College of Engineering and Architecture
CEGTEC1L (Geotechnical Engineering-Laboratory)
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
GROUP NO. 3
List of members
Habana, Karl Vincent M.
Hulipas, Reylle Louise P.
Juan, Genrev B.
Judalena, Raine Jasper M.
Leviste, Rhyan A.
Llaet, Reggis Haven O.
Magat, Monsour K.
Malabanan, Eugene Q.
Maranan, Charles Matthew A.
Marfa, Louigi U.
Submitted to:
Engr. Jonathan L. Argao
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
INTRODUCTION
The Proctor compaction test, named after Ralph Roscoe Proctor, is a fundamental
method in geotechnical engineering for determining the optimal moisture content at which a
given soil type will achieve its maximum dry density. Developed in 1933, Proctor’s test was a
significant advancement in soil mechanics, providing a standardized procedure to simulate
field compaction in a controlled laboratory setting1. Proctor, an engineer with the Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power, sought to address the challenges of soil compaction
in construction projects, particularly for earth-fill dams in California2. His work laid the
foundation for modern soil compaction testing, emphasizing the importance of moisture
content in achieving desired soil densities.
The Standard Proctor Test, as it is known today, involves compacting soil at various
moisture contents into a cylindrical mold using a specified compactive effort. The soil is
compacted in layers, each receiving a set number of blows from a standard weighted hammer
dropped from a specified height. This process is repeated for different moisture contents, and
the dry densities are determined for each. The relationship between dry density and moisture
content is then plotted to establish the compaction curve, from which the maximum dry
density and corresponding optimal moisture content are derived1. This test is standardized
under ASTM D698 and AASHTO T99, ensuring consistency and reliability in soil
compaction assessments1.
Understanding the moisture-density relationship is crucial for geotechnical
engineering applications. The Proctor test helps engineers determine the optimal moisture
content for soil compaction, which is essential for constructing stable and durable structures.
Properly compacted soil provides better load-bearing capacity, reduces settlement, and
minimizes the risk of structural failures. Additionally, controlling moisture content during
compaction helps prevent issues such as soil erosion and water infiltration, which can weaken
the soil over time2. The insights gained from the Proctor test are invaluable for designing and
constructing foundations, roadbeds, embankments, and other critical infrastructure projects.
The objective of this laboratory test is to determine the relationship between moisture
content and the dry density of soil for a specific compactive effort. Compactive effort refers
to the amount of mechanical energy applied to the soil mass. In this experiment, the Standard
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
Proctor Test will be used, guided by Method A. This method involves using soil with less
than or equal to 20% retained on a No. 4 sieve, and the test sample will be soil passing
through a No. 4 sieve. The mold used will have a 4-inch diameter, and the soil will be
compacted in five layers, with each layer receiving 25 blows. The test aims to establish the
moisture-density relationship, which is crucial for understanding how soil behaves under
different moisture conditions and how it affects the stability and load-bearing capacity of soil
structures. This information is essential for geotechnical engineering applications, such as the
construction of foundations, roadbeds, and embankments, ensuring that soils are compacted
to provide maximum stability and prevent structural failures.
OBJECTIVES
The laboratory test is performed to determine the relationship between moisture content and
the dry density of soil for a specific compacted effort. The compactive effort is the amount of
mechanical energy that is applied to the soil mass. For this experiment, the Standard Proctor
Test will be used guided by Method A.
METHOD A
Greater than or equal to
Material 20% retained on no. 4
sieve
For test sample, use soil Sieve No. 4
passing
mold 4” Diameter
No. of Layers 5
No. of blows/layers 25
EQUIPMENT
Molds
-Used to create standardized soil samples for compaction tests. They
guarantee a consistent sample size, which is essential for reliable
findings.
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
Manual rammer
-A tool for compacting soil samples within the molds. It simulates
the compactive effort that soil undergoes in the field.
Extruder
-Used in order to ensure uniform sample dimensions for testing by
extruding dirt through a mold.
Balance
-Provides extremely accurate mass measurements of soil samples
and other materials, which are crucial for determining density and
moisture content.
Drying Oven
-Used to dry soil samples to a constant weight, which is a
prerequisite for precisely figuring out the moisture content.
Mixing pan
-Used for efficient soil mixing, whether dry and wet. This
guarantees that the sample has a uniform distribution of moisture.
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
Trowel
-A handheld tool for spreading and leveling soil samples within the
molds, aiding in the preparation of even layers during the
compaction process.
#4 sieve
-A sieve with 4.75 mm openings used to separate soil particles by
size, ensuring that only suitable soil particles are included in the
test.
Moisture cans
-These are made of either aluminum or stainless steel. Containers
for weighing soil samples both before and after drying in order to
ascertain their moisture content.
PROCEDURE
This section outlines the steps required to efficiently conduct the experiment.
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
1. Sediment pulverizing. Obtain a type of mold that could be used in getting an
adequate amount of air-dried soil. In this case, a 4-inch mold shall be used. Take 5 kg
of the given sample of soil and run it through the #4 sieve.
2. Mold Weighing. After a 5 kg sample of soil has been obtained, the collar should be
removed from the compaction mould that will be used and weighed with the balance.
Record the weight measured for later use.
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
3. Liquid Measurement. After weighing and measurement of the soil sample and
mould, the amount of initial water to be added for the first test is determined. Measure
the appropriate amount of water to be added based on the calculations made.
4. Mixing Process. Once the amount of water is determined, add that amount to the
sample of the soil and mix it very well using the trowel. Keep mixing the mix until the
color of the soil becomes uniform.
5. Soil Compaction. Place the soil in the mould and compact it in layers. The manual
rammer shall be dropped 25 times, which shall be taken at uniform rates, covering the
whole area of the surface. Remove the collar once done.
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
6. Compacted Specimen Weighing. When the sample of the soil is compacted, the
collar of the mould is removed in advance of weighing in the balance. The mass is
recorded and the wet mass of the sample shall be calculated by deducting the weight
of both mould and base.
7. Sample Extruding. Remove the soil in the mold by using a mechanical extruder.
Take the soil moisture content samples from the top and bottom of the specimen. Fill
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
the moisture cans provided with soil and determine the water content. Weight the
moisture can after the drying process. Repeat the steps for trial 2.
COMPUTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS:
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
In this chapter, the data gathered and results obtained from the Standard Compaction
Test experiment are presented. This section provides a comprehensive analysis and
understanding of the data and computations, highlighting the components of the Standard
Compaction Test such as water content and densities. These factors play an essential role in a
soil compaction test, as different water contents result in various capabilities and behavioral
characteristics of the soil. This section also provides an in-depth explanation of the mentioned
factors, which can contribute to further studies, experiments, and various applications in the
geotechnical engineering field.
Table 1. Tabulated Accumulated Data and Calculated Water Content
DESCRIPTIONS TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2
Mass of Empty Moisture Can + Lid 30 g 30 g
Mass of Moisture Can with Lid + Moisturized Soil 83 g 94 g
Mass of Moisture Can with Lid + Dried Soil 68 g 73 g
Mass of Soil Solids 53 g 64 g
Mass of Dried Solids 38 g 43 g
Mass of Pore Water 15 g 21 g
% Water Content 39.47 % 48.84%
Table 1 presents the different masses of the materials used in the experiment. The first
column indicates the components of the equipment/material, the second column shows the
respective masses for the first trial, and the last column shows the respective masses for the
second trial. The masses are measured in grams. In addition, the last row pertains to the
computed water content in percentage form. There is 39.47% water content in trial 1, while
48.84%
Table 2. Tabulated Density Determination
DESCRIPTION TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2
Assumed Water Content, % 39.47% 48.84%
Actual Average Water Content, % 46.93% 86.97%
Mass of Compacted Soil and Mold 5657 g 5222 g
Mass of Mold 4089 g 4089 g
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
Mass of Compacted Soil 1568 g 1133 g
Wet Density 1661.017 kg/m3 1200.212 kg/m3
Dry Density 1190.949 kg/m3 806.377 kg/m3
Optimum Moisture Content 46.93% 86.97%
Max. Dry Density 1307.069 kg/m3 1164.456 kg/m3
Table 2 presents the different factors in the experiment, such as the water content
percentage, soil compacted masses, and their corresponding densities. The second and third
columns show the accumulated data from trials 1 and 2, respectively.
Graph 1. Representation of Moisture Content Against Dry Density in the First Trial.
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MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
Graph 2. Representation of Moisture Content Against Dry Density in the Second Trial.
The graphs represent the relationship between moisture content (X-axis) and dry
density (Y-axis). The first graph corresponds to trial 1, while the second graph corresponds to
trial 2. The graphical representation shows the relationship between the two factors: moisture
content and dry density. In trial 1, which has a lower moisture content than trial 2, the dry
density is greater. This indicates an inverse relationship, where lower moisture content results
in higher dry density. Note that trial 1 has an actual average water content of 46.93%, and
trial 2 has 86.97%, which leads to a max dry density of 1307.069 kg/m³ for trial 1 and
1164.456 kg/m³ for trial 2.
Mass of Solid: 83 - 30 = 53 g
Mass of Dried Solid: 68 - 30 = 38 g
Mass of Pore Water: 53 - 38 = 15 g
Water Content: (15 / 38) x 100% = 39.47%
TRIAL 1:
Wet Density: Compacted Soil / Volume of Mold (944 cm^3 or 9.44 x 10^-4 m^3)
1568 g / 944 cm^3 = 1.661016949 g/cm^3 or 1661.016949 kg/m^3
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
Dry Density: Pd = P / (1 + w)
= 1661.016949 / (1 + 39.47%)
Pd = 1190.949272 kg/m^3
Wsat = (Pw / Pd) - (1 / Gs) Assume: Gs = 2.70
(1000 / 1190.949272) - (1 / 2.70) x 100%
Wsat = 46.92959559% 44.155%
Pd = 1000 / [(39.47% / 100) + (1 / 2.70)] = 1307.069309 kg/m^3
TRIAL 2:
P = 1133 / 944 = 1.200211864 g/cm^3 or 1200.211864 kg/m^3 (A)
Pd = 1200.211864 / (1 + 48.84%) = 806.3772266 kg/m^3 (B)
Wsat = [(1000 / 806.3772266) - (1 / 2.70)] x 100 = 86.97%
Pd = 1000 / [(48.84 / 100) + (1 / 2.70)] = 1164.455639
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
A crucial factor in assessing soil compaction, particularly for geotechnical and
building projects, is the moisture-density relationship. The Proctor test, sometimes referred to
as the Standard Compaction Test, establishes the ideal moisture content (OMC) at which a
particular soil type will reach its maximum dry density (MDD). Understanding how soil
behaves in different moisture conditions and how it affects the stability and load-bearing
ability of soil constructions depends on this relationship.
The findings of the test for the relationship between moisture and density are shown
and explained in this section. To calculate the OMC and MDD, the experiment's data such as
the soil's dry density at various moisture contents will be examined. Along with other
contributing elements including soil type, compaction energy, and moisture distribution, any
trends or variations in the compaction curve will also be investigated. These results will also
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
be discussed in relation to real-world applications in engineering design and field
compaction.
QUESTIONS:
1. How the moisture content and density of the soil affects its properties such as
strength, stiffness, resistance to shrinkage, and imperviousness.
Based on the data from the Standard Compaction Test, moisture content and
dry density significantly influence the properties of soil. As moisture content
increases, dry density initially rises until reaching the Optimum Moisture Content
(OMC), after which it begins to decline. This pattern is crucial because compacted
soil exhibits its greatest strength and stiffness near the OMC. If the soil is too dry,
compaction is insufficient, resulting in poor bonding between particles, which
weakens the soil. Conversely, when the soil is too wet, as seen in Trial 2 where water
content reached 86.97%, the soil's density decreases, reducing its load-bearing
capacity and making it more compressible. Excess moisture also makes the soil more
prone to shrinkage upon drying, particularly in clayey soils, as the evaporation of
water from pore spaces causes significant contraction. Additionally, moisture content
and density affect the soil’s permeability; densely compacted soils with appropriate
moisture levels are less permeable, while overly moist soils become more porous and
permeable as their structure weakens. Therefore, achieving the right balance of
moisture and density is essential for ensuring the soil’s strength, stiffness, and
impermeability.
2. What is the importance of determining the optimum water content? Explain
briefly.
Determining the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) is essential because it
represents the moisture level at which a soil achieves its maximum dry density under
a given compactive effort. This is crucial for maximizing strength, stiffness, and
load-bearing capacity, as soil at OMC reaches its highest possible density, making it
more suitable for supporting construction projects. Additionally, soil compacted at
OMC minimizes future settlement, reducing the risk of uneven foundations and
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MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
structural issues over time. Another key benefit is controlling permeability; soil
compacted at OMC has lower permeability, preventing water infiltration in critical
areas like roadways and foundations. In your experiment, Trial 1, with an OMC of
46.93%, demonstrated a higher maximum dry density (1307.069 kg/m³), highlighting
the importance of identifying this point for optimal soil compaction.
CONCLUSIONS
The standard compaction test, also known as the Proctor compaction test, is used to
determine the ideal moisture content for a soil type's maximum dry density. This test ensures
that soils used in construction, such as foundations, roadbeds, or embankments, are
appropriately compacted to give structural support. By identifying the ideal moisture content,
engineers can ensure that soils are compacted to a level that maximizes stability, reduces
settlement, and prevents structural failures. The Proctor test is particularly important in
large-scale construction projects where the behavior of compacted soils under load needs to
be predictable and reliable. Furthermore, soil compaction also contributes to the prevention of
water infiltration, which can weaken the soil over time, leading to potential structural issues.
In the experiment, the relationship between moisture content and dry density was clearly
demonstrated. Trial 1, conducted with a lower moisture content of 46.93%, resulted in a
higher maximum dry density of 1307.07 kg/m³. In contrast, Trial 2, with a significantly
higher moisture content of 86.97%, produced a lower maximum dry density of 1164.46
kg/m³. As moisture content increases, the soil reaches its Optimum Moisture Content (OMC),
where maximum dry density is achieved, followed by a decline in dry density with further
moisture increases. This pattern is critical in understanding the behavior of soil under
compaction, as seen in Trial 1, where the OMC of 46.93% resulted in a higher maximum dry
density of 1307.069 kg/m³. Conversely, in Trial 2, with an excessive water content of
86.97%, the soil’s dry density decreased, compromising its load-bearing capacity.
These findings highlight the significance of optimizing moisture content during compaction,
as excessive moisture can weaken the soil’s structure, making it more compressible and
permeable. Proper moisture control ensures that the soil reaches its maximum dry density at
OMC, which is essential for enhancing strength, stiffness, and minimizing future settlement.
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
RECOMMENDATION/S:
To improve future experiments, it’s important to ensure that compaction efforts are consistent
across all trials. This can be achieved by applying standardized techniques and equipment to
reduce discrepancies in results. Consistency is vital for accurately determining the
moisture-density relationship, which will lead to more reliable data for analysis.
Also, doing more trials at different moisture levels would help us understand how various
moisture contents impact soil behavior. By collecting more data points, we can create a
clearer picture of the moisture-density curve, which will lead to better predictions for
real-world construction and geotechnical projects. This will make our assessments of soil
compaction more dependable.
Lastly, it's crucial to pay attention to the different types of soils used in experiments. Each
soil type can behave differently under similar moisture conditions, affecting how well it
compacts. Exploring various soil types will provide important insights and help us figure out
how to achieve the best compaction for different construction needs.
Experiment No. 6
MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION (STANDARD COMPACTION) TEST
REFERENCES: Cite properly your references (use APA Style of citation and referencing).
Proctor compaction test. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from
[Link]
Gilson Company. (n.d.). Proctor Compaction Test: A Basic Guide. Retrieved from
[Link]