Designation: D2844/D2844M 13
Standard Test Method for
Resistance R-Value and Expansion Pressure of Compacted
Soils1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2844/D2844M; 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*
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for testing both
treated and untreated laboratory compacted soils or aggregates
with the stabilometer and expansion pressure devices to obtain
results indicative of performance when placed in the base,
subbase, or subgrade of a road subjected to traffic.
1.2 UnitsThe values stated in either SI units or inch-
pound units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded sepa-
rately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be
exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used inde-
pendently of the other. Combining values from the two systems
may result in non-conformance with the standard. However,
use of equipment manufactured to be readable in inch-pound
units only should not be considered as non-conformance to the
test method. Many stabilometers and expansion pressure de-
vices are manufactured to be readable in inch-pound units only.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026.
1.3.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
digits in the specified limits.
1.3.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
ations for the users objectives; and it is common practice to
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
methods for engineering design.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
Construction Control Tests.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2013. Published February 2013. Originally
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D2844 071. DOI:
10.1520/D2844_D2844M-13.
*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
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Data
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves
2.2 AASHTO Documents:
T 190 Test Method for Resistance R-Value and Expansion
Pressure of Compacted Soils3
2.3 ASTM Adjuncts:4
Exudation Device
Expansion Pressure Apparatus
Stabilometer
2.4 CALTRANS Standard:5
California Test 103 Method of Test For Calibration of
Expansion Pressure Devices
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3
Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
http://www.transportation.org.
4
Copies of detailed drawings of the apparatus shown in Figs. 4 (1 drawing), 7 (4
drawings), 10 and 11 (7 drawings) are available at a nominal cost from ASTM
International Headquarters. Request Adjunct Nos. ADJD284401,ADJD284402, and
ADJD284403, respectively.
5
Available from State of California Department of Transportation
(CALTRANS), P.O. Box 942873, Sacramento, CA 94273-0001, http://
www.dot.ca.gov. Proving Lever Assembly detailed drawings are available here as
well.
1
 D2844/D2844M 13
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms in this test method, refer to
Terminology D653.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is used to measure the potential
strength of subgrade, subbase, and base course materials for
use in road and airfield pavements. The R-value is used by
some agencies as criteria for acceptance of aggregates for base
course and bituminous courses.
FIG. 1 Tamper Shoe for Kneading Compactor
4.2 The expansion pressure testing has been used in con-
junction with the R-value test to determine cover requirements
(thickness) and construction controls to reduce pavement
distortion from expansive subgrade soils.
NOTE 1The 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 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this test method
are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself
ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice
D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5. Apparatus
NOTE 2The inch-pound dimensions [presented in brackets], found in
this section are for equipment commonly available in the United States.
5.1 Kneading Compactor, capable of applying an average
contact pressure of 24106 110 kPa [350 6 16 psi ] to the
tamper foot shown in Fig. 1 and with provisions for maintain-
ing this pressure during changes in sample height. The load-
time trace shall be free of chatter or evidence of impact-
associated changes in slope. The rise time for application of
foot pressure, in the range from 240 to 2070 kPa [35 to 300
psi], shall be 0.07 to 0.20 seconds. The dwell time, measured
at 2070 kPa [300 psi] foot pressure, shall be 0.15 to 0.45
seconds. The pressure-release or removal time shall not be
greater than 0.60 seconds.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);
5.1.1 The compactor shall include a counter for measuring
the number of tamps applied to a specimen and a mold holder,
for use in compacting specimens, that rotates equally between
tamps to give 5 to 7 tamps per revolution of the mold. The
holder shall firmly restrain the mold during compaction. The
base of the mold holder shall have a metal plate 100.8 mm [3
3132 in.] in diameter and 12.7 mm [0.5 in.] in height, to which
is cemented a rubber disk having a diameter of 100.0 mm [3
1516 in.] and a thickness of 3.2 mm [18 in.]. The plate shall be
an integral part of the base of the mold holder. The compactor
shall also include a trough for feeding the sample into the mold
in 20 increments (Fig. 2). Troughs with a semicircular cross
section of 39 cm2 [6.0 in.2] in area and 50.8 cm [20 in.] in
length have proven satisfactory.
5.2 Compression Testing Machine, with a minimum capac-
ity of 45 kN [10 000 lbf] and satisfying the requirements of
Practices E4.
5.3 Mold, 101.6 6 0.05 mm [4.0 6 0.002 in.] inside
diameter by 127 6 0.20 mm [5.0 6 0.008 in.] high. (See Fig.
3 for surface roughness.)
5.4 Rubber Disks, 100 mm [3 1516 in.] in diameter by 3 mm
[18 in.] thick and having a durometer hardness of 60 6 15.
5.5 Metal Follower, solid-walled, metal specimen follower
100.33 6 0.13 mm [3.95 6 0.005 in.] in outside diameter by
127 mm [5.0 in.] long.
5.6 Exudation Indicator Device, as shown in Fig. 44 and
Fig. 5.
5.7 Phosphor Bronze Disk, as shown in Fig. 6.
5.8 Filter Paper, 100 mm [4.0 in.] in diameter and 0.15 mm
[0.006 in.] thick, with a smooth surface, medium filtering
speed, medium retention.
5.9 Filter Paper, 110 mm [4.3 in.] in diameter and 0.15 mm
[0.006 in.] thick, with a creped surface, medium-fast filtering
speed, and medium retention.
5.10 Expansion-Pressure Device, with accessories as shown
in Fig. 7. 4 There should be at least three of these devices for
each sample to be tested within a days time.
5.11 Deflection Gage, with divisions of 0.002 mm [0.0001
in.] and an allen wrench as shown in Fig. 7.
5.12 Proving Lever Assembly, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig.
9.5
5.13 Stabilometer, with accessories, as shown in Fig. 10 and
Fig. 11.4
5.14 Standard Metal Specimen, 101.6 mm [4.0 in.] in
outside diameter by 152.2 mm [6.0 in.] high as shown in Fig.
11.
5.15 Balance, 5000-g capacity, accurate and readable to 1 g.
5.16 Sieves, 25.0 mm [1 in.], 19.0 mm [34 in.] and 4.75 mm
[No. 4] conforming to the requirements of Specification E11.
5.17 Miscellaneous Equipment, including mixing pans,
spoons, spatulas, and gallon cans with close-fitting lids.
2
 D2844/D2844M 13
FIG. 2 Compactor with Sample Feed Trough
6. Soil Preparation
6.1 Remove any coatings from coarse aggregate and break
clay lumps to pass the 4.75-mm [No. 4] sieve.
6.2 Adjust the soil gradation when material is retained on
the 19.0-mm [34-in.] sieve. When 75 % or more passes the
19.0-mm [34-in.] sieve, use that part of the sample passing the
19.0-mm [34-in.] sieve. If less than 75 % of the sample passes
the 25.0-mm [1-in.] sieve, use that part of the sample passing
the 25.0-mm [1-in.] sieve. See Table 1 for a sample calculation.
7. Preparation of Soil Specimens
7.1 Thoroughly mix four approximately 1200-g [2.7-lb]
samples of soil with the amount of water estimated to equal one
half to two thirds of the water required to produce saturation as
defined in 7.3 and 7.4. Place the samples in covered containers
and allow them to stand overnight. Just prior to compaction,
mix the samples with the final amount of water required to
produce saturation. The first sample is used as a pilot specimen
to assist in determining the final amount of water required.
7.2 Weigh out enough material to fabricate a compacted
sample 101.6 mm [4.0 in.] in diameter by 63 mm [2.5 in.] high.
Compacted specimens having heights from 62 to 65 mm [2.45
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);
to 2.55 in.] are acceptable. Compact the soil into the mold by
means of the kneading compactor as follows: Place the mold
over the mold holder. Adjust the mold for approximately 3-mm
[18-in.] clearance between the lower edge of the mold and base
of the mold holder. A metal angle bracket of 3-mm [18-in.]
thickness and approximately 37.5 mm [112 in.] length placed
on the base of the mold holder have proven satisfactory.
Alternately, tighten the set screw, if available, on the mold
holder. Spread the sample along the length of the trough. With
the compactor-foot pressure set at 1720 6 170 kPa [250 6 25
psi], feed 75 mm [3.0 in.] of the soil from the trough into the
mold. Redistribute the sample remaining in trough as needed to
feed the balance of the soil into the mold in 20 equal
increments with one application of the ram after each incre-
ment. Allow 10 additional tamps to level the soil, then place a
rubber disk on top of the specimen. Remove the shim from
under the mold or loosen the set screw. Apply 100 additional
tamps with a foot pressure of 2410 kPa [350 psi]. Stop
compacting the soil at any time before 100 tamps if water
appears around the bottom of the mold.
NOTE 3Use lower compaction pressures when necessary to limit
penetration of the ram into the soil to not greater than 6 mm [14 in.].
3
 D2844/D2844M 13
NOTE 1Inside roughness is obtained by smooth machining inside to
required diameter of 101.6 6 0.05 mm [4.000 6 0.002 in.] followed on
final operation with a boring tool bit ground to a 90 point with sharp point
ground flat measuring 0.025 to 0.075 mm [0.001 to 0.003 in.] across.
Depth of cut is 0.050 mm [0.002 in.[ with 0.25 mm [0.010 in.] feed using
sulfur-based oil coolant.
FIG. 3 Mold
7.3 Remove the mold containing the compacted specimen
from the compactor. Level the tamped surface by hand tamping
with a 38-mm [1.5-in.] diameter rod. Place a phosphor-bronze
disk on the tamped surface of the soil and place a 100-mm filter
paper on top of the bronze disk. Invert the mold and place it on
the exudation device so that the filter paper is on the bottom.
Place the solid walled, metal specimen follower into the mold.
Using the compression testing machine, apply a uniformly
increasing pressure to the soil at the rate of 8900 N [2000 lbf
]/min. Water should be exuded from the soil at 2070 kPa [300
psi] as evidence that enough moisture is present to produce
saturation. Stop the loading and record the exudation pressure
to the nearest 10 kPa [1 psi] when either five of the six
indicator lights on the exudation indicator device are lighted or
three indicator lights are lighted and free water is visible
around the bottom of the mold. Do not exceed a exudation
pressure of 5520 kPa [800 psi].
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);
7.4 Mold at least two more specimens with different
amounts of moisture so that a range of exudation pressures
from 690 to 5520 kPa [100 to 800 psi] is obtained bracketing
the 2070 kPa [300 psi] value. For some high volume-change
soils, additional specimens having exudation pressures lower
than 690 kPa [100 psi] may be necessary to obtain expansion
pressures that are low enough to provide a suitable range of
data for a complete expansion pressure analysis of the soil.
NOTE 4Occasionally, material from very plastic clay-test specimens
will extrude from under the mold and around the follower ram during the
loading operation. If this occurs when the 5520-kPa [800-psi] point is
reached and fewer than five lights are lighted, the soil should be reported
as less than 5 R-value. Coarse granular materials and clean sands may
require the use of paper baskets to permit testing.
8. Calibration of Expansion-Pressure Apparatus
8.1 Calibrate the spring-steel bar of the expansion-pressure
device (Fig. 7) by applying upward measured loads at the
center of the bar and measuring the respective deflections of
the bar with the deflection dial indicator using the following
procedure:
8.2 Place the proving lever base on the expansion-pressure
device turntable. Place the proving lever arm atop the base so
that the weight-suspension notches face upward
8.2.1 Hold the base and lever arm assemble stationary while
raising the turntable until the lever arms roller bearing presses
upward against the spring-steel bar. Continue raising the
turntable until the lever arm rotates into a horizontal position.
A small bubble level placed atop the arm has proven satisfac-
tory.
8.2.2 Place the deflection gauge on top of the expansion-
pressure device so the dial indicator stem rests against the top
of the spring-steel bar.
8.2.3 Ensure that the proving lever roller bearing is seated
against the spring-steel bar aligned directly under the deflection
dial indicator stem. Adjust the dial indicator until the deflection
reads zero.
8.3 Place the proving lever weight on the arm.
8.3.1 When the weight is in the innermost notch it will apply
an upward 36 N [8 lbf] load against the spring-steel bar of the
expansion-pressure device. The dial indicator should register
0.053 mm [0.0021 in.].
8.3.1.1 Repeat this step for the remaining three notches.
8.3.1.2 The second notch will produce an upward 71 N [16
lbf] load. The dial indicator should register 0.107 mm [0.0042
in.].
8.3.1.3 The third notch will produce an upward 107 N [24
lbf] load. The dial indicator should register 0.160 mm [0.0063
in.].
8.3.1.4 The outermost notch will produce an upward 142 N
[32 lbf] load. The dial indicator should register 0.213 mm
[0.0084 in.].
8.4 The spring steel bar is considered in calibration when
the measured deflections are within the tolerances listed in
Table 2:
8.5 If the spring-steel bar is out of calibration adjust the
expansion-pressure device as follows:
8.5.1 Loosen the nuts securing the top frame bar.
4
 D2844/D2844M 13

FIG. 4 Circular Exudation-Indicator Device

FIG. 5 Linear Exudation-Indicator Device

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 5

 D2844/D2844M 13
Hole Diameters
mm [in.]
3.9 [532 ]
43.8 [134 ]
99.2 [33132 ]
FIG. 6 Phosphor-Bronze Disk
8.5.2 Adjust the position of the shims between the frame
and spring-steel bar until the required readings are obtained.
8.5.3 Tighten the nuts securing the top frame bar taking care
to not disturb the shims positions.
8.5.4 Shim adjustment and zero adjustment of the deflection
gauge may need to be repeated to obtain the four calibration
readings within 6 0.005 mm [0.0002 in.].
NOTE 5Moving the shims outward will comparatively increase the
deflection movement for a given applied load. Conversely, moving the
shims inward will decrease the deflection movement for a given applied
load.
NOTE 6Some models of the expansion-pressure apparatus have set
screw adjustments in lieu of shims.
9. Expansion-Pressure Testing
9.1 Allow the test specimen to rebound in a covered mold
for at least 30 min after the determination of the exudation
pressure.
9.2 Place the deflection dial indicator in position on the
expansion-pressure device with the single-bearing end of the
gage base resting on the adjustment ring.
9.3 Using an allen wrench, raise or lower the adjustment
plug until the deflection dial indicator measures 0.025 mm
[1.0010 in.]. The deflection dial indicator will read 0.229 mm
[0.0090 in.].
9.4 Place the 110 mm [4.3 in.] creped surface filter paper on
the turntable. Place the perforated disk with stem, firmly on the
face of the compacted specimen in the mold and place the mold
in the expansion-pressure device.
9.5 Seat the perforated disk firmly on the specimen with
pressure applied by the fingers. Raise the turntable on the
expansion device until the deflection dial indicator reads zero.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);
If the device was properly adjusted, according to 8.3, this will
apply the preset surcharge deflection of 0.025 mm [0.0010 in.].
9.6 Rotate the specimen height measuring device toward the
base of the turntable until it rests on the outer edge of the
turntable.
9.7 Record the height of the specimen as indicated to the
nearest 2.5 mm [0.1 in.].
9.8 Pour approximately 200 mL of potable water into the
mold and allow the expansion pressure of the specimen to
develop for 16 to 24 hours.
NOTE 7Do not leave a test specimen unconfined by the expansion-
pressure device while there is free water on top of the specimen in the
mold.
9.9 Read the deflection of the calibrated spring steel bar to
0.002 mm [0.0001 in.]. When the deflection is greater than
0.254 mm [0.010 in.], the expansion-pressure device should be
recalibrated before using again.
9.10 Determine the expansion pressure, P, as follows:
P 5 kd
where:
k = spring constant of steel bar calculated from the cali-
bration of the expansion-pressure apparatus and ex-
pressed in kPa/0.025 mm [or psi/0.0010 in.], and,
d = deflection shown by deflection dial indicator, mm [in.].
NOTE 8k needs to be determined experimentally using the appara-
tus. k can be theoretically calculated using the values given in Table 1.
For example use the calibration value of the pressure dial (0.053 mm for
36 N [0.0021 in. for 8 lbf]) and the effective area of the disk. The
calculated theoretical value of k is 0.207 kPa per 0.002 mm [0.030 psi
per 0.0001 in.] deflection:
Applied Load ~lbf!
k5
Dial Reading ~0.0001 in. deflection! 3 Disk Area (in.) 2
8
k5 5 0.030 psi per 0.0001 in. travel
21 3 12.37
10. Adjustment of Stabilometer
10.1 Adjust the bronze nut on the stabilometer stage base so
that the top of the stage is 89 mm [3 12 in.] below the bottom
of the upper tapered ring of the stabilometer. Perform all tests
at this setting.
10.2 Place the standard metal specimen in the stabilometer
chamber and hold it in place. Turn the pump handle until the
horizontal pressure reading is 34 kPa [5 psi]. Zero the turns
displacement dial gauge. Turn the pump handle clockwise at
two turns per second until the horizontal pressure reading is
690 kPa [100 psi]. The turns displacement dial gauge shall read
2.00 6 0.05 turns. If the turns reading is out of the specified
limits, an air adjustment is needed using the following proce-
dure:
10.2.1 Manually adjust the turns displacement dial gauge to
2.00.
10.2.2 Turn the pump handle counter-clockwise until the
turns displacement dial gauge reads zero.
10.2.3 If the horizontal pressure gauge reading is below 34
kPa [5 psi] add air via the opened air adjustment valve using a
6
 D2844/D2844M 13

FIG. 7 Expansion-Pressure Device and Accessories

FIG. 8 Proving Lever Assembly (Left to Right: Weight, Arm, and Base)

rubber bulb syringe until the gauge reads 34 kPa [5 psi]. Close
the valve when the gauge reads the specified pressure.
10.2.4 If the horizontal pressure gauge reading is above 34
kPa [5 psi] carefully bleed off some pressure by slowly opening
then rapidly closing the valve when the gauge reads the
specified pressure.
10.2.5 Repeat this process until the number of turns re-
quired to raise the pressure from 34 kPa to 690 kPa [5 psi to
100 psi] is 2.00 6 0.05 turns.
11. Resistance-Value Testing of Specimens
11.1 After testing for expansion pressure, pour the water off
the top of the specimen (Note 9) and place the mold with the
specimen on top of the stabilometer. Place the follower on top
of the specimen and force the specimen from the mold into the
stabilometer. Remove the now empty mold from the stabilome-
ter assembly. Lower the testing machine head until it just
engages the follower.
NOTE 9If all the water has drained through the specimen, add water
to the top and allow to stand for 15 min. Pour off any excess water and
continue the test.
11.2 Apply a horizontal pressure of 34 kPa [5 psi] to the
specimen by means of the displacement pump then apply a
vertical load using a uniform rate of movement of 1.3 mm
[0.05 in.]/min.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 7

 D2844/D2844M 13
FIG. 9 Proving Lever Assembly Placed Within the Expansion-Pressure Device
11.3 Record the horizontal pressure when the vertical load is
8900 N [2000 lbf] and stop loading. Reduce the vertical load to
4450 N [1000 lbf]. With the displacement pump, adjust the
horizontal pressure down to 27kPa [4 psi] then bring up to 34
kPa [5 psi].
NOTE 10This will result in a further reduction in the applied load, and
should be ignored.
11.4 Turn the stabilometer pump handle at approximately
two turns per second and measure the number of turns of the
pump handle (using the turns-displacement dial indicator on
the stabilometer) to raise the horizontal pressure from 34 to 690
kPa [5 to 100 psi]. This is the turns displacement, D, of the
specimen.
11.5 Determine the resistance, R, as follows:
R 5 100 2 @ 100/ ~ 2.5/D !~ 1100/P h 2 1 ! 11 # for SI units
R 5 100 2 @ 100/ ~ 2.5/D !~ 160/P h 2 1 ! 11 # for U.S. customary units
where:
Ph = horizontal pressure, kPa [psi], and
D = number of turns, displacement dial indicator reading.
This is the R-value for specimens with compacted heights
from 62 to 65 mm [2.45 to 2.55 in.]. If the height of the
specimen is between 58 and 62 mm or 65 and 68 mm [2.3 and
2.45 in. or 2.55 and 2.7 in., respectively] use the chart (Fig. 12)
for correcting R-values to a specimen height of 63 mm [2.5
in.].
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);
NOTE 11If the R-value is desired at a specific exudation pressure, for
example, 2070 kPa [300 psi], within the range of pressures measured in
tests of the three specimens, it is convenient to construct a graph of
R-value versus exudation pressure and interpolate.
12. Precision and Bias6
12.1 Bias statements are not applicable to this test method.
12.2 The estimates of precision for this test method listed in
Table 3 are based on the analysis of data from 13 pairs of
AMRL soil reference samples. Participating laboratories were
asked to perform AASHTO Test Method T 190, which is
equivalent to ASTM Test Method D2844, at an exudation
pressure of 300 psi. More than 100 paired test results from 16
to 23 laboratories were analyzed. Estimates of test precision for
R-values greater than 50 have not been developed.
13. Keywords
13.1 acceptance tests; base course; bearing capacities; com-
paction; dynamic bearing capacity; expansion; expansive soils;
flexible pavements; foundations; highway loads; inspection;
kneading compaction; laboratory tests; materials tests; pave-
ment design; resistance value; specifications; stability; stabi-
lometer; subbase; subbase strength; subgrade; subgrade reac-
tion; subgrade stability; trafficability
6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D18-1000.
8
 D2844/D2844M 13

FIG. 10 Hveem Stabilometer

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 9

 D2844/D2844M 13

FIG. 11 Stabilometer and Accessories

TABLE 1 R-Value Specimen Building Worksheet Example

Original Gradation Correction Corrected Cumulative Build Gradiation
Sieve Size Percent Passing Factor Percent Passing Build for 1200 g Sieve Size
37.5 mm 100
[1 2 in.]
1

25.0 mm 96
[1 in.]
19.0 mm 80 100/80 = 1.25 80 1.25 = 100 1200 g 12.5 mm
[34 in.] [12 in.]
12.5 mm 76 1.25 76 1.25 = 95.0 1140 g 9.5 mm
[12 in.] [38 in.]
9.5 mm 68 1.25 68 1.25 = 85.0 1020 g 4.75 mm
[38 in.] [No. 4]
4.75 mm 63 1.25 63 1.25 = 78.8 946 g 4.75
[No. 4] [No. 4]

TABLE 2 Spring Steel Calibration Tolerances

Applied Load, Dial Reading
N [lbf] mm [in.]
36 [8] 0.053 0.005 [0.0021 0.0002]
71 [16] 0.107 0.005 [0.0042 0.0002]
107 [24] 0.160 0.005 [0.0063 0.0002]
142 [32] 0.213 0.005 [0.0084 0.0002]

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 10

 D2844/D2844M 13

FIG. 12 Height-Correction Chart

TABLE 3 Estimates of Precision A,B

Standard Acceptable
Deviation (1 S) Range of Two
Results (D2S)

Single-operator precision:
R-values at 300 psi between 5 and 20 3 8
Single-operator precision:
R-values at 300 psi between 21 and 50 4 12
Multilaboratory precision:
R-values at 300 psi between 5 and 20 6 18
Multilaboratory precision:
R-values at 300 psi between 21 and 50 13 37

A
These numbers represent the (1S) and (D2S) limits as described in Practice
C670.
B
Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:D18-
1000.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); 11

 D2844/D2844M 13
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. APPENDIX

X1.1 Resistance R-Value Sample Data Sheet

Worksheet for Resistant R-Value and Expansion
Pressure of Compacted Soils (ASTM D2844)

Project: ASTM Example Date: 2/17/2006

Lab Number: 06-Example-ASTM Tested by: R.Caley
R-value = 40
1 2 3 4
Mold Number 1 2 3 4
Initial Water (ml) 80 80 80 80
Water Added (ml) 40 60 50 35
Compaction Blows 100 100 100 100
Compaction Pressure, kPa [psi] 1210 760 1240 1380
Exudation Pressure, kPa, [psi] 2140 1067 1457 3650
Height of Briquette, mm [in.]Before 200 mL Water Addition 63.5 68.6 63.5 66.0

Stabilometer Testing
8900 N [2000 lbf] 455 883 621 317
Displacement Turns 5.38 5.74 5.68 4.74
R-Value 40 10 26 57
Corrected R-Value 40 11 26 59

Remarks:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 D2844/D2844M 13
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D2844
071) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Jan. 1, 2013.)

(1) Changed the units of measurement to a combined SI or (6) Added Note 2, Note 5, and Note 8.
inch-pound system throughout. (7) Added Fig. 5, Fig. 8, and Fig. 9 and renumbered figures
(2) Revised Section 2 to include additional references. throughout.
(3) Added 5.12 and renumbered the subsequent sections. (8) Added Table 1 and Table 2 and renumbered tables through-
(4) Expanded 7.2 and 7.3. out.
(5) Expanded Section 8 and 10.

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