G3 (S1) Standard Proctor Test

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY GEOTECHNIC LABORATORY

LABORATORY REPORT
COURSE CODE BNP 20903/ SOIL MECHANIC AND FOUNDATION
EXPERIMENT CODE & TITLE EXPERIMENT 4/ STANDARD PROCTOR COMPCTION TEST
EXPERIMENT DATE 07/03/2019
SECTION/GROUP NO. SECTION 1 (GROUP 3)
1. TAN WEE YEK (AN170239)
2. NORFAZIRA BINTI KASIM (AN170086)
GROUP MEMBERS 3. NUR LIYANA SYAHIRA BINTI SAAT (AN170191)
4. NURAZLIN BINTI JEFFI (AN170026)
5. RASHIDAH BINTI ABU BAKAR (AN170032)
LECTURER/ INSTRUCTOR Dr. TUAN NOOR HASANAH BINTI TUAN ISMAIL
SUBMISSION DATE 13/03/2019
RECEIVED DATE AND STAMP
TOTAL MARK (FROM RUBRIC

ASSESSMENT)
TABLE OF CONTENT
BIL CONTENTS PAGES
1.0 OBJECTIVE 1
2.0 LEARNING OUTCOME 1
3.0 INTRODUCTION 1
4.0 THEORY 2
5.0 TEST EQUIPMENTS 3-6
6.0 PROCEDURE 7-10
7.0 RESULT AND CALCULATION 11-16
8.0 DATA ANALYSIS 17
9.0 DISCUSSION 18
10.0 QUESTIONS 19-20
11.0 CONCLUSION 21
12.0 REFERENCES 21
13.0 APPENDICES 22-23

1.0 OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between maximum dry density and optimum moisture content.
2.0 LEARNING OUTCOME

At the end of this experiment, students are able to:
 Understand the relationship between dry density and moisture content for a given degree
of compactive effort
 Understand the moisture content for the most efficient compaction.
 Obtain the maximum dry density can be achieved for particular type of soil.
3.0 INTRODUCTION
For construction of highways, airports, and other structures, it is often necessary to compact soil
to improve its strength. Proctor (1933) developed a laboratory compaction test procedure to
determine the maximum dry density of compaction of soils, which can be used for specification
of field compaction. This test is referred to as the Standard Proctor Compaction Test and is based
on the compaction of the soil fracture passing No. 4 sieve.
1
4.0 THEORY
Compaction of soil the process by which the solid particles are packed more closely together by
mechanical means, thus increasing the dry density, Markwick, 1994. It is achieved through the
reduction of the air voids in the soil. At low moisture content, the soil grain is surrounded by a
thin film of water, which tends to keep the grains apart even when compacted. In addition of
more water, up to certain point, more air to be expelled during compaction. At the point, soil
grains become as closely packed together as they can, that is at the dry density is at its maximum.
When the amount of water exceeds the required to achieve this condition, the excess water begin
to push particles apart, so the dry density reduced. The moisture content at which the greatest
value of dry density achieved for the given compaction effort is the optimum moisture content,
(OMC), and the corresponding dry density is the maximum dry density (MDD) as shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 1: Relationship between dry density ( ) against moisture content (w) for difference
types of soil.
2
5.0 TEST EQUIPMENTS
1. Cylindrical metal mould, internal dimensions 105mm diameter and 115.5mm high.
(Fitted with a detachable and removable extension collar).
Figure 2: Cylindrical mould
2. Standard proctor hammer with 50mm diameter face weighing 2.5kg, sliding freely in a
tube which controls the height of drop to 300mm
Figure 3: Proctor hammer
3. Measuring cylinder; 200ml or 500ml (better)

Figure 4: Measuring cylinder
3
4. Sieve no. 4 (4.75mm) and receiver.
Figure 5: Sieve
5. Large metal tray
Figure 6: Large metal tray
6. Balance sensitive up to 0.1g.
Figure 7: Balance sensitive up to 0.1g
7. Balance sensitive up to 0.01g.
4
Figure 8: Balance sensitive up to 0.01g
8. Rubber hammer.
Figure 9: Rubber hammer
9. Small tools: scoop or garden trowel and brush
Figure 10: Scoop or garden trowel and brush

10. Drying oven, 105°C and other equipment for moisture content determination.
Figure 11: Drying oven
5
11. Distilled water
Figure 12: Distilled water machine

Figure 13 shows the equipment used for the compaction test
Extension collar
Pins to form catch for collar
Cylindrical mould
Base plate
Standard proctor hammer
(weight 2.5kg)
Figure 13: Equipment used for the compaction test

6.0 PROCEDURE
1. The mould, base plate, extension collar and hammer to be used was verified.
2. The mass of cylindrical mould + base plate (not extension) was determined in gram. The
internal diameter (D)mm and length (L) mm was measured and the mean dimension was
calculated. The internal volume of the mould(V)mm3 was calculated.
3. The mould assembly was placed on a solid base which is a concrete floor.
4. The empty metal tray and 3 kg of soil sample B that has been through sieving process
was measured.
5. 5% of water(450ml) was added to 3kg of soil sample B as shown in figure 1.
6
Figure 14 : 450ml of water added to soil sample B
6. Then, we mixed the soil sample B and water as shown in figure 2.
Figure 15 : The soil sample and water was mixed

7. The moist soil was poured in 3 equal layers which mean we compact each layer
uniformly by applying 27 blows of hammer dropping from the controlled height of
300mm based on figure 3. The sequence as shown in figure 4 has been followed.
Figure 16 : Hammer dropping from the controlled height
8. After finish 27 blow of hammer, the extension was removed from cylindrical mould
carefully.
7
9. Using a straight edge, the excess soil was trimmed above the mould as shown in figure 5.
Any cavities resulting from removal of stones at the surface should be filled with fine
material.
Figure 16 : The trimmed process of excess soil
10. The mass of the mould + base plate + compacted moist soil in the mould,m 2was
measured.
11. The base plate was removed from the mould. The compacted moist soil cylinder was
extruded from the mould using a hammer as shown in figure 6.
Figure 17 : The compacted moist soil extruded from mould

12. From the moist soil extruded measurement the moisture content (w) :
(a) The mass of moisture can was determined as m3 (g).
(b) Three represented samples was taken into moisture can as shown in figure 7.
(c) The mass of can + moist soil was determined as m 4 (g) as shown in figure 8. This
must be done immediately before the soil dry out. The average of three measurements
is w n(%).
(d) The moist can with moist soil was placed in the dry oven to dry to a constant weight.
8
Figure 18 : The three represented soil sample
Figure 19 : The mass of can + moist sample
13. The rest of compacted material was break and the remainder of prepared sample in the
tray was mixed. Increment of water was added approximately 3% of the water(90ml) to
the soil sample B.
14. Steps 6-13 was repeated until successive decreased readings are obtained.
15. On Sunday, the mass of the moisture cans + soil samples, m5 (g) was determined. The
moisture content supposed to be taken after 24 hours.
9
7.0 RESULT AND CALCULATION
A : TEST CRITERIA
No. of layer :3 Rammer mass : Soil Description : Sample No.:

3.0 kg Light brown silty clay
Blows per layer : No. of separate Sample preparation :
27 batch : 15 Air dried and riffled
B : DENSITY CALCULATION VOLUME OF CYLINDER = 995.79 cm3
Measurement No. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Mass of cylinder mould = 428.4 428.4 428.4 428.4 428.4
m1 (g)
Mass of Cylinder mould + 2042.48 2070.96 2122.28 2236.05 2211.83
moist soil = m2 (kg)
Soil mass, m3 =m1 – m2 (g) 1614.08 1642.56 1693.88 1807.65 1783.43
Bulk density, (g/cm3) 1.6209 1.6495 1.7010 1.8152 1.7909
10
Bulk density
( cmg )= volume
3
mass
2042.428.4
¿
995.79
g
¿ 1.6209
cm3
C: MOISTURE CONTENT
(% water = 15%)
Measurement No. 1 (1) (2) (3)
Mass of cylinder mould = m3 11.01 10.07 10.70
(g)
Mass of Cylinder mould + 25.24 25.97 25.55
moist
soil = m4 (g)
Mass of cylinder mould + dry 23.42 23.98 23.64
soil = m5 (g)
Moisture content, w (%), 14.67 14.34 14.76
Average moisture, w% 14.59
(% water = 18%)
(g)
moist
11
soil = m4 (g)
soil = m5 (g)
(% water = 21%)
(g)
moist
soil = m4 (g)
soil = m5 (g)
(% water = 24%)
(g)
moist
12
soil = m4 (g)
soil = m5 (g)
(% water = 27%)
(g)
moist
soil = m4 (g)
soil = m5 (g)
m 4−m5
moisture content , w ( % )= × 100
m 5−m3
25.24−23.42
¿
23.42−11.01
¿ 14.67 %
total moisture content , w ( % )

Average moisture content , w ( % )=
3
13
14.67+14.34+14.76
¿
3
¿ 14.59 %
D : DRY DENSITY CALCULATION (USE ACTUAL VOLUME OF CYLINDER)
Measurement No. 1(15%) 2(18%) 3(21%) 4(24%) 5(27%)

Average moisture , w 14.59 16.92 18.58 21.71 25.36
(%)
Dry density (g/cm3) 1.414 1.41 1.434 1.491 1.428
Bulk density (g/cm3) 1..6209 1.6495 1.701 1.8152 1.7909
Dry density ( g /cm3 ) =Bulk density ¿ ¿ ¿

1.6209
¿
14.59
1+
100
¿ 1.414 g/ cm3
E) ZERO AIR VOID UNIT WEIGHT
Measurement No 1 (15%) 2 (18%) 3 (21%) 4 (24%) 5 (27%)
Average moisture, w 14.59 16.92 18.58 21.71 25.36

(%)
14
Zero air void unit 1.96 1.88 1.82 1.71 1.62
weight (0%), Ɣ sat
(g/cm³)
weight (5%), Ɣ sat
(g/cm³)
weight (10%), Ɣ sat
(g/cm³)
Unit weight of water

Zeroair void unit weight ( g /cm3 ) = ( 1−A υ )
w ( %) 1
+
100 specific gravity of soil solid
0,998 0
¿ (1− )
14.59 1 100
+
100 2.75
¿ 1.958 g /cm3
Zeroair void unit weight ( 5 % ) ¿
0,998 95
¿
14.59
+
1
1−(100 )
100 2.75
¿ 0.0979 g/cm3
Unit weight of water

Zeroair void unit weight (10 %) ( g /cm3 )= ( 1− Aυ )
w (% ) 1
+
100 specific gravity of soil solid
0,998 90
¿
14.59
+
1
1−(100 )
100 2.75
¿ 0.1958 g/cm3
15
8.0 DATA ANALYSIS
Graph of Dry Density Against Moisture Content with Air Voids Line at 0%, 5% and
10%
2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
Dry Density, g/cm3
1.2
1.1
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Moisture Content,%
dry densities 0% air void 5% air void 10% air void
16
Figure 20 : Proctor Curve
Based on the graph,
Optimum Moisture Content = 21.71%
Maximum Dry Density = 1.491 g/cm3
9.0 DISCUSSION
The Proctor Compaction test is a laboratory method of experimentally determining the optimal
moisture content for a given soil by pressing the soil particles together into a close state of
contact with air being expelled from the soil mass in the process. R.R. Proctor (1933) was the
first to develop a method of assessing compacted fill that has since become a universal standard
and the test is known as standard proctor test. [ CITATION San16 \l 17417 ]
In this experiment, we need to prevent some error that can occur while performing this
test. The most noticeable error is human error. The one who compact each layer by blowing
could have miss counted while using the hammer or the blows are not uniformly distributed over
the surface of each layer. Also, there could be a miss calculation for the desired water content.
Another source of error could be from the measurement error. Bias errors arise either because
tare weights are ignored or because of an offset calibration of the appropriate curve.
The optimum water content is the water content that results in the greatest density for a
specified compactive effort. However, compacting at water contents higher than the optimum
water content may results in a relatively dispersed soil structure that is weaker, more ductile, less
porous, softer, more susceptible to shrinking, and less susceptible to swelling than soil
compacted dry of optimum to the same density. [ CITATION SMP12 \l 17417 ]. The procedure is
repeated with 18%, 21%, 24% and 27% of water contents to establish a relationship between the
dry unit weight and the water content for the soil.
At the end of the test, after removing and drying of the sample, the dry density and the
water content of the sample is determined for each Proctor compaction test. Based on all of the
results, a curve is plotted for the dry unit weight (or density) as a function of the water content.
From this curve, the maximum dry density can be obtained from the peak point of the
compaction curve and its corresponding moisture content, which also known as the optimal
moisture content. At very high moisture contents, the maximum dry density is achieved when the
soil is compacted to nearly saturation, where (almost) all the air is driven out. If all the air of soil
could be expelled by compaction, the soil would become fully saturated or the soil is at zero air
voids condition. [ CITATION San16 \l 17417 ]
17
10.0 QUESTION
1. What principles and process involved in soil compaction?
The objective of compaction is to achieve maximum possible dry density of the compacted soil.
The degree of compaction of soil is measured by its unit weight and optimum moisture content.
The soil is stiff in low water content. However as water content increase, the dry density of soil
will also increase and will reach an optimum moisture content which the dry density of soil is
maximum and will decease when water level is beyond the optimum moisture content.
2. Why does the dry unit weight of the moist soil first increase with an increase in moisture
content and then decrease?
At low water content, the soil is stiffs and particle offer resistance to come closer, resulting in
low dry density. As the water content is increased, water forms a lubricating film around
particles causing them to be compacted to a closer state of contact resulting in higher dry density.
The dry density increases with increase in the water content until maximum dry density (MDD)
is reached. At this stage, the soil particles come to the closest possible state of contact. On
increase of water content beyond or exceed the optimum moisture content (OMC), the volume of
soil does not decrease further by compaction and water starts to occupy additional space causing
an increase in the volume of voids and the total volume,and resulting in a decrease in dry
density. (Trisha B,nd)
3. How compaction process can be accomplished in the field?

Process:
 Selection of Fill material and Borrow area

The local soil sources are survey and samples are collected and tested. The relative suitability of
different soils is determined and suitable borrow area is selected based on the suitability of soil,
availability in required quantity, the cost of compensation for using the borrow area, and the cost
of transportation. Once the basic properties such as grain size analysis and index properties are
18
determined, the soil can be classified as per IS – 1498-1970 that also gives the relative suitability
for compaction. Compaction tests are conducted on the selected soil to determine the OMC
(Optimum Moisture Content) and MDD (Maximum Dry Density). The OMC (Optimum
Moisture Content) and MDD (Maximum Dry Density) serve as a guide for developing
compaction specifications to be achieved in the field.(Trishna,nd)
 Selection of Field Compaction Equipment

There are many types equipment that can be used for compaction depend on the type or
characteristic of soil.
 Smooth wheel roller

Smooth wheel rollers are suitable for proof rolling subgrades and for finishing operation of fills
and provide a contact pressure of 30-40 t/m2 with 100% coverage under the wheels. They are
effective in compacting soils in thickness of 20-30 cm and are not efficient for thicker layers.
They are suitable only for cohesionless soils. (Gopal,2018)
 Sheep’s Foot Rollers
Sheep’s foot rollers consist of hollow drums with a large number of projections called shanks or
sheep’s foot. These shanks have areas of 25-75 cm2 for each projector. During rolling, these
shanks pierce into the soil giving a high contact pressure of 150-750 t/m2resulting in most
effective compaction of cohesive soils. (Trishna,nd)
 Tampers
Small hand-operated or machine-driven tampers can be used for compacting small areas of
cohesive soils. They are similar in principle to the rammers used in laboratory compaction test
and can be effectively and economically used compared to other compaction equipment.
(Trishna,nd)
 Compaction of soil in the field

Compaction equipment can efficiently compact the soil up to a limited depth. Hence, the fills or
embankments are compacted in several layers, called lifts. If lift thickness is too large, soil at the
top of the lift will be well compacted whereas that at the bottom will not be compacted
completely. For most compaction equipment, lift thickness should be of the order of 15 cm. The
soil from the borrow area is transported and spread in several layers. Each layer is compacted by
passing the roller over the soil required number of times. About 10-15 passes of the roller are the
most efficient and economical ways to achieve MDD during compaction. After this, the next
layer of loose soil is spread and compacted. The procedure is repeated until the required height
19
of the fill, embankment, or earth dam is reached. Water content should also closely monitor
during compaction. (Trishna,nd)
4. In soil compaction test, if a test result exceeds 100%, should engineers accept the result?
The result is acceptable. But as an engineer, they need to determine the load bearing requirement
of the specific soil and characteristic of the soil. However, over compaction of soil may lead to
reduction in soil strength parameters.
11.0 CONCLUSION
Compaction of soil is an important process as it can prevent the settlement of the superstructure.
The maximum dry density and optimum moisture level that we get in this experiment is 1.491
g/cm3 and 21.71%. The proctor test was carried out successfully and obtained the curve that
satisfies the objectives. From this experiment, we have clearly identified the relationship between
the dry density and the moisture content of a soil.
12.0 REFERENCES
Geiger, O. (2012, June 30). Proctor Soil Compaction Test. Retrieved from Natural Building
Blog: http://www.naturalbuildingblog.com/proctor-soil-compaction-test/
Gopal. (2018). Different Types of Soil Compaction Equipments-Type of Rollers:
https//theconstructor.org/geotechnical/soil-compaction-equipments-roller-types/9389/
S.M.P.M, P. (2012, January 6). Soil Mechanics. Retrieved from ACADEMIA:
https://www.academia.edu/3793451/PROCTOR_COMPACTION_TEST
Sanduni. (2016, September 23). Proctor Compaction Test. Retrieved from SCRIBD:
https://www.scribd.com/document/325057082/proctor-compaction-test
Trishna.B (nd). Compaction of Soil: Definition, Principle and Effect:

https://www.soilmanagementindia.com/soil/soil-compaction/compaction-of-soil-
definition- principle-and-effect-soil-engineering-13769
20
Trishna.B (nd).Field Compaction of Soil: 4 Procedures:
https://www.soilmanagementindia.com/soil/soil-compaction/field-compaction-of-soil-4-
procedures-soil-engineering/13786
13.0 APPENDICES
21
22
23

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FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY GEOTECHNIC LABORATORY

COURSE CODE BNP 20903/ SOIL MECHANIC AND FOUNDATION

EXPERIMENT CODE & TITLE EXPERIMENT 4/ STANDARD PROCTOR COMPCTION TEST

EXPERIMENT DATE 07/03/2019

SECTION/GROUP NO. SECTION 1 (GROUP 3)

1. TAN WEE YEK (AN170239)

2. NORFAZIRA BINTI KASIM (AN170086)

GROUP MEMBERS 3. NUR LIYANA SYAHIRA BINTI SAAT (AN170191)

4. NURAZLIN BINTI JEFFI (AN170026)

5. RASHIDAH BINTI ABU BAKAR (AN170032)

LECTURER/ INSTRUCTOR Dr. TUAN NOOR HASANAH BINTI TUAN ISMAIL

SUBMISSION DATE 13/03/2019

RECEIVED DATE AND STAMP

TOTAL MARK (FROM RUBRIC

2.0 LEARNING OUTCOME 1

5.0 TEST EQUIPMENTS 3-6

6.0 PROCEDURE 7-10

7.0 RESULT AND CALCULATION 11-16

8.0 DATA ANALYSIS 17

10.0 QUESTIONS 19-20

13.0 APPENDICES 22-23

2.0 LEARNING OUTCOME

Figure 2: Cylindrical mould

Figure 3: Proctor hammer

3. Measuring cylinder; 200ml or 500ml (better)

5. Large metal tray

Figure 6: Large metal tray

6. Balance sensitive up to 0.1g.

Figure 7: Balance sensitive up to 0.1g

7. Balance sensitive up to 0.01g.

Figure 9: Rubber hammer

9. Small tools: scoop or garden trowel and brush

Figure 10: Scoop or garden trowel and brush

Figure 11: Drying oven

Figure 12: Distilled water machine

Figure 13: Equipment used for the compaction test

Figure 15 : The soil sample and water was mixed

Figure 16 : Hammer dropping from the controlled height

Figure 16 : The trimmed process of excess soil

Figure 17 : The compacted moist soil extruded from mould

Figure 19 : The mass of can + moist sample

No. of layer :3 Rammer mass : Soil Description : Sample No.:

B : DENSITY CALCULATION VOLUME OF CYLINDER = 995.79 cm3

Measurement No. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Average moisture, w% 14.59

Average moisture, w% 16.92

Average moisture, w% 18.58

Average moisture, w% 21.71

Average moisture, w% 25.36

total moisture content , w ( % )

D : DRY DENSITY CALCULATION (USE ACTUAL VOLUME OF CYLINDER)

Measurement No. 1(15%) 2(18%) 3(21%) 4(24%) 5(27%)

Dry density ( g /cm3 ) =Bulk density ¿ ¿ ¿

E) ZERO AIR VOID UNIT WEIGHT

Measurement No 1 (15%) 2 (18%) 3 (21%) 4 (24%) 5 (27%)

Average moisture, w 14.59 16.92 18.58 21.71 25.36

Unit weight of water

Zeroair void unit weight ( 5 % ) ¿

Unit weight of water

dry densities 0% air void 5% air void 10% air void

Maximum Dry Density = 1.491 g/cm3