ASTM D5982-96

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 5982 – 96
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
Determining Cement Content of Fresh Soil-Cement (Heat of
Neutralization Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5982; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 heat of neutralization—the difference between the
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining
temperature of soil-cement/buffer solution after mixing and the
the cement content of fresh soil-cement. This test method can
average of buffer solution and soil-cement test specimen
be used for determining the cement content of specimens that
temperature before mixing.
contain 3 to 16 % cement. This test method is appropriate for
3.2.2 percent cement—percentage of cement by total mass
soil-cement containing up to 55 % plus 4.75 mm (No. 4)
of specimen.
sieve-size particles with a maximum particle size of 75 mm (3
in.). It should not be used for determining the Class F pozzolan
4. Summary of Test Method
content of these mixtures.
4.1 A representative sample of fresh soil-cement is ob-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
tained. The temperature of the soil-cement test specimen and a
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
buffer solution are determined separately and recorded. The
information only.
buffer solution is added to the soil-cement test specimen and
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
vigorously mixed. After mixing, the temperature of the soil-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
cement/buffer solution mixture is determined and recorded.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
The heat of neutralization is calculated and, from a previously
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
established calibration curve, the cement content of the test
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
specimen is obtained.
tionary statements are given in Section 8.
5. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 This procedure provides a means for reliably determin-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2 ing the cement content of soil-cement in approximately 15 to
C 219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
20 min. The procedure can be used to determine the cement
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
3 content of soil-cement to 61 percentage point by mass of dry
Fluids
sample of the actual cement content, that is generally adequate
D 2216 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water
3 for most construction control applications.
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock
5.2 The buffer solution reacts with the calcium hydroxide in
D 4753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Speci-
the cement and may react with calcareous material in the soil
fying Balances and Scales for Use in Testing Soil, Rock,
3 to produce heat. Any reaction from calcareous soil is accom-
and Related Construction Materials
modated in the calibration curve but below 3 % cement content
E 644 Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Ther-
there is usually insufficient temperature reaction for reliable
mometers
results. Because Class F pozzolan may not contain any calcium
3. Terminology hydroxide for reaction, this test method will not determine
percentage Class F pozzolan in the mix.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Refer to Terminology D 653 for terms relating to soil.
6. Apparatus
3.1.2 Refer to Terminology C 219 for terms relating to
6.1 Balance or Scale—Chosen in accordance with Specifi-
hydraulic cement.
cation D 4753.
6.1.1 A typical balance or scale used for obtaining the mass
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
of a soil-cement test specimen must be readable to 0.01 kg or
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.15 on Stabilization
0.01 lbm and have a capacity of about 9.1 kg (20 lbm).
with Admixtures.
Current edition approved July 10, 1996. Published December 1996. 6.1.2 A typical balance or scale used for preparing the buffer
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01.
solution (see 7.4) must be readable to 0.1 g and have a capacity
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
of about 3000 g.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 5982
to provide enough buffer solution to complete testing required for that day
6.2 Digital Thermometer, 0 to 100°C range, readable to
(see subsection 7.5).
0.1°C, conforming to the requirements of Test Methods E 644.
The digital thermometer must be equipped with a thermo-
7.5 Buffer solution is to be used within 24 h after it is mixed.
couple probe as short as possible and no more than (5 in.) in
8. Safety Hazards
length.
6.3 Specimen Container, leakproof, widemouth plastic 8.1 Chemicals used in this procedure contain acid that can
(Nalgene) container, 4-L (1-gal) capacity, with screw cap, be irritating to exposed skin. Perform this procedure only with
minimum of three recommended. One cap should be pierced in adequate ventilation and with rinse water available. Wear
the center to allow insertion of the thermometer probe. rubber gloves, laboratory coat or apron, and safety glasses or
6.4 Timing Device, A stopwatch or other suitable timing goggles.
device readable to 1 s. 8.2 After mixing the soil-cement/buffer solution and before
6.5 Glass or Plastic Beaker, Approximately 3000-mL ca- removing the lid, place a towel over the top of the specimen
pacity. container. The pressure generated while mixing can cause fluid
6.6 Funnel, Widemouth funnel to fit mouth of specimen to spray as the lid is removed.
container (see 6.3).
9. Technical Hazards
6.7 Hand Scoop, Flatbottom and scoop with handle; ap-
9.1 The calibration curve is specific to the mix design and
proximate bowl dimensions, 75 by 150 mm (3- ⁄2 by 6 in.).
material used. If mix design percentages are changed or if the
6.8 Gloves, Protective gloves to be worn whenever handling
source of material is changed, a new calibration curve must be
buffer solution.
6.9 Specimen Container Holder, Angle irons, woodblocks, developed.
9.2 Soil-cement with gravel is highly susceptible to segre-
or other suitable material capable of holding the specimen
container securely in an inverted position. gation during handling. To minimize segregation, use care in
obtaining samples, selecting specimens, and during remixing
6.10 Buffer Container, A suitable container with pouring
spout or spigot, preferably plastic, of sufficient capacity to hold and testing of the soil-cement specimen.
9.3 Soil-cement samples are to be tested within 60 min from
a buffer solution supply for daily testing. Each test performed
requires 1.5 L of buffer solution. the time water and cement first come into contact during
mixing at the lab, mixing plant, or on site.
6.11 Pail, Plastic pail, minimum 4-L (1-gal) capacity.
9.4 Soil-cement samples must be protected from moisture
6.12 Spoon, Large metal spoon for mixing the soil-cement
loss prior to testing.
calibration test specimens as described in Section 10.
9.5 The temperature difference between the buffer solution
6.13 Mixing Container, An 11- to 15-L (3- to 4-gal) con-
and soil-cement specimen should not exceed 4°C. If the
tainer, preferably plastic, used for mixing the soil-cement
temperature difference is equal to or greater than 4°C, heat or
calibration test specimens as described in Section 10.
cool the buffer solution to within 4°C of the soil-cement
6.14 Shovel or Large Scoop, Square faced shovel or large
specimen.
scoop, used for obtaining fresh sample from belt, hopper, truck,
9.6 Gelling or stiffening of the soil-cement/buffer solution
or site.
mixture may occur when testing specimens having cement
7. Reagents and Materials
contents greater than 16 %. If this occurs, the ratio of mass of
7.1 Distilled water is to be used for preparing the buffer buffer solution to mass of soil-cement specimen (1.65 kg buffer
solution as described in 7.4. Tapwater that is free of acids, solution to 1.50 kg soil-cement) (3.64 to 3.30 lbm) given in this
alkalies, or oils and is suitable for drinking should be used for test method cannot be used and a new mass ratio must be
rinsing the thermocouple probe and lid. established.
7.2 Sodium Acetate—Anhydrous (crystalline) sodium ac- 9.7 The buffer solution used in the test method consists of
etate, technical grade or better, 225 g required for each test glacial acetic acid, water, and sodium acetate. Glacial acetic
specimen. acid is corrosive and ignitable and gives a distinct vinegar odor
7.3 Glacial Acetic Acid—Liquid glacial acetic acid, techni- to the buffer mixture. Sodium acetate and calcium acetate (a
cal grade or better, 360 g required for each test specimen. reaction product) are not considered to be toxic or hazardous
7.4 Preparation of Buffer Solution: chemicals. The acidity of the buffer solution changes from pH
7.4.1 Prepare 1.5 liters of buffer solution for each specimen. 2 to pH 5.2 during testing and can be disposed of with the
cement waste. If, after testing, a higher pH value is desired or
7.4.2 Dissolve 225 g of anhydrous sodium acetate in 500
mL of distilled water, stirring constantly. if there is unreacted buffer solution, additional cement or lime
may be added to the mixture prior to disposal.
NOTE 1—A blender or malt mixer may be used to help dissolve the
anhydrous sodium acetate.
10. Sampling
7.4.3 Add 360 g of glacial acetic acid to the sodium
10.1 Obtain a fresh soil-cement sample using either the
acetate/water solution prepared in 7.4.2.
method described in 10.1.1 or 10.1.2. The method selected
7.4.4 Add distilled water to bring the final volume to 1.5 L.
depends upon the reason for testing. Subsection 10.1.1 is to be
Mix thoroughly.
used if the production process at the mixing plant is to be
checked. Subsection 10.1.2 is to be used during placement of
NOTE 2—Subsection 7.4 provides sufficient buffer for one test. If more
than one test is to be performed, the proportions given should be adjusted soil-cement at the time of construction.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 5982
10.1.1 Using a square faced shovel or large scoop, obtain a tion specimen into the specimen container using care to prevent
minimum 2-kg (5-lbm) sample from the mixing plant. The portions of the calibration specimen from sticking to the sides
sample should be taken immediately after the soil-cement is of the funnel. Ensure that all of the calibration specimen is
deposited in the truck or onto the site. Segregation of the gravel removed from the mixing container and placed in the specimen
fraction may occur during the dumping. When obtaining the container.
sample, visually observe if it appears representative of the 11.3.6 Remove the funnel and secure the lid on the soil-
specified mixture proportions. If the sample does not appear cement calibration specimen container.
representative, it should be discarded and a new sample 11.4 Determine the heat of neutralization for the soil-cement
obtained. Place the soil-cement sample in a large air-tight calibration specimen in accordance with 13.5-13.20.
bucket or other suitable container (see 9.2-9.4 ). 11.5 Repeat subparagraphs 11.3.1-11.4 eight additional
10.1.2 Using a shovel or large scoop, obtain a minimum times to obtain nine heat of neutralization determinations.
2-kg (5-lbm) sample from the material obtained at the con- 11.6 Calculate the average of the “temperature difference”
struction site for density or compressive strength testing, or (heat rise) values obtained for the three trials performed at each
both. When obtaining the sample, visually observe if it appears of the three cement contents. The range (difference between
representative of the specified mixture proportions. If the highest and lowest) of the three individual temperatures at the
sample does not appear representative, it should be discarded same cement content should not exceed 3°C. If it does, repeat
and a new sample obtained. Place the soil-cement sample in a the test for that cement content. Record the value to the nearest
large air-tight bucket or other suitable container (see 9.2-9.4). 0.1°C as the “average temperature difference” as shown on Fig.
1.
11. Calibration and Standardization
11.7 Prepare a plot of heat of neutralization (average tem-
11.1 Record all calibration data on an appropriate form or
perature difference) versus cement content as shown on Fig. 1.
by electronic means. One example of a form that meets the data
Draw and calculate the best straight line through the three or
requirements is the form shown in Fig. 1.
more plotted points.
11.2 Establish a calibration curve by determining the heat of
11.8 Determine the equation of the calibration line. It is
neutralization of soil-cement test specimens prepared at known
recommended that a computer/calculator be used to perform a
cement contents that bracket the value of percent cement to be
linear regression analysis to obtain the equation of the best-fit
used for construction.
line through the data points obtained.
11.3 Prepare nine 1.50 kg (3.30 lbm) soil-cement calibration
12. Conditioning
specimens using the percentages of gravel, minus 4.75 mm
(No. 4) material, and water as determined when the mixture 12.1 Perform the calibration as described in Section 11 and
was proportioned. The amount of cement added to the calibra-
the procedure as described in Section 13 in an area that is
tion specimens should be as follows: three calibration speci- isolated from drafts and heat sources i.e., relatively uniform
mens should be two percentage points less cement than that
temperature. It is recommended that the calibration and the
specified for construction, three specimens two percentage
testing be performed at the same location.
points greater, and three specimens having the same percent
13. Procedure
cement as specified for construction. An example mixture
proportion calculation for one 1.50 kg (3.30 lbm) specimen is 13.1 All test data are to be reco
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