Estimation of soil compaction parameters by means of Atterberg limits

This Technical Note examines the relationship between the Atterberg limits and soil compaction as measured by use of the standard proctor compaction test. The relations of liquid limit, W L , and plastic limit, W p , to proctor maximum dry density, P d , and optimum moisture content, W opt , are determined quantitatively for soils from Iraq and USA. Using curve fitting techniques, empirical equations are derived and charts are prepared. From these it is possible to estimate the potential optimum moisture content and maximum dry density for standard proctor compaction from the knowledge of Atterberg limits only. The accuracy of these charts is considered in relation to the basic data. The compaction parameters of the Iraqi and the United States soils are also compared.