ASTM D559/D559M-15(2023)

Standard Test Methods for Wetting and Drying Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods are used to determine the resistance of compacted soil-cement specimens to repeated wetting and drying. These test methods were developed to be used in conjunction with Test Methods D560/D560M and criteria given in the Soil-Cement Laboratory Handbook4 to determine the minimum amount of cement required in soil-cement to achieve a degree of hardness adequate to resist field weathering.
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 ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining the soil-cement losses, water content changes, and volume changes (swell and shrinkage) produced by repeated wetting and drying of hardened soil-cement specimens. The specimens are compacted in a mold, before cement hydration, to maximum density at optimum water content using the compaction procedure described in Test Methods D558/D558M.  
1.2 Two test methods, depending on soil gradation, are covered for preparation of material for molding specimens and for molding specimens as follows:    
Sections  
Test Method A, using soil material passing a 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve.
This method shall be used when 100 % of the soil sample passes the 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve.  
7  
Test Method B, using soil material passing a 19.0 mm [0.75-in.] sieve.
This method shall be used when part of the soil sample is retained on the 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve.
This test method may be used only on materials with 30 % or less retained on the 19.0-mm [0.75-in.] sieve.  
8  
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values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.  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 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and 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 these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Sieve size is identified by its standard designation in Specification E11. The alternative designation given in parentheses is for information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size.  
1.4.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The rationalized slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved.  
1.4.2 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of tw...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.15 - Stabilization With Admixtures

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D559/D559M-15 - Standard Test Methods for Wetting and Drying Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• 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 D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E1266-20 - Standard Practice for Processing Mixtures of Lime, Fly Ash, and Heavy Metal Wastes in Structural Fills and Other Construction Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D558/D558M-19 - Standard Test Methods for Moisture-Density (Unit Weight) Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D560/D560M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Freezing and Thawing Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM D559/D559M-15(2023): Standard Test Methods for Wetting and Drying Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures specifies procedures to evaluate the durability of compacted soil-cement specimens exposed to repeated cycles of wetting and drying. Developed and maintained by ASTM International, this standard is widely referenced in geotechnical engineering, soil stabilization, and infrastructure projects that use soil-cement for improved performance against field weathering. The methods outlined here are essential for determining the minimum cement content required to ensure soil-cement mixtures achieve sufficient hardness and durability for various construction and engineering applications.

Key Topics

• Wetting and Drying Cycles: The standard provides procedures for subjecting compacted soil-cement specimens to repeated cycles of wetting and drying to assess their durability under simulated environmental conditions.
• Loss Measurement: It covers methods for quantifying soil-cement losses, water content changes, and volume changes (swell and shrinkage) as a result of wetting and drying.
• Specimen Preparation: Two alternative test methods are included depending on soil gradation:
  • Method A: Uses soil passing a 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve for fine-grained samples.
  • Method B: For samples where part of the soil is retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve but less than 30% is retained on the 19.0-mm (0.75-in.) sieve.
• Moisture-Density Testing: Compaction procedures align with ASTM D558/D558M to ensure maximum density at optimum water content.
• Significant Digits and Data Recording: Requires precise measurement and reporting practices, following guidelines such as ASTM D6026.

Applications

ASTM D559/D559M is used across the civil engineering and construction sectors, including:

• Soil Stabilization Projects: Determining the resistance of soil-cement mixtures to wet-dry cycles is critical in constructing highways, airport runways, and embankments where stabilized layers must withstand climatic exposure.
• Quality Control: This standard supports laboratory evaluation and verification of soil-cement mixtures before use in field applications, ensuring the mixtures will perform as specified under weathering conditions.
• Minimum Cement Content Specification: By assessing loss, shrinkage, and swelling, project engineers can determine the minimum necessary cement content in mixes, avoiding both overuse and underperformance.
• Research and Development: Educational institutions and research labs use this standard to study soil-cement behavior and to design new mixtures for improved durability.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced and used alongside ASTM D559/D559M-15(2023), ensuring consistent preparation, testing, and evaluation procedures in soil-cement testing:

• ASTM D558/D558M: Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures
• ASTM D560/D560M: Test Methods for Freezing and Thawing Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures
• ASTM C150/C150M & C595/C595M: Specifications for Portland and Blended Hydraulic Cements
• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D698: Laboratory Compaction Methods for Soil
• ASTM D2216: Water Content Determination of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D6026: Practice for Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D559/D559M-15(2023) provides engineers and laboratories with standardized, reliable methods to assess soil-cement durability, thereby reducing risk of premature failure in stabilized soil structures. By testing for soil-cement losses, water absorption, and volume changes, organizations can enhance the longevity and resilience of infrastructure, align with industry best practices, and ensure regulatory and project specification compliance.

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: D559/D559M − 15 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Methods for
Wetting and Drying Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D559/D559M; 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* rately as standard. The values stated in each system shall be
used independently of the other. Combining values from the
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
the soil-cement losses, water content changes, and volume
Sieve size is identified by its standard designation in Specifi-
changes (swell and shrinkage) produced by repeated wetting
cation E11. The alternative designation given in parentheses is
and drying of hardened soil-cement specimens. The specimens
for information only and does not represent a different standard
are compacted in a mold, before cement hydration, to maxi-
sieve size.
mum density at optimum water content using the compaction
1.4.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
procedure described in Test Methods D558/D558M.
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
1.2 Two test methods, depending on soil gradation, are
(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass
covered for preparation of material for molding specimens and
is slugs. The rationalized slug unit is not given, unless dynamic
for molding specimens as follows:
(F = ma) calculations are involved.
Sections
1.4.2 It is common practice in the engineering/construction
Test Method A, using soil material passing a 4.75-mm [No. 4]
profession to use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm)
sieve.
and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate
This method shall be used when 100 % of the soil sample 7
passes the 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve.
systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravita-
Test Method B, using soil material passing a 19.0 mm [0.75-in.]
tional system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use
sieve.
of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
This method shall be used when part of the soil sample is
retained on the 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve.
standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational
This test method may be used only on materials with 30 % or 8
system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug
less retained on the 19.0-mm [0.75-in.] sieve.
unit for mass. However, the use of balances or scales recording
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft shall not
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of these test methods to consider significant digits used in
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
analysis methods for engineering data.
1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
2. Referenced Documents
pound units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded sepa-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of the ASTM Committee D18
on Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.15 on
Stabilization With Admixtures For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D559–15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D0559_D0559M-15R23. 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
D559/D559M − 15 (2023)
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements 5. Apparatus
D558/D558M Test Methods for Moisture-Density (Unit
5.1 Mold, Rammer, and Sample Extruder—Refer to Test
Weight) Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures
Methods D698 for detailed specifications.
D560/D560M Test Methods for Freezing and Thawing
5.2 Balances—A balance or scale conforming to the require-
Compacted Soil-Cement Mixtures
ments of Class GP5 with a readability of 1 g in Specification
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
D4753, except that a Class GP2 balance of 0.1 g readability is
Fluids
required for water content determination.
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
5.3 Drying Ovens—Thermostatically controlled, preferably
kN-m/m ))
forced-draft type, meeting the requirements of Specification
D2168 Practices for Calibration of Laboratory Mechanical-
E145 and capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of
Rammer Soil Compactors
110 6 5°C [230 6 9°F] throughout the chamber for the water
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
content specimens, and a temperature of 71 6 3°C
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
[160 6 5°F] throughout the drying chamber for drying com-
D3282 Practice for Classification of Soils and Soil-
pacted soil-cement specimens.
Aggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes
5.4 Moist Room—A moist room or suitable covered con-
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
tainer capable of maintaining a temperature of 21 6 2°C [70 6
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
3°F] and a relative humidity of 100 % for seven-day storage of
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
compacted specimens.
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
5.5 Water Bath—Suitable tank for submerging compacted
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
specimens in water at room temperature.
Construction Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
5.6 Wire Scratch Brush—A wire scratch brush made of
cords in Geotechnical Data
50-mm [2-in.] long by 1.6-mm [0.06-in.] wide by 0.5-mm [No.
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
26 gage] thick flat wire bristles assembled in 50 groups of 10
Sieves
bristles each and mounted to form five longitudinal rows and
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
ten transverse rows of bristles on a 190 by 65-mm [7.5- by
Ventilation Ovens
2.5-in.] hardwood block.
2.2 AASHTO Standards:
5.7 Straightedge—A stiff metal straightedge of any conve-
M 145 Classifications of Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures
nient length but not less than 250-mm [10-in.]. The total length
for Highway Construction Purposes
of the straightedge shall be machined straight to a tolerance of
60.1-mm [60.004-in.]. The scraping edge shall be beveled, if
3. Terminology
it is thicker than 3-mm [0.12-in.].
3.1 For common definitions of terms used in this standard,
5.8 Sieves—75-mm [3-in.], 19.0-mm [0.75-in.], and
refer to Terminology D653.
4.75-mm [No. 4] sieves conforming to the requirements of
Specification E11.
4. Significance and Use
5.9 Mixing Tools—Miscellaneous tools such as mixing pan,
4.1 These test methods are used to determine the resistance
and trowel, or a suitable mechanical device for thoroughly
of compacted soil-cement specimens to repeated wetting and
mixing the soil with cement and water.
drying. These test methods were developed to be used in
5.10 Butcher Knife—A butcher knife approximately 250
conjunction with Test Methods D560/D560M and criteria
mm [10 in.] in length for trimming the top of the specimens.
given in the Soil-Cement Laboratory Handbook to determine
the minimum amount of cement required in soil-cement to
5.11 Scarifier—A six-pronged ice pick or similar apparatus
achieve a degree of hardness adequate to resist field weather-
to remove the smooth compaction plane at the top of the first
ing.
and second layers of the specimen.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
5.12 Container—A flat, round pan for initial preparation of
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
heavy textured clayey material to facilitate moisture absorption
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
by the soil-cement mixtures, about 300 mm [12 in.] in diameter
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and at least 50 mm [2 in.] deep.
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure
5.13 Measuring Device—A measuring device suitable for
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
accurately measuring the heights and diameters of test speci-
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
mens to the nearest 0.25 mm [0.01 in.].
5.14 Pans and Carriers—Suitable pans for handling mate-
Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation rials and carriers or trays for handling test specimens.
Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
5.15 Graduate—A graduated cylinder of 250-mL [8.4-oz]
http://www.transportation.org.
Soil-Cement Laboratory Handbook, Portland Cement Assn., 1992. capacity for measuring water.
D559/D559M − 15 (2023)
5.16 Water Content Containers—Suitable containers made ing layers. This scarification shall form grooves at right angles
of material resistant to corrosion and change in mass upon to each other, approximately 3 mm [0.12 in.] in width and 3
repeated heating, cooling, exposure to materials of varying pH, mm [0.12 in.] in depth and approximately 6 mm [0.2 in.] apart.
and cleaning. Unless a desiccator is used, containers with close
7.2.2 During compaction, take a representative sample from
fitting lids shall be used for testing specimens having a mass of
the batch of soil-cement mixture that has a mass of at least, 100
about 200 g [0.4 lbf]; while for specimens having a mass
g [0.2 lbf]. Determine and record the mass. Immediately, dry
greater than about 200 g [0.4 lbf], containers without lids may
the specimen in a drying oven at 110 6 5°C [230 6 9°F] for
be used. One container is needed for each water content
at least 12 h or to a constant mass. Determine and record the
determination.
oven-dry mass of the specimen to four significant digits.
Calculate the water content in accordance with Test Methods
6. Standardization/Verification
D2216 and D698 and check against the design water content
6.1 Perform verifications of molds and rammers in accor-
(Note 6).
dance with Test Methods D698 before initial use, after repairs
7.2.3 Determine and record the mass of the compacted
or other occurrences that might affect the test results, at
specimen to four significant digits and remove it from the
3 3
intervals not exceeding 500 test specimens, or annually,
mold. Calculate the dry unit weight in kg/m [lbf/ft ] in
whichever occurs first.
accordance with Test Method D558/D558M to check against
6.1.1 Balance—Evaluate in accordance with Specification
the design dry density (Note 6).
D4753 as required by Test Methods D698.
7.2.3.1 If the dry unit weight obtained is within the design
tolerances specified, identify the specimen with a metal tag (or
7. Test Method A—Using Soil Material Passing a
other suitable device) as No. 1 together with any other needed
4.75-mm [No. 4] Sieve
identification marks. This specimen will be used to obtain data
7.1 Preparation of Material for Molding Specimens:
on water content and volume changes during the test.
7.1.1 Collect a soil sample that is visually representative of
7.2.3.2 If the dry unit weight obtained does not meet the
the project material.
tolerances specified, then another specimen will need to be
7.1.2 Prepare the soil sample in accordance with the proce-
compacted.
dure described in Test Method A of Test Methods D558/
7.2.4 Form a second specimen as rapidly as possible and
D558M.
determine the water content and oven-dry weight as described
7.1.3 Select a sufficient quantity of the soil prepared as
in 7.2.1 – 7.2.3. Identify this specimen as No. 2, together with
described in 7.1.2 to provide two (Note 2) compacted speci-
other needed identification marks and use to
...