Relative density and median grain-size correlation from laboratory compaction tests on granular soil

Abstract

Laboratory tests on 55 clean sand samples were conducted to determine the maximum and minimum void ratios (emax and emin) and the void ratios at the optimum water content from standard and modified Proctor compaction tests (es and em). The void ratios [emax, emines, and em] and, hence, the relative density of compaction (Dr) have been correlated to the median grain size (D50) of soils. Predicted values of Dr give results within a range of ±5% compared to those obtained from laboratory tests. The proposed expressions are valuable in compaction control of earthwork and would be well received in the development of compaction specifications.