ASTM D5102-96 - 10.5.1996
 
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers procedures for preparing, curing, and testing laboratory-compacted specimens of soil-lime and other lime-treated materials (Note 1) for determining unconfined compressive strength. This test method can be used for specimens prepared at the maximum unit weight and optimum water content, or for specimens prepared at other target unit weight and water content levels. Cored specimens of soil-lime should be tested in accordance with Test Methods D 2166.

Note 1 -- Lime-based products other than commercial quicklime and hydrated lime are also used in the lime treatment of fine-grained cohesive soils. Lime kiln dust (LKD) is collected from the kiln exhaust gases by cyclone, electrostatic, or baghouse-type collection systems. Some lime producers hydrate various blends of LKD plus quicklime to produce a lime-based product.

1.2 Two alternative procedures are provided:

1.2.1 Procedure A describes procedures for preparing and testing compacted soil-lime specimens having height-to-diameter ratios between 2.00 and 2.50. This test method provides the standard measure of compressive strength.

1.2.2 Procedure B describes procedures for preparing and testing compacted soil-lime specimens using Test Methods D 698 compaction equipment and molds commonly available in most soil testing laboratories. Procedure B is considered to provide relative measures of individual specimens in a suite of test specimens rather than standard compressive strength values. Because of the lesser height-to-diameter ratio (1.15) of the cylinders, compressive strength determined by Procedure B will normally be greater than that by Procedure A. Results of unconfined compressive strength tests using Procedure B should not be directly compared to those obtained using Procedure A.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3.1 The use of balances or scales to record pounds of mass (lbm) or to record density in pounds of mass per cubic foot (lbm/ft 3) should not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.

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 appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 8

 
2. Referenced Documents

C51-26

Standard Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as Used by the Industry)

C977-18(2024)

Standard Specification for Quicklime and Hydrated Lime for Soil Stabilization

D653-26a

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

D698-12(2021)

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))

D2166-06

Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil

D2216-19

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

D2488-26

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

D3551-17

Standard Practice for Laboratory Preparation of Soil-Lime Mixtures Using Mechanical Mixer (Withdrawn 2026)

D3740-26

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

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