De La Salle University Manila

Civil Engineering Department

LBYCVG1 EI1

Experiment 9
Moisture-Density Relationship
(Standard Proctor Test)
Submitted by:
Mary Grace DC. Odiamar

Submitted to:
Engr. Sevilla

Date Performed: October 12, 2015

Date Submitted: October 26, 2015

I.
Theory

Introduction

In soil mechanics, compaction is the densification of soil by removing

air voids which is aided by mechanical energy. The amount of compaction of
soil is measured in terms of its dry unit weight. In turn, compaction increase
their unit weights which consquentially increase the strength characteristics,
increase the stability of slopes of embankments, decrease the permeability
and decrease the amount of undesirable settlement of structures.
Compaction, therefore, improves the properties of soil which could greatly
enhance engineering applications and earth constructions.
Water added to soil during compaction acts as a lubricant and
softening agent which helps the soil particles move into a densely packed
position. When the moisture content is gradually increased and compacted
the same way, the weight of the soil solids in a unit volume gradually
increase until it reaches the optimum moisture content. The optimum
moisture content is the particular moisture content at which the maximum
dry unit weight is attained. This is also when the soil is compacted best.
Beyond the optimum moisture content, as the moisture content increases,
the dry unit weight decreases.
In this experiment, the standard proctor test is the laboratory
procedure performed by the students to obtain the maximum dry unit weight
of compaction, along with its optimum moisture content [1].

Objectives
This experiment aims to:

II.

Obtain the optimum moisture content at which the maximum dry unit
weight is achieved through the standard proctor test
Show the relationship of moisture content and weight density through
a graph

Data and Calculations

Table 1. Number of Blows per Layer and Mold Dimensions.

Number of blows per layer

25

Mold diameter, cm

101.175

Mold height, cm

116.200

Volume of mold, cm3

934205.5339

Table 2. Number of Layers per Trial.

Number of layers per trial

Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Trial 4

Table 3. Water Content Determination.

Trial 1
Moisture can label

Trial 2

Trial 3

Trial 4

1A

1B

2A

2B

3A

3B

4A

4B

Mass of moisture can,

g

23.23

16.32

23.76

23.76

17.23

22.5

23.72

23.28

Mass of can+wet soil,

g

151.1
2

110.2
5

173.9
9

129.1
4

95.96

100.3
7

89.21

116.4
5

Mass of can+dry soil,

g

139.0
7

101.2
7

157.7
6

117.7
6

86.22

90.58

77.41

99.94

Mass of water, g

12.05

8.98

16.23

11.38

9.74

9.79

11.8

16.51

Mass of dry soil, g

115.8
4

84.95

134

94

68.99

68.08

53.69

76.66

Water content, %

10.40

10.57

12.11

12.11

14.12

14.38

21.98

21.54

Ave. water content, %

10.49

12.11

14.25

21.76

*A = top, B = bottom
Table 4. Unit Weight Determination.
Trial 1
Wt. of mold, kg

Trial 2

Trial 3
4.09

Trial 4

Wt. of soil + mold,

kg

5.76

5.81

5.98

6.00

Wt. of soil in mold,

kg

1.67

1.72

1.89

1.91

Wet unit weight,

N/m3

17.54

18.06

19.85

20.06

Dry unit weight,

N/m3

15.87

16.11

17.37

16.48

Calculations for Table 1

V mold =

d2
101.1752 (
h=
116.200 )=934205.5339 cm30.9342055339 m3
4
4

Calculations for Table 3

Trial 1A
Mass of water=Mass of can+ wet so ilMass of can+dry soil
Mass of water=151.12139.07=12.05 g

Mass of dry soil=Mass of can+dry soilMass of can

Mass of dry soil=139.0723.23=115.84 g
Water content w ( )=

Trial 1B

Mass of water
12.05
100 =
100 =10.40
Mass of dry soil
115.84

Mass of water=Mass of can+ wet soilMass of can+dry soil

Mass of water=110.25101.27=8.98 g

Mass of dry soil=Mass of can+dry soilMass of can

Mass of dry soil=101.2716.32=84.95 g

Water content w ( )=

Mass of water
8.98
100 =
100 =10.57
Mass of dry soil
84.95

Average water content =

W @ Trial 1 A+ W @ Trial 1 B 10.40+10.57

=
=10.49
2
2

Calculations for Table 4

Trial 1
Wt . of soilmold=Wt .of m oldWt . of soil +mold
Wt . of soilmold=5.764.09=1.67 kg
Wet unit weight =

1.67 (9.81)
Ws
N
=
=17.54 3
V 0.9342055339
m

Dry unit weight=

Wet unit weight

17.54
N
=
=15.87 3
(1+water content) (1+0.1049)
m

Figure 1. Dry Unit Weight vs. Water Content.

III.

Discussion of Results

As shown in the results, the dry unit weight increases along with the
increase in moisture contents. However, at the fourth trial, the dry unit
weight decreased. As demonstrated in the graph, the moisture content and
the dry unit weight increased for the first three trials, then the dry unit
weight for the fourth trial decreased as the moisture content increased. It is
deduced that the optimum moisture content and maximum dry unit weight is
between the coordinates of the third and the fourth trial which is shown at
the peak of the graph. By inspection, the optimum moisture content is
approximated at 14.30% and the maximum dry unit weight is approximated
at 17.38 N/m3 . For this sample of soil, the water content was increased by 1-

2%, which led to greater increases in dry unit weight until the optimum
moisture content, and maximum dry unit weight was reached. It is proven
that the relationship between the water content and the dry unit weight is
directly proportional until it reaches the peak of the curve where the trend
changes. After the peak, as the water content increases, the dry unit weight
decreases.
IV.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This laboratory activity allowed the students to apply the concept of

moisture-density relationship through the standard proctor test theoretically
and practically. The primary aim of the activity was for the students to be
able to determine the maximum dry unit weight and the optimum water
content in this specific sample of soil. This sample of soil has a maximum dry
unit weight of 17.38 N/m3 and an optimum water content of 14.30%. This
experiment also showed the relationship of moisture content of a soil to its
weight density. As the water content increases, dry unit weight also increases
until it reaches the highest point where an increase in moisture leads to a
decrease in dry unit weight. This is due to the fact that the water taking up
the voids that should have been occupied by the soil solids. The maximum
dry unit weight where the optimum water content occurs are also the
parameters where compaction is done best. These values are highly useful
for civil engineers as compacted and dense soil are very significant for the
construction of highway embankments, earth dams and other engineering
structures. Knowing the maximum weight density and optimum water
content could be very handful in compaction which could increase the
strength characteristics and stability of slopes of embankments, decrease
the permeability and decrease the amount of undesirable settlement of
structures [1].
The experiment was performed with several minor errors. The
experiment took place in the same environment. Prior to the experiment, the
students should ensure that the instruments and equipment to be used are
working properly. The instructions, methods and safety procedures should be
followed religiously in order to obtain accurate results. In this particular
experiment, the soil to be compacted should be enough to fill the mold, or
else the experiment should be done again in order to maintain the same
volume with the mold. During compaction, only 25 blows following the
pattern presented by the instructor should be followed. In getting the
moisture content, the top and bottom part of the compacted soil are

gathered, then averaged, in order to obtain a more accurate water content. It

should also be noted that the weighing scales accuracy should be checked.
During weighing of the samples and containers, the students should steer
clear in order to guarantee the precision of the equipment. In transferring
samples, it should be ensured that no sample spills. In placement and
gathering of the samples into and from the oven, safety gloves should be
used to avoid burns. Adding water and mixing the sample should be done
with care; the consistency should also be the same throughout the sample.
For computations, the formula and values to be applied should be checked
by several members. Several trials of computation could also be done to
ensure accuracy of the result.

V.
[1]

References
B. Das and K. Sobhan, Soil Compaction in Principles of Geotechnical
Engineering, Eighth Edition. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2012.