SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1965
STP44588S

Research on Vibratory Maximum Density Test for Cohesionless Soils

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The use of relative density as a method of control for compaction of cohesionless soils is hampered by lack of an adequate method for determining the maximum soil density. Previous investigations have shown that higher densities are obtained for most cohesionless soils by vibratory methods than by the standard impact compaction methods. This paper presents the results of an investigation of vibratory methods to determine the combination of variables which would give the highest density. Four electromagnetic table-type vibrators, an immersion-type concrete vibrator, and a pneumatic table-type vibrator were used in this investigation. The effect on the soil density of magnitude of surcharge, time of vibration, amplitude of vibration, and water content were studied for seven cohesionless soils representing a wide range in gradations. A summary of the Bureau of Reclamation's test procedure for determining the relative density of cohesionless soils using a vibratory table is included. For the range of amplitudes investigated, maximum densities were generally obtained at the higher amplitudes. Additional research is needed to determine the optimum deadweight surcharge. The increase in density was insignificant for times of vibration greater than 6 min, and 8 min seems to be a reasonable and sufficient time for the equipment and soils tested. The initial density of the soil prior to vibration did not have a significant effect on the final density. The difference between the densities obtained using oven-dried soil and initially saturated soil was not significant for most of the soils tested.

Author Information

Pettibone, H., C.
Division of Research, Soils Engineering Branch, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior, Denver, Colo
Hardin, J.
Division of Research, Soils Engineering Branch, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior, Denver, Colo
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Details
Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 3–20
DOI: 10.1520/STP44588S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-6005-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-6159-7