ASTM D4221-99(2005)
Standard Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer
- Standard No.
- ASTM D4221-99(2005)
- Release Date
- 1999
- Published By
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Status
- Replace By
- ASTM D4221-11
- Latest
- ASTM D4221-18
- Scope
Dispersive clays are those which normally deflocculate when exposed to water of low-salt concentration, the opposite of aggregated clays that would remain flocculated in the same soil-water system (3, 4, 7). Generally, dispersive clays are highly erosive, possibly subject to high shrink-swell potential, may have lower shear strength, and have lower permeability rates than aggregated clays.
Available data (1) indicates that the test method has about 85 % reliance in predicting dispersive performance (85 % of dispersive clays show more than 35 % dispersion).
Since this test method may not identify all dispersive clays, design decisions based solely on this test method may not be conservative. It is often run in conjunction with the crumb test (4, 7), the pinhole test given in Test Method D 4647
, or the analysis of pore water extract (4, 7), or combination thereof, to identify possible dispersive clay behavior. Note 18212;Notwithstanding the statement on precision and bias contained in this test method; the precision of this test method is dependent on the competence of the personal performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740
are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself ensure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on several factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. 1.1 This test method, when used in conjunction with a test performed by Test Method D 422 on a duplicate soil sample, provides an indication of the natural dispersive characteristics of clay soils
(). 1.2 This test method is applicable only to soils with a plasticity index greater than 4 as determined in accordance with Test Method D 4318 and more than 12 % of the soil fraction finer than 5-m as determined in accordance with Test Method D 422
(). 1.3 This test method is similar to Test Method D 422, except that this method covers the determination of percent of soil particles smaller than 5-m in diameter in a soil-water suspension without mechanical agitation and to which no dispersing agent has been added.
1.4 The amount of particles smaller than 5-m determined by this method compared with the total amount of particles smaller than 5-m determined by Test Method D 422 is a measure of the dispersive characteristics of the soil.
1.5 This test method may not identify all dispersive clay soils. Pinholes (Test Method D 4647 and crumb tests, or both, (
) or the analysis of pore water extract () may be performed to help verify dispersion.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.
ASTM D4221-99(2005) Referenced Document
- ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
- ASTM D3740 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
- ASTM D422 Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
- ASTM D4318 Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils*， 2017-06-01 Update
- ASTM D4647 Standard Test Method for Identification and Classification of Dispersive Clay Soils by the Pinhole Test*， 2006-01-01 Update
- ASTM D4753 Standard Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Scales for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
- ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
- ASTM E1 Standard Specification for ASTM Thermometers
- ASTM E100 Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
- ASTM E11 Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
- ASTM E145 Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection And Forced-Ventilation Ovens
ASTM D4221-99(2005) history
- 2018 ASTM D4221-18 Standard Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer
- 2017 ASTM D4221-17 Standard Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer
- 2011 ASTM D4221-11 Standard Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer
- 1999 ASTM D4221-99(2005) Standard Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer
- 1999 ASTM D4221-99 Standard Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer
