Change in mechanical characteristics of embankment material by compaction control and its evaluation

In this study, mechanical characteristics of soil material used to construct river embankment were investigated by a series of laboratory test. The soil has the maximum grain size of 2.0 mm, finer contents of 68.1% and plastic index of 12.3%. The maximum dry density and the optimum water content by compaction tests using an energy level of 1.13Ec, where Ec denoted the standard Proctor test, are 1.446 g/cm3 and 25.0%, respectively. To evaluate effects of compaction condition on the shear strength and other mechanical behavior of the soil, the specimens are prepared by compaction under various conditions in terms of dry density, water contents and compaction energy. The relationships between the compaction condition and the mechanical properties from the test on saturated specimens are presented in this paper. It is shown that the micro-fabric of compacted soil is controlled not only compaction energy but also water content at compaction and the mechanical properties are affected by not only dry density but also the micro-fabric.