ASTM D4546-08
Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement Potential of Cohesive Soils

Standard No.

ASTM D4546-08

Release Date

2008

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4546-14

Latest

ASTM D4546-21

Scope

The soil swell/collapse strains measured from these test methods can be used to develop estimates of heave or settlement for a confined soil profile subject to one-dimensional heave or settlement, or stress-induced settlement following wetting-induced heave/settlement. They can also be used to estimate the pressure that would be necessary to prevent swelling. Selection of test method, loading, and inundation sequences should, as closely as possible, simulate field conditions because relatively small variations in unit weight and water content, or sequence of loading and wetting can significantly alter the test results. (See 6.1.8 and Refs (1-5).)

Note 28212;Notwithstanding the statement on precision and bias contained in this standard: The precision of this test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the test and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies which 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 assure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on several factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of these factors.

1.1 These test methods cover three alternative laboratory methods for measuring free swell, swell pressure, and the magnitude of one-dimensional swell or collapse of compacted or intact cohesive soils.

Note 18212;Refer to Sections 4, 5, 6 and 13.8 to determine the best method for a particular application.

1.2 The test methods can be used to measure the magnitude of one-dimensional wetting-induced swell or collapse (hydrocompression) under different vertical (axial) pressures, as well as the magnitude of swell pressure and the magnitude of free swell. It can also be used to obtain data for stress-induced compression following wetting-induced swell or collapse.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approximate.

1.4 All measured and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026.

1.4.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other uses. How one applies the results obtained using this standard is beyond its scope.

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.

ASTM D4546-08 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1557 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 kN-m/m³))
• ASTM D1587 Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
• ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D2435 Standard Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils
• ASTM D3550 Standard Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
• 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 D3877 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Expansion, Shrinkage, and Uplift Pressure of Soil-Lime Mixtures
• ASTM D422 Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
• ASTM D4220 Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
• ASTM D4318 Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
• ASTM D4718 Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
• ASTM D4753 Standard Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Scales for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D698 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft³ (600 kN-m/m³))*， 2024-04-19 Update
• ASTM D854 Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement Method
• ASTM E145 Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection And Forced-Ventilation Ovens

ASTM D4546-08 history

• 2021 ASTM D4546-21 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils
• 2014 ASTM D4546-14e1 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils
• 2014 ASTM D4546-14 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils
• 2008 ASTM D4546-08 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement Potential of Cohesive Soils
• 2003 ASTM D4546-03 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement Potential of Cohesive Soils
• 1996 ASTM D4546-96 Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement Potential of Cohesive Soils