1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the shrinkage limit of soils.

1.2 The data obtained using this test method may also be used to calculate shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage, and linear shrinkage.

1.3 This test method is applicable only for cohesive soils.

1.4 Since this test method is performed only on that portion of a soil which passes the No. 40 (425-?m) sieve, the relative consistency of this portion of the soil to the properties of the sample as a whole must be considered when using these procedures to evaluate the properties of a soil.

1.5 The shrinkage limit along with the liquid limit and plastic limit of soils are often collectively referred to as the Atterberg limits in recognition of their formation by Swedish soil scientist, A. Atterberg. These limits distinguish the boundaries of the several consistency states of cohesive soils.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.7 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety hazards, see Section 7, Note 2, and Note X1.1.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials

C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size

D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates

D420 Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer

D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils

D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing

D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data

E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids

Keywords

Atterberg limits; linear shrinkage; shrinkage; shrinkage limit; Calibration--soil/rock analysis instrumentation; Cohesive soils; Cracking; Earthwork; Linear shrinkage; Shrinkage--soil; Soil-moisture analysis; Swell potential; Water analysis; Wax method;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.080.20 (Physical properties of soil)

DOI: 10.1520/D4943-02

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