A Study on Estimation of Degree of Compaction by Correction for Coarse Particle Ratio of Fill Material

The degree of compaction of embankments is generally measured using the sand replacement method or a soil density gauge. However, these methods include coarse particles, which are relatively large. The degree of compaction is overestimated if the in-situ soil density is simply compared with the density obtained from a Proctor compaction test (KS F 2312, 2001), because the density of coarse particles is higher than that of soil. However, there is no recommended correction for the coarse particle ratio in Korea, thus intentionally increasing the degree of compaction for structures to which large loads are applied or for which compaction is critical. Here, a correction considering the Korean Proctor compaction test and the difference between the maximum allowable particle sizes was recommended after corrections for coarse particle ratios in other countries were collected and analyzed. The degree of compaction was re-estimated by applying the recommended correction to the results of both Proctor compaction and sand replacement tests. The degree of compaction without the correction of coarse particle ratio was overestimated, because the re-estimated degree of compaction decreased as the coarse particle ratio increased. The relatively accurate results obtained from the field application of the correction will offer long-term cost savings due to reduced maintenance fees during operation.