The document describes the standard Proctor compaction test procedure. The test is used to determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of soils. It involves compacting soil samples at incrementally increased moisture contents using a specified compaction method. A compaction curve is plotted showing the relationship between dry density and moisture content. The peak of the curve indicates the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density achieved for that soil. The test uses a cylindrical metal mold, rammer, balance, oven and other equipment to compact and analyze the soil samples according to steps that sieve, mix, compact and weigh the soil at different moistures.

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Presented By:
Faizan Tanoli

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Introduction:
Proctor Test is used to determine the compaction of different types
of soil and the properties of soil with a change in moisture content.
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.

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

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Standard Proctor Test
Apparatus:
1. Cylindrical Metal Mold, having internal
diameter 4” (10.16 cm) or 6” (15.24 cm), the
internal effective height of 4.6” (11.7 cm);
and the mold should have detachable base
plate & collar of 2 inches (5.08 cm).
2. Rammer, weighing 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) & having
fall of 12 ins (30.5 cm), with a flat circular
face of 2” diameter.
3. Sensitive Balance, sensitivity ranging from
0.1 gram to 1 gram.
4. Thermostatically controlled oven (105°C +-
110°C)

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5. Moisture containers.
6. Sieve No.4.
7. Tray & scoop.
8. Graduated cylinder.
9. Mixing tools. (spoon,
trowel, spatula).

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Standard Proctor Test Procedure:
1. Take sufficient quantity of representative soil, air dry &
pulverize it with a rubber mallet.
2. Sieve the soil through No: 4 sieve & reject the coarser material.
3. Take about, 3 kg of soil, add water to bring its water content to
about 5% below the estimated optimum moisture content (for
coarse-grained soil 4% initial water content & for fine-grained
soil 10% initial water content is preferable).
4. Then Mix it thoroughly.
5. Clean the mold, measure its diameter & height & weigh it
without the collar.

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Standard Proctor Test Procedure:
6. Fit the collar & compact the moist soil in three
equal layers by the rammer with evenly
distributed blows to each layer.
7. Use 25 blows for 4 inches diameter & 56 blows
for 6 inches diameter mold to the total height of
mold with collar.
8. Remove the collar trim the compacted soil even
with the top of the mold with a straight steel
edge.
9. Clean outside of the mold & base plate & weigh
it.
10.Remove the soil from the mold, split it & take
about 100 grams sample for water content
determination.

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11. Break the soil lamps, mix it with remaining soil in the tray.
12. Add more water to increase the water content by 2 to 3% & repeat
the compaction procedure for each increment of water until the mass
of the compacted soil decreases.
13. Calculate Water content for each trail & corresponding dry density.
14. Plot the compaction curve between water-content as abscissa & dry
density as ordinate.
15. Note the water content against the peak of the curve as optimum
moisture content & the corresponding dry density as maximum dry
density.
Standard Proctor Test Procedure:

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Result of Soil Compaction Test:

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