LAB # 2 : To measure the relative density of the given

soil sample
Apparatus:
• Standard moulds
• Vibrating table
• Balances

Theory:

Compaction in general is measured in terms of increase in dry density. In the field

it is specified in following two ways, depending on the type of material being
compacted.

a) Relative compaction (or degree of compaction) for all types of soils.

Rc = γdf × 100
γd max

b) Relative density (RD) (for free draining, granular materials only):

“It is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the difference between the
maximum index void ratio and any given void ratio of a cohesionless, free-
draining soil to the difference between its maximum and minimum index void
ratios”.

RD =Relative Density = (emax-ef) / (emax- emin) or

RD = γdmax × γdf-γdmin
γdf γdmax-γdmin
ASTM test method: D 4254 – 91 (Reapproved 1996)
This test method is applicable to soils which 100 %, by dry mass, of soil particles
pass a 3-in. (75-mm) sieve and which may contain up to 30 %, by dry mass, of soil
particles retained on a 1-1⁄2-inch (37.5-mm) sieve.
For fine grained soils Rc between 95 to 100% is specified and for coarse grained
soils Rc on order of 98 to 100% is specified. For free drained, coarse grained soils
RD of 70 to 85% is specified.

Maximum index density/unit weight, γ max:

“The reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the densest state of
compactness that can be attained using a standard laboratory compaction
procedure that minimizes particle segregation and breakdown”.

Minimum index density/unit weight, γ min:

“The reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the loosest state of
compactness at which it can be placed using a standard laboratory procedure that
prevents bulking and minimizes particle segregation”.

Significance:
The dry unit weight/density of a cohesionless soil does not necessarily, by
itself, reveal weather soil is loose or dense. Only when viewed against the possible
range of variation, in terms of relative density the dry density can be related to the
compaction effort used to place the soil in a compacted fill or indicate volume
change and stress-strain tendencies of soil when subjected to external loading.

Procedure:

• Mix the oven dried sample to provide an even distribution of the particle
sizes.
• Pour the soil in the mould as loosely as possible.
• Fill the mould approximately 0.5” to 1” above the top of the mould.
 • Screen off the excess soil by carefully trimming soil surface with a straight
edge, without excessively disturbing the soil surface.
• Determine the weight of the soil and the mould; obtain the weight of the
soil by subtracting the weight of the empty mould.
• Determine min dry density, by dividing the weight of the soil with volume
of the mould (determined earlier).
• Now, place the mould on the shaking table and also place a weight on the
top of the mould to provide proper compaction.
• Place a deformation dial gauge on the top of the mould and note the initial
reading.
• After removing the dial gauge, turn on the shaking table for a period of 4 to
5 minutes.
• Turn the shaking table off, again place the dial gauge on the top of the
mould and note the final reading.
• From difference in the two readings, the new compacted volume is
calculated and the max dry density is calculated from it.
• Then the relative density is calculated.
• Relative density can be calculated as

RD = γdmax × γdf - γdmin

γdf γdmax -γdmin

RD = Relative density γdmin = Minimum density

γdf = Insitu dry unit weight γdmax = Maximum density

Observations and Calculations:

Before test:
Internal dia of the mould = 15.2cm
Height of the mould = 15.5cm
V1 = Volume of the mould = 2811.18 cm3
L.C. of the dial gauge = 0.01mm
Initial dial gauge reading = 31.45 mm

After test:
Final Dial Gauge reading = 26.73 mm
ΔH= Change in height of the sample = 4.72 mm = 0.472 cm
H΄ = Compacted height of the sample = 15.03 cm
V2 = Compacted volume of the sample = 2725.94 cm3
Weight of the soil sample = Ws = 3987 gm
γmin = Ws/V1 = 1.42 gm/cm3
γmax = Ws/V2 = 1.46 gm/cm3

Taking Gs = 2.7
emax = (Gs. γw / γmin) -1 = 0.90
emin = (Gs. γw / γmax) -1 = 0.85

RD =Relative Density = (emax-ef) / (emax-emin)

Where
ef = Void ratio determined in the field = 0.88
So,
RD = (0.90-0.88) / (0.90-0.85) × 100 = 40 %
RD = 40 %

Comments:
• RD gives idea about the extent of compaction of gravely soils e.g. how
much more compaction is attainable.
• If RD > 100% is achieved, then it may provide more compaction of the soil,
hence settlement chances may reduce.