Pipe Trench Soil Compaction-field verification

[08M3Steve]

If I specify that fill materials are to be compacted to 95% of the maximum dry density obtained by the Modified Proctor Test, ASTM D1557, how is this compaction verifed in the field as the work is progressing?

 

[BigInch]

A number of methods might be used. A gamma density meter, or like back in the old days, just a standard penetration tester.

http://www.sasta.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Proceedings/1980s/1985_Swinford_An Evaluation Of A.pdf

http://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...6bd4f3e885d7c481a7578ed71e9e1b26&searchtype=a

Let your acquaintances be many, but your advisors one in a thousand’ ... Book of Ecclesiasticus

 

[BigInch]

Although a gamma densitometer would only be used for streets and highway crossings or other similar more critical backfilling. You shouldn't have to be using that out on the RoW 178 miles outside of Podunk.

Let your acquaintances be many, but your advisors one in a thousand’ ... Book of Ecclesiasticus

 

[cvg]

probably don't need 95% modified proctor in RoW 178 miles outside of Podunk either...

 

[BRIS]

it is measured by sand replacement - make a hole, weigh the soil taken ut of the hole. Fill the hole with a known volume of sand. i.e pour out of a calibrated container.
You now have volume and weight. Dry the soil you have volume and dry weight. Calculate densities weight/volume. If you use a nuclear density meter you need to calibrate occasionally using the sand replacement method.

There are standards and standard kit available.