ASTM D3282-15 PDF Download

ASTM D3282-15 is a standard practice that provides a classification system for soils and soil-aggregate mixtures for highway construction purposes. The practice involves conducting laboratory tests to determine the particle-size characteristics, liquid limit, and plasticity index of the soil samples from any geographic location. Based on the results of these tests, the soils are classified into groups with corresponding group symbols and group indexes.

The group index assigned to each soil can be used to evaluate its significant properties for highway and airfield purposes. The classification system correlates with the engineering behavior of soils, where soils with higher group indexes exhibit poorer engineering behavior. Therefore, this practice serves as a useful initial step in field or laboratory investigations for geotechnical engineering purposes.

It is important to note that the reliability of the results obtained through this standard depends on the competence of the personnel performing the tests and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Compliance with Practice D3740, which specifies criteria for competent and objective testing, sampling, and inspection, is recommended. However, it is cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not guarantee reliable results as many factors contribute to the reliability of the testing process.