AASHTO T288-12 (2016) - Deternmining Minimum Laboratory Soil Resistivity

Standard Method of Test for
Determining Minimum
Laboratory Soil Resistivity
AASHTO Designation: T 288-12 (2016)

Technical Section: 1a, Soil and Unbound Recycled Materials
Release: Group 3 (August)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

444 North Capitol Street N.W., Suite 249
Washington, D.C. 20001
--`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Copyright American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Provided by IHS Markit under license with AASHTO Licensee=WSP USA/5960396001, User=Stergiopoulos, Stavros
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale, 07/10/2019 04:58:43 MDT
Standard Method of Test for
Determining Minimum
Laboratory Soil Resistivity
AASHTO Designation: T 288-12 (2016)

Technical Section: 1a, Soil and
Unbound Recycled Materials
Release: Group 3 (August)
1. SCOPE
1.1. This test method covers the laboratory determination for the minimum resistivity of a soil.
1.2. The principal use of this test method is to determine a soil’s corrosivity and thereby identify the
conditions under which the corrosion of metals in soil may be sharply accentuated. This standard
is divided into two parts. The first part involves obtaining and preparing the sample to size for
testing, and the second part describes the test method for determining the minimum laboratory
soil resistivity.
Note 1—When less than 5 percent of a material passes the No.10 sieve, this test method may not
be indicative of the corrosion potential of the material.
1.3. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1. AASHTO Standards:
 M 231, Weighing Devices Used in the Testing of Materials
 R 76, Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
 R 90, Sampling Aggregate Products
2.2. ASTM Standards:

 E11, Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
 E29, Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance
with Specifications
PART I—INITIAL PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLES
3. SCOPE
3.1. This method covers the dry preparation of soil and soil–aggregate samples, as received from the
field, for soil resistivity determination.
--`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,
TS-1a T 288-1 AASHTO

Provided by IHS Markit under license with AASHTO © 2018 by the American Association of State Highway
Licensee=WSP and Transportation
USA/5960396001, Officials.
User=Stergiopoulos, Stavros
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
All rights reserved. Duplication Not
is aforviolation of applicable law.
Resale, 07/10/2019 04:58:43 MDT
3.2. The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: for the purpose of determining
conformance with these specifications, an observed value or calculated value shall be rounded off
“to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting value, in
accordance with ASTM E29.
4. APPARATUS
4.1. Balance—The balance shall have sufficient capacity and be readable to 0.1 percent of the sample
mass, or better, and conform to the requirements of M 231.
4.2. Drying Apparatus—Any suitable device capable of drying samples at a temperature not exceeding
60°C (140°F).
4.3. Sieves—A series of the following sizes: 6.3 mm (1/4 in.), 4.75 mm (No. 4), 2.00 mm (No. 10), and
pan as required for preparing the sample for the minimum soil resistivity test. The sieves shall
conform to ASTM E11 (see Note 2).
4.4. Pulverizing Apparatus—Either a mortar and rubber-covered pestle or any device suitable for
breaking up the aggregations of soil particles without reducing the size of the individual grains of
soil (see Note 3).
4.5. Sample Splitter—A suitable riffle sampler or sample splitter for proportional splitting of the
sample and capable of obtaining representative portions of the sample without appreciable loss of
fines. The width of the container used to feed the riffle sampler splitter should be equal to the total
combined width of the riffle chutes. Proportional splitting of the sample on a canvas cloth is
also permitted.
Note 2—The sieve sizes that have an opening size of 6.3 mm (1/4 in.) or larger shall conform to
the requirements specified in ASTM E11, excluding column No. 7. This exclusion permits the use
of heavier screens in nonstandard frames that are larger than the 203.2 mm (8 in.) round frames.
Note 3—Other types of apparatus are satisfactory if the aggregations of soil particles are broken
up without reducing the size of the individual grains.
--`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
5. SAMPLE SIZE
5.1. The amount of soil material required to perform the minimum soil resistivity test is as follows
(see R 90):
Sieve Size
Test Approx Mass (g) Finer Than:
Resistivity 1500 2.00 mm (No. 10)
6. INITIAL PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLES

6.1. The sample as received from the field shall be dried in air or a drying apparatus not exceeding
60°C (140°F). A representative test sample of the amount required to perform the minimum soil
resistivity test shall then be obtained with the sampler, or by splitting or quartering. The
aggregations of soil particles shall then be broken up in the pulverizing apparatus until the
aggregation of soil particles is separated into individual grains in such a way as to avoid reducing
the natural size of the individual particles (see Note 4).

Resale, 07/10/2019 04:58:43 MDT
Note 4—Samples dried in an oven or other drying apparatus at a temperature not exceeding 60°C
(140°F) are considered to be air dried.
6.2. The portion of the dried sample selected for minimum soil resistivity testing shall be separated
into fractions by one of the following methods:
6.2.1. Alternate Method Using 2.0-mm (No. 10) Sieve—The dried sample shall be separated into two
fractions using a 2.00-mm sieve. The fraction retained on the sieve shall be ground with a
pulverizing apparatus until the aggregations of the soil particles are broken into separate grains.
The ground soil shall then be separated into two fractions using the 2.00-mm sieve.
6.2.2. Alternate Method Using 4.75-mm and 2.00-mm (No. 4 and No. 10) Sieves—The dried sample shall
first be separated into two fractions using a 4.75-mm sieve. The fraction retained on this sieve
shall be ground with a pulverizing apparatus until the aggregations of soil particles are broken into
separate grains and again separated on the 4.75-mm sieve. The fraction passing the 4.75-mm sieve
shall be mixed thoroughly and, by the use of the sampler or by splitting and quartering, a
representative portion adequate for testing shall be obtained. This split-off portion shall then be
separated on the 2.00-mm sieve, and processed as in Section 6.2.1.
6.2.3. Alternate Method Using 6.3-mm and 2.00-mm ( 1/4 in.- and No. 10) Sieves—The dried sample shall
first be separated into two fractions using a 6.3-mm sieve. The fraction retained on this sieve shall
be ground with a pulverizing apparatus until the aggregations of soil particles are broken into
separate grains and again separated on the 6.3-mm sieve. The fraction passing the 6.3-mm sieve
shall be mixed thoroughly and, by the use of the sampler or by splitting and quartering, a
representative portion adequate for testing shall be obtained. This split-off portion shall then be
separated on the 2.00-mm sieve, and processed as in Section 6.2.1.
PART II—MINIMUM SOIL RESISTIVITY DETERMINATION
7. SCOPE
7.1. This method covers the laboratory procedure for determining the minimum resistivity of soil
samples. The values obtained from this method are relatable to the corrosion potential that a soil
may exhibit.
8. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

8.1. Resistivity Meter—An alternating current (AC) meter or a 12-V direct current (DC) meter utilizing
a Wien Bridge (AC bridge) with a phase sensitive detector and a square wave inverter that
produces a nominal alternating signal at 97 Hz (see Note 5).
8.2. 100-, 200-, 500-, and 900-ohm resistors with a 1 percent tolerance.
8.3. Soil Box—See Figures 1 and 2.
8.4. 2.00-mm (No. 10) sieve conforming to the requirements of ASTM E11.
8.5. Mixing Pans (noncorrosive; e.g., stainless steel, plastic).
8.6. Graduated cylinder, 100-mL capacity.

--`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Resale, 07/10/2019 04:58:43 MDT
8.7. Distilled water or deionized water that has a resistivity greater than 20 000 (ohm) × (cm).
8.8. Straightedge, 305 mm (12 in.) length.
Note: All dimensions are shown in millimeters.
Figure 1—Soil Box for Laboratory Resistivity Determination (not to scale)
TS-1a T 288-4 --`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

AASHTO
Resale, 07/10/2019 04:58:43 MDT
Note: All dimensions are shown in millimeters.
Figure 2—Soil Box for Laboratory Resistivity Determination (not to scale)
9. CALIBRATION OF RESISTIVITY METER

9.1. Calibrate resistivity meter (follow manufacturer’s instructions):
9.1.1. Zero the resistivity meter by clamping the two leads together, and adjusting the meter
(if necessary).
9.1.2. Connect the leads of the resistivity meter to the 100-ohm resistor and read the meter. Repeat this
process with the 200-, 500-, and 900-ohm resistors.
9.1.3. If the readings are within 10 percent of the resistance of the resistor, the meter is
functioning satisfactorily.

--`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Resale, 07/10/2019 04:58:43 MDT
10. SOIL RESISTIVITY DETERMINATION
10.1. Select the material for testing in accordance with R 76 and separate on a 2.00-mm (No. 10) sieve.
Approximately 1500 g of the material passing the 2.00-mm (No. 10) sieve will be required
for testing.
10.2. Add 150 mL of distilled water to the prepared soil. Mix the sample thoroughly and cover the test
sample with a damp cloth and allow the sample to stabilize until equilibrium has been reached, or
allow to cure a minimum of 12 h.
10.3. Zero the meter as per manufacturer’s instructions.
10.4. Clean the soil box thoroughly with distilled water.
10.5. Thoroughly mix and place the sample in the soil box in layers and compact (moderate compaction
with the fingers is sufficient). Trim off the excess material with the straightedge.
10.6. Measure the resistance and calculate the resistivity of the soil in accordance with the instructions
furnished with the meter and record the test value.
10.7. Remove and retain the soil from the box, add 100 mL of distilled water to the sample, and mix
thoroughly. Clean the soil box with distilled water prior to performing the next test.
10.8. Repeat the process of placing, compacting the soil in the box, then measure the resistance and
calculate the soil resistivity (see Note 6).
10.9. Repeat the steps in Sections 10.4 to 10.8 until a minimum value can be determined.
10.10. The minimum value is used for computing the minimum soil resistivity and reporting (see Note 7).
11. REPORT
11.1. The minimum soil resistivity value determined above should be reported in units of (ohm) × (cm).
11.2. The minimum soil resistivity utilizing the typical soil box is:
minimum soil resistivity  minimum reading ( ohms )  × [ 6.67 cm ]
= (1)
(See Note 8.)
Note 5—Most resistance meters without an inverting circuit allow the sample under test to
polarize during measurement causing the reading to vary (i.e., drift).
Note 6—In some soils, the minimum soil resistivity occurs when the specimen is in a slurry
condition. When this occurs, it is necessary to thoroughly mix the soil slurry and then pour the
slurry water into the soil box until full. If the soil box doesn’t reach its capacity with the addition
of the slurry water, add just enough of the mixed soil into the box until the soil box is filled; then
take the reading.
Note 7—The minimum soil resistivity can occur at any moisture content.
Note 8—Multiplying constant for each soil box is derived by:
surface area of one electrode cm 2 ( ) (2)
cm 2
measured average distance between electrodes ( cm
= ) = cm
cm
TS-1a
--`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
T 288-6 AASHTO
Resale, 07/10/2019 04:58:43 MDT
Typical soil box:
15.24 cm × 4.445 cm (3)
= 6.67 cm
10.16 cm
The soil box may be constructed of either 6.4- or 12.7-mm (1/4- or 1/2-in.) acrylic plastic. If other
size soil boxes are used, it will be necessary to determine the correct multiplier. It should also be
noted that it may be necessary to prepare extra soil for testing to fill the soil box.
12. PRECISION AND BIAS

12.1. Data not available at this time.
13. KEYWORDS
13.1. Corrosion potential; corrosivity; resistivity; soil corrosion.
--`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Resale, 07/10/2019 04:58:43 MDT

AASHTO T288-12 (2016) - Deternmining Minimum Laboratory Soil Resistivity

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

AASHTO T288-12 (2016) - Deternmining Minimum Laboratory Soil Resistivity

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Standard Method of Test for

AASHTO Designation: T 288-12 (2016)

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Copyright American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

AASHTO Designation: T 288-12 (2016)

1.3. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

2.2. ASTM Standards:

PART I—INITIAL PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLES

TS-1a T 288-1 AASHTO

6. INITIAL PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLES

TS-1a T 288-2 AASHTO

PART II—MINIMUM SOIL RESISTIVITY DETERMINATION

8. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

8.3. Soil Box—See Figures 1 and 2.

8.5. Mixing Pans (noncorrosive; e.g., stainless steel, plastic).

8.6. Graduated cylinder, 100-mL capacity.

TS-1a T 288-3 AASHTO

8.8. Straightedge, 305 mm (12 in.) length.

Note: All dimensions are shown in millimeters.

Figure 1—Soil Box for Laboratory Resistivity Determination (not to scale)

TS-1a T 288-4 --`,``,`,,,`,,`,````,,```,,,,```-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Figure 2—Soil Box for Laboratory Resistivity Determination (not to scale)

9. CALIBRATION OF RESISTIVITY METER

TS-1a T 288-5 AASHTO

Copyright American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

10.3. Zero the meter as per manufacturer’s instructions.

10.4. Clean the soil box thoroughly with distilled water.

12. PRECISION AND BIAS

TS-1a T 288-7 AASHTO

You might also like