Effects of the fines content in soil on stress attenuation during dynamic compaction

Equipment to test is designed for dynamic compaction simulation. The dynamic compaction tests of soil with different fines content and water content are performed in a cylindrical tank and a square tank. Vertical stress distribution in soil is measured. The stress attenuation is effected by the fines content and water content in soil. As the fines content or water content in soil increases, the vertical stress measured at the bottom of the soil in the tank is attenuated. Location of a thin fines layer in a soil specimen also seems to bring effects on the stress attenuation. When the location of a thin fines layer in a soil specimen is closer to the top, the vertical stress measured at the bottom of the soil in tank is less. These results are analyzed on a conceptual and quantitative basis for design recommendations are made.