AASHTO T 90

Description / Abstract: The plastic limit of a soil is the lowest moisture content at which the soil remains plastic. The plasticity index of a soil is the range in moisture content, expressed as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil, within which the material is in a plastic state. The plasticity index is calculated as the numerical difference between the liquid limit and plastic limit of the soil.

The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: For the purpose of determining conformance with these specifications, an observed value or a 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.

Two procedures for rolling out soil samples are provided in this method: the Hand Rolling Method and the Plastic Limit Device Method. The Hand Rolling Method shall be used as the referee procedure.

This test method is often conducted in conjunction with T 89, which is used to determine the liquid limit of soils.