Unified Approach to Assess Engineering Performance of Fill Improved by Shallow to Deep Compaction Based Techniques Using Relative Density

Abstract

The setting of pre assessment criteria for soil compaction is hardly determined, especially, in case of undecided structure locations. Different design guidelines recommend achieving a specific value of relative density for the compaction of fill placement works. Alternatives were discussed through the literature to predict the value of relative density based on soil field tests (e.g. cone and standard penetration tests). This paper presents the weakness of using the Over Consolidation Ratio (OCR) as guidance to assess the value of cone tip resistance using the soil relative density. The variation of OCR (from 1 to 10) has a significant effect on the qc value up to 110% when compared to the normally consolidated state. Then normally consolidated state can logically cover the compaction process with variation of 20%, 33%, and 4% for relative density values 85%, 70%, and 60%, respectively. A unified approach is recommended to predict the compaction qc-performance line using normally consolidated condition and sand relative density.