Soil compaction test is a vital test that determines the strength, density and compatibility of soil when disturbed. The process is the mechanism where the soil retains its mechanical stress and density. Generally, soil is a made of small particle and small spaces covered by water and air. When soil is subjected to stress, the soil mass and density degreases. The process causes densification and redistribution that causes the soil structure disfiguration. There are various ways a soil can be subjected to high mechanical densification. The involved methods include kneading, static and dynamic applications. The results of the test are to accurately measure the quantification of the changed soil mass by weighing the soil’s dry unit.
Advantages of Soil Compaction Test
The compaction process is a crucial engineering application that applies during the formation and design of structures such as pavements, earth dams, embankments and other support foundations. The procedure is useful in increasing the soil strength by decreasing the compressibility and permeability of the soil. The rate of the needed compaction test degree is determined by the soil property and the water content in the soil. A successful soil compaction procedure subjects the soil to utmost maximum dry unit of the soil moisture content at an optimum moisture content level. For compressibility, water is added to dry soil to optimally act as a lubricant. The lubrication allows the soil particles to relatively slide on each other to create a denser result configuration.
The Standard Proctor Soil Compaction Test
This test type is one of the common soil compaction tests used by many field engineers. The performance of the procedure is done to derive soil compressibility during structures construction. The test mainly focusses on generating samples of the moisture content derived from specific standard soil volume. The test derives the optimum water content to provide energy during the compaction procedures. The proctor compaction test involves cylindrical mold where the collected soil sample is compacted in three layers. The compression process involved dropping a 2.5kg weight item for about 25 times elevating from a 30 centimeter height. The test is conducted to accurately obtain the ideal soil optimum water content.
Compaction Test Procedure
- The compaction test is among the easiest and effective tests to perform. The tests involve:
- Collect a substantial amount of soil sample and pass the content through a sieve to form a fine grained soil.
- Accurately weigh the mass of the fine-grained soil while adding it to the mixer. Gradually add water to the sample soil to reach the ideal moisture content.
- Take off the sample and mold the content to form 3 or 5 layers. The layers activate the compaction process by expressing at least 25 blows on each layer. It is advisable for the user to lubricate the machine before making the drops.
With utmost care take off the collar and gently trim the edges to form a straight soil edges. Accurately weigh the molded content and extrude the mold to form a line. Measure the moisture content o
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