The Proctor test method, as specified in AASHTO T134 and ASTM D558, continues to play a vital role in design and construction quality control for soil-cement materials. However, neither test method establishes a methodology or standardized protocols to characterize the effects of time delay between cement addition and compaction, also known as compaction delay. Compaction delay has been well documented to have a notably negative effect on compactability, compressive strength, and overall performance of soil-cement materials, but specification tools to address this behavior are not prevalent. This paper aims to demonstrate the extent of compaction delay effects on several soil-cement mixtures used in Mississippi and to present recommended new test method protocols for AASHTO T134 to characterize compaction delay effects. Data presented showed that not all soil-cement mixtures are sensitive to compaction delay, but some mixtures can be very sensitive and lead to a meaningful decrease in specimen dry density. Recommended test method protocols were presented for AASHTO T134 and commentary was presented to provide state Departments of Transportation and other specifying agencies a few examples of how the new compaction delay protocols could be implemented.
