ASTM D560-96

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: D 560 – 96
Standard Test Methods for
Freezing and Thawing Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 560; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope * D 2168 Test Methods for Calibration of Laboratory
Mechanical-Rammer Soil Compactors
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining
D 3740 Practice for the Minimum Requirements for Agen-
the soil-cement losses, moisture changes, and volume changes
cies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and
(swell and shrinkage) produced by repeated freezing and
Rock Used in Engineering Design and Construction
thawing of hardened soil-cement specimens. The specimens
E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
are compacted in a mold, before cement hydration, to maxi-
poses
mum density at optimum water content using the compaction
procedure described in Test Methods D 558.
3. Significance and Use
1.2 Two test methods, depending on soil gradation, are
3.1 These test methods are used to determine the resistance
covered for preparation of material for molding specimens and
of compacted soil-cement specimens to repeated freezing and
for molding specimens as follows:
thawing. These test methods were developed to be used in
Sections
conjunction with Test Methods D 559 and criteria given in the
Test Method A, using soil material passing a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
This method shall be used when 100 % of the soil sample passes 5
Soil-Cement Laboratory Handbook to determine the mini-
the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve
mum amount of cement required in soil-cement to achieve a
Test Method B, using soil material passing a ⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.
degree of hardness adequate to resist field weathering.
This method shall be used when part of the soil sample is retained
on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. This test method may be used only 6
3 NOTE 1—The agency performing these test methods can be evaluated in
on those materials that have 30 % or less retained on the ⁄4-in.
(19.0 mm) sieve accordance with Practice D 3740. Not withstanding statements on preci-
sion and bias contained in these test methods: the precision of these test
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
methods is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet
information only.
the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of
competent and objective testing. Users of these test methods are cautioned
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not, in itself, ensure reliable
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
testing. Reliable testing depends on many factors; Practice D 3740
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
provides a means of evaluating some of these factors.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Mold—A cylindrical metal mold having a capacity of
2. Referenced Documents
3 3
⁄30 6 0.0004 ft (944 6 11 cm ) with an internal diameter of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.0 6 0.016 in. (101.60 6 0.41 mm) and conforming to Fig. 1
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement
to permit preparing compacted specimens of soil-cement
C 595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
mixtures of this size. The mold shall be provided with a
D 558 Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of
detachable collar assembly approximately 2 ⁄2 in. (63.5 mm) in
Soil-Cement Mixtures
height. The mold may be of the split type consisting of two
D 559 Test Methods for Wetting-and-Drying Tests of Com-
half-round sections or a section of pipe with one side split
pacted Soil-Cement Mixtures
perpendicular to the pipe circumference and that can be
securely locked in place to form a closed cylinder having the
dimensions described above. The mold and collar assembly
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on
shall be so constructed that it can be fastened firmly to a
Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.15 on
detachable base.
Stabilization of Additives.
Current edition approved May 10, 1996. Published July 1996. Originally
published as D 560 – 39. Last previous edition D 560 – 89.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 04.01 and 04.02. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 04.01, 04.06, and 14.02.
3 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08. Soil-Cement Laboratory Handbook, Portland Cement Assn., 1971.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D560–96
Metric Equivalents
in. mm
0.016 0.41
0.026 0.66
⁄32 0.80
⁄16 1.6
⁄8 3.2
⁄4 6.4
⁄32 8.7
⁄8 9.5
⁄2 12.7
⁄8 15.9
2 50.8
2 ⁄2 63.5
4 101.6
4 ⁄4 108.0
4 ⁄2 114.3
4.584 116.43
6 152.4
6 ⁄2 165.1
8 203.2
ft cm
⁄30 944
0.004 11
0.0009 25
NOTE 1—The tolerance on the height as governed by the allowable volume and diameter tolerances.
NOTE 2—The methods shown for attaching the extension collar to the mold and the mold to the base plate are recommended. However, other methods
are acceptable, providing the attachments, are equally as rigid as those shown.
FIG. 1 Cylindrical Mold
4.2 Rammer: 6 1.6 mm) above the elevation of the soil-cement. The
4.2.1 Manual Rammer—A manually operated metal ram- guidesleeve shall have at least four vent holes not smaller than
3 3
mer having a 2.0 6 0.005-in. (50.80 6 0.13-mm) diameter ⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) spaced 90° apart and located with centers ⁄4 6
circular face and weighing 5.5 6 0.02 lb (2.49 6 0.01 kg). The ⁄16 in. (19.0 6 1.6 mm) from each end and shall provide
rammer shall be equipped with a suitable guidesleeve to sufficient clearance that free-falls of the rammer shaft and head
control the height of drop to a free fall of 12 6 ⁄16 in. (304.8 will not be restricted.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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D560–96
4.2.2 Mechanical Rammer—A mechanically operated metal 4.17 Absorptive Pads— ⁄4-in. (6-mm) thick felt pads, blot-
rammer having a 2.0 6 0.005-in. (50.80 6 0.13-mm) diameter ters, or similar absorptive material for placing between speci-
face and a manufactured weight of 5.5 6 0.02 lb (2.49 6 0.01 mens and specimen carriers.
kg). The operating weight of the rammer shall be determined
4.18 Graduate—A graduated cylinder of 250-mL capacity
from a calibration in accordance with Methods D 2168. The
for measuring water.
rammer shall be equipped with a suitable arrangement to
4.19 Moisture Cans—Suitable containers for moisture
control the height of drop to a free-fall of 12.0 6 ⁄16in. (304.8
samples.
6 1.6 mm) above the elevation of the soil-cement.
4.2.3 Rammer Face—Strength and resistance to freezing
5. Test Method A—Using Soil Material Passing a No. 4
and thawing of specimens compacted with the sector face
(4.75-mm) Sieve
rammer may differ from that of specimens compacted with the
5.1 Preparation of Material for Molding Specimens:
circular face rammer. Therefore, the sector face rammer shall
5.1.1 Prepare the soil sample in accordance with Test
not be used unless previous tests on like soil-cement mixtures
Method A of Test Methods D 558.
show that similar resistance to freezing and thawing is obtained
with the two types of rammers.
5.1.2 Select a sufficient quantity of the soil prepared as
described in 5.1.1 to provide two (Note 2) compacted speci-
4.3 Sample Extruder—A jack, lever frame, or other device
mens and required water content samples.
adapted for the purpose of extruding compacted specimens
from the mold. Not required when a split-type mold is used.
NOTE 2—(Optional)—Usually only one specimen (identified as No. 2)
4.4 Balances—A balance or scale of at least 25-lb (11.3-kg)
is required for routine testing. The other specimen (identified as No. 1) is
capacity sensitive to 0.01 lb (0.005 kg) and a balance of at least
made for research work and for testing unusual soils.
1000-g capacity sensitive to 0.1 g.
5.1.3 Add to the soil the required amount of cement
4.5 Drying Oven—A thermostatically controlled drying
conforming to Specification C 150 or Specification C 595. Mix
oven capable of maintaining temperatures of 230 6 9°F (1106
the cement and soil thoroughly to a uniform color.
5°C) for drying water content samples.
5.1.4 Add sufficient potable water to raise the soil-cement
4.6 Freezing Cabinet—A freezing cabinet capable of main-
mixture to optimum moisture content at time of compaction
taining temperatures of −10°F (−23°C) or lower.
and mix thoroughly.
4.7 Moist Room—A moist room or suitable covered con-
5.1.5 When the soil used is a heavy textured clayey mate-
tainer capable of maintaining a temperature of 70 6 3°F (21 6
rial, compact the mixture of soil, cement, and water in a
1.7°C) and a relative humidity of 100 % for 7-day storage of
container to a depth of about 2 in. (50 mm) using the rammer
compacted specimens and for thawing frozen specimens.
described in 4.2 or similar hand tamper, cover, and allow to
4.8 Wire Scratch Brush—A wire scratch brush made of 2 by
stand for not less than 5 min but not more than 10 min to aid
⁄16-in. (50.8 by 1.588-mm) flat No. 26 gage (0.46 mm) wire
dispersion of the moisture and to permit more complete
bristles assembled in 50 groups of 10 bristles each and
absorption by the soil-cement.
mounted to form 5 longitudinal rows and 10 transverse rows of
5.1.6 After the absorption period, thoroughly break up the
1 1
bristles on a 7 ⁄2 by 2 ⁄2-in. (190 by 63.5-mm) hardwood block.
mixture, without reducing the natural size of individual par-
4.9 Straightedge—A rigid steel straightedge 12 in. (305
ticles, until it will pass a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve, as judged by
mm) in length and having one beveled edge.
eye, and then remix.
4.10 Sieves—3-in. (75-mm), ⁄4-in. (19.0-mm), and No. 4
5.2 Molding Specimens:
(4.75-mm) sieves conforming to the requirements of Specifi-
5.2.1 Form a specimen by immediately compacting the
cation E 11.
soil-cement mixture in the mold, with the collar attached, and
4.11 Mixing Tools—Miscellaneous tools such as mixing
later trimming the specimen in the same manner as directed for
pan, and trowel, or a suitable mechanical device for thoroughly
Test Method A of Test Methods D 558, and in addition scarify
mixing the soil with cement and water.
the tops of the first and second layers to remove smooth
4.12 Butcher Knife—A butcher knife approximately 10 in.
compaction planes before placing and compacting the succeed-
(250 mm) in length for trimming the top of the specimens.
ing layers. This scarification shall form grooves at right angles
1 1
4.13 Scarifier—A six-pronged ice pick or similar apparatus to each other, approximately ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) in width and ⁄8 in.
to remove the smooth compaction plane at the top of the first
(3.2 mm) in depth and approximately ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) apart.
and second layers of the specimen.
5.2.2 During compaction, take from the batch a representa-
4.14 Container—A flat, round pan, for moisture absorption
tive sample of the soil-cement mixture, weighing not less than
by soil-cement mixtures, about 12 in. (305 mm) in diameter
100 g, weigh immediately and dry in an oven at 230 6 9°F
and 2 in. (50 mm) deep.
(110 6 5°C) for at least 12 h or to constant weight. Calculate
4.15 Measuring Device—A measuring device suitable for the water content as directed in Test Methods D 558 to check
against design moisture content.
accurately measuring the heights and diameters of test speci-
mens to the nearest 0.01 in. (0.2 mm).
5.2.3 Weigh the compacted specimen and mold, remove the
4.16 Pans and Carriers—Suitable pans for handling mate- specimen from the mold, and calculate the oven-dry weight of
3 3
rials and carriers or trays for handling test specimens. each specimen in lb/ft (g/cm ) to check against design density.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D560–96
and clayey soils tend to scale on sides and ends particularly after about the
5.2.4 Identify the specimen on a metal tag (or other suitable
sixth cycle of test. This scale shall be removed with a sharp-pointed
device) as No. 1 (Note 1) together with other needed identifi-
instrument such as an ice pick, since the regular brushing may not be
cation marks and use to obtain data on water content and
effective.
volume changes during the test.
5.2.5 Form a second specimen as rapidly as possible and 5.3.6 The No. 1 specimen may be discontinued prior to 12
cycles should measurements become inaccurate due to soil-
determine the water content and oven-dry weight as described
in 5.2.1-5.2.3. Identify this specimen as No. 2 together with cement loss of the specimen.
other needed identification marks and use to obtain data on
NOTE 6—If it is not possible to run the cycles continuously because of
soil-cement losses during the test.
Sundays, holidays, or for any other reason, the specimens shall be held in
5.2.6 Determine the average diameter and height of the No.
the freezing cabinet during the layover period if possible.
1 specimen and calculate its volume.
5.3.7 After 12 cycles of test, dry the specimens to constant
5.2.7 Place the specimens on suitable carriers in the moist
weight at 230°F (110°C) and weigh to determine the oven-dry
room and protect them from free water for a period of 7 days.
weight of the specimens.
5.2.8 Weigh and measure the No. 1 specimen at the end of
5.3.8 The data collected will permit calculations of volume
the 7-day storage period to provide data for calculating its
and water content changes of specimen No. 1 and the soil-
water content and volume.
cement losses of specimen No. 2 after the prescribed 12 cycles
NOTE 3—It is important that all height and diameter meas
...