ROLE OF COMPACTION OF SOILS FOR EARTH DAMS

Abstract

Compaction of soils has an important role in earth dam construction. It has engaged the attention of several research workers and field engineers in this country. This dissertation presents a detailed review of the upto-date literature on the subject. A general introduction is made by specifying the compaction characteristics of soil and by tracing out a brief history of the development of the subject. The existing theories of compaction have been reviewed. Methods of laboratory tests in vogue and the new trends are also discussed. The study includes the precautions essential for a correct qualitative estimation of compaction characteristics, The engineering properties of soil are found to alter with the various factors affecting compaction. to A detailed study is madeLenacle the design engineer to decide the -test method to attain desired properties. The different kinds of equipment available for use and their relative behaviour for compacting the soil is also discussed. Due to the hetrogenuity of soils in natures Compaction methods are to be modified to suit the individual. characteristics. This study would be useful to decide the best mode of compaction to give desired results economically. All the same it is essential that a proper quality control is exercised during execution to attain these properties. -Tethods of quality control are discussed. New methods that are being developed to overcome the shortcomings of the existing ones are mentioned. An analysis of the characteristics of individual groups of soils with particular reference to Madhya Pradesh soils is made. For Madhya Pradesh soils, few correlations and generalisations of compaction characteristics are attempted. General conclusions and scope for further work are given at the end.