A Study on Correlations between Indices of Sand for Relative Density Calculation

Abstract

Determination of in situ compaction is either done through field tests requiring correlations or through laboratory tests. Although field tests are quicker, considerable uncertainty remains when compared to laboratory tests. The relative density is the better indicator for specifying the compaction of granular soil. If the relative density can be correlated simply by any index property of the granular soil, it can be more useful in the field. The relative density is defined in terms of void ratios. In order to investigate possible correlations between indices of sand for relative density calculation, more than 200 number of material samples have been used in this study. The various index properties like grain specific gravity, grain size distribution of all the samples have been determined. The minimum and maximum void ratios have been determined. Results show a linear relationship between the minimum and maximum void ratios and a power function relationship between coefficient of uniformity and the limiting void ratios. Based on analysis results, relationships will be helpful for the design specifications in the field since the relative density and help engineers estimate needed parameters for relative density calculations.