STANDARD PROCTOR TEST

Objectives

The laboratory experiment aims to determine the optimum water content during

compaction which would give the maximum soil density. Determination of the relationship between

the moisture content and density of soils compacted in a mould of a given size with a 24.2 N

hammer dropped from a height of .3048 m will be helpful in increasing the bearing capacity of

foundations, decreasing the undesirable settlement of structures, control undesirable volume

changes, reduction in hydraulic conductivity, increasing the stability of slopes and so on.

Theoretical Background

Compaction is the process of densification of soil by reducing air voids. The degree of

compaction of a given soil is measured in terms of its dry density. The dry density is

maximum at the optimum water content. A curve is drawn between the water content and the

dry density to obtain the maximum dry density and the optimum water content.

Dry density of soil:

Where M = total mass of the soil, V= volume of soil, w= water content.

The Proctor compaction test is a laboratory geotechnical testing method used to

determine the soil compaction properties, specifically, to determine the optimal water content

at which soil can reach its maximum dry density. The original test is often referred to as

Standard Proctor Test, which was later modified and referred to as Modified Proctor Test.

The difference between the two tests lies mainly in the compaction energy.

The Proctor compaction test consists of compacting soil samples at a given water

content in a standard mould with standard compaction energy. The standard Proctor test uses

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a 4-inch-diameter mould with the compaction of three separate layers of soil using 25 blows

by a 5.5 lb hammer falling 12 inches.

In the Proctor test, the soil is first air dried and then separated into 4 to 6 samples. The

water content of each sample is adjusted by adding water (3% - 5% increments or more

depending on the type of the soil).

The soil is then placed and compacted in the Proctor compaction mould in three

different layers where each layer receives 25 blows of the standard hammer. Before placing

each new layer, the surface of the previous layers is scratched in order to ensure a uniform

distribution of the compaction effects.

Materials & Equipments

Mold

Hammer

Digital Weighing Scale

Spatula

Trowel

Sieve No. 40

Water

Mixing pan

Tin Cans

Experimental Procedure

1. Record the weights of the metal pan as well as the mold assembly.

2. Pass enough of the prepared soil through the number four sieve.

3. Cover the sieve and shake to remove the unwanted large particles.

4. Put the prepared soil in the metal pan and add water accordingly.

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 5. The soil is mixed with varying amounts of water then compacted in approximately

three equal layers by a hammer that delivers 25 blows to each layer.

6. A straight edge tool may be used to trim the top surface of the soil.

7. Determine the mass of the specimen and the mold.

8. Remove the material from the mold and obtain a specimen for water content by using

a representative proportion.

9. Obtain water content.

Analysis of Data

Volume of mold = 943.3 cm3

Table 8-1 Standard Proctor Test Result

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Trial 5

Mass of Mold in 3.381 3.341 2.8692 3.341 2.8692

kg
Mass of Mold + 5.0559 4.930 4.4604 4.8815 4.439
Compacted Soil
in kg
Mass of Can in g 13.7 10 11.4 10.4 9.6

Mass of Can + 57.4 124.1 130 86 74.2

Wet Soil in g
Mass of Can + 46.4 102 115 77 63
Dry Soil in g

Moisture 34.0557 24.0216 14.4788 13.5135 20.9738

Content in %
Moist Unit 17.4184 16.5251 16.5479 16.0207 16.3254
𝒌𝑵
Weight in 𝒎𝟑
Dry Unit Weight 12.9934 13.3244 14.4550 14.1135 13.4950
𝒌𝑵
in 𝒎𝟑

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 Computation

For Moisture Content

(𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏 +𝑾𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒐𝒊𝒍)−(𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏+𝑫𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒊𝒍)

Formula: 𝒘 = (𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏+𝑫𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒊𝒍)−(𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏)
× 𝟏𝟎𝟎

 Trial 1

57.4 − 46.4
𝒘= × 100 = 𝟑𝟒. 𝟎𝟓𝟓𝟕𝟐𝟕𝟓𝟓
46.4 − 13.7

 Trial 2
124.1−102
𝒘= × 100 =24.02163913
102−10

 Trial 3
130−115
𝒘 = 115−11.4 × 100 =14.47876448

 Trial 4
86−77
𝒘 = 77−10.4 × 100 =13.51351351

 Trial 5

74.2 − 63
𝜸= × 100 = 𝟐𝟎. 𝟗𝟕𝟑𝟕𝟖𝟐𝟕𝟕
63 − 9.6

For Moist Unit Weight

𝑾
Formula: 𝜸 = 𝑽 where W= weight of the compacted soil and V= volume of mold
(𝒎)

 Trial 1

1.6749 × 9.81
𝜸= ÷ 1000 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟒𝟏𝟖𝟑𝟗𝟏𝟖𝟐
9.433 × 10−4

 Trial 2

1.589 × 9.81
𝜸= ÷ 1000 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟓𝟐𝟓𝟎𝟔𝟎𝟗𝟔
9.433 × 10−4

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  Trial 3

1.5912 × 9.81
𝜸= ÷ 1000 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟓𝟒𝟕𝟗𝟒𝟎𝟐𝟏
9.433 × 10−4

 Trial 4

1.5405 × 9.81
𝜸= ÷ 1000 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟎𝟐𝟎𝟔𝟕𝟕𝟒𝟏
9.433 × 10−4

 Trial 5

1.5698 × 9.81
𝜸= ÷ 1000 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟑𝟐𝟓𝟑𝟖𝟕𝟒𝟕
9.433 × 10−4

For Dry Unit Weight

𝜸
Formula: 𝜸𝒅 = 𝒘(%)
𝟏+
𝟏𝟎𝟎

 Trial 1
17.4184
𝛾𝑑 = 34.0557 = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟗𝟗𝟑𝟒𝟎𝟒𝟗𝟖
1+
100

 Trial 2
16.5251
𝛾𝑑 = 24.0216 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟑𝟐𝟒𝟑𝟕𝟐𝟓𝟑
1+
100

 Trial 3
16.5479
𝛾𝑑 = 14.4788 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟒𝟓𝟒𝟗𝟗𝟎𝟕𝟗
1+
100

 Trial 4
16.0207
𝛾𝑑 = 13.5135 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟏𝟏𝟑𝟒𝟕𝟓𝟒𝟗
1+
100

 Trial 5
16.3254
𝛾𝑑 = 20.3254 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟒𝟗𝟒𝟗𝟖𝟖𝟏𝟕
1+
100

Page | 5
 Figure 8 – 1 Standard Proctor Compaction Test Result

15

Maximum Dry Unit Weight

Dry Unit Weight in kN/m3

14

13

Optimum Moisture Content

12
10 15 20 25 30 35
Moisture Content, w (%)

Discussion of Result

The standard proctor test is used to determine the compaction of different types of soil

and the properties of soil with a change in moisture content. The maximum dry unit weight is

14.5 kN/m3 and the optimum moisture content is 14.3 %.

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 SAND CONE METHOD
Objectives

The main objective of this test is to determine the field density by sand replacement

method. The main application of the test is in embankment and pavement construction. This is

basically a quality control test where a certain degree of compaction is required. This is also used in

stability analysis of embankments and slopes for the calculation of pressure in underlying strata for

settlement problems and design of underground structures.

Theoretical Background

When we are talking about soil FDT, our mind might go straight to sand cone test, as

this test is the most common FDT to any projects and has been standardized by many

international organizations. Basically, when we’re using sand cone test method, we calculate

the ratio of soil weight and replacement of soil volume where it is calculated from the sand

which already known its maximum dry density and this ratio is expressed in unit weight/unit

volume. However, this calculation still contains a little bit appreciable amount of water

(maximum wet density). In order to get maximum dry density (MDD), we still need another

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tool to measure moisture content parameter that later on will subtract the wet density. The

most common and portable one is speedy moisture tester.

This tool uses calcium carbide that when react with moisture will produce gas

pressure that drive the pointer to certain value. We call this value as wet moisture content.

Moisture content, which is expressed with %, is measured from materials dry weight

meanwhile speedy moisture tester measurement is based on wet weight. To obtain dry

moisture content, simply use calibration curve which attached in the speedy moisture tester

box.

From the two data which have been obtained that is wet density and moisture content,

we can calculate the MDD of the soil. This MDD value can be compared with previous

calculated MDD laboratory from proctor test, whether the standard or modified one, to get

relative dry density. Overall, this process takes approximately 1 hour for conducting the

whole process for one test (depend on proficiency of people who run the test and number of

people in testing team).

A sand-cone method is commonly used to determine the density of compacted soils.

The density of the compacted soil calculated from the sand-cone method could be correct,

provided the calibration container has approximately the same size or volume and allows the

sand to fall to approximately the same height as a test hole in the field. However, in most

cases, the size or shape of the test hole is not exactly the same as that of the calibration

container. This can result in a difference in the settlement or deposition of sand particles

between the laboratory calibration and the field testing, which may cause an erroneous

determination of the in-situ density. The sand-filling process is simulated in the laboratory

and its effect on the determination of density is investigated. Artificially made holes with

different depths and bottom shapes are prepared to simulate various shapes of the test hole in

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the field. Sands with different particle size distributions are used in the testing to examine

how sand grain size influences the determination of density in the field. The error between

the assumed and calculated densities is highly dependent on the types of sand used in the

sand-cone method. This paper presents some guidelines for obtaining correct in-situ densities

through the sand-cone method.

Materials and Equipments

Digital weighing scale

Plastic bottle

Sand cone

Base plate

Trowel

Evaporating dish

Sieve No. 20

Experimental Procedures

1. Prepare the materials needed for the experiment.

2. Determine the weight of the jar, the cone and the sand filling the jar. (W1)

3. In the field, the small hole is excavated in the area where the soil has been

compacted.

4. Determine the weight of the moist soil excavated from the hole (W2)

5. The moisture content is known.

6. The dry weight of the soil (W3) can be found as

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 𝑊2
𝑊3 =
𝑤(%)
1 + 100

7. After excavation of the hole, the cone with the sand-filled jar attached to it is

inverted and placed over the hole. Sand is allowed to flow out of the jar into the hole and the

cone.

8. Determine the weight of the remaining of the jar, cone and the remaining sand in

the jar once the hole and cone are filled.

𝑊5 = 𝑊1 − 𝑊4

Where: W5 is the weight if sand to fill the hole and cone.

9. Determine the volume of the hole excavated (𝑉ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 )

𝑊5 − 𝑊𝑐
𝑉ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 =
𝛾𝑑 (𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑)

10. Compute for the dry unit weight of compaction made in the field

𝑊3
𝛾𝑑 =
𝑉ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒

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Analysis of Data

Table 8-2 Sand Cone Method Result

Trial 1 Trial 2

Weight of Jar + Cone + Sand 10.130 10.143

filling the jar (W1) in kg
Weight of the Moist Soil 0.8231 0.945
Excavated from the Hole
(W2) in kg
Dry Weight of the Soil (W3) 0.7732 0.9113
in kg
Weight of the Remaining 7.461 7.272
Sand in the Jar (W4) in kg
Weight of Sand to fill the 2.669 2.871
Hole and Cone (W5) in kg
Weight of Cone (Wc) in kg 1.369 1.369

Weight of Can in g 10 13

Weight of Can + Wet Soil in 43 41

g
Weight of Can + Dry Soil in g 41 40

Moisture Content in % 6.4516 3.7037

𝒌𝑵 10.2421 10.4472
Dry Unit Weight in 𝒎𝟑

Average Dry Unit weight 10.3447

Computation

For Moisture Content

(𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏 +𝑾𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒐𝒊𝒍)−(𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏+𝑫𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒊𝒍)

Formula: 𝒘 = (𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏+𝑫𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒊𝒍)−(𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏)
× 𝟏𝟎𝟎

 Trial 1

43 − 41
𝒘= × 100 = 𝟔. 𝟒𝟓𝟏𝟔𝟏𝟐𝟗𝟎𝟑
41 − 10

Page | 11
  Trial 2

41 − 40
𝒘= × 100 = 𝟑. 𝟕𝟎𝟑𝟕𝟎𝟑𝟕𝟎𝟒
40 − 13

For Weight of Soil

𝑾𝟐
Formula: 𝑾𝟑 = 𝒘(%)
𝟏+
𝟏𝟎𝟎

 Trial 1

. 8231
𝒘= = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟕𝟑𝟐𝟏𝟓𝟏𝟓𝟏𝟓 𝒌𝒈
6.451612903
1+
100
 Trial 2

. 945
𝒘= = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟗𝟏𝟐𝟓
3.703703704
1+
100
For Volume

𝑾𝟓 −𝑾𝒄
Formula: 𝑽 =
ɤ𝒅(𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅)

 Trial 1

(2.669 − 1.369)(9.81)
𝑽= = 𝟕. 𝟒𝟎𝟓𝟗𝟐𝟑𝟑𝟒𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟒 𝒎𝟑
17.22

 Trial 2

(2.871 − 1.369)(9.81)
𝒘= = 𝟖. 𝟓𝟓𝟔𝟔𝟖𝟗𝟖𝟗𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟒 𝒎𝟑
17.22

For Dry Unit Weight

𝑾𝟑
Formula: 𝜸𝒅 =
𝑽

 Trial 1

0.77321515151 × 9.81
𝜸𝒅 = ÷ 1000 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟐𝟒𝟐𝟏𝟐𝟔𝟖𝟓
7.405923345 × 10−4

Page | 12
  Trial 2

0.91125 × 9.81
𝜸𝒅 = = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟒𝟒𝟕𝟐𝟕𝟎𝟑𝟕
8.556689895 × 10−4

Average Dry Unit Weight

10.24212685 + 10.44727037
= = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟑𝟒𝟒𝟔𝟗𝟖𝟔𝟏
2

Discussion of Result

The sand cone test is used to determine soil compaction and is an alternative to using

a nuclear density gauge. It is one of the methods used to find field unit weight for the soil

after compaction. The maximum dry unit weight is 10.3447 kN/m3.

Page | 13
Conclusion & Recommendation
In conclusion, this test is especially useful when determining the relationship between

water content and the dry unit weight of soils to establish the maximum density of a soil

needed for a fill area. The laboratory test serves a two-fold purpose by first determining the

maximum density achievable for the materials in the field, as a reference. Secondly, it

measures the effect moisture has on soil density. These values are often determined before

earthwork begins to provide reference values for field testing. The Proctor compaction test

and its variants are used to determine optimal moisture content for soil. To easily perform this

laboratory work. The group recommend when preparing individual compaction specimens, it

takes little time to prepare couple of extra, in case estimates is bit off. Set up one on the drier

side and one on the wet side to cover the bases. Use sample ejector if available to remove

compacted soil from the mold, increasing speed and efficiency and making it easier to obtain

a representative moisture sample.

Sand-cone method is commonly used to determine the density of compacted soils.

The density of the compacted soil calculated from the sand-cone method could be correct,

provided the calibration container has approximately the same size or volume and allows the

sand to fall to approximately the same height as a test hole in the field. In performing the

sand cone method, the group recommend to prepare holes with diverse depth to obtain

different values. Make sure to sieve the sand properly to eliminate unwanted particles that

can affect the experiment.

Compaction of soil is very important because it's increase the strength of soil, so it's

important for construction of highways, airports and other structures. the sand cone method

considers as an easy and simple method of determining the field unit weight of the

compaction.

Page | 14
References
 http://research.iitgn.ac.in/stl/lab-manual/Standard%20Proctor%20test_lab%20manual.pdf

 https://www.scribd.com/document/264035200/9-Sand-Cone-Method#

 https://www.astm.org/Standards/D1556.htm?fbclid=IwAR2m7XaIHWWq-

e30sqxZV6NIM1LQ1fMPUNomsfelnDiYnnTGZM1XaZwpL8k

 https://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/10.1680/geot.9.T.004?fbclid=IwAR1QRXrcl6ts8-

s7U80MSW_br_EYlNxpXVDzJL7mmMZUy4MBB2UiYj0Ijo8&

 https://www.scribd.com/document/273939842/Field-Density-by-sand-cone-method-

pdf?fbclid=IwAR1J5NUqZF1cuPpEN8ywZJJc090q3q6mx34KIClbNrmgW1zeYKQaEb

Rv14

 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sand-cone-method-vs-edg-

maulfibbas?fbclid=IwAR1SuNv80YzoPbXSpjpQ85v2KdDnfCsEvoJhXM7PFHDBcnfzd

FFfAj5JfFU

 http://www.geotechdata.info/geotest/proctor-compaction-

test.html?fbclid=IwAR0Rzkh82RyRpod0ZGpCemu-

IRo1_vXLRO2LNKnvGSB3QzAVWhe1FdJhw98

 https://www.gtechcon.com.sg/qc/technical-testing/standard-proctor-compaction-

test?fbclid=IwAR1DuknHhFrgTe7QJSPXNK3PN2RcHM7ZZdYB-sf7pMG-

mT1PsD7Z9XZXD5U

 Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics (Philippine Edition) Author:

Braja M. Das

Page | 15
Appendices

A. STANDARD COMPACTION TEST

Prepare the equipment and material needed in the experiment.

Weigh the metal pan as well as the mould assembly.

Grind slightly the dried soil sample and sieve it using No. 4 sieve. Use the soil that passes
through it.

Page | 16
 Get a pan then put the soil in it and add water accordingly. Mix thoroughly.

Put the mixture inside the mould in three layers and each layer is compacted by a hammer
with 25 blows.

Page | 17
Use a straight edge tool to trim the top of surface of the soil.

Weigh the specimen together with the mould.

Page | 18
Remove the compacted soil and obtain a specimen.

Weigh the specimen and record it.

Dry the specimen to determine the moisture content.

Page | 19
B. SAND CONE METHOD

Weigh the plastic jar and the metal cone.

Use No. 20 sieve to separate the unwanted size of Ottawa Sand.

Fill the plastic jar with the sieved Ottawa Sand and weigh it as well as the metal cone.

Page | 20
Use the plate and auger to make a hole and remove the soil from the field to weigh it.

Place the jar upside down and let the sand flow through the cone. Tap the plastic jar to
shake the sand inside. Close it and remove the plastic jar.

Page | 21
 Weigh the remaining sand in the plastic jar.

Get a soil sample from the field and determine its field unit weight.

Page | 22