ASTM C977-18

Standard Specification for Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for Soil Stabilization

ABSTRACT
This specification pertains to quicklime and hydrated lime, either high calcium, dolomitic, or magnesium lime, for use in stabilization of soils. Quicklime and hydrated lime for soil stabilization shall conform to the required chemical composition for calcium, magnesium oxides, carbon dioxide, and free moisture. The physical properties of hydrated lime, quicklime, and residue of quicklime shall not exceed the specified limits. Chemical analysis of quicklime and hydrated lime shall be conducted. The particle size of hydrated lime shall be determined in accordance with the sieve analysis of hydrated lime in the referenced standard test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification pertains to quicklime and hydrated lime, either high calcium, dolomitic, or magnesian lime, for use in stabilization of soils (see Note 2).  
Note 1: Quicklime and hydrated lime act upon clay soils and may render such soils suitable for highway construction and for other load-bearing applications. In most cases, lime causes finely divided clay particles to agglomerate into coarser particles which improve load-bearing properties and subsequently the lime-treated soil hardens by chemical reaction.
Note 2: No attempt is made to present requirements for by-product lime, commercial lime slurry, and so forth. Specification requirements for these materials could be better determined on a local basis.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2018
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C07 - Lime and Limestone
• Drafting Committee: C07.02 - Specifications and Guidelines

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C977-10 - Standard Specification for Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for Soil Stabilization
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C51-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as Used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C50/C50M-13(2019) - Standard Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C25-19e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C51-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM C110-16 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM C110-15e1 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C110-15 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C110-14e1 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM C110-14 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM C50/C50M-13 - Standard Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C50/C50M-12 - Standard Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM C25-11e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C51-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C110-11 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011

Overview

ASTM C977-18: Standard Specification for Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for Soil Stabilization addresses the chemical and physical requirements for quicklime and hydrated lime intended for soil stabilization projects. Published by ASTM International, this specification sets requirements for high calcium, dolomitic, or magnesian limes specifically used to improve the engineering properties of soils in highway construction and other load-bearing applications. The standard ensures only qualified materials are used in infrastructure projects, guiding quality control and safety in construction.

Key Topics

• Material Scope: Covers both quicklime and hydrated lime, including high-calcium, dolomitic, and magnesian varieties, for soil stabilization purposes.
• Chemical Composition: Specifies minimum and maximum chemical content:
  • Calcium and magnesium oxides (minimum 90%)
  • Carbon dioxide (maximum 5%)
  • Free moisture (maximum 2%)
• Physical Properties:
  • Hydrated lime particle size determined by sieve analysis
  • Quicklime particle size, slaking reactivity, and residue content
• Test Methods: References ASTM C25 for chemical analysis and C110 for physical testing, as well as sieve analysis for particle size.
• Field Application Guidance: Includes mixing, hydration, and application instructions to ensure even distribution and efficacy in soil stabilization.
• Sampling and Packaging: Sampling, inspection, packaging, and marking must comply with ASTM C50/C50M.
• Safety and Environmental Practices: Emphasizes user responsibility for safe handling and regulatory compliance.
• Applicability: SI units recognized as standard.

Applications

The standard is tailored for the construction and civil engineering industries, where soil stabilization enhances the performance and durability of pavement foundations, embankments, and other load-bearing surfaces. Quicklime and hydrated lime are particularly effective in modifying clay soils, causing fine particles to aggregate and resulting in improved load-bearing capacity and reduced plasticity. Applications include:

• Highway Construction: Enhancing bearing strength and durability of subgrades and bases.
• Building Foundations: Providing stable platforms for structures.
• Airport Runways and Taxiways: Improving soil properties for heavy-duty aviation surfaces.
• Industrial Infrastructure: Stabilizing soil for loading docks, storage areas, and utility installations.
• Landfill and Environmental Remediation: Solidifying unstable soils and controlling moisture.

Proper application techniques, as specified in ASTM C977-18, are essential to achieving uniform soil treatment and maximizing long-term performance.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced within ASTM C977-18, providing complementary procedures for testing and terminology:

• ASTM C25: Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
• ASTM C50/C50M: Sampling, Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
• ASTM C51: Terminology for Lime and Limestone Industry
• ASTM C110: Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
• ASTM D6276: (Withdrawn) pH testing for soil-lime proportioning
• ASTM C977 Appendix: Includes the Eades and Grim Test Method for approximating lime-soil proportion

Practical Value

ASTM C977-18 is an essential standard for quality assurance in soil stabilization using lime. By following these specifications, civil engineers, contractors, and materials suppliers can ensure consistent results, regulatory compliance, and enhanced durability for infrastructure projects. Adherence to ASTM C977-18 also supports safety, environmental stewardship, and compatibility in international projects where soil stabilization is required.

Keywords: ASTM C977-18, quicklime, hydrated lime, soil stabilization, highway construction, load-bearing soils, lime-treated soil, physical properties, chemical composition, civil engineering standards, infrastructure quality.

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: C977 −18
Standard Specification for
Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for Soil Stabilization
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C977; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
C51 Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used
1.1 This specification pertains to quicklime and hydrated
by the Industry)
lime,eitherhighcalcium,dolomitic,ormagnesianlime,foruse
C110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime,
in stabilization of soils (see Note 2).
Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
NOTE 1—Quicklime and hydrated lime act upon clay soils and may
D6276 Test Method for Using pH to Estimate the Soil-Lime
render such soils suitable for highway construction and for other load-
Proportion Requirement for Soil Stabilization (Withdrawn
bearing applications. In most cases, lime causes finely divided clay
2015)
particlestoagglomerateintocoarserparticleswhichimproveload-bearing
properties and subsequently the lime-treated soil hardens by chemical
reaction.
3. Chemical Composition
NOTE 2—No attempt is made to present requirements for by-product
3.1 Unless otherwise specified, for definitions of terms used
lime, commercial lime slurry, and so forth. Specification requirements for
in this specification, refer to Terminology C51.
these materials could be better determined on a local basis.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.2 Quicklime and hydrated lime for soil stabilization shall
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this conform to the following chemical composition:
standard.
Calcium and Magnesium Oxides (on a non-volatile basis, 90.0
minimum %)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Carbon Dioxide (taken at point of manufacture, maximum %) 5.0
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Free Moisture (taken at point of manufacture, maximum %) 2.0
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 4. Physical Properties
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 Hydrated Lime, shall have not more than 3 % retained
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
on a 595-µm (No. 30) sieve and not more than 25 % retained
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
on a 74-µm (No. 200) sieve.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 Quicklime:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2.1 Particle Size of Quicklime—Quicklime shall all pass a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
25.4-mm (1.0-in.) sieve.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2.2 Quicklime for soil stabilization shall have a tempera-
ture rise of a minimum of 30°C in 20 min.
2. Referenced Documents
4.2.3 Residue of Quicklime—Quicklime for soil stabiliza-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tion shall have not more than 10 % residue.
C25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone,
Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
5. Field Applications
C50/C50M Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation,
5.1 When quicklime is used, ensure that thorough mixing of
the lime and soil is accomplished and all lime pebbles have
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C07 on Lime been hydrated with additional water and distributed uniformly
and Limestone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C07.02 on
throughout the soil. There shall be no lime pebbles present
Specifications and Guidelines.
before the compaction operation starts. Check by turning soil
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally
with a spade at representative intervals and inspect for visible
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C977 – 10. DOI:
10.1520/C0977-18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C977 − 18
lime pebbles. Care should be exercised on initial dry applica- 6.2 The particle size of hydrated lime shall be determined in
tions to minimize envi
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM 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: C977 − 10 C977 − 18
Standard Specification for
Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for Soil Stabilization
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C977; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification pertains to quicklime and hydrated lime, either high calcium, dolomitic, or magnesian lime, for use in
stabilization of soils (See(see Note 2).
NOTE 1—Quicklime and hydrated lime act upon clay soils and may render such soils suitable for highway construction and for other load-bearing
applications. In most cases, lime causes finely divided clay particles to agglomerate into coarser particles which improvesimprove load-bearing properties
and subsequently the lime-treated soil hardens by chemical reaction.
NOTE 2—No attempt is made to present requirements for by-product lime, commercial lime slurry, etc. and so forth. Specification requirements for these
materials could be better determined on a local basis.
1.2 The values stated in inch-poundSI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered No other units of measurement are included
in this standard.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime
C50C50/C50M Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products
C51 Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used by the Industry)
C110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone
D6276 Test Method for Using pH to Estimate the Soil-Lime Proportion Requirement for Soil Stabilization (Withdrawn 2015)
3. Chemical Composition
3.1 Unless otherwise specified, for definitions of terms used in this specification, refer to Terminology C51.
3.2 Quicklime and hydrated lime for soil stabilization shall conform to the following chemical composition:
Calcium and Magnesium Oxides (on a non-volatile basis, 90.0
minimum %)
Carbon Dioxide (taken at point of manufacture, maximum %) 5.0
Free Moisture (taken at point of manufacture, maximum %) 2.0
4. Physical Properties
4.1 Hydrated Lime, shall have not more than 3 % retained on a No. 30 (590-μm)595-μm (No. 30) sieve and not more than 25 %
retained on a No. 200 (75-μm)74-μm (No. 200) sieve.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C07 on Lime and Limestone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C07.02 on Specifications
and Guidelines.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2010Oct. 1, 2018. Published December 2010October 2018. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 20092010
as C977–03(2009).C977 – 10. DOI: 10.1520/C0977-10.10.1520/C0977-18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C977 − 18
4.2 Quicklime:
4.2.1 Particle Size of Quicklime—Quicklime shall all pass a 1.0-in. (24.4-mm)25.4-mm (1.0-in.) sieve.
4.2.2 Quicklime for soil stabilization shall have a temperature rise of a minimum of 30°C in 20 min.
4.2.3 Residue of Quicklime—Quicklime for soil stabilization shall have not more than 10 % residue.
5. Field Applications
5.1 When quicklimes arequicklime is used, ensure that thorough mixing of the lime and soil is accomplished and all lime
pebbles have been hydrated with additional water and distributed uniformly throughout the soil. There shall be no lime pebbles
present before the compaction operation starts. Check by turning soil with a spade at representative inte
...