (300 g)

Mst mass of stabilizing agent (g)

ST stabilizing agent content of dry material (%).

3.1.2 Preparation of the calibration samples

Take a representative sample of approximately 7 kg from the untreated material used for construction.

Siev€ through a 13,2 mm sieve. Crush the portion retained on the sieve to pass the sieve and recombine it with the portion having passed the sieve. By means of a riffler quarter out four samples of approximately 300 g each. Dry the samples to constant mass at a temperature of 105 to 110 DC.

Weigh out the calculated amount of dry untreated material to the nearest 0,1 g and the stabilizing agent to the nearest 0,01 g and transfer to a 1 000 me polyethylene container. For each sample, mix the untreated material and the stabilizing agent thoroughly until a uniform colour is obtained. Add water by means of a burette until the calculated optimum moisture content is reached and again mix thoroughly. Leave the containers open at ambient temperature for the same time as the material in the field is in contact with water (see 5.3). Dry the samples at 105 to 110"C to constant mass or ave might.

3. 1.3 Titration of the calibration samples

For each sample measure accurately 200 m{ of 5N hydrochloric acid using a measuring cylinder. and 400 mt of mixing

90

water (see 2.24) into a plastic beaker and place behind the sample container. Start the timer. Add the 200 me of acid to each sample one by one and stir each sample for 45 seconds in the same sequence. When the timer reaches six minutes stir each sample for 45 seconds. When the timer reaches 12 minutes, again stir each sample for 45 seconds. When the timer reaches 18 minutes, add the 400 me of mixing water to each sample and stir for 45 seconds (see 5.4).

Pipette from each sample, in sequence, a 50 me aliquot of the supematant solution into a 250 me Erlenmeyer flask. Add approximately 1 me of phenolphthalein or bromothymol blue indicator to each Erlenmeyer flask. When bromothymol blue is used the colour starts as a faint green colour and develops to a dark blue without any addition of NaOH,

Titrate each solution with 1 N NaOH until a deep red appears, or with bromothymol blue until a deep blue appears, which does not fade when the flask is shaken for 1 minute; the clear liquid should remain red or blue (see 5.5).

Note the burette readings of the four calibration samples to the nearest 0,2 me.

3.1 .4 Plotting of the calibration curve

Construct a graph by plotting the millilitre readings (abscissa) using average figures from Sets 1, 2 and 3, against the percentage of stabilizing agent (ordinate). Draw a straight line between the points. This is the calibration curve for determining the stabilizing agent content of the stabilized material.

3.2 Determination of the stabilizing agent content in a stabilized field sample

3.2.1 Sampling

During construction take representative samples of the stabilized mixture on completion of the mixing, placing the samples

in covered containers. In the case of coarsely graded materials (more than 20 per !' cent retained on the 19 mm sieve), the size

of the field samples should be approximately 4 kg; when finely graded materials are used, 2 kg will be sufficient.

3.2.2 Preparation of the field sample

Sieve the sample through a 13,2 mm sieve. Crush the aggregate to pass the sieve and recombine the two portions. By means of a riffler quarter out one set of duplicate samples of approximately 300 g each. Dry the samples at a temperature of 105 to 110 "C to constant mass or ave might and then

Standard Test Methods TMH I, Pratona, 5<Ju1h Africa, 1986

,

9

,

. ,

weigh out 300 g accurately to 0,1 g. Proceed as described in 3.1.3.

4

CALCULATION

Determine the concentration of stabilizing agent in the field sample from the calibration curve. The stabilizing agent content should be reported to the nearest 0,1 per cent on a suitable form.

5 5.1

NOTES

This method may not be reliable when there are significant amounts of HCI-active aggregates such as caicrete, doiomite or any other carbonate rock in the ra w material. When this situation arises, the acid concentration should be increased.

Since variations in field moisture content could have a slight effect on the accuracy of the test. check at least one sample per batch for moisture content; this should be within 2 per cent of the optimum moisture content, otherwise the calibration samples should be made up using the field moisture content.

In field operations some time usually elapses between stabilization and testing. To ascertain whether this time lapse affects the stabilizer content determined for that particular soil and stabilizer, prepare ten 300 g calibration samples at the design moisture and design stabilizing agent content. Test the samples in duplicate at approximate curing times of 1, 3, 10, 24 and 48 hours.

The time that the water is added is regarded as the start of the curing' period. Dry the samples at 105 to 110 DC to constant mass after curing and before testing. If a difference is noted, plot the millilitres of NaOH used for titration against the curing time to establish the curing time correction curve. From the correction curve determine

5.2

5.3

Standard Test Methods

TMH 1. Pretoria. South Africa. 1986

Method A15(dl

the difference in millilitres of NaOH between the curing time of the calibration and field samples. Apply a minus correction if the curing time of the field sample is greater than that of the calibration sample. Apply a plus correction if the curing time of the field sample is less than the curing time of the calibration sample.

A correction curve is superfluous when the curing time of the field and calibration sam- . pies is the same. The calibration curve sample should be mixed at the same time as the road mixing commences.

5.4 It will be found that only eight samples can be processed at the same time because of the time factor. If more than this number of samples is usually tested, the six-minute periods may be prolonged to accommodate the number of field samples usually tested in one batch, provided that the time interval remains the same for both the calibration and field samples.

5.5 To determine whether the reagents in use are still active and correctly made up, pipette 5 me of the HCI solution into a 250 me Erlenmeyer flask. Add 100 mt of water with a measuring cylinder. Add 5 drops of the phenolphthalein or bromothymol blue indicator and swirl to mix. Titrate with the NaOH until the required end point is reached. Determine the ratio of 1 me NaOH:5 me HCI. The ratio should be 5:1 as the HCI is supposed to be five times as strong as the NaOH. If the ratio is not 5:1, record the ratio with the titration figures.

5.6 When the design includes the use of lime and slagment, particular care should be taken when mixing, as a large amount of gas is liberated and insufficient mixing not only retards the setting time but aiso blackens the aliquot during titration.

REFERENCES

California Method 33B.E-1970 SASS 197

91

i

92

Standard Test Methods TMH 1, Pretoria, South Amca, 1986