INFLUENCE OF FINE CONTENTS ON COMPACTION

CHARACTERISTICS OF SANDY SOIL

Raheem. S. B1, Benedicta. U. N2

1.
The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This project studied the influence of fine content (i.e., sample passing 75 μm) on the compaction

characteristics of sandy soils collected from The Polytechnic Ibadan compound and a

construction site located at Ologuneru-Ava Balogun, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, .The

sand sample was reconstituted with various proportions of fine content (i.e. 0%, 15% and 30%)

and recorded as S1, S2 and S3. Various tests such as classification test (Sieve analysis,

Atterberg limit test) and compaction test, were conducted on the three samples . The compaction

test was conducted using proctor compactor of 4.5kg rammer with 27blows given at each layers.

Results show that for the samples, at 0%, 15% and 30% fines, MDD (maximum dry density)

increased by 1.53kg/m3, 1.83kg/m3 and 1.87kg/m3 respectively, while OMC (optimum moisture

content) decreased by 15.91%, 12.08% and 11.88% respectively. This study shows that with the

influence of fine content, there was an increase in the dry density and decrease in moisture

content of the soil.

Keywords: Compaction, Fine content, Sand,

1. INTRODUCTION

Natural sand commonly consists of fines and sand particles with different proportions, and the

fine content significantly affects the engineering properties of sandy soil. Until recently, few

studies have reported on the behavior of granular sandy soil with different fines contents. (Vu

To-Anh Phan, Darn-Horng Hsiao, Phuong Thuc-LanNguyea). Fine content in sandy soil plays an

important role in the engineering design of geotechnical structures, particularly when the area is

prone to earthquakes. (NZGS Symposium, Rolando Orense). Generally sandy soils are used as a

fill material in construction and their engineering properties can be improved by compaction.

Usual study on compaction focused on the energy of compactive effort and water content. It has

long been recognized that compaction changes the physical properties of soils and also may

result in a change of workability of the soil which will ease handling during construction. (Hilf,

1991)( Prabir K. Kolay, NurulWadiah). The geotechnical characteristics and field performance

of reconstituted lateritic soils as well as their reaction to different stabilizing agents are better

understood through their index properties. The interaction of the soil particles at the micro scale

is reflected in the Atterberg limits of the soil that provides a better understanding of the strength,

compressibility, swell potential of the soil or the water holding capacity of the soil and it is

dependent on the type of clay mineral present along with the content. ( K.J. Osinubia, A.O.

Eberemub , A.O. Belloc , A. Adzegah). This can be referred to as “Soil mixing” in stabilization.

Soil compaction is the mechanical process of increasing the density of a soil thereby eliminating

the voids within the soil matrix. The increase in density due to a reduction in void ratio, results in

a substantial increase in shear strength of the soil and a marked decrease in its compressibility as

well as permeability. (Azizi, F, 2000). The reason for compaction test is to reduce the sensitivity

of strength and volume change to environmental changes, especially those affected by moisture.
Field and laboratory experiments in the evaluation of compaction characteristics of lateritic soils

indicate that two important factors influence the compaction test result of lateritic soils.

(Gidigasu. M. D, 1976).

In engineering practice, it is very common to estimate the fine content using the cone

penetration test data, as this test has become the most field test for the design of structures. For

this study, test was carried out in the laboratory using compaction method.

2. MATERIAL AND METHODS This project was carried out in the laboratory of the civil

engineering department, The Polytechnic Ibadan, South campus.

2.1 SOIL

The soils used in this study are creamy sandy soil and reddish-brown fine soil (silt) which were

collected from The Polytechnic Ibadan compound and a construction site located at Ologuneru-

Ava Balogun, Eleyele Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, by method of disturbed sampling. The soils

was taken at a depth of 1.5m with quantities of 30kg 0f sandy soil and 3kg of fine soil and was

air-dried before taking moisture content as recommended according to BS 1377- part1 1990.

2.2 MOISTURE CONTENT

Initial moisture content of fine soil (silt) was taken in three samples with the use of weighing can

and being represented as C1, C2 and C3 respectively. It was then kept in the oven at a

temperature of 105c to 110c to remove water content present in it. Also final moisture content

was taken after compaction process. The moisture content was evaluated by a simple calculation.
2.3 RECONSTITUTION OF SOIL

The soils used in this study was first dried by air drying method immediately after initial

moisture content has been taken. Materials that passed through BS No 200 sieve (75_m aperture)

were collected as fines. It was further divided by method of quartering into five equal places. The

sandy soil was then mixed thoroughly in proportion of 0%, 15% and 30% fines content by

weight of dry soil, to form three independent reconstituted soil samples S1, S2 and S3

respectively.

In this project, various tests were carried out in order to determine the effect of fine content on

compaction characteristics of sandy soil. They include;

2.4 SIEVE ANALYSIS

Sieve analysis was carried out according to BS 1377- part 2 1990, in the laboratory on the soil

samples with the use of set of sieves, sieve shaker, cleaning brush and weighing balance. Soil

sample of 500g was weighed and passed through each sieve. The particle retained after sieving

was measured and recorded. Further calculation was done to obtain results needed fro the study

Sieve analysis is a very simple and easy method as it helps in predicting the quality and

performance of the soil sample. It also helps in determining the fineness modulus of aggregates

which is important in the design of pavements.

2.5 ATTERBERG LIMIT TEST

Soils intended to support structures, pavements, or other loads must be evaluated by geotechnical

engineers to predict their behavior under applied forces and variable moisture conditions. Soil
mechanics tests in geotechnical laboratories measure particle size distribution, shear strength,

moisture content, and the potential for expansion or shrinkage of cohesive soils. Atterberg limits

tests establish the moisture contents at which fine-grained clay and silt soils transition between

solid, semi-solid, plastic, and liquid states.

2.5.1 Liquid Limit; was measured by spreading a portion of the soil sample in the brass cup of

a liquid limit machine and dividing it using a grooving tool. The moisture content when the

groove closes for 1/2in after 25 drops of the cup is defined as the Liquid Limit. The test methods

used are BS1377-part2 and AASHTO T 89.

2.5.2 Plastic Limit; was determined by repeatedly remolding a small ball of moist plastic soil

and manually rolling it out into a 1/8in thread. A plastic limit roller device can also be used to

perform this test. The Plastic Limit is the moisture content at which the thread crumbles before

being completely rolled out. Standard test methods are BS1377-part2 and AASHTO T89.

2.5.3 Shrinkage Limit; was performed by molding a soil pat of moist test material into a special

shrinkage dish. The dish and soil are oven-dried and weighed, then the volume of the specimen is

determined by water displacement. This portion of the Atterberg test series is performed less

often and is described in BS1377-part2.

2.6 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST; A standard method of determining the Specific Gravity of

the soil solids was performed for whole of the sample, which is ASTM D 2216.

2.7 COMPACTION TEST; Compaction was carried out according to BS 1377-part4 1990 in

the laboratory, with the use of a 4.5kg rammer in which 27 blows each were given at 5layers.
 After compaction, the soil was extruded from the mould and samples were taken in a

weighing can and placed in the oven to obtain moisture content.

3.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

3.1 Sieve Analysis

The particle sizes distribution curve shows that sample 1 and silt only are well graded. When

fine content was added to Sample 2 and Sample 3 in different percentages of 15% and 30%,

the samples becomes poorly graded.

100
90
80
Percentage Passing (%)

70
60
Sample 1
50
Sample 2
40 Sample 3
30 Silt Sample
20
10
0

Sieve Size (mm)

Figure 1: Sieve Analysis curve for natural soil and reconstituted soil

Calculating for Cc and Cu

Where, Cu = D60 / D10 and Cc = D30 / D10*D60

For Sample 1,
D10 = 0.212, D30 = 0.381169, D60 = 0.824896

Cu = 0.824896 / 0.212 = 3.89 ^ 3.9

Cc = 0.381169 / 0.212 * 0.824896 = 2.18

For Sample 2,

Cu = 3.91 and Cc = 2.56

For Sample 3,

Cu = 4.55 and Cc = 2.55

For Silt Soil,

Cu = 6.56 and Cc = 2.14

Sample 1 and Silt soil are well graded as Cu > 6 and Cc ranges between 1- 3.

Sample 2 and Sample 3 are poorly graded Cu < 6 and Cc ranges between 1- 3.

3.2 Atterberg Limit Test Result

The liquid limit of silt samples fall within the range class A2-4 according to the classification by

AASHTO SYSTEM. Sample 1, 2 and 3 has no liquid limit.

 Flow Curve (Liquid Limit)
45
40 f(x) = − 0.440639269406393 x + 48.9269406392694
35
Moisture Content(%)

R² = 0.994659403455366
30
25 Moisture content
20 Linear (Moisture content)
15
10
5
0
10 100

NO of Blows

Figure 2: Liquid Limit Curve

From graph,

Liquid limit, LL(y) = -0.440x + 48.92

Where x = 25

LL= - 0.440*25 + 48.92 = 59.92 = 60 approximately

LL = 60

3.3 Specific Gravity Test Result

From the figure below, it was observed that the specific gravity reduced when fine content was

added to the soil sample.

 2.7

2.65

2.6
Specific Gravity

2.55

2.5

2.45

2.4

2.35
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Percentage Fines(%)

Figure 3; Variation of Specific gravity with Percentage Fines

3.4 Compaction Test Result

The main aim of carrying out the compaction test is to determine the optimum moisture

content (O.M.C) and the maximum dry density (M.D.D). From the result obtained from the

compaction test, it shows that, sample 1 has class A7 with the highest OMC at 15.91% the

lowest MDD at 1.53kg/m3, sample 2 has class A3 with the lowest OMC of 11.88% and

MDD of 1.83kg/m3 and sample 3 has class A1 with the highest MDD at 1.87kg/m3 and an

OMC of 12.08% as shown in the summary below in Tab.A-2. It can be deduced from the

curve that thin film of water around the grains keeps the particles away due to surface tension

and causes a decrease in density in the initial stages. With increase in moisture content, the

meniscus is broken and the particle becomes closer, leading to an increase in dry density.

This density increases till the saturation is 100%, beyond which the density decreases due to

occupation by water of the positions of grains. An increase in the fine content leads to an
increase in the maximum dry density and reduces the optimum moisture content as shown

in Fig.5 and Fig 6.

1.8
Dry Density (Kg/m3)

1.6 Sample 1
sample 2
Sample 3
1.4

1.2
0 5 10 15 20
Moisture Content(%)

Figure 4; Compaction curve of natural and reconstituted soil (S1, S2 and S3)

2
1.8
1.6
1.4
Dey Density (kg/m3)

1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Percentage Fines(%)

Figure 5; Variation of Dry Density with Percentage Fines

 18
16
Moisture content(%) 14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Percentage fines(%)

Figure 6; Variation of Moisture Content with Percentage Fines

4.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the result obtained from the laboratory tests carried out on the samples , the following

conclusion was drawn;

 When fine content was added to the sandy soil sample, the soil became poorly graded.

 With the addition of fine content, result for liquid limit, plastic limit etc, could not be

obtained because of the low plasticity in the fine content when mixed with sandy soil.

 From the compaction test result, it was observed that the value of maximum dry density

increased up to 30% fines content.

 From the compaction test result it was observed that as the percentage of fines content, so

does the value of dry density increase, while the optimum moisture content decreases.
Based on the result from the laboratory work the following recommendations are made;

 Other soils from different sources will provide a more general behavior.

 The percentage of fine content can be further increased to check if the dry density will

further increase.

 For detailed analysis more tests can also be carried out to have 100% assurance of the

effect of fine content.

 Finally, for effective work the project research work should be given to more

students for adequate conclusion of good results.

REFERENCES

America Association of State Highway and Transportation Official (1982) AASHTO materials, part 1,

specification, Washington.

ASTM D 4318,”Test methods for liquid limit, plastic limit, shrinkage limit of soils”. ASTM, International.

West Conshohocken, PA, 2021.

ASTM D 4643,”Test methods for liquid limit, plastic limit, shrinkage limit of soils”. ASTM, International.

West Conshohocken, PA, 2021.

Azizi, F. “Applied Analyses in Geotechnics”. 1st edition, E & FN Spon, London, 2000
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requirements and sample preparation” © BSI 6 December 2002, ISBN 0 580 18070 0

BS 1377-2:1990 “Methods of test for Soils for civil engineering purposes-Part 2: Classification

tests” © BSI 6 December 2002, ISBN 0 580 18070 0

BS 1377-4:1990 “Methods of test for Soils for civil engineering purposes -Part 4: Compaction

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Rolando Orense, NaoakiSuemasa and YasinMirjafari(2017) “Soil type identification and fines

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