ASTM D4843-88(2016)

Standard Test Method for Wetting and Drying Test of Solid Wastes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method is intended for the evaluation of the wetting and drying resistance of monolithic, solid, solidified/stabilized wastes under the testing conditions of this test method.  
3.2 This test method may be used for the comparison of wetting and drying resistance of wastes.  
3.3 Data tabulated in Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3 may be used to observe irregularities caused by inhomogeneity of specimens, or comparison of mass loss-cycle relations of different wastes, or both, as well as to measure method-related mass losses such as matrix dissolution.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining material losses produced by repeated wetting and drying of solid waste specimens. It also covers the visual observation of the disintegration of solid specimens.  
1.2 This test method intends that the material used in the procedure be physically, chemically, and biologically representative; hence it does not address problems as a result of the inhomogeneity of specimens.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2016
• ICS: 13.030.10 - Solid wastes
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.01.06 - Analytical Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4843-88(2009) - Standard Test Method for Wetting and Drying Test of Solid Wastes
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM C305-20 - Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2216-19 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM C305-13 - Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C305-12 - Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM C305-11 - Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2216-10 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM C305-06 - Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2006
• Refers: ASTM D2216-05 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2005
• Refers: ASTM C305-99 - Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Refers: ASTM C305-99e1 - Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Refers: ASTM D2216-98 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1998
• Referred By: ASTM E2060-22 - Standard Guide for Use of Coal Combustion Products for Solidification/Stabilization of Inorganic Wastes
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016

Overview

ASTM D4843-88(2016), Standard Test Method for Wetting and Drying Test of Solid Wastes, provides a method for evaluating the resistance of monolithic, solid, and solidified/stabilized wastes to repeated cycles of wetting and drying. Developed by ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management, this standard helps assess the durability and physical integrity of waste forms subjected to environmental conditions that involve moisture changes. Following internationally recognized standardization principles, ASTM D4843 serves laboratories, waste treatment facilities, and regulators who require reliable, consistent data on waste stability.

Key Topics

• Test Procedure: Outlines a method to determine mass loss and observe the physical disintegration of solid waste specimens after repeated wetting and drying cycles.
• Material Representativeness: Stipulates that specimens must be physically, chemically, and biologically representative of the waste being characterized.
• Visual Inspection: Includes criteria for visual observations such as cracking, fracturing, and surface deterioration during testing.
• Data Analysis: Provides techniques for tracking mass loss, cycle survival, and comparative resistance among different waste specimens.
• Precision and Consistency: Specifies the calculation of average corrected mass loss, control comparisons, and reporting standards to ensure reliable results.
• Safety Notes: Reminds users that it is their responsibility to establish appropriate safety and health protocols and verify regulatory compliance.

Applications

ASTM D4843-88(2016) has broad practical implications in the field of solid waste management, particularly in the evaluation and certification of stabilized and solidified waste forms. Its main applications include:

• Quality Control in Waste Treatment: Used by waste stabilization facilities to assess the effectiveness of solidification processes and materials under simulated environmental conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Enables waste generators and treatment providers to meet regulatory requirements for landfill disposal or long-term storage by demonstrating resistance to physical breakdown.
• Comparative Analysis: Allows for the comparison of different waste treatment methods, binders, and formulations based on their resistance to wetting and drying cycles.
• Environmental Performance Assessment: Supports research and development activities that aim to improve the design and formulation of solidified waste forms for increased durability and reduced environmental impact.
• Routine Monitoring: Assists laboratories in ongoing monitoring of treated waste to ensure continued compliance with environmental quality standards.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to solid waste analysis, the following related ASTM standards are often referenced alongside ASTM D4843:

• ASTM D2216 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass: Utilized for accurate moisture content measurement of waste specimens.
• ASTM C305 - Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency: Provides guidelines for preparing waste specimens and reference mixes used in the wetting and drying test.
• Other ASTM D34 Standards - Cover broader aspects of waste characterization, analysis, and stabilization, forming part of an integrated waste management testing framework.

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM D4843-88(2016) ensures standardized, reliable assessment of solid waste durability, an essential factor for safe, long-term waste storage and environmental protection. The repeatable test method enhances confidence in waste stabilization practices, supports regulatory approval processes, and helps industry stakeholders verify the performance of waste treatment technologies under realistic conditions. By employing this method, organizations contribute to improved resource management, greater environmental stewardship, and reduced risk of waste-related incidents.

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: D4843 − 88 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Wetting and Drying Test of Solid Wastes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4843; 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 3.3 Data tabulated in Table1, Table2, and Table3 may be
used to observe irregularities caused by inhomogeneity of
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining
specimens, or comparison of mass loss-cycle relations of
material losses produced by repeated wetting and drying of
different wastes, or both, as well as to measure method-related
solid waste specimens. It also covers the visual observation of
mass losses such as matrix dissolution.
the disintegration of solid specimens.
1.2 This test method intends that the material used in the
4. Apparatus
procedurebephysically,chemically,andbiologicallyrepresen-
4.1 Disposable Molds, 44 mm inside diameter by 74 mm in
tative; hence it does not address problems as a result of the
length.
inhomogeneity of specimens.
4.2 Balance or Scale, with a capacity at least 50% greater
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
than the mass of the specimen and beaker, and a sensitivity of
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
0.01 g.
standard.
4.3 Drying Oven, a thermostatically controlled drying oven
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
capable of maintaining a temperature of 60 6 2°C; to be used
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
for drying moisture specimen and for the solids content
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
determination.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.4 Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 60 6
3°C; at a nitrogen purge rate specified in 4.5.
2. Referenced Documents
4.5 Flow Controller, to set nitrogen purge flow at a rate that
2.1 ASTM Standards:
will give 30 6 5 min residence time.
C305Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement
4.6 Moisture Chamber,asuitablycoveredcontainercapable
Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
of maintaining a temperature of 20 6 3°C and minimum 95%
D2216Test Methods for Laboratory Determination ofWater
relative humidity, for preconditioning specimens.
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
4.7 Beakers,400-mLsize(narrowtype),tostoresampleand
3. Significance and Use
to collect particulates.
3.1 This test method is intended for the evaluation of the
4.8 Tongs, to handle samples.
wetting and drying resistance of monolithic, solid, solidified/
stabilized wastes under the testing conditions of this test
5. Sample Preparation
method.
5.1 Specimen Size—44 mm diameter by 74 mm in length.
3.2 This test method may be used for the comparison of
5.1.1 Specimens may be cut to size from larger samples.
wetting and drying resistance of wastes.
5.1.2 Specimens can also be molded in disposable plastic
molds. When molding specimens refer to Practice C305 (see
2.1).
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D34 on Waste
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.06 on
NOTE1—PracticeC305referstopastesandmortars.Moldingmaterials
Analytical Methods.
with different consistency may require modifications and may result in
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2016. Published September 2016. Originally
different precision.
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D4843–88 (2009).
DOI: 10.1520/D4843-88R16.
5.2 Conditionsamplesthatarenotmoldedforthistestinthe
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
moisture chamber for a period of seven days.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.2.1 Samples molded for this test have to be cured in the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. moisture chamber for a period of 28 days.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4843 − 88 (2016)
6. Procedure 6.5.2 The tare mass of beaker shall be determined after
drying in accordance with Test Method D2216.
6.1 Selectonespecimenformoisturecontentdetermination.
6.6 Placethethreebeakerscontainingthetestingspecimens
6.2 DeterminemoisturecontentofsamplewithTestMethod
in an oven. Maintain the temperature at 60 6 3°C for 24 h
D2216 but revised to use a temperature of 60 6 3°C (see 2.1).
whilepurgingtheovenwithnitrogengasatthecontrolledflow
6.3 Select three specimens for testing and three for control
rate corresponding to 30 6 5 min residence time.
and mark them respectively.
6.6.1 In order to remove moisture from the nitrogen stream,
a water-cooled condenser and condensate collection flask may
6.4 Weigh specimens (accuracy to 0.01 g).
be used downstream from the oven.
6.5 Place each specimen into a beaker of known tare mass
(accuracy to 0.01 g) and cover it. 6.7 Storethethreebeakerswiththecontrolspecimensinthe
6.5.1 Use watch glass or plastic wrap. moisture chamber at 20°C for 24 h.
D4843 − 88 (2016)
where:
M = oven dry mass of specimen, g
s
M = initial mass of specimen, g, and
sw
w = moisture content, %.
It is assumed that the moisture contents of specimens are
identical. Oven dry masses of sample and control specimens
are calculated on that basis.
7.2 Calculate corrected mass loss of specimens after each
cycle. Express mass loss in pe
...