Figure 5-6.Soil compaction test graph.
Experience has shown it is next to
impossible to achieve proper compaction in
materials that are too dry or too wet. Soil
experts have proved that in every soil
there is an amount of water, called the
OPTIMUM MOISTURE CONTENT, at which it is
possible to obtain maximum density with a
given amount of compaction. Figure 5-6 is
an example of a compaction curve that is
used to show the relationship between dry
density
and
moisture
content.
The
soil
laboratory
performs
and
determines
the
optimum moisture content.
Compactive effort is the method by
which the compactor imparts energy into
the soil to achieve compaction. Compactors
are designed to use one or a combination
of
the
following
types
of
compactive
effort:
static
weight
(pressure),
kneading
action, impact, or vibration.
PIT OR QUARRY SITE PREPARATION
Preparation of a new site should
start immediately after the site location
has
been
selected.
Preparatory
work
includes
making
an
operations
plan,
clearing
the
site,
removing
overburden,
draining
the
site,
building
5-8