Cone Index of Loamy Sand and Loam Soils as Affected by Compaction.

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effect of compaction on cone index of loamy sand and loam soils. Three degrees of compaction were applied to soil samples at each of seven soil water contents. The compaction degrees were reached by applying 4, 8, and 12 blows using 3.6 kg weight at drop height of 50 mm. The resulting changed in soil void ratio and cone index were measured. Void ratio and cone index were found to be significantly affected by degree of compaction. Cone index was significantly related to soil water content and void ratio from soil and was only significantly related to void ratio for loamy sand soil. This study showed that cone penetrometer may be used to characterize strength of compacted soil and the potential use in hydrological studies of compacted soils.