Methods of test for stabilized soils, Part 4: Wetting and drying, and freezing and thawing tests for compacted soil-cement mixtures

IS 4332 Part 4 — Scope: Key Specifications & Units

Scope Summary:

• Covers testing procedures for soil-cement specimens through 12 cycles.
• Enables calculation of volume, moisture changes, and soil-cement loss after testing (Clauses 4.7, 10.8).
• Specifies use of cylindrical metal moulds conforming to IS: 10074-1982 (Clause 2.1).

Important Units (SI System) per IS 4332 Part 4:

Supplementary Units:

Derived Units:

Key Notes:

• Data from tests allow volume & moisture change calculations for specimens 1 &

IS 4332 Part 4: Apparatus and Equipment - Key Points

Apparatus (Clause 8.1)

• Use apparatus as per Clause 2 (general requirements), except water-bath of 2.8 is excluded.
• Additional equipment specified in Clauses 8.2 and 8.3 must be included (details not provided in context).

Equipment Specifications

• Graduated Glass Cylinder: 250 ml capacity for accurate water measurement (Clause 2.15).
• Equipment to measure volume and moisture changes in soil-cement specimens after 12 test cycles (Clause 10.8).

Units & Symbols (SI Units)

Derived Units Relevant for Apparatus

Summary Diagram: Apparatus Flow

flowchart LR
    A[Soil Sample Preparation] --> B[Measurement Equipment]
    B --> C[Graduated Cylinder (250 ml)]
    B --> D[Volume & Moisture Measurement]
    D --> E[Data Collection & Calculations]

For detailed apparatus list and specifications, refer to Clauses 2, 8.2, and 8.3 of IS 4332 Part 4.

IS 4332 Part 4: Preparation of Soil Sample and Specimens

Key Specifications:

• Soil Sample Preparation:
  Follow procedures in IS 4332 (Part 3), Clauses 5.1 & 5.2 for initial soil sample preparation.

• Quantity of Soil Sample (Clause 3.1.2):
  Prepare enough soil to produce four compacted specimens plus moisture samples:

  • Specimens No. 3 & 4: Routine testing
  • Specimens No. 1 & 2: Research/unusual soil testing

• Measuring Water (Clause 2.15):
  Use a 250 ml graduated glass cylinder for accurate water measurement.

• Absorptive Pads (Clause 8.3):
  Use 5 mm thick felt pads or blotters between specimens and carriers to maintain moisture.

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Soil Sample Preparation] --> B[Prepare Soil as per IS 4332 Part 3]
    B --> C[Select enough soil for 4 specimens + moisture samples]
    C --> D[Compact specimens No. 1 to 4]
    D --> E[Use absorptive pads between specimens & carriers]
    E --> F[Measure water with 250 ml graduated cylinder]

This ensures consistent specimen quality for reliable testing results.

IS 4332 Part 4: Wetting and Drying Test Procedure Key Points

Test Overview

• Evaluates durability of compacted soil-cement mixtures under cyclic wetting and drying.
• One cycle = 48 hours (wetting + drying).
• Total cycles = 12.

Specimen Preparation & Measurement (Clause 3.2.7)

• Specimens No. 1 & 2 weighed and measured after 7 days curing.
• Measure height and diameter accurately within ±0.2 mm at same points.
• Used to calculate:
  • Moisture content (w)
  • Volume (V)

Procedure (Clause 4.4)

• Each 48-hour cycle:
  1. Submerge specimens in water (wetting).
  2. Dry specimens (drying).
• Repeat for 12 cycles.
• Optional: Weigh specimens No. 3 & 4 before and after brushing after each cycle for research.

Key Formulas

• Moisture Content, w (%)
  [ w = \frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}{W_{dry}} \times 100 ]
• Volume, V (cylindrical specimen)
  [ V = \pi \times \left(\frac{d}{2}\right)^2 \times h ] where d = diameter, h = height.

Summary Table

flowchart TD
    A[Start] --> B[7-day curing]
    B --> C[Measure & weigh Specimens 1 & 2]
    C --> D[Submerge specimens in water (wetting)]
    D

IS 4332 Part 4: Wetting and Drying Test - Key Calculations & Specifications

Specimen Measurements (Clause 3.2.7)

• Measure height (h) and diameter (d) with accuracy ±0.2 mm at consistent points.
• Weigh specimens after 7 days to calculate moisture content and volume.

Test Procedure (Clauses 4.4, 10.8)

• One cycle = 48 hours (wetting + drying).
• Total test = 12 cycles.
• Specimens No. 1 & 2: Track volume and moisture changes.
• Specimens No. 3 & 4: Track soil-cement losses.

Key Calculations (Clauses 4.7, 10.8)

1. Volume (V) of specimen (cylindrical): [ V = \pi \times \left(\frac{d}{2}\right)^2 \times h ]

2. Moisture Content (w%): [ w = \frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}{W_{dry}} \times 100 ] where (W_{wet}) = weight after wetting, (W_{dry}) = weight after drying.

3. Soil-Cement Loss (%) for specimens 3 & 4: [ \text{Loss} = \frac{W_{before} - W_{after}}{W_{before}} \times 100 ] where weights are taken before and after brushing post-cycle.

Summary Table for Measurements

flowchart TD
    A[Start Test] --> B{Cycle 1 to 12}
    B -->|Wet Specimens 48h| C[Measure Weight & Dimensions

IS 4332 Part 4: Reporting of Results - Key Specifications

Report Content (Clause 6.1)

The test report must include:

• Optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of moulded specimens.
• Actual moisture content and density obtained (tolerance: ±1% moisture, ±0.05 g/cm³ density).
• Designed cement content (%) and actual cement content (%) in specimens.
• Maximum volume change (%) and maximum moisture content during the test (specimens No. 1 & 2).
• Soil-cement loss (%) after 12 freeze-thaw cycles (specimens No. 3 & 4).

Units (SI Units as per Clause 12.1)

Calculations (Clause 10.8 & 4.7)

• Volume and moisture changes for specimens 1 & 2.
• Soil-cement loss for specimens 3 & 4 after 12 cycles.

Example Formula for Volume Change (%):

[ \text{Volume change} = \frac{V_{\text{final}} - V_{\text{initial}}}{V_{\text{initial}}} \times 100 ]

Soil-Cement Loss (%):

[ \text{Loss} = \frac{W_{\text{initial}} - W_{\text{final}}}{W_{\text{initial}}} \times 100 ]

flowchart TD
    A[Specimens prepared] --> B[Freeze-Thaw Cycles (12)]
    B --> C[Measure Volume & Moisture (Specimens 1 & 2)]
    B --> D[Measure Soil-Cement Loss (Specimens 3 & 4)]
    C --> E[Calculate Volume & Moisture Changes]
    D --> F[Calculate Soil-Cement Loss]
    E & F --> G[Prepare Report as per Clause 6.1]

This ensures consistent and standardized reporting aligned with

IS 4332 Part 4: Freezing and Thawing Test Procedure - Key Points

Test Cycle & Conditions

• One cycle duration: 48 hours (Clauses 10.1 to 10.4)
• Number of cycles: 12 cycles total
• Freezing: Specimens placed in freezing cabinet (temperature not explicitly stated, typically -15°C to -20°C)
• Thawing: Specimens kept in moist chamber at 25°C to 30°C, 100% RH for 23 hours (Clause 10.2)
• Water supply: Absorbent pads under specimens supplied with potable water for capillary absorption during thawing

Specimen Handling & Measurements

• Specimens: No. 1, 2, and 3 (No. 1 and 2 measured and weighed before and after thawing)
• Weight measurement: Usually done at the end of each cycle, especially for research
• Scaling: For silty/clayey soils, scale on specimen surfaces after ~6 cycles should be carefully removed with a sharp instrument (Clause 10.5 Note)

Summary Table of Cycle

Additional Notes:

• Specimen preparation follows Clause 3 (not detailed here).
• Weight and measurement changes indicate durability against freeze-thaw damage.
• Scale removal is essential to avoid erroneous weight loss readings.

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Specimens] --> B[Place in Moist Chamber]
    B -->|23 h at 25-30°C, 100% RH| C[Water Absorption]
    C --> D[Place in Freezing Cabinet]
    D -->|25 h at -15 to -20°C| E[Freezing]
    E --> F{Cycle Complete?}
    F -->|No| B
    F -->|Yes| G[End Test after 12 cycles

IS 4332 Part 4: Apparatus & Procedure for Freezing and Thawing Test

Key Specifications & Procedure Summary

• Sample Preparation: As per Clause 9.1, follow procedure in Clause 3 for soil specimen prep.

• Test Cycle (Clause 10.1 - 10.5):
  Each cycle = 48 hours, consisting of:

  1. Freezing (24h):
     • Place specimens with 5 mm water-saturated felts/blotters between specimens and carriers.
     • Freeze at ≤ -23°C for 24 hours.
     • Weigh & measure specimens No. 1 & 2 before and after freezing.
  2. Thawing (23h):
     • Transfer to moist chamber at 25° to 30°C, RH = 100%.
     • Provide free potable water to absorbent pads for capillary water absorption.
     • Weigh & measure specimens No. 1 & 2 after thawing.
  3. Rest (1h): Remove specimens for measurement and weighing.

• Number of Cycles:

  • Repeat for 12 cycles (total 24 days).
  • Weight measurements of specimens No. 1 and 3 (before and after brushing) are recommended after each cycle for research.

• Special Note:

  • Scale formation on silty/clayey soils after ~6 cycles should be carefully removed with a sharp instrument (brushing may be insufficient).

Summary Table of Conditions

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Specimens] --> B[Place in Moist Chamber (25-30°C, 100% RH) - 23h]
    B --> C[Weigh & Measure Specimens No. 1 &

IS 4332 Part 4: Specimen Handling During Tests

Key Specifications & Procedures:

• Specimen Preparation (Clause 3.2):
  Prepare specimens as per standard dimensions and conditions before testing.

• Moist Conditioning (Clause 10.2):

  • Place assembly in a moist chamber or covered container at 25° to 30°C and 100% relative humidity for 23 hours.
  • Provide free potable water to absorbent pads beneath specimens for capillary water absorption during thawing.
  • Measure and weigh specimens (No. 1 and 2) after conditioning.

• Absorptive Pads (Clause 8.3):
  Use 5 mm thick felt pads, blotters, or similar material between specimens and carriers to ensure moisture transfer.

• Water Measurement (Clause 2.15):
  Use a 250 ml graduated glass cylinder for accurate water measurement during specimen preparation.

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Specimen Preparation] --> B[Place in Moist Chamber]
    B --> C[Maintain 25-30°C & 100% RH for 23h]
    C --> D[Absorptive Pads under Specimen]
    D --> E[Specimen Measurement & Weighing]

This ensures specimens are uniformly conditioned for reliable test results.

IS 4332 Part 4: Cycle Repetition and Duration - Key Points

• Cycle Definition (Clause 10.5):
  One cycle = 48 hours of freezing and thawing (includes procedures 10.1 to 10.4).
  Total prescribed cycles = 12 cycles.

• Specimen Handling:

  • Specimens No. 1 & 2: Volume and moisture changes measured after 12 cycles (Clauses 10.8, 4.7).
  • Specimens No. 3 & 4: Soil-cement losses measured after 12 cycles (Clauses 10.8, 4.7).
  • Testing may stop earlier if measurements become inaccurate due to soil-cement loss (Clause 4.5).

• Layover Periods:
  If cycles cannot run continuously (e.g., holidays), specimens should be kept in an oven to prevent moisture loss (Clause 4.5 Note).

• Weight Measurements:
  Usually done at the end of each cycle for specimens No. 1 and 3, especially in research (Clause 10.5 Note).

Summary Table for Cycle Duration & Repetition

flowchart TD
    Start[Start Test] --> Cycle1[Cycle 1: 48h Freeze-Thaw]
    Cycle1 --> Measure1[Measure Volume/Moisture/Weight]
    Measure1 --> CheckCycles{Cycle < 12?}
    CheckCycles -- Yes --> Cycle2[Next Cycle]
    CheckCycles -- No --> End[Test Complete]
    Cycle2 --> Measure2[Measure after each cycle]
    Measure2 --> CheckCycles

This ensures consistent freeze-thaw testing with controlled cycle repetition and duration as per IS 4332 Part 4.

IS 4332 Part 4: Freezing and Thawing Test Key Points

Test Cycle (Clause 10.5)

• One cycle = 48 hours:
  • 24 h freezing at ≤ -23°C
  • 24 h thawing at 25–30°C, 100% RH
• Repeat for 12 cycles.

Specimen Preparation & Handling (Clauses 9.1, 10.1-10.2)

• Prepare soil specimens per Clause 3.
• Place saturated felts (5 mm thick) between specimens and carriers.
• During thawing, maintain water availability for capillary absorption.
• Weigh and measure specimens before and after freezing and thawing each cycle.

Weight Measurement Notes

• Weight before and after brushing (to remove scale) is essential, especially after 6+ cycles.
• Scale on silty/clayey soils must be carefully removed with a pointed instrument.

Summary Table for One Cycle

Formula for Weight Loss Percentage (Typical)

[ \text{Weight Loss %} = \frac{W_i - W_f}{W_i} \times 100 ]

• (W_i) = Initial specimen weight before cycle
• (W_f) = Final specimen weight after cycle (after brushing)

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Specimens] --> B[Place in Moist Chamber (25-30°C, 100% RH, 23h)]
    B --> C[Place in Freezing Cabinet (-23°C, 24h)]
    C --> D[Weigh & Measure Specimens]
    D --> E{Repeat for 12 Cycles}
    E -- Yes --> B
    E -- No --> F[Analyze Weight Loss & Damage]

This procedure ensures durability assessment of soils under freeze-thaw conditions as per IS 4332 Part 4.

IS 4332 Part 4: Data Interpretation & Reporting Key Points

Report Content (Clause 6.1)

The report must include:

• Optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of moulded specimens.
• Actual moisture content and density of specimens (tolerance: ±1% moisture, ±0.05 g/cm³ density).
• Designed cement content (%) and actual cement content (%) in specimens.
• Maximum volume change (%) and maximum moisture content during testing (specimens 1 & 2).
• Soil-cement loss (%) after 12 freeze-thaw cycles (specimens 3 & 4).

Calculations (Clause 10.8)

• Volume and moisture changes for specimens 1 & 2.
• Soil-cement loss for specimens 3 & 4 after 12 cycles.

Units (SI Units Summary)

Important Formulas

• Density (ρ):
  [ \rho = \frac{\text{Mass of specimen}}{\text{Volume of specimen}} \quad (kg/m^3) ]

• Volume Change (%):
  [ \Delta V% = \frac{V_{final} - V_{initial}}{V_{initial}} \times 100 ]

• Soil-Cement Loss (%):
  [ \text{Loss} % = \frac{\text{Mass before test} - \text{Mass after test}}{\text{Mass before test}} \times 100 ]

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Collect Data] --> B[Calculate Moisture & Density]
    B --> C[Determine Volume Change %]
    C --> D[Calculate Soil-Cement Loss %]
    D --> E[Prepare Report per Clause 6.1]
    E --> F[Include SI Units & Tolerances]
    F --> G[Submit Final