ASTM D2844/D2844M-18e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D2844/D2844M-18e1 — Standard Test Method for Resistance R-Value and Expansion Pressure of Compacted Soils. This standard specifies laboratory procedures using a stabilometer and expansion pressure device to determine the resistance (R‑value) and expansion pressure of compacted soils and aggregates for pavement base, subbase, and subgrade evaluation.

Abstract

This test method describes preparation, compaction, and testing of laboratory compacted specimens to measure two properties used in pavement engineering: the resistance (R‑value), which indicates the material’s potential strength/stiffness under load, and the expansion pressure, used to assess swelling potential of expansive soils. Results support material acceptance, pavement design, and thickness/cover requirements where expansive behavior is a concern.

General information

• Status: Active; includes editorial amendment “-18e1” (standard under periodic maintenance and has had subsequent editorial changes; work to revise has been initiated).
• Publication date: May 1, 2018 (designation D2844/D2844M-18e1).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 93.020 (Earthworks; foundation construction; pavement materials/testing).
• Edition / version: D2844/D2844M-18e1 (2018 edition with erratum/editorial changes).
• Number of pages: 13.

Scope

The standard covers laboratory procedures for testing both treated and untreated compacted soils and aggregates using the stabilometer and expansion pressure apparatus. It applies to specimens prepared and compacted in the laboratory to densities representative of field placement and provides procedures for reporting R‑value and expansion pressure in either SI or inch‑pound units. Guidance on significant digits and rounding in reported results is included.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and measurement of the R‑value (resistance value) as an index of compacted material performance under pavement loading.
• Measurement of expansion pressure to evaluate swelling potential of expansive soils.
• Specimen preparation, moisture conditioning, and compaction to specified density (laboratory compaction procedures referenced).
• Operation and calibration of the stabilometer and expansion pressure devices, including data collection procedures.
• Units and reporting: separate SI and inch‑pound systems; rules for significant digits and rounding (practice referenced).
• Use of results in pavement design, material acceptance, and determination of cover/thickness to mitigate expansive soil effects.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by geotechnical and pavement engineers, materials testing laboratories, transportation agencies, consulting engineering firms, contractors, and academic researchers involved in pavement design, material acceptance testing, and evaluation of expansive soils for roads and airfields.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and complementary standards include ASTM D698 and D1557 (laboratory compaction methods), ASTM D2216 (laboratory determination of water content), ASTM D2487 (soil classification), ASTM D6026 (significant digits and rounding), and other ASTM/AASHTO pavement and geotechnical test methods.

Keywords

R‑value, expansion pressure, compacted soils, stabilometer, pavement design, subgrade, subbase, base course, expansive soils, laboratory compaction, materials testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2844/D2844M-18e1 is a laboratory test method for measuring the resistance (R‑value) and expansion pressure of compacted soils and aggregates used in pavement layers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, compaction, operation of the stabilometer and expansion pressure devices, test procedures to determine R‑value and expansion pressure, units and reporting requirements, and guidance on significant digits and rounding.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and pavement engineers, DOT and transportation agency laboratories, private testing labs, contractors, and consultants use this test for material acceptance and pavement design input.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D2844/D2844M-18e1 (published May 1, 2018) is the 2018 edition with editorial amendment. It is the current published edition, though the standard is subject to periodic review and revision activity by the ASTM D18 committee.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM’s pavement and geotechnical test methods (Book of Standards Volume on Soil and Rock tests) and is typically used alongside other ASTM/AASHTO compaction, moisture, and classification standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: R‑value, expansion pressure, stabilometer, compacted soils, pavement design, expansive soils, laboratory compaction.