Introduction:

Proctor Compaction:
Engineers are often given projects where the soil condition must be monitored / tested.
The elements of the project will rely on the soils compaction as a stabilizer. There are many
design specifications which must be met and insured by the geotechnical engineer on the site.
Having the proper compaction in soils may increase the shear strength and bearing capacity
which translates through the foundation. Properly compacted soils have reduced permeability,
and volume changes are more controlled. Poor compaction could lead to failure, or instability
upon anything built on the soil. In this laboratory exercise two different proctor compaction tests
were conducted (standard & modified). A proctor compaction test yields the optimal moisture
content at which a given soil type will become most dense and achieve its maximum density. The
four factors which control the extent of compaction are: compaction effort, soil type and
gradation, moisture content, and the dry density. The standard test uses a 5.5 lb hammer from a
12 in drop, while the modified method uses a 10 lb hammer from an 18 in drop. The test consists
of compacting soil samples at a given water content in a mold. The mold is filled by fifths and
each layer receives 25 blows from a 10 lb hammer. After the tests are finished, the water content
and dry density are determined for each test. With this information a graph is plotted for the dry
unit density as a function of water content. Using the curve the optimum water content can be
observed to achieve the maximum dry density.

Discussion:
Proctor Compaction:
1. Popular field compaction methods are done in numerous ways. The most common types of
compaction efforts are: smooth wheel roller, sheepsfoot roller, pneumatic tired roller, vibratory
roller, etc. Determining which method to use depends on the required compaction. For the
standard test, a vibratory plate compactor would yield similar results. It is a hand held device
which exerts compaction contact pressures between 5 and 7 psi. For the modified method a
Bomag plate compactor could exert a compactive force of 13 psi, similar to the heavier hammer
from an elevated height.
2. The benefit of field compaction can include prevention of soil settlement, frost damage, and
increased stability in the ground which translates through the foundation, reduced hydraulic
conductivity and mitigating unwanted settlement of structures such as a paved roads, piping, and
foundations.
It was observed that the soils optimum water content was 8.21% yielding a max dry density of
1665.98 kg/m^3. As water was added the max dry density declines. This is because the soil is
wet of optimum, therefore there is too much water between the soil particles which allows water
molecules to float between the soils particles. This phenomenon reduces the friction between the
soil particles. The shear strength and bearing capacity decrease as the soil gets farther away from
the optimum water content.