ABSTRACT
Compaction of soils is without a doubt the most common field-construction operation involving the use of soils. This chapter describes basic concepts of laboratory- and field-compaction of soils, presents relationships between soil composition and compaction behaviour and discusses some of the engineering characteristics and behavior of compacted soils. In the laboratory, the compaction properties of fine-grained and mixed-grain soils are traditionally evaluated using Proctor compaction procedures, named after an engineer who initially developed the procedure in the 1930s. The Harvard Miniature procedure was introduced by S. D. Wilson as a rapid laboratory procedure for determining the compaction characteristics of fine-grained soils. Field compaction of soils involves the use of both large and small equipment, depending on the project needs and the soil type. Sheepsfoot rollers provide a kneading type of compaction rather than an impact compaction. The lengths of compactor feet are selected with consideration of the lift thickness, so that sufficient penetration will occur and produce the required compaction.
