Proctor Compaction Test
The proctor compaction test described in [ASTM D7263] and/or [DIN18127:1997] is used to determine the influence of the water content onto the achievable density of a soil sample.
The soil sample is placed into a cylinder and is then compacted through tamping with a weight at different levels of water content. The drop height, weight and number of blows are the defining parameters. The maximum density is achieved at a particular water content, and at a specified compacting energy.
The proctor compaction test provides a reference value for the evaluation of the achievable density of a particular soil with optimum water content.
Proctor test [Image: visaplan GmbH]
On the left: Single proctor density / 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) drop weight / 11.8 in (300 mm) drop height / 25 blows per layer
On the right: Modified proctor density / 10 lb (4.5 kg) drop weight / 17.7 mm (450 mm) drop height / 25 blows per layer
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Image:
Example of a proctor curve: Sand [FI-GBL]
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Image:
Example of a proctor curve: Silt [FI-GBL]
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