Modification Tests to Optimize Compaction Quality Control of Granite Rockfill in Highway Embankments

Particle size can be a problem in terms of rockfill compaction control methods, with little practical development of these techniques. The necessary fieldwork and laboratory tests were carried out to develop new quality control procedures for granite rockfill. This involved the revision of certain tests like the wheel-tracking or topographic settlement tests. More than 1100 in-situ density and moisture content measurements were performed for this research. In addition, more than 220 topographic settlements and 250 wheel-tracking carriage tests were carried out. The quality control processes were completed with 24 plate bearing tests. The results of granite rockfills were classified according to their use in the different areas of core or crown. Possible evidence of statistical correlations between compaction control tests was identified. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. When testing proved relationships between them, the replacement of one by the other was evaluated by deduction. Finally, the study suggests new procedures for compaction quality control of granite rockfill for its application in core and crown.