What is the mass of the rammer for a light compaction test?

The mass is 2.6 kg as per Clause 3.1.

What is the drop height for a heavy compaction test?

The free drop height is 450 mm as per Clause 4.1.

What is the specified diameter of the rammer's circular face?

The diameter is 50 mm for both light and heavy rammers (Clause 3.1 & 4.1).

Which test standards use the rammers specified in IS 9198?

The rammers are used for tests outlined in IS 2720 (Part 7) for light compaction and IS 2720 (Part 8) for heavy compaction.

IS 9198

: 1979

compaction rammer for soil testing

CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationGeotechnical · Soil and Foundation Engineering

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This standard specifies the material, dimensional, and mass requirements for soil compaction rammers. It covers both the light rammer (2.6 kg) and heavy rammer (4.89 kg) used in standard laboratory tests to determine the compaction characteristics of soils.

compaction rammer for soil testing

Quick Reference Values

Mass of Light Compaction Rammer2.6 kg

Drop Height for Light Compaction310 mm

Mass of Heavy Compaction Rammer4.89 kg

Drop Height for Heavy Compaction450 mm

Diameter of Rammer Face50 mm

Practical Notes

This equipment is fundamental for conducting Proctor (light compaction) and Modified Proctor (heavy compaction) tests as per IS 2720.

Ensure the rammer's sleeve allows for a completely free fall from the specified height, as any friction will lead to inaccurate compaction energy and test results.

Regularly check the mass of the rammer and the condition of the tamping face for wear and tear, as this can affect test accuracy.