MaTestLab > ASTM Methods > ASTM D558 Standard Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures
Last updated 15th January 2025
ASTM D558 Standard Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures
The ASTM D558 test methods determine the relationship between the water content and the density of soil-cement mixtures when compacted before cement hydration. This standard describes two methods, Method A and Method B, depending on soil gradation. A 0.0333 ft3 (944-cm3) mold and a 5.50 lbf (24.5-N or mass of 2.5-kg) rammer dropped from a height of 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) are used. The values are stated in inch-pound units or SI units and are regarded separately as standards. These tests can be periodically performed as construction proceeds in the field to account for variations in soil types and also to verify the previously run laboratory standard reference densities
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Introduction to ASTM D558
The tests described in the standard ASTM D558 determine the optimum water content and maximum density (unit weight) to be used for molding soil-cement specimens in accordance with test methods ASTM D559 and ASTM D560, however, the test differs in several aspects from Test Method D698. These tests help determine the optimum water content and maximum density (unit weight) for molding soil-cement specimens. Two methods, Test Methods A and B, are described in the standard, depending on soil gradation. Methods A uses soil material passing a 3/4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve when part of the soil sample is retained on the No. 4 sieve and Method B is applicable only to materials with 30% or less retained on the 3/4-in. sieve.
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ASTM D558 Test Method
A soil-cement mixture with a selected molding water content is placed in three layers into a mold of given dimensions. Each layer is compacted by 25 blows of a 5.50 lbf (24.5 N) rammer dropped from a distance of 12 inches. subjecting the soil-cement mixture to a total compaction of about 12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 or 600 kN-m/m3. The rammer can be manually or mechanically operated. The weight of the resulting dry unit is determined at the end.
The procedure is then repeated for a sufficient number of molding water contents to establish a relationship between the dry unit weight and the molding water content of the soil-cement mixture. Upon plotting, the data represents a curvilinear relationship known as a compaction curve. The compaction curve is used to determine the values of optimum water content and standard maximum dry unit weight.
Test Method A
The test method A is performed using soil material passing a No. 4 i.e. a 4.75 mm sieve. This method is used when 100% of the soil sample passes the No. 4 sieve.
Test Method B
The test method B is performed using soil material passing a 3⁄4-inch or 19.0 mm sieve. This method is used when part of the soil sample is retained on the No. 4 sieve. This test method may be used only on materials with 30% or less retained on the 19.0 mm sieve.
ASTM D558 Specimens
Specimen preparation
The compacted specimens of soil-cement mixtures are prepared using a cylindrical metal mold. The mold may be of the split type consisting of two half-round sections or sections of pipe with one side split perpendicular to the pipe circumference and that can be securely locked in place to form a closed cylinder of prescribed dimensions.
ASTM D558 Results
The values are stated in inch-pound units, except when stated otherwise. The result quality might depend on the experimental conditions, handling and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used.
Tests related to ASTM D558The ASTM test methods for compaction develop a laboratory-derived standard reference density. The reference density is used to determine the percentage of compaction and deviation from the optimum water content measured by the field in-place density tests. ASTM D698, ASTM D1557, ASTM D558, ASTM D4253, and ASTM D4254 are The ASTM Standard Test Methods used for determining soil compaction characteristics. These test methods are performed in the laboratory on samples obtained from the borrow area and are used to establish specimen compaction requirements for engineering property testing.
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