Developing a Numerical Models to Predict Moisture-Density Relationship from the Index Properties of Lateritic Soils

Compaction takes a large amount of time and effort; thus, it is necessary to predict compaction characteristics of soils using correlation analysis with easily measured index properties of soils. The purpose of this research was to establish a relationship between moisture density and index values of lateritic soil. 20 samples were gathered for this purpose, 14 samples were obtained from Ethiopian construction corporation (ERCC), and a series of laboratory tests were performed. Atterberg's limits, grain size, specific gravity, and compaction tests GH7X4 z are the factors investigated in this study. The methodologies for testing are based on ASTM laboratory test standards. Results indicated, the soil type found in the study area is composed of inorganic highly plastic lateritic red clay soil, and Inorganic silts of high plasticity. For the scatter plot, correlation, and regression analysis, the SPSS program and the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet were utilized. A relatively strong correlation was found by combining the plastic and liquid limits with the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content, based on single and multiple linear regression analysis. For single linear regression of combined data, the equations developed are MDD = 1.652 − 0.005PL with coefficient of determinant 0.766, OMC = 15.439 + 0.253LL with coefficient of determinant 0.802, and MDD = 1.731 − 0.003PL-0.002LL with coefficient of determinant 0.856, OMC = 16.165 + 0.072PL + 0.203LL with coefficient of determinant 0.822, respectively. These models have demonstrated to be beneficial for early design of earthwork projects using lateritic soils.