Density is the measurement of dry density as a percentage of the maximum dry density determined by the Proctor test. Which option best captures this definition?

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Multiple Choice

Density is the measurement of dry density as a percentage of the maximum dry density determined by the Proctor test. Which option best captures this definition?

Percent compaction expresses how dense the soil is relative to the maximum dry density obtained from a Proctor test. It’s calculated by taking the field dry density, dividing by the maximum dry density from the Proctor, and multiplying by 100 percent. This directly uses the Proctor maximum as the benchmark for comparison, which is exactly what the definition describes. The other options don’t capture this benchmarking to the Proctor maximum: using a ratio of field density to lab maximum isn’t stated as a percentage; comparing wet to dry density involves moisture content rather than the Proctor-determined maximum; and a ratio of soil solids to volume relates to porosity, not compaction percent.

Percent compaction expresses how dense the soil is relative to the maximum dry density obtained from a Proctor test. It’s calculated by taking the field dry density, dividing by the maximum dry density from the Proctor, and multiplying by 100 percent. This directly uses the Proctor maximum as the benchmark for comparison, which is exactly what the definition describes. The other options don’t capture this benchmarking to the Proctor maximum: using a ratio of field density to lab maximum isn’t stated as a percentage; comparing wet to dry density involves moisture content rather than the Proctor-determined maximum; and a ratio of soil solids to volume relates to porosity, not compaction percent.

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