Tan, Lyka Isabel V.

BSCE IV – D1
Saplad, Daryll M.
Paquera, Robert P.

Methods of Soil Compaction

Soil compaction is the most obvious and simple way of increasing the stability and
supporting capacity of soil (improving the physical properties of soil).

It is the process of increasing the unit weight of soil by forcing solids into a tighter state
and reducing air. This is accomplished by applying static or dynamic loads to the soil.

Compaction is one kind of densification that is realized by rearrangement of soil particles

without outflow of water.

Soil is compacted by removing air and water from its pore space. There exists a certain
amount of moisture that a soil can have where a maximum unit weight is obtained. It does not
involve fluid flow, but with moisture changing.

Compaction improves characteristics of soils:

1. Increases Strength
2. Decreases permeability
3. Reduces settlement of foundation
4. Increases slope stability of embankments

Types of Action

 Ramming

Rammers have a low frequency (800 blows/minute), and a

higher stroke (1.5" to 3.5“height). As the machine operates the
ramming action breaks down the soil, pushes the particles closer
together, and forces air out of the voids.

 Vibration

Vibratory machines are distinguished by their high frequency

(2,000 to 6,000 blows/minute) and a low amplitude. The vibratory
action sets the soil particles in motion, which rearranges them into a
denser packing.

Vibratory Plates are designed for consistent compaction performance.

  Static Rollers

Methods:

 Laboratory Procedure

Generally before any soil compaction occurs, various samples of the proposed embankment or
fill are analyzed in the Lab.

One such lab test is Proctor compaction test.

The Proctor compaction test is a test that compacts the soil material at various moisture contents.
There are two Proctor tests that are defined by the American Association of Highway Officials
and American Standard Testing Material:

1. The Standard Proctor test (ASTM D-698, AASHTO T-99)

Generally used for fills requiring the minimal sub-grade compaction, such as small
parking lots and building structures.

2. The Modified Proctor test (ASTM D-1557 and AASHTO T-180)

Generally used for fills that will support large loads, such as roadways, airport
runways, and concrete parking aprons.

 Shallow Surface Compaction

Shallow compaction in the field is accomplished by rolling or vibrating. Field

compaction of soils is mainly done with various types of rollers.

The four most common types of rollers are:

1. Sheepsfoot rollers, used mainly for Clayey and Silty Soils

This roller compacts all fine-grained materials, including

materials that will break down or degrade under the roller feet, but
it will not compact cohesionless granular materials.

The number of passes necessary for this type of roller to

obtain the required densities must be determined for each type of
soil encountered.

The roller compacts from the bottom up and is used especially for plastic materials. The
lift thickness for sheepsfoot rollers is limited to 6 inches (15cm) in compacted depth.
 2. Smooth-drum rollers, Used primarily for Granular Soils

Although extensively used, it is normally operated

in conjunction with one of the other three types of
compaction rollers. It is used for compacting granular
materials in thin lifts. Probably its most effective use in
subgrade work is in the final finish of a surface, following
immediately behind the blade, forming a dense and
watertight surface.

3. Vibratory Rollers, Used primarily for Granular Soils

A tamping-foot roller is a modification of the

sheepsfoot roller. The tamping feet are trapezoidal pads
attached to a drum. Tamping-foot rollers are normally
self-propelled, and the drum may be capable of
vibrating. The tamping-foot roller is suitable for use with
a wide range of soil types.

4. Pneumatic Rubber-tired rollers for clay soil

Clays are more difficult to compact than sands and

gravels, because they must be brought to the right range of water
content before they can be compacted to high densities. Static
pressure, as exerted by the wheels of this rubber-tired roller,
compacts clays well.

 Deep Compaction Techniques

It is an important ground improvement technique, capable of compacting a wide variety

of weak soils. The ground improvement results in increased bearing capacity and reduced
settlement. In this way soil conditions on many marginal sites can be improved to the point
where shallow foundations can be used without deep excavation or piling

With DDC, the ground is subjected to repeated surface tamping using a heavy steel and
concrete weight. Typically the tamper weighs between 5 and 10 tonnes, dropping in free fall
from heights of up to 10 metres. The tamper is dropped a set number of times on a grid pattern
over the site to form a pass. Two or three passes on a site, dependent on soil type and condition,
can be required. The imprints formed at each drop position are infilled with granular material
after each pass.

The treatment pattern, energy level, number of passes and phasing of passes must be
designed to take into account the soil conditions, type of development and required bearing
capacity and settlement characteristics. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the
soils prior to treatment, and to maintain very close control during all phases of the work.
Typically, insitu testing by borehole or static cone penetrometer, allied with measurement of
print volume and site surface settlement is performed during the dynamic deep compaction
contract.

 Hydromechanical Compaction

SOME SIMPLE RULES ON COMPACTION AND CONSOLIDATION

 If your fill is a cohesive / clay soil, it must NOT be too wet, and it must NOT be too dry,
a reasonable "rule of thumb" for cohesive (clay) soils is the moisture content range +/-
2% of the Plastic Limit.
 Lay soil fills in thin layers, maximum 200mm, compact each fully before placing next
layer.
 Granular fills must be well graded, particle size well distributed through the range of the
material, not single sized particles.
 Consult appropriate specification to choose compaction plant and numbers of passes /
blows.
 Ensure correct compaction plant is on site.
 When compacting bituminous materials ensure they are above minimum rolling
temperatures. Maximum thickness of 40mm nominal size bituminous roadbase is
150mm, (with a BIG roller).
 Do not trust any testing apparatus that requires calibration; satisfy yourself if it is
working correctly by using other testing methods alongside the instruments that need
calibration.