ASTM D4546-08

Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Cohesive Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The soil swell/collapse strains measured from these test methods can be used to develop estimates of heave or settlement for a confined soil profile subject to one-dimensional heave or settlement, or stress-induced settlement following wetting-induced heave/settlement. They can also be used to estimate the pressure that would be necessary to prevent swelling. Selection of test method, loading, and inundation sequences should, as closely as possible, simulate field conditions because relatively small variations in unit weight and water content, or sequence of loading and wetting can significantly alter the test results. (See 6.1.8 and Refs (1-5).)  
Note 2—Notwithstanding the statement on precision and bias contained in this standard: The precision of this test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the test and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of these factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover three alternative laboratory methods for measuring free swell, swell pressure, and the magnitude of one-dimensional swell or collapse of compacted or intact cohesive soils.
Note 1—Refer to Sections 4, 5, 6 and 13.8 to determine the best method for a particular application.
1.2 The test methods can be used to measure the magnitude of one-dimensional wetting-induced swell or collapse (hydrocompression) under different vertical (axial) pressures, as well as the magnitude of swell pressure and the magnitude of free swell. It can also be used to obtain data for stress-induced compression following wetting-induced swell or collapse.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approximate.
1.4 All measured and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.4.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other uses. How one applies the results obtained using this standard is beyond its scope.
1.5 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: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2008
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.05 - Strength and Compressibility of Soils

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4546-03 - Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement Potential of Cohesive Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Replaced By: ASTM D4546-14 - Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Referred By: ASTM D4829-21 - Standard Test Method for Expansion Index of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D3550/D3550M-17 - Standard Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Referred By: ASTM D2435/D2435M-11(2020) - Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D4546 − 08
StandardTest Methods for
1
One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Cohesive Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4546; 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* D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
1.1 These test methods cover three alternative laboratory
D698Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
methods for measuring free swell, swell pressure, and the
3
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft (600
magnitude of one-dimensional swell or collapse of compacted
3
kN-m/m ))
or intact cohesive soils.
D854Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
NOTE 1—Refer to Sections 4, 5, 6 and 13.8 to determine the best
Water Pycnometer
method for a particular application.
D1557Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
1.2 The test methods can be used to measure the magnitude
3
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft
of one-dimensional wetting-induced swell or collapse (hydro-
3
(2,700 kN-m/m ))
compression) under different vertical (axial) pressures, as well
D1587Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for
as the magnitude of swell pressure and the magnitude of free
Geotechnical Purposes
swell. It can also be used to obtain data for stress-induced
D2216TestMethodsforLaboratoryDeterminationofWater
compression following wetting-induced swell or collapse.
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D2435Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approxi-
Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
mate.
D3550Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel,
1.4 Allmeasuredandcalculatedvaluesshallconformtothe
Drive Sampling of Soils
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
1.4.1 The method used to specify how data are collected,
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
calculated,orrecordedinthisstandardisnotdirectlyrelatedto
D3877 Test Methods for One-Dimensional Expansion,
theaccuracytowhichthedatacanbeappliedindesignorother
Shrinkage, and Uplift Pressure of Soil-Lime Mixtures
uses. How one applies the results obtained using this standard
D4220 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil
is beyond its scope.
Samples
D4318Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Plasticity Index of Soils
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- D4718Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water
Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
2. Referenced Documents
Construction Materials Testing
2
D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Data
D422Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
E145Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
Ventilation Ovens
1
ThesetestmethodsareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoil
andRockandarethedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.05onStrengthand
3. Terminology
Compressibility of Soils.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology D653 for standard
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D4546–03. DOI:
definitions of terms.
10.1520/D4546-08.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.2.1 collapse or hydrocompression, L—wetting-induced
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. decrease in height of a soil element or test specimen, ∆h.
*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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D4546 − 08
3.2.2 collapse or hydrocompression strain—%-wetting- assembled in consolidometer units. Different loads are applied
induced change in height divided by the height immediately to different specimens and eac
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D4546–03 Designation:D4546–08
Standard Test Methods for
One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement PotentialCollapse of
1
Cohesive Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4546; 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*
1.1These test methods cover three alternative laboratory methods for determining the magnitude of swell or settlement of
relatively undisturbed or compacted cohesive soil.
1.1 These test methods cover three alternative laboratory methods for measuring free swell, swell pressure, and the magnitude
of one-dimensional swell or collapse of compacted or intact cohesive soils.
NOTE1—Refer to Section 1—Refer to Sections 4, 5, 6 and 13.8 to determine the best method for a particular application.
1.2The test methods can be used to determine (a) the magnitude of swell or settlement under known vertical (axial) pressure,
or (b) the magnitude of vertical pressure needed to maintain no volume change of laterally constrained, axially loaded specimens.
1.2 The test methods can be used to measure the magnitude of one-dimensional wetting-induced swell or collapse
(hydrocompression)underdifferentvertical(axial)pressures,aswellasthemagnitudeofswellpressureandthemagnitudeoffree
swell. It can also be used to obtain data for stress-induced compression following wetting-induced swell or collapse.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approximate.
1.4All observed1.4 All measured and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding
established in Practive D6026.Practice D6026.
1.4.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the
accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other uses, or both.uses. How one applies the results obtained using this
standard is beyond its scope.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D698Test Method698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12.400(12 400
3 3
ft-lbf/ft (600 kN-m/m ))
2
D854Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soils
Test Methods for
D1557Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soils Using Modified Effort (56.000 ft-lbf/ft
Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer
3
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft(2.700
(2,700 kN-m/m
3
kN-m/m ))
D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
2
D2435TestMethodforOne-DimensionalConsolidationPropertiesofSoils TestMethodsforOne-DimensionalConsolidation
Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
2
D3550Practice for Ring-Lined Barrel Sampling of Soils Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling
of Soils
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.05 on Structural
Properties Strength and Compressibility of Soils.
CurrenteditionapprovedJan.10,2003.Oct.1,2008.PublishedFebruary2003.November2008.Originallyapprovedin1985.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin19962003
as D4546–96.D4546–03.
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail] Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol. 04.08. volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*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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D4546–08
D3740 PracticeforMinimumRequirementsforAgenciesEngagedIntheinTestingand/orInspectio
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