ASTM D1633-17 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Molded Soil‑Cement Cylinders — test procedures (Methods A and B) for preparing, curing, and testing molded soil‑cement cylinders to determine unconfined compressive strength of soil‑cement mixtures used in soil stabilization and other earthworks applications.

Abstract

This standard specifies two alternative molded‑cylinder procedures (Method A and Method B) for measuring compressive strength of soil‑cement specimens. Method A uses a short, proctor‑type specimen and is commonly used as a relative strength indicator; Method B uses a taller specimen with a higher height/diameter ratio and gives a more technically representative compressive strength. The standard covers specimen dimensions, molding/compaction references, curing/conditioning guidance, test-machine alignment and loading rate, calculation of unit strength, and a conversion factor for height/diameter differences.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition D1633-17; revision work initiated by ASTM committee in 2025).
• Publication date: January 11, 2017 (designation D1633‑17).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 93.020 (Earthworks; foundation construction; excavation).
• Edition / version: D1633‑17.
• Number of pages: 4 pages (concise test method).

Scope

This test method covers determination of compressive strength of soil‑cement using molded cylindrical specimens. Two procedures are provided: Method A (4.0 in. diameter × ≈4.584 in. height; H/D ≈1.15) suitable for materials with ≤30% retained on the 19.0 mm (3/4 in.) sieve, and Method B (2.8 in. diameter × ≈5.6–9.0 in. height depending on practice; H/D ≈2.00) applicable to finer materials that pass the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve. The method specifies molding/compaction references, curing/conditioning options (moist curing, storage under water or in humidity-controlled room), test alignment, loading application and calculation of unit compressive strength, including a published conversion factor to normalize H/D differences.

Key topics and requirements

• Two alternative specimen procedures: Method A (proctor mold, H/D ≈1.15) and Method B (taller cylinder, H/D ≈2.00).
• Specimen molding/compaction per referenced test methods/practices (e.g., Test Methods D698/D559/D560 and Practice D1632 for Method B).
• Curing and conditioning: sealed/moist curing at room temperature or storage under water; common lab practice includes testing at specified ages (for example 7, 14, 28 days) as required by project specifications.
• Loading rate and test procedure: align specimen under spherically seated bearing block and apply load continuously without shock; typical deformation rate ≈0.05 in/min (approximate strain/loading rate guidance also given as ~10–30 psi/s).
• Calculation and reporting: report specimen dimensions, cross‑sectional area, maximum load, age, moisture content (Test Method D2216), unit compressive strength, and any conversion factor used (conversion factor ~1.10 for converting Method B results to a lower H/D ratio reference).

Typical use and users

This standard is used by geotechnical and materials testing laboratories, transportation and public‑works agencies, contractors and design engineers for quality control, mix evaluation and specification compliance when soil‑cement stabilization or soil‑cement base layers are employed. It is also used in research and product development for soil stabilization binders and treated soils.

Related standards

Referenced and related standards commonly cited with D1633 include Test Methods D698 (compaction/proctor mold), D559/D560 (molding/compaction procedures), Practice D1632 (molding for Method B), Test Method D2216 (water content determination), and Practice D3740 (laboratory competence). D1633 is published under ASTM Committee D18 (Soil and Rock).

Keywords

ASTM D1633, soil‑cement, molded cylinders, compressive strength, Method A, Method B, curing, unconfined compression, laboratory testing, soil stabilization.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1633‑17 is a set of standard test methods for determining the compressive strength of molded soil‑cement cylinders (two alternative specimen/method procedures).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen sizes and preparation (Methods A and B), compaction references, curing/conditioning options, test‑machine alignment, loading rates and calculation/reporting of unit compressive strength, including a conversion factor to account for different height/diameter ratios.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical laboratories, DOTs and agencies, contractors, consulting engineers and researchers working on soil stabilization and treated soil/aggregate bases.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D1633‑17 edition (published January 11, 2017) is listed as the current active edition; a revision work item was initiated by ASTM (subcommittee D18.15) in 2025 to update editorial form and style, indicating an update process but not a published superseding edition at this time. Users should confirm the very latest status with ASTM before procurement or contract reference.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D1633 is part of the suite of ASTM soil and rock test methods under Committee D18 and is frequently used alongside compaction, moisture content and molding practices such as D698, D559/D560, D1632 and supporting practices like D3740.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Soil‑cement, molded cylinder, compressive strength, Method A, Method B, curing, unconfined compression, laboratory test.