Designation: D 4829 08a

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Standard Test Method for
Expansion Index of Soils1
This standard is issued under the xed designation D 4829; 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* istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3(600

1.1 This test method allows for determination of expansion kN-m/m3))
potential of compacted soils when inundated with distilled D 854 Test Methods for Specic Gravity of Soil Solids by
water.2 Water Pycnometer
1.2 This test method provides a simple yet sensitive method D 2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Wa-
for determination of expansion potential of compacted soils for ter (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
practical engineering applications using an index parameter. D 2435 Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approxi- D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
mate. Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall
hall conform to the Used
Used in Engineering
Engi
En gine
neer ingg Design
erin Des ignn and
esig
ig and Construction
Cons
Co ns
guidelines for signicant digits and roundingding established
g es
esta
tabl
ta blis
bl hedd in
ishe
ishe in D 3877 Test Methods for One-Dimensional
One-
On e-Di
e- D men Expansion,
Practice D 6026. Shrinkage,
Shri
Sh riink age, and
nkag nd Uplift
an plift Pressure
Upl Pressurre ooff S
Soil-Lime
oil Mixtures
1.4.1 The method used to specify how dat ta aree coll
data llec
lle ted,
collected,d, D 4753
753 Guidee for
4475 for Evaluating,
E al
Ev aluating, S Selecting,
tin and Specifying
electi
ti
calculated, or recorded in this standard is nott directly
di related
y re la d to
elated to Balances
Bala
Ba lannces
la nc and and Standard
t ndardd Masses for
Sta for Use
Usse in Soil, Rock, and
the accuracy to which the data can be appliedd in design
in dessig
ignn or
or other
otheer Construction
Consttructi on Materials
tion Maaterialls Testing
uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained uusing
obtaineed usi sinng this
si i D 6026 Practice
Praactice for Using
ac ice si Signicant
Using Signicant Digits
D in Geotechni-
standard is beyond its scope. cal Data
Data
1.5 This standard does not purport to address
adddress all ll of the E 11
1 Specication
Spec
Sp on for
eciication
ec for Wire C Clothh and Sieves for Testing
loth
th
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Purposes
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- E 145
145 Specication
S i i for
f Gravity-Convection
G i C and Forced-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Ventilation Ovens
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents 3.1 For common denitions of other terms used in this Test
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 Method, refer to Terminology D 653.
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained 3.2 Denitions:
Fluids 3.2.1 scaricationscratching the surface of a compacted
D 698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- layer to facilitate bonding with the next layer to avoid potential
separation between compacted layers.
3.3 Denitions of Terms Specic to This Standard:
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and 3.3.1 expansion index (EI), n1000 times the difference
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.05 on Strength and between nal and initial height of the specimen divided by the
Compressibility of Soils. initial height.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2008. Published January 2009. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D 4829 08.
2
Refer to Anderson, J. N., and Lade, P. V., The Expansion Index Test,
4. Summary of Test Method
Geotechnical Testing Journal, Vol 4, No. 2, ASTM, 1981, pp. 5867.
3
4.1 A specimen is prepared by compacting a test soil into a
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
metal ring at a degree of saturation of 50 6 2 %. The specimen
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on and the ring are then placed in a consolidometer. A vertical
the ASTM website. conning pressure of 6.9 kPa (1 lbf/in.2) is applied to the

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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specimen and the specimen is then inundated with distilled 6.6 SievesA 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve conforming to the
water. The deformation of the specimen is recorded for 24 h or requirements of Specication E 11.
until the rate of deformation becomes less than 0.005 mm/h 6.7 Mixing ToolsMiscellaneous tools such as mixing

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(0.0002 in./h), whichever occurs rst. A minimum recording pans, spoons, trowels, spatula, a suitable mechanical device,
time of 3 h is required. and so forth for thoroughly mixing the sample of soil with
water.
5. Signicance and Use 6.8 Loading DeviceA consolidometer or equivalent load-
5.1 The expansion index, EI, provides an indication of ing device as described in Test Methods D 2435 for supporting
swelling potential of a compacted soil. and submerging the specimen, for applying a vertical load, and
5.2 The EI test is not used to duplicate any particular eld for measuring the change in height of the specimen. The
conditions such as soil density, water content, loading, in-place consolidometer ring must be as specied in 6.1.
soil structure, or soil water chemistry. However, consistent test 6.9 Porous DisksThe disks shall be smooth ground and
conditions are used in preparation of compacted specimens ne enough (Note 3) to minimize intrusion of soil into the
such that direct correlation of data can be made between disks. The disk shall reduce false displacements caused by
organizations. seating of the specimen against the surface of the disk. Such
displacements are signicant, especially if displacements and
NOTE 1Qualitative classication of potential expansion in a soil
applied vertical pressures are small.
based on EI is provided in Table 1.
NOTE 2Notwithstanding the statements on precision and bias con- NOTE 3A suitable pore size is 10 m.
tained in this test method: The precision of this test method is dependent
on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the 6.9.1 Porous disks shall be air dry.
equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the criteria of Practice 6.9.2 Porous disks shall have a close t to the consolidom-
D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent testing. g Users of eter ringg to avoid extrusion or punching.
p g Suitable disk dimen-
this test method are cautioned that compliance with h Practice D 3740 does sions are 12.7 mm 6 0.13 mm .50 in. 6 0.005 in.) in height
m (0.50
(0.5
(0 .5
not ensure reliable testing. Reliable testing dependsds on several
seve
se rall factors;
vera
ve ra fac
fac
acto
t rs;
to and
and 101.5
101
101
01.5 mm 6 0.13 mm (3.995
. mm
.5 95 in. 6 0.0
0.005 in.) in diameter
Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some ome of those factors. described
or as desc cribed
ri inn 6.3 ooff Te
Test Methods
e Meth thods D 22435.
th
6. Apparatus
7. Sampmp
Sample ple
le Prepeparat
ep atiion
at
Preparation
6.1 MoldThe mold shall be cylindricall in n shap pe,
shape,e, made
m de of
ma o
metal, and shall have the capacity and dimensions
ensions
ns iindicated
cated inn
ndica
ca 7. Preparation
7.1 Preparaatio on for
for SievingIf
SieevingIf the soilsoo sample is damp
Fig. 1. The mold shall have a detachable collar
ollar
ll inscribed w with
ithh
it whhen
whene received
reece
c ived d from
froom
om the eld,
eld, dryy it until
unt
ntil it becomes friable
nt
a mark 50.8 mm (2.00 in.) above the base. The he low
llower
ower
ow er se
sect
ctiion of
ct
section using
ingg a trowel.
usin
us in oweel. Air
t ow
tr ir drying
dryi
drying or oven
yi o en
ov n drying
dryi at temperatures
the mold is designed to retain a removable stainless steel ring below 60C (140F) may be used. sedd. Thoroughly
use Thoro break up the
25.4 mm (1 in.) in height, 101.9 mm (4.01 01 iin.)) iin iinternall aggregations
aggr
ag greg
egat
atio ns in a manner
ions
io manne
man nerr such
suchh that
suc hatt the
tha
tha the natural
n size of indi-
diameter, and not less than 3.10 mm (0.120 in.) in wall vidual particles is not reduced.
thickness. NOTE 4If particles larger than 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) are potentially
6.2 RammerA metal rammer with a circular face with a expansive, such as particles of claystone, shale, or weathered volcanic
diameter of 50.8 mm (2.00 in.) and a mass of 2.5 kg (5.5 lbm) rock, they may be broken down so as to pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve
shall be used. The rammer shall be equipped with a suitable if this is consistent with use of the soil.
arrangement to control height of drop to a free fall of 304.8 mm 7.2 SievingSieve an adequate quantity of the representa-
6 1.3mm (12 in. 6 0.05 in.) over the top of the soil to be tive soil using the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. Record the percent-
compacted. See Test Methods D 698 for further specication of age of coarse material retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve
a suitable rammer. and discard.
6.3 BalanceA balance of at least 1000 g capacity meeting 7.3 SampleSelect a representative sample of the soil with
the requirements of Guide D 4753, Class GP2. a mass of approximately 1 kg (2 lbm) or more prepared using
6.4 Drying OvenA thermostatically controlled drying the guidelines in 7.1 and 7.2.
oven (specied in Specication E 145) capable of maintaining
a temperature of 110 6 5C (230 6 9F) for drying water 8. Specimen Preparation
content samples.
8.1 Water ContentThoroughly mix the selected represen-
6.5 Straight EdgeSteel straight edge at least 150 mm (6
tative sample with sufficient distilled water to bring the soil to
in.) in length with one beveled edge.
a water content that has a corresponding degree of saturation of
50 6 2 % in the compacted condition. After mixing, take a
TABLE 1 Classication of Potential Expansion of Soils Using EI representative sample of the material for determination of the
Expansion Index, EI Potential
water content and seal the remainder of the soil in a close-
Expansion tting airtight container for a period of at least 16 h. Weigh the
020 Very Low moisture sample immediately, and dry in an oven at 110 6 5C
2150 Low (230 6 9F) for at least 12 h, or in accordance with Test
5190 Medium Methods D 2216, to a constant mass. The water content sample
91130 High
>130 Very High shall have a mass of at least 100 g conforming with Test
Methods D 2216. The water content of the trimmings shall be

2
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FIG. 1 M
Mold
old w
with
ith R
Ring
i g for
in o Comp
or Compaction
mpac
pa tiion of Specimen
en fo
for
or
Expansion
Expa
Ex ans ion Index Test
nsio
io Test

determined in accordance with Test Methods ds D 2 2216

216 uusing
216
21 singg a prepare
epare the sp
prep
pr ep specimen
pecimmen in aaccordance
ccordancee withh 88.1-8.4 to achieve a
resolution of 0.1 % or better. degree
degr
gree satuurationn 50 6 2 %. Increase
o saturation
ee of t water content if the
Inccreasee the
8.2 Specimen CompactionPrepare a specimen
specimen by com- degree of saturation is less than an 50%50% and decrease the water
pacting the cured soil in the 101.9-mm ((4(4.01-in.)
(4.0
.01-
1 in
in.) diameter
.) di
diam
ameteter
er content
cont
co nten if the
entt if the degree
degr
de ee of satu
gree saturation
sa
atu
tura
rati
ra tion
ti higher
on is hi ghee than 50 %.
high
mold in two equal layers to give a total compacted depth of wGsgd
50.8 mm (2 in.). Compact each layer by 15 uniformly distrib- S 5Gg 2g (1)
s w d
uted blows of the rammer dropping free from a height of 305
mm 6 2.5 mm (12 in. 6 0.1 in.) above the top of the soil when where:
a sleeve type rammer is used, or from 305 mm 6 2.5 mm (12 S = degree of saturation, %
in. 6 0.1 in.) above the approximate elevation of each nally w = water content, %,
compacted layer when a stationary mounted type of rammer is Gs = specic gravity, use 2.7 unless the specic gravity is
used. Scarify the rst compacted layer before adding material known to be less than 2.6 or more than 2.8,
for the second layer using a knife or other suitable object. gw = unit weight of water, 9.79 kN/m3(62.3 lbf/ft3) at 20C
During compaction rest the mold on a uniform rigid founda- (68F), and
gd = dry unit weight of compacted soil specimen, kN/m3
tion, such as provided by a cube of concrete with a mass not
(lbf/ft3).
less than 90 kg (200 lb).
Use the resolution provided in 8.1 for w. Use a resolution of
8.3 Specimen TrimmingFollowing compaction, remove
0.1 kN/m3(0.1 lbf/ft3) or better for gd.
the upper and lower portions of the mold from the inner ring
and carefully trim the specimen ush with the top and bottom NOTE 5This standard test method assumes a specic gravity of 2.7,
of the ring with a straight edge. which is typical of soil minerals commonly used for compaction. In
8.4 Specimen HeightDetermine the initial height of the addition, using an assumed specic gravity value of 2.7 will result in a
maximum error of 4 % in the calculated degree of saturation, provided the
specimen H1, with a resolution of 0.03 mm (0.001 in.) similar
actual specic gravity is between 2.6 and 2.8. These small errors in
to the procedure in Section 7 of Test Methods D 3877 or saturation with mineral type will cause systematic and small changes in
assume equal to the height of the specimen ring. the EI that are considered equally important to variations caused when
8.5 Degree of SaturationCalculate the water content in determining the specic gravity using Test Methods D 854.
accordance with Test Methods D 2216 and the dry unit weight
in accordance with Section 11 of Test Methods D 698. Deter- 9. Procedure
mine the degree of saturation using the equation provided 9.1 Place the compacted soil specimen in the ring of a
below. If the degree of saturation is not within 50 6 2 %, consolidometer or equivalent loading device with air-dried
prepare another specimen. Adjust the water content of the new porous disks placed at the top and bottom ends of the
specimen based on the calculated degree of saturation and specimen. Subject the specimen to a total pressure of 6.9 kPa

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(1 lbf/in.2), including the weight of the upper porous disk and 10.3.4 The initial degree of saturation (use three signicant
any unbalanced weight of the loading machine. Allow the digits).
specimen to compress under this pressure for a period of 10 10.4 Record as a minimum the following expansion test

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min. Subsequent to this initial compression period, obtain the data:
initial reading (D1) on the consolidometer dial indicator with a 10.4.1 The initial and nal dial readings (use a resolution of
resolution of 0.03 mm (0.001 in.) or better. 0.03 mm (0.001 in.) or better).
9.2 Inundate the specimen with distilled water, obtaining 10.4.2 The nal water content (nearest 0.1 %).
periodic dial indicator readings, in accordance with Test 10.4.3 Report the EI to the nearest whole number. If the
Methods D 2435, for a period of 24 h or until the rate of initial specimen height is greater than the nal specimen
expansion becomes less than 0.005 mm/h (0.0002 in./h). height, report the expansion index as zero.
However, in no case shall the sample be inundated and
readings taken for less than 3 h. 11. Precision and Bias
9.3 Remove the specimen from the loading machine after 11.1 Interlaboratory Test ProgramAn interlaboratory test
the nal reading (D2) obtained with a resolution of 0.03 mm program using three different soil samples was performed by
(0.001 in.) or better and determine the change in height DH as 14 geotechnical rms in the Los Angeles and Orange Counties
the difference between the initial and nal reading of the dial of California (Table 2).
indicator. Determine the specimen mass to the nearest 0.1 g NOTE 6The data in Table 2 was obtained using a version of the
(2.2 3 104 lbm). standard that allowed the specimen to be prepared within a 40 to 60 %
saturation range, then further allowed interpreting the EI corresponding to
10. Calculation and Report a saturation of 50 %, if necessary, by use of an equation.
10.1 CalculationCalculate the expansion index, EI, as 11.1.1 PrecisionThe repeatability limit (within labora-
follows: tory)
tory
to ry)) cannot
canno
can nott be ddetermined
be deteter
ermi
mine ffrom
nedd fro rom
ro m the
the da ta ffrom the referenced
data
DH studyy because
because the participating
participa p ting g laboratories
labo
laboratori did not perform
bo
EI 5 H 1000 (2)
(2
1 replicatee tests
tests onn eachh soil ill sample.
sample le. Subcommittee
le Sub
ubco D18.05 is
seeking
seek
se ekin
ek ingg pertinent
in p data
data from
fromm the users r off this
useers t test method.
th
where:
11.1.1.1
11 .1.1
.1
1.1 1 Thee reproducibility
.1.1 rep
pro
rodu
d cibibility (between
bi (betwween laboratories)
l can be
DH = change in height, D2 D1, mm,
H1 = initial height, mm, determined
de om thee reference
from study.
referrence study y. Thee standard deviation
D1 = initial dial reading, mm, and (1ss limit)
l and the
thee difference
differencce two-standard-deviation
two-staandard- d- limit (d2s
D2 = nal dial reading, mm. limit)
i are
limit) arre presented
prese
senteded in Tab
Table
ble 2 (ther
(there
re is a 95 % probability that
re
Use the resolutions provided in 8.4, 9.1, and
andd 9
9.3
.3
3 ffor
or H1,
H D1, two prop
op
two properly per
erly
ly conducted
conducucte
uc tedd tests
te t perf
rforme
rf med by different laborato-
me
performed
and D2, respectively. ries will differ by less than th the
he d2s
d2s limit).
10.2 Record as a minimum the following general informa- 11.2
11 2 Bi BiasThere
Th iis no acceptable bl reference
f value for this
tion (data): test method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
10.2.1 Sample/specimen identifying information, such as 12. Keywords
Project No., Boring No., Sample No., Depth, and so forth.
10.2.2 Any special selection and preparation process, such 12.1 clays; expansive soils; index tests; laboratory tests; soil
as breaking down large particles of claystone, shale, volcanic moisture; swelling soils
rock, and so forth.
10.3 Record as a minimum the following specimen data: TABLE 2 Results of Interlaboratory Test Program

uksi - Pusat Perumusan

10.3.1 The initial height (use a resolution of 0.03 mm (0.001 Average Expansion Standard Deviation (1 s Difference Two-Standard-
Index limit) Deviation Limit (d2s limit)
in.) or better).
10.3.2 The initial water content (nearest 0.1 %). 56 11 30
76 14 39
10.3.3 The initial dry unit weight (use a resolution of 0.1 77 18 50
kN/m3(0.1 lbf/ft3) or better).
P Standar BSN 2015

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SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identied the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue

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(D 4829 08) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved December 1, 2008.)

(1) Minor revisions made to Sections 8.5, 9.1, and 10.1.

Committee D18 has identied the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D 4829 03) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved June 1, 2007.)

(1) New specimen preparation procedures require a saturation
of 50 +/- 2%.
(2) Table 1 (classication table) was changed from an in-text
table to one that conforms to Form and Style for ASTM
Standards.
(3) Tolerances were added to various equipment requirements
and resolution requirements were added to measurements.
(4) Several editorial changes were made to clarify the content
of the standard.
(5) The requirement for bringing the water content of a
specimen to the optimum water content with respect to
standard Proctor test as described in Test Methods D 698 is
taken out since the specimen preparation technique used in the
expansion index test does not correspond fully to Test Methods
D 698.
(6) Use of 2.7 for specic gravity is included to simplify
determination of the degree of saturation using Eq 1.

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