Engineering Geology & Geomechanics

Compaction Test
Determine the max. Dry density and optimum
moisture content
Introduction:
It is necessary to compact the soil for better result of aggregate used for the construction of roads
and highways. It is better to compact the soil to achieve the maximum strength to resist the
traffic loads. A famous scientist named Proctor in 1933 developed a laboratory compaction test
procedure to find the maximum dry density of compacted soils, which can be further utilized for
the standard and specification called for field compaction. This test is called as the Standard
Proctor Compaction Test. This test is based on complete compaction of soil fraction passing # 4
sieve. Stability of dams and other massive structures mainly depend on the compactness of soil.
For constructing all massive structure it is ensure that the strata on which structure is being
constructed can bear the all applied load. Better compaction of soil leads to less settlement in the
soil strata. Frost damage is also prevented by doing a soil compaction to a required degree.
Hydraulic conductivity is also being reduced. To determine the maximum dry density achieved
field test are performed. Now a days many different methods are being used for the
determination of dry density such as nuclear test, sand cone test, ballon densometer.
Each method had its own advantages and disadvantages. But accuracy of result must be ensured
to get better result and to achieve maximum dry density. Soil are the ideal surface on which
massive and safe structure can be build, but only if the soil is in compacted state. Bridges,
Buildings, roads, highways and other construction projects need the soil should be stable and
have sufficient strength to withstand all structural loads. Soil which is fully compacted is more
resistant to water infiltration, erosion. By using large vibrators and rollers, soil can be fully
compacted to create an ideal construction surface to ensure safety.
 Aim:
Determine the maximum dry density of the soil by using the standard compaction effort and
also determine the optimum moisture content.
Method:
The diameter of the Proctor compaction mold and hammer is 4 and the height is 4.584. The
inner volume of the mould is 1/30 ft3 and the height of fall of the hammer is 12.
Following are the steps performed during the compaction test,

1. Take some reasonable quantity of air dry soil and break the soil lumps to get a uniform and
homogeneous soil and sieve the soil through #4.
2. Add some water to the #4 sieve soil and mix thoroughly.
3. Determine the weight of the Proctor Mold + base plate and expressed as W1.
4. Now Pour the moist soil in the mould and compact it in three equal layers. Apply 25 strokes of
standard proctor hammer. After three-layer compaction, the soil should extend slightly above the
top of the rim of the compaction mold.
5. Remove the extension carefully.
6. Trim all the excess soil in the mould with a straight blade.
7. Determine the weight of the Proctor Mold + base plate + compacted moist soil and expressed as
W2.
8. Now remove the base plate from the mold. Clean out the whole mould by thronging the
compacted soil or collect it in some dustbin
9. Take some quantity of compacted soil to determine the moisture content of the soil and
determine its mass and expressed as W3.
10. From the moist soil extruded in previous step, add some water in a moist sample in a moisture
can and determine the mass of moist soil + can, and expressed as W4.
11. Place the moisture can with soil in the oven to dry to determine the moisture content.
12. Now add more water to the moist soil.
13. Repeat the above steps. In this process, the weight of the mold + base plate + moist soil W2
will first increase in some trial and after that the weight will decrease. When the weight
decreases then stop the experiment and determine the moisture content of the soil.
Result and analysis:
Table 1: Data Sheets Water Contents

Sample No. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Water can number 15011 15015 15013 15010 15016 15014

Mass of empty, clean can 119.7 117.8 118.6 116.9 115.8 118.4
(g)
Mass of can, and moist soil 1405 1478.3 1506 1393.7 1574 1573.2
(g)
Mass of can, and dry soil 1265.3 1309.5 1313.3 1200.2 1343.3 1310.6
(g)
Mass of soil solids (g) 1145.6 1191.7 1194.7 1083.3 1227.5 1192.2

Mass of water (g) 139.7 168.8 192.7 193.5 230.7 262.6

Water content, w (%) 12.1945 14.1646 16.1296 17.8621 18.7943 22.0265

Table 2: Data Sheets Soil Density

1 2 3 4 5 6
Compacted Soil - Sample no.

Average water content, w (%)

12.1945 14.1646 16.1296 17.8621 18.7943 22.0265

Mass of compacted soil and

mould (g) 6168.7 6248.7 6027.2 6302.5 6296.6 6001.1

Mass of mould (g)

4281.8 4303.8 4045.5 4281.8 4303.8 4045.5
1886.9 1944.9 1981.7 2020.70 1992.80 1955.60
Wet mass of soil in mould (g)

1.99 2.06 2.09 2.14 2.11 2.07

Wet density, , (g/cm3)

1.78 1.80 1.80 1.81 1.77 1.69

Dry density, d , (g/cm3)
Diameter of mould = 4
Height of mould = 4.584
Volume of mould = 944 cm3

Graph:

Proctor Dry Density

1.84
1.82
Dry Density (gm/cm3)

1.80
1.78
1.76
1.74
1.72
1.70
1.68
5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Water Content (%)

From graph it is obvious that the,

Maximum dry density = 1.82 approximately
Optimum moisture content = 17.5%
Conclusion:
The soil tested under proctor compaction test has maximum dry density of 1.82 g/cm3 and has
optimum moisture content of 17.5%.
Answer the following Questions:

Q1:
What are the objectives and benefits of performing compaction in the field?

Ans:
It increases the shear strength and bearing capacity of the soil strata. It reduces settlement by
increasing stiffness and also reduces potential frost heave, thats why compaction is necessary in
field. Compaction of soil is necessary for all heavy construction works or for roads and highways
construction.
Q2:
What factors affect soil compaction?

Ans:

Following are the factors which affect the soil compaction,

Types of soil
Nature of soil
Water content at compaction in field
Site condition i.e. layer thickness, weather condition
Compactive effort for soil
 References

1- Laboratory testing soil manual of Australian standard AS 1289 3.1.1-2009.

2- ASTM standard of soil testing manual
3- Introduction to soil mechanics by Braja M. Das