Compaction characteristics of pond ash

This paper presents the study on compaction characteristics of pond ash. Three different types of pond ash have been used in this study. The effects of different compaction controlling parameters, viz. compaction energy, moisture content, layer thickness, mold area, tank size, and specific gravity on dry density of pond ash are highlighted herein. The maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of pond ash vary within the range of 8.40-12.25 kN/m(3) and 29-46%, respectively. In the present investigation, the degree of saturation at optimum moisture content of pond ash has been found to vary within the range of 63-89%. An empirical model has been developed to estimate dry density of pond ash, using multiple regression analyses, in terms of compaction energy, moisture content, and specific gravity. Linear empirical models have also been developed to estimate maximum dry density and optimum moisture content in the field at any compaction energy. These empirical models may be helpful for the practicing engineers in the field for planning the field compaction control and for preliminary estimation of maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of pond ash.