Standard Practice for Laboratory Preparation of Soil-Lime Mixtures Using Mechanical Mixer

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice standardizes the preparation of soil-lime mixtures for laboratory testing by engineers and researchers interested in determining properties of soil when stabilized with lime. In this method, the mellowing period is mentioned, but no specific recommendations are made because the mellowing period to be used in testing depends upon each specific use.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection, and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the laboratory preparation of soil-lime mixtures for use in determining the effects of lime on soil properties (plasticity, strength, moisture-density relations, etc.) and the design of mixtures for construction.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgement. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved the ASTM consensus process.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Oct-2017
Technical Committee
D18 - Soil and Rock

Relations

Effective Date
01-Nov-2017
Effective Date
01-Nov-2023
Effective Date
01-Oct-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2019
Effective Date
01-Aug-2014
Effective Date
01-May-2012
Effective Date
01-Mar-2012
Effective Date
01-Sep-2011
Effective Date
01-Sep-2011
Effective Date
01-Jul-2010
Effective Date
01-Mar-2010
Effective Date
01-Jan-2009
Effective Date
01-Dec-2008
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Effective Date
01-Mar-2008

Overview

ASTM D3551-17: Standard Practice for Laboratory Preparation of Soil-Lime Mixtures Using Mechanical Mixer establishes a uniform laboratory method for the preparation of soil-lime mixtures. This standard is widely recognized by engineers and researchers focused on soil stabilization and geotechnical analysis. It serves as a foundational reference for those interested in evaluating changes in soil properties resulting from the addition of lime, which is vital for construction and infrastructure projects requiring enhanced soil durability and strength.

The standard details the apparatus, sample preparation procedures, and reporting requirements, ensuring repeatability and reliability in laboratory testing. Procedures outlined are intended for soil stabilization studies, including but not limited to the assessment of plasticity, strength, and moisture-density relations.

Key Topics

  • Purpose and Scope:

    • Provides detailed instructions for laboratory preparation of soil-lime mixtures using a mechanical mixer, focusing on uniform sample consistency.
    • Facilitates testing for properties such as plasticity, strength, and moisture-density relations in lime-stabilized soils.
  • Sample Preparation:

    • Specifies that soil samples may be air-dried or oven-dried, based on their impact on test results.
    • Details the sequence of weighing, dry-mixing soil and lime, and gradual water addition.
    • Addresses use of mechanical mixers, spatulas, trowels, and precision balances for consistent mixing and weighing.
  • Mellowing Period:

    • Mentions the importance of the mellowing period (time for the soil-lime mixture to rest), though it intentionally leaves the duration to be determined by the specific testing needs.
  • Data Quality:

    • Emphasizes adherence to significant digit guidelines as specified in ASTM D6026.
    • Recognizes that the quality of results depends on personnel skill, equipment suitability, and adherence to good laboratory practices.
  • Safety and Professional Judgment:

    • Encourages users to implement appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices.
    • Clarifies that this standard complements, but does not replace, engineering judgment and expertise.

Applications

  • Soil Stabilization Research:

    • Laboratories use ASTM D3551-17 to prepare soil-lime mixtures for testing the effectiveness of lime as a soil stabilizer.
    • Essential for analyzing how lime alters engineering properties like compressive strength, load-bearing capacity, and water resistance.
  • Geotechnical Engineering:

    • Supports mix design and quality assurance for construction projects, particularly in roadways, embankments, and foundations where soil improvement is required.
    • Provides reliable laboratory protocols for consultants, contractors, and public agencies overseeing stabilized soil construction.
  • Academic and Industrial Testing:

    • Used in university research and industrial quality control labs to ensure consistency and compatibility of soil-lime mixtures for experimental and commercial projects.

Related Standards

For comprehensive laboratory practices and terminology in geotechnical testing, the following ASTM standards are relevant:

  • ASTM D653 - Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
  • ASTM D2216 - Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
  • ASTM D3740 - Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
  • ASTM D6026 - Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data

Practical Value

By providing a standardized approach to preparing soil-lime mixtures in the laboratory environment, ASTM D3551-17 ensures data reliability, comparability, and reproducibility in soil stabilization studies. Adhering to this practice enhances the scientific and engineering basis for soil improvement decisions, resulting in more durable and resilient infrastructure projects.

Keywords: ASTM D3551-17, soil-lime mixture, soil stabilization, laboratory preparation, mechanical mixer, geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, lime stabilization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D3551-17 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Laboratory Preparation of Soil-Lime Mixtures Using Mechanical Mixer". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice standardizes the preparation of soil-lime mixtures for laboratory testing by engineers and researchers interested in determining properties of soil when stabilized with lime. In this method, the mellowing period is mentioned, but no specific recommendations are made because the mellowing period to be used in testing depends upon each specific use. Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection, and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the laboratory preparation of soil-lime mixtures for use in determining the effects of lime on soil properties (plasticity, strength, moisture-density relations, etc.) and the design of mixtures for construction. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026. 1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgement. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved the ASTM consensus process. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice standardizes the preparation of soil-lime mixtures for laboratory testing by engineers and researchers interested in determining properties of soil when stabilized with lime. In this method, the mellowing period is mentioned, but no specific recommendations are made because the mellowing period to be used in testing depends upon each specific use. Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection, and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the laboratory preparation of soil-lime mixtures for use in determining the effects of lime on soil properties (plasticity, strength, moisture-density relations, etc.) and the design of mixtures for construction. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026. 1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgement. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved the ASTM consensus process. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D3551-17 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D3551-17 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D3551-08, ASTM D3740-23, ASTM D3740-19, ASTM D2216-19, ASTM D653-14, ASTM D3740-12a, ASTM D3740-12, ASTM D3740-11, ASTM D653-11, ASTM D2216-10, ASTM D3740-10, ASTM D653-09, ASTM D653-08a, ASTM D653-08, ASTM D3740-08. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D3551-17 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3551 − 17
Standard Practice for
Laboratory Preparation of Soil-Lime Mixtures Using
Mechanical Mixer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3551; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* judged, nor should this document be applied without consid-
eration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Stan-
1.1 This practice covers the laboratory preparation of soil-
dard” in the title of this document means only that the
lime mixtures for use in determining the effects of lime on soil
document has been approved the ASTM consensus process.
properties (plasticity, strength, moisture-density relations, etc.)
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
and the design of mixtures for construction.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
standard.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026. 2. Referenced Documents
1.3.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/ 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
Fluids
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
Data
methods for engineering design.
3. Terminology
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
practice, refer to Terminology D653.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing 4. Significance and Use
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
4.1 This practice standardizes the preparation of soil-lime
education or experience and should be used in conjunction
mixtures for laboratory testing by engineers and researchers
with professional judgement. Not all aspects of this practice
interested in determining properties of soil when stabilized
may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is
with lime. In this method, the mellowing period is mentioned,
not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by
but no specific recommendations are made because the mel-
which the adequacy of a given professional service must be
lowing period to be used in testing depends upon each specific
use.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.15 on Stabilization With
Admixtures. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved . Published November 2017. Originally approved in contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1976. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D3551 – 08, which was withdrawn Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
January 2017 and reinstated in November 2017. DOI: 10.1520/D3551-17. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3551 − 17
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
and add to the mixture in a thin stream or a fine spray while the
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
mixer is running.After the water is added, continue the mixing
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
for approximately 5 min. After about half of this 5-min period
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
is completed, stop the mixer and
...

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