Session 4

The laboratory test generally used to obtain the maximum dry unit weight of
Soil Compaction compaction and the optimum moisture content is called the Proctor
compaction test (Proctor, 1933)
In this session we will discuss the following:
 Laboratory compaction test to develop the specifications for the
field compaction.  Standard Proctor Test
 Field compaction procedures and the selection of compaction  Modified Proctor Test
equipment.
 Empirical relationship to estimate the maximum dry density/unit
weight of soil based on laboratory compaction tests. Factors Affecting Compaction
 Procedures to determine the degree of compaction in the field.
 Effect of compaction on the geotechnical properties of fine-grained  Effect of Soil Type
soils.  Effect of Compaction Energy
Lecture:

Compaction—General Principles Empirical Relationships

Compaction, in general, is the densification of soil by removal of air, which
requires mechanical energy. The degree of compaction of a soil is measured
in terms of its dry unit weight. When water is added to the soil during Omar, et al.
compaction, it acts as a lubricant between the soil particles. The soil particles Omar, et al. (2003) presented the results of modified Proctor compaction tests
slip over each other and move into a densely packed position. on 311 soil samples. Of these samples, 45 were gravelly soil (GP, GP-GM,
When the moisture content is gradually increased and the same compactive GW, GW-GM and GM), 264 were sandy soil (SP, SP-SM, SW-SM, SW, SC-
effort is used for compaction, the weight of the soil solids in a unit volume SM, SC, and SM), and two were clay with low plasticity (CL). All compaction
gradually increases. For example, at � = �1 , the moist unit weight is equal to tests were conducted using ASTM 1557 method C. Based on the tests, the
following correlations were developed.
� = �2
�� 2 0.5
However, the dry unit weight at this moisture content is given by �� max = [4,804,574�� − 195.55 �� + 156,971 �#4 − 9,527,830]0.5
�3
−4 2 −5
ln ���� = 1.195 � 10 (��) − 1.964�� − 6.617 � 10 �#4 + 7.651
��(�=�1) = ��(�=0) + ∆��
Where
Beyond a certain moisture content � = �2 ,
any increase in the moisture content tends to ��(max) = maximum dry density
reduce the dry unit weight. The moisture
content at which the maximum dry unit ���� = optimum moisture content (%)
weight is attained is generally referred to as
�� = specific gravity of soil solids
the optimum moisture content.
LL = liquid limit, in percent
R#4 = percent retained on No. 4 sieve

Mujaba et al. E = compaction energy (kN.m/m3 )

Mujaba et al. (2013) conducted laboratory compaction tests on 110 sandy soil For modified Proctor test, E = 2700 kN/m3
samples (SM, SP-SM, SP, SW-SM and SW). Based on the test results, the
following correlations were provided for �� max and OMC (optimum moisture Osman et al.
content): Osman et al. (2008) analyzed a number of laboratory compaction test results
�� on fine grained (cohesive) soil, including those provided by Gurtug and
�� max = 4.49 � log �� + 1.51 � log � + 10.2 Sridharan (2004). Based on this study, the following correlations were
�3
developed:
log ��� % = 1.67 − 0.193 � log (�� ) − 0.153 � log (�)
���� % = (1.99 − 0.165 ln �)(��)
Where
��
�� max = � − ����� (%)
�� = uniformity coefficient �3
� = compaction energy (kN.m/m ) 3 Where

Patra et al. � = 14.34 + 1.195 ln �

For granular soils with less than 12% fines (i.e., finer than No. 200 sieve), � =− 0.19 + 0.073 ln �
relative density may be a better indicator for end product compaction
specification in the field. Based on laboratory compaction tests on 55 clean
sands (less than 55 finer than No. 200 sieve), Patra et al. (2010) provided the ���� = optimum water content (%)
following relationships
PI = plasticity index (%)
�� = ��50 −�
��(max) = maximum dry unit weight (kN/m3)
� = 0.216 ln � − 0.850
E = compaction energy (kN/m3)
� =− 0.03 ln � + 0.306
Matteo et al.
Where
Matteo et al. (2009) analyzed the results of 71 fine-grained soils and provided
�� = maximum relative density of compaction achieved with the following correlations for optimum water content (���� ) and maximum dry
compaction energy E (kN/m3 unit weight [��( max ) ] for modified Proctor tests (E = 2700 kN.m/m3)
�50 = median grain size (mm) ��
���� % =− 0.86 �� + 3.04 + 2.2
��

Gurtug and Sridharan ��

�� max = 40.316 ���� −0.295 ��0.032 − 2.4
�3
Gurtug and Sridharan (2004) proposed correlations for optimum moisture
content and maximum dry unit weight with the plastic limit (PL) of cohesive
soils. These correlations can be expressed as:
Where
���� % = [1.95 − 0.38( log �)](��) LL = liquid limit (%)
�� PI = plasticity index (%)
�� max = 22.68�−0.0183����(%)
�3
�� = specific gravity of soil solids
Where
PL = plastic limit (%)
Field Compaction Examples:
Most compaction in the field is done with rollers. There are four common
types of rollers:
For a sand with 4% finer than No. 200 sieve, estimate the maximum relative
1. Smooth-wheel roller (or smooth-drum roller) density of compaction that may be obtained from a modified Proctor test.
2. Pneumatic rubber-tired roller Given �50 = 1.4mm. For modified Proctor test, � = 2696 kN. m/m3 . USE Patra
3. Sheepsfoot roller et. al. equation
4. Vibratory roller

Solution

Specifications of Field Compaction

In most specifications for earth work, one stipulation is that the contractor
must achieve a compacted field dry unit weight of at least 90 to 95% of the
maximum dry unit weight determined in the laboratory by either the standard
or modified Proctor test. This specification is, in fact, for relative compaction R,
which can be expressed as
��(�����)
� % = � 100
��(���−���)

In the compaction of granular soils, specifications are sometimes written in

terms of the required relative density D, or compaction. Relative density
should not be confused with relative compaction.
�� ����� − �� min −��� �� max −���
�� =
�� max −��� − �� min �� �����

For a silty clay soil given �� = 43 and �� = 18 . Estimate the maximum dry The in situ moisture content of a soil is 18%and the moist unit weight is 16.5
unit weight of compaction that can be achieved by conducting a modified kN/m3 . The specific gravity of soil solids is 2.75. This soil is to be excavated
Proctor test. Use Osman et al equations. For modified Proctor test, � = and transported to a construction site for use in a compacted fill. If the
2696 kN. m/m3 . specifications call for the soil to be compacted to a minimum dry unit weight of
16.27 kN/m3 at the same moisture content of 18%, how many cubic meters of
soil from the excavation site are needed to produce 7651 m3 of compacted fill?
Solutions How many 178 kN truckloads are needed to transport the excavated soil?
 A proposed embankment fill requires 3500 m3 of compacted soil. The void
ratio of the compacted fill is specified as 0.65. Four borrow pits are available,
as described in the following table, which lists the respective void ratios of the
soil and the cost per cubic meter for moving the soil to the proposed
construction site. Make the necessary calculations to select the pit from which
the soil should be bought to minimize the cost. Assume �� to be the same at
all pits
Borrow pit Void ratio Cost (S/��)
A 0.85 9
B 1.2 6
C 0.95 7

Laboratory compaction test results on a clayey soil are listed in the table. A sample of soil compacted according to the Standard Proctor Test has a unit weight
of 20.63 kN/�3 at 100% compaction and at the optimum water of 14%. Assume that
Moisture content (%) Dry unit weight (kN/��) the solid matter has a specific gravity of 2.67.Determine the dry unit weight of soil.
6 14.80 Determine the volume of air. Determine the dry unit weight of zero air voids.
8 17.45
9 18.52
11 18.9
12 18.5
14 16.9

Following are the results of a field unit weight determination test on the same
soil with the sand cone method:
 Calibrated dry density of Ottawa sand = 1570 kg/m3
 Calibrated mass of Ottawa sand to fill the cone = 0.545 kg
 Mass of jar + cone + sand (before use) = 7.59 kg
 Mass of jar + cone + sand (after use) = 4.78 kg
 Mass of moist soil from hole = 3.007 kg
 Moisture content of moist soil = 10.2%
Determine
a. Dry unit weight of compaction in the field
b. Relative compaction in the field