ASTM D4219-22

Standard Test Method for Short-Term Unconfined Compressive Strength Index of Chemically Grouted Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain values for comparison with other test values to verify uniformity of materials or the effects of controllable variables, in grout-soil compositions.  
5.2 This test method is similar, in principle, to Test Method D2166/D2166M, but is not intended for determination of strength parameters to be used in design. Such values are more properly obtained from long-term triaxial tests.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the short-term unconfined compressive strength index of chemically grouted soils, using displacement-controlled application of test load.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.  
1.2.1 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This practice implicitly combines two separate systems of units; the absolute and the gravitational systems. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit of mass. However, the use of balances and scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.  
1.3.1 For purposes of comparing a measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal of significant digits in the specified limit.  
1.3.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in the standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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-2022
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.16 - Grouting

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D3740-23 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3740-19 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D2166/D2166M-13 - Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12a - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3740-11 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3740-10 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D653-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3740-08 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-07f - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM D653-07e - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007

Overview

ASTM D4219-22 is the Standard Test Method for Short-Term Unconfined Compressive Strength Index of Chemically Grouted Soils, published by ASTM International. This method provides guidelines for determining the short-term unconfined compressive strength index of chemically grouted soils using displacement-controlled testing. The standard is essential for the geotechnical and construction industries, particularly for verifying the uniformity of chemically grouted soil materials and assessing the effects of controllable variables in grout-soil compositions.

Crucially, the test is intended for indexing and comparison purposes, rather than for design or long-term engineering parameter determination. The values obtained help verify consistency in laboratory or field grouting procedures, making this standard a valuable tool in quality control and research.

Key Topics

• Chemically Grouted Soil Testing: Focuses on soils treated with chemical grouts to evaluate short-term strength characteristics using unconfined compression.
• Displacement-Controlled Application: Utilizes a constant rate of axial deformation until soil specimen failure or a set strain is reached.
• Index Property Measurement: Provides a rapid means of comparing treatment effectiveness across different grouting methods and materials.
• Uniformity and Control: Enables assessment of material uniformity and the impact of test variables, such as specimen preparation and curing conditions.
• Standardized Reporting: Requires adherence to SI units and established practices for significant digits and data recording, ensuring reliable and consistent reporting across the industry.

Applications

ASTM D4219-22 is widely used in several practical scenarios:

• Quality Control of Grouted Soils: Verifies the uniformity of chemically grouted soil specimens in laboratory and field projects.
• Comparative Analysis: Assesses the effects of different grouting materials, recipes, or procedures by comparing compressive strength indices.
• Research and Development: Supports the development and evaluation of new grouting technologies and soil stabilization methods.
• Material Consistency Checks: Monitors batch-to-batch variations in soil and grout mixtures during construction.
• Educational and Training Purposes: Provides a benchmark test method for students and professionals learning about geotechnical grouting and soil improvement.

It is important to note that this test is not intended to generate data for engineering design. For design purposes, long-term triaxial tests or other methods are recommended. ASTM D4219-22 is ideal for rapid strength index assessment rather than detailed characterization.

Related Standards

For those working with chemically grouted soils and geotechnical testing, the following ASTM standards are referenced or closely related:

• ASTM D2166/D2166M: Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil
• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D3740: Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D4320: Practice for Laboratory Preparation of Chemically Grouted Soil Specimens for Obtaining Engineering Parameters
• ASTM D6026: Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D6913/D6913M: Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis

Conclusion

ASTM D4219-22 is a vital standard for grouting specialists, laboratory technicians, and quality assurance professionals. By providing an industry-accepted method for short-term compressive strength assessment of grouted soils, it plays an integral role in material verification and process optimization. As with any geotechnical standard, adherence to proper procedures, equipment calibration, and competent personnel are key for obtaining reliable and meaningful results. Always consult related ASTM standards for comprehensive soil testing and reporting protocols.

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: D4219 −22
Standard Test Method for
Short-Term Unconfined Compressive Strength Index of
Chemically Grouted Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4219; 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.
1. Scope* increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the short-
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
term unconfined compressive strength index of chemically
methods for engineering design.
grouted soils, using displacement-controlled application of test
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
load.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
nonconformance with this standard.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2.1 It is common practice in the engineering/construction
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This practice implicitly
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
combines two separate systems of units; the absolute and the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
gravitational systems. It is scientifically undesirable to com-
bine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a
2. Referenced Documents
single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravita-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tional system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
slug unit of mass. However, the use of balances and scales
Fluids
recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft
D2166/D2166M Test Method for Unconfined Compressive
shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
Strength of Cohesive Soil
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.3.1 For purposes of comparing a measured or calculated
D4320 Practice for Laboratory Preparation of Chemically
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
Grouted Soil Specimens for Obtaining Engineering Pa-
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal of significant
rameters
digits in the specified limit.
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
1.3.2 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
cords in Geotechnical Data
recorded or calculated in the standard are regarded as the
D6913/D6913M Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
(Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
3. Terminology
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
3.1 Definitions:
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
This method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.16 on Grouting.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D4219 – 08, which contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
was withdrawn January 2017 and reinstated in October 2022. DOI: 10.1520/D4219- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
22. 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
D4219 − 22
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 6.2 Deformation Indicator—Thedeformationindicatorshall
be readable to 0.2 mm (0.01 in.), or better, and have a travel
3.2.1 curing conditions, n—the environment, particularly
range of at least 20 % of the length of the test specimen.
temperature and humidity, and state of confinement at which a
6.2.1 For true strain measurements, particularly on stiff
specimen is stored during the time interval between fabrication
specimens, the deformation indicator attachment must be made
and testing.
so that average axial strain is measured. This eliminates the
3.2.2 short-term unconfined compressive strength index,
possibility of negative readings due to tilting of the load
n—the ratio of the load at which an unconfined cylindrical
platens.
specimen of soil fails in a simple compressive test to the
6.2.2 If true strain measurements are not required, platen
specimen initial area before testing.
movement may be used for strain control using either the
deformation indicator or a displacement indicator internal to
4. Summary of Test Method
the compression device.
4.1 A cylindrical specimen of chemically grouted soil is
6.3 Axial Load-Measuring Device—The axial load-
subjected to a constant rate of compressive deformation until it
measuring devices shall be capable of measuring unit loadthe
fails. The ratio of the peak load at failure, or at 20 % strain,
axial load to an accuracy of within 1 % of the axial load at
whichever occurs first, divided by the specimen area before
failure.
testing is defined as the short-term unconfined compressive
6.4 Dial Comparator, or other suitable device, for measur-
strength index.
ing the physical dimensions of the specimen to within 0.1 % of
the measured dimension.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain values for
7. Preparation of Test Specimens
comparison with other test values to verify uniformity of
7.1 Specimen Size—The test specimens shall have a length-
materials or the effects of controllable variables, in grout-soil
to-diameter ratio between 2 and 3, preferably 2.5. Specimen
compositions.
diameter shall be greater than 10 times the maximum particle
5.2 This test method is similar, in principle, to Test Method
size, and not less than 35 mm (1.4 in.). For procedures relating
D2166/D2166M, but is not intended for determination of
toparticle-sizeanalysis,seeTestMethodD6913/D6913M.Test
strength parameters to be used in design. Such values are more
specimens shall be right circular cylinders. (When new test
properly obtained from long-term triaxial tests.
data are only for comparison with existing data from non-
standard samples, specimen dimensions conforming to those
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
previously used are acceptable.)
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
7.2 Specimen Fabrication Preferable, specimens are made
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
by pumping catalyzed grout solution through the soil matrix
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
utilizing pro
...