Gap Analysis for ASTM D4546
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
1. Minor edits to 5.1, 6.1.2 and 9.1.1
2. Added and updated references
Conclusion
No significant changes that will affect the precision of the standards.
Detail changes as follow:
# ASTM D4546-14 ASTM D4546-21 REMARK
(PREVIOUS) (NEW)
1 5.1 The wetting-induced swell/collapse strains measured from 5.1 The wetting-induced swell/collapse strains measured from Revise Section 1,2 and
Test Methods A and B can be used to develop estimates of Test Methods A and B can be used to develop estimates of added 1.3 and 1.4
heave or settlement of a confined soil profile (1 and 2). 4 They heave or settlement of a confined soil profile (1-4). 4 They can
can also be used to estimate the magnitudes of the swell also be used to estimate the magnitudes of the swell pressure
pressure and the free swell strain. The load-induced strains (Fig. 3) and the free swell strain (percent swell under a
after wetting from Test Method C can be used to estimate pressure of 1 kPa (20 lbf/ft2)). The load-induced strains after
stress-induced settlement following wetting-induced heave or wetting from Test Method C can be used to estimate stress-
settlement. Selection of test method, loading, and inundation induced settlement following wetting-induced heave or
sequences should, as closely as possible, simulate field settlement. Selection of test method, loading, and inundation
conditions because relatively small variations in density and sequences should, as closely as possible, simulate field
water content, or sequence of loading and wetting can conditions because relatively small variations in density and
significantly alter the test results (3 and 4). water content, or sequence of loading and wetting can
significantly alter the test results (1, 5 and 6).
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and
the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that
meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable
of competent and objective testing. Users of this standard are of competent and objective testing. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself
assure reliable results. Reliable results depends on several factors; assure reliable results. Reliable results depends on several factors;
Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of these Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of these
factors. factors.
6.1.2 Inundation of specimens in the laboratory represent an 6.1.2 Inundation of specimens in the laboratory represent an
extreme case of wetting and the results represent upper extreme case of wetting and the results represent upper
bound values for swell/collapse strains, and the degrees of bound values for swell/collapse strains, and the degrees of
saturation typically rise to 90–95 % (not 100 %, (1)). The saturation typically rise to 90–95 % (not 100 %, (1)). The
wetting situation in the field rarely produces inundation; wetting situation in the field rarely produces inundation;
wetting is often caused by water percolation. In-situ water wetting is often caused by water percolation. In-situ water
contents and degrees of saturation typically end up being contents and degrees of saturation typically end up being
somewhat lower than those caused by inundation in the somewhat lower than those caused by inundation in the
laboratory. Consequently, the magnitudes of swell/collapse laboratory. Consequently, the magnitudes of swell/collapse
strains in the field might be somewhat smaller than those strains in the field might be somewhat smaller than those
measured in the laboratory. Partial wetting tests can be measured in the laboratory. A partial wetting reduction factor
performed for estimating a partial wetting reduction factor for can be estimated for use in conjunction with
use in conjunction with heave/settlement calculations (1, 2, heave/settlement calculations using data from soil suction
and 5). measurements in the field (3) or data from partial wetting
tests (1).
9.1.1 Reconstituted specimens should be prepared using the 9.1.1 Reconstituted specimens should be prepared using the
soil’s fine fraction (excluding the oversize), and should soil’s fine fraction (excluding the oversize), and should
duplicate field conditions in terms of water content, dry duplicate field conditions in terms of water content, dry
density, and method of compaction (kneading, moist-tamping, density, and method of compaction (kneading, moist-tamping,
or static). The desired density can be obtained by mass and or static). The desired density can be obtained by mass and
volume control. Measured masses of soil can be placed in volume control. Measured masses of soil can be placed in
layers and compacted to a pre-determined volume for each layers and compacted to a pre-determined volume for each
layer. The specimen shall have a minimum of two layers and a layer. The specimen shall have a minimum of two layers and a
maximum layer thickness of 15 mm (0.6 in.). The surface of maximum layer thickness of 15 mm (0.6 in.). The surface of
the soil placed in each layer should be scarified before the the soil placed in each layer should be scarified before the
next layer is placed and compacted. next layer is placed and compacted.
2 - Added Reference No (6) Added and updated
references
