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Abstract

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has been using the Ohio Highway Department’s (OHD) moisture-density curves for compaction quality control of granular materials. However, the OHD curves were not developed for granular materials, and their use was found to result in inconsistencies between the lab and field-measured densities. Also, OHD curves were not developed for South Dakota’s local materials. The present study was undertaken to verify the family of curves developed in the SD2014-12 research project and the suggested DCP method. Hence, different aggregate bases were compacted in the field, and their density and DCP penetration index values were measured. In addition, the gradation and moisture-density relation of the collected aggregate bases were determined in the laboratory. Furthermore, base materials were compacted in a fabricated test box, and sand cone and DCP tests were conducted. The SDDOT moisture-density curves suggested by the SD2014-12 study were found to predict the moisture-density of the granular bases more effectively compared with OHD curves. The DCP test was found to be effective in screening the compaction quality for most parts. A draft specification being considered by SDDOT for implementation of the DCP test for compaction screening was evaluated and shown effective.

How to Cite

Ghabchi, Rouzbeh. Evaluation of Granular Density and Moisture Testing, MPC-24-529. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2024.