The maximum dry density of a soil sample by the compaction test is 1.6...
Calculation of Theoretical Maximum Dry Density
Given:
- Maximum dry density (𝜌d,max) = 1.65 gm/l
- Optimum moisture content (OMC) = 20%
- Specific gravity of soil solids (Gs) = 2.6
To find: Theoretical maximum dry density (𝜌d,max)
Formula used:
𝜌d,max = (Gs × γw) / (1 + e)
where, γw = unit weight of water = 1 gm/l
e = void ratio
Solution:
Given maximum dry density (𝜌d,max) = 1.65 gm/l
Given optimum moisture content (OMC) = 20%
Given specific gravity of soil solids (Gs) = 2.6
Let us assume that the soil sample is fully saturated i.e., e = 1
Substituting the given values in the formula:
𝜌d,max = (2.6 × 1) / (1 + 1) = 1.3 / 2 = 0.65 gm/l
Now, we know that the maximum dry density (𝜌d,max) occurs at the minimum void ratio (emin).
From the compaction test, we know that the maximum dry density (𝜌d,max) occurs at 20% moisture content. Hence, we can assume that the void ratio at this moisture content is the minimum void ratio (emin).
Let us assume that the void ratio at 20% moisture content is e = 0.8
Substituting the given values in the formula:
𝜌d,max = (2.6 × 1) / (1 + 0.8) = 2.6 / 1.8 = 1.44 gm/l
Therefore, the theoretical maximum dry density (𝜌d,max) of the soil sample is 1.44 gm/l.