Water Content and Dry Density of Soils

Density and moisture content are, perhaps, the most important parameters a soil engineer has to keep a strict control on, during the construction of earthen dams and embankments. Using the laboratory test data, obtained under controlled conditions. The specifications to be adopted for the fill can be drawn in terms of maximum dry density and optimum moisture content.

Indian standards specify two methods-by light compaction as per IS:2720 (part VII) and by heavy compaction as per IS:2720 (part VIII) for the determination of dry density- moisture content relationship, depending upon the compacting equipment used in the field. The compaction moulds listed here under meet the essential requirements of IS:10074 and the rammers those of IS:9198.

Compaction Mould

HS 10.60

Compaction Mould 100 mm internal dia x 127.3 mm height, 1000 ml volume complete with collar and base plate, all made of ferrous / non-ferrous steel, tie rods of mild steel and wing nuts for clamping. Test is performed as per IS:2720 (Part- VII).

Compaction Mould

HS 10.65

Compaction mould 150 mm internal dia x 127.3 mm height, 2250 ml volume, complete with collar and base plate all made of ferrous / non-ferrous material, fixing tie rods of mild steel with wing nuts. Test is performed as per IS:2720 (Part- VIII).

Compaction Rammer, Light

HS 10.76

Compaction rammer, light made of mild steel 2.6 kg weight, 50 mm dia compaction face, 310 mm controlled free vertical fall. It conforms to IS:9198, IS:2720 (Part- VII).

Compaction Rammer, Heavy

HS 10.77

Compaction rammer, heavy, made of mild steel 4.89 kg weight, 50 mm dia compacting face, 450 mm controlled free vertical fall.

Automatic Soil Compaction Machine as per I.S. : 2720 (Part VII & VIII)

HS 10.80

The Automatic Soil Compactor replaces the hand compaction procedure as specified for dry density/moisture content relationship of soil. Both light and heavy compaction tests can be performed by this machine using either 100 mm dia or 150 mm dia compaction moulds. The height of drop of the 50 mm dia rammer can be set either at 310 mm or 450 mm as per requirement.

The machine is provided with a standard rammer weighing 2.6 kg for conducting light compaction and its weight can be increased to 4.89 kg for heavy compaction test by attaching additional rod supplied along with it. While using 100 mm dia mould the rammer carriage is locked in one position and the total area of the mould is compacted in about 25 strokes.

The number of strokes i.e. 25 can be programmed, which are digitally displayed. Locking during the course of test in this stage is through high force solenoids. A selector switch is provided on the control panel for selection between 100 mm dia mould or 150 mm dia mould. For 150 mm dia mould the rammer carriage shifts radially by 25 mm to give about 8 blows within the diameter of 100 mm and 17 blows beyond 100 mm dia that is between 100 mm and 150 mm.

This sequence is repeated till the rammer completes 55 blows after which the machine automatically stops. Safety features like safety lever for preventing rammer falling when the door is open, total cover for moving parts, M.C.B. for overload protection are provided as standard.

  • Diameter of the rammer – 50mm
  • Weight of the rammer – 2.60 kg for light compaction and 4.89 kg for heavy compaction.
  • Height of fall of rammer – 310 mm and 450 mm
  • Wired for – 220 volts, single Phase, 50 Hz supply

As per B.S. 1377:4

HS 10.80EB

  • Dia of rammer – 50 mm
  • Weight of rammer 2.5 kg, 4.5 kg
  • Height of fall of rammer 300mm, 400 mm
  • Wired for 220 volts, single phase, 50Hz supply 

As per ASTM D1883

HS 10.80EBA

  • Dia of rammer -2”
  • Weight of rammer 5 lb, 10 lb
  • Height of fall of rammer 12”, 18”
  • Wired for 220 volts, single phase, 50Hz supply