1. Scope

1.1 This test method presents a direct, qualitative measurement of the dispersibility and consequent colloidal erodibility of clay soils by causing water to flow through a small hole punched in a specimen. This test method is complemented by Test Method D4221.

1.2 This test method and the criteria for evaluating test data are based upon results of several hundred tests on samples collected from embankments, channels, and other areas where clay soils have eroded or resisted erosion in nature (1).

1.3 Three alternative procedures for classifying the dispersibility of clay soils are provided as follows:

1.3.1 Method A and Method C, adapted from Ref (1), classify soils into six categories of dispersiveness as: dispersibility (D1, D2), slight to moderately dispersive (ND4, ND3), and nondispersive (ND2, ND1).

1.3.2 Method B classifies soils into three categories of dispersiveness as:dispersibility (D), slightly dispersive (SD), and nondispersive (ND).

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)

D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)

D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D4221 Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer

D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils

D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing

D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data

Keywords

clay; clay (dispersive); collodial erodibility; dispersibility; dispersivity; dispersion; dispersive clays; erosion; pinhole; soils;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 93.020 (Earth works. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works)

DOI: 10.1520/D4647-93R98E01

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