FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE SOIL ENGINEERING LABORATORY

COURSE CODE ECG263

LEVEL OF OPENNESS 1
CATEGORY PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 33
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK (WEEK 7)

TITLE STANDARD PROCTOR TEST

1.1 Introduction
Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways &
means are guided and given to the students. However the answers to the
assignment are left to the students to solve using the group creativity and
innovativeness. It is hoped that the activity will slowly introduce and inculcate
independent learning amongst students and prepare them for a much harder
task of open-ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the usage of proctor tests
to determine the dry density and moisture content of soil. Compaction of soil is
defined the process of packing the soil particles closer together by mechanical
manipulations to reduce voids ratio of the soil, which results in increase in its dry
density.

1.2 Objectives
PREAMBLE
To determine the compaction characteristics (Dry Density and Moisture Content)
of soil sample using standard proctor test.
1.4 Theoretical Background
Compaction of soil is defined the process of packing the soil particles closer
together by mechanical manipulations to reduce voids ratio of the soil, which
results in increase in its dry density.

Proctor (1933) demonstrated that for a specific amount of compaction energy

applied on the soil tentatively equip on water content where at the same time the
particular soil attains maximum density. The water content corresponding to the
maximum density achieved is called ‘optimum moisture content’ (ω optimum).
Conducting the laboratory test and establishing water content density
relationship, could determine it.

2.0 Problem Statement

Students will be given a soil sample where they will be required to conduct
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Standard Proctor by identifying suitable equipment and laboratory procedures in
order to determine the compaction characteristics of the given soil sample.

©FKA, UiTM PASIR GUDANG OCT20 – FEB21

 3.1 Apparatus
Standard Proctor mould (+ 1000 ml volume) with rammer (of weight 2.5 kg and
dropping height 300 mm) and other accessories, proctor’s needle (if available),
20mm and 37.5mm sieve, mixing equipment, steel straight edge, balance, air tight
containers, measuring cylinder, sample extruder.

3.2 Procedures
1. Take about 3 kg of representative air dried soil sample passing on 37.5 mm
(or 20 mm) sieve.
2. Add adequate water on soil sample to bring its water content to about 7% or
less than the estimated optimum moisture content. Leave it for some time.
3. Clean the mould and base plate. Fit them and record the mass.
4. Apply grease on inside of the mould.
5. Attached the collar to the mould.
6. Remix the matured soil. Take about 2 to 3 kg of soil. Compact it in the 1000
ml mould in three equal layers, using the rammer at 27 blows per layers.
7. Remove the collar. Cut the excess soil with the straight edge. Determine
penetration resistance of the compacted soil using Proctor’s needle (if
available) and record the resistance.
8. Clean the mould from outside and record its weight.
9. Take out the soil from the mould. Keep a representative soil specimen from
the middle of the mould for water content determinations.
10. Repeat steps 5 to 10 about six times but with a gradual increments of water
content each time by adding sufficient amount of water on the soil. In a
normal case of compactions the mass of the soil (weight in step 9) is become
WAYS & MEANS
heavier for the first three compactions stages but will become lighter after
next three compactions due to the soil become saturated.
 3.3 Data Acquisition

Table 1.0 : Bulk Density Determination

Mass of rammer (kg)= 2.5 Diameter of mould (cm) = Volume of mould (cm3)=
10.15 cm 1000
Test no. 1 2 3 4
Vol. of Water 210 420 630 840
(ml)
Mass of Mould + M1 6000 6000 6000 6000
base (g)
Mass of Mould + M2
base + 7750 7900 7800 7700
compacted soil
(g)
Mass of
compacted soil M3= M2- M1
(g)
Bulk density, ρb M3/V mould
(g/cm3)

Table 1.1 : Moisture Content Determination

Mass of rammer (kg)= 2.5 Diameter of mould (cm) Volume of mould

=10.15 (cm3)=1000
Test no. 1 2 3 4
Mass of M1 28.90 31.50 28.85 31.20
container (g)
Mass of M2 72.55 101.35 128.75 137.50
container + wet
soil (g)
Mass of wet soil M2 – M 1
(g)
After oven-dried
Mass of 67.90 90.65 108.45 112.55
container + dry M3
soil (g)
Mass of dry soil M3 – M 1
(g)
Mass of M2 – M 3
moisture (g)
Moisture (M2 – M3 )x 100
Content , ω (%) M3 – M 1

Dry density, ρd ρb / 1 + ω

Establish a compaction curve: Dry density vs. Moisture Content(%)

4 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group will be required to prepare technical report of the laboratory results
RESULTS highlighting the procedures of testing adopted, data acquisition process,
analysis carried out with detail discussion and conclusion. Report is to be
submitted 1 week upon completion of laboratory work.