This procedure provides a means for reliably determining the cement content of soil-cement in approximately 15 to 20 min. The procedure can be used to determine the cement content of soil-cement to ±1 percentage point by mass of dry sample of the actual cement content, that is generally adequate for most construction control applications.

The buffer solution reacts with the calcium hydroxide in the cement and may react with calcareous material in the soil to produce heat. Any reaction from calcareous soil is accommodated in the calibration curve but below 3 % cement content there is usually insufficient temperature reaction for reliable results. Because Class F pozzolan may not contain any calcium hydroxide for reaction, this test method will not determine percentage Class F pozzolan in the mix.

Note 1—The quality of the result produced by this test method 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 D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/ and the like. User of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the cement content of fresh soil-cement. This test method can be used for determining the cement content of specimens that contain 3 to 16 % cement. This test method is appropriate for soil-cement containing up to 55 % plus 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve-size particles with a maximum particle size of 75 mm (3 in.). It should not be used for determining the Class F pozzolan content of these mixtures.

1.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026.

1.2.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this test method 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 test method is beyond its scope.

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

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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.