IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967

(Reaffirmed 2001))
( Reaffirmed 2006
Edition 1.1
(1983-08)
Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR STABILIZED SOILS
PART III TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE
CONTENT-DRY DENSITY RELATION FOR
STABILIZED SOIL MIXTURES

(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)

UDC [Link]/.3

© BIS 2004

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN , 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

Price Group 3
 IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967

Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR STABILIZED SOILS
PART III TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE
CONTENT-DRY DENSITY RELATION FOR
STABILIZED SOIL MIXTURES

Soil Engineering Sectional Committee, BDC 23

Chairman Representing
PROF S. R. MEHRA Central Road Research Institute (CSIR), New
Delhi
Members
SHRI B. B. L. BHATNAGAR Land Reclamation, Irrigation and Power
Research Institute, Amritsar
SHRI K. C. CHANDIOK All India Instruments Manufacturers & Dealers
Association, Bombay
SHRI VED PRAKASH ( Alternate )
SHRI K. N. DADINA In personal capacity ( P 820, New Alipore,
Calcutta 53 )
SHRI A. G. DASTIDAR Cementation Co Ltd, Bombay
SHRI R. L. DEWAN Bihar Institute of Hydraulic and Allied Research,
Khagaul, Patna
PROF DINESH MOHAN Central Building Research Institute (CSIR),
Roorkee
SHRI D. R. NARAHARI ( Alternate )
DIRECTOR (CENTRAL SOIL MECH- Central Water & Power Commission, New Delhi
ANICS RESEARCH STATION)
DIRECTOR (DAMS II) ( Alternate )
SHRI R. N. DOGRA Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
EXECUTIVE ENGINEER (SOIL Public Works Department, Madras
MECHANICS AND RESEARCH
DIVISION)
SHRI B. N. GUPTA Irrigation Research Institute, Roorkee
SHRI S. N. GUPTA Central Board of Irrigation & Power, New Delhi
DR JAGDISH NARAIN University of Roorkee, Roorkee
JOINT DIRECTOR RESEARCH Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
(CIVIL), RDSO
DEPUTY DIRECTOR RESEARCH
(SOIL MECHANICS), RDSO
( Alternate )
SHRI S. S. JOSHI Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters
SHRI S. VARADARAJA ( Alternate )
( Continued on page 2 )

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN , 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002
IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967
( Continued from page 1 )

Members Representing
SHRI O. P. MALHOTRA Public Works Department, Government of Punjab
SHRI K. K. NAMBIAR Concrete Association of India, Bombay
SHRI T. M. MENON ( Alternate )
SHRI C. B. PATEL M. N. Dastur & Co (Private) Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI PRITAM SINGH Indian National Society of Soil Mechanics &
Foundation Engineering, New Delhi
REPRESENTATIVE Public Works (Special Roads) Directorate,
Government of West Bengal
REPRESENTATIVE Engineering Research Department, Hyderabad
RESEARCH OFFICER B & R Research Laboratory, Chandigarh
SHRI C. G. SWAMINATHAN Institution of Engineers (India), Calcutta
SHRI D. N. TEKCHANDANI National Buildings Organization, New Delhi
SHRI J. M. TREHAN Roads Wing (Ministry of Transport & Shipping)
SHRI T. N. BHARGAVA ( Alternate )
DR H. L. UPPAL Central Road Research Institute (CSIR),
New Delhi
SHRI H. G. VERMA Public Works Department, Government of
Uttar Pradesh
SHRI D. C. CHATURVEDI ( Alternate )
SHRI R. NAGARAJAN, Director General, ISI ( Ex-officio Member )
Director (Civ Engg)
Secretary
SHRI G. RAMAN
Deputy Director (Civ Engg), ISI
Soil Testing Procedures and Equipment Subcommittee, BDC 23 : 3
Convener
DR H. L. UPPAL Central Road Research Institute (CSIR),
New Delhi
Members
PROF ALAM SINGH University of Jodhpur
SHRI R. L. DEWAN Bihar Institute of Hydraulic and Allied Research,
Khagaul, Patna
DIRECTOR (CENTRAL SOIL MECHA- Central Water & Power Commission, New Delhi
NICS RESEARCH STATION)
DIRECTOR (DAMS II) ( Alternate )
SHRI H. K. GUHA Geologist’s Syndicate Private Limited, Calcutta
SHRI N. N. BHATTACHARYYA ( Alternate )
SHRI O. P. MALHOTRA B & R Research Laboratory, Public Works
Department, Government of Punjab
DR I. S. UPPAL ( Alternate )
SHRI D. R. NARAHARI Central Building Research Institute (CSIR),
Roorkee
SHRI G. S. JAIN ( Alternate )
SHRI MAHABIR PRASAD Public Works Department, Government of
Uttar Pradesh
SHRI H. C. VERMA Associated Instrument Manufacturers (India)
Private Limited, New Delhi
2
 IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967

Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR STABILIZED SOILS
PART III TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE
CONTENT-DRY DENSITY RELATION FOR
STABILIZED SOIL MIXTURES
0. F O R E W O R D
0.1 This Indian Standard (Part III) was adopted by the Indian
Standards Institution on 20 October 1967, after the draft finalized by
the Soil Engineering Sectional Committee had been approved by the
Civil Engineering Division Council.
0.2 Soil stabilization, in the broadest sense, is the alteration of any
inherent property of a soil to improve its engineering performance. The
classification of the methods of stabilization is based on the treatment
given to the soil (for example dewatering, compaction, etc), process
involved (for example thermal, electrical, etc) and on additives
employed (for example, asphalt, cement, etc). The choice of a particular
method depends on the characteristics of the problem on hand. For
studying the effectiveness of a stabilization technique under
investigation, certain standard methods of test are required and these
are being published in parts. This part [IS : 4332 (Part III)] lays down
the method of test for determination of moisture content dry density
relation for stabilized soil mixtures.
0.3 In the formulation of this standard due weightage has been given to
international co-ordination among the standards and practices
prevailing in different countries in addition to relating it to the practices
in this field in this country.
0.4 This edition 1.1 incorporates Amendment No. 1 (August 1983). Side
bar indicates modification of the text as the result of incorporation of the
amendment.
0.5 In reporting the result of a test or analysis made in accordance with
this standard, if the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded
off, it shall be done in accordance with IS : 2-1960*.
1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard (Part III) lays down the method for the determination
of the relation between the moisture content and the dry density of a
stabilized soil mixture. In this test a 2.6 kg rammer falling through a
height of 310 mm (light compaction) or a 4.89 rammer falling through a
height of 450 mm (heavy compaction) is used.
*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised ).
3
IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967
2. TERMINOLOGY
2.1 For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given in
IS : 2809-1972* shall apply.
3. APPARATUS
3.1 Cylindrical Metal Mould — shall conform to IS : 10074-1982†.
3.2 Metal Rammer — shall conform to IS : 9198-1979‡.
3.3 Balance — one of capacity 10 kg, sensitive to 1 g and another of
capacity 200 g, sensitive to 0.01 g.
3.4 Palette Knife — A convenient size is one having a blade
approximately 10 cm long and 2 cm wide.
Figure 1, 2 and 3 deleted
3.5 Steel Straight Edge — about 30 cm in length and having one
bevelled edge.
3.6 Sieves — 50-mm, 20-mm and 4.75-mm IS Sieves conforming to
the requirements of IS : 460 (Part 1)-1978§.
3.7 Large Metal Tray — A convenient size is one about
60 cm × 45 cm and with sides 7 cm deep.
3.8 Mixing Tools — Miscellaneous tools, such as mixing pan, spoon
trowel, spatula, etc, or a suitable mechanical device.
3.9 Apparatus for the determination of moisture content shall be in
accordance with IS : 4332 (Part II)-1967¶.
3.10 Sample Extruder (Optional) — It consists of a jack, lever
frame or other device adopted for the purpose of extruding compacted
specimens from the mould.
4. MARKING
4.1 The cylindrical metal moulds and the metal rammers shall have
firmly attached to them a marking plate bearing the following
information:
a) Manufacturer’s name or trade-mark,
b) Year of manufacture, and
c) Essential dimensions.
*Glossary of terms and symbols relating to soil engineering ( first revision ).
†Specification for compaction mould assembly for light and heavy compaction test for
soils.
‡Specification for compaction rammer for soil testing.
§Specification for test sieves: Part 1 Wire cloth test sieves ( second revision ).
¶Methods of test for stabilized soils: Part II Determination of moisture content of
stabilized soil mixtures.
4
 IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967
4.1.1 The cylindrical metal moulds and the metal rammers may also
be marked with the ISI Certification Mark.
NOTE — The use of the ISI Certification Mark is governed by the provisions of the
Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act, and the Rules and Regulations
made thereunder. Presence of this mark on products covered by an Indian Standard
conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply with the requirements
of that standard, under a well-defined system of inspection, testing and quality control
during production. This system, which is devised and supervised by ISI and operated
by the producer, has the further safeguard that the products as actually marketed are
continuously checked by ISI for conformity to the standard. Details of conditions, under
which a licence for the use of the ISI Certification Mark may be granted to
manufacturers or processors, may be obtained from the Indian Standards Institution.

5. PREPARATION OF SOIL SAMPLE

5.1 Preparation of Sample Passing 20-mm IS Sieve — A
representative sample weighing about 20 kg or more of the thoroughly
mixed material obtained in accordance with IS : 4332 (Part I)-1967*.
5.1.1 The soil sample shall be made to pass through 20-mm and
4.75-mm IS Sieves, separating the fractions retained and passing
these sieves. Care shall be exercised so as not to break the aggregates
while pulverising. The percentage of each fraction shall be determined.
The fraction retained on 20-mm IS Sieve shall not be used in the test.
The percentage of soil coarser than 4.75-mm IS Sieve and the
percentage of soil coarser than 20-mm IS Sieve shall be determined.
5.1.2 The ratio of fraction passing 20-mm IS Sieve and retained on
4.75-mm IS Sieve to the soil passing 4.75-mm IS Sieve shall be
determined. The material retained on and passing 4.75-mm IS Sieve
shall be mixed thoroughly in the determined proportion to obtain
about 16 kg of soil sample.
NOTE — In case of material passing 20-mm IS Sieve and retained on 4.75-mm IS Sieve
is more than 20 percent, the ratio of such material to the material passing 4.75-mm IS
Sieve shall be maintained for each determination in a test. If the coarse material
retained on 4.75-mm IS Sieve is less than 20 percent the sample may be used as such.

5.2 Preparation of Sample Passing 4.75-mm IS Sieve — A

representative sample weighing approximately 16 kg of the thoroughly
mixed material obtained in accordance with IS : 4332 (Part I)-1967*,
shall be taken.

*Methods of test for stabilized soils: Part I Method of sampling and preparation of
stabilized soils for testing.

5
IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967
5.3 Mixing of Water and Stabilizer — Out of the soil sample obtained
as described in 5.1 and 5.2, eight 2-kg samples of stabilized soil shall be
prepared in the manner described in IS : 4332 (Part I) -1967*.

6. PROCEDURE
6.1 The empty mould shall be cleaned, dried, greased lightly on the
inside, if necessary, and weighed to the nearest one gram. The mould
with the collar shall be fitted on to the base plate and placed on a solid
base.
6.2 Water shall be mixed with each of the samples (one sample for
each moisture content) obtained as described in 5 before compaction so
as to give moisture content as follows:
a) Sandy and Gravelly Soils — 7 percent and above in steps of about
1½ percent.
b) Clayey Soils — 10 percent and above in steps of about 3 percent.
6.3 Each of the samples of stabilized soil water mixture shall be
compacted in the desired mould with the desired compactive efforts
using the appropriate rammer as follows:
Type of Size of Number of Number of
Compaction Mould Layers Blows per Layer
 1 000 ml 3 25
Light 
 2 250 ml 3 56
 1 000 ml 5 25
Heavy 
 2 250 ml 5 56
6.3.1 The compaction on each sample shall be completed within 20
minutes of completion of mixing. The blows shall be uniformly
distributed over the surface of each layer. Care shall be taken to keep
the sleeve free from the stabilized soil mixture to ensure a free fall of
the rammer and any lump of soil sticking to the rammer at any stage
shall be removed. Each layer of the compacted stabilized soil mixture
shall be scored with a spatula before putting the stabilized soil mixture
for the succeeding layer. The amount of the stabilized soil mixture
used shall be just sufficient to fill the mould leaving about 5 mm to be
struck off ( see Note ) when the collar is removed. The collar shall then
be removed and the compacted stabilized soil mixture shall be
carefully levelled off to the top of the mould by means of the straight
edge. The mould with the compacted stabilized soil mixture shall then
be weighed to the nearest one gram.
*Methods of test for stabilized soils: Part I Method of sampling and preparation of
stabilized soils for testing.
6
 IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967
NOTE — It is necessary to control the total volume of stabilized soil mixture
compacted, since it has been found that if the amount of soil struck off, after
removing the extension, is too great the test results will be inaccurate.
6.4 The compacted specimen shall be ejected out of the mould, cut in
the middle and a representative soil specimen shall be taken in an
air-tight container from the cut surface. The moisture content of this
representative specimen shall be determined in accordance with
IS : 4332 (Part II)-1967*.
7. CALCULATION
7.1 Soils Stabilized with a Solid Stabilizer
7.1.1 Wet Density — The wet density of the compacted stabilized soil
mixture shall be calculated as follows:
W – Wm 3
Y m = --------------------
- g/cm
1 000
where
Ym = wet density of compacted stabilized soil in g/cm3,
W = weight of mould with moist compacted stabilized soil in
g, and
Wm = weight of empty mould in g.
7.1.2 Dry Density — Dry density of the compacted stabilized soil
mixture shall be calculated as follows:
m
Y ′d = ------------------------- g/cm3
 1 + ---------w'-
 100
where
Y´d = dry density of compacted stabilized soil in g/cm3,
Ym = wet density of compacted stabilized soil in g/cm3, and
w´ = moisture content of the soil plus solid stabilizer (percent).
7.1.3 Air Voids Lines — For determining the air voids lines the
following, formula may be used:
Va
Y w  1 – ----------
100
Y ′d = ----------------------------------
1 w'-
---- + ---------
G 100

*Methods of test for stabilized soils: Part II Determination of moisture content of

stabilized soil mixtures.
7
IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967
where
Y´d = dry density of soil plus solid stabilizer in g/cm3;
Yw = density of water in g/cm3 (=1 g/cm3);
Va = volume of air voids in the compacted stabilized soil
mixture expressed as a percentage of the total volume of
the mixture
w´ = moisture content of the soil plus solid stabilizer, percent;
and
G = combined specific gravity of the soil plus stabilizer
( see [Link] ).
[Link] The combined specific gravity of the soil plus stabilizer ( G )
may be calculated from the following formula:
x-
1 + ---------
100
G = ---------------------------------
1 x -
------- + ------------------
G s 100 G c
where*
x = stabilizer content, expressed as a percentage of the
weight of dry soil;
Gs = specific gravity of the soil particles, determined in
accordance with the method given in IS : 2720 (Part 3/
Sec 2)-1980* and
Gc = specific gravity of the solid stabilizer.
7.2 Soil Stabilized with a Fluid Stabilizer
7.2.1 Wet Density — The wet density of the compacted stabilized soil
mixture shall be calculated as in 7.1.1.
7.2.2 Dry Density — The dry density of the compacted stabilized soil
mixture shall be calculated as follows:
Ym
Y d = -----------------------------
w+s
1 +  -------------
 100 
where
Yd = dry density of compacted stabilized soil in g/cm3,
Ym = wet density of compacted stabilized soil in g/cm3,
w = moisture content of the soil (percent), and
s = the nonaqueous fluid stabilizer content of the soil
( percent ):

*Methods of test for soils: Part 3 Determination of specific gravity, Section 2 Fine,
medium and coarse grained soils ( first revision ).
8
 IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967
7.2.3 Air Voids Line — For determining the air voids lines the
following formula may be used:

Va
Y w  1 – ----------
100
Yd = ---------------------------------
1 w+s
 ------- + -------------
 Gs  100
where*
Yd = dry density of soil in g/cm3,
Yw = density of water in g/cm3 ( = 1 g/cm3 ),
Va = volume of air voids in the compacted stabilized soil
mixture expressed as a percentage of the total volume of
the mixture,
w = moisture content of the soil (percent),
s = the nonaqueous fluid stabilizer content of the soil
( percent ), and
Gs = specific gravity of the soil particles, determined in
accordance with IS : 2720 (Part 3/Sec 2)-1980*.
8. REPORT
8.1 Record of Results — The test results shall be recorded suitably.
A recommended proforma for recording the results is given in
Appendix A.
8.2 Moisture (Dry Density Curve) — The dry densities of the
compacted soil stabilizer mixture obtained in a series of
determinations shall be plotted against the corresponding moisture
contents. A smooth curve shall be drawn through the resulting points.
The dry density corresponding to the maximum point of the curve and
the corresponding moisture content shall also be reported.
8.3 The following shall also be reported:
a) The amount of soil retained on the 20-mm IS Sieve, passing the
20-mm IS Sieve and passing 4.75-mm IS Sieve;
b) The method of obtaining the results namely, light compaction or
heavy compaction; and
c) The amount and type of stabilizer used.

*Methods of test for soils: Part 3 Determination of specific gravity, Section 2 Fine,
medium and coarse grained soils ( first revision ).

9
IS : 4332 (Part III) - 1967

APPENDIX A
( Clause 8.1 )

COMPACTION TEST DATA SHEET

Name of the project Location
Sample reference Height of fall of the rammer
Type of Test : Light/Heavy compaction
Volume of the mould
Weight of the rammer


a) Retained on 20-mm IS Sieve

Percentage of material 

b) Passing 20-mm IS Sieve

 c) Passing 4.75-mm IS Sieve
Ratio of (b) to (c)
Stabilizer used
Quantity of stabilizer used
Specific gravity of the soil
Specific gravity of the stabilizer
Remarks:

Determination No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Weight of mould+
compacted soil-
stabilizer mixture
in g

Weight of mould in g

Weight of compacted
soil-stabilizer mix-
ture in g

Wet density in g/cm3

Average moisture
content percent

Fluid stabilizer con-

tent percent

Dry density in g/cm3

10
Bureau of Indian Standards
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Review of Indian Standards
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Additions’.
This Indian Standard has been developed by Technical Committee : BDC 23

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue
Amd. No. 1 August 1983

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