Minimum and maximum dry densities

The minimum and maximum dry densities are material properties, which together with the in-situ density, determine the relative density. Since the relative density is related to the in-situ density it is a mass property. The minimum and maximum dry densities can be determined by various standardised laboratory tests (see Appendix B). 

The mineralogy (chemical composition of the solid particles) of the fill material and subsoil may significantly affect the construction and subsequent behaviour of the land reclamation. 

Fill predominantly consisting of quartz may result in considerable wear and tear on the dredging equipment. Calcareous fill material may display a different mechanical fill mass behaviour as a result of its tendency for crushing. Subsoil consisting of organic clay or peat may cause considerably more settlement than mineral clay or sand. 

Certain salts (sulphates like anhydrite and/or gypsum, halite, etc.) may result in unwanted mechanical or chemical behaviour as a result of dissolution, swell, concrete corrosion, etc. 

Relevant laboratory tests may further include the determination of the carbonate, the organic and the sulphate content. Reference is made to Chapter 3. 

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Please note that the minimum and maximum dry density is not a unique soil property, but depends on the test method adopted. For example, for the determination of the maximum dry density, a standard compaction energy is used. If more compaction energy were to be used in another method, a denser state can possibly be obtained. 

Void ratio as a result of their angularity, poor grading and intra-particle porosity, bioclastic carbonate sands usually have higher initial void ratios than silicate sands. Their relatively low minimum and maximum (dry) densities are attributed to the same grain properties. 

Moisture content/ dry density correlation, minimum and maximum dry density, carbonte content, CBR 1 x 90,000 m - (300 x 300 m) 11 111 or if the particle size distribution is clearly different in certain area s... 

This scheme assumes that the density of all hair fibers is the same. It requires a minimum of manipulations and is an excellent averaging technique for dry state dimensions of hair fibers. Cross-sectional area and volume estimates for circular and elliptical fibers should be relatively accurate, as well as diameter and radius for round fibers. This method does not provide an indication of ellipticity but provides an average diameter with respect to length as well as to cross section (average diameter, not maximum or minimum diameter). The deviation of fiber diameter with increasing ellipticity is described in Table 8-9. 

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