This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D4829 − 21

Standard Test Method for

Expansion Index of Soils1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4829; 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* recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3

1.1 This test method allows for determination of expansion shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
potential of soils when inundated with distilled water.2 This test 1.3.4 The terms density and unit weight are often used
method measures a qualitative index property of the soil rather interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume, whereas unit
than a design parameter to be used for calculation of the actual weight is force per unit volume. In this standard, density is
amount of expansion. The expansion index, EI, provides an given only in SI units. After the density has been determined,
indication of swelling potential of a soil. the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or both.
1.2 This test method provides a simple, yet sensitive, 1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
method for evaluation of expansion potential of soils for guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
practical engineering applications using an index parameter. Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded 1.4.1 For purposes of comparing a measured or calculated
as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated

iTeh Standards
information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of
test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal of significant
digits in the specified limit.
1.4.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
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nonconformance with this standard.
1.3.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used recorded or calculated in the standard are regarded as the
when dealing with inch-pound units. In the system, the pound industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
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(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the units for
mass is slugs. The slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F =
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
ma) calculations are involved. obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
1.3.2 The SI units presented for apparatus are substitutions ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
ASTM D4829-21 increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
of the inch-pound units, other similar SI units should be
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acceptable providing they meet the technical requirements commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
established by the inch-pound apparatus. of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
1.3.3 It is common practice in the engineering/construction methods for engineering data.
profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit 1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This practice implicitly that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
combines two separate systems of units; the absolute and the (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
gravitational systems. It is scientifically undesirable to com- as requirements of the standard.
bine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a
single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravita- 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tional system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
slug unit of mass. However, the use of balances and scales responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.05 on Strength and 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
Compressibility of Soils. dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published January 2021. Originally ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D4829–19. DOI:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
10.1520/D4829-21.
2
Anderson, J. N., and Lade, P. V., “The Expansion Index Test,” Geotechnical mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Testing Journal, Vol 4, No. 2, ASTM, 1981, pp. 58–67. Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

*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

1
 D4829 − 21
2. Referenced Documents 5. Significance and Use
3
2.1 ASTM Standards: 5.1 The expansion index, EI, value is used by engineers and
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained other professionals as an indicator of the soil’s swelling
Fluids potential. It may also be used to determine the suitability of a
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- soil to satisfy requirements set by specifying agencies.
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 5.2 The EI test is not used to duplicate any particular field
kN-m/m3)) conditions such as soil density, water content, loading, in-place
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by soil structure, or soil water chemistry. However, consistent test
Water Pycnometer conditions are used in preparation of compacted specimens
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water such that direct correlation of data can be made.
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2435/D2435M Test Methods for One-Dimensional Con- 5.3 Based on experience with expansive soils, the recom-
solidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading mended qualitative classification of potential expansion in a
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies soil based on EI is provided in Table 1.
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as 5.4 The measurement of the magnitude of one-dimensional
Used in Engineering Design and Construction wetting-induced swell or collapse (hydrocompression) under
D4546 Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Col- different vertical (axial) pressures, as well as the magnitude of
lapse of Soils swell pressure and the magnitude of free swell, and also the
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal- determination of data for stress-induced compression following
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and wetting-induced swell or collapse are covered by Test Methods
Construction Materials Testing D4546. The ability to test intact specimens for measuring
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical one-dimensional wetting-induced swell or collapse is also
Data covered in Methods D4546.
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
Sieves dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the

3. Terminology
iTeh Standards suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
3.1 Definitions:
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3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
3.1.2 scarification—scratching theDocument
surface of a compacted Preview
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
6. Apparatus
layer to facilitate bonding with the next layer to avoid potential
6.1 Mold—The mold shall be cylindrical in shape, made of
separation between compacted layers.
ASTM D4829-21metal, and shall have the dimensions indicated in Fig. 1. The
mold shall have a metal, detachable collar inscribed with a
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Summary of Test Method
mark 50.8 mm (2.00 in.) above the base. The lower section of
4.1 A sample is processed to obtain a representative sample the mold is designed to retain a removable stainless steel ring.
that is then separated over a 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve. Distilled The dimensions shown in Fig. 1 are necessary to properly
water is added and thoroughly mixed with the soil passing the manufacture the mold. Laboratories are not expected to have
separation sieve (test specimen). A water content is determined the capability to confirm these dimensions. See Section 9 for
and the soil is allowed to stand (cure) for 16 h before it is items needing verification.
compacted into a specimen ring. The degree of saturation is 6.1.1 Specimen Ring—A stainless steel ring that is 25.4 6
calculated and must be 50 6 2 % before proceeding with 0.2 mm (1.0 6 0.01 in.) in height, 101.9 6 0.1 mm (4.010 6
testing. A new test specimen is made if the saturation doesn’t 0.005 in.) in internal diameter, and not less than 3.05 mm
meet the criteria. Several trials may occur before the necessary (0.120 in.) in wall thickness. This ring is designed to fit inside
degree of saturation is achieved. Once achieved, the compacted the mold.
specimen is placed in a loading device. Height and deformation
readings are taken prior to applying a vertical stress of 6.9 kPa 6.2 Rammer—A metal rammer, either manually or mechani-
(1 lbf/in.2) on the specimen. After 10 min, the specimen is cally operated, that shall fall freely through a distance of 305 6
inundated with distilled water and deformation readings are 2 mm (12.0 6 0.1 in.) from the surface of the specimen. The
taken at specific time intervals for 24 h or until the rate of
expansion becomes less than 0.005 mm/h (0.0002 in./h). At the TABLE 1 Classification of Potential Expansion of Soils Based on
end of the test, final height and deformation readings are taken EI
and the expansion index is calculated. Expansion Index, EI Potential
Expansion
0–20 Very Low
21–50 Low
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 51–90 Medium
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM 91–130 High
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on >130 Very High
the ASTM website.

2
 D4829 − 21

Dimensional EquivalentsA
Letter in. mm
ID Diameter 4.010 ± 0.005 101.9 ± 0.1
OD Diameter 6.00 ± 0.01 152.4 ± 0.2
H 0.50 ± 0.01 12.7 ± 0.2
D (Hole) 7⁄32 ± 1⁄64 5.5 ± 0.4
U 1.625 ± 0.01 41.3 ± 0.2
T 0.325 - 0.375 8.25 - 9.50
O 0.125 ± 0.005 3.2 ± 0.1
R 1.00 ± 0.01 25.4 ± 0.2
W 0.563 ± 0.004 14.3 ± 0.1
V 0.688 ± 0.01 17.5 ± 0.2
L (ring wall thickness) $0.120 $3.05
A
The SI units presented are basically substitutions of the inch-pound units; other
rationalized SI units should be acceptable providing they meet the technical

iTeh Standards
requirements established by the inch-pound apparatus.

FIG. 1 Mold with Ring for Compaction of Specimen

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rammer shall be equipped with a Document
suitable arrangement to Preview
6.6 Separation Sieves—A 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve conform-
control the drop height. The weight of the hammer shall be ing to the requirements of Specification E11. This sieve is
24.47 6 0.09 N (5.50 6 0.02 lbf, or mass of 2.495 6 0.009 subject to rough operation and shall not be used for quantitative
kg). The striking face of the rammer shall be ASTM D4829-21
planar and grain size analysis.
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circular with a diameter when new of 50.80 6 0.13 mm (2.000
6.7 Mixing Tools—Miscellaneous tools such as mixing pans,
6 0.005 in.) If using a manual rammer with a guide sleeve, the
spoons, trowels, spatulas, a spray bottle, a suitable manual or
rammer shall meet the requirements described in Test Methods
D698 for a manual rammer. If using a mechanical rammer, the mechanical mixer, and so forth.
circular face rammer shall meet the requirements described in 6.8 Specimen Height Measurement Device—A device used
Test Methods D698. to measure the height of the specimen with a readability to
6.3 Balance—Balances shall conform to the requirements of 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) or better. The device shall be constructed
Guide D4753 and calibrated in accordance with the interval such that its use will not disturb/deform, indent, or penetrate
given in Practice D3740. the specimen.
6.3.1 A balance having a minimum capacity of 1000 g with 6.9 Loading Device—A consolidometer or equivalent load-
a readability without estimation of 0.1 g for use when deter- ing device as described in Test Methods D2435/D2435M.
mining masses not related to water content determination. For
water content determinations, the balance shall have a mini- 6.10 Porous Disks—The disks shall be smooth ground and
mum capacity of 100 g with a readability without estimation of fine enough (Note 2) to reduce or prevent intrusion of soil into
0.01 g. the disks. The disks shall have a close fit to the specimen ring
to avoid extrusion or punching. Refer to the apparatus section
6.4 Drying Oven—A vented, thermostatically controlled of Test Methods D2435/D2435M for further details on the
oven capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 6 porous disks. The disks shall reduce false displacements
5°C (230 6 9°F) throughout the drying chamber. caused by seating of the specimen against the surface of the
6.5 Straightedge—A stiff metal straight edge, preferably disk. Such displacements are significant, especially if displace-
steel, of any convenient length but not less than 150 mm (6 in.). ments and applied vertical pressures are small.
One edge of the straightedge shall be beveled. The straightedge NOTE 2—A suitable pore size is 10 µm. Experience has shown that
must be machined straight to a tolerance of 60.1 mm (60.005 suitable disk dimensions are 12.7 mm 6 0.13 mm (0.50 in. 6 0.005 in.)
in.). in height and 101.5 mm 6 0.13 mm (3.995 in. 6 0.005 in.) in diameter.

3
 D4829 − 21
6.11 Deformation Indicator—A mechanical or digital dial 8. Test Specimen Preparation
indicator, displacement transducer, or equivalent with a read-
8.1 Place the soil passing the separation sieve in a pan or
ability of 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) or better.
bowl. Based on the mass of the soil, its water content, and the
6.12 Miscellaneous Items—Distilled water, knife, pan, estimated water content needed to achieve a degree of satura-
bowl, spray bottle, and tare cans are useful. tion of 50 6 2 % in the compacted condition, calculate the
amount of distilled water to add.
7. Sampling
8.2 Use a spray bottle filled with distilled water to evenly
7.1 This test method does not address, in any detail, distribute the calculated amount of distilled water needed.
procurement of the sample. It is assumed the sample is Then mix thoroughly to achieve a uniform water content. After
obtained using appropriate methods and is representative of the mixing, take 100 g or more of soil for a water content
soil under evaluation. Preserve the sample at its original determination. Follow the procedure given in Test Methods
moisture condition and at no time shall the sample be allowed D2216, with the exception for the minimum mass of the
to undergo undesirable temperature changes such as freezing or specimen as stated above. Determine and record the necessary
heating. masses for the water content to the nearest 0.01 g. Immediately
7.2 The soil should not be excessively wet or dry, unless after taking soil for the water content determination, place the
received in the dry state, during processing. If the sample is remaining soil in a tightly sealed container and allow it to stand
excessively wet, allow the sample to air dry (Note 3) until the (cure) for a period of at least 16 h.
surface of the soil looks slightly wet but there are no signs of 8.2.1 Determine and record the water content, w, to the
free water exiting the soil. Then, thoroughly mix the sample. nearest 0.1% in accordance with Test Method D2216.
Using miniature stockpiling or quartering, obtain a represen- 8.3 Determine and record the mass of the specimen ring, Mr,
tative sample that will yield 1 kg (2.2 lbm) or more of soil to the nearest 1 g. Assemble the mold and the specimen ring
passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve. Determine and record the and prepare to compact the specimen. Compact the specimen
mass of the representative sample, Mt, to the nearest 1 g. in the mold in two equal layers to give a total compacted depth
NOTE 3—Air drying causes irreversible changes to some clay particles
iTeh Standards
of approximately 50.8 mm (2 in.). Compact each layer by using
that cause permanent flocculations and decreases the fine fraction.4
15 uniformly distributed blows of the rammer from the
7.3 If the representative sample contains particles larger specified drop height. Scarify the first compacted layer before
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than the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve, separate the soil using the
separation sieve. Determine and record the mass of the soil
adding material for the second layer using a knife or other
suitable object to avoid potential separation between com-

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retained, Mcf, on the 4.75 mm (No. 4) separation sieve to the pacted layers. During compaction rest the mold on a uniform
nearest 1 g. Determine and record the percent retained on the rigid foundation, such as provided by a cube of concrete with
separation sieve of the representative sample to the nearest a mass not less than 90 kg (200 lbm).
1 %.
8.4 Following compaction, remove the upper and lower
7.3.1 If the particles retained on the separationASTM D4829-21
sieve are
portions of the mold from the inner ring and carefully trim the
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aggregations and not individual particles, thoroughly break up
specimen flush with the top and bottom of the ring with a
the aggregations in a manner such that the natural size of
straightedge. Where removal of coarse sand grains or crum-
individual particles is not reduced. If particles larger than 4.75
bling resulting from trimming causes voids on the surface of
mm are potentially expansive, such as claystone, shale, or
the specimen, carefully fill the voids with remolded soil
weathered volcanic rock, they may be broken down to pass the
obtained from the trimmings. If desired, use the trimmings to
4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve if these particles are being evaluated and
make a water content, wt determination. If performed, record
are consistent with the intended use of the soil. Determine and
masses to nearest 0.01 g and the water content determination to
record the mass of soil retained, Mcfa, on the 4.75 mm (No. 4)
the nearest 0.1 % (Note 5). Determine and record the mass of
sieve after breaking apart any aggregations or larger particles
the compacted specimen plus ring, Msr, to the nearest 1 g.
of interest to the nearest 1 g. Record on the data sheet if
NOTE 4—Compaction energies are different between this standard and
particles were broken down and included that otherwise would D698. Using the specified compaction energy, the compaction water
not have been. Determine and record the percent retained on content should be selected such that the as-compacted degree of saturation
the separation sieve after particle reduction of the representa- is 50 6 2 %.
tive sample to the nearest 1 %. NOTE 5—This water content determination should be close (~0.5 to 1
7.3.2 The soil retained on the separation sieve can be percentage points) to the water content determination taken the day
before.
discarded after determining its mass.
8.5 Using the specimen height measuring device, determine
7.4 Determine and record the mass of the soil passing the
and record the initial height of the specimen, Hi, to the nearest
4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve, Mp, to the nearest 1 g. The amount of
0.025 mm (0.001 in.) by either taking the average of at least
soil must be 1 kg (2.2 lbm) or more.
four evenly spaced measurements over the top (and bottom)
surface of the specimen (preferred) or using the height of the
ring as the initial height.
4
Sridharan, A., Jose, B.T., and Abraham, B.M., Technical Note on “Determina-
tion of Clay Size Fraction of Marine Clays,” Geotechnical Testing Journal, 8.6 Degree of Saturation Confirmation—Using Eq 1-4 in
GTJODJ, Vol. 14, No. 1, March 1991, pp. 103-107. Section 11, determine and record the degree of saturation, S, to