Introduction
The Proctor compaction test is a laboratory geotechnical testing method
used to determine the soil compaction properties, specifically, to
determine the optimal water content at which soil can reach its maximum
dry density. The original test is offren reffered to as Standard Proctor Test,
which was later modified and reffered to as Modified Proctor Test. The
difference between the two tests lies mainly in the compaction enegry.
Procedure
The standard proctor test
About 3 kg of soil was obtained, passing through a 19.0 mm sieve. The
weight of the Proctor mould, without the base and collar extension, was
recorded, with a volume of 943 cm³. The compaction apparatus was
assembled. An adequate amount of water was added to the sample, and it
was mixed thoroughly. The mould was filled with moist soil in three layers,
and each layer was compacted with 25 well-distributed blows from the
Proctor hammer. The collar was detached without disturbing the soil inside
the mould. The weight of the mould with the compacted soil was
determined. The compacted soil was then removed from the mould, and a
sample (20 g - 30 g) was taken to determine the moisture content. The
remainder of the moulded soil was placed into a pan, broken down, and
thoroughly remixed with the other soil. A suitable amount of water was
added, and the mixture was stirred well. The procedure was repeated,
with the mould weight increasing with moisture until it dropped suddenly.
Two moisture increments were taken after the weights began to reduce,
and at least four points were obtained to plot the dry density and moisture
content variation. After 24 hours, the sample was recovered from the
oven, and the dry weight of the soil sample was determined.
MODIFIED PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST
About 7 kg of soil was obtained, passing through a 19.0 mm sieve. The
weight of the Proctor mould, without the base and collar extension, was
recorded, with a volume of 943 cm³. The compaction apparatus was
assembled. An adequate amount of water was added to the sample, and it
was thoroughly mixed. The mould was filled with moist soil in five layers,
and each layer was compacted by 25 well-distributed blows from the
Proctor hammer. The collar was detached without disturbing the soil inside
the mould. The weight of the mould and compacted soil was determined.
The compacted soil was removed from the mould, and a sample (20 g - 30
g) of soil was taken to find the moisture content. The remainder of the
moulded soil was placed in the pan, broken down, and thoroughly remixed
with the other soil. A suitable amount of water was added, and the
mixture was stirred well. The procedure was repeated. (During this
process, the mould weight increased with the moisture until it dropped
suddenly.) Two moisture increments were taken after the weights started
reducing. At least four points were obtained to plot the dry density and
moisture content variation. After 24 hours, the sample was recovered from
the oven, and the dry weight of the soil sample was determined.
Discussion
Comparison of Compactive Effort Difference Between Both
Methods
The Standard Proctor and Modified Proctor tests differ primarily in the
level of compactive effort applied to the soil. The Modified Proctor test
uses a higher compactive energy, achieved by increasing the number of
layers, the drop height of the hammer, or the number of hammer blows
per layer compared to the Standard Proctor test. This difference in
compactive effort results in a higher maximum dry density and a lower
optimum moisture content in the Modified Proctor test. Comparing the
results of both tests allows engineers to select the appropriate compactive
effort based on project requirements, particularly for high-stress or heavy
load-bearing areas where higher soil density is desired.
Importance of Conducting This Test to Identify Various
Parameters for Field Density Control
The Proctor tests are essential for determining the optimal moisture
content and maximum dry density for soil, which are critical parameters
for field density control. These values help establish guidelines for on-site
compaction during construction, ensuring that the soil achieves the
necessary strength and stability. By knowing the optimum moisture
content and maximum dry density, contractors can efficiently manage
water addition and compactive effort in the field, improving the durability
and performance of the soil structure. This control is particularly important
for foundations, embankments, and road bases.
Errors and Possible Corrections
Potential errors in the Proctor tests may arise from improper sample
preparation, inaccurate weighing, or inconsistent hammer drops. For
example, uneven distribution of soil in the mold, incomplete mixing of
water, or variations in compactive effort could affect the test results. To
correct these issues, care should be taken to follow standardized
procedures precisely. Proper calibration of equipment, consistent
application of compactive effort, and accurate moisture content
determination are crucial to ensure reliable and repeatable results.
Conducting multiple tests and averaging the results can also help mitigate
minor errors.
Conclusion
the objectives have been achieved. The tests provided accurate values for
the soil's optimum moisture content and maximum dry density, which are
essential for effective field compaction. The sample demonstrated
expected behavior under compaction, showing that the test procedures
were correctly followed. These results will help ensure the soil can support
the required loads and remain stable in the field.
