Ratio of Compactive Energy in Heavy Compaction Test to Light Compaction Test

The compaction test is used to determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of a soil. The test is performed by compacting a soil sample at different levels of moisture content and measuring the resulting dry density. The compactive energy used in the test can vary depending on the type of compaction test being performed. In IS 2720, there are two types of compaction tests - heavy compaction test and light compaction test.

Heavy Compaction Test

In the heavy compaction test, the soil is compacted using a heavy compaction hammer with a weight of 4.89 kg dropped from a height of 450 mm. The number of blows required to achieve the desired compaction is determined based on the type of soil being tested. The compactive energy used in the heavy compaction test is 270 kN-m/m3.

Light Compaction Test

In the light compaction test, the soil is compacted using a light compaction hammer with a weight of 2.6 kg dropped from a height of 310 mm. The number of blows required to achieve the desired compaction is determined based on the type of soil being tested. The compactive energy used in the light compaction test is 56 kN-m/m3.

Ratio of Compactive Energy

The ratio of compactive energy in heavy compaction test to light compaction test according to IS 2720 is 4.82. This means that the compactive energy used in the heavy compaction test is almost five times greater than the compactive energy used in the light compaction test. The heavy compaction test is used for soils with high clay content and high compaction requirements, while the light compaction test is used for soils with low to medium clay content and lower compaction requirements.

In conclusion, the ratio of compactive energy in heavy compaction test to light compaction test according to IS 2720 is 4.82. The choice of compaction test to be used depends on the type of soil being tested and its compaction requirements.

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