Soil Density Target Values

The compaction of soil in embankments, subbase or base course layers is one of the most important aspects of road construction. In order to ensure the soil is placed as specified and with uniformity, frequent testing of the compacted soil is necessary. This testing requires the in-place dry density of the soil to be obtained along with the soil moisture content. The values are then compared to a specified standard, typically a percentage of standard Proctor density, and optimum moisture content (OMC) to determine if the sample meets the required specification. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) presently uses the Ohio Typical Moisture Density Curves to establish target moisture density values. This method of repeatedly establishing the target values can be a time consuming process that limits the time available for inspectors to perform other duties. Additionally, the ability to complete the required number of tests with the equipment and personnel available becomes challenging for the inspectors. In many cases it could require up to an hour to complete a single one point determination and moisture density test. The length of time required to complete each test means contractors are not obtaining timely feedback on the quality of their work. In the event a test fails, the contractor may be required to perform a significant amount of rework, causing delays and increasing costs. The research is focused on three issues: determining the suitability of current SDDOT soil and granular materials testing policies and procedures, developing recommendations for improving efficiency while maintaining or improving quality of soil and granular compaction testing policies and procedures, and developing recommendations for a training program to address all procedural changes.

• Record URL:
  http://www.sddot.com/business/research/projects/docs/SD2000_02_Final_Report.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  South Dakota State University, Brookings

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  P.O. Box 2219
  Brookings, SD  United States  57007

  South Dakota Department of Transportation

  Office of Research
  700 East Broadway Avenue
  Pierre, SD  United States  57501-2586

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Reid, R A
• Publication Date: 2001-5-18

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 65p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base course (Pavements); Dry density; Embankments; Moisture content; Recommendations; Road construction; Soil compaction; Specifications; Subbase (Pavements); Test procedures; Testing; Training
• Subject Areas: Construction; Education and Training; Geotechnology; Highways; Research; I51: Earthworks and Soil Drainage;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01081484
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SD2000-02-F
• Contract Numbers: 310700
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 28 2007 3:54PM