Field Determination of Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture Content of Soils by the

One-Point Method



SCOPE
In this method, the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of soils is obtained by using the results of one point on a standard proctor
curve to enter a family of curves from which the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content can be determined.


SUMMARY
A soil sample is compacted in a mold having a capacity of 1/30 of a cubic foot and having an internal diameter of 4 inches. The soil in the mold is
compacted in three layers with 25 blows per layer from a 5.5 pound hammer dropped from a height of 12 inches. The wet density and moisture
content of the compacted specimen is plotted on a family of curves and a maximum dry density and optimum moisture content is selected from the
family of curves for use in compaction calculations.

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT:

5.5 lbs of soil passing #4 sieve
Mold assembly (4 diameter mold, collar and baseplate) Volume = 1/30 ft
3

5 lb. compaction hammer with 12 freefall
Balance
Large mixing pan
One moisture sample tin
Drying oven
Straightedge to strike off top of mold

Procedure:

1. Obtain a 5.5 lb. sample of soil, break up clumps and pass through #4 sieve. Discard granular component retained on sieve. (DONE).

2. Assemble and secure the mold to the base plate.

3. Weigh the empty mold and baseplate without collar and record.

4. Place the mold on a level surface and use a scoop to place 1 layer of soil. The mold will be filled by 3 layers.

5. Compact each layer with 25 blows from the hammer. Distribute the blows over the entire surface. The hammer should freefall 12 onto the soil
surface.

6. On the 3rd layer, the collar must be secured to top of mold to compact layer.

7. After the layer is placed and compacted, remove the collar gently so as not to disturb the sample.


8. Use the straightedge to trim soil even with the top of the mold. Fill any holes on the surface with trimmings.

9. Weigh the mold and compacted sample and record.

10. Remove the material from the mold and slice vertically through the center. Take a representative sample of the material from one of the cut faces
and determine the moisture content.



RESULTS

Complete the data form attached.

COMPLETE TABLE BELOW (6 PTS)


Mold (lbs)
Mold +
Wet Soil
(lbs)
Moist Soil
(lbs)
Moist Unit
Wt. (pcf)
Mass of
Can (g)
Mass Can +
Moist Soil (g)
Mass of Can
+ Dry Soil
(g)
Moisture
Content





Equations


Moist Unit Wt. = Moist Soil / Volume of Mold

Volume of Mold = 1/30 Cubic Foot

Moisture Content = M
w
/M
s





Dry Unit Wt = Moist Unit Wt./(1 +w)







FROM FAMI LY OF CURVES:



OPTI MI MUM WATER CONTENT (2 PTS)





MAXI MUM DRY DENSI TY (2 PTS)



I f the specification indicates a range of 2%, what are the acceptable values of water content that may be obtained in the field?
(2 PTS)