Reporter: Rubelyn T.

Alabado

Density Test of Soils

Density of soil

 Density represents weight (mass) per unit volume of a substance.

Two types of density of soil

 Bulk density -The oven dry weight of a unit volume of soil inclusive of pore spaces is
called bulk density. The bulk density of a soil is always smaller than its particle density.
The bulk density of sandy soil is about 1.6 g / cm3, whereas that of organic matter is
about 0.5. Bulk density normally decreases, as mineral soils become finer in texture. The
bulk density varies indirectly with the total pore space present in the soil and gives a good
estimate of the porosity of the soil. Bulk density is of greater importance than particle
density in understanding the physical behavior of the soil. Generally soils with low bulk
densities have favorable physical conditions.

 Particle density-The weight per unit volume of the solid portion of soil is called particle
density. Generally particle density of normal soils is 2.65 grams per cubic centimeter.
The particle density is higher if large amount of heavy minerals such as magnetite;
limonite and hematite are present in the soil. With increase in organic matter of the soil
the particle density decreases. Particle density is also termed as true density

Moisture content-

is the quantity of water contained in a material, such as soil (called soil moisture),
rock, ceramics, crops, or wood.

Soil compaction –

is the process in which a stress applied to a soil causes densification as air is

displaced from the pores between the soil grains. When stress is applied that causes densification
due to water (or other liquid) being displaced from between the soil grains, then consolidation,
not compaction, has occurred. Normally, compaction is the result of heavy machinery
compressing the soil, but it can also occur due to the passage of (e.g.) animal feet.

The main variables of soil:

 Specific gravity of the soil particles – which may vary from 2.0- 3.3 but usually is
between 2.5 and 2.8.

 Particle size of distribution of the soil – a mass composed entirely of spheres of one size
in the densest possible condition will contain 75% solid and 25% voids.
  Grain shape of soil particles - sharp angular particles will resist shifting from a loose to
a compacted state.

Methods of compaction

 Static - a large stress is slowly applied to the soil and then released.

 Impact - the stress is applied by dropping a large mass onto the surface of the soil.

Test details Name of tests

AASHTO standard Modified AASHTO California impact
Diameter of mold inches 4 to 6 4 to 6 2.86
Height of sample inches 5 cut to 4.58 5 cut to 4.58 10-12
Number of lifts 3 3 5
Blow per lift 25 or 26 25 or 26 20
Weight of hammer lb. 5.5 5.5 10
Diameter of compacting 10 2
surface inches 2 2 18
Free fall distance inches 12 12
Volume, net ft^3 1/30 or 1/13.33 1/30 or 1/13.33 varies

 Vibrating - a stress is applied repeatedly and rapidly via a mechanically driven plate or
hammer. Often combined with rolling compaction (see below).

 Gyrating - a static stress is applied and maintained in one direction while the soil is a
subjected to a gyratory motion about the axis of static loading. Limited to laboratory
applications.

 Rolling - a heavy cylinder is rolled over the surface of the soil. Commonly used on sports
pitches. Roller-compactors are often fitted with vibratory devices to enhance their
effectiveness.

 Kneading - shear is applied by alternating movement in adjacent positions. An example,

combined with rolling compaction, is the 'sheepsfoot' roller used in waste
compaction at landfills.