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SV Technocrats India’s Compaction Test Apparatus is used to determine the optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) of soil, which are essential for ensuring proper soil compaction in construction projects. It is used in Proctor Tests (Standard and Modified) as per IS: 2720 (Part 7 & 8), ASTM D698, and ASTM D1557.

Types of Compaction Tests & Apparatus Used

  1. Standard Proctor Test

    • Hammer weight: 2.6 kg

    • Drop height: 310 mm

    • Number of layers: 3

    • Number of blows per layer: 25

  2. Modified Proctor Test

    • Hammer weight: 4.5 kg

    • Drop height: 450 mm

    • Number of layers: 5

    • Number of blows per layer: 25

Components of Compaction Test Apparatus

  1. Mould – Cylindrical steel mould with a detachable base plate.

    • 100mm diameter, 1000cc volume (for finer soils).

    • 150mm diameter, 2250cc volume (for coarse-grained soils).

  2. Rammer (Compaction Hammer) – Manual or automatic hammer with a controlled weight and drop height.

  3. Collar – Extension on top of the mould to prevent soil loss during compaction.

  4. Straight Edge & Spatula – Used for trimming excess soil.

  5. Weighing Balance – To measure soil sample weight accurately.

  6. Oven – To dry the soil sample for moisture content determination.

Testing Procedure

  1. Prepare the Soil Sample – Air-dry the soil and sieve through a 4.75mm sieve.

  2. Add Water – Mix the soil with varying moisture contents.

  3. Compact the Soil –

    • Fill the mould in layers (3 for Standard Proctor, 5 for Modified Proctor).

    • Rammer is dropped 25 times per layer to compact the soil.

  4. Level & Weigh the Mould – Trim excess soil and weigh the compacted soil with the mould.

  5. Drying for Moisture Content – A small sample is oven-dried to determine moisture content.

  6. Plot the Graph –

    • Plot moisture content (%) vs. dry density (g/cc).

    • The peak point of the curve gives the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and Maximum Dry Density (MDD).

Applications of the Compaction Test

✅ Road & Highway Construction – Ensures proper soil compaction for stability.
✅ Foundation Engineering – Prevents settlement and soil failure.
✅ Earth Dams & Embankments – Controls void ratio and permeability of soil.