Electrical Density Gauge, A Device for Quick Quality Control of Soil Compaction - Case Study in Indonesia

Soil compaction is a fundamental process in major civil engineering works such as road embankments, earth fill dams, and airport constructions.During the construction phase, soil is compacted in successive layers, and the quality of each layer is evaluated by the ratio of its dry density to the maximum dry density as determined by the Proctor compaction test.Conventional methods for measuring soil compaction, such as the sand cone and rubber balloon techniques, are widely used but can pose limitations for quick construction projects due to their time-consuming nature.In response to this, the Complex Impedance Measuring Instrument (CIMI), commonly referred to as the Electrical Density Gauge (EDG), has recently been introduced in Indonesia.This method offers a quick quality control of field compaction by applying a direct current (DC) through a specific soil layer, yielding results within minutes.The EDG requires calibration through the development of a soil model, which involves inputting a set of the soil's physical and electrical properties.Following calibration, the soil's physical properties in the field can be estimated by applying an electric current.Although this technique has been adopted in numerous countries, its implementation in Indonesia remains limited.This study aims to evaluate the performance of the Electrical Density Gauge (EDG) and explore its potential for broader application in Indonesia.Three distinct soil types sourced from different quarries were examined.Each soil type, at varying moisture contents, was compacted using different energy levels into concrete molds measuring 40 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height, serving as a modified version of the standard Proctor mold.A total of 15 tests were performed to compare results obtained from the EDG with those from the traditional sand cone method.Statistical analysis was conducted using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and the coefficient of determination (R).The findings indicate that the EDG performs reliably in measuring both soil moisture content and dry density.