Arsenio T.

Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.1 Calculate and plot the variation of dry density of a soil in kg/m3 (Gs =
2.65) at ω = 5, 10, 15, 20% for degree of saturation, S = 70, 80, 0, and 100%.

Solution:
( )( ) ( )( ) . ( )
𝜌d = = ( ) = . ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 ω and S

𝟐.𝟔𝟓 (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎)
𝜌d @ S (kg/m3) = 𝟐.𝟔𝟓𝝎
𝟏
𝑺
ω (%) 70% 80% 90% 100%
5 2228.228 2273.458 2309.927 2339.956
10 1922.280 1990.610 2047.210 2094.862
15 1690.205 1770.355 1838.150 1896.243
20 1508.130 1593.985 1667.832 1732.026
Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.3 The results of a standard Proctor test are given in the following table.

a) Determine the maximum dry unit weight of compaction and the

optimum moisture content. Given: mold volume = 943.3 cm 3.

b) Determine the void ratio and degree of saturation at the optimum

moisture content. Given: Gs = 2.68

Trial Weight of moist soil Moisture content

in the mold (kg) (%)
1 1.78 5.0
2 1.87 7.5
3 1.95 10.0
4 1.98 12.5
5 2.02 15
6 1.97 17.5
7 1.90 20.0

Solution:

a. Maximum dry unit of compaction and optimum moisture content:

𝜌= = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚
.

𝜌d = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝛾 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜔

Mold Weight of Moist Moisture Dry

Volume moist Unit Content Density
(m3) soil in the Weight (%) (kN/m3)
mold (kg) (kN/m3)
1.78 18.51 5.0 17.63
1.87 19.45 7.5 18.09
1.95 20.28 10.0 18.44
0.0009433 1.98 20.59 12.5 18.30
2.02 21.01 15 18.27
1.97 20.49 17.5 17.44
1.90 19.76 20.0 16.47
Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

γ = 18.6 OMC = 11%

b. Void ratio and degree of saturation at the optimum moisture content

(𝐺𝑠)(γw)
γ=
1+𝑒
(2.68)(9.81)
18.6 =
1+𝑒
𝑒 = 0.413

𝑆𝑒 = ω(Gs)

𝑆(0.413) = (0.11)(2.68)

S = 71.38%
Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.5 The results of a standard Proctor test are given in the following table.

a) Determine the maximum dry density (kg/m3) of compaction and the

optimum moisture content. Given the mold volume = 943.3 cm3.
b) If the specification calls for 97% relative compaction in the field,
what would be the field dry density and the range of acceptable
moisture content?
Trial Weight of moist soil Moisture content
in the mold (kg) (%)
1 1.47 10.0
2 1.83 12.5
3 2.02 15.0
4 1.95 17.5
5 1.73 20.0
6 1.69 22.5

Solution:
a. Maximum dry unit of compaction and optimum moisture content:

𝜌= = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚
.

𝜌d = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝛾 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜔

Mold Weight of Moist Moisture Dry

Volume moist Density Content Density
(m3) soil in the (kg/m3) (%) (kg/m3)
mold (kg)
1.47 1558.36 10 1416.69
1.83 1940.00 12.5 1724.44
2.02 2141.42 15 1862.10
0.0009433 1.95 2067.21 17.5 1759.33
1.73 1833.99 20 1528.32
1.69 1791.58 22.5 1462.52
Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

kg
ρ = 1870 m3 OMC = 15%

b. Void ratio and degree of saturation at the optimum moisture content

ρd( ield)
R(%) =
ρd(max)

ρd( ield)
97 = × 100
1870
ρd( ield) = 1813.9 kg/m3

MC Range = 13.5% to 16.5%

Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.7 A proposed embankment fill requires 5000 m3 of compacted soil. The

void ratio of the compacted fill is specified as 0.75. Soil can be transported
from one of the four borrow pits as described in the following table. The
void ratio, specific gravity of soil solids, and the cost per cubic meter for
moving the soil to the proposed construction site are provided in the table.

a) Determine the volume of each borrow pit soil required to meet the
specification of the embankment site.
b) Make necessary calculations to select the borrow pit which would be
most cost effective.
Borrow pit Void ratio Gs Cost ($/m3)
I 0.8 2.65 9
II 0.9 2.68 6
III 1.1 2.71 7
IV 0.85 2.74 10

Solution:

a. The volume of each borrow pit soil

( )( . )
𝑊𝑠 = 𝑉𝑠𝛾𝑑 = 5000𝛾𝑑 = 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 ; for varying Gs
.

( )( ) ( )( . )
𝛾𝑑 = = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐺𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒

V=( )
; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑊𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 γd (borrow pit)
Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.7 A proposed embankment fill requires 5000 m 3 of compacted soil. The

void ratio of the compacted fill is specified as 0.75. Soil can be transported
from one of the four borrow pits as described in the following table. The
void ratio, specific gravity of soil solids, and the cost per cubic meter for
moving the soil to the proposed construction site are provided in the table.

c) Determine the volume of each borrow pit soil required to meet the
specification of the embankment site.
d) Make necessary calculations to select the borrow pit which would be
most cost effective.
Borrow pit Void ratio Gs Cost ($/m3)
I 0.8 2.65 9
II 0.9 2.68 6
III 1.1 2.71 7
IV 0.85 2.74 10

Solution:

b. The volume of each borrow pit soil

( )( . )
𝑊𝑠 = 𝑉𝑠𝛾𝑑 = 5000𝛾𝑑 = 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 ; for varying Gs
.

( )( ) ( )( . )
𝛾𝑑 = = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐺𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒

V=( )
; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑊𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 γd (borrow pit)
Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

Borrow e Gs Ws 𝛾𝑑 Volume to
Pit (borrow be
(kN) pit) excavated
(kN/m3) from
borrow pit
(m3)

I 0.8 2.65 74275.71 14.44 5142.86

II 0.9 2.68 75116.57 13.84 5428.57

III 1.1 2.71 75957.43 12.66 6000.00

IV 0.85 2.74 76798.29 14.53 5285.71

b. Most cost effective:

Borrow V Cost Total cost ($)

Pit ($/m3)

I 5142.86 9 46285.71

II 5428.57 6 32571.43

III 6000.00 7 42000

IV 5285.71 10 52857.14

Therefore, the most cost effective among them is Borrow II.

Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.9 The relative compaction of a sand in the field is 93.5%. Given that γ d(max)
= 16.98 kN/m3 and γd(min) = 14.46 kN/m3, determine the dry unit weight in
the field and the relative density of compaction.

Solution:

RC = 93.5% = 0.935

γd(max) = 16.98 kN/m3

γd(min) = 14.46 kN/m3

Dr = ?

γd( ield)
RC =
γd(max)
γd( ield)
0.935 =
16.98
kN
γd( ield) = 15.876
m3

d(max) d( ield)− d(min)

Dr = ( )( )
d( ield) d(max)− d(min)

. . − .
Dr = ( )( )
. . − .

Dr = 0.60109
Dr = 60.109%
Arsenio T. Rebaya III CE 3A Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.11 Following are the results of a field unit weight determination test
performed by means of the sand cone method:

 Calibrated dry density of Ottawa sand = 1731 kg/m3

 Mass of Ottawa sand to fill the cone = 0.118 kg
 Mass of jar + cone + sand (before use) = 6.08 kg
 Mass of jar + cone + sand (after use) = 2.86 kg
 Mass of moist soil from hole = 3.34 kg
 Moisture content of moist soil = 12.1%

Determine:

A. Dry density of compaction in the field.

B. Relative compaction in the field assuming that the test data in
Problem 6.5 represent the same soil as in the field.

Solution:

Sand used to fill the hole and cone: 6.08 kg – 2.86 kg = 3.22 kg

Sand used to fill the hole: 3.22 – 0.118 = 3.102 kg

Volume of the hole: = 0.001792 𝑚3

Moist density of compacted soil: = 1863.84 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

(1863.84)(9.81)
γ= = 18.28 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
1000
.
a. γ d = = . = 16.3 𝑘𝑁/𝑚

b. From Problem 6.5: ρd(max) = 1870kg/m 3,

(1870)(9.81)
γ= = 18.34 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
1000
γd( ield) 16.3
RC = = = 0.88877 = 88.877%
γd(max) 18.34
 Bicol University
College of Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

PROBLEM SET NO. 04

Arsenio T. Rebaya III

BSCE 3A

Engr. Anna G. Bilaro, MSCE

Faculty
Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.1 Calculate and plot the variation of dry density of a soil in kg/m3
(Gs = 2.65) at ω = 5, 10, 15, 20% for degree of saturation, S = 70, 80,
0, and 100%.

Solution:
( )( ) ( )( ) . ( )
𝜌d = = ( ) = . ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 ω and S

𝟐.𝟔𝟓 (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎)
𝜌d @ S (kg/m3) = 𝟐.𝟔𝟓𝝎
𝟏
𝑺
ω (%) 70% 80% 90% 100%
5 2228.228 2273.458 2309.927 2339.956
10 1922.280 1990.610 2047.210 2094.862
15 1690.205 1770.355 1838.150 1896.243
20 1508.130 1593.985 1667.832 1732.026
Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.3 The results of a standard Proctor test are given in the following
table.

a) Determine the maximum dry unit weight of compaction and the

optimum moisture content. Given: mold volume = 943.3 cm 3.

b) Determine the void ratio and degree of saturation at the optimum

moisture content. Given: Gs = 2.68

Trial Weight of moist Moisture content

soil in the mold (%)
(kg)
1 1.78 5.0
2 1.87 7.5
3 1.95 10.0
4 1.98 12.5
5 2.02 15
6 1.97 17.5
7 1.90 20.0

Solution:

b. Maximum dry unit of compaction and optimum moisture

content:

𝜌= = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚
.

𝜌d = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝛾 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜔

Mold Weight of Moist Moisture Dry

Volume moist Unit Content Density
(m3) soil in Weight (%) (kN/m3)
the mold (kN/m3)
(kg)
1.78 18.51 5.0 17.63
1.87 19.45 7.5 18.09
1.95 20.28 10.0 18.44
0.0009433 1.98 20.59 12.5 18.30
2.02 21.01 15 18.27
1.97 20.49 17.5 17.44
1.90 19.76 20.0 16.47
Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

γ = 18.6 OMC = 11%

b. Void ratio and degree of saturation at the optimum moisture content

(𝐺𝑠)(γw)
γ=
1+𝑒
(2.68)(9.81)
18.6 =
1+𝑒
𝑒 = 0.413

𝑆𝑒 = ω(Gs)

𝑆(0.413) = (0.11)(2.68)

S = 71.38%
Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.5 The results of a standard Proctor test are given in the following
table.

c) Determine the maximum dry density (kg/m3) of compaction and

the optimum moisture content. Given the mold volume = 943.3
cm3.
d) If the specification calls for 97% relative compaction in the field,
what would be the field dry density and the range of acceptable
moisture content?
Trial Weight of moist Moisture content
soil in the mold (%)
(kg)
1 1.47 10.0
2 1.83 12.5
3 2.02 15.0
4 1.95 17.5
5 1.73 20.0
6 1.69 22.5

Solution:

b. Maximum dry unit of compaction and optimum moisture

content:

𝜌= = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚
.

𝜌d = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝛾 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜔

Mold Weight of Moist Moisture Dry

Volume moist Density Content Density
(m3) soil in (kg/m3) (%) (kg/m3)
the mold
(kg)
1.47 1558.36 10 1416.69
1.83 1940.00 12.5 1724.44
2.02 2141.42 15 1862.10
0.0009433 1.95 2067.21 17.5 1759.33
1.73 1833.99 20 1528.32
1.69 1791.58 22.5 1462.52
1.47 1558.36 10 1416.69
Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

kg
ρ = 1870 m3 OMC = 15%

b. Void ratio and degree of saturation at the optimum moisture content

ρd( ield)
R(%) =
ρd(max)

ρd( ield)
97 = × 100
1870
ρd( ield) = 1813.9 kg/m3

MC Range = 13.5% to 16.5%

Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.7 A proposed embankment fill requires 5000 m3 of compacted soil.

The void ratio of the compacted fill is specified as 0.75. Soil can be
transported from one of the four borrow pits as described in the
following table. The void ratio, specific gravity of soil solids, and the
cost per cubic meter for moving the soil to the proposed construction
site are provided in the table.

e) Determine the volume of each borrow pit soil required to meet

the specification of the embankment site.
f) Make necessary calculations to select the borrow pit which
would be most cost effective.
Borrow pit Void ratio Gs Cost ($/m3)
I 0.8 2.65 9
II 0.9 2.68 6
III 1.1 2.71 7
IV 0.85 2.74 10

Solution:
c. The volume of each borrow pit soil

( )( . )
𝑊𝑠 = 𝑉𝑠𝛾𝑑 = 5000𝛾𝑑 = 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 ; for varying Gs
.

( )( ) ( )( . )
𝛾𝑑 = = ; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐺𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒

V=( )
; 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑊𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 γd (borrow pit)
Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

Borrow e Gs Ws 𝛾𝑑 Volume to
Pit (borrow be
(kN) pit) excavated
(kN/m3) from
borrow pit
(m3)

I 0.8 2.65 74275.71 14.44 5142.86

II 0.9 2.68 75116.57 13.84 5428.57

III 1.1 2.71 75957.43 12.66 6000.00

IV 0.85 2.74 76798.29 14.53 5285.71

b. Most cost effective:

Borrow V Cost Total cost ($)

Pit ($/m3)

I 5142.86 9 46285.71

II 5428.57 6 32571.43

III 6000.00 7 42000

IV 5285.71 10 52857.14

Therefore, the most cost effective among them is Borrow II.

Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.9 The relative compaction of a sand in the field is 93.5%. Given that
γd(max) = 16.98 kN/m3 and γd(min) = 14.46 kN/m3, determine the dry unit
weight in the field and the relative density of compaction.

Solution:

RC = 93.5% = 0.935

γd(max) = 16.98 kN/m3

γd(min) = 14.46 kN/m3

Dr = ?

γd( ield)
RC =
γd(max)
γd( ield)
0.935 =
16.98
kN
γd( ield) = 15.876
m3

d(max) d( ield)− d(min)

Dr = ( )( )
d( ield) d(max)− d(min)

. . − .
Dr = ( )( )
. . − .

Dr = 0.60109

Dr = 60.109%
Jan Ian Greg M. Gangawan CE 3B Lesson 4 Solved Problems

6.11 Following are the results of a field unit weight determination

test performed by means of the sand cone method:

 Calibrated dry density of Ottawa sand = 1731 kg/m3

 Mass of Ottawa sand to fill the cone = 0.118 kg
 Mass of jar + cone + sand (before use) = 6.08 kg
 Mass of jar + cone + sand (after use) = 2.86 kg
 Mass of moist soil from hole = 3.34 kg
 Moisture content of moist soil = 12.1%

Determine:

a. Dry density of compaction in the field.

b. Relative compaction in the field assuming that the test data in
Problem 6.5 represent the same soil as in the field.

Solution:

Sand used to fill the hole and cone: 6.08 kg – 2.86 kg = 3.22 kg

Sand used to fill the hole: 3.22 – 0.118 = 3.102 kg

Volume of the hole: = 0.001792 𝑚3

Moist density of compacted soil: = 1863.84 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

(1863.84)(9.81)
γ= = 18.28 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
1000
.
c. γ d = = . = 16.3 𝑘𝑁/𝑚

d. From Problem 6.5: ρd(max) = 1870kg/m3,

(1870)(9.81)
γ= = 18.34 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
1000
γd( ield) 16.3
RC = = = 0.88877 = 88.877%
γd(max) 18.34