Designation: D 427 04

Standard Test Method for

1
Shrinkage Factors of Soils by the Mercury Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 427; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* (Warningmercury is a definite health hazard in use and

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for obtaining the disposal), see Section 7.
data which are used to calculate the shrinkage limit and the 2. Referenced Documents
shrinkage ratio.
1.2 This test method uses mercury which is a hazardous 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
substance. Test Method D 4943 does not use mercury and is an C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
acceptable alternate to this procedure. for Test Methods for Construction Materials
1.3 The liquid limit, plastic limit, and shrinkage limit are D 421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for
often collectively referred to as the Atterberg Limits in recog- Particle-Size Analysis and Analysis and Determination of
nition of their formation by Swedish soil scientist, A. Atter- Soil Constants
berg. These water contents distinguish the boundaries of the D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
several consistency states of cohesive soils. Fluids
1.4 This test method is performed only on that portion of a D 2216 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water
soil which passes the 425-m (No. 40) sieve. The relative (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
contribution of this portion of the soil must be considered when D 2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
using this test method to evaluate the properties of the soil as (Visual-Manual Procedure)
a whole. D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approxi- as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
mate and given for guidance only. Reporting of test results in D 4318 Test Method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance Plasticity Index of Soils
with this standard. D 4753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Speci-
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the fying Balances and Scales for Use in Testing Soil, Rock,
guidelines for significant digits and rounding practices estab- and Related Construction Materials
lished in Practice D 6026. D 4943 Test Method for Shrinkage Factors of Soils by the
1.6.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, Wax Method
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to D 6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechni-
the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other cal Data
uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this 3. Terminology
standard is beyond its scope.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.1 The definitions used in this test method shall be in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- accordance with Terminology D 653.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1.2 dry strengtha descriptive measure of the effort
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. This test method required to crush an air-dried 12-mm (12-in.) diameter ball of
involves the use of the hazardous material mercury soil in accordance with Practice D 2488.

1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
2
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity, For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Density Characteristics of Soils. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2004. Published February 2004. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
approved in 1935. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D 427 98. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 427 04
4. Summary of Test Method 6.3 Shrinkage DishA circular porcelain or monel metal
4.1 A sample of fine-grained soil is thoroughly remolded milk dish having a flat bottom and being about 44 mm (134 in.)
with water to approximate the liquid limit consistency. The in diameter and about 12 mm (12 in.) in height.
saturated paste is placed into a container of known volume and 6.4 Straightedge, steel, about 150 mm (6 in.) in length.
slowly dried. The final mass and volume of the solid soil pat 6.5 Glass Cup, about 57 mm (214) in.) in diameter and
are determined. These measurements are used to compute the about 31 mm (114 in.) in height, the top rim of which is ground
soil constants. smooth and is in a plane essentially parallel with the bottom of
the cup.
5. Significance and Use 6.6 Glass Plate, with three metal prongs for immersing the
soil pat in mercury, as shown in Fig. 1.
5.1 The shrinkage factors covered in this test method can 6.7 Glass Plate, a plane glass plate large enough to cover
only be determined on basically fine-grained (cohesive) soils the glass cup.
which exhibit a dry strength when air dried. 6.8 Graduate, glass, having a capacity of 25 mL and
5.2 The term shrinkage limit, expressed as a water content graduated to 0.2 mL.
in percent, is typically assumed to represent the amount of 6.9 Balance, meeting the requirements of Specification
water required to fill the voids of a given cohesive soil at its D 4753 for a balance of 0.01 g readability..
minimum void ratio obtained by drying (usually oven). Thus, 6.10 Mercury, sufficient to fill the glass cup to overflowing.
the concept shrinkage limit can be used to evaluate the 6.11 Shallow Pan, about 20 by 20 by 5-cm (8 by 8 by 2-in.)
shrinkage potential or possibility of development, or both, of deep nonmetallic (preferably glass) pan used to contain acci-
cracks in earthworks involving cohesive soils. dental mercury spills.
5.3 Data obtained from this test method may be used to
compute the volumetric shrinkage and linear shrinkage. 7. Hazards
NOTE 1Notwithstanding the statements on precision and bias con- 7.1 WarningMercury is a hazardous substance that can
tained in this test method, the precision of this test method is dependent on cause illness and death. Inhalation of mercury vapor is a
the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the
serious health hazard. Mercury can also be absorbed through
equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the criteria of Practice
D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective the skin. The effects of mercury are cumulative.
testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with 7.2 PrecautionIn addition to other precautions, store
Practice D 3740 does not in itself ensure reliable testing. Reliable testing mercury in sealed shatter-proof containers to control evapora-
depends on several factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evalu- tion, work in a well-ventilated area (preferably under a fume
ating some of those factors. hood), and avoid contact with skin. Rubber gloves should be
worn at all times.
6. Apparatus 7.3 Minimize uncontrolled spills by performing those parts
6.1 Evaporating Dish, porcelain, about 140 mm (512 in.) in of the procedure (9.3 and 9.6) in a large shallow pan which can
diameter. act as a catchment.
6.2 Spatula, or pill knife having a blade about 76 mm (3 in.) 7.4 Clean up spills immediately using a recommended
in length and about 19.0 mm (34 in.) in width. procedure explicitly for mercury.

Metric Equivalents
in.
1 32
1 16
18 732 716
15 16 3
mm 0.8 1.6 3.2 5.6 11.1 23.8 76.2
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Determining the Volumetric Change of Subgrade Soils

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 D 427 04
7.5 Dispose of contaminated waste materials including the 9.6 Determine the volume of the dry soil pat by removing
dry soil pat in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner. the pat from the shrinkage dish and immersing it in the glass
cup full of mercury in the following manner.
8. Sampling
9.6.1 Place the glass cup in the shallow pan in order to catch
8.1 Select about 30 g of soil from the thoroughly mixed any mercury overflow. Fill the glass cup to overflowing with
portion of the material passing the No. 40 (425-m) sieve mercury. Remove the excess mercury by pressing the glass
which has been obtained in accordance with Practice D 421. plate with the three prongs (Fig. 1) firmly over the top of the
9. Procedure cup. Observe that there is no air trapped between the plate and
mercury and if there is, refill the dish and repeat the process.
9.1 Place the soil in the evaporating dish and thoroughly
Carefully wipe off any mercury that may be adhering to the
mix with distilled water. The amount of water added should
outside of the cup.
produce a soil of the consistency somewhat above the liquid
limit (Test Method D 4318) based on visual inspection. In 9.6.2 Place the evaporating dish in the shallow pan in order
physical terms, this is a consistency that is not a slurry but one to catch any mercury overflow. Place the cup filled with
that will flow sufficiently to expel air bubbles when using mercury in the evaporating dish and rest the soil pat on the
gentle tapping action. It is desirable to use the minimum surface of the mercury (it will float). Using the glass plate with
possible water content. This is of some importance with very the three prongs gently press the pat under the mercury and
plastic soils so that they do not crack during the drying process. press the plate firmly over the top of the cup to expel any
9.2 Coat the inside of the shrinkage dish with a thin layer of excess mercury. Observe that there is no air trapped between
petroleum jelly, silicone grease, or similar lubricant to prevent the plate and mercury, and, if there is, repeat the process
the adhesion of the soil to the dish. Determine and record the starting from 9.6.1. Measure the volume of the mercury
mass in grams (pounds/mass) of the empty dish, MT. displaced into the evaporating dish either by means of the glass
9.3 Place the shrinkage dish in the shallow pan in order to graduate or by dividing the measured mass of mercury by the
catch any mercury overflow. Fill the shrinkage dish to over- mass density of mercury. Record the volume in cubic centime-
flowing with mercury. (Warningmercury is a hazardous tres (cubic feet) of the dry soil pat, Vo.
substance which can cause serious health effects from pro-
longed inhalation of the vapor or contact with the skin, see 10. Calculation
Section 7.) Remove the excess mercury by pressing the glass 10.1 Calculate the initial wet soil mass as:
plate firmly over the top of the shrinkage dish. Observe that M 5 Mw 2 M T (1)
there is no air trapped between the plate and mercury and if
there is, refill the dish and repeat the process. Determine the 10.2 Calculate the dry soil mass as:
volume of mercury held in the shrinkage dish either by means Mo 5 M D 2 M T (2)
of the glass graduate or by dividing the measured mass of 10.3 Calculate the initial water content of the soil as a
mercury by the mass density of mercury (equal to 13.55 percentage of the dry mass as:
Mg/m3). Record this volume in cubic centimetres (cubic feet)
w 5 [~M 2 M o!/Mo# 3 100 (3)
of the wet soil pat, V.
10.4 Calculate the shrinkage limit as a water content of the
NOTE 2It is not necessary to measure the volume of the shrinkage
dish (wet soil pat) during each test. The value of a previous measurement soil as a percentage of the dry mass as:
may be used provided that it was obtained as specified in 9.3 and the SL 5 w 2 $@~V 2 Vo!rw/Mo# 3 100% (4)
shrinkage dish is properly identified and in good physical condition.
9.4 Place an amount of the wetted soil equal to about one where:
third the volume of the dish in the center of the dish, and cause rw = approximate density of water equal to 1.0 g/cm3(62.4
the soil to flow to the edges by taping the dish on a firm surface lb/ft 3)
cushioned by several layers of blotting paper or similar V, Vo are defined in the procedures section.
material. Add an amount of soil approximately equal to the first 10.5 If desired, calculate the shrinkage ratio, R from the data
portion, and tap the dish until the soil is thoroughly compacted obtained in the volumetric shrinkage determination by the
and all included air has been brought to the surface. Add more following equation:
soil and continue the tapping until the dish is completely filled R 5 M o/~Vo 3 rw! (5)
and excess soil stands out above its edge. Strike off the excess
soil with a straightedge, and wipe off all soil adhering to the 11. Report
outside of the dish. Immediately after it is filled and struck off,
11.1 Report the following information:
determine and record the mass in grams (pounds/mass) of the
dish and wet soil, Mw. 11.1.1 Sample identification.
9.5 Allow the soil pat to dry in air until the color of the soil 11.1.2 Any special selection process.
turns from dark to light. Oven-dry the soil pat to constant mass 11.1.3 Value of initial water content to the nearest whole
at 110 6 5C (230 6 9F). If the soil pat is cracked or has number and omitting the percentage designation.
broken in pieces, return to 9.1 and prepare another soil pat 11.1.4 Value of shrinkage limit to the nearest whole number
using a lower water content. Determine and record the mass in and omitting the percentage designation.
g (lbm) of the dish and dry soil, MD. 11.1.5 If desired, report the shrinkage ratio.

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 D 427 04
12. Precision and Bias TABLE 1 Table of Precision Estimates

12.1 BiasThere is no acceptable reference value for this Acceptable

Material and Average Standard
Range of Two
test method, therefore, bias cannot be determined. Type Index Value DeviationA
ResultsA
12.2 Precision3Table 1 presents estimates of precision Single-Operator:
based on results from the AASHTO Materials Reference Shrinkage limit 16 0.6 1.8
Laboratory (AMRL) Proficiency Sample Program of testing Shrinkage 1.90 0.04 0.13
ratio
conducted on Samples 103 and 104. These samples were found Multilaboratory:
to be a CL material having 59.4 % fines, a liquid limit of 33 and Shrinkage limit 16 1.7 4.8
a plastic limit of 18. Shrinkage 1.90 0.07 0.19
ratio
12.2.1 The column labeled Acceptable Range of Two A
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and (d2s) limits as described
Results quantifies the maximum difference expected between in Practice C 670.
two measurements on samples of the same material under the
conditions listed in the first column. These values only apply to 1. The figures given in Column 4 are the limits that should not be exceeded
soils which are similar to Proficiency Samples 103 and 104. by the difference between two properly conducted tests.
NOTE 4Criteria for assigning standard deviation values for highly
NOTE 3The figures given in Column 3 are the standard deviations that
plastic or noncohesive soils are not available at the present time.
have been found to be appropriate for the test results described in Column
13. Keywords
3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may 13.1 Atterberg limits; cohesive soils; dry strength; linear
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: D18-1002 . shrinkage; mercury; shrinkage ratio; volumetric shrinkage

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D 427
98) that may impact the use of this test method.

(1) New sections 1.6 and 1.6.1 were added to address signifi- (5) 10.5 was changed to be consistent with Test Method D
cant digits. 4943.
(2) Previous section 1.6 was renumbered 1.7. (6) 10.5 was changed to make the reporting of shrinkage limit
(3) Practice D 6026 was added to Referenced Document to be optional rather than mandatory.
Section.
(7) Report section was changed to format similar to Test
(4) Wording and required readability in 6.9 were changed
Method D 4943.
concerning balances.

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