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 Cylinders1
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

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the com- profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit
pressive strength of soil-cement using molded cylinders as test of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two
specimens. separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the
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),
sometimes referred to as a proctor mold, resulting in a height unit for mass. However, the use of balances or scales, recording
over diameter ratio of 1.15. This test method may be used only pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not
on materials with 30 % or less retained on the 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.) be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
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a height over diameter ratio of 2.0 prepared in a cylindrical Practice D6026 unless superseded by this test method.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 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
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. Sieve sizes are identified by the standard designations commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
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.
1.3.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
is slugs. priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.3.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM 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

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 D1633 − 17
2. Referenced Documents Method A. A factor for converting compressive strength values
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 based on height to diameter ratio is given in Section 8.3
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the
D559 Test Methods for Wetting and Drying Compacted suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
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
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
Fluids 5. Apparatus
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 5.1 Compression Testing Machine—This machine may be of
kN-m/m3)) any type having sufficient capacity and control to provide the
D1632 Practice for Making and Curing Soil-Cement Com- rate of loading prescribed in 7.2. The testing machine shall be
pression and Flexure Test Specimens in the Laboratory equipped with two steel bearing blocks with hardened faces,
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water one of which is a spherically seated head block that normally
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass will bear on the upper surface of the specimen, and the other a
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies plain rigid block on which the specimen will rest. The bearing
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as block surfaces intended for contact with the specimen shall
Used in Engineering Design and Construction have a Rockwell hardness of not less than HRC 60. The
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal- bearing faces shall be at least as large, and preferably slightly
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and larger, than the surface of the specimen to which the load is
Construction Materials Testing applied. The bearing faces, when new, shall not depart from a
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical plane by more than 0.0005 in. (0.013 mm) at any point, and
Data they shall be maintained within a permissible variation limit of
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines 0.001 in. (0.02 mm). In the spherically seated block, the
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test diameter of the sphere shall not greatly exceed the diameter of
Sieves the specimen and the center of the sphere shall coincide with
the center of the bearing face. The movable portion of this
3. Terminology block shall be held closely in the spherical seat, but the design
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. annually to determine if indicated loads are accurate to 61.0 %
in the applicable range of loading.
4. Significance and Use
5.2 Molds and Compaction Equipment, in accordance with
4.1 Method A makes use of the same compaction equipment Test Methods D559 or D560 for Method A; Practice D1632 for
and molds commonly available in soil laboratories and used for 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 readability and a
tion of compressive strength. Because of the lesser height to
Class GP2 balance meeting the requirments of Guide D4753
diameter ratio (1.15) of the cylinders, the compressive strength
for a balance of 0.1-g readability.
determined by Method A will normally be greater than that for
Method B. 5.4 Measuring Device—A Measuring device suitable for
measuring the heights and diameters of test specimens to the
4.2 Method B, because of the greater height to diameter nearest 0.01 in. (0.25 mm).
ratio (2.00), gives a better measure of compressive strength
from a technical viewpoint since it reduces complex stress 6. Test Specimens
conditions that may occur during the shearing of Method A 6.1 Prepare the test specimens as follows:
specimens. 6.1.1 Method A—Specimens are prepared in accordance
4.3 In practice, Method A has been more commonly used with Test Methods D559 or D560 using molds 4.0 in. (101.6
than Method B. As a result, it has been customary to evaluate mm) in diameter and 4.584 in. (116.4 mm) in height.
or specify compressive strength values as determined by 6.1.2 Method B—Specimens are prepared in accordance
with Practice D1632 using molds 2.8 in. (71.1 mm) in diameter
and 9.0 in. (299 mm) in height.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM For additional discussion on the significance and use of compressive strength
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on results, see the Soil-Cement Laboratory Handbook, Chapter 4, Portland Cement
the ASTM website. Association, Skokie, IL, 1971, pp 31 and 32.

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 D1633 − 17
NOTE 2—These methods may be used for testing specimens of other for the h/d ratio of 1.15 commonly used in routine testing of soil-cement
sizes. If the soil sample includes material retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) (see Section 4). This conversion is based on that given in Method
sieve, it is recommended that Method A be used, or that larger test C42/C42M, which has been found applicable for soil-cement.
specimens, 4.0 in. (101.6 mm) in diameter and 8.0 in. (203.2 mm) in
height, be molded in a manner similar to Method B.
8.2 Calculate the unit weight of the test specimen(s) using
the dimensions and mass recorded in Section 6.
6.2 Moist cure the specimens in accordance with Practice
D1632. 9. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
6.3 At the end of the moist-cure period, immerse the 9.1 The methodology used to specify how data are recorded
specimens in water for 4 h. on the test data sheet(s)/form(s) is covered in 1.4.
6.4 Remove the specimens from the water and complete the 9.2 Record as a minimum the following general information
following procedures as soon as practicable, keeping speci- (data):
mens moist by a wet burlap or blanket covering. 9.2.1 Date specimen(s) was prepared;
NOTE 3—Other conditioning procedures, such as air or oven drying, 9.2.2 Testing date, operator name, location, and unique
alternate wetting and drying, or alternate freezing and thawing may be conditions.
specified after an initial moist curing period. Curing and conditioning 9.3 Record as a minimum the following test specimen data:
procedures shall be given in detail in the report.
9.3.1 Specimen identification number,
6.5 Take a minimum of three height measurements (ap- 9.3.2 Diameter and height,
proximately 120° apart), and at least two diameter measure- 9.3.3 Cross-sectional areas,
ments (approximately 90° apart). Calculate the average height 9.3.4 Maximum load carried by the specimen,
and diameter. 9.3.5 Conversion factor for height to diameter ratio (see
6.6 Record the mass of the test specimen. Note 3), if used,
9.3.6 Compressive strength,
6.7 Check the smoothness of the faces with a straightedge.
9.3.7 Age of specimen,
If necessary, cap the faces to meet the requirements of the
9.3.8 Mass of specimen,
section on Capping Specimens of Practice D1632.
9.3.9 Unit weight of specimen,
7. Procedure 9.3.10 Water content of test specimen, and
9.3.11 Details of curing and conditioning periods.
7.1 Place the lower bearing block on the table or platen of
the testing machine directly under the spherically seated 10. Precision and Bias
(upper) bearing block. Place the specimen on the lower bearing
block, making certain that the vertical axis of the specimen is 10.1 The precision and bias of this test method have not
aligned with the center of thrust of the spherically seated block. been established by an interlaboratory test program. However,
As this block is brought to bear on the specimen, rotate its based on test data from Packard (1962)4 and Packard and
movable portion gently by hand so that uniform seating is Chapman (1963)5 the following may serve as a guide as to the
obtained. variability of compressive strength test results.
10.1.1 Tests were performed in a single lab on 122 sets of
7.2 Apply a constant rate of deformation without shock to duplicate specimens molded from 21 different soil materials.
produce an approximate rate of strain of 0.05 in./min (1.3 The average difference in strength on duplicate specimens was
mm/min). Alternatively, the load may be applied at a constant 8.1 % and the median difference was 6.2 %. These values are
rate that results in a rate of stress of 10 to 30 psi/s (70 to 210 expressed as the percent of the average strength of the two
kPa/s). Apply the load until it decreases steadily, indicating specimens as follows:
failure. Record the maximum load carried by the specimen
during the test to the nearest 10 lbf (45 N). ~ high value 2 low value!
% Difference 5 3 100 (1)
~ high value1low value! /2
7.3 Determine the water content of the test specimen in
accordance with Test Method D2216 using the entire specimen, The distribution of the variation is shown in Fig. 1. The data
unless capped. If the specimen is capped, break away as much cover a wide range of cement contents and compressive
material as practical from the capping, for the water content strengths.
specimen. 11. Keywords
8. Calculation 11.1 compressive strength; soil-cement; soil stabilization
8.1 Calculate the unit compressive strength of the specimen
by dividing the recorded maximum load by the cross-sectional 4
Packard, R. G., “Alternate Measures for Measuring Freeze-Thaw and Wet-Dry
area. Resistance of Soil-Cement Mixtures,” Highway Research Bulletin, 353, Transpor-
tation Research Board, 1962, pp 8–41.
NOTE 4—If desired, make allowance for the ratio of height to diameter 5
Packard, R. G., and Chapman, G. A., “Developments in Durability Testing of
(h/d) by multiplying the compressive strength of Method B specimens by Soil-Cement Mixtures,” Highway Research Record, No. 36, Transportation Re-
the factor 1.10. This converts the strength for an h/d ratio of 2.00 to that search Board, 1963, pp 97–122.

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 D1633 − 17

FIG. 1 Distribution of Variation of Test Results for 122 Sets of Duplicate Specimens

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (2000 (Reapproved 2007)) that may impact the use of this standard. (November 1, 2017)

(1) Clarified wording in 1.2.1 and 1.2.2. (7) Added balances and measuring device to the Apparatus
(2) Updated caveats in Section 1 and renumbered sections as section.
applicable. (8) Added clarification wording and procedural steps in Sec-
(3) Updated 2.1 references tions 6 and 7.
(4) Updated 3.1 Definitions statement. (9) Added calculation of unit weight in Section 8.
(5) Updated Note 1. (10) Updated and expanded the Report section.
(6) Added clarification wording in 5.1.

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