ASTM D4546-03 - 10.1.2003
 
1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover three alternative laboratory methods for determining the magnitude of swell or settlement of relatively undisturbed or compacted cohesive soil.

Note 1—Refer to Section 5 to determine the best method for a particular application.

1.2 The test methods can be used to determine (a) the magnitude of swell or settlement under known vertical (axial) pressure, or (b) the magnitude of vertical pressure needed to maintain no volume change of laterally constrained, axially loaded specimens.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approximate.

1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.4.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this standard is beyond its scope.

1.5 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 appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D2487-17(2025)

Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)

D2488-26

Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Visual-Manual Procedures)

D3550-01

Standard Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils

D3740-26

Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D4220-95(2000)

Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples

D4318-26

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

D4718-87(2001)

Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles

D4753-25

Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing

D6026-21

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data

D6027-96e1

Standard Test Method for Calibrating Linear Displacement Transducers for Geotechnical Purposes

C127-25

Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

D6913-04

Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis

D422-63(1998)

Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils

D653-26a

Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).

D854-23

Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement Method

D1587-08

Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes

D2216-19

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

D2435-04

Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading