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D559 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
Designation D559/D559M −15 (Reapproved 2023)´1 provides standard test methods for assessing the durability of compacted soil-cement mixtures. An editorial correction (ε1) was applied in October 2024 to adjust the temperature variable in Equation 1. These methods determine soil-cement losses, water content changes, and volume changes (swell and shrinkage) from repeated wetting and drying of hardened specimens compacted to maximum density at optimum water content per Test Methods D558/D558M.
📐 Scope and Specimen Overview
The test methods cover the determination of physical changes in hardened soil-cement specimens. Specimens are compacted in a mold before cement hydration to maximum density at optimum water content using the compaction procedure described in Test Methods D558/D558M. The core properties evaluated are soil-cement losses, water content changes, and volume changes (swell and shrinkage) produced entirely by repeated wetting and drying cycles. Two test methods are provided based on soil gradation to ensure representative material preparation and molding.
| 🟦 Specification | 📏 Test Method A | 📐 Test Method B |
|---|---|---|
| Material Passing Sieve | 100 % passing 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve | Passing 19.0-mm [0.75-in.] sieve |
| Retained on No. 4 Sieve | None (0 %) | Part of sample retained |
| Max Retained on 19.0 mm | N/A | ≤ 30 % retained on 19.0-mm [0.75-in.] sieve |
⚙️ Test Methods and Material Preparation
Material preparation is strictly dictated by soil gradation. Test Method A governs when 100 % of the soil sample passes a 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve. Test Method B is required when part of the sample is retained on the No. 4 sieve, but this method may be used only on materials with 30 % or less retained on the 19.0-mm [0.75-in.] sieve.
Values are reported in either SI units or inch-pound units, and the two systems must be used independently. The inch-pound system follows the gravitational system where the pound (lbf) represents force. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft³ shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
⚠️ Sieve Designation Compliance: Sieve sizes are identified by their standard designation in Specification E11. The alternative designations given in parentheses are for information only and do not represent a different standard sieve size.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Standards
The following table outlines the fundamental properties measured and the critical standards governing data reporting.
| 🎯 Measured Property | ⚡ Description / Governing Standard |
|---|---|
| Soil-Cement Loss | Mass loss from brushing and washing over cycles |
| Water Content Change | Moisture variation throughout the test |
Volume Change (Swell/
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