Tests · Compaction tests
Fill compaction tests in Turkey
We measure on site that the fill is compacted and strong enough. The Proctor test sets the target density, the nuclear gauge and sand cone measure in-situ density, and plate load, light weight deflectometer (LWD) and CBR tests check bearing capacity. For highways, airport runways, industrial sites and building platforms.
Call us: +90 533 616 18 67 · +90 212 369 00 16
- NDKLicensed nuclear gauge
- ~3 minPer point with the LWD
- 30–75 cmPlate load test plate diameters
- AccreditedLaboratory for Proctor tests
Compaction tests
Compaction and bearing capacity tests
Proctor test
Maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of the fill material: the reference for compaction on site.
Nuclear density test
In-situ density and moisture content measured within minutes with a Troxler-type nuclear gauge.
Sand cone test
In-situ density and degree of compaction by measuring the volume of an excavated hole with calibrated sand.
Plate load test
Stepwise loading of a 30–75 cm steel plate: bearing capacity, modulus of subgrade reaction, Ev1 and Ev2.
Light weight deflectometer (LWD)
Fast Evd measurement with a falling weight deflectometer for roads, railways, pipelines and cable trenches.
What is your question?
The right test for the question
Free calculator
Calculate the degree of compaction
Dry density = wet density ÷ (1 + moisture content/100). Degree of compaction = in-situ dry density ÷ Proctor maximum dry density × 100. For information only; acceptance is based on the test report and the project specification.
How is fill compaction controlled?
From material to acceptance
- ProctorA sample of the fill material is taken and the Proctor test is carried out in an accredited laboratory.
- Placing and compactingThe fill is placed and compacted in layers.
- In-situ densityDensity and moisture content are measured on every layer with the nuclear gauge or sand cone.
- Bearing capacityWhere required, bearing is checked by plate load, LWD or CBR tests.
- ReportDegrees of compaction and bearing values are compared with the specification and reported.
Controlled fill
On highways, runways and industrial platforms
With the nuclear gauge and the LWD we test controlled fill layer by layer on highways, airport runways, railways, pipelines and building sites; nuclear and LWD results are read on site straight away. Settlement of the fill over time is monitored with magnetic extensometers.
Compaction references
Selected projects
- Ereğli Iron and Steel Works (Erdemir): compaction control of fill with the dynamic cone penetrometerDynamic cone
- BİM, Payas (Hatay): nuclear compaction control (November 2015)Nuclear
- Çimsa Afyon Cement Plant: compaction control of fill with the nuclear method (September 2015)Nuclear
- Petrol Ofisi Ambarlı terminal: soil compaction report for the white products pump houseCompaction
Quote
Get a quote for compaction testing
Tell us the test, the approximate number of points and the project location. Your message opens ready to send on WhatsApp; attach the specification or test programme in the same chat.
- The specified compaction and test frequency make the quote precise
- Proctor, in-situ density and plate load tests can be combined in one programme
- For layer-by-layer works we plan regular site visits
Working hours (Turkey time, GMT+3): Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00 · Sat–Sun 08:00–14:00
Frequently asked questions
About compaction tests
What are compaction tests?
Compaction tests are the Proctor test, nuclear density test, sand cone test, plate load test, light weight deflectometer (LWD) test and CBR test. The Proctor test sets the target density, the nuclear gauge and sand cone measure in-situ density, and plate load, LWD and CBR tests check bearing capacity.
How is the degree of compaction calculated?
First the in-situ dry density is found: wet density ÷ (1 + moisture content/100). The degree of compaction is the in-situ dry density divided by the Proctor maximum dry density, multiplied by 100. The result is compared with the value in the project specification, for example 95%.
What is the difference between the nuclear gauge and the sand cone?
The nuclear gauge measures in-situ density and moisture content within minutes. In the sand cone test the volume of an excavated hole is found with calibrated sand; it is slower, but it is used where a nuclear gauge cannot be used.
Is a licence needed for a nuclear gauge?
Yes. Nuclear density gauges are used under a licence from the Turkish Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) and by trained operators. Our gauge is NDK-licensed.
When is a plate load test carried out?
To determine the bearing capacity and modulus of subgrade reaction of the formation, and to check Ev1, Ev2 and the Ev2/Ev1 ratio on fill. Stepwise loading is applied with 30–75 cm steel plates.
What is the difference between the LWD and the plate load test?
The LWD (light weight deflectometer) gives the Evd value from a dynamic load in about 3 minutes and allows fast checks at many points. The static plate load test gives Ev1 and Ev2 from stepwise loading.
Where do you carry out Proctor tests?
We take the samples of the fill material; standard and modified Proctor tests are carried out in an accredited laboratory.
What determines the price of compaction testing?
The type of test, number of points, number of layers and site visits, number of Proctor tests and the project location.
Sound ground starts with measured fill
Send us your specification and work programme; we will plan and report the Proctor, in-situ density and bearing tests layer by layer.
Sarıgöl Mah. Mezarlık Sk. C1 No: 108 İç Kapı No: 63
Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
Mobile / WhatsApp: +90 533 616 18 67
Phone: +90 212 369 00 16
info@zeminarastirma.com
Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00 · Sat–Sun 08:00–14:00 (GMT+3)