Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Soil-Cement Using Portions of Beams Broken in Flexure (Modified Cube Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is intended for use in the laboratory and as a research tool for determining relative compressive strength values for various soil-cement mixtures. It is not intended as an alternative for Test Method D1633 and the test values obtained by these two test methods are not interchangeable and not necessarily comparable. A comparison of strengths obtained by Test Methods D1633 and D1634 is given by Feld and Abrams.3
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/etc. 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 test method covers the determination of the compressive strength of soil-cement, using portions of beams broken in flexure in accordance with Test Method D1635, as test specimens.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted below. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.2.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight) while the unit for mass is slugs.  
1.2.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in commercial practice; that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore, the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram (kg) or gram (g), or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit (slug) is not given/presented in parantheses.  
1.2.3 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit for mass. However the use of balances or scales, recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026 unless superseded by this test method.  
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the 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 these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.  
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 international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standar...

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-Nov-2017
Effective Date
01-Nov-2017
Effective Date
01-Nov-2017
Effective Date
01-Aug-2014
Effective Date
01-Jun-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-Jun-2010

Overview

ASTM D1634-17: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Soil-Cement Using Portions of Beams Broken in Flexure (Modified Cube Method) specifies the procedures for determining the compressive strength of soil-cement by testing fragments of beams previously broken in flexure. Developed by ASTM International, this laboratory-based method allows researchers and engineers to assess the relative compressive strength of various soil-cement mixtures as part of soil stabilization and geotechnical engineering projects.

This test is not intended to replace ASTM D1633, and compressive strength values obtained by ASTM D1633 and D1634 are not interchangeable or directly comparable. Analysts should be aware of the specific intent and limitations of this standard when evaluating soil-cement performance.

Key Topics

  • Test Method Description

    • Utilizes portions of soil-cement beams broken in flexure, as per ASTM D1635, for compressive strength testing.
    • Provides a modified cube test, which is especially useful for evaluating the compressive properties of small fragments or laboratory samples.
  • Units and Measurement

    • Standard units used are inch-pound (lbf for force, lbm for mass), with SI conversions provided for information only.
    • Consistency in recorded units, significant digits, and rounding practices is essential, following ASTM guidelines.
  • Significance and Use

    • Ideal for laboratory research and quality control, allowing comparison of different soil-cement mixtures under controlled conditions.
    • Not suitable as a direct substitute for other compressive strength methods such as ASTM D1633.
  • Apparatus and Procedure

    • Requires a calibrated compression testing machine with a spherically seated head and appropriate bearing plates.
    • Specimens must be prepared, conditioned, and loaded using specified rates to ensure data reliability.
  • Quality and Competence

    • Results depend heavily on the skill of the laboratory personnel, suitability of equipment, and adherence to proper procedures.
    • Laboratories are recommended to follow ASTM D3740 for evaluating competence.

Applications

ASTM D1634-17 is typically applied in:

  • Soil Stabilization Research: Assessing the compressive strength of soil-cement blends to identify optimal mixtures for construction and infrastructure projects.
  • Quality Control in Construction Materials Testing: Supporting agencies and contractors in developing soil-cement roads, subgrades, and embankments.
  • Comparative Studies: Aiding academic and industrial research in comparing different soil types, cement contents, and curing methods.

This method is especially valuable when test specimens from flexure testing (e.g., broken beams) are readily available, maximizing material utility and providing complementary compressive strength data.

Related Standards

For comprehensive materials testing and analysis, the following ASTM standards are often referenced alongside ASTM D1634-17:

  • ASTM D1632: Practice for Making and Curing Soil-Cement Compression and Flexure Test Specimens in the Laboratory
  • ASTM D1633: Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Molded Soil-Cement Cylinders
  • ASTM D1635: Test Method for Flexural Strength of Soil-Cement Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading
  • ASTM D2216: Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
  • ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
  • 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
  • ASTM E4: Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D1634-17 helps ensure consistent, reliable compressive strength data for soil-cement materials, supporting informed decision-making in construction, infrastructure development, and research. By aligning test procedures with international standards, it supports regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and improved performance in soil stabilization applications.

Keywords: ASTM D1634, soil-cement, compressive strength, modified cube method, soil stabilization, laboratory testing, construction materials, geotechnical engineering

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ASTM D1634-17 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Soil-Cement Using Portions of Beams Broken in Flexure (Modified Cube Method)

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D1634-17 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Soil-Cement Using Portions of Beams Broken in Flexure (Modified Cube Method)". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method is intended for use in the laboratory and as a research tool for determining relative compressive strength values for various soil-cement mixtures. It is not intended as an alternative for Test Method D1633 and the test values obtained by these two test methods are not interchangeable and not necessarily comparable. A comparison of strengths obtained by Test Methods D1633 and D1634 is given by Feld and Abrams.3 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/etc. 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 test method covers the determination of the compressive strength of soil-cement, using portions of beams broken in flexure in accordance with Test Method D1635, as test specimens. 1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted below. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.2.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight) while the unit for mass is slugs. 1.2.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in commercial practice; that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore, the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram (kg) or gram (g), or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit (slug) is not given/presented in parantheses. 1.2.3 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit for mass. However the use of balances or scales, recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard. 1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026 unless superseded by this test method. 1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the 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 these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data. 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 international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standar...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method is intended for use in the laboratory and as a research tool for determining relative compressive strength values for various soil-cement mixtures. It is not intended as an alternative for Test Method D1633 and the test values obtained by these two test methods are not interchangeable and not necessarily comparable. A comparison of strengths obtained by Test Methods D1633 and D1634 is given by Feld and Abrams.3 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/etc. 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 test method covers the determination of the compressive strength of soil-cement, using portions of beams broken in flexure in accordance with Test Method D1635, as test specimens. 1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted below. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.2.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight) while the unit for mass is slugs. 1.2.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in commercial practice; that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore, the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram (kg) or gram (g), or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit (slug) is not given/presented in parantheses. 1.2.3 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit for mass. However the use of balances or scales, recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard. 1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026 unless superseded by this test method. 1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the 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 these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data. 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 international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standar...

ASTM D1634-17 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 D1634-17 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1634-00(2006), ASTM D3740-23, ASTM D3740-19, ASTM D2216-19, ASTM D1632-17, ASTM D1633-17, ASTM D1632-17e1, ASTM D653-14, ASTM E4-14, ASTM D3740-12a, ASTM D3740-12, ASTM D653-11, ASTM D3740-11, ASTM D2216-10, ASTM E4-10. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D1634-17 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:D1634 −17
Standard Test Method for
Compressive Strength of Soil-Cement Using Portions of
Beams Broken in Flexure (Modified Cube Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1634; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the com-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
pressive strength of soil-cement, using portions of beams
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
broken in flexure in accordance with Test Method D1635,as
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
test specimens.
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
regarded as standard, except as noted below. The values given
of these test methods to consider significant digits used in
inparenthesesaremathematicalconversionstoSIunits,which
analysis methods for engineering data.
are provided for information only and are not considered
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
standard.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.2.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight) while the unit for mass
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
is slugs.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
commercial practice; that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
(kg) or gram (g), or both.Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
(slug) is not given/presented in parantheses.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2.3 It is common practice in the engineering/construction
profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit
2. Referenced Documents
of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two
2.1 ASTM Standards:
separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine
Fluids
theuseoftwoseparatesetsofinch-poundunitswithinasingle
D1632Practice for Making and Curing Soil-Cement Com-
standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational
pression and Flexure Test Specimens in the Laboratory
system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug
D1633Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Molded
unitformass.Howevertheuseofbalancesorscales,recording
3 Soil-Cement Cylinders
pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft shall not
D1635Test Method for Flexural Strength of Soil-Cement
be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
D2216Test Methods for Laboratory Determination ofWater
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
Practice D6026 unless superseded by this test method.
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
1.3.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Data
RockandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.15onStabilizationWith
Admixtures.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D1634–00(2006), contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
which was withdrawn in July 2015 and reinstated in November 2017. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D1634-17. 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
D1634−17
E4Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines surfaces, or other obvious defects. Test the specimens on their
sides with respect to their molded position.
3. Terminology
6.2 During the interval between testing of specimens as
3.1 Definitions:
beams and testing the broken portions as cubes, maintain the
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms in this
specimens at a constant water content by suitable protection.
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
6.3 Determine the width (original height) of the standard
specimenatthepointwherethetestwillbemadetothenearest
4. Significance and Use
0.01 in. (0.25 mm) if it is less than 3 in. (76.2 mm); otherwise
4.1 This test method is intended for use in the laboratory
take it equal to 3 in. (76.2 mm). Take the length equal to 3 in.
and as a research tool for determining relative compressive
(76.2 mm). Calculate the cross-sectional area.
strength values for various soil-cement mixtures. It is not
6.4 Check the smoothness of the faces with a straightedge.
intended as an alternative for Test Method D1633 and the test
values obtained by these two test methods are not interchange- If necessary, cap the faces to meet the requirements of the
section on Capping Specimens of Practice D1632. The caps
able and not necessarily comparable. A comparison of
shall cover the full width of the specimen and shall be of such
strengthsobtainedbyTestMethodsD1633andD1634isgiven
length as to permit adjustment of the bearing plates for the test
by Feld and Abrams.
so that the upper bearing plate may be placed directly over the
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
lower bearing plate.
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
7. Procedure
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable
...

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