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Soil Compaction Test Calculator

Soil Compaction Test

Calculate soil compaction percentage, dry density, and moisture content from Proctor test data for construction quality control.

Formula

Wet Density = Wet Weight / Mold Volume; Dry Density = Wet Density / (1 + Moisture Content / 100); Compaction % = (Dry Density / Max Dry Density) x 100; Void Ratio = (Gs / Dry Density) - 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good soil compaction percentage?
For most construction projects, 95% of the maximum dry density (standard Proctor) is the minimum acceptable compaction. Highway subgrades often require 98% or higher.
What is the Proctor test?
The Proctor compaction test determines the optimal moisture content at which a soil reaches its maximum dry density. The standard test uses a specific compaction energy to establish the benchmark for field quality control.
Why is moisture content important for compaction?
Too little moisture means soil particles cannot slide together efficiently. Too much moisture fills voids with water that cannot be compressed. The optimum moisture content allows maximum particle packing.

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