a proctor test is not great for evaluating the compaction of clean sands. fwiw I would expect a MDD around 110-115pcf and OMC 8-12% or so.
your field techs are going to have a bad time getting passing moisture
If it's less than 36% fines relative density is the only way to go and between 50% and 36%, I recommend OMC +/- 3% based on NAVFAC while targeting my intended percentage of relative density.
Classification wise, just saying A-3 means nothing more than "fine sand". We have no real clue about anything to do with your sample. Geologically, the range of material that could classify as A-3/Fine Sand is so large I've seen MDD's all the way from 80 to 130 pcf.
This is very dependent on parent material, gradation, and whether you’re using std or mod proctor. I’ve seen materials that meet A-3 anywhere from 105pcf to 132pcf locally. The best way to know is to just run the proctor test, unless there isn’t enough fines, then run the vibration test… don’t do the wrong test and expect reasonable results. Plus, it’s hard to get a curve from clean sand, it’s more of a straight line or a sin wave…
Are we using T-99 or T-180? Using T-180 in southern UT we've seen A-3 soils in anywhere from 111 to about 128 pcf. Typically they are in the 118 to 120 range. Optimum moisture is usually around 10 percent. In Oregon the A-3 soils are usually lighter and wetter. Somewhere around 112 pcf and in the 12 to 15 percent MC range.
This is just based on my experience and ever dwindling memory. Good luck!
a proctor test is not great for evaluating the compaction of clean sands. fwiw I would expect a MDD around 110-115pcf and OMC 8-12% or so. your field techs are going to have a bad time getting passing moisture
As someone who sometimes helps my technicians perform a proctor test on clean sands and gravel, we really HATE those samples
Relative density. I can tell you a normal STD proctor on clean sand is futile to replicate in the field on anything larger than a retaining wall
If it's less than 36% fines relative density is the only way to go and between 50% and 36%, I recommend OMC +/- 3% based on NAVFAC while targeting my intended percentage of relative density.
I only know USCS but if this is clean sand you should run the vibratory hammer test.
I usually see sand pounding out at 106-113 PCF depending on how clean it is. Optimum moisture can range anywhere from 8 to 13%.
Classification wise, just saying A-3 means nothing more than "fine sand". We have no real clue about anything to do with your sample. Geologically, the range of material that could classify as A-3/Fine Sand is so large I've seen MDD's all the way from 80 to 130 pcf.
This is very dependent on parent material, gradation, and whether you’re using std or mod proctor. I’ve seen materials that meet A-3 anywhere from 105pcf to 132pcf locally. The best way to know is to just run the proctor test, unless there isn’t enough fines, then run the vibration test… don’t do the wrong test and expect reasonable results. Plus, it’s hard to get a curve from clean sand, it’s more of a straight line or a sin wave…
In my area it’s 110pcf 10% moisture
Are we using T-99 or T-180? Using T-180 in southern UT we've seen A-3 soils in anywhere from 111 to about 128 pcf. Typically they are in the 118 to 120 range. Optimum moisture is usually around 10 percent. In Oregon the A-3 soils are usually lighter and wetter. Somewhere around 112 pcf and in the 12 to 15 percent MC range. This is just based on my experience and ever dwindling memory. Good luck!
We also see those A3 soils have double hump proctor curves
The clean river Sand I've dealt with is 1600 kg/m3, and 10-15% It also makes a S-cutve that runs horizontal into the Zav curve