The effects of compaction towards permeability of granular soils

Abstract

A study was conducted that aimed to develop more information about the permeability of compacted soil in scope of engineering study and construction field. This paper summarizes and discusses the grain sizes of granular soil and the compactive effort that affect the dry density and permeability of granular soil. Several laboratory tests were carried out in order to ensure all the objectives in this project were successfully achieved. The tests involve are sieve analysis, compaction test and permeability test. This project focus more on determination of grain size distribution, the effects of compactive efforts which are varying number of blows and layers towards the dry density and permeability of granular soil and lastly the relationship between the dry density and permeability of granular soil. Permeability is a measure of the ease in which water can flow through a soil volume while soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together thus reducing pore space between them. Granular soil which is in the size of 0.60 mm to 2.36 mm are selected and preferred for further investigation in this project because they have a better load bearing capacity and good drainage qualities in terms of permeability. Compaction of 3 layers and 25 blows gives the best value in dry density hence, it will provide more strength for compacted soil. In the other hand, 1 layer 10 blows of compactive effort gives the higher value in permeability. Higher permeability value means the more easily the water passing through the soil particles. For the overall result, after considered about the strength and the effect permeability, 1 layer and 10 blows of compactive effort give the best value in terms of drainage quality system.