Experiment No.

1. Objective(s):
The activity aims to introduce the concept of compaction and the relationship of moisture content to the dry unit
weight of the soil.
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
• Connect the significance of compaction test in other properties of soil.
• determine the relative density of soils by compaction test.
• describe the use of water in relation to the dry density of the soil.
3. Discussion:
Soil Compaction is generally the cheapest method of improving the engineering properties of the soil. In
compaction, the soil solids are forced to a tighter state in order to achieve a higher unit weight and reduce the
air voids.
The process of compaction is better understood by comprehension of the behavior of a soil mass
under compaction. In a dry condition, the frictional resistance of the soil would resist granular rearrangement;
therefore, the compacting force is not quite effective. Introduction of a lubricant such as a predetermined amount
of water is mixed, would then be absorbed by soil particles, forming minutely thin and coherent water films
around the particles. In this condition, the soil particles will readily move closer together under the compacting
pressure due to the lubricating effect of water and reduced frictional resistance. When a certain amount of
water, called the optimum, has been added, the compacting force completely overcomes the frictional
resistance and maximum density of the soil mass is attained.
4. Resources:
1. Compaction mold and hammer
2. Moisture sprayer
3. No. 4 sieve
4. Rubbed tipped pestle
5. Scoop
6. Spatula
7. Large mixing pan
8. Balance
9. Drying oven
5. Procedure:
1. Weigh the empty mold.
2. Obtain a 6 lb. representative specimen of the soil sample to be tested. Break sample with the use of
rubber pestle and pass through No. 4 sieve.
3. Form a 2 to 5-inch layer using the soil passing though No. 4 sieve.
4. Press soil until it is smooth and compact it with a specific number of evenly distributed blows of the
hammer, using a one-foot drop. Rotate the hammer to ensure a uniform distribution of blows.
5. Repeat the same procedure for the second and third layers seeing to it that a uniform distribution of
blows.
6. After compaction of the third layer the soil should be slightly above the top rim of the mold.
7. Remove the collar and trim off the soil from the top of the mold. Tart trimming along the center and work
towards end of the mold.
8. After the soil has been made even with the top of the mold and all base soil cleaned from the outside,
weigh the cylinder sample.
9. Remove the soil from cylinder and obtain a sample for a water content determination. The water content
sample should be made up with specimens from the top and bottom of the compacted soil.
10. Break up by hand then removed from the cylinder and remix with the original sample and raise its water
content by 3% by adding water to the sample with sprayer. Mix the soil thoroughly. By weighing the
sprayer before and after the spraying, the amount of water added is known.
11. Keep repeating the procedures for 5 times until soil is sticky. Use 3% approximate water content.
12. Compute dry density of each sample and plot the compaction curve. Determine the Optimum Moisture
Content of the sample.

Course: CE510 Experiment No.: 1

Group Name: 4 Section: CE52FA1
Group Members: Date Performed:
1. AMILO, JASMIN A. Date Submitted:
2. CORONADO, CHRISTINE G. Instructor: Engr. Rhonnie Estores
3. FRANCISCO, JOHN DAVID G.
4. MIRANDA, ANGELICA
5. MOGPO, BENJAMIN
6. TUBANG, MA. PATRICIA
 6. Data and Results:
Determination of Optimum Moisture Content
Description Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Weight of mold 6491 6220g 6907g
(Wm)
Weight of mold +
compacted soil 10298g 10233g 9879g
(Wm+s)
Weight of
compacted soil 4785g 4245g 4680g
(Ws)
Volume of Mold 2168.85cc 2168.85cc cc 2168.85cc

wt wt wt
Wt of tin cup 64 g 63 g 62 g
(Wc)
Wt. of tin cup +
123 g 127 g 125 g
Wet Soil (Wc+ws)
Wt. of tin cup
and dry soil 144 g 121 g 145 g
(Wc+dc)
Wt. of dry soil
129 g 112 g 130 g
(Wds)

Water content 7.752% 29.46% 14.615%

Dry Unit weight

Optimum
Moisture
content

Water content
For Trial 1:

𝑊𝑤 139 𝑔 − 129 𝑔
𝑤= = × 100 = 𝟕. 𝟕𝟓𝟐%
𝑊𝑠 129 𝑔

For Trial 2:

𝑊𝑤 145 𝑔 − 112 𝑔
𝑤= = × 100 = 29.46 %
𝑊𝑠 112 𝑔
For Trial 3:

𝑊𝑤 149 𝑔 − 130 g
𝑤= = × 100 = 14.615%
𝑊𝑠 130 g

Dry Unit weight

For Trial 1:
𝛾
𝛾𝑑 = = =
1 + 𝑤 1 + 0.2606

For Trial 2:
𝛾
𝛾𝑑 = = =
1 + 𝑤 1 + 2.7174

For Trial 3:
𝛾
𝛾𝑑 = = =
1 + 𝑤 1 + 3.1972

Optimum Moisture content

Compaction Curve
7. Conclusion:

In conclusion, the aim of this experiment is to achieved a more resistant compact soil by the use of
compact mold and hammer and compacting it layer by layer. In getting the water content too much moisture leaves
water-filled voids and subsequently weakens the load-bearing ability. The highest density for most soils is at a
certain water content for a given compaction effort. In drying the soil in the oven the drier the soil the more resistant
it is to compaction effort.

PHOTOS: