INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY INDORE

SOIL MECHANICS LAB-1 (CE 353)

DETERMINATION OF MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY AND OPTIMUM

MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOIL BY PROCTER TEST
IS: 2720 (Part 7)
OBJECT: To determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of a soil by Procter test.

THEORY AND APPLICATION:

 Compaction is the process of densification of soil mass by reducing air voids.
 The degree of compaction of a soil is measured in terms of its dry density and mainly depends upon its moisture
content, compaction energy and type of soil.
 For a given compaction energy soil attain the maximum dry density at a particular water content which is
known as optimum moisture content.
 Compaction of soil increases its density, shear strength, bearing capacity but reduces their void ratio, porosity,
permeability and settlement.
 The results of this test are useful in the stability of field problem like earth dam, embankment roads and airfield.
In such construction, the soil are compacted.

Dry density of soil, Yd=

M= total mass of soil V= volume of soil w= water content of soil Y d= dry density of soil
(g/cc)
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
 Cylindrical mould (capacity 1000 c.c., internal diameter 100mm, effective height 127.3mm)
or
Cylindrical mould (capacity 2250 c.c., internal diameter 150mm, effective height 127.3mm)
 Rammer for light compaction (face diameter 50mm, mass of 2.6 Kg, free drop 310mm)
or
Rammer for heavy compaction (face diameter 50mm, mass of 4.89 kg, free drop 450mm)
 Detachable base plate
 Collar, 60mm high
 IS sieve, 4.75 mm
 Oven and Desiccator
 Weighing balance, accuracy 1g
 Large mixing pan
 Straight edge
 Spatula
 Graduated jar
 Mixing tools, spoons, etc.
PROCEDURE:
1.Take about 20kg of air-dried soil. Sieve it through 20mm and 4.75mm sieve.
2. Calculate the percentage retained on 20mm sieve and 4.75mm sieve, and the percentage passing 4.75mm sieve.
3. If the percentage retained on 4.75mm sieve is greater than 20%, use the large mould of 150mm diameter. If it is
less than 20%, the standard mould of 100mm diameter can be used.
4. Mix the soil retained on 4.75mm sieve and that passing 4.75mm sieve in proportions determined in step (2) to
obtain about 10-16 kg of soil specimen.
5. Clean and dry the mould and the base plate. Grease them lightly.
6. Weigh the mould with the base plate to the nearest 1 gram.
7. Take about 10-16 kg of soil specimen. Add water to it to bring the water content to about 4% if the soil is sandy
and to about 8% if the soil is clayey.
8. Keep the soil in an air-tight container for about 24 hours for maturing. Mix the soil thoroughly. Divide the
processed soil into 6 to 8 parts.
9. Attach the collar to the mould. Place the mould on a solid base.
10. Take about 2.5kg of the processed soil, and hence place it in the mould in 3 equal layers. Take about one-third
the quantity first, and compact it by giving 25 blows of the rammer. The blows should be uniformly distributed over
the surface of each layer.
11. The top surface of the first layer be scratched with spatula before placing the second layer. The second layer
should also be compacted by 25 blows of rammer. Likewise, place the third layer and compact it.
12. The amount of the soil used should be just sufficient to fill the mould and leaving about 5 mm above the top of
the mould to be struck off when the collar is removed.
13. Remove the collar and trim off the excess soil projecting above the mould using a straight edge.
14. Clean the base plate and the mould from outside. Weigh it to the nearest gram.
15. Remove the soil from the mould. The soil may also be ejected out.
16. Take the soil samples for the water content determination from the top, middle and bottom portions. Determine
the water content.
17. Add about 2-3% of the water to a fresh portion of the processed soil, and repeat the steps 10 to 14.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION
Type of test = Standard light compaction test
Diameter of mould = 100mm
Height of mould = 127.3mm
Volume of mould = 1000cc
Mass of mould + base plate =
Weight of hammer = 2.6kg
No. of layers = 3
No. of blows = 25 each layer
OBSERVATION TABLE:
S.No. Determination No. 1 2 3 4 5 6

1. Mass of mould + base plate (gm)

2. Mass of mould+ base plate + compacted soil (gm)

3. Mass of compacted soil Wt= (1) - (2) (gm)

4. Wet density, Yt= Wt/V (gm/cc)

5. Container no.

6. Mass of container (gm)

7. Mass of container+ wet soil (gm)

8. Mass of container+ dry soil (gm)

9. Mass of water (7)-(8) (gm)

10. Mass of dry soil (8)-(6) (gm)

11. Water content, w= (9)/(10) *100 (%)

12. Dry density, Yd= (gm/cc)

 Enter all observation in the table and calculate wet density.
 Calculate the dry density by using the equation
Yd=

Yd= dry density

Yt = wet density
w = water content
 Plot the water content on X axis and dry density on Y axis draw the
smooth curve called compaction curve.
 Read the point of maximum dry density and water content
corresponding to maximum density from compaction curve.

RESULTS:
Maximum dry density of soil (gm/cc)=
Optimum moisture content of soil (%)=
Quiz on next week
THANK YOU