Compaction of highly plastic soil

[HumayunKabir]

what is the best/suitable way to compact highly plastic soil in the laboratory? Compaction and trimming ..both are difficult.

 

[singingk]

It depends on the consistency of the soil, for soft soils (Ic = 0,5-0,75 according to german designations) and sometimes also for stiff soils (Ic = 0,75-1 s. above)we use the proctor device. Which dimensions has the sample an which tests shall be performed?

 

[HumayunKabir]

We also use Proctor device. If the moisture content is high the highly plastic soil becomes sticky. During compaction the soil adhere with the compaction rammer, it resist the free fall of the rammer.

 

[BigH]

If the moisture content is that 'high' - perhaps you are trying to compact too high of optimum. Bracket your optimum, if you can, by only a few percent each way - it is not reasonable to do a test 10% over optimum.

 

[LCruiser]

You are asking the wrong question. Whatever method you use should be a replication of the best method *in the field*.