ASTM International

Standard Test Methods for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Compacted Soil-Lime Mixtures
 N D5102

Annotation

This test method covers procedures for preparing, curing, and testing laboratory-compacted specimens of soil-lime and other lime-treated materials (Note 1) for determining unconfined compressive strength. This test method can be used for specimens prepared at the maximum unit weight and optimum water content, or for specimens prepared at other target unit weight and water content levels. Other applications are given in Section 5 on Significance and Use.

NOTE 1—Lime-based products other than commercial quicklime and hydrated lime are also used in the lime treatment of fine-grained cohesive soils. Lime kiln dust (LKD) is collected from the kiln exhaust gases by cyclone, electrostatic, or baghouse-type collection systems. Some lime producers hydrate various blends of LKD plus quicklime to produce a lime-based product.

Cored specimens of soil-lime should be tested in accordance with Test Methods D2166.

Two alternative procedures are provided:

Procedure A describes procedures for preparing and testing compacted soil-lime specimens having height-todiameter ratios between 2.00 and 2.50. This test method provides the standard measure of compressive strength.

Procedure B describes procedures for preparing and testing compacted soil-lime specimens using Test Methods D698 compaction equipment and molds commonly available in most soil testing laboratories. Procedure B is considered to provide relative measures of individual specimens in a suite of test specimens rather than standard compressive strength values. Because of the lesser height-to-diameter ratio (1.15) of the cylinders, compressive strength determined by Procedure B will normally be greater than that by Procedure A.