0132497468-Ch05 ISM PDF

Compaction and Stabilization of Soils Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
COMPACTION AND STABILIZATION OF SOILS
5-1. For the data in Fig. 5.1:

(a) Estimate the maximum dry density and optimum water content for both the standard curve
and the modified Proctor curve.
(b) What is the placement water content range for 90% relative compaction for the modified
Proctor curve and 95% relative compaction for the standard Proctor curve?
(c) For both curves, estimate the maximum placement water content for the minimum compactive
effort to achieve the percent relative compaction in part (b).
SOLUTION:
(a) Standard Proctor: ρdmax = 1.723 Mg m = 107.5 pcf;
3 w opt = 16 %
Modified Proctor: ρdmax = 1.866 Mg m = 116.4 pcf;

3 w opt = 12 %
(b) 95% of Standard Proctor curve: 0.95 × ρdmax = (0.95)(1.723 Mg m ) = 1.64 Mg m 3 3
water content range for Standard Proctor: w = 11.0% to 20.6%

90% of Modified Proctor curve: 0.90 × ρdmax = (0.90)(1.866 Mg m ) = 1.68 Mg m 3 3
water content range for Modified Proctor: w = 6% to 21%
(c) Standard Proctor: 0.95 × ρdmax = (0.95)(1.723 Mg m ) = 1.64 Mg m

3 3
maximum water content : w = 20.6%

Modified Proctor: 0.90 × ρdmax = (0.90)(1.866 Mg m ) = 1.68 Mg m
3 3
maximum water content: w = 21%
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5-2. The natural water content of a borrow material is known to be 8%. Assuming 5500 g of wet
soil is used for laboratory compaction test points, compute how much water is to be added to
other 5500 g samples to bring their water contents up to 11%, 15%, 18%, 22%, and 26%.
SOLUTION:
Mw
w n = 0.08 = ; Mt = 5500 g
Ms
Ms remains constant. Determine Ms for the natural moisture condition.
Mt = Mw + Ms = 5500 g; Mw = (0.08)Ms
5500 = 0.08Ms + Ms ; Ms = 5092.59 g
Mw for natural condition: Mw = (0.08)(5092.59) = 407.407 g
(a) w = 11%
Mw = w × Ms = (0.11)(5092.59) = 560.185 g
additional water necessary for w = 11%: 560.185 − 407.407 = 152.78 g
(b) w = 15%
Mw = w × Ms = (0.15)(5092.59) = 763.888 g
(c) w = 18%
Mw = w × Ms = (0.18)(5092.59) = 916.667 g
(d) w = 22%
Mw = w × Ms = (0.22)(5092.59) = 1120.370 g
(e) w = 26%
Mw = w × Ms = (0.26)(5092.59) = 1324.074 g
5-3. For the soil shown in Fig. 5.1, a field density test provided the following information:
Water content = 13%
Wet density = 1.84 Mg/m3 (115 lbf/ft3)
Compute percent relative compaction based on modified Proctor and standard Proctor curves.
SOLUTION:
γt 115
Field: γ d field == = 101.77 pcf
1 + w 1 + 0.13
From Fig. 5.1: Standard Proctor γ d max = 107.5 pcf; Modified Proctor γ d max = 116.4 pcf
γ d field
Eq.(5 − 3) : RC = × 100%
γ d max
101.77 101.77
Standard Proctor RC = × 100 = 94.7% Modified Proctor RC = × 100 = 87.4%
107.5 116.4
5-4. For the data given below (ρs = 2.68 Mg/m3):

(a) Plot the compaction curves.
(b) Establish the maximum dry density and optimum water content for each test.
(c) Compute the degree of saturation at the optimum point for data in column A.
(d) Plot the 100% saturation (zero air voids) curve. Also plot the 70%, 80%, and 90% saturation
curves. Plot the line of optimums.
SOLUTION:
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26
2.00
90% ZAV line (S = 100%)

1.95 80%
S = 70% A - Modified Proctor
B - Standard Proctor
1.90 C - Low energy test
Saturation curves
ZAV line (S=100%)
Line of Optimums
Dry Density (Mg/m )
3
1.85
Line of optimums
1.80
1.75
1.70
1.65
1.60
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26
Water Content (%)
(b)
Test ρdmax wopt

(Mg/m3) (%)
Modified 1.92 12.1
Standard 1.76 15.4
Low Energy 1.74 17.3
w 0.121
(c) From Eq. 5-1: S = × 100 = × 100 = 81.9%
ρw ρw 1.0 1.0
− −
ρd ρs 1.92 2.68
5-5. The following moisture-density data are results from laboratory compaction tests on a given
soil using the same compactive effort:
(a) On a suitable graph or using a spreadsheet, plot the curve of dry unit weight versus water
content and indicate the maximum dry unit weight and the optimum water content.
(b) What range of water contents would be acceptable if the specifications call for 98% relative
compaction and water content should be dry of optimum? Show how you calculated the relative
compaction and show on the plot the range of water contents.
(c) What is the maximum saturation level achieved during compaction tests that were performed?
SOLUTION:
(a) See compaction plot below.
(b) From compaction plot; γ d max = 115 pcf, w opt = 14.8%
γ d field
Eq.(5 − 3) : RC = × 100%; γ d field = (RC) × γ d max = (0.98)(115) = 112.7 pcf
γ d max
Acceptable range of water content = 10.5% to 14.8%
Gs γ w wGs
(c) Eq. 5-1 in terms of unit dry unit weight: γ dry = ; solve for S: S=
wGs Gs γ w
1+ −1
S γ dry
Calculate S for the two points on the right side of w opt
(0.17)(2.70) (0.20)(2.70)
S1 = × 100 = 96.0%; S2 = × 100 = 98.9%
(2.70)(62.4) (2.70)(62.4)
−1 −1
114 109
∴ Maximum saturation occurs at compaction point (20%, 109 pcf), S = 98.9%
116
acceptable w range
10.5% to 14.8% optimum point
(14.8%, 115 pcf)
115
114
Dry Unit Weight (pcf)
113
112.7 pcf
112
111
110
109
108
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Water Content (%)
5-6. A Proctor test was performed on a soil which has a specific gravity of solids of 2.71. For the
water content and total unit weight data below:
(a) Plot the moisture-dry density curve.
(b) Find the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content.
(c) Determine the moisture range permitted if a contractor must achieve 90% relative compaction.
(d) What volume of water, in ft3, must be added to obtain 1 yd3 of soil at the maximum dry density
if the soil is originally at 10% water content?
SOLUTION:
(a) See compaction plot below.
(b) From compaction plot; γ d max = 107.5 pcf, w opt = 20%
γ d field
(c) Eq.(5 − 3) : RC = × 100%; γ d field = (RC) × γ d max = (0.90)(107.5) = 96.8 pcf
γ d max
Acceptable range of water content = 14% to 25.8%
(d) Ws does not change. For Vt = 1 yd3 = 27 ft 3 : Ws = γ dry × Vt = (107.5)(27) = 2902.5 lb
Initial weight of water, Ww −i = w × Ws = (0.10)(2902.5) = 290.25 lb
Final weight of water, Ww − f = (0.20)(2902.5) = 580.50 lb
ΔWw = Ww − f − Ww −i = 580.5 − 290.25 = 290.25 lb
ΔWw 290.25
ΔVw = = = 4.65 ft 3
γw 62.4
110.0
optimum point
108.0
(20.0%, 107.5 pcf)
106.0
104.0
acceptable w range
102.0
14% to 25.8%
100.0
98.0
96.8 pcf
96.0
94.0
92.0
90.0
88.0
86.0
6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
Water Content (%)
5-7. Two choices for borrow soil are available: It will be necessary to fill a 200,000 yd3
depression, and the fill material must be compacted to 95% of the standard Proctor (maximum)
density. A final 10% moisture content is desired in either case. (a) What is the minimum volume
of borrow from each site needed to fill the depression? (b) What is minimum quantity (volume) of
material from each site to haul? (c) What soil would be cheaper to use?
Borrow A Borrow B
115 pcf Density in place 120 pcf
? Density in transport 95 pcf
0.92 Void ratio in transport ?
25% Water content in place 20%
3
$0.20/yd Cost to excavate $0.10/yd3
3
$0.30/yd Cost to haul $0.40/yd3
2.7 Gs 2.7
112 pcf Maximum Proctor dry density 110 pcf
SOLUTION:
Recognize that Vs does not change from borrow pit to truck to fill.
Calculate Vs based on the required quantity of fill and properties from each borrow pit.
Vt = 200,000 yd3 = 5,400,000 ft 3
(Part a - Borrow A) γ dmax = 0.112 kip ft3 ; γ d− fill = (0.95)(0.112 kip ft3 ) = 0.1064 kip ft3 ;
γt 0.1115
γd = = = 0.092 kip ft3 ; Ws = γ d− fill × Vt = (0.1064)(5,400,000) = 574,560 kip
1 + w 1 + 0.25
Ws 574,560 V V
Vs = = = 3,410,256.41 ft 3 ; Recognize that: Vs = v −i = v − fill
Gs γ w (2.7)(0.0624) ei efill
Gs γ w Gs γ w
γd = → e= −1
1+ e γ dry
(2.7)(0.0624) (2.7)(0.0624)
ei = − 1 = 0.83; efill = − 1 = 0.583
0.092 0.1064
Solve for initial volume of voids; Vv −i = Vs × ei = (3,410,256.41)(0.83) = 2,830,512.82 ft 3
Thus; Vt −Bor( A ) = Vs + Vv −i = 3,410,256.41 + 2,830,512.82 = 6,240,769.23 ft 3 = 231,140 yd3
(Part a - Borrow B) γ dmax = 0.110 kip ft3 ; γ d− fill = (0.95)(0.110 kip ft3 ) = 0.1045 kip ft3 ;
γt 0.120
γd = = = 0.100 kip ft3 ; Ws = γ d− fill × Vt = (0.1045)(5,400,000) = 564,300 kip
1 + w 1 + 0.20
Ws 564,300 V V
Vs = = = 3,349,358.97 ft 3 ; Recognize that: Vs = v −i = v − fill
Gs γ w (2.7)(0.0624) ei e fill
Gs γ w Gs γ w
γd = → e= −1
1+ e γ dry
(2.7)(0.0624) (2.7)(0.0624)
ei = − 1 = 0.685; efill = − 1 = 0.612
0.100 0.1045
Solve for initial volume of voids; Vv −i = Vs × ei = (3,349,358.97)(0.685) = 2,294,310.89 ft 3
Thus; Vt −Bor( A ) = Vs + Vv −i = 3,349,358.97 + 2,294,310.89 = 5,643,669.86 ft 3 = 209,024.8 yd3
Pr oblem 5-7 continued.

(Part b - Borrow A) Vs = 3,410,256.41 ft 3
Solve for Vv in truck; Vv − truck = Vs × e truck = (3,410,256.41)(0.92) = 3,137,435.9 ft 3
Thus; Vt − truck( A ) = Vs + Vv − truck = 3,410,256.41 + 3,137,435.9 = 6,547,692.3 ft 3 = 242,507 yd3
γt 0.095
(Part b - Borrow B) Vs = 3,349,358.97 ft 3 ; γd = = = 0.0792 kip ft 3
1 + w 1 + 0.20
Gs γ w Gs γ w (2.7)(0.0624)
γd = → e= −1 → e truck = − 1 = 1.127
1+ e γ dry 0.0792
Solve for Vv in truck; Vv − truck = Vs × etruck = (3,349,358.97)(1.127) = 3,774,727.56 ft 3
Thus; Vt − truck(B) = Vs + Vv − truck = 3,349,358.97 + 3,774,727.56 = 7,124,086.53 ft 3 = 263,855 yd3
(Part c)
Borrow A cost: (231,140 yd3 )($0.20) + (242,507 yd3 )($0.30) = 46,228 + 72,752 = $118, 980
Borrow B cost: (209,024.8 yd3 )($0.20) + (263,855 yd3 )($0.30) = 41,805 + 79,157 = $120,961
∴ Soil from borrow pit A would be slightly less expensive, although the difference is small (< 2%).
(Note: these calculations are theoretical and do not include any allowance for waste that will inevitably
occur during excavation, haul, and placement.)
5-8. Assume that 50,000 yd3 of the soil from the borrow pit is to be delivered to an embankment
at a construction site. By the time it reaches the site, the water content is 9%. It will be compacted
to a minimum of 90% of modified Proctor maximum dry density. Determine the total volume of
water (in ft3) that must be added to the soil to increase the moisture content to the optimum level.
Dry unit weight of soil in borrow pit 87.0 pcf
Moisture content in borrow pi 13.0%
Specific gravity of the soil particles 2.70
Modified Proctor optimum moisture content 14.0%
Modified Proctor maximum dry density 116.0 pcf
SOLUTION:
Ws and Vs are conserved during this process. From the borrow pit data:
γ t = (1 + w)γ d = (1 + 0.13)(87) = 98.3 pcf
Wt = Vt × γ t = (1.35 × 106 )(98.3) = 1.33 × 108 lb
Wt 1.33 × 108 Ws 1.18 × 108
Ws = = = 1.18 × 108 lb; Vs = = = 6.986 × 105 ft 3
1+ w 1.13 Gs γ w (2.7)(62.4)
At delivery, Ww = w × Ws = (0.09)(1.18 × 108 ) = 1.06 × 107 lb
After compaction, Ww = w × Ws = (0.14)(1.18 × 108 ) = 1.65 × 107 lb
ΔW = (1.65 − 1.06) × 107 = 5.9 × 107 lb
5-9. The values of emin and emax for a pure silica sand ρs = 2.70 Mg/m3 were found to be 0.42 and
0.71, respectively. (a) What is the corresponding range in dry density? (b) If the in situ void ratio
is 0.58, what is the relative density?
SOLUTION:
ρs
(a) Using Eq. 2.12: ρd =
1+ e
2.70 2.70
ρd−max = = 1.90 Mg m3 ; ρd−min = = 1.58 Mg m3
1 + 0.42 1 + 0.71
emax − e 0.71 − 0.58

(b) Using Eq. 5.4: Dr = × 100 = × 100 = 44.8%
emax − emin 0.71 − 0.42
5-10. The wet density of a sand in an embankment was found to be 1.85 Mg/m3 and the field
water content was 12%. In the laboratory, the density of the solids was found to be 2.71 Mg/m3,
and the maximum and minimum void ratios were 0.65 and 0.38, respectively. Calculate the
relative density of the sand in the field.
SOLUTION:
ρt (1.85)
ρdry = = = 1.652 Mg m3
(1 + w) (1 + 0.12)
ρ ρs 2.71
Re− arrange Eq. 2.12: ρd = s → e= −1= − 1 = 0.641
1+ e ρd 1.652
emax − e 0.65 − 0.641
Eq. 5.4: Dr = × 100 = × 100 = 3.5%
emax − emin 0.65 − 0.38
5-11. The laboratory test results on a sand are emax = 0.91, emin = 0.48, and Gs = 2.67.
(a) What is the dry unit weight (in lb/ft3) of this sand when its relative density is 67% and its water
content is 10%? (b) How would you classify the density of this soil?
SOLUTION:
emax − e 0.91 − e
(a) Eq. 5.4: Dr = × 100 : 0.67 = → e = 0.622
emax − emin 0.91 − 0.48
Gs γ w (2.67)(62.4)
Eq. 2.12: γ d = → γd = = 102.7 lb ft 3
1+ e 1 + 0.622
(b) dense
5-12. Based on field data, you have determined that a sand’s relative density is on the borderline
between “medium” and “dense,” and its void ratio is 0.93. For this soil, if the difference between
emin and emax is 0.3, what is emin?
SOLUTION:
emax − e
(a) Eq. 5.4: Dr = × 100 : Assume Dr = 60%
emax − emin
emax − 0.93
0.60 = → emax = 1.11
0.3
emin = 1.11 − 0.3 = 0.81
5.13. For a granular soil, given γt = 108 pcf, Dr = 82%, w = 8%, and Gs = 2.67. For this soil, if emin
= 0.44, what would be the dry unit weight in the “loosest” state?
SOLUTION:
γt 108
γd = = = 100 pcf
1 + w 1 + .08
Gγ (2.65)(62.4)
γ d = s w → 100 = → e = 0.6536
1+ e 1+ e
e −e e − 0.6536
Eq. 5.4: Dr = max × 100 : 0.82 = max → emax = 1.64
emax − emin emax − 0.44
(2.65)(62.4)
γ d−min = = 62.6 pcf
1 + 1.64
5-14. The laboratory test results on a sand are as follows: emax = 0.91, emin = 0.48, and Gs = 2.67.
What would be the dry and moist unit weights of this sand, in lb/ft3, when densified at a moisture
content of 10% to a relative density of 65%?
SOLUTION:
emax − e 0.91 − e
Eq. 5.4: Dr = × 100 : 0.65 = → e = 0.6305
emax − emin 0.91 − 0.48
Gs γ w (2.67)(62.4)
γd = = = 102.2 pcf
1+ e 1 + 0.6305
γ t = (102.18)(1 + 0.10) = 112.4 pcf
5-15. A sample of sand has a relative density of 40% with a specific gravity of solids of 2.65. The
minimum void ratio is 0.45 and the maximum void ratio is 0.97. (a) What is the unit weight (in
units of pcf ) of this sand in the saturated condition? (b) If the sand is compacted to relative
density of 65%, what will be the decrease in thickness of a 4 ft. thick layer?
SOLUTION:
emax − e 0.97 − e
(a) Eq. 5.4: Dr = × 100 : 0.40 = → e = 0.762
emax − emin 0.97 − 0.45
Gs γ w (2.65)(62.4)
γd = = = 93.85 pcf
1+ e 1 + 0.762
Assume Vs = 1. S = 100%; thus, Vv = Vw = e = 0.762; Vt = Vs + Vv = 1 + 0.762 = 1.762
Ws = Gs Vs γ w = (2.65)(1)(62.4) = 165.36 lb; Ww = Vw γ w = e × γ w = (0.762)(62.4) = 47.55 lb
Wt = Ws + Ww = 165.36 + 47.55 = 212.91lb
Wt 212.91
γt = = = 120.83 pcf
Vt 1.762
emax − e 0.97 − e
(b) Dr = × 100 : 0.65 = → e = 0.632
emax − emin 0.97 − 0.45
Δe = 0.762 − 0.632 = 0.13
Δe ΔH H × Δe (4)(0.13)
= ; ΔH = o = = 0.295 ft = 3.5 in
1 + eo Ho 1 + eo 1 + 0.762
5-16. A field compaction control test was conducted on a compacted lift. The mass of the
material removed from the hole was 1820 g and the volume of the hole was found to be 955 cm3.
A small sample of the soil lost 17 g in the drying test and the mass remaining after drying was 94
g. The laboratory control test results are shown in Fig. P5.16. (a) If end-product specification
requires 100% relative compaction and w = (optimum – 3%) to optimum + 1%), determine the
acceptability of the field compaction and state why this is so. (b) If it is not acceptable, what
should be done to improve the compaction so that it will meet the specification?
SOLUTION:
From Fig. 5.16, ρdmax = 1.72 Mg m3 and w opt = 17%
Mt 1820 Mw 17
(a) ρt − field = = = 1.9058 Mg m3 ; w= × 100 = × 100 = 18.08%
Vt 955 Ms 94
ρt − field 1.9058
ρd− field = = = 1.61 Mg m3
(1 + w) (1 + 0.1808)
ρd− field < (1.0)ρdmax ∴ Field density does not meet specification requirements.
(b) The water content is borderline on the wet side. The lift could be processed (disced and bladed)
to encourage drying and then re-compacted using additional roller passes.
5-17. Calculate the compactive effort of the modified Proctor test in both (a) SI and (b) British
engineering units.
SOLUTION:
(no. of blows per layer)(no. of layers)(wt. of hammer)(ht. of hammer drop)
Modified Proctor Effort =
(volume of compaction mold)
(a) SI units:
(25 blows layer )(5 layers)(4.536 kg)(9.81 m s2 )(0.4572 m)
compactive effort = = 2693.9 kJ m3
(0.944 × 10−3 m3 )(1000)
(b) British Engineering units:

(25 blows layer )(5 layers)(10 lb)(1.5 ft)
compactive effort = = 56,250 ft −lbf ft3
( 1 ft 3 )
30
5.18. Why does the relative compaction decrease if there is vibration during the sand-cone test?
SOLUTION:
Mt Msand
ρt = ; Vt = Vhole = Vsand ; Vsand =
Vt ρsand
If vibrations occur, Msand will increase. This will cause a proportional decrease in Vsand
and thus the measured Vhole (Vt ). If Vt increases, then the calculated value of ρt
and hence ρdry decreases. Lesson for the contractor - turn off the compactor vibrator or move
equipment to a different location during sand cone testing.
5.19. In a field density test, using the oil method, the wet mass of soil removed from a small hole
in the fill was 1.65 kg. The mass of oil (Gs-oil = 0.92) required to fill the hole was 0.75 kg, and the
field water content was found to be 22%. If the ρs of the soil solids is 2650 kg/m3, what are the dry
density and degree of saturation of the fill?
SOLUTION:
Mt 1650 g Moil 750 g
ρt = = ; Voil = = = 815.22 cm3
Vt Voil Gs−oil × ρ w (0.92)(1.0 g cm3 )
1650 ρ 2.024
ρt = = 2.024 Mg m3 ; ρdry = = = 1.66 Mg m3
815.22 (1 + w) (1 + 0.22)
Gw ρ 2.65
From Eq. 2.28, S = s ; From Eq. 2.12, e = s − 1 = − 1 = 0.5964
e ρd 1.66
(2.65)(0.22)
S= × 100 = 97.8%
0.5964
5-20. You are an earthwork construction control inspector checking the field compaction of a
layer of soil. The laboratory compaction curve is shown in Fig. P5.20. Specifications call for the
compacted density to be at least 95% of the maximum laboratory value and within 2% of the
optimum water content. When you did the sand cone test, the volume of soil excavated was 1165
cm3. It weighed 2230 g wet and 1852 g dry.
(a) What is the compacted dry density? (b) What is the field water content? (c) What is the
relative compaction? (d) Does the test meet specifications? (e) What is the degree of saturation
of the field sample? (f) If the sample were saturated at constant density, what would be the water
content?
SOLUTION:
Ms 1852
(a) ρd = = = 1.59 Mg m3
Vt 1165
Mw 2230 − 1852
(b) w = × 100 = × 100 = 20.41%
Ms 1852
(c) From compaction curve, ρdmax = 1.74 Mg m3 and w opt = 16%
ρd− field 1.59
RC = × 100 = × 100 = 91.4%
ρdmax 1.74
(d) No, the test does not meet the specifications because the density is too low
and the water content is too high.
ρs 2.7
(e) Assume Gs = 2.7. e = −1= − 1 = 0.698
ρd 1.59
Gs w (2.7)(0.2041)
S= = × 100 = 78.9%
e (0.698)
Se (1.0)(0.698)
(f ) w = = × 100 = 25.8%
Gs 2.70
5-21. The specification for compaction states that the field-compacted soil must be at least 95%
of the maximum control density and within 2% of the optimum moisture for the control curve. You
dig a hole 1/30 ft3 in the compacted layer and extract a sample that weighs 3.8 lb wet and 3.1 lb
dry. (a) What is the compacted γd? The compaction w? The percent compaction? Does the
sample meet the specifications? (b) If the density of solids is 2.68 Mg/m3 what is the compacted
degree of saturation? If the sample were saturated at constant density, what would be the water
content? (After C.W. Lovell.)
Water Content (%) Dry Unit Weight (pcf)
14 104
16 105.5
18 106
20 105
22 103.5
24 101
SOLUTION:
Ww 3.8 − 3.1
(a) w = × 100 = × 100 = 22.58% → This is too high (>19.6%)
Ws 3.1
Wt Ws
γt = = 3.8(30) = 114 pcf; γd = = 3.1(30) = 93 pcf
Vt Vt
γ d− field 93
RC = × 100 = × 100 = 87.7% → This it too low (<95%)
γ dmax 106
∴ The soil does not meet the specified requirements at the location tested.
Gs γ w 2.68(62.4)
(b) Gs = 2.68; Using Eq. 2.28; e = −1= − 1 = 0.798
γd 93
Gs w (2.68)(0.2258) Se (1.0)(0.798)
S= = × 100 = 75.8%; w= = × 100 = 29.8%
e (0.798) Gs 2.68
110
108
optimum point
(17.6%, 106 pcf)
106
104
acceptable w:
15.6% to 19.6%
102
100.7 pcf
100
98
96
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Water Content (%)
5-22. A mixture contains 28% by dry weight fines and 72% coarse. When the coarse material
has w = 3%, its affinity for water is completely satisfied. The fines have a PL = 22 and an LL = 34.
This mixture is compacted by rolling to ρd = 128 pcf and w = 13%. What is the water content of
the fines in the compacted mass? What is the liquidity index of the fines in the compacted mass?
(After C.W. Lovell.)
SOLUTION:
The weight of water in the coarse and fine fractions are symbolically
defined here as Ww −c and Ww − f , respectively
Ww −c + Ww − f
For the compacted soil mass; w = = 0.13
Ws
where Ws = 0.72Ws + 0.28Ws
Evaluate ratios for 1 ft 3 of soil (i.e., Vt = 1 ft 3 )
Ws = γ d × Vt = 128(1.0) = 128 lb
Ww −c
Determine the water weight in the coarse fraction: w = 0.03 =
(0,72)Ws
Ww −c = (0.03)(0.72)(128) = 2.765 lb
2.765 + Ww − f
Now, the weight of water in the fines fraction, Ww − f : = 0.13 → Ww − f = 13.875 lb
128
Ww − f 13.875
The fines water content, w f = × 100 = × 100 = 38.7%
(0.28)Ws (0.28)(128)
w n − PL 38.7 − 22
LI = = = 1.4
PI 34 − 22
5-23. A soil proposed for a compacted fill contains 38% fines and 62% coarse material by dry
weight. When the coarse fraction has w = 2.0%, its affinity for water is completely satisfied (that
is, it is saturated but surface dry). The Atterberg limits of the fines are LL=31 and PL = 13. The
soil is compacted by rolling to a ρd = 1.96 Mg/m3 at w = 15%. (a) What is the water content of the
fines in the compacted mass? (b) What is the likely classification of the soil? (USCS and
AASHTO) (c) What is the liquidity index of the fines?
SOLUTION:
(a) The mass of water in the coarse and fine fractions are symbolically
defined here as Mw − c and Mw − f , respectively
Mw − c + Mw − f
For the compacted soil mass; w = = 0.15
Ms
where Ms = 0.62Ms + 0.38Ms
Evaluate ratios for 1 m3 of soil (i.e., Vt = 1 m3 )
Ms = ρd × Vt = 1.95(1.0) = 1.95 Mg
Mw − c
Determine the water weight in the coarse fraction: w = 0.02 =
(0,62)Ms
Mw − c = (0.02)(0.62)(1.95) = 0.0241 Mg m3
0.0241 + Mw − f
Now, the mass of water in the fines fraction, Mw − f : = 0.15 → Mw − f = 0.268 Mg
1.95
Mw − f 0.268
The fines water content, w f = × 100 = × 100 = 36.2%
(0.38)Ms (0.38)(1.95)
(b) USCS: SC or possibly GC
AASHTO: A-6
w n − PL 36.2 − 13
(c) LI = = = 1.3
PI 18
5-27. Given: The data shown in Fig. 5.4. Soil types 3 and 4 are mixed in the borrow area to some
unknown extent. After a representative sample of the combined material is air dried to a uniform
water content (hopefully on the dry side of optimum), a compaction test is performed and a value
of 1.85 Mg/m3 dry density at 12.5% water content is obtained. (a) Estimate the maximum dry
density of the combined soils. (b) If a field dry density of 1.54 Mg/m3 is obtained after compaction
by a sheepsfoot roller, compute the relative compaction.
SOLUTION:
(a) On Fig. 5.4, plot the data point (12.5, 1.85) and draw a compaction curve through the data point
maintaing the same general shape as the curves for soil types 3 and 4.
Estimated peak value : ρdmax = 1.88 Mg m 3
ρd − field 1.54
(b) RC = × 100 = × 100 = 81.9%
ρdmax 1.88
5-29. A contractor is placing soil in 10-in. loose lifts, each at about 85 pcf. The moisture content
is 8% at the time of placement. The optimum water content for this soil is 10%.The contractor has
a water truck with a spray bar on the back. How fast should the truck move with the spray running
at some flow rate? Make a plot of gal/min from the spray bar (ordinate) versus speed of the truck
in mph (abscissa) for the driver to use. Use a spreadsheet to create the data and corresponding
plots. Extra credit: Make a similar plot, for a soil with a 6% initial water content. (After D. Elton.)
SOLUTION:
(a) w initial = 8%
Vt = (w)(x)(t); t = 0.833 ft, w = 1 ft → Vt = 0.833x
Wt
γ t = 85 = → Wt = (85)(0.833x) = 70.8x = Ws + Ww
Vt
70.8x = Ws + 0.08Ws → Ws = 65.56x
ΔW = Ww − final − Ww − initial = Ws (0.10 − 0.08) = 0.02Ws
ΔW = (0.02)(65.56x) = 1.311x lb ft
1.311x lb ft × 0.11987 gal lb = 0.1572x gal ft
Multiply (0.1572 gal ft ) by truck speed in units of ft/min to obtain required flow rate in gal/min
for an initial water content of 8%.
(b) w initial = 6%
70.8x = Ws + 0.06Ws → Ws = 66.79x
ΔW = Ww − final − Ww − initial = Ws (0.10 − 0.06) = 0.04Ws
ΔW = (0.04)(66.79x) = 2.672x lb ft
2.672x lb ft × 0.11987 gal lb = 0.320x gal ft
Multiply (0.32 gal ft ) by truck speed in units of ft/min to obtain required flow rate in gal/min
for an initial water content of 8%.
5-29 continued.
wi = 8% wi = 6%
truck speed truck speed flow rate flow rate
(mph) (ft/min) (gal/min) (gal/min)
1 88.00 13.83 28.16
2 176.00 27.67 56.32
3 264.00 41.50 84.48
4 352.00 55.33 112.64
5 440.00 69.17 140.80
6 528.00 83.00 168.96
7 616.00 96.84 197.12
8 704.00 110.67 225.28
9 792.00 124.50 253.44
10 880.00 138.34 281.60
900.00
800.00
w-initial = 6%
700.00
600.00
Flow Rate (gpm)
wi = 8%
500.00 wi = 6%
400.00 w-initial = 8%
300.00
200.00
100.00
0.00
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Truck Speed (mph)

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Compaction and Stabilization of Soils Chapter 5

5-1. For the data in Fig. 5.1:

Modified Proctor: ρdmax = 1.866 Mg m = 116.4 pcf;

(b) 95% of Standard Proctor curve: 0.95 × ρdmax = (0.95)(1.723 Mg m ) = 1.64 Mg m 3 3

water content range for Standard Proctor: w = 11.0% to 20.6%

water content range for Modified Proctor: w = 6% to 21%

(c) Standard Proctor: 0.95 × ρdmax = (0.95)(1.723 Mg m ) = 1.64 Mg m

maximum water content : w = 20.6%

maximum water content: w = 21%

5-4. For the data given below (ρs = 2.68 Mg/m3):

90% ZAV line (S = 100%)

Test ρdmax wopt

Pr oblem 5-7 continued.

emax − e 0.71 − 0.58

(b) British Engineering units:

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