Optimum water content tests for earthen construction materials

Smith, J.C.; Augarde, C.E.

doi:10.1680/coma.12.00040

Optimum water content tests for earthen construction materials

Smith, J.C.; Augarde, C.E.

Authors

J.C. Smith

Professor Charles Augarde charles.augarde@durham.ac.uk
Head Of Department

Abstract

There is considerable interest in earthen construction materials, owing to their inherent sustainability, and also in the conservation of heritage structures. For new-build in situ construction a key aspect of quality control is the achievement of full compaction to maximum dry density. At present the guidance available in this area to those using these materials varies from British Standard tests to heuristic-based methods developed by practitioners. In this paper, the various tests are compared for different soil mixes and also to judge the influence of the test operator. The study demonstrates shortcomings in the heuristic methods and indicates that, for modern standards of quality control to be achieved, alternative tests should be used.

Citation

Smith, J., & Augarde, C. (2014). Optimum water content tests for earthen construction materials. Construction Materials, 167(2), 114-123. https://doi.org/10.1680/coma.12.00040

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Apr 1, 2014
Deposit Date	Dec 21, 2012
Publicly Available Date	Oct 2, 2014
Journal	Proceedings of the ICE - Construction Materials
Print ISSN	1747-650X
Electronic ISSN	1747-6518
Publisher	ICE Publishing
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	167
Issue	2
Pages	114-123
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1680/coma.12.00040
Keywords	Codes of practice & standards, Geotechnical engineering, Granular materials.

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