Modelling the compaction curve of fine-grained soils

A theoretical model for the compaction curve of line-grained soils at various compaction efforts for the entire range of water content is presented in this study. The prediction method is based on the assumption that the compaction curve represents the state surface at the yield state in an unsaturated condition. Thus, for each applied compaction effort, the compaction curve relates to one yielding point on the saturated normal consolidation line (NCL). For a given soil, the model requires the NCL, 5,, and one point from any compaction curve to predict the compaction curves for different cotnpaction efforts. Moreover, the lines of equal suctions on the cotnpaction curves can be determined if the SWCC, the wetting path, is known. The model introduced here provides additional theoretical understanding of the soil's volume change behavior of the compaction curve. The model kvas verified in two ways: first it kvas verified quantitatively, by experimental results, and second it was verified qualitatively, by examining the relationships from other models in the literature. The model was further applied to experimental data reported in the literature on previous static and dynamic compaction tests. The results show that the model fits the experimental data very well. Finally, a simple chart, based on this model and using only liquid limits, is presented to estimate y(dmax) and OMC quickly. (C) 2014 The Japanese Geotechnical Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.