What Is Standard Proctor Test & his Detail?
Probably the single most important soil trait is its density or compaction. Soil is made up of many particles of different sizes.
The closer together these particles are, the more stable the soil. After the engineers have classified the type of soil and the load-bearing needs of specific areas within a project, they can calculate the required density of the soil for each area.
The required density is the degree to which a soil needs to be tamped down to make it as solid as it was in its original state. This requirement is usually expressed as a percentage, with 100 percent representing the maximum possible compaction.
The compaction test, known as the Standard Proctor Test, or sometimes referred to as the standar proctor test, determines how much soil can be compacted.
This test is essential for understanding the proctor density test procedure.” That figure will be used as a guideline throughout the project. The in-place material must be compacted to a certain percent of the “Proctor”.
The Standard Proctor Test is known as either the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) test designation T99-70, or American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) test designation D-698.
Testers fill a cylindrical steel mold, 6 inches in diameter and 7 inches deep, with the material in three separate layers, or lifts.
Each lift is compacted by 25 blows from a 5.5 pound, 2-inch-diameter hammer falling from a distance of 12 inches.
This Proctor Test is usually specified for fill material placed under buildings, sidewalks, utility trenches, and landscape areas.
The Standard Proctor Test, also known in some regions as standard proctor test adalah, was developed by R.R. Proctor (1933) for the construction of earth-fill dams in the state of California.
Standard Proctor Test
The test equipment consists of
(i) cylindrical metal mould, having an internal diameter of 4 inches (10.15 cm), an internal effective height of 4.6 in. (11.7 cm), and a capacity of ft3.(0.945 lit.)
(ii) detachable base plate.
(iii) collar 2 in. (5 cm) in-effective height, and
(iv) rammer 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) in mass falling through a height of 12 in. (30.5 cm).
Procedure Standard Proctor Test
The proctor compaction test procedure consists of compacting soil at various water contents in the mould, in three equal layers, each layer being given 25 blows of the 5.5 lb rammer dropped from a height of 12 in.
The dry density obtained in each test is determined by knowing the mass of the compacted soil and its water content.
The compactive energy used for this test is 6065 kg-cm per 1000 ml of soil (or 595 kg/m3). IS: 2720 (Part VII) 1980/87 recommends a mould of 1000 ml capacity with an internal diameter of 100 mm and an internal effective height of 127.5 mm.
The rammer has a mass of 2.6 kg with a drop of 310 mm. The below figure shows the dimensions of the IS version of the Proctor test mould and the rammer.
About 3 kg of air-dried and pulverized soil, passing a 4.75 mm sieve, is mixed thoroughly with a small quantity of water.
The mixture is covered with a wet cloth and left for a maturing time of about 5 to 30 minutes (or more for clay soils) to permit the proper absorption of water.
The quantity of water to be added for the first test depends upon the probable optimum water content for the soil.
The initial water content may be taken 4 % for coarse-grained soils and 10% for fine-grained soils. The empty mould attached to the base plate is weighed without a collar.
The collar is then attached to the mould. The mixed and mature soil is placed in the mould and compacted by giving 25 blows of the rammer uniformly distributed over the surface, such that the compacted height of soil is about 1/3 the height of the mould.
Before putting the second installment of soil, the top of the first compacted layer is scratched with the help of any sharp edge.
The second and third layers are similarly compacted, each layer being given 25 blows. The last compacted layer should project not more than 6 mm into the collar.
The collar is removed and the excess soil is trimmed off to make it level with the top of mould. The weight of the mould, base plate, and the compacted soil is taken.
A representative sample is taken from the center of the compacted specimen and kept for water content determination.
The hulk density ρ and the corresponding dry density ρd for the compacted soil are calculated from the following relation:
Eq-1
Where,
M = Mass of wet compacted specimen (g)
w = Water Content (Ratio)
V = Volume of the mould = 1/30 Ft.3 (945 ml)
The compacted soil is taken out of the mould, broken with hand, and remixed with raised water content (by 2 or 4 percent).
After allowing for the maturing time, the soil is compacted in the mould in three equal layers, as described above, and the corresponding dry density ρd and water con-tent w are thus determined.
The test is repeated on soil samples with increasing water contents, and the corresponding dry density ρd obtained is thus determined.
A companion curve is plotted between the water contents as abscissae and the cor-responding dry densities as ordinates (Show below fig).
Water Content Density Relationship.
The dry density goes on increasing as the water content is increased, till maxi-mum density is reached. The water content corresponding to the maximum density is called the optimum water content Wo.
Zero air voids line.
A line which shows the water content dry density relation for the compacted soil containing a constant percentage air void is known as air-voids line and can be established from the following relation
Eq-2
Where,
n = Percentage air voids
w = Water Content of compacted soil
ρd = Dry Density Corresponding to w
ρw = Density of water = 1 g / cm3
w = Water Content of compacted soil
g = Specific Gravity
The theoretical maximum compaction for any given water content corresponds to zero air voids condition (na = 0).
The line showing the dry density as a function of water content for soil counting no air voids is called the zero air voids line or the saturation line and is established by the equation :
Eq-3
Alternatively, a line showing the relation between water content and dry density for a constant degree of saturation S is established from Equation:
Eq-4
For S = 100 %, Eq-4 reduces to Eq-3. The air voids line or degree of saturation lines, when drawn across a compaction curve, give a direct indication of the percentage air voids or of the degree of saturation existing at different points on the curve.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Standard Proctor Test:
What is the Standard Proctor Test, and why is it important?
The Standard Proctor Test, also known as the Proctor Compaction Test, is a laboratory method used to determine the optimal moisture content and maximum dry density of soils for compaction purposes. It’s crucial for ensuring stable and durable construction projects.
What equipment is required for the Standard Proctor Test?
The test requires a cylindrical metal mold, a detachable base plate, a collar, and a rammer. The mold typically has an internal diameter of 4 inches and an effective height of 4.6 inches. The rammer weighs 5.5 pounds and drops from a height of 12 inches.
What is the procedure for conducting the Standard Proctor Test?
The soil is compacted in the mold in three equal layers, with each layer receiving 25 blows from the rammer. The dry density of the compacted soil is determined by measuring its mass and water content. The test is repeated with varying water contents to establish a compaction curve.
What is the significance of the compaction curve in the Proctor Test?
The compaction curve illustrates the relationship between soil moisture content and dry density. It helps determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density for achieving the desired compaction level.
What are the practical applications of the Standard Proctor Test results?
The test results provide crucial information for engineers and construction workers to ensure proper compaction of soil in various projects such as building foundations, roads, embankments, and dams. It helps optimize construction costs and ensures long-term stability.
How does the Standard Proctor Test differ from the Modified Proctor Test?
While both tests determine soil compaction characteristics, the Modified Proctor Test uses heavier compaction effort and larger mold dimensions. It’s often used for heavier construction projects or soils with higher clay content.
What factors can influence the results of the Standard Proctor Test?
Factors such as soil type, particle size distribution, initial moisture content, compaction energy, and testing procedures can impact the test results. It’s essential to consider these factors to ensure accurate and reliable outcomes.
How can the results of the Standard Proctor Test be interpreted for practical use?
Engineers and construction professionals interpret the test results to determine the optimal moisture content and compaction effort required for achieving the desired soil density. This information guides construction practices to ensure structural integrity and longevity.
