CHAPTER 6
         SOIL COMPACTION
       Omitted Sections
       6.6, 6.7, 6.8
           SOIL COMPACTION
    In Geotechnical engineering practice, the soils at a given site
    are often less than desirable for the intended purpose. They
    maybe:
     Weak (strength)
     Highly compressible
     Have a high permeability
  Solution
     Relocate the project
     Articulate design for structure members
     Stabilize or improve the properties of the soil
   The third alternative may be in most cases the most economical
   alternative. There are different techniques for improvement of soils
   (This subject is covered in details in CE 486 “Improvement of
   GeotechnicalMaterials”).
    Wewillconsiderinthis course only compaction.
           SOIL COMPACTION
   Compaction is also very important when soil is used as an
   engineering material, that is the structure itself is made of soil.
             Ex.
             Earth dams
             Highways
             Airfields
             etc.
  Definition
   Compaction is the densification of soils by removal of air
   through the application of mechanical energy.
    The degree of compaction is measured in terms of its dry unit
    weight.
           SOIL COMPACTION
      Increases unit weight
      Increases shear strength
      Increases bearing capacity
      Increases stability of slopes of embankments
      Decreases settlement of structures