These methods cover procedures for determining the soil–cement losses, moisture changes, and volume changes (swell and shrinkage) produced by the repeated freezing and thawing of hardened soil–cement specimens. The specimens are compacted in a mold, before cement hydration, to maximum density at optimum moisture content using the compaction procedure described in AASHTO T 134.

Two methods depending on soil gradation are covered for preparation of material for molding specimens and molding specimens as follows:

• Method A—Using soil material passing the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. This method shall be used when 100 percent of the soil sample passes the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve;
• Method B—Using soil material passing the 19.0-mm (3/4-in.) sieve. This method shall be used when part of the soil sample is retained on the 4.75-mm sieve.