Basic requirement for Soil compaction test
Typically, tests are conducted in order to figure out
the optimal moisture content in the soil. Proctor test and field test are the
basic requirements for soil compaction test. These tests are actually carried out
to check the maximum density of the soil. We take a good look at some of the
basic requirements for soil compaction tests.
Procter test - Proctor test involves collecting a small quantity of
soil sample from the jobsite. A standard load is dropped over several repetitions
on the sample soil. Finally the soil is weighed and then oven-dried for at
least 12 hours to examine the water content. This test is used to determine the
maximum density of soil and it also evaluates the effects of moisture on soil
density. Soil reference value is indicated as a percentage of density and these
values are determined before carrying out any soil compaction process. Modified
proctar values are quite high since they consider higher density ranges
required for certain construction projects.
Sand Cone Test – A small hole 6x6 inches deep is dug on the job site
in order to test the soil compaction. The soil is first removed, weighed and dried
and weighed once more to calculate the moisture content. Moisture of the soil
is recorded as a percentage for later comparisons. Filling up the dry sand with
jar and cone equipment can determine the particular volume of the hole. Dry
weight of the removed soil is divided by the amount of sand that is required to
fill the hole. It indicates the density of the compacted soil in lbs per cubic
foot. Further the acquired density is compared to the earlier obtained maximum
procter density that indicates the relative density of the soil that was
compacted.
Nuclear density – Nuclear density test is a relatively rapid and
error-free method for calculating the density and moisture content of the soil.
The meter makes use of the radio isotope source at the soil surface generally
by a backscatter or from a probe directly placed into the soil. The isotope
source, cesium 187 gives off photons or gamma rays which are emitted back to
the meter detectors at the bottom surface of the unit. Denser soil is likely to
absorb more radiation than loose soil and the reading reflects the entire
density. This permits recording of water also in a short time.
Comments
Post a Comment