Static laboratory compaction method

Abstract

Laboratory concept produced by Proctor (1933) has a few shortcoming in determining the value of maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC). It also has some shortcoming in application where we need to determine the OMC and MDD in the soil laboratory using the dynamic method to decide for the MDD and OMC of subgrade in which we use static compaction method. Thus, a new method has been invented to determine the MDD and shear strength values by using static compaction efforts in order to close the gap between laboratory and field data. Based on the laboratory results, it was found that the static pressure method is more practical and sensible than the dynamic compaction. Static compaction gives higher value in density and the shear strength event has used lesser energy during compaction process. The static compaction onto Soil A specimen has given the value of MDD = 1.84 Mg/m3, the amount of energy input of E = 538.96 kJ/m3, and shear strength value of cu= 366.5 kPa. Whereas, the dynamic compaction applied onto Soil A specimen has given the value of MDD = 1.79 Mg/m3, the amount of energy input of E = 597 kJ/m3, and the shear strength value of cu = 327 kPa. The static compaction has reached the higher degree of compaction and shear strength, although obtained lesser amount of energy as compared to the dynamic method. An equivalent amount of energy input (E) is levied to all kinds of soil through dynamic compaction method, while the energy input by static compaction is different for each type of soil. This type of research is developed to improve engineering parameter, especially for road construction design. The static compaction is introduced as a new laboratory compaction method, and is found suitable to measure the degree of compaction on Malaysian cohesive soils. © 2011 ejge.