ASTM D2844/D2844M-18e1

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.
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Designation: D2844/D2844M − 18
Standard Test Method for
ResistanceR-Value and Expansion Pressure of Compacted
Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2844/D2844M; 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.
ε NOTE—Adjunct stock numbers were editorially updated in December 2022.
1. Scope* 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for testing both
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
treated and untreated laboratory compacted soils or aggregates
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
with the stabilometer and expansion pressure devices to obtain
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
results indicative of performance when placed in the base,
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
subbase, or subgrade of a road subjected to traffic.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
pound units presented in brackets are to be regarded separately
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
as standard.The values stated in each system may not be exact
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
equivalents;therefore,eachsystemshallbeusedindependently
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
of the other. Combining values from the two systems may
result in non-conformance with the standard. However, use of
2. Referenced Documents
equipment manufactured to be readable in inch-pound units
2.1 ASTM Standards:
only should not be considered as non-conformance to the test
C670Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
method. Many stabilometers and expansion pressure devices
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
are manufactured to be readable in inch-pound units only.
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Fluids
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Practice D6026.
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
1.3.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
cords in Geotechnical Data
digits in the specified limits.
E4Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Test-
1.3.2 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
ing Machines
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the
E11Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
Sieves
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
2.2 AASHTO Documents:
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
T190 Test Method for Resistance R-Value and Expansion
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- 3
Pressure of Compacted Soils
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
methods for engineering design.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Construction Control Tests. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D2844 – 13. DOI: Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
10.1520/D2844_D2844M-18E01. http://www.transportation.org.
*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
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D2844/D2844M − 18
D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
2.3 ASTM Adjuncts:
Exudation Device
5. Apparatus
Expansion Pressure Apparatus
NOTE 2—The inch-pound dimensions [presented in brackets], found in
Stabilometer
5 this section are for equipment commonly available in the United States.
2.4 CALTRANS Standard:
5.1 Kneading Compactor, capable of applying an average
California Test 103Method of Test For Calibration of
contact pressure of 24106 110 kPa [350 6 16 psi ] to the
Expansion Pressure Devices
tamper foot shown in Fig. 1 and with provisions for maintain-
3. Terminology
ing this pressure during changes in sample height. The load-
time trace shall be free of “chatter” or evidence of impact-
3.1 For definitions of terms in this test method, refer to
associated changes in slope. The rise time for application of
Terminology D653.
foot pressure, in the range from 240 to 2070 kPa [35 to 300
4. Significance and Use
psi], shall be 0.07 to 0.20 seconds. The dwell time, measured
at 2070 kPa [300 psi] foot pressure, shall be 0.15 to 0.45
4.1 This test method is used to measure the potential
seconds. The pressure-release or removal time shall not be
strength of subgrade, subbase, and base course materials for
greater than 0.60 seconds.
use in road and airfield pavements. The R-value is used by
5.1.1 The compactor shall include a counter for measuring
some agencies as criteria for acceptance of aggregates for base
the number of tamps applied to a specimen and a mold holder,
course and bituminous courses.
for use in compacting specimens, that rotates equally between
tamps to give 5 to 7 tamps per revolution of the mold. The
holder shall firmly restrain the mold during compaction. The
base of the mold holder shall have a metal plate 100.8 mm [3
⁄32 in.] in diameter and 12.7 mm [0.5 in.] in height, to which
is cemented a rubber disk having a diameter of 100.0 mm [3
15 1
⁄16 in.] and a thickness of 3.2 mm [ ⁄8 in.]. The plate shall be
an integral part of the base of the mold holder. The compactor
shallalsoincludeatroughforfeedingthesampleintothemold
in 20 increments (Fig. 2). Troughs with a semicircular cross
2 2
section of 39 cm [6.0 in. ] in area and 50.8 cm [20 in.] in
length have proven satisfactory.
5.2 Compression Testing Machine, with a minimum capac-
ity of 45 kN [10 000 lbf] and satisfying the requirements of
Practices E4.
5.3 Mold, 101.6 6 0.05 mm [4.0 6 0.002 in.] inside
diameter by 127 6 0.20 mm [5.0 6 0.008 in.] high. (See Fig.
3 for surface roughness.)
5.4 Rubber Disks, 100 mm [3 ⁄16 in.] in diameter by 3 mm
[ ⁄8 in.] thick and having a durometer hardness of 60 6 15.
FIG. 1 Tamper Shoe for Kneading Compactor
5.5 Metal Follower, solid-walled, metal specimen follower
100.33 6 0.13 mm [3.95 6 0.005 in.] in outside diameter by
4.2 The expansion pressure testing has been used in con-
127 mm [5.0 in.] long.
junction with the R-value test to determine cover requirements
5.6 Exudation Indicator Device, as shown in Fig. 4 and
(thickness) and construction controls to reduce pavement
Fig. 5.
distortion from expansive subgrade soils.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
5.7 Phosphor Bronze Disk, as shown in Fig. 6.
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
5.8 Filter Paper, 100 mm [4.0 in.] in diameter and 0.15 mm
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
[0.006 in.] thick, with a smooth surface, medium filtering
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this test method
speed, medium retention.
are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself
ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice
5.9 Filter Paper, 110 mm [4.3 in.] in diameter and 0.15 mm
[0.006 in.] thick, with a creped surface, medium-fast filtering
speed, and medium retention.
CopiesofdetaileddrawingsoftheapparatusshowninFigs.4(1drawing),7(4
drawings), 10 and 11 (7 drawings) are available at a nominal cost from ASTM
5.10 Expansion-Pressure Device,withaccessoriesasshown
International Headquarters. Request Adjunct Nos. ADJD284401-E-PDF,
in Fig. 7. There should be at least three of these devices for
ADJD284402-E-PDF, and ADJD284403-E-PDF respectively.
Available from State of California Department of Transportation each sample to be tested within a day’s time.
(CALTRANS), P.O. Box 942873, Sacramento, CA 94273-0001, http://
5.11 Deflection Gage, with divisions of 0.002 mm [0.0001
www.dot.ca.gov. Proving Lever Assembly detailed drawings are available here as
well. in.] and an allen wrench as shown in Fig. 7.
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D2844/D2844M − 18
FIG. 2 Compactor with Sample Feed Trough
5.12 Proving Lever Assembly, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 7. Preparation of Soil Specimens
9.
7.1 Thoroughly mix four approximately 1200-g [2.7-lb]
5.13 Stabilometer,withaccessories,asshowninFig.10and
samplesofsoilwiththeamountofwaterestimatedtoequalone
Fig. 11.
halftotwothirdsofthewaterrequiredtoproducesaturationas
defined in 7.3 and 7.4. Place the samples in covered containers
5.14 Standard Metal Specimen, 101.6 mm [4.0 in.] in
and allow them to stand overnight. Just prior to compaction,
outside diameter by 152.2 mm [6.0 in.] high as shown in Fig.
mix the samples with the final amount of water required to
11.
producesaturation.Thefirstsampleisusedasapilotspecimen
5.15 Balance,5000-gcapacity,accurateandreadableto1g.
to assist in determining the final amount of water required.
5.16 Sieves, 25.0 mm [1 in.], 19.0 mm [ ⁄4 in.] and 4.75 mm
7.2 Weigh out enough material to fabricate a compacted
[No. 4] conforming to the requirements of Specification E11.
sample101.6mm[4.0in.]indiameterby63mm[2.5in.]high.
5.17 Miscellaneous Equipment, including mixing pans,
Compacted specimens having heights from 62 to 65 mm [2.45
spoons, spatulas, and gallon cans with close-fitting lids.
to 2.55 in.] are acceptable. Compact the soil into the mold by
means of the kneading compactor as follows: Place the mold
6. Soil Preparation
overthemoldholder.Adjustthemoldforapproximately3-mm
6.1 Remove any coatings from coarse aggregate and break 1
[ ⁄8-in.]clearancebetweentheloweredgeofthemoldandbase
clay lumps to pass the 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve.
of the mold holder. A metal angle bracket of 3-mm [ ⁄8-in.]
thickness and approximately 37.5 mm [1 ⁄2 in.] length placed
6.2 Adjust the soil gradation when material is retained on
the 19.0-mm [ ⁄4-in.] sieve. When 75 % or more passes the on the base of the mold holder have proven satisfactory.
Alternately, tighten the set screw, if available, on the mold
19.0-mm [ ⁄4-in.] sieve, use that part of the sample passing the
19.0-mm [ ⁄4-in.] sieve. If less than 75 % of the sample passes holder. Spread the sample along the length of the trough. With
the compactor-foot pressure set at 1720 6 170 kPa [250 6 25
the 25.0-mm [1-in.] sieve, use that part of the sample passing
the25.0-mm[1-in.]sieve.SeeTable1forasamplecalculation. psi], feed 75 mm [3.0 in.] of the soil from the trough into the
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D2844/D2844M − 18
filter paper is on the bottom. Place the solid walled, metal
specimen follower into the mold. Using the compression
testing machine, apply a uniformly increasing pressure to the
soil at the rate of 8900 N [2000 lbf ]/min. Water should be
exuded from the soil at 2070 kPa [300 psi] as evidence that
enough moisture is present to produce saturation. Stop the
loadingandrecordtheexudationpressuretothenearest10kPa
[1 psi] when either five of the six indicator lights on the
exudation indicator device are lighted or three indicator lights
are lighted and free water is visible around the bottom of the
mold. Do not exceed a exudation pressure of 5520 kPa [800
psi].
7.4 Mold at least two more specimens with different
amounts of moisture so that a range of exudation pressures
from 690 to 5520 kPa [100 to 800 psi] is obtained bracketing
the 2070 kPa [300 psi] value. For some high volume-change
soils, additional specimens having exudation pressures lower
than 690 kPa [100 psi] may be necessary to obtain expansion
pressures that are low enough to provide a suitable range of
data for a complete expansion pressure analysis of the soil.
NOTE 4—Occasionally, material from very plastic clay-test specimens
will extrude from under the mold and around the follower ram during the
loading operation. If this occurs when the 5520-kPa [800-psi] point is
reached and fewer than five lights are lighted, the soil should be reported
as less than 5 R-value. Coarse granular materials and clean sands may
require the use of paper baskets to permit testing.
8. Calibration of Expansion-Pressure Apparatus
8.1 Calibrate the spring-steel bar of the expansion-pressure
device (Fig. 7) by applying upward measured loads at the
center of the bar and measuring the respective deflections of
the bar with the deflection dial indicator using the following
procedure:
8.2 Place the proving lever base on the expansion-pressure
NOTE 1—Inside roughness is obtained by smooth machining inside to
device turntable. Place the proving lever arm atop the base so
required diameter of 101.6 6 0.05 mm [4.000 6 0.002 in.] followed on
that the weight-suspension notches face upward
finaloperationwithaboringtoolbitgroundtoa90°pointwithsharppoint
ground flat measuring 0.025 to 0.075 mm [0.001 to 0.003 in.] across. 8.2.1 Holdthebaseandleverarmassemblestationarywhile
Depth of cut is 0.050 mm [0.002 in.[ with 0.25 mm [0.010 in.] feed using
raising the turntable until the lever arm’s roller bearing presses
sulfur-based oil coolant.
upward against the spring-steel bar. Continue raising the
FIG. 3 Mold
turntable until the lever arm rotates into a horizontal position.
A small bubble level placed atop the arm has proven satisfac-
mold.Redistributethesampleremainingintroughasneededto
tory.
feed the balance of the soil into the mold in 20 equal
8.2.2 Place the deflection gauge on top of the expansion-
increments with one application of the ram after each incre-
pressure device so the dial indicator stem rests against the top
ment.Allow 10 additional tamps to level the soil, then place a
of the spring-steel bar.
rubber disk on top of
...