Vibratory Densification of Damp Clayey Sands

The vibratory densification characteristics of damp clayey sands are investigated experimentally in an extensive series of approximately 350 tests, in which 0.6 cu ft samples of air-dry or damp sand or sand-clay mixtures were subjected to vertical vibrations at various amplitudes and frequencies under three conditions of confining stress. The physical parameters of interest are the maximum density obtained and the rate at which densification occurs. The test results are presented in graphical form, and comparisons are made with the maximum density values obtained from conventional compaction tests conducted in accordance with ASTM D 1557-66T (Modified Proctor) for the different soils. Several quantitative and qualitative conclusions are drawn from the test data; in particular, the water content of the soil was found to exert a major influence on the maximum density obtained by vibratory densification.