Field density and percent compaction (soils)

AASHTO T 310 · T 191 · T 224

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AASHTO T 310 · T 191 · T 224

Dry density and percent compaction from a nuclear gauge or a sand cone, with the T 224 correction for oversize particles.

Units US customary SI (metric)

Field test

Method

Wet density from the gauge, pcf

The average of the readings taken at the site.

Moisture content, w, %

By the gauge, or by oven (AASHTO T 255 / T 265) where the agency requires it.

Laboratory maximum (T 99 or T 180)

Maximum dry density (laboratory), pcf

Optimum moisture content, %

Oversize particles

Oversize correction (AASHTO T 224)

For particles retained on the sieve the laboratory test removed: 4.75 mm (No. 4) for Methods A and B, 19 mm (¾ in.) for C and D.

Oversize, percent of dry mass, P_c, %

Bulk specific gravity of oversize, G_sb

By AASHTO T 85; 2.600 where the agency allows an assumed value.

Moisture of oversize, %

2 % is a common assumption for construction work.

Specification

Minimum compaction, % (optional)

WAQTC gives 95 % of maximum dry density as an example specification.

Moisture within ± of optimum, % (optional)

Optimum ± 2 % in the same example. Leave blank for no moisture check.

Example values. 95 % of maximum dry density at optimum ± 2 % is a common example specification (WAQTC); use your agency’s.