ASTM D1634-17 PDF Download

The ASTM D1634-17 standard is a laboratory test method used to determine relative compressive strength values for different soil-cement mixtures. It is not intended as a replacement for Test Method D1633, and the test values obtained from these two methods are not interchangeable or necessarily comparable. The standard provides a means to evaluate the competency and objectivity of testing through compliance with Practice D3740, but it cautions that compliance with this practice does not guarantee reliable results as various factors can influence the quality of the test.

The standard specifies that the test specimens for determining the compressive strength of soil-cement are portions of beams broken in flexure, following Test Method D1635. It also highlights the use of the gravitational system of inch-pound units when dealing with such units, where pound (lbf) represents force (weight) and slugs represent mass. However, it acknowledges that the slug unit is rarely used in commercial practice, so the standard primarily uses the kilogram (kg) or gram (g) as the unit of mass. The standard permits the concurrent use of pounds to represent both mass and force but recommends providing clarity to avoid confusion.

Significant digits and rounding guidelines outlined in Practice D6026 should be followed for all observed and calculated values, unless superseded by this test method. The standard acknowledges that the procedures used for data collection, recording, and calculation are considered industry standards and typically reflect the significant digits that should be retained. However, it also notes that these procedures do not account for factors such as material variation, specific study objectives, or analysis methods used for engineering data.