(E) Calculation of degree of saturation; and
(F) Judgement.
The procedures for steps (A) and (D) should be in accordance with appendix D of the BC Code. For measurement of moisture content at step (D), it is recommended to use all samples in the lower vessel. Using the values obtained through the steps (A) to (D), step (E), i.e. calculation of degree of saturation, is conducted.
3.3.1 Preparation of saturated sample and measurement of weight
The detailed procedure for step (B) is as follows：
(B-1) Preparation of sample
Prepare 2,400cm3 of the material and dry it.
(B-2) Measurement of the weight of empty lower vessel
(B-2.1) Set up the lower vessel and plug the drain hole.
(B-2.2) Measure the weight of the empty lower vessel.
(B-3) Confirmation of the air-tightness of the vessel
(B-3.1) Set up the lower vessel and the upper cylinder.
(B-3.2) Remove all water in the lid. Shut all valves of the lid and connect the water line and the vacuum line.
(B-3.3) Put the lid on the vessel. Start the vacuum pump. Open the valve to the vacuum pump and ensure that the vessel is airtight.
(B-3.4) Shut the valve to the vacuum pump and open the valve to air.
(B-4) Insertion and compaction of the sample
(B-4.1) Take off the lid and shut the valve to air.
(B-4.2) Insert the material in the vessel and conduct the compaction procedure in accordance with the compaction procedure of the Proctor/Fagerberg test procedure presented in D. 1.3.4 of the BC Code. Here, the number of droppings of the hammer should be changed in proportion to the ratio of the size of the lower vessels of the LPT and the Proctor/Fagerberg test procedure.
(B-5) Making the sample saturated
(B-5.1) Put the lid on the vessel and vacuum the air inside the vessel for more than 15 minutes, by opening the valve to the vacuum pump.
