PROCTOR TEST
The Proctor test, also known as the Proctor Compaction Test, is a
laboratory method used to determine the optimum moisture content
at which a soil type achieves its maximum dry density. This is
important for ensuring the stability and strength of soils in
construction projects.
PURPOSE OF PROCTOR TEST
The purpose of the Proctor test is to determine the optimum
moisture content at which a soil will achieve its maximum dry
density. This helps to ensure that the soil is properly compacted for
construction projects, thereby increasing the stability and bearing
capacity of the soil.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR PROCTOR TEST
The tools required for a Proctor test include
1. Mould: Standard cylindrical mould to hold the soil sample.
2. Hammer: A weighted hammer used to compact the soil in the mould.
3. Scale: To accurately measure the mass of the soil sample.
4. Oven: For drying soil samples to determine moisture content.
5. Moisture content container: Small containers used to hold soil samples for
moisture analysis.
6. Straightedge: Used to level the compacted soil in the mould.
7. Mixing tools: Such as a mixing bowl and water sprayer for preparing soil
samples at different moisture contents.
20 kg capacity balance, accuracy ± 5 g
200 g precision balance, accuracy ± 0.1 g
ADDTIONAL INFORMATION
The table below summarizes the conditions for each test, depending on the
mold selected
(Standard NF P 94-093)
Masse de la Hauteur de Nombre de coups Nombre Energie de
dame (Kg) chute (cm) par couche de Compactage
couches Kj/m3
Essai Proctor 2.490 30.50 25 (moule Proctor) 3 587
normal
55 (moule CBR) 3 533
Essai Proctor 4.540 45.70 25 (moule Proctor) 5 2680
modifié
55 (moule CBR) 5 2435
CALCULATIONS
PROCTOR NORMAL and Proctor mould :
V proctor mould = 948 cm3
1 2 3
m 1368.07706 1524.58887 1582.89908
γ 14.157 15.7766 16.38
γd 12.87 13.37 13
w 10 18 26
Compaction curve
13.5
13.4
13.3
13.2
13.1
13
12.9
12.8
12.7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
KN
γ d max =13.37 3
m
w opt =18 %
PROCTOR NORMAL and CBR mold :
V mould CBR = 2,296 cm3
1 2 3
m 3561.58516 3875.03948 3924.99445
γ 15.2174 16.55668 16.77012
γd 13.834 14.273 13.746
w 10 16 22
Compaction curve
14.4
14.3
14.2
14.1
14
13.9
13.8
13.7
13.6
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
KN
γ d max =14.273 3
m
w opt =16 %
PROCTOR MODIFIED and Proctor mould
V proctor mould = 948 cm3
1 2 3
m 1535.23817 1646.21505 1663.53223
γ 15.8868 17.0352 17.2144
γd 14.71 15.21 14.84
w 4 12 20
Compaction curve
15.4
15.3
15.2
15.1
15
14.9
14.8
14.7
14.6
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
KN
γ d max =15.21 3
m
w opt =12 %
PROCTOR MODIFIED and CBR mold :
V mould CBR = 2,296 cm3
1 2 3
m 3900.28612 4237.20832 4321.93563
γ 16.66455 18.1041 18.46611
γd 15.871 16.31 15.783
w 5 11 17
Compaction curve
16.5
16.4
16.3
16.2
16.1
16
15.9
15.8
15.7
15.6
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
KN
γ d max =16.31 3
m
w opt =11%
CONCLUSION
In summary, the Proctor test is essential for determining the
optimum moisture content at which the soil achieves its
maximum dry density. By performing this test, engineers can
ensure proper soil compaction, which is critical to the stability
and strength of construction projects. The results help to make
informed decisions about soil preparation and compaction
methods, ultimately leading to safer and more durable
structures.