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1.1 These laboratory test methods cover the frost heave and thaw weakening susceptibilities of soil that is tested in the laboratory by comparing the heave rate and thawed bearing ratio2 with values in an established classification system. This test was developed to classify the frost susceptibility of soils used in pavements. It should be used for soils where frost-susceptibility considerations, based on particle size such as the limit of 3 % finer than 20 mm in Specification D2940, are uncertain. This is most important for frost-susceptibility criteria such as those used by the Corps of Engineers,3 that require a freezing test for aggregates of inconclusive frost classification. The frost heave susceptibility is determined from the heave rate during freezing. The thaw weakening susceptibility is determined with the bearing ratio test (see Test Method D1883).

1.2 This is an index test for estimating the relative degree of frost-susceptibility of soils used in pavement systems. It cannot be used to predict the amount of frost heave nor the strength after thawing, nor can it be used for applications involving long-term freezing of permafrost or for foundations of refrigerated structures.

1.3 The test methods described are for one specimen and uses manual temperature control. It is suggested that four specimens be tested simultaneously and that the temperature control and data taking be automated using a computer.

1.4 All recorded and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 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.

5.1 These test methods can be used to determine the relative frost-susceptibility of soils used in pavement systems. Both the frost heave susceptibility and the thaw weakening susceptibility can be determined.

5.2 These test methods should be used only for seasonal frost conditions and not for permanent or long-term freezing of soil. These test methods also have not been validated for anything other than pavement systems.

5.3 These test methods cannot be used to predict the amount of frost heave or thaw weakening in the field. Its purpose is to determine the relative frost-susceptibility classification for use in empirical pavement design methods for seasonal frost regions.