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Designation: D 558 – 96

Standard Test Methods for

1
Moisture-Density Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 558; 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 * Mechanical-Rammer Soil Compactors3

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the D 3740 Practice for the Minimum Requirements for Agen-
relationship between the water content and the density of cies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and
soil-cement mixtures when compacted before cement hydra- Rock Used in Engineering Design and Construction3
tion as prescribed. E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
1.2 A 1⁄30-ft 3 (944-cm3) mold and a 5.5-lb (2.49-kg) rammer poses4
dropped from a height of 12 in. (304.8 kg) are used and two
3. Significance and Use
methods, depending on soil gradation, are covered, as follows:
Sections
3.1 These tests determine the optimum water content and
Test Method A, using soil material passing a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. maximum density to be used for molding soil-cement speci-
This method shall be used when 100 % of the soil sample passes the mens in accordance with Methods D 559 and D 560.
No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve 5
Test Method B, using soil material passing a 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve. NOTE 1—Since these tests are used in conjunction with Methods D 559
This method shall be used when part of the soil sample is retained on and D 560 and the criteria referenced therein, the test differs in several
the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. This test method may be used only on ma- 6
aspects from Test Methods D 698.
terials with 30 % or less retained on the 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve
NOTE 2—The agency performing these test methods can be evaluated in
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded accordance with Practice D 3740. Not withstanding statements on preci-
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for sion and bias contained in these test methods: the precision of these test
information only. methods is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it
and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the competent and objective testing. Users of these test methods are cautioned
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not, in itself, ensure reliable
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- testing. Reliable testing depends on many factors; Practice D 3740
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. provides a means of evaluating some of these factors.

2. Referenced Documents 4. Apparatus

2.1 ASTM Standards: 4.1 Mold—A cylindrical metal mold having a capacity of
1⁄30 6 0.0004 ft3 (944 6 11 cm3) with an internal diameter of
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement2
C 595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements2 4.0 6 0.016 in. (101.60 6 0.41 mm) and conforming to Fig. 1
D 559 Test Methods for Wetting-and-Drying Tests of Com- to permit preparing compacted specimens of soil-cement
pacted Soil-Cement Mixtures3 mixtures of this size. The mold shall be provided with a
D 560 Test Methods for Freezing-and-Thawing Tests of detachable collar assembly approximately 21⁄2 in. (63.5 mm) in
Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures3 height. The mold may be of the split type consisting of two
D 698 Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of half-round sections or section of pipe with one side split
Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures Using 5.5-lb (2.49-kg) perpendicular to the pipe circumference and that can be
Rammer and 12-in. (305-mm) Drop3 securely locked in place to form a closed cylinder having the
D 2168 Test Methods for Calibration of Laboratory dimensions described above. The mold and collar assembly
shall be so constructed that it can be fastened firmly to a
detachable base (Fig. 1).
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on 4.2 Rammer:
Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.15 on 4.2.1 Manual Rammer—A manually operated metal ram-
Stabilization of Additives. mer having a 2.0 6 0.005-in. (50.80 6 0.13-mm) diameter
Current edition approved May 10, 1996. Published June 1996. Originally
published as D 558 – 38. Last previous edition D 558 – 82 (1990)e1.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 04.01 and 04.02.
3 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 04.01, 04.06, and 14.02.

*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.

1
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D 558 – 96

Metric Equivalents
in. mm
0.016 0.41
0.026 0.66
1⁄32 0.80
1⁄16 1.6
1⁄8 3.2
1⁄4 6.4
11⁄32 8.7
3⁄8 9.5
1⁄2 12.7
5⁄8 15.9
2 50.8
21⁄2 63.5
4 101.6
41⁄4 108.0
41⁄2 114.3
4.584 116.43
6 152.4
61⁄2 165.1
8 203.2
ft3 cm
⁄
1 30 944
0.004 11
1⁄13.333 2124
0.0009 25

NOTE 1—(a)—The tolerance on the height is governed by the allowable volume and diameter tolerances.
NOTE 2—(b)—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

circular face and weighing 5.5 6 0.02 lb (2.49 6 0.01 kg). The ⁄ in. (19.0 6 1.6 mm) from each end and shall provide
1 16

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 12.0 6 1⁄16 in. (304.8 will not be restricted.
6 1.6 mm) above the elevation of the soil-cement. The 4.2.2 Mechanical Rammer—A mechanically operated metal
guidesleeve shall have at least four vent holes not smaller than rammer having a 2.0 6 0.005-in. (50.80 6 0.13-mm) diameter
3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) spaced 90° apart and located with centers 3⁄4 6 face and a manufactured mass of 5.5 6 0.02 lb (2.49 6 0.01

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D 558 – 96
kg). The operating mass of the rammer shall be determined 5.2.2 When needed, add sufficient potable water to dampen
from a calibration in accordance with Methods D 2168. The the mixture to approximately four to six percentage points
rammer shall be equipped with a suitable arrangement to below the estimated optimum water content and mix thor-
control the height of drop to a free-fall of 12.0 6 1⁄16 in. (304.8 oughly. At this moisture content, plastic soils, tightly squeezed
6 1.6 mm) above the elevation of the soil-cement. in the palm of the hand, will form a cast that will fracture with
4.2.3 Rammer Face—A sector face may be substituted with only slight pressure applied by the thumb and fingertips;
mechanical rammers provided the report shows that a sector nonplastic soils will bulk noticeably.
face rammer was used. The sector face shall be a sector of a 4.0 5.2.3 When the soil is a heavy-textured clayey material,
6 0.016-in. (101.60 6 0.41-mm) diameter circle and shall compact the mixture of soil, cement, and water in the container
have an area equal to that of the circular face rammer. to a depth of about 2 in. (50 mm) using the rammer described
NOTE 3—The sector face rammer shall not be used to compact test
in 4.2 or a similar hand tamper. Cover, and allow to stand for
specimens in accordance with Methods D 559 and D 560, unless previous not less than 5 min but not more than 10 min to aid dispersion
tests on like soils show strength and resistance to wetting-and-drying and of the moisture and to permit more complete absorption by the
freezing-and-thawing of specimens compacted with this rammer are soil-cement.
similar to that of specimens compacted with the circular face rammer. 5.2.4 After the absorption period, thoroughly break up the
4.3 Sample Extruder—A jack, lever frame, or other device mixture, without reducing the natural size of individual par-
adapted for the purpose of extruding compacted specimens ticles, until it will pass a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and then remix.
from the mold. Not required when a split-type mold is used. 5.2.5 Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil-
4.4 Balances—A balance or scale of at least 25-lb (11.3-kg) cement mixture in the mold, with the collar attached, in three
capacity sensitive to 0.01 lb (0.005 kg) and a balance of at least equal layers so as to give a total compacted depth of about 5 in.
1000-g capacity sensitive to 0.1 g. (130 mm). Compact each layer by 25 blows from the rammer
4.5 Drying Oven—A thermostatically controlled drying dropping free from a height of 12 in. (304.8 mm) above the
oven capable of maintaining a temperature of 230 6 9°F elevation of the soil-cement when a sleeve-type rammer is
(1106 5°C) for drying water content samples. used, or from 12 in. (304.8 mm) above the approximate
4.6 Straightedge—A rigid steel straight-edge 12 in. (305 elevation of each finally compacted layer when a stationary-
mm) in length and having one beveled edge. mounted type rammer is used. The blows shall be uniformly
4.7 Sieves—3-in. (75-mm), 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm), and No. 4 distributed over the surface of the layer being compacted.
(4.75-mm) sieves conforming to the requirements of Specifi- During compaction, the mold shall rest on a uniform, rigid
cation E 11. foundation such as provided by a cylinder or a cube of concrete
4.8 Mixing Tools—Miscellaneous tools such as mixing pan, weighing not less than 200 lb (91 kg).
spoon, trowel, and spatula, or a suitable mechanical device for 5.2.6 Following compaction, remove the extension collar,
thoroughly mixing the sample of soil with cement and with carefully trim the compacted mixture even with the top of the
increments of water. mold by means of the knife and straightedge, and weigh.
4.9 Container—A flat, round pan for moisture absorption by 5.2.7 Multiply the mass of the compacted specimen and
soil-cement mixtures, about 12 in. (305 mm) in diameter and 2 mold, minus the mass of the mold, by 30 (or divide by 942.95);
in. (50 mm) deep. record the result as the wet unit mass, gm, in pounds per cubic
4.10 Moisture Cans—Suitable containers for moisture foot or grams per cubic centimetre, of the compacted soil-
samples. cement mixture.
4.11 Butcher Knife—A butcher knife approximately 10 in. 5.2.8 Remove the material from the mold and slice verti-
(250 mm) in length for trimming the top of the specimens. cally through the center. Take a representative sample of the
material, weighing not less than 100 g, from the full height of
5. Test Method A, Using Soil Material Passing a No. 4 one of the cut faces, weigh immediately, and dry in an oven at
(4.75-mm) Sieve 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C) for at least 12 h or to constant mass.
5.1 Sample: 5.2.9 Calculate the water content of the sample as directed
5.1.1 Prepare the sample for testing by breaking up the soil in Section 7. Record the result as the moisture content, w, of
aggregations to pass the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve in such a the compacted soil-cement mixture.
manner as to avoid reducing the natural size of the individual 5.2.10 Thoroughly break up the remainder of the material as
particles. When necessary, first dry the sample until it is friable before until it will pass a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve, as judged by
under a trowel. Drying may be accomplished by air drying or eye, and add all other material remaining after obtaining the
by the use of drying apparatus such that the temperature of the moisture sample.
sample does not exceed 140°F (60°C). 5.2.11 Add water in sufficient amount to increase the water
5.1.2 Select a representative sample, weighing approxi- content of the soil-cement mixture by one or two percentage
mately 6 lb (2.7 kg) or more, of the soil prepared as described points, mix, and repeat the procedure given in 5.2.5-5.2.10 for
in 5.1.1. each increment of water added.
5.2 Procedure: 5.2.12 Continue this series of determinations until there is
5.2.1 Add to the soil the required amount of cement either a decrease or no change in the wet unit mass, g m, in
conforming to Specification C 150 or Specification C 595. Mix pounds per cubic foot or grams per cubic centimetre of the
the cement and soil thoroughly to a uniform color. compacted soil-cement mixture.

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D 558 – 96
NOTE 4—This procedure has been found satisfactory in most cases. 6.2.4 Multiply the mass of the compacted specimen and
However, in instances where the soil material is fragile in character and mold, minus the mass of the mold, by 30 (or divide by 942.95);
will reduce significantly in grain size due to repeated compaction, a record the result as the wet unit mass, gm, in pounds per cubic
separate and new sample shall be used for each moisture-density deter-
mination.
foot or grams per cubic centimetre of the compacted soil-
NOTE 5—To minimize the effect of cement hydration, perform the test
cement mixture.
expeditiously and continuously to completion.
6.2.5 Remove the material from the mold and take a sample
for determining the water content as described for Method A in
6. Test Method B, Using Soil Material Passing a 3⁄4-in. 5.2.8 and 5.2.9 except that the moisture sample shall weigh not
(19.0-mm) Sieve less than 500 g. Record the result as the water content, w, of the
compacted soil-cement mixture.
6.1 Sample:
6.2.6 Thoroughly break up the remainder of the material as
6.1.1 Prepare the sample for testing by segregating the before until it will pass a 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve and at least
aggregate retained on a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and breaking up 90 % of the soil particles smaller than a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve
the remaining soil aggregations to pass the No. 4 (4.75-mm) will pass a No. 4 sieve, as judged by eye, and add all other
sieve in such a manner as to avoid reducing the natural size of material remaining after obtaining the moisture sample.
individual particles. When necessary, first dry the sample until
6.2.7 Add sufficient water to increase the water content of
it is friable under a trowel. Drying may be accomplished by air
the soil-cement mixture by one or two percentage points, mix,
drying or by the use of drying apparatus such that the
and repeat the procedure described in 6.2.3-6.2.6 for each
temperature of the sample does not exceed 140°F (60°C).
increment of water added. Continue this series of determina-
6.1.2 Sieve the prepared soil over the 3-in. (75-mm) (Note
tions until there is either a decrease or no change in the wet unit
2), 3⁄4-in., (19.0-mm), and No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieves. Discard the
mass, g m, in pounds per cubic foot or grams per cubic
material retained on the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve. Determine the
centimetre of the compacted soil-cement mixture (Note 3 and
percentage of material, by oven-dry mass, retained on the 3⁄4-in.
Note 4).
(19.0-mm) and No. 4 sieves.
6.1.3 Saturate the aggregate passing the 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) 7. Calculation
sieve and retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve by soaking in
potable water; surface-dry the material as required for later 7.1 Calculate the water content and dry unit mass, gd, in
testing. pounds per cubic foot or grams per cubic centimetre of the
compacted soil-cement mixture for each trial as follows:
NOTE 6—Most soil-cement construction specifications covering soil
gradation limit maximum size material to 3 in. (75 mm) or less. w 5 @~A 2 B!/~B 2 C!# 3 100 (1)
g 5 @gm/~w 1 100!# 3 100
6.1.4 Select and maintain separate representative samples of
soil passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and of saturated, where:
surface-dry aggregate passing the 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve and w = percentage of water in the specimen,
retained on the No. 4 sieve so that the total sample will weigh A = mass of moisture can and wet soil-cement,
approximately 11 lb (4.99 kg) or more. The percentage, by B = mass of moisture can and oven-dry soil-cement,
oven-dry mass, of aggregate passing the 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve C = mass of moisture can,
and retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve shall be the same as gd = dry unit mass of compacted soil cement, lb/ft3 or
the percentage passing the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve and retained on g/cm3, and
the No. 4 sieve in the original sample. gm = wet unit mass of compacted soil-cement, lb/ft3 or
6.2 Procedure: g/cm3.
6.2.1 Add to the portion of the soil sample passing the No.
4 sieve, the amount of cement conforming to Specification 8. Moisture-Density Relationship
C 150 or Specification C 595, required for the total sample 8.1 The calculations in Section 7 shall be made to determine
specified in 6.1.4. Mix the cement and soil thoroughly to a the water content and corresponding dry unit mass, gd, in
uniform color. pounds per cubic foot or grams per cubic centimetre (density)
6.2.2 When needed, add water to this soil-cement mixture for each of the compacted soil-cement samples. The dry unit
and facilitate moisture dispersion as described for Method A in mass, gd, in pounds per cubic foot or grams per cubic
5.2.2-5.2.4. After this preparation, add the saturated, surface- centimetre (densities) of the soil-cement mixture shall be
dry aggregate to the soil-cement mixture passing the No. 4 plotted as ordinates and the corresponding moisture contents as
(4.75-mm) sieve and mix thoroughly. abscissas.
6.2.3 Form a specimen by compacting the prepared soil- 8.2 Optimum Water Content, w o—When the densities and
cement mixture in the mold (with the collar attached) and trim corresponding moisture contents for the soil-cement mixture
and weigh the compacted specimen as described for Method A have been determined and plotted as indicated in 8.1 it will be
in 5.2.5 and 5.2.6. During the trimming operation remove all found that by connecting the plotted points with a smooth line,
particles that extend above the top level of the mold. Correct all a curve is produced. The water content corresponding to the
irregularities in the surface by hand-tamping fine material into peak of the curve shall be termed the “optimum moisture
these irregularities and leveling the specimen again with the content” of the soil-cement mixture under the compaction
straightedge. prescribed in these methods.

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D 558 – 96
8.3 Maximum Density, g max—The dry unit mass, g d, in procedure. Until a statement is developed, the user may be
pounds per cubic foot or grams per cubic centimetre of the guided by the statement in Test Method D 698, for which the
soil-cement mixture at “optimum water content” shall be precision is expected to be similar.
termed “maximum density” under the compaction prescribed 10.2 Bias—There are no accepted reference values for this
in these test methods. test method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
9. Report
11. Keywords
9.1 The report shall include the following:
9.1.1 Optimum water content, and 11.1 compaction; dry density; optimum water content; soil-
9.1.2 Maximum density. cement; soil-stabilization; unit weight
10. Precision and Bias
10.1 Precision—Data are being sought by the subcommittee
for the preparation of a statement on the precision of this test

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This section identifies the principal changes to these test methods that have been incorporated since the last
issue.

(1) Added new sentence at the end of Section 1.2, Test Method D 3740. Renumbered the remaining notes.
B, to clarify the applicable materials as required in Test Method (5) Revised Section 11 on Keywords.
D 698 when using a 4-in. (101.60-mm) mold. (6) Added Summary of Changes to reflect the changes made in
(2) Added safety caveat in 1.4 to comply with present policy. this revision.
(3) Added Practice D 3740 as a referenced document in (7) Changed “moisture content” to “water content” in Sections
Section 2 to conform to the recommended D-18 practice. 1.1, 3.1, 4.5, 5.2.2, 5.2.9, 5.2.11, 6.2.5, 6.2.7, 7.1, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3,
(4) Added new Note 2 in Section 3 to reference Practice and 9 to agree with current D-18 Terminology.

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