Shrinkage Limit Set

Shrinkage Limit Set

The Shrinkage Limit Test is part of the Atterberg Limits methods used to understand the properties of cohesive soils. It determines the water content at which further moisture loss no longer reduces the soil's volume. This test is conducted using specialized shrinkage limit apparatus.

ASTM now recommends the updated D4943 method as an alternative to the withdrawn D427, which relied on mercury for volume measurements. The updated procedure involves coating the soil pat in melted wax before immersing it in water to calculate its mass and volume.

Shrinkage limit tests are typically performed on soil samples also prepared for liquid and plastic limit tests. A soil specimen with moisture content higher than the liquid limit is placed in a shrinkage dish, leveled off with a straightedge, and oven-dried. After drying, the soil pat is coated in wax, and its volume is determined through water immersion and weight measurements.

The Shrinkage Limit Set includes all necessary components to perform the test:

Features:

• Determines shrinkage limits of cohesive soils as part of the Atterberg Limits
• Utilizes melted wax for soil pat immersion
• Complies with ASTM D4943 standards

Included Items:

• 15mL Monel Shrinkage Dish
• Spatula (4 x 0.75in blade)
• Glass Calibration Plate
• Fine Thread for suspending the soil pat
• Tube of Petroleum Jelly for dish calibration

Additional Equipment:

• Wax Melting Pot (sold separately): 2qt (1.9L) capacity, with a thermostat for 50°–250°F (10°–120°C). Requires 600 Watts, 115V/60Hz.
• Microcrystalline Wax (available in 5lb/2.3kg quantities)

Specifications:

• Monel Shrinkage Dish Capacity: 15mL
• Spatula Dimensions: 0.75 x 4 in (19 x 102mm) WxL

Standards Met:

• ASTM D4318
• ASTM D4943