Compaction Control Calculator
Check field density test results against the Proctor maximum: dry density, relative compaction vs. a required percentage, moisture deviation from optimum, plus optional relative density and air voids.
Input
All densities use the same unit: kg/m³ (SI) or lb/ft³ (US customary).
Laboratory maximum dry density from the standard or modified Proctor test.
In-place wet density from the sand cone, rubber balloon or nuclear gauge test.
Specification minimum, typically 90–100 % of the Proctor maximum.
If set, checks that the field moisture is within optimum ± this many percentage points.
Loosest dry density (ASTM D4254). Enter with the maximum index density to get relative density Dr for sands and gravels.
Densest dry density (ASTM D4253).
Adds air-void content and the zero-air-voids density.
Output
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| No data yet | |
More ways to use this tool
REST API
curl -X POST https://api.iotools.cloud/v1/tool/compaction-control-calculator \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"unitSystem": "si",
"maxDryDensity": "1850",
"optimumMoisture": "12",
"fieldWetDensity": "1960",
"fieldMoisture": "11",
"requiredCompaction": "95"
}'Swap in your own key from your account. The tool's fields are the body — no wrapper.
Ask an AI agent
Use the IOTools `compaction-control-calculator` tool (Compaction Control Calculator) on this input:
YOUR_INPUT_HEREPaste this at any agent connected to the IOTools MCP server, then add your input.
Embed widget
<iframe
src="https://iotools.cloud/embed/compaction-control-calculator/"
width="100%" height="520" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" loading="lazy"
title="Compaction Control Calculator — iotools.cloud"
sandbox="allow-scripts allow-forms allow-same-origin allow-downloads allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"
allow="clipboard-write"
style="width:100%;border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden"></iframe>
<script src="https://iotools.cloud/embed.js" async></script>Drop this into your own page — free, no key required, just a link back.
| Cost per API/MCP call | From 5 credits |
|---|---|
| Need more credits? | View pricing |
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Guides
The Compaction Control Calculator checks a field density test against the laboratory Proctor reference. Enter the maximum dry density and optimum moisture from the Proctor test, plus the in-place wet density and moisture content from the sand cone, rubber balloon or nuclear gauge test. It returns the field dry density, the relative compaction, a pass/fail against your specification and how far the moisture is from optimum.
How to use it
- Choose SI (kg/m³) or US customary (lb/ft³) units.
- Enter the Proctor maximum dry density and optimum moisture content.
- Enter the field wet density and field moisture content.
- Set the required relative compaction (95 % by default) and, optionally, a moisture tolerance.
Formulas
- Dry density:
ρd = ρ / (1 + w) - Relative compaction:
RC = ρd / ρd,max × 100 - Moisture deviation:
Δw = w − w_opt
Optional: relative density and air voids
For sands and gravels, enter the minimum and maximum index dry densities (ASTM D4254 / D4253) to get relative density Dr = (ρd − ρmin)/(ρmax − ρmin) × ρmax/ρd. Add the specific gravity of solids to get the air-void content and the zero-air-voids density — useful for spotting an impossible (over-reported) density, since the dry density can never exceed the zero-air-voids curve.
Notes
Relative compaction and relative density are different measures; specifications normally use one or the other. Always follow the governing specification and test method for acceptance.