Soil compaction is a method by which the soil maintains its mechanical pressure and then condenses. Soil contains solid particles and voids which is filled with water and air. When pressure is applied to the earth in any kind of way, the soil particles are redistributed into the soil mass, resulting in reduced volatile volume, and the soil condenses. Mechanical pressure is applied to the soil by kneading or by the dynamic or stationary method. The level of soil compaction is measured by measuring the dry unit weight of the soil.
The Soil compaction is extremely useful because:
- It increases the strength of soils
- It can decrease the compressibility of soils
- And also reduce the permeability of soils
The factors mentioned above are critical for the design and structure of applications, including the support of earthen embankments, sidewalks, barriers, or foundations. Soil compaction depends on several factors such as soil properties, proof of water in the soil, type and amount of energy supplied by the compaction process, etc.
Proctor soil compaction test is helpful for soil testing
A Proctor soil compaction test is highly effective in finding out the optimal level and the maximum dry density of the soil.
A famous field engineer R. R. Proctor invented the test method when working for the climate and supply bureau in Los Angeles. The name of the Protector Soil compaction test comes from R R Protector. The product name has come from which the most used lab test for soil computation. It was invented in the 1930s, since then it has been successfully used since in all over the world.
 The purpose of the test is accessible; this test is tested to identify the amount of moisture on the ground, also helps determine the test so that the highest density of the soil will achieve. Before starting any project or even considering the Soil Compaction testing equipment (E.G., drum roller/compactor), it is crucial to identify the soil density you want to achieve.Â
 What Is a Proctor Compaction Test?
The Proctor Compaction testing measures soil compaction to identify the perfect point at which the soils become efficiently compacted through the Impact Echo testing services based on the optimal moisture and maximum dry weight on the soil.
This type of measurement is significant, which can never be ignored. Someone driving on a dirt road in the rain understands how car tires can get stuck in loose soil, but you will overcome it if the ground is well compressed. Some of the professionals also use the Retroreflectometer for road marking, which is also an important tool for constructing a road or other structure.
The soil works the same way when building a structure because it serves as the foundation for concrete, asphalt, and other hardened materials. If construction workers construct the building on poorly compacted soil, this type of soil can be washed from the bottom, resulting in cracking or buckling in the structure or on the road that needs to be repaired repeatedly.
The effect of this Proctor Compaction Test on safety is essential. So The best solution is to test the soil to identify that the road surface has been effectively compacted.
This test also helps determine the optimum moisture content and the maximum dry density of the soil used as a foundation.
 Benefits of the Proctor Test
Soil compaction helps create a stable surface on which roads, airstrips, and other projects designed to increase various load-bearing capacities can be placed.
The level of soil compaction is essential to ensure the sustainability of such projects. Compressed soil always reduces its permeability, also limits water conductivity and erosion. As so result, the integrity of a roadbed does not have to be compromised.
 The Proctor Compaction Test is usually used to determine the optimum moisture content, which is extremely important for compacting soil, including road bases, foundation pads, and dams.
 Required Soil Compaction testing equipment for conducting the highly effective Soil Compaction Test
Here are some of the Soil Compaction testing equipment mentioned below which help to perform the highly effective Proctor soil compaction test:
- 4-inch mold with 1/30 volume cubic foot and 2-inch-high removable collar and base available
- Two moisture content
- 5.5-pound Proctor compaction hammer that can quickly descend up to 12 inches
- Spray bottle
- Digital balance
- knife
- Metal spoon
- Steel straightedge
- huge mixing pan
- 250 mL Graduated cylinder
- Sample extractor
- Controlled oven
Proctor soil compaction test is crucial for determining how much soil is compacted to ensure the stability of a structure. It helps to prevent any damage. The standers soil compaction testing is usually performed in the field for getting the preliminary result. In contrast, the Proctor soil compaction test performs in the lab and offers accurate results, which is now widely used worldwide.
