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Compaction tests assess soil quality and density for construction sites. They can be done in situ or in a lab, with the goal of finding the maximum practical density of the soil. The tests determine the soil’s ability to handle weight and moisture levels, and are used to evaluate building sites. The Proctor Test, developed in the 1930s, is a standardized procedure for the test.
A compaction test is a soil quality test used to assess the level of compaction that can occur in a site’s soil. Compaction tests are commonly performed as part of a geotechnical profile of a construction site. They can also be performed to learn more about a soil in a particular area, whether or not the area is slated for development. A geotechnical engineer, geologist or soil scientist can conduct a compaction test.
In some cases, testing can be done in situ, in which case your testing options may be more limited and your profile will not be as comprehensive. Compaction tests can also be performed in a laboratory setting with soil samples taken from a site. The lab allows for more checks and more finesse of testing. Soil often still needs to be returned to the laboratory for further soil quality tests which are designed to provide more information on the characteristics and composition of the soil.
The goal of a soil compaction test is to find the maximum practical density of the soil. For the test, a soil sample is packed into a mold and subjected to pressure to force the soil into compaction. The test is repeated several times, adjusting the soil moisture level to obtain a range of values. The test results can be used to determine how much the soil can compact, what is the optimum moisture level at the site and what is the maximum dry density of the soil.
The more moisture in the soil, the more it can be compacted. Compaction tests provide important information about the quality of the soil on a site which can be used to determine where the best building sites are located, how much weight the soil can handle, and whether or not the site is suitable for construction. These tests are one of many assessments performed when evaluating sites to build a complete picture.
The development of the soil compaction test is credited to Ralph R. Proctor, and is sometimes known as the Proctor Test. Proctor developed the test in the 1930s, and the mechanism of the test hasn’t changed much since; a standardized size die is used for the test, with a standard weight hammer dropped from a standard height to achieve the desired level of pressure. Like other scientific tests, the compaction test is designed to be repeatable by anyone familiar with the standard procedure and equipment.
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