ASTM or similar for determining the presence of cement in soil

[jharm]

I suspect that a soil from a project has been soil cemented during pad construction. Is there any way to determine the presence of cement in soils?

 

[msucog]

there is a particular liquid chemical that you can use to test it. once applied, it gives a color indicator. i've not personally used it but do know someone that has. i will have to check and see what the name of it is. perhaps others know the name before i have the opportunity to ask.

 

[msucog]

ah let me clarify...i believe it gives indication of unreacted cement. i'm not completely sure what it does for hydrated cement. either way, it's somewhat of an interesting question so i'll find out for the sake of knowing.

 

[Ron]

Use phenolphthalein....it will give you an indication of the pH of the material. Soil will generally have a pH of 8 or less. If the phenolphthalein is reactive, it will indicate a pH of 8.5 to 10,or an indication of cement present.

If the pH by indicator solution is greater than about 9.0, you can pretty much conclude that cement is present.

 

[Drumchaser]

I have used the phenolphthalein (to determine depth of treatment) on CMT and Lime treated areas...works great.

 

[jharm]

Is there a particular ASTM that you know of? I'll have to sub it out to a specialized firm and would like to provide them with such.

TIA

 

[BigH]

Can I enquire why you want to know? If there is or isn't - what is its relationship to your project?

 

[Ron]

If you think the soil has been treated with portland cement, you might want to do an unconfined compressive strength test. If the result is over about 150 psi, there is a good likelihood that some treatment is present.

Even a quick check with hydrochloric acid would reveal the presence of calcareous materials (calcium compounds as found in cement)

There are no ASTM standards for such, that I know of.

 

[msucog]

phenolphthalein...that's it.