ASTM D6276-99a
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Using pH to Estimate the Soil-Lime Proportion Requirement for Soil Stabilization
Standard Test Method for Using pH to Estimate the Soil-Lime Proportion Requirement for Soil Stabilization
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a means for estimating the soil-lime proportion requirement for stabilization of a soil. The optimum soil-lime proportion for soil stabilization is determined by tests of specific characteristics of stabilized soil such as unconfined compressive strength or plasticity index.
1.2 This test method is used to determine the lowest percentage of lime that results in a soil-lime pH of 12.4.
1.3 Lime is not an effective stabilizing agent for all soils. Some soil components such as sulfates, phosphates, organics, etc. can adversely affect soil-lime reactions.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
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.
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Designation:D6276–99a
Standard Test Method for
Using pH to Estimate the Soil-Lime Proportion Requirement
for Soil Stabilization
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6276; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
1.1 This test method provides a means for estimating the
D2216 TestMethodforLaboratoryDeterminationofWater
soil-limeproportionrequirementforstabilizationofasoil.This
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock
testmethodisperformedonsoilpassingthe−425-µm(No.40)
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
sieve.Theoptimumsoil-limeproportionforsoilstabilizationis
Engaged in theTesting and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
determined by tests of specific characteristics of stabilized soil
as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
such as unconfined compressive strength or plasticity index.
D4753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Speci-
1.2 Some highly alkaline by-products (lime kiln dust, ce-
fying Balances and Scales for Use in Testing Soil, Rock,
ment kiln dust, and so forth) have been successfully used to
and Related Construction Materials
stabilize soil. This test method is not intended for these
E11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
materials and any such product would need to be tested for
poses
specific characteristics as indicated in 1.1.
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
1.3 This test method is used to determine the lowest
Ventilation Ovens
percentage of lime that results in a soil-lime pH of 12.4.
1.4 Lime is not an effective stabilizing agent for all soils.
3. Terminology
Some soil components such as sulfates, phosphates, organics,
3.1 Definitions:
and so forth can adversely affect soil-lime reactions and may
3.2 Refer to Terminology C51 for definitions of terms
produce erroneous results using this test method.
relating to lime.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.3 Refer to Terminology D653 for terms relating to soil.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.4 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.4.1 buffer solution—a solution of specific pH value used
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
to calibrate the pH meter.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.4.2 free lime—lime in a soil-lime mixture that has not
2. Referenced Documents dissociated into calcium and hydroxyl ions.
3.4.3 hydrated lime—lime that is predominately calcium
2.1 ASTM Standards:
hydroxide (Ca(OH) ) or a mixture of calcium hydroxide and
C51 TerminologyRelatingtoLimeandLimestone(asused
2 magnesium oxide (MgO) or magnesium hydroxide
by the industry)
(Mg(OH) ).
C977 Specification for Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for
2 3.4.4 lime—a general term which, for the purpose of this
Soil Stabilization
test method, includes hydrated lime and quicklime.
D421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for
3.4.5 lime content—the ratio expressed as a percentage of
Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Con-
the mass of lime to the dry mass of soil.
stants
3.4.6 lime stabilization—addition of lime to a soil in suffi-
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
cient quantities to promote long-term pozzolanic reactions that
Fluids
result in strength gain and permanent improvement in stability.
Textural improvement alone, such as reduced plasticity, is
often referred to as “modification.” Modification can be ef-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
fected by lime addition rates less than those required for
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.15 on Stabilization
stabilization and may not be permanent.
and Admixtures.
Current edition approved June 10, 1999. Published September 1999. Originally
published as D6276–98. Last previous edition D6276–99.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
3 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
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D6276
3.4.7 pH—thenegativelogarithmoftheeffectivehydrogen- 6.2 Sieve—A 425-µm (No. 40) sieve, conforming to the
ionconcentrationorhydrogen-ionactivity,ingramequivalents requirements of Specification E11.
per litre. The pH values range from 0 to 14; where pH 7 6.3 Plastic Bottles—Six 150-mL (or larger) plastic bottles
represents neutrality, pH values less than 7 indicate increasing with tight-fitting screw caps.
acidity, and pH values greater than 7 indicate increasing 6.4 A pH Meter—A pH meter equipped with reference
alkalinity. electrode and low-sodium error glass pH-sensitive electrodes
3.4.8 quicklime—lime that is predominately calcium oxide (or combination electrode) and a meter capable of displaying
(CaO) or calcium oxide in association with magnesium oxide 0.01 units pH at 0.2 pH accuracy over a range from 0 to 14.
(MgO). 6.5 Drying Oven—Oven conforming to requirements of
3.4.9 stabilization—a process to improve the engineering Specification E145.
properties of soils at a site. 6.6 Miscellaneous Equipment—An airtight, moisture-proof
container for preserving the moisture content of the soil;
4. Summary of Test Method
mixing tools and scoops for use in preparing test specimens.
4.1 Aseries of specimens is prepared containing a range of
percentages of lime content in soil. Measurements of pH are 7. Reagents and Materials
made on slurries of the specimens to determine the minimum
7.1 Water—Reference to water shall be understood to mean
lime content of the soil-lime mixture to obtain a pH of at least
Type II reagent water conforming to Specification D1193.
12.4.
Store the water in a tightly capped container; boil and cool the
4.2 The pH of at least 12.4 achieved in this test method
water immediately before use.
results from free lime remaining in the soil-lime mixture.
NOTE 2—If the pH of the site water to be used is highly acidic (<6) or
Normally, the pH of the specific lime being used for soil
highly basic (>9) test results should be checked against a specimen made
stabilization should be determined and used as the indicator
up with site water rather than Type II water.
pH.
7.2 Buffer Solution—Use a buffer solution having a pH of
5. Significance and Use
12, either commercially available or prepared in accordance
with Test Methods D1293.
5.1 The soil-lime pH test is performed as a test to indicate
the soil-lime proportion needed to maintain the elevated pH 7.3 Hydrated Lime—Only fresh lime meeting the require-
ments of Specification C977 may be used.
necessary for sustaining the reactions required to stabilize a
soil. The test derives from Eades and Grim. 7.4 Quicklime—Only fresh lime meeting the requirements
of Specification C977 may be used.
5.2 Performance tests are normally conducted in a labora-
tory to verify the results of this test method.
8. Safety Hazards
5.3 This test method will not provide reliable information
relative to the potential reactivity of a particular soil, nor will
8.1 Quicklime becomes hot when mixed with water. Use
it provide information on the magnitude of increased strength
protective gloves when handling containers of soil-quicklime-
to be realized upon treatment of this soil with the indicated water mixtures.
percentage of lime.
8.2 Hydrated lime and quicklime are strong caustics and
5.4 This test method can be used to estimate the percentage may cause severe irritation of skin, eyes, and mucous mem-
of lime as hydrated lime or quicklime needed to stabilize soil.
branes. Appropriate safety equipment such as heavy rubber
5.5 Agricultural lime (crushed limestone) will not stabilize gloves,protectiveeyewear,andaplasticapronshouldbeworn
soil.
when handling lime. Ensure that adequate ventilation (or a
respirator) is provided.
NOTE 1—Notwithstanding the statements on precision and bias con-
tained in this test method: The precision of this test method is dependent
9. Technical Hazards
onthecompetenceofthepersonnelperformingitandthesuitabilityofthe
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice
9.1 Limereadilyabsorbswaterandcarbondioxidefromthe
D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
air, therefore, store lime in tightly closed containers.
testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with
9.2 The soil-lime-water mixture is alkaline and will react
Practice D3740 d
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