Laboratory Experiment No.

05
Moisture-Density Relationship
(Standard Proctor Test)
Submitted by:
Ina Therese R. Ardan
11811250
Justine Eliza N. Rocha
11814985

I. OBJECTIVES
The following are the main objectives of this experiment:
• To plot the compaction curve of the given soil sample
• To determine the maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content of the given
soil sample
• To describe why compaction and an increase in soil unit weight produces the effects of
increased shear strength, decreases probability of future settlement and decreased
permeability
II. DATA PRESENTATION
Table 1. Summary of Experimental Data and Results for Water Content Determination
No. of trial 1 2 3 4
Weight of can + wet soil, g 50.85 56.98 54.46 53.64 59.5 54.51 59.40 76.6
Weight of can + dry soil, g 49.08 54.37 51.6 50.82 53.27 49.8 51.8 61.48
Weight of water, g 1.77 2.61 2.86 2.82 6.23 4.71 7.60 15.12
Weight of moisture can, g 36.81 37.04 37.03 36.92 36.84 36.75 36.9 27.3
Weight of dry soil, g 12.27 17.33 14.57 13.9 16.43 13.05 14.9 34.18
Water content, % 14.43 15.06 19.63 20.29 37.92 36.09 51.01 44.24
Average water content, % 14.74 19.96 37.01 47.62

Table 1 shows the summary of the experimental data for determining the water content of
the soil sample, as moisture was increased from the first to the fourth trial. In each trial, water
content was measured from the top and bottom part of the sample. The two values were averaged
and taken as the average water content for the specific trial.
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Table 2. Summary of Experimental Data and Results for Dry Unit Weight Determination
No. of Trial 1 2 3 4
Weight of soil + mold, g 5430 5580 5750 5680
Weight of mold, g 4110 4110 4110 4110
Weight of soil in mold, g 1320 1470 1640 1570
3
Wet unit weight, kN/m 13.96 15.55 17.35 16.60
3
Dry unit weight, kN/m 12.17 12.96 12.66 11.25

` On the other hand, Table 2 shows the summary of experimental data and results
determining the dry unit weight of the soil sample as its moisture content was increased across the
four trials. The dry unit weight was calculated from the experimental wet unit weight and average
moisture content of the sample in each trial.
Table 3. Summary of Experimental Data and Results for Determining the Zero-air Voids
Dry Unit Weight for each Measured Moisture Content
No. of Trial 1 2 3 4
Specific gravity 2.65 2.65 2.65 2.65
3
Dry unit weight, kN/m 12.17 12.96 12.66 11.25
Average water content, % 14.74 19.96 37.01 47.62
Zero-air voids
18.69 17.00 13.13 11.49
dry unit weight, kN/m3
Table 3 shows the zero-air voids dry unit weight for each corresponding trial. This data can
be used to determine whether the obtained dry unit weight values are valid. These values were
calculated by assuming that the soil has become fully saturated, meaning all voids have been filled
by water and there is no air within the soil. Values that cross over this line are considered invalid
because it is impossible to achieve moisture content that is beyond full saturation, while values that
are on this line are considered invalid because zero-air voids cannot be achieved in actual
compaction (Das & Sobhan, 2018).
III. COMPUTATION AND GRAPHS
Computing for the moisture content
The following equation shows the sample computation for the average water content of the
soil sample.
𝑀𝑤,𝑡 𝑀𝑤,𝑏 1.77 𝑔 2.61 𝑔
𝑀𝑠,𝑡
+ 𝑀𝑠,𝑏
+ 17.33 𝑔
12.27 𝑔
𝑤= = × 100% = 14.74%
2 2 Eq. 1
where:
𝑀𝑤,𝑡 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑝 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 (𝑔)
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𝑀𝑠,𝑡 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑝 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 (𝑔)
𝑀𝑤,𝑏 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 (𝑔)
𝑀𝑠,𝑏 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 − 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 (𝑔)
Calculating the Volume of the Mold
The following equation shows the computation for the volume of the mold, from its
diameter and height.
𝜋𝑑2 ℎ 𝜋(10.09 𝑐𝑚)2 (11.60 𝑐𝑚)
𝑉𝑚 = = = 927.53 𝑐𝑚3
4 4
Eq. 2
where:
𝑉𝑚 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑑 (𝑐𝑚3 )
𝑑 = 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑑 (𝑐𝑚)

ℎ = ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑑 (𝑐𝑚)

Computing for the wet unit weight of the soil
The wet unit weight of a soil sample can be determined by dividing the weight of the soil
by the volume of the mold.
𝑚 𝑚
𝑀𝑠 × 9.81
𝑠2
(1.32 𝑘𝑔)(9.81 2 )
𝑠 𝑘𝑁3
𝛾= = = 13.96
𝑉𝑚 (927.53 × 10−6 𝑚3 ) 𝑚 Eq. 3
where:
𝑘𝑁
𝛾 = 𝑤𝑒𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 ( 3 )
𝑚
𝑀𝑠 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 (𝑘𝑔)

𝑉𝑚 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑑 (𝑚3 )

Computing for the dry unit weight of the soil
The following equation can be used to calculate the dry unit weight of a soil sample, given
its bulk unit weight and moisture content.
𝑘𝑁
𝛾 13.96 𝑚3 𝑘𝑁
𝛾𝑑 = 𝑤 = 14.74%
= 12.17
1 + 100% 1+ 𝑚3
100%
Eq. 4
where:
𝑘𝑁
𝛾𝑑 = 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 ( )
𝑚3
𝑘𝑔
𝛾 = 𝑤𝑒𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 ( 3 )
𝑚
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𝑤 = 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 (%)

Computing for the zero-air voids unit weight

Finally, the following equation shows the computation for the zero-air voids unit weight
for a specific moisture content, given the soil specific gravity.
𝑘𝑁
𝛾𝑤 𝐺𝑠 (9.81 𝑚3 )(2.65) 𝑘𝑁
𝛾𝑧 = 𝑤 = 14.74 = 18.69
1+ (100% × 𝐺𝑠 ) 1+ (100% × 2.65) 𝑚3
Eq. 5
where:
𝑘𝑁
𝛾𝑧 = 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜 − 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 ( )
𝑚3
𝑘𝑁
𝛾𝑤 = 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟, 9.81
𝑚3
𝑤 = 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 (%)

𝐺𝑠 = 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙

Getting the maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content
To get the maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content, one must first obtain
the compaction curve graphically (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Compaction Curve with Zero-air Voids Line

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After getting the equation of the compaction curve, the first derivative of the equation can
be equated to zero, and the optimum moisture content can be calculated (see Equation 6).
𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑥
= −0.01𝑥 + 0.238 = 0 Eq. 6

𝑥 = 28.30
The value of x is 28.30 when the first derivative of the compaction curve is equated to 0.
Thus, the optimum moisture content is equal to 28.30 percent. The optimum moisture content can
then be substituted into the original compaction curve equation to solve for its corresponding
maximum dry unit weight (see Equation 7).
𝑦 = −0.005𝑥 2 + 0.283𝑥 + 9.184 = −0.005(28.30)2 + 0.283(28.30) + 9.184 Eq.7
𝑘𝑁
𝑦 = 13.19
𝑚3
Thus, the maximum dry density of the soil sample in this experiment is 13.19 kN/m3.
IV. DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
When the soil has reached the maximum dry density, it is when the benefits of increased
unit weight are most effective. These benefits include increased shear strength, decreases
probability of future settlement and decreased permeability. Increased shear strength is experienced
because there is a decrease in pore water pressure and an increase in the effective strength of the
soil (Adajar, 2020). While there is a decrease in the probability of future settlement because there
is a decrease in the compressibility of the soil (Adajar, 2020). Finally, there is a decrease in the soil
permeability because there are less voids through which the water can easily flow through (Adajar,
2020). However, in practice, maximum dry density cannot be attained even with compaction. Thus,
a percentage, such as 90 or 95 percent of the maximum dry density can be accepted, depending on
the demand.
The data calculated for the dry unit weight of the soil sample from different levels of
moisture content are all considered valid because they are not on or beyond the zero-air voids line.
Moreover, as observed in Figure 1, the zero-air voids line is not necessarily linear, or a
straight line. According to Professor Jayarami Reddy, the reason for this is that dry density or unit
weight at full saturation is a non-linear function of the void ratio (2018) (see Equation 4).
V. CONCLUSIONS
The compaction curve of the soil sample was plotted, as seen in Figure 1. The data for the
dry unit weight obtained from the experiment are all valid because they did not cross the zero-air
voids line. Moreover, the maximum dry unit weight of the soil sample was found to be 13.19 kN/m3,
with a corresponding optimum moisture content of 28.30 percent. The approximate dry unit weight
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can be achieved on-site through compaction. Increasing the soil unit weight is essential in
construction because this produces the effects of increased shear strength, decreases probability of
future settlement and decreased permeability. Increased shear strength is a consequence of
increased soil effective strength; decrease in future settlement is an effect of decreased
compressibility due to compaction; and decreased permeability is due to the decrease in voids
through which water or liquids can easily flow through.
VI. RECOMMENDATIONS
To ensure the accuracy of the data, it is recommended that the future researchers should
conduct four or more trials of the experiment. It is also recommended that the drop must have a
constant height for the sample to receive uniformly distributed blows for compaction. Future
researchers should also be careful during the trimming process to avoid creating voids in the sample
since pressing the filled voids with finger pressure could affect the data obtained in the experiment.
VII. REFERENCE
Adajar, M. (2020). Permeability (One-dimensional flow of water through soils). Lecture presented
at Geotechnical Engineering (CEGEOEN) Lecture.
Adajar, M. (2020). Shear Strength of Soils. Lecture presented at Geotechnical Engineering
(CEGEOEN) Lecture.
Adajar, M. (2020). Soil Compaction. Lecture presented at Geotechnical Engineering (CEGEOEN)
Lecture.
Das, B. M., & Sobhan, K. (2018). Principles of geotechnical engineering (6th ed.). Australie:
Cengage Learning.
Jayamir Reddy, B. (2018, May 18). Geotechnical Engineering. Reading presented at Geotechnical
Engineering in Yogi Vemana University.