Designation: D4221 − 11

Standard Test Method for

Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double
Hydrometer1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4221; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 This test method, when used in conjunction with a test bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
performed by Test Method D422 on a duplicate soil sample, 2. Referenced Documents
provides an indication of the natural dispersive characteristics
of clay soils (1).2 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
1.2 This test method is applicable only to soils with a D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
plasticity index greater than 4 as determined in accordance Fluids
with Test Method D4318 and more than 12 % of the soil D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
fraction finer than 5-µm as determined in accordance with Test (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
Method D422 (2). D2251 Test Method for Metal Corrosion by Halogenated
1.3 This test method is similar to Test Method D422, except Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures
that this method covers the determination of percent of soil D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
particles smaller than 5-µm in diameter in a soil-water suspen- Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
sion without mechanical agitation and to which no dispersing Used in Engineering Design and Construction
agent has been added. D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
1.4 The amount of particles smaller than 5-µm determined Plasticity Index of Soils
by this method compared with the total amount of particles D4647 Test Method for Identification and Classification of
smaller than 5-µm determined by Test Method D422 is a Dispersive Clay Soils by the Pinhole Test
measure of the dispersive characteristics of the soil. D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
1.5 This test method may not identify all dispersive clay Construction Materials Testing
soils. Pinholes (Test Method D4647 and crumb tests, or both, D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
(3-5)or the analysis of pore water extract (4-7) may be Data
performed to help verify dispersion. E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Sieves
Practice D6026. E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information Ventilation Ovens
only. 3. Terminology
1.8 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 dispersive clays—soils that disperse (deflocculate)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
easily and rapidly without significant mechanical assistance in
water of low-salt concentration.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and 3.1.1.1 Such soils usually have a high proportion of their
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.06 on Physical-Chemical adsorptive capacity saturated with sodium cation although
Interactions of Soil and Rock.
Current edition approved March 1, 2011. Published March 2011. Originally
3
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D4221–99(2005). For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
DOI: 10.1520/D4221-11. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references appended to Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
this standard. 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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 D4221 − 11
adsorbed lithium and magnesium may also play a role (6). 6.5 Vacuum Pump, for evacuating entrapped air from the
Such soils also generally have a high shrink-swell potential, samples, and capable of pulling at least 20 to 25 in. Hg. Check
have low resistance to erosion, and have low permeability in an pressure every 12 months.
intact state. 6.6 Sedimentation Cylinder—A glass cylinder approxi-
3.2 For other definitions relating to this standard, refer to mately 460 mm (18 in.) in height and 63.5 mm (2.5 in.) in
Terminology D653. diameter and marked 360 6 20 mm from the bottom of the
inside for a volume of 1000 mL.
4. Summary of Test Method
6.7 Hydrometer—An ASTM hydrometer conforming to the
4.1 The percent passing the 5-µm size is determined first requirements for Hydrometers 151H or 152H of Specification
using test procedures in Test Method D422. E100. Zero point should be checked every 12 months.
4.2 Then the percent passing the 5-µm size is determined 6.8 Thermometer, accurate to 0.5°C and conforming to
using the test procedures in this test method. This test method Specification E1. In addition, thermometric devices such as
differs from Test Method D422 primarily in that no mechanical Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs), thermistors, ther-
agitation nor chemical dispersants are used. mocouples, and liquid-in-glass thermometers conforming to
4.3 The percent dispersion is calculated by dividing the Test Method D2251, may be used. Zero point should be
percent passing the 5-µm size using this test method by the checked every 12 months.
percent passing the 5-µm size obtained using Test Method 6.9 Timing Device—A watch or clock capable of being read
D422 and by multiplying the result by 100. to the nearest second.
5. Significance and Use 6.10 Distilled Water, with a pH 5.5–7.
5.1 Dispersive clays are those which normally deflocculate NOTE 2—Trace minerals may be present in some Type IV water.
when exposed to water of low-salt concentration, the opposite However, since this is a qualitative test, such minerals should not affect the
test results.
of aggregated clays that would remain flocculated in the same
soil-water system (3, 4, 7). Generally, dispersive clays are 6.11 Drying Oven, conforming to the requirements of Speci-
highly erosive, possibly subject to high shrink-swell potential, fication E145. The oven should be thermostatically controlled,
may have lower shear strength, and have lower permeability preferably of the forced-draft type, and capable of maintaining
rates than aggregated clays. a uniform temperature of 110 6 5°C throughout the drying
chamber. The temperature should be verified every four
5.2 Available data (1) indicates that the test method has
months.
about 85 % reliance in predicting dispersive performance
(85 % of dispersive clays show more than 35 % dispersion).
7. Sample Preparation
5.3 Since this test method may not identify all dispersive
7.1 Sieve approximately 200 g of soil through a 2.00-mm
clays, design decisions based solely on this test method may
(No. 10) sieve. If materials are quite moist, this may require
not be conservative. It is often run in conjunction with the
hand rubbing or use of a rubber-tipped pestle to force material
crumb test (4, 7) , the pinhole test given in Test Method D4647,
through the sieve. It is recommended that this test be per-
or the analysis of the pore water extract (4, 7), or combination
formed at natural water content. When samples are very moist,
thereof, to identify possible dispersive clay behavior.
they should be dried to about the plastic limit before proceed-
NOTE 1—Notwithstanding the statement on precision and bias con- ing with the test.
tained in this test method; the precision of this test method is dependent
on the competence of the personal performing it, and the suitability of the 7.2 Collect a representative sample of about 100 g of
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice material passing the No. 10 sieve for water content determi-
D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective nation and retain the remainder of the minus No. 10 material in
testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with an airtight container.
Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable testing. Reliable testing
depends on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluat- 7.3 Determine the water content of the minus No. 10
ing some of those factors. material in accordance with Test Method D2216.

6. Apparatus 8. Procedure
6.1 Sieve—A 2.00-mm (No. 10) sieve conforming to the 8.1 Obtain 50 g of oven-dried soil in accordance with 7.3.
requirements of Specification E11. The physical condition of Determine the percent passing 5 µm in accordance with Test
sieves should be checked at least every 12 months. Method D422.
6.2 Containers—Airtight, for storing moist sample. 8.2 Place approximately 125 mL of distilled water in the
6.3 Balance, meeting the requirements of Class GP2 in filtering flask.
Specification D4753. Measurements should be verified every 8.3 Obtain from the container of minus No. 10 moist soil, a
12 months. representative sample equivalent to 25.0 g of oven-dry soil, by
6.4 Filtering Flask—A 500-mL filtering flask with a rubber splitting or other appropriate means, and place into the filtering
stopper and a side tube capable of withstanding a vacuum. flask with the distilled water.

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 D4221 − 11
8.3.1 Determine the mass of moist soil equivalent to 25.0 g remaining in the bottom of the cylinder during the first few turns should
of dry soil as follows: be loosened by shaking the cylinder while it is in the inverted position.
8.10 Take hydrometer and temperature readings necessary
S
w m 5w d x 1.01
w
100 D (1) to determine the percent of material finer than 5-µm in
suspension using procedures and calculations described in Test
where: Method D422.
wm = mass moist soil, g, NOTE 4—It should be recognized that the hydrometer composite
wd = mass oven-dried soil, g, and correction described in Test Method D422 must be made using Type IV
w = water content of sample, %. water instead of a solution of dispersing agent.
8.4 Place a rubber stopper into the mouth of the filtering 9. Calculation
flask and connect the flask to the vacuum pump. If the soil is 9.1 Calculate percent dispersion from:
dry, it should be soaked for a minimum of 2 h before the
filtering flask is connected to the vacuum pump. Under most % passing 52mm in this test
% Dispersion5 3 100 (2)
conditions, 20 to 23 in. Hg is sufficient to de-air the sample. % passing 52mm in Test Method D422

8.5 Start vacuum pump and apply full vacuum. If bubbles 10. Report
do not appear, the vacuum is insufficient. 10.1 Report results as percent dispersion of the 5-µm (5
8.6 At 3 min, 5 min, and 8 min after application of vacuum, micron) fraction.
swirl the flask several times in a rotating manner to assist in NOTE 5—When the percent dispersion equals 100, it indicates a
removing entrapped air. completely dispersive clay-sized fraction. When the percent dispersion
equals 0, it indicates completely nondispersive.
8.7 Disconnect the flask from the vacuum after a total
evacuation time of 10 min. 11. Precision and Bias
8.8 Wash the soil-water suspension from the flask into the 11.1 Precision:
sedimentation cylinder and add Type IV water until the total 11.1.1 Single-Operator Precision—The single-operator co-
volume is 1000 mL. efficient of variation has been found to be 3.9 %. Therefore,
results of two properly conducted tests by the same operator
8.9 Using the palm of the hand over the open end of the with the same equipment should not be considered suspect
cylinder (or a rubber stopper in the open end), shake the unless they differ by more than 11.1 % of their mean.
cylinder end over end for a period of 1 min (see Note 3). At the
11.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
end of 1 min, set the cylinder in a convenient location and
method; therefore, bias cannot be determined.
record the time. This is the start of the sedimentation period.
The time interval between step 8.5 and step 8.9 should not 12. Keywords
exceed 1 h. 12.1 clays; deflocculation; dispersion; dispersive clay; ero-
NOTE 3—The number of turns during the minute should be approxi- sion; gradation; hydrometer analysis; jugging; particle size;
mately 60, counting the turn upside down and back as two turns. Any soil piping

REFERENCES

(1) Decker, R. S., and Dunnigan, L. P.,“ Development and Use of the Soil (5) Holmgram, G.C.S., and Flanagan, C.P., “Factors Affecting Spontane-
Conservation Service Dispersion Test,” Dispersive Clays, Related ous Dispersion of Soil Materials as Evidenced by the Crumb Test,”
Piping, and Erosion in Geotechnical Projects, ASTM STP 623, 1977, Symposium on Dispersive Clays, Related Piping, and Erosion in
pp. 94–109. Geotechnical Projects, ASTM STP 623, ASTM, 1977, p. 218-239.
(2) Ryker, N. L., “Encountering Dispersive Clays on Soil Conservation (6) Bell, J.G., and Maude, R.R., “Dispersive Soils: A Review from the
Service Projects in Oklahoma,” Dispersive Clays, Related Piping, and South Africa Perspective,” Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geol-
Erosion in Geotechnical Projects, ASTM STP 623 , 1977, pp. ogy, Vol 27, 1994, pp. 195-210.
370–389. (7) Sherard, J. L., Dunnigan, L. P., and Decker, R. S., “Some Engineering
(3) Volk, G. M., “Method of Determination of Degree of Dispersion of Problems with Dispersive Clay,” Dispersive Clays, Related Piping,
the Clay Fraction of Soils,” Proceedings, Soil Science Society of
and Erosion in Geotechnical Projects, ASTM STP 623, 1977, pp.
America, Vol II, 1937, p. 561.
3–12.
(4) Sherard, J. L., Decker, R. S., and Ryker, N. L., “Piping in Earth Dams
of Dispersive Clay,” Proceedings of the Speciality Conference on
Performance of Earth Supported Structures, American Society of
Civil Engineers, 1972.

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 D4221 − 11

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
D4221–99(2005), that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved March 1, 2011)

(1) Added new 1.6 referencing Practice D6026, new 1.7 (2) Deleted 11.1.2 on Multilaboratory Precision.
concerning use of SI units, and renumbered subsequent para- (3) Added reference to Test Method D422 in Eq 2.
graphs.

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