IS 6932 Part 2 : 1973Code of Practice for Earthwork - Part 2: Filling, Forming and Compaction

Q: What is the typical thickness of a soil layer (lift) before compaction?

Generally 25 cm to 40 cm for mechanical compaction, but can be as low as 20 cm. This depends on the soil type and roller capacity (Clause 6.3).

Q: What is the required level of compaction for canal embankments?

Typically specified as 95% to 98% of the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) determined by the heavy compaction test (IS 2720 Part 8), as per project specifications (Clause 7.5 & Table 1).

Q: How should the ground be prepared before starting the fill?

The foundation area must be cleared of all vegetation, topsoil, and deleterious materials. The surface should then be scarified to a depth of 15 cm to ensure a good bond with the first fill layer (Clause 5).

Q: What checks are required during compaction?

Regular checks on lift thickness, number of roller passes, moisture content, and in-situ field density are required as part of quality control (Clause 8).

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BS 6031 · AS 3798 · UFGS 31 20 00

CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeBIMGeotechnical · Irrigation and Canal Structures

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IS 6932:1973 Part 2 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for earthwork - part 2: filling, forming and compaction. This standard outlines the code of practice for earthwork involved in canal construction, specifically focusing on the filling, forming, and compaction processes. It provides guidelines on material suitability, foundation preparation, placement of fill in layers (lifts), and the methods and equipment for compaction to achieve required density and stability.

Covers methods for filling, forming, and compaction of earthwork for various civil engineering purposes.

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Frequently Used
Domain: Geotechnical — Irrigation and Canal Structures
Type: Code of Practice

International equivalents

BS 6031:2017 · BSI (British Standards Institution), UK AS 3798-2007 · Standards Australia, Australia UFGS 31 20 00 · U.S. Department of Defense, USA ASTM D1557-12(2021) · ASTM International, USA

Typically used with

IS 1498 IS 2720

Also on InfraLens for IS 6932

5Key values 2Tables 4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes

! Achieving the specified degree of compaction is highly dependent on maintaining the soil moisture content near the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC).

! The choice of compaction equipment is critical and must be matched to the soil type (e.g., sheepsfoot rollers for cohesive soils, vibratory rollers for cohesionless soils).

! Proper preparation of the foundation by stripping unsuitable material and scarifying the surface is essential to prevent slip-plane failure between the foundation and the embankment.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. 4Materials Cl. 5Preparation of Foundation Cl. 6Placing and Spreading of Fills Cl. 7Compaction Cl. 8Quality Control

soilearthfill material

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

BS 6031:2017BSI (British Standards Institution), UK

HighCurrent

Code of practice for earthworks

Comprehensive code covering site investigation, material selection, filling, compaction, and monitoring for all types of earthworks.

AS 3798-2007Standards Australia, Australia

HighCurrent

Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments

Provides guidelines for earthwork processes including fill material, placement, compaction, and testing, with a focus on building projects.

UFGS 31 20 00U.S. Department of Defense, USA

MediumCurrent

Unified Facilities Guide Specifications: Earth Moving

A detailed construction specification, rather than a code of practice, defining requirements for excavation, fill, and compaction.

ASTM D1557-12(2021)ASTM International, USA

LowCurrent

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 kN-m/m³))

A foundational test method for determining maximum dry density (MDD) referenced by most compaction specifications, equivalent to the 'Heavy Compaction' test in IS 2720 (Part 8).

Key Differences

≠IS 6932:1973 is significantly outdated, lacking guidance on modern techniques like the use of geosynthetics (geogrids, geotextiles), soil stabilization methods, and intelligent compaction systems, which are addressed in standards like BS 6031:2017.

≠International standards, particularly BS 6031, provide alternative and sometimes more robust acceptance criteria beyond just relative density. This includes limits on air voids (e.g., <10% for general cohesive fill), which is a better indicator of performance for soils compacted wet of optimum.

≠The Indian standard uses the IS soil classification system (IS 1498), whereas international standards use their respective systems, such as the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS, per ASTM D2487) in the US or the system in BS EN ISO 14688-2 in the UK.

≠Modern codes like BS 6031 and AS 3798 place a much stronger emphasis on sustainability, material management, and re-use of site-won materials, providing detailed frameworks for their classification and treatment.

Key Similarities

≈All standards are fundamentally based on the Proctor theory of compaction, which relates moisture content and dry density to achieve maximum soil strength and stability.

≈The core operational principle of placing fill material in controlled, uniform layers (lifts) before compaction is a universal requirement across all the standards.

≈All standards recognize the critical need for moisture control, requiring the water content of the fill to be within a specified range of the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) to achieve effective compaction.

≈The use of in-situ field density tests, such as the Sand Replacement Method (IS 2720 Part 28 / ASTM D1556) or Nuclear Density Gauge, is a common practice for verifying compliance with compaction requirements in all codes.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Standard Uncompacted Layer Thickness	Generally not to exceed 25 cm for rollers up to 10 tonnes.	Typically 250 mm to 450 mm, dependent on material and plant type.	BS 6031:2017
General Compaction Requirement	95% to 100% of Maximum Dry Density from light compaction test (IS 2720 Part 7).	Minimum 95% of standard maximum dry density (SMDD) for general fill under 'Level 1' supervision.	AS 3798-2007
High-Load Compaction Requirement	95% to 100% of Maximum Dry Density from heavy compaction test (IS 2720 Part 8).	95% of modified Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D1557) for structural fill and subgrades.	UFGS 31 20 00
Moisture Content Control Range	Within a range of OMC ±2 percent, or as specified.	Typically specified as OMC -2% to OMC +1%; range varies widely based on material properties.	BS 6031:2017
Maximum Particle Size in Fill	Should not be greater than two-thirds of the compacted layer thickness.	Should not exceed two-thirds of the compacted layer thickness.	BS 6031:2017
Frequency of Field Density Tests (Major Works)	One test for every 1000 m³ of compacted fill.	Minimum one test per layer or 500 m³, or three tests per lot, whichever is more frequent (for Level 1 supervision).	AS 3798-2007
Alternative Compaction Acceptance Criteria	Primarily based on achieving a percentage of MDD.	Maximum percentage of air voids (e.g., 5% or 10%) is a common alternative/additional requirement.	BS 6031:2017

⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values

Minimum degree of compaction for embankments95% to 98% of Maximum Dry Density (MDD)

Allowable moisture content variation from OMC±2% of Optimum Moisture Content (OMC)

Maximum loose lift thickness for roller compaction25 cm to 40 cm

Depth of scarification for foundation surface15 cm

Frequency of field density tests (typical)1 test per 1000 to 2500 m³ of fill

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables

Table 1 - Compaction Requirements for Earthwork in Canals

Table 2 - Recommended Lift Thickness and Number of Passes for Various Types of Rollers

Key Clauses

Clause 4 - Materials

Clause 5 - Preparation of Foundation

Clause 6 - Placing and Spreading of Fills

Clause 7 - Compaction

Clause 8 - Quality Control

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the typical thickness of a soil layer (lift) before compaction?+

Generally 25 cm to 40 cm for mechanical compaction, but can be as low as 20 cm. This depends on the soil type and roller capacity (Clause 6.3).

What is the required level of compaction for canal embankments?+

Typically specified as 95% to 98% of the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) determined by the heavy compaction test (IS 2720 Part 8), as per project specifications (Clause 7.5 & Table 1).

How should the ground be prepared before starting the fill?+

The foundation area must be cleared of all vegetation, topsoil, and deleterious materials. The surface should then be scarified to a depth of 15 cm to ensure a good bond with the first fill layer (Clause 5).

What checks are required during compaction?+

Regular checks on lift thickness, number of roller passes, moisture content, and in-situ field density are required as part of quality control (Clause 8).

QA/QC Inspection Templates

📋

QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.

Browse all 300 templates →

IS 6932 Part 2 : 1973Code of Practice for Earthwork - Part 2: Filling, Forming and Compaction

PDF Google Compare BIS Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

BS 6031 · AS 3798 · UFGS 31 20 00

CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeBIMGeotechnical · Irrigation and Canal Structures

PDF Google Compare BIS Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

Covers methods for filling, forming, and compaction of earthwork for various civil engineering purposes.

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Frequently Used
Domain: Geotechnical — Irrigation and Canal Structures
Type: Code of Practice

International equivalents

BS 6031:2017 · BSI (British Standards Institution), UK AS 3798-2007 · Standards Australia, Australia UFGS 31 20 00 · U.S. Department of Defense, USA ASTM D1557-12(2021) · ASTM International, USA

Typically used with

IS 1498 IS 2720

Also on InfraLens for IS 6932

5Key values 2Tables 4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes

! Achieving the specified degree of compaction is highly dependent on maintaining the soil moisture content near the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC).

! The choice of compaction equipment is critical and must be matched to the soil type (e.g., sheepsfoot rollers for cohesive soils, vibratory rollers for cohesionless soils).

! Proper preparation of the foundation by stripping unsuitable material and scarifying the surface is essential to prevent slip-plane failure between the foundation and the embankment.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. 4Materials Cl. 5Preparation of Foundation Cl. 6Placing and Spreading of Fills Cl. 7Compaction Cl. 8Quality Control

soilearthfill material

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

BS 6031:2017BSI (British Standards Institution), UK

HighCurrent

Code of practice for earthworks

Comprehensive code covering site investigation, material selection, filling, compaction, and monitoring for all types of earthworks.

AS 3798-2007Standards Australia, Australia

HighCurrent

Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments

Provides guidelines for earthwork processes including fill material, placement, compaction, and testing, with a focus on building projects.

UFGS 31 20 00U.S. Department of Defense, USA

MediumCurrent

Unified Facilities Guide Specifications: Earth Moving

A detailed construction specification, rather than a code of practice, defining requirements for excavation, fill, and compaction.

ASTM D1557-12(2021)ASTM International, USA

LowCurrent

Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 kN-m/m³))

A foundational test method for determining maximum dry density (MDD) referenced by most compaction specifications, equivalent to the 'Heavy Compaction' test in IS 2720 (Part 8).

Key Differences

Key Similarities

≈All standards are fundamentally based on the Proctor theory of compaction, which relates moisture content and dry density to achieve maximum soil strength and stability.

≈The core operational principle of placing fill material in controlled, uniform layers (lifts) before compaction is a universal requirement across all the standards.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Standard Uncompacted Layer Thickness	Generally not to exceed 25 cm for rollers up to 10 tonnes.	Typically 250 mm to 450 mm, dependent on material and plant type.	BS 6031:2017
General Compaction Requirement	95% to 100% of Maximum Dry Density from light compaction test (IS 2720 Part 7).	Minimum 95% of standard maximum dry density (SMDD) for general fill under 'Level 1' supervision.	AS 3798-2007
High-Load Compaction Requirement	95% to 100% of Maximum Dry Density from heavy compaction test (IS 2720 Part 8).	95% of modified Proctor maximum dry density (ASTM D1557) for structural fill and subgrades.	UFGS 31 20 00
Moisture Content Control Range	Within a range of OMC ±2 percent, or as specified.	Typically specified as OMC -2% to OMC +1%; range varies widely based on material properties.	BS 6031:2017
Maximum Particle Size in Fill	Should not be greater than two-thirds of the compacted layer thickness.	Should not exceed two-thirds of the compacted layer thickness.	BS 6031:2017
Frequency of Field Density Tests (Major Works)	One test for every 1000 m³ of compacted fill.	Minimum one test per layer or 500 m³, or three tests per lot, whichever is more frequent (for Level 1 supervision).	AS 3798-2007
Alternative Compaction Acceptance Criteria	Primarily based on achieving a percentage of MDD.	Maximum percentage of air voids (e.g., 5% or 10%) is a common alternative/additional requirement.	BS 6031:2017

⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values

Minimum degree of compaction for embankments95% to 98% of Maximum Dry Density (MDD)

Allowable moisture content variation from OMC±2% of Optimum Moisture Content (OMC)

Maximum loose lift thickness for roller compaction25 cm to 40 cm

Depth of scarification for foundation surface15 cm

Frequency of field density tests (typical)1 test per 1000 to 2500 m³ of fill

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables

Table 1 - Compaction Requirements for Earthwork in Canals

Table 2 - Recommended Lift Thickness and Number of Passes for Various Types of Rollers

Key Clauses

Clause 4 - Materials

Clause 5 - Preparation of Foundation

Clause 6 - Placing and Spreading of Fills

Clause 7 - Compaction

Clause 8 - Quality Control

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the typical thickness of a soil layer (lift) before compaction?+

Generally 25 cm to 40 cm for mechanical compaction, but can be as low as 20 cm. This depends on the soil type and roller capacity (Clause 6.3).

What is the required level of compaction for canal embankments?+

Typically specified as 95% to 98% of the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) determined by the heavy compaction test (IS 2720 Part 8), as per project specifications (Clause 7.5 & Table 1).

How should the ground be prepared before starting the fill?+

What checks are required during compaction?+

Regular checks on lift thickness, number of roller passes, moisture content, and in-situ field density are required as part of quality control (Clause 8).

QA/QC Inspection Templates

📋

QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.

Browse all 300 templates →

IS 6932 Part 2 : 1973Code of Practice for Earthwork - Part 2: Filling, Forming and Compaction

Overview

International Equivalents

Key Values5

Tables & Referenced Sections

Related Resources on InfraLens

Frequently Asked Questions4

QA/QC Inspection Templates

IS 6932 Part 2 : 1973Code of Practice for Earthwork - Part 2: Filling, Forming and Compaction

Overview

International Equivalents

Key Values5

Tables & Referenced Sections

Related Resources on InfraLens

Frequently Asked Questions4

QA/QC Inspection Templates