ASTM D4943-25 PDF
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St ASTM D4943-25
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Ст ASTM D4943-25
Original standard ASTM D4943-25 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM D4943-25 — Standard Test Method for Shrinkage Factors of Cohesive Soils by the Water Submersion Method. This test method determines shrinkage factors for cohesive soils by measuring the volume of a dried soil pat while suspended in a water bath (water submersion technique), and provides data used to compute shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage, and linear shrinkage for the tested portion of the soil.
Abstract
This standard defines a lab procedure for determining shrinkage factors of cohesive soils using the water submersion technique. It applies to the portion of a soil sample passing the 425‑µm (No. 40) sieve and produces shrinkage limit, shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage, and linear shrinkage results. The method replaces earlier wax‑method procedures and clarifies data‑reporting (significant digits and rounding) consistent with Practice D6026.
General information
- Status: Active (current ASTM standard).
- Publication date: January 6, 2025 (designation D4943-25).
- Publisher: ASTM International.
- ICS / categories: 13.080.20 — Physical properties of soils.
- Edition / version: D4943-25 (2025 revision).
- Number of pages: 6 pages (PDF/printed standard).
Scope
The standard covers the procedure for determining shrinkage factors of cohesive soils using a water submersion technique in which the volume of a dried soil pat is determined while suspended in a water bath. It is applicable only to cohesive soils and is performed on the fraction passing the 425‑µm (No. 40) sieve; reported and calculated values shall follow the significant‑digit guidance found in Practice D6026.
Key topics and requirements
- Purpose: determine shrinkage limit and derive shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage, and linear shrinkage for cohesive soils.
- Technique: water submersion measurement of dried soil pat volume (suspended in water bath) rather than wax‑displacement for this revision.
- Specimen preparation: testing performed on material passing the 425‑µm (No. 40) sieve; specimen prep details and handling requirements specified in standard.
- Calculations and reporting: procedures for shrinkage factor and derived quantities, with instructions to conform to Practice D6026 for significant digits and rounding.
- Limitations: applicable only to cohesive soils; users must consider how the tested fraction represents the whole sample.
- Safety and environmental: users must adopt appropriate lab safety and environmental practices as noted in the standard.
Typical use and users
Used by geotechnical engineers, soil testing laboratories, construction and earthworks contractors, research laboratories, and regulatory agencies to assess shrink/swell potential, cracking susceptibility, and volumetric change characteristics of fine‑grained (cohesive) soils for design, specification, and quality control.
Related standards
Closely related standards and practices commonly used with D4943-25 include: ASTM D4318 (liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index), ASTM D2216 (laboratory determination of water/moisture content), Practice D3740 (laboratory competency), and Practice D6026 (guidance on significant digits and rounding). The D4943 series historically included wax‑method editions (for example earlier D4943‑02/D4943‑95) before adoption of the water submersion technique in the D4943-25 revision.
Keywords
shrinkage factor; shrinkage limit; shrinkage ratio; volumetric shrinkage; linear shrinkage; cohesive soils; Atterberg limits; water submersion method; soil testing; geotechnical laboratory.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM D4943-25 is the 2025 ASTM Standard Test Method titled "Standard Test Method for Shrinkage Factors of Cohesive Soils by the Water Submersion Method," which defines a lab procedure to determine shrinkage factors for cohesive soils.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers specimen preparation (material passing the 425‑µm sieve), measurement of dried soil pat volume by water submersion, and calculation/reporting of shrinkage limit, shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage, and linear shrinkage; it also stipulates data‑reporting practices (significant digits) per Practice D6026.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Geotechnical and materials testing labs, consulting geotechnical engineers, contractors involved in earthworks, research institutions, and authorities concerned with soil volumetric behavior and shrink/swell potential.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: D4943-25 is the active, current revision (2025). It revises earlier editions of D4943 (including versions that described wax‑method procedures) and is listed as the effective D4943 designation as of 2025. Users should confirm they hold the D4943-25 text for the latest official requirements.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM soil testing (D18) suite of standards and is commonly used alongside related test methods (for example D4318 and D2216) and relevant practices (D3740, D6026) used in geotechnical laboratory testing.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Shrinkage factor, shrinkage limit, shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage, linear shrinkage, cohesive soils, Atterberg limits, water submersion method.