Compaction Test for Soils
Proctor has initiated lab methods for testing the compaction of soils: Standard Proctor Test & Modified Proctor Test
What are the different lab tests for compaction of soil?
Compaction is the densification of soil by application of mechanical energy. Proctor has initiated the following lab tests to understand the characteristics of soils.
• Standard Proctor Test
• Modified Proctor Test
How are these lab tests performed?
The steps are similar for both standard and modified proctor tests.
• Mould is filled with soil and compacted by the hammer
• The hammer hits the soil in free fall from a specific height
• Soil is compacted in layers.
Standard Proctor Test
It is a dynamic impact test. Mould is filled with soil and compacted by the hammer
• Soil is compacted in 3 layers with 25 blows in each layer
• Weight of the hammer is 2.495kg
• Height of fall is 304.8mm
• Volume of the mould is 944cc
Modified Proctor Test
Standard proctor test is modified
• Soil is compacted in 5 layers with 25 blows each layer
• Weight of the hammer is 4.54kg
• Height of fall is 457.2mm
• Volume of the mould is 944cc
Summary Points
• Lab tests for compaction initiated by RR Proctor
• Standard Proctor Tests and Modified Proctor Tests
• Mould is filled with soil and compacted in layers by a hammer