EXPERIMENT # 3

COMPACTION TEST
Job
To determine the maximum dry density at optimum moisture content for a given soil sample
by standard and modified Proctor Test.

Reference
ASTM D698: Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil
Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3(600 kN-m/m3))

ASTM D1557: Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil
Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-m/m3))

Objective of the experiment

Soil placed as engineering fill (embankments, foundation pads, road bases) is compacted to a
dense state to obtain satisfactory engineering properties such as, shear strength,
compressibility, or permeability. Also, foundation soils are often compacted to improve their
engineering properties. Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for determining the
percent compaction and water content needed to achieve the required engineering properties,
and for controlling construction to assure that the required compaction and water contents are
achieved.

Apparatus

Mold
Manual rammer
Extruder
Balance
Drying oven
Mixing pan
Trowel
#4 sieve
Moisture cans
Graduated cylinder
Straight edge

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Related Theory
Density of soil
Density is simply the ratio of weight (mass) and volume. For soils, following different types
of densities are used,

Bulk Density, =

Dry Density, =

Density of soilds, =

Standard and Modified Tests

The differences between Standard and Modified Proctor Tests can be understood from the
following figures.

Optimum Moisture Content

The moisture content at which the dry density of a sample is maximum or optimum is known
as the Optimum Moisture Content.

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From the sample result of a compaction test given, it can be observed that the dry density
increases with increase in moisture content till maximum dry density is achieved at optimum
moisture content. After this the dry density starts to decrease with further increase in moisture
content.
Relative Compaction
Relative compaction or degree of compaction is given as
=

100

Where
= In-situ density
= Maximum density achieved in field
Relative Density
Relative density of free draining, granular materials is given as
=

( )
100
( )

Where
= Minimum density achieved in field
Procedure
1. Determine the mass and volume of the mold without collar and with or without base
plate.

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2. Sieve the soil using # 4 sieve and divide it into at least 4 (preferably 5) specimens.

3. Use approximately 2.3 kg or 5.9 kg (4 in or 6 in mold respectively) of soil for each

specimen.

4. Prepare the specimens by adding moisture contents such that they bracket the
estimated optimum moisture content.

5. Moisture content should be varied by about 2% but not exceeding 4%, so that to get at
least two specimens dry and two specimens wet of optimum.

6. Assemble and secure the mold and collar to the base plate. Compact the soil in 3 or 5
layers as required giving 25 blows per layer using the appropriate rammer. The top
surface of the sample should not extend more than in into the collar.

7. After compacting the sample remove the collar and strike off the excess soil with a
straight edge. Any holes left in the surface should be filled with the trimmed soil and
pressed with fingers.

8. Take the mass of the mold and the compacted soil with or without the base plate.
9. Remove the material from the mold and take a specimen for moisture content
determination.

10. Following compaction of the last specimen, compare the wet unit weights to ensure
that a desired pattern of obtaining data on each side of the optimum water content will
be attained for the dry unit weight compaction curve. Plotting the wet unit weight and
water content of each compacted specimen can be an aid in making the above
evaluation. If the desired pattern is not obtained, additional compacted specimens will
be required.

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Analysis

Determine the moisture content of each specimen by oven drying method.

Calculate the bulk density (unit weight) and subsequently the dry density (unit weight) of
each specimen using the following formulas respectively

(+ ) 9.81
1000
=

1+

Where
= Bulk density (KN/m3)
+ = Mass of mold + compacted soil (Kg)
= Mass of mold (Kg)
= Volume of mold (m3)
= Dry density (KN/m3)
= Moisture content from oven drying method
a) Plot the results of both standard and modified tests on a graph with moisture content
as abscissa and dry density (unit weight) as ordinate.

Test Results
Optimum Moisture Content = 12.5 %
Maximum Dry Density = 1.86 (g/cm3)
Comments
This moisture content is used for the compaction of subgrade or subbase/base in the field.
95% of Maximum Dry Density is achieved in field.

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OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

COMPACTION TEST

Moisture Content determination

Standard Proctor Test

Specimen Number
Can Number
Weight of empty can + lid, W1
Weight of can + lid + moist soil,
W2
Weight of can + lid + dry soil,
W3
Weight of soil solids, WS

1
3
7.78

2
4
7.71

3
5
7.5

4
6
8.1

5
7
7.7

11.78

10.71

10.7

11.1

10.3

11.48

10.41

10.3

10.70

10.02

3.70

2.7

2.84

2.60

2.32

Weight of pore water, WW

0.29

0.30

0.40

0.40

0.4

Moisture Content, w

7.9

11.1

12.5

15.3

17.6

Dry Density determination

Standard Proctor Test

Volume of mold, V =944 cm3

Specimen Number
Mass of mold,

1
1933

2
1933

3
1933

4
1933

5
1933

Mass of mold + soil, +

3457.2

3721.2

3909.0

3782.5

3715.2

Bulk density,

1.615

1.894

2.093

1.959

1.888

Dry density,

1.50

1.71

1.86

1.69

1.61

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2
1.9
1.8

Dry Density

1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
0

10

12

14

16

18

20

Moisture Content

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