Development and Appraisal of Laboratory Kneading Compaction Method vis-a-vis Field Compaction Approach for Fine-Grained Soils

Abstract

The compaction process involves the densification of soil particles to achieve enhanced engineering properties, and it plays a vital role in determining the success and durability of various infrastructure projects. For better results in compaction, kneading compaction is proposed based on the mechanism of pad foot roller that is used for fine-grained soils in the field. For this purpose, the standard and modified kneading compactors are designed by following ASTM standards of Proctor and modified Proctor compactors to replicate field compaction conditions, offering a promising alternative to traditional laboratory compaction methods. To replicate field condition, it should produce optimum water contents and densities close enough to field results to be used for field compaction control, it should produce complete compaction curves that are reasonably the same as those produced by the field compaction equipment, it should produce soil specimens having stress-strain characteristics acceptably close to those of the field compacted soils. This study is divided into three main parts, each focusing on distinct aspects of geotechnical engineering and soil compaction. The first part of this study is dedicated to the development of the kneading Compactor subjected to fine-grained soils. The kneading Compactor is designed to replicate field compaction conditions to simulate real-world scenarios, offering a promising alternative to traditional laboratory compaction methods. The second part of the study focuses on investigating the impact of different initial compaction conditions on the mechanical properties of fine-grained soils. Specifically, it examines the role of water content and dry unit weight in determining the unconfined compression strength, indirect tensile strength, and crack propagation of these soils for both the Kneading compactor and standard laboratory compaction methods to comprehensively assess these effects. The third part of the study explores the performance of different compaction techniques on fine-grained soils treated with polypropylene fibers. This section investigates the potential benefits of adding polypropylene fibers to improve soil strength characteristics. This component provides valuable insights into advanced soil stabilization methods. For laboratory compaction of fine-grained soils, the kneading hammer should be used that truly replicates field conditions.