In a construction site, the maximum dry density recorded for the site soil type (against 14% moisture content) is 112 pcf. In the morning of compaction day, the contractor took a sample of soil with the following results: Weight of dry soil = 3.7 pounds Volume = 0.038 cubic ft Moisture content is 11% What is the desicion of the contractor? Increase the moisture content to 14% and compact to a dry density of 112 Soil is already compacted to the right level Wait for the soil to dry then compact Soil should be replaced
To make a decision, the contractor needs to determine the current dry density of the soil sample and compare it to the maximum dry density of the soil type, which is 112 pcf at 14% moisture content.
First, let's calculate the weight of the water in the soil sample:
Weight of water = weight of wet soil - the weight of dry soil
Weight of water = 0.11 x (3.7 pounds) - 3.7 pounds
Weight of water = 0.407 pounds
Next, let's calculate the volume of the water in the soil sample:
The volume of water = weight of water/density of water
The density of water = 62.4 pounds per cubic foot (pcf)
The volume of water = 0.407 pounds / 62.4 pcf
The volume of water = 0.0065 cubic feet
Now, we can calculate the dry density of the soil sample at its current moisture content:
Dry density = weight of dry soil / (volume of soil + volume of water)
Dry density = 3.7 pounds / (0.038 cubic feet + 0.0065 cubic feet)
Dry density = 92.8 pcf
The soil sample's present dry density is less than the soil type's maximum dry density at 14% moisture content, which is 112 pcf. In order to achieve the specified compaction level, the contractor should raise the moisture content to 14% and compact to a dry density of 112 pcf.
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