ASTM D1633-17
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Molded Soil-Cement Cylinders
Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Molded Soil-Cement Cylinders
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Method A makes use of the same compaction equipment and molds commonly available in soil laboratories and used for other soil-cement tests. It is considered that Method A gives a relative measure of strength rather than a rigorous determination of compressive strength. Because of the lesser height to diameter ratio (1.15) of the cylinders, the compressive strength determined by Method A will normally be greater than that for Method B.
4.2 Method B, because of the greater height to diameter ratio (2.00), gives a better measure of compressive strength from a technical viewpoint since it reduces complex stress conditions that may occur during the shearing of Method A specimens.
4.3 In practice, Method A has been more commonly used than Method B. As a result, it has been customary to evaluate or specify compressive strength values as determined by Method A. A factor for converting compressive strength values based on height to diameter ratio is given in Section 8.3
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 This test method covers the determination of the compressive strength of soil-cement using molded cylinders as test specimens.
1.2 Two alternative procedures are provided as follows:
1.2.1 Method A—This procedure uses a test specimen prepared in a mold complying with Test Methods D698 (4.0 in. (101.6 mm) in diameter and 4.6 in. (116.8 mm) in height), sometimes referred to as a proctor mold, resulting in a height over diameter ratio of 1.15. This test method may be used only on materials with 30 % or less retained on the 19.0-mm (3/4-in.) sieve. See Note 2.
1.2.2 Method B—This procedure uses a test specimen with a height over diameter ratio of 2.0 prepared in a cylindrical mold in accordance with Practice D1632 (2.8 in. (71.1 mm) in diameter and 9.0 in. (229 mm) in height). This test method is applicable to those materials that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve.
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted in below. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, and are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Sieve sizes are identified by the standard designations in Specification E11. The alternative sieve size designation given in parentheses is for information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size.
1.3.1 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.
1.3.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in commercial practice, that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore, the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram (kg) or gram (g), or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit (slug) is not given/presented in parentheses.
1.3.3 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 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 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 for mass. However, the use of balances or scales, recordin...
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2017
- Technical Committee
- D18 - Soil and Rock
- Drafting Committee
- D18.15 - Stabilization With Admixtures
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
Overview
ASTM D1633-17: Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Molded Soil-Cement Cylinders is a vital standard published by ASTM International. It establishes test methods for determining the compressive strength of soil-cement mixtures using molded cylindrical specimens. The standard provides two recognized procedures, Method A and Method B, each utilizing different specimen geometries and compaction molds commonly found in geotechnical laboratories. Accurate measurement of compressive strength is essential for soil stabilization projects, infrastructure design, and quality assurance in civil engineering and construction.
Key Topics
Compressive Strength Determination
ASTM D1633-17 describes testing procedures to evaluate the compressive strength of stabilized soil-cement cylinders. This property is a key indicator of the mixture’s load-bearing capacity and durability.Two Available Methods
- Method A: Uses larger diameter specimens (complying with ASTM D698 Proctor molds) with a height-to-diameter ratio (h/d) of 1.15. Offers a relative measure of strength and is widely used in routine soil-cement testing.
- Method B: Utilizes a greater h/d ratio (2.00), providing a technically more accurate measure of compressive strength by minimizing non-uniform stress distributions encountered during testing.
Applicability and Material Limits
- Method A: Suitable for materials with 30% or less retained on the 19.0-mm (3/4-in.) sieve.
- Method B: Applicable to materials passing the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve.
Standard Units and Reporting
The standard emphasizes the use of inch-pound (lbf, lbm) units, aligning with industry and engineering practices. Specific requirements for recording and calculation of data, including significant digits and measurement precision, are outlined for robust test reporting.Quality and Reliability
The reliability of results depends on strict adherence to procedural details and the competence of personnel. ASTM D1633 references standards for laboratory quality practices and equipment calibration, such as ASTM D3740 and ASTM E4.
Applications
Soil Stabilization Projects
The primary application is in roadway, foundation, and embankment construction, where soil is stabilized by cement to improve load-carrying capacity and durability.Material Selection and Quality Control
Engineers use this standard to compare and verify the compressive strength of different soil-cement blends, aiding in the selection of materials and admixtures.Verification of Construction Materials
Contractors and quality assurance personnel utilize ASTM D1633-17 to confirm compliance with project specifications and to validate field-produced soil-cement against laboratory benchmarks.Research and Development
The standard is also valuable for geotechnical research, enabling investigation of new soil-cement formulations and their performance under compressive loads.
Related Standards
- ASTM D698: Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort - referenced for specimen preparation.
- ASTM D1632: Practice for Making and Curing Soil-Cement Compression and Flexure Test Specimens in the Laboratory.
- ASTM D3740: Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock.
- ASTM D2216: Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock.
- ASTM E4: Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines.
- ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves.
Conclusion
ASTM D1633-17 provides standardized, reliable methods for measuring the compressive strength of molded soil-cement cylinders, supporting engineering decisions in soil stabilization, construction, and quality control. By establishing clear procedures, performance expectations, and quality guidelines, it plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and safety of civil infrastructure projects. Integrating this standard into laboratory and field practice ensures consistent, accurate, and comparable results across the geotechnical and construction industries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D1633-17 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Molded Soil-Cement Cylinders". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Method A makes use of the same compaction equipment and molds commonly available in soil laboratories and used for other soil-cement tests. It is considered that Method A gives a relative measure of strength rather than a rigorous determination of compressive strength. Because of the lesser height to diameter ratio (1.15) of the cylinders, the compressive strength determined by Method A will normally be greater than that for Method B. 4.2 Method B, because of the greater height to diameter ratio (2.00), gives a better measure of compressive strength from a technical viewpoint since it reduces complex stress conditions that may occur during the shearing of Method A specimens. 4.3 In practice, Method A has been more commonly used than Method B. As a result, it has been customary to evaluate or specify compressive strength values as determined by Method A. A factor for converting compressive strength values based on height to diameter ratio is given in Section 8.3 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 This test method covers the determination of the compressive strength of soil-cement using molded cylinders as test specimens. 1.2 Two alternative procedures are provided as follows: 1.2.1 Method A—This procedure uses a test specimen prepared in a mold complying with Test Methods D698 (4.0 in. (101.6 mm) in diameter and 4.6 in. (116.8 mm) in height), sometimes referred to as a proctor mold, resulting in a height over diameter ratio of 1.15. This test method may be used only on materials with 30 % or less retained on the 19.0-mm (3/4-in.) sieve. See Note 2. 1.2.2 Method B—This procedure uses a test specimen with a height over diameter ratio of 2.0 prepared in a cylindrical mold in accordance with Practice D1632 (2.8 in. (71.1 mm) in diameter and 9.0 in. (229 mm) in height). This test method is applicable to those materials that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. 1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted in below. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, and are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Sieve sizes are identified by the standard designations in Specification E11. The alternative sieve size designation given in parentheses is for information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size. 1.3.1 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. 1.3.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in commercial practice, that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore, the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram (kg) or gram (g), or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit (slug) is not given/presented in parentheses. 1.3.3 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 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 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 for mass. However, the use of balances or scales, recordin...
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Method A makes use of the same compaction equipment and molds commonly available in soil laboratories and used for other soil-cement tests. It is considered that Method A gives a relative measure of strength rather than a rigorous determination of compressive strength. Because of the lesser height to diameter ratio (1.15) of the cylinders, the compressive strength determined by Method A will normally be greater than that for Method B. 4.2 Method B, because of the greater height to diameter ratio (2.00), gives a better measure of compressive strength from a technical viewpoint since it reduces complex stress conditions that may occur during the shearing of Method A specimens. 4.3 In practice, Method A has been more commonly used than Method B. As a result, it has been customary to evaluate or specify compressive strength values as determined by Method A. A factor for converting compressive strength values based on height to diameter ratio is given in Section 8.3 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 This test method covers the determination of the compressive strength of soil-cement using molded cylinders as test specimens. 1.2 Two alternative procedures are provided as follows: 1.2.1 Method A—This procedure uses a test specimen prepared in a mold complying with Test Methods D698 (4.0 in. (101.6 mm) in diameter and 4.6 in. (116.8 mm) in height), sometimes referred to as a proctor mold, resulting in a height over diameter ratio of 1.15. This test method may be used only on materials with 30 % or less retained on the 19.0-mm (3/4-in.) sieve. See Note 2. 1.2.2 Method B—This procedure uses a test specimen with a height over diameter ratio of 2.0 prepared in a cylindrical mold in accordance with Practice D1632 (2.8 in. (71.1 mm) in diameter and 9.0 in. (229 mm) in height). This test method is applicable to those materials that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. 1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted in below. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, and are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Sieve sizes are identified by the standard designations in Specification E11. The alternative sieve size designation given in parentheses is for information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size. 1.3.1 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. 1.3.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in commercial practice, that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore, the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram (kg) or gram (g), or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit (slug) is not given/presented in parentheses. 1.3.3 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 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 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 for mass. However, the use of balances or scales, recordin...
ASTM D1633-17 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D1633-17 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1633-00(2007), ASTM D4753-24, ASTM D3740-23, ASTM D3740-19, ASTM D2216-19, ASTM C42/C42M-18, ASTM D1632-17e1, ASTM D1632-17, ASTM C42/C42M-16, ASTM D4753-15, ASTM D653-14, ASTM E4-14, ASTM E11-13, ASTM D698-12e1, ASTM D698-12. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D1633-17 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D1633 − 17
Standard Test Methods for
Compressive Strength of Molded Soil-Cement Cylinders
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1633; 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* 1.3.3 It is common practice in the engineering/construction
profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the com-
of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two
pressive strength of soil-cement using molded cylinders as test
separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the
specimens.
gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine
1.2 Two alternative procedures are provided as follows:
the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
1.2.1 Method A—This procedure uses a test specimen pre-
standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational
pared in a mold complying with Test Methods D698 (4.0 in.
system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug
(101.6 mm) in diameter and 4.6 in. (116.8 mm) in height),
unitformass.However,theuseofbalancesorscales,recording
sometimes referred to as a proctor mold, resulting in a height
pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft shall not
over diameter ratio of 1.15. This test method may be used only
be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
on materials with 30 % or less retained on the 19.0-mm ( ⁄4-in.)
sieve. See Note 2.
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
1.2.2 Method B—This procedure uses a test specimen with
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
a height over diameter ratio of 2.0 prepared in a cylindrical
Practice D6026 unless superseded by this test method.
mold in accordance with Practice D1632 (2.8 in. (71.1 mm) in
1.4.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
diameter and 9.0 in. (229 mm) in height). This test method is
recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the
applicable to those materials that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4)
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
sieve.
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
regarded as standard, except as noted in below. The values
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units,
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
and are provided for information only and are not considered
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
standard.Sievesizesareidentifiedbythestandarddesignations
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
in Specification E11. The alternative sieve size designation
of these test methods to consider significant digits used in
given in parentheses is for information only and does not
analysis methods for engineering data.
represent a different standard sieve size.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.3.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
is slugs.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in
commercial practice, that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore,
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
(kg) or gram (g), or both.Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
(slug) is not given/presented in parentheses.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.15 on Stabilization With
Admixtures.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally
approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D1633 – 00(2007),
which was withdrawn in July 2016 and reinstated in November 2017. DOI:
10.1520/D1633-17.
*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
D1633 − 17
2. Referenced Documents MethodA.Afactor for converting compressive strength values
2 based on height to diameter ratio is given in Section 8.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
D559 Test Methods for Wetting and Drying Compacted
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
Soil-Cement Mixtures
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
D560 Test Methods for Freezing and Thawing Compacted
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure
Soil-Cement Mixtures reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
5. Apparatus
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
5.1 Compression Testing Machine—Thismachinemaybeof
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
any type having sufficient capacity and control to provide the
kN-m/m ))
rate of loading prescribed in 7.2. The testing machine shall be
D1632 Practice for Making and Curing Soil-Cement Com-
equipped with two steel bearing blocks with hardened faces,
pression and Flexure Test Specimens in the Laboratory
one of which is a spherically seated head block that normally
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
will bear on the upper surface of the specimen, and the other a
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
plain rigid block on which the specimen will rest. The bearing
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
block surfaces intended for contact with the specimen shall
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
have a Rockwell hardness of not less than HRC 60. The
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
bearing faces shall be at least as large, and preferably slightly
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
larger, than the surface of the specimen to which the load is
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
applied. The bearing faces, when new, shall not depart from a
Construction Materials Testing
plane by more than 0.0005 in. (0.013 mm) at any point, and
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
they shall be maintained within a permissible variation limit of
Data
0.001 in. (0.02 mm). In the spherically seated block, the
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
diameter of the sphere shall not greatly exceed the diameter of
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
the specimen and the center of the sphere shall coincide with
Sieves
the center of the bearing face. The movable portion of this
block shall be held closely in the spherical seat, but the design
3. Terminology
shall be such that the bearing face can be rotated freely and
3.1 Definitions:
tilted through small angles in any direction. The compression
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms in this
shall be verified in accordance with Practice E4 at least
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
annuallytodetermineifindicatedloadsareaccurateto 61.0 %
in the applicable range of loading.
4. Significance and Use
5.2 Molds and Compaction Equipment, in accordance with
4.1 MethodAmakes use of the same compaction equipment
Test Methods D559 or D560 for MethodA; Practice D1632 for
andmoldscommonlyavailableinsoillaboratoriesandusedfor
Method B.
other soil-cement tests. It is considered that Method A gives a
5.3 Balances—A Class GP5 balance meeting the require-
relative measure of strength rather than a rigorous determina-
ments of Guide D4753 for a balance of 1-g read
...
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