Soil Density Target Values

Details

• Creators:
  Reid, R. A.
• Corporate Creators:
  South Dakota State University. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Corporate Contributors:
  South Dakota. Department of Transportation. Office of Research ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Base Course (Pavements) Dry Density Embankments Moisture Content Recommendations Road Construction Soil Compaction Specifications Subbase (Pavements) Testing Test Procedures Training

  More +
• Publication/ Report Number:
  SD2000-02-F
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Final; February 2000 to May 2001
• Corporate Publisher:
  South Dakota. Department of Transportation
• Abstract:
  The compaction of soil in embankments, subbase or base course layers is one of the most important aspects of road construction. In order to ensure the soil is placed as specified and with uniformity, frequent testing of the compacted soil is necessary. This testing requires the in-place dry density of the soil to be obtained along with the soil moisture content. The values are then compared to a specified standard, typically a percentage of standard Proctor density, and optimum moisture content (OMC) to determine if the sample meets the required specification. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) presently uses the Ohio Typical Moisture Density Curves to establish target moisture density values. This method of repeatedly establishing the target values can be a time-consuming process that limits the time available for inspectors to perform other duties. Additionally, the ability to complete the required number of tests with the equipment and personnel available becomes challenging for the inspectors. In many cases it could require up to an hour to complete a single one-point determination and moisture density test. The length of time required to complete each test means contractors are not obtaining timely feedback on the quality of their work. In the event a test fails, the contractor may be required to perform a significant amount of rework, causing delays and increasing costs. The research is focused on three issues: determining the suitability of current SDDOT soil and granular materials testing policies and procedures, developing recommendations for improving efficiency while maintaining or improving quality of soil and granular compaction testing policies and procedures, and developing recommendations for a training program to address all procedural changes.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  310700
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:c8b54472999ad3758cdda34244ffe9e08c6ae8f5fe1756b7e8838c15896fc1ee49c2d27849f83f0e3178776869d3700b5bd9396932b5d1216309cdd3db50bd91
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/82529/dot_82529_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 390.52 KB ]