Density determination: (Proctor and CBR)

Proctor Compaction test

The objective of this test is to determine the maximum proctor density. This is a relationship between an optimal moisture content and a maximal proctor density of the soil. The Proctor Compaction test is used to determine the density of a soil sample in order to determine the foundation stability of the soil. The test is conducted by achieving the highest density for different moisture content percentages, while applying a certain amount of energy. This is called the optimal moisture content. The test can be conducted as a Normal Proctor test or, with more stringent requirements, a more arduous test. The difference between the tests is the amount of energy used. The test is conducted in accordance with the Standard Rationalization and Automation for Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering and Road Engineering (RAW) provision.

The California Bearing Ratio test

The C.B.R. is the proportional percentage between the plunger pressure with a certain penetration and the necessary plunger pressure to achieve the same penetration in a standard sample of “crushed rock”, which has an assumed C.B.R.-value of 100%. The C.B.R. test provides information about the load-bearing capacity of the foundation (insitu field test) or of a material (laboratory test). In the Netherlands, the test is mainly used to research the load-bearing capacity of the soil on which a flexible road will be built.