Test Method Title
Standard Test Method for Rapid Determination of Carbonate Content of Soils
Reference Number
ASTM D4373
Material
Soil
Test Property
Calcium Carbonate Content
Description of Test
This test method is used to determine the presence and quantity of calcium carbonate in a soil specimen. Calcium carbonates are known cementing agents, are water soluble at pH<7, and are soft on the Mohs scale compared to other soil minerals. The calcium carbonate content of soil is determined by treating a 1-g dried soil specimen with hydrochloric acid (HCL) in an enclosed reactor vessel. Carbon dioxide gas is evolved during he reaction between the acid and carbonate fraction of the specimen. The resulting pressure generated in the closed reactor is proportional to the carbonate content of the specimen.
Number of Test Specimens
1
Test Specimen Size
20-30 gram, passing #10 sieve.
Keywords
Calcareous soils, carbonate content, marine soils