The Atterberg Limits test is a core part of soil classification in geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing. Almost every project involving earthwork relies on accurate Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit (PL), and Plasticity Index (PI) values to determine soil behavior, shrink swell potential, compressibility, and suitability for use as engineered fill.
ASTM D4318 defines the test procedures for LL and PL, but many geotechnical firms still use handwritten worksheets, spreadsheets, and disconnected workflows that slow down reporting and introduce inconsistencies.
Aldoa provides a complete digital workflow for ASTM D4318. Field data flows directly into the lab, LL and PL values are calculated automatically, PI is generated instantly, and results populate seamlessly into boring logs or geotechnical reports. This improves accuracy, consistency, and turnaround.
This article explains ASTM D4318, highlights common workflow challenges, and shows how Aldoa modernizes the full Atterberg Limits process.
ASTM D4318 defines three key properties:
The moisture content at which a soil transitions from a plastic to a liquid state.
The moisture content at which a soil begins to crumble when rolled into threads.
PI is one of the most important indicators of soil behavior. High PI soils tend to be expansive, compressible, and moisture sensitive, while low PI soils behave more like non plastic or granular materials.
These values directly influence:
Given their importance, labs need reliable workflows with consistent documentation.
Traditional approaches often involve:
These issues lead to:
Different technicians use different worksheets.
Spreadsheets with outdated formulas or incorrect cell references create discrepancies.
Lab technicians may not know which samples are coming from the field until they arrive.
Results must be manually typed into boring logs or reports.
Auditors often struggle to match LL and PL values to original samples. Aldoa solves these issues with a connected, standardized workflow.
Aldoa centralizes sample creation, lab work, calculations, and reporting.
Field technicians create soil samples directly inside Aldoa. They capture:
This ensures the lab receives complete and accurate data.
Sample IDs follow the project structure and automatically link to boring logs.
Lab staff see incoming samples instantly. They can sort by:
Aldoa provides a standardized digital ASTM D4318 worksheet. Technicians enter:
All calculations update automatically.
Aldoa automatically computes:
This eliminates spreadsheet variability and ensures consistency.
Supervisors review:
Aldoa stores all edits, entries, and approvals for QA and traceability.
Aldoa generates:
Results flow directly into Aldoa’s boring logs and geotechnical outputs. There is no manual transfer.
Aldoa removes version control issues and formula errors.
Aldoa eliminates lost notes and transcription mistakes.
Aldoa offers a more intuitive geotechnical workflow with direct boring log integration.
Aldoa is easier to adopt and simpler for lab technicians.
Atterberg Limits testing should be reliable, fast, and consistent. Aldoa provides a modern solution that connects field sampling, lab testing, PI calculation, and boring log reporting in one system.
For geotechnical firms that want cleaner workflows and faster turnaround, Aldoa delivers a complete ASTM D4318 solution.