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

Importancia y uso:

5.1 These test methods are used as an integral part of several engineering classification systems to characterize the fine-grained fractions of soils (see Practices D2487 and D3282) and to specify the fine-grained fraction of construction materials (see Specification D1241). The liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soils are also used extensively, either individually or together, with other soil properties to correlate with engineering behavior such as compressibility, hydraulic conductivity (permeability), compactibility, shrink-swell, and shear strength. (See Section 6, Interferences.)

5.2 The liquid and plastic limits of a soil and its water content can be used to express its relative consistency or liquidity index. In addition, the plasticity index and the percentage finer than 2-μm particle size can be used to determine its activity number.

5.3 These methods are sometimes used to evaluate the weathering characteristics of clay-shale materials. When subjected to repeated wetting and drying cycles, the liquid limits of these materials tend to increase. The amount of increase is considered to be a measure of a shale's susceptibility to weathering.

5.4 The liquid limit of a soil containing substantial amounts of organic matter decreases dramatically when the soil is oven-dried before testing. Comparison of the liquid limit of a sample before and after oven-drying can therefore be used as a qualitative measure of organic matter content of a soil (see Practice D2487).

Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740, generally, are considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

Subcomité:

D18.03

Referida por:

D0242_D0242M-19, D5050-08R23, D8151-19E01, D4223_D4223M-20, D1073-16R22, D2940_D2940M-20, D5101-23, D7351_D7351M-21, D6088-06R22, E1266-20, D3839-14R19, D2487-17E01, D5550-23, D2321-20, D2487-17E01, D6460-24, D7277-16R23, F1962-22, D4221-18, D5567-94R18, D3282-24, D5106-22, D6467-21E01, D4943-18R24, D6572-21, D4215-21, D7181-20, D2435_D2435M-11R20, D0653-24A, D1883-21, D4767-11R20, D8298_D8298M-23, D2216-19, D2166_D2166M-24, E2060-22, D7664-10R18E01, D1883-21, D4546-21, D4647_D4647M-13R20, D2850-24, D8296-19, D7928-21E01, E3268-21, D3080_D3080M-23, D2216-19, D7928-21E01, E3163-24, D5084-24, D7382-20, D4186_D4186M-20E02, D2166_D2166M-24, D5084-24, D6528-24, D7830_D7830M-14R21E01, D4546-21, D7608-18E01, D2435_D2435M-11R20, D8297_D8297M-23, D6913_D6913M-17, D6913_D6913M-17

Volúmen:

04.08

Número ICS:

93.020 (Earth works. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works)

Palabras clave:

activity; Atterberg limits; liquid limit; plasticity index; plastic limit ;