ASTM D2844/D2844M-18 PDF Download

The ASTM D2844/D2844M-18 standard provides procedures for determining the potential strength and expansion characteristics of subgrade, subbase, and base course materials used in road and airfield pavements.

The R-value test measures the strength of these materials and is used by some agencies as a criterion for accepting aggregates for base course and bituminous courses. The expansion pressure testing is conducted in conjunction with the R-value test to determine the thickness of cover and construction controls needed to mitigate pavement distortion caused by expansive subgrade soils.

The standard emphasizes the importance of competent personnel, suitable equipment, and appropriate facilities in producing reliable test results. It states that compliance with Practice D3740, which outlines guidelines for testing, sampling, and inspection, does not guarantee reliable results alone. Various factors contribute to the reliability of results, and Practice D3740 helps evaluate some of those factors.

Additionally, the standard establishes guidelines for the significant digits and rounding of observed and calculated values. It refers to Practice D6026, which provides the industry standard for significant digits and outlines rounding procedures. However, it notes that these procedures do not consider material variation, specific objectives, or special studies and that significant digits may be adjusted accordingly for these considerations. The standard does not address the use of significant digits in analytical methods for engineering design.