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Calculation and Expression of Results

This document describes procedures for determining the dry density-moisture content relationship of soils through compaction testing. It discusses how to prepare soil samples at different moisture contents, compact them using standardized methods, calculate bulk and dry densities, and plot the results on a graph to find the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. The report of the test should include details of the sample, test method used, data points, density-moisture content curve, and maximum dry density and optimum moisture content values.

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Kevin Tang
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46 views2 pages

Calculation and Expression of Results

This document describes procedures for determining the dry density-moisture content relationship of soils through compaction testing. It discusses how to prepare soil samples at different moisture contents, compact them using standardized methods, calculate bulk and dry densities, and plot the results on a graph to find the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. The report of the test should include details of the sample, test method used, data points, density-moisture content curve, and maximum dry density and optimum moisture content values.

Uploaded by

Kevin Tang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter 4 Standard Test Procedures

Dry Density – Moisture Content Relationship

practice should allow this is most cases. However, and in particular when
testing sandy or gravelly soils, it may be possible to reduce or omit this
requirement altogether. In the latter case, an estimate can be made of the
likely optimum moisture content, and the first sub-sample made up and
compacted immediately at that moisture content, following the procedures in
4.3.5.1 to 4.3.5.8.. The necessary weighings and calculations should be
recorded on the test sheet. The compaction procedure is then repeated on
two further sub-samples, at appropriate moisture contents above and below
the estimated optimum. At this stage an estimate can be made of the dry
densities of the specimens, using the calculated bulk densities and the
assumption that the moisture contents are in fact what they were made up to
be. From this information it can be determined where the three points are
likely to lie on the final moisture content / dry density relationship curve, and
the remaining specimens can then be moistened and compacted accordingly.
This method can achieve reliable results on suitable soils if carefully carried
out.

4.3.6 Calculation and expression of results

4.3.6.1 Calculate the internal volume of the mould. V (in cm3).

4.3.6.2 Calculate the bulk density, ρ (in Mg/m3) of each of the compacted specimens from the
equation

m2 − m1
ρ =
V

where, m1 is the mass of mould and base-plate (in g);


m2 is the mass of mould, base-plate and compacted soil (in g).

Note. Where the height of the compacted soil specimen is the same as the height of
the compaction mould body, e.g. in the case of the 2.5 kg and 4.5 kg rammer
methods, the mould factors can be used to calculate the bulk density of the
soil as;

 F
ρ = m 2 − m1 x  
 H

In the vibrating hammer test, where the height of the compacted soil specimen may be
different from the height of the compaction mould body the calculation then becomes

m2 − m1 x F
ρ =
H - h

Refer to Part 4.5 and Forms 4.3.1 to 4.3.4.

The dry density ρd of each compacted specimen is then calculated (in kg/m3) using the
formula;

100
Dry density, ρd = ρ x
100 + w

Where, w is the moisture content of the soil.

MAY 2001 Page 4.13


Chapter 4 Standard Test Procedures
Dry Density – Moisture Content Relationship

The determined moisture content should be within 1% of the required moisture content
if the mixing and testing has been carried out correctly.

The graph of dry density vs moisture content is then plotted as in Figure 4.1.1. The
points should be joined by a curve of best fit.

The maximum dry density (MDD) and corresponding optimum moisture content (OMC)
are then determined from the graph. Read off these values to three significant figures.

Note. The maximum on the curve may lie between two points, but when drawing
the curve, care should be taken not to exaggerate its peak.

4.3.6.3 If required, curves corresponding to air void contents can be plotted on the same graph
(see Figure 4.1.1). These are calculated from the equation

Va
1 -
ρd = 100
1 w
-
ρs 100 ρ w

where, ρd is the dry density (in kg/m3);


ρs is the particle density (in kg/m3);
ρw is the density of water (in kg/m3), assumed equal to 1;
Va is the volume of air voids in the soil expressed as a percentage of
the total volume of the soil (equal to 0%, 5%, 10% for the purpose
of the example);
w is the moisture content (in %).

4.3.7 Report. The test report shall contain the following information :

a) the method of test used;


b) the sample preparation procedure, and whether a single sample or separate
samples were used. In the case of stiff, cohesive soil the size of pieces to which the
soil was broken down shall be stated;
c) the experimental points and the smooth curve drawn through them showing the
relationship between moisture content and dry density;
d) the dry density corresponding to the maximum dry density on the moisture content /
dry density curve, reported as the maximum dry density to the nearest 0.01 (in
Mg/m3);
e) the percentage moisture content corresponding to the maximum dry density on the
moisture content / dry density curve, reported as the optimum moisture content to
two significant figures;
f) the amount of stone retained on the 20 mm and 37.5 mm test sieves reported to
the nearest 1% by dry mass;
g) the particle density and whether measured (and if so the method used) or
assumed.

Examples of completed test sheets are given in Forms 4.3.1 to 4.3.4.

In addition to the information above, the test sheets should contain full details of the
sample description and location etc. The operator should sign and date the test sheets.

MAY 2001 Page 4.14

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