A NEW ZEALAND RAPID METHOD FOR EARTHWORKS COMPACTION CONTROL

Traditional compaction control for earth fills involves measurement of densities and water contents in the field for comparison with laboratory compaction tests. Delays because of the need for oven drying makes construction control difficult and drying of some soils can introduce irreversible changes. In recent National Roads Board funded projects, an alternative "NZ rapid method" for earthworks compaction control was developed, based on specification of a minimum shear strength and minimum "compaction ratio" (defined in terms of wet density). The testing can be performed on site, using inexpensive robust equipment, with results being quickly and easily communicated to construction personnel. To confirm suitability of the procedure, testing was carried out on several construction sites with different soils using sub-contracted organisations. It was found that the NZ rapid method gave good control over percentage air voids, compared with traditional specifications which can permit high air voids and risk subsequent softening on saturation. Setting up of fill control laboratories can be achieved for modest cost, with benefits of rapid feedback and appropriate confidence. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/05490030
• Corporate Authors:

  National Roads Board, New Zealand

  P.O. Box 12-041
  Wellington,   New Zealand 
• Authors:
  • Brickell, A
• Publication Date: 1987

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 55 p.
• Serial:
  • Publication of: National Roads Board, New Zealand
  • Publisher: National Roads Board, New Zealand
  • ISSN: 0549-0030

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air voids; Compaction; Earthwork; Fills; Laboratories; Shear strength; Testing
• Old TRIS Terms: Air voids content
• ITRD Terms: 3686: Compaction; 3628: Construction site; 5908: Density; 3653: Earthworks; 6226: In situ; 6237: Laboratory (not an organization); 8079: New Zealand; 5938: Porosity; 9064: Quick; 5531: Shear; 5544: Strength (mater); 9101: Surveillance; 6255: Test; 6288: Test method
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00478843
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: RRU 77
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 1989 12:00AM