DENSITY TEST OF SOIL

Density Test of Soil

• The density of soil or weight per cubic foot
varies with the peculiarities of the soil itself,
the moisture content, and the compacted
device plus the method of their use.
• The standard weight of soil per cubic foot
cannot be fixed, but should be determined in
particular instance.
 Density Test of Soil
The Main Variables in the Soil Proper are:
1. Specific Gravity of the soil particles that may vary
from 2.0 to 3.3 that is normally between 2.5 and 2.8
2. Particle size distribution of the soil. A mass composed
of entirely spheres of one size in the densest possible
condition will contain 75% solid and 25% voids. The
smaller the sphere in the mass the higher the
percentage distribution may greatly affect density.
3. Grain Shape of Soil Particles. Sharp angular particles
will resist shifting from loose to compacted state.
Flaky particles in soil will decrease its density because
they are difficult to compact.
LABORATORY TEST FOR SOIL
 Laboratory Test for Soil
Test for density may be divided into two:
1. Laboratory test to set standard for density.
2. Field test to measure the density of soil in-placed on
roadway.
Laboratory tests may be subdivided in to
three, according to the basis of compaction
procedures.
1. Static test.
2. Dynamic and impact test.
3. Tamping foot or kneading compaction test.
 Laboratory Test for Soil
Static Test
-is determining the maximum density of
soil sample in the laboratory. A sample of about
5000 grams of soil containing a specified
percentage of water is placed in cylinder mold 6
inches diameter and 8 inches high.
Sand Replacement Method
Core Cutter Method
 Laboratory Test for Soil
Dynamic or Impact Test
Samples of soils each containing a designated
percentage of water are compacted in layers into
molds of specified size. The sample is compacted by
applying a number of blows from free falling
hammer or prescribed dimension and weight with
flat circular face. The peak of moisture density value
represents the standard density. The AASHTO tests
may be applied on that portion of the soil which
will pass No. 4 sieve or all that passes ¾ sieve.
Dynamic Compaction
 Laboratory Test for Soil
Tamping Foot or Kneading Compact Test
The material is fed into a rotating mold
and compacted by several repetitive loads
applied through tamping shoe shaped like sector
of the circle. About 25% of the specimen is
covered in each application. Compaction is
through kneading action in contrast in contrast
with the static pressure and impact test.
Kneading Compaction Simulation