In the construction of highway embankments, earth dams, retaining walls, structural foundations, and many other facilities, loose soils must be compacted to increase their densities.  The principal objectives in compacting soil are normally to create fill of high strength and low compressibility, and, in the case of water-retaining fill, of low permeability. The ultimate goal is to construct safe earth structures that can provide the desired serviceability over their design lifetimes and minimize long-term maintenance. This workshop discusses the conventional (e.g., Proctor) methods of compaction and alternative methods of compaction based on soil air voids and shear strength (SAV&S) principles. It evaluates applicability of compaction procedures for various soil landforms (e.g., residual vs transported) soils. It also discusses implications of laboratory tests on field compaction specifications and properties of compacted soils such as shear strength, volume change, and permeability. It evaluates the concept of cohesion component of shear strength in compacted soils.

Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help learners understand challenges associated with specification and construction of safe and serviceable compacted soil structures that will also help long-term maintenance needs. Learn new concepts of soil compaction that builds upon your prior knowledge and through active participation you will integrate the new knowledge into your understanding. You will also generate new ideas through brainstorming and discussion and develop a better understanding of the practical methods and processes of soil compaction, learn about real-world problems that your peers encounter on projects, and solutions they have implemented, and receive real-time expert feedback. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.

Session 1

• Introductions
• Terminology and Basics of Compaction
• Effect of Unit Weight, Voids, and Fabric/Structure
• Field Compaction Procedures
• Relative Density and Relative Compaction
• Practical Issues and SAV&S Field Control Method
• Choice of Field Compaction Control Method

Session 2

• Review of homework assignment
• Recap of Day 1
• Roadmap for Day 2
• Shear Strength Characteristics of Compacted Soils
• Volume Change Characteristics of Compacted Soils
• Permeability Characteristics of Compacted Soils
• Proof-rolling
• Review of full workshop
• Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session

Adjourn