Compaction Testing May be Required
There may come a time when the city, contractor, or other organization requires that you have a “compaction test.” This can also be referred to as a density test. This requires, in most cases, a certified technician with a calibrated gauge and tools. (ARIZ 235 ATTI)
Compaction Testing for Moisture Content
- This nuclear method of testing is used to determine the in-place density and moisture content of compacted soil and soil-aggregate mixtures to a predetermined depth (0”-12”). This test method is especially suited for soils of a specified gradation such as aggregate base course, or fine spoils of a consistent nature.
What does this mean? Soils come in all shapes, sizes, and mixtures. Chances are, a technician has already taken or will take a sample of your soil to the lab to be tested. The lab will perform tests to tell us what it takes for that specific material to be 100% compacted.
This will include the optimum moisture content at which 100% compaction can be achieved. The field test will simply be a percentage of the 100% maximum the lab achieved.
Compaction Testing for Density
2. A technician will come to your project, pound a pin into the ground, then put his gauge over the top of the hole. A source rod comes out the bottom of the gage and goes into the hole they just pounded. The rod measures the density and moisture of the material around it.
Binding Particles Together
3. Most projects have specifications for your compaction and moisture content. If your moisture is too far from the optimum given by the lab, it will be impossible to reach your compaction specifications. The soil needs moisture to bind the particles together to become compacted.
We Can Help
4. Compaction tests can be performed by any of our certified technicians. From roadway to commercial to residential, ACS can help you get to where you need to be. Contact us with any questions today.
