Humboldt H-4165 User manual

Harvard Miniature Compaction Apparatus (H-4165) Page 1of 7
Instruction Manual Rev.0; August 01, 2003
Copyright 2003 Humboldt Mfg. Co., Norridge, IL. 60706, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
Manufactured by:
Humboldt Mfg. Co.
7300 West Agatite Avenue
Norridge, Illinois 60706 U.S.A.
Customer Service:
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
USA Toll Free: 1.800.544.7220
Website: www.humboldtmfg.com
Sold and Serviced by:
Humboldt and Authorized Dealers Worldwide
H-4165
Instruction Manual
HARVARD MINIATURE
COMPACTION APPARATUS

Harvard Miniature Compaction Apparatus (H-4165) Page 2of 7
Instruction Manual Rev.0; August 01, 2003
Copyright 2003 Humboldt Mfg. Co., Norridge, IL. 60706, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. General …………………………………… 3
2. Unpacking …………………………………… 3
3. Assembly …………………………………… 3
4. Operation …………………………………… 3
5. Test Procedure …………………………………… 4
6. Calculations …………………………………… 5
7. Moisture-Density
Relationship …………………………………… 5
8. Warranty …………………………………… 6
9. Drawings …………………………………… 6 & 7

Harvard Miniature Compaction Apparatus (H-4165) Page 3of 7
Instruction Manual Rev.0; August 01, 2003
Copyright 2003 Humboldt Mfg. Co., Norridge, IL. 60706, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
1. General
This test determines the relationship between the moisture content of soils and resulting
densities (oven-dry weight per cubic foot) when the soil is compacted in the laboratory
with this apparatus. Selection of the most appropriate number of layers, number of tamps
per layer and tamping force depends on the type of material and the intended use to
which the compacted material will be put. In general, at least five layers and ten tamps
per layer are required to produce homogeneous test specimens.
2. Unpacking
In shipment, all of the parts are packed carefully to prevent damage. It is suggested that
all packing material be carefully checked to ascertain that no parts are overlooked. The
apparatus consists of the following:
2.1 Specimen ejector and collar remover with spacer plate.
2.2 Mold holder.
2.3 1/454 cu. ft. (129 m3)-volume mold & collar.
2.4 Compaction tamper with 20 lb. (9.07kg), 37.5lb. (17kg) & 40lb (18.2kg) spring.
3. Assembly
Very little assembly is required since the collar remover and specimen ejector is shipped
completely assembled.
To assemble the mold, place collar on the mold. Set in center of base plate with top of
mold collar fitted into recess in top plate. Tighten knurled nuts.
The tamper is supplied with 20-pound compaction spring in place. To change springs,
remove the two lock nuts and remove insert in lower end by loosening the two set
screws.
4. Operation
4.1 Sample Preparation:
Air-dry to a slight to slightly damp condition a 2 to 3 lb. sample of soil taken
from a portion of the material passing the No. 4 (4760-micron) sieve. Mix
thoroughly to break up the lumps and insure a homogeneous mixture. Then
divide into six to eight portions, such that each portion contains slightly more
than enough material for one test. To each portion add approximately the
required amount of water to obtain the desired range of moisture contents. After
thorough mixing, place each portion in a small glass jar with tight fitting cover
and store overnight or until ready for testing. For soils that mix readily with
water and have low dry strengths, it is satisfactory to add water and mix the

Harvard Miniature Compaction Apparatus (H-4165) Page 4of 7
Instruction Manual Rev.0; August 01, 2003
Copyright 2003 Humboldt Mfg. Co., Norridge, IL. 60706, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
specimen immediately prior to testing. It is important that a compacted specimen
not be remixed and used over again.
5. Test Procedure
5.1 With the mold and collar clamped to the base, place the desired amount of loose
soil in the mold. For five layers, two slightly heaping teaspoonfuls will be
required for each layer. Level the surface by pressing lightly with a wood
plunger.
5.2 Insert the tamper in the mold until it is in contact with the surface of the soil and
press down firmly until one feels that the spring is starting to compress. Release
the force and shift the tamper to a new position. Each of the first four tamps
should be applied in separate quadrants and adjacent to the mold. The fifth tamp
should be in the center, making one complete coverage. This cycle is then
repeated until the desired number of tamps has been applied. The tamps should
be applied at the approximate rate of 10 tamps per 15 sec.
5.3 Add the next layer and repeat the procedure until the required number of
compacted layers has been placed. The top layer should extend at least ½ in. into
the extension collar.
5.4 Remove mold from clamp. Insert spacer disc in collar remover and ejector. Place
mold into device with lugs on the remover in the groove provided in the collar.
Press down firmly on the piston and on the lever arm at the back, prying the
collar free of the compacted soil.
5.5 Remove the mold from the base and carefully trim away the excess soil from the
top of the mold and from the bottom, if any.
5.6 Weigh the mold containing the compacted soil to the nearest 0.1g. It is
convenient to use a rare weight equal to the weight of the empty mold, as then
the resulting net weight in grams is numerically equal to the wet unit weight of
the compacted soil, in pounds per cubic foot.
5.7 Remove the specimen from the mold with the sample ejector and place in a
suitable container for drying and determination of moisture content.
5.8 Compact additional specimens until points have been established on both sides of
the optimum moisture content.

Harvard Miniature Compaction Apparatus (H-4165) Page 5of 7
Instruction Manual Rev.0; August 01, 2003
Copyright 2003 Humboldt Mfg. Co., Norridge, IL. 60706, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
6. Calculations
Calculate the moisture content and the dry weight of the soil as compacted for each trial,
as follows:
w = ___A –B___ X 100
B –C
And
W = ___W1___ __ X 100
W + 100
Where:
w = Percentage of moisture in the specimen
A = weight of container and wet soil
B= weight of container and dried soil,
C = weight of container
W = dry weight, in pounds per cubic foot of compacted soil and
w1= wet weight, in pounds per cubic foot
7. Moisture-Density Relationship
7.1 The calculations in Section-6 shall be made to determine the moisture content
and corresponding oven-dry weight (density) for each of the compacted soil
samples. The oven-dry weights per cubic foot (densities) of the soil shall be
plotted as ordinates and corresponding moisture contents as abscissas.
7.2 Optimum Moiture Content –When the densities and corresponding moisture
contents for the soil have been determined and plotted as indicated in paragraph
(6.1), it will be found that by connecting the plotted points with a smooth line, a
curve is produced. The moisture content corresponding to the peak of the curve
shall be termed the “optimum moisture content” of the soil under the above
compaction.
7.3 Maximum Density –The oven-dry weight per cubic foot of the soil at “optimum
moisture content” shall be termed “maximum density” under the above
compaction.

Harvard Miniature Compaction Apparatus (H-4165) Page 6of 7
Instruction Manual Rev.0; August 01, 2003
Copyright 2003 Humboldt Mfg. Co., Norridge, IL. 60706, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
8. Warranty
Humboldt Mfg. Co. warrants its products to be free from defects in material or
workmanship. The exclusive remedy for this warranty is Humboldt Mfg. Co., factory
replacement of any part or parts of such product, for the warranty of this product please
refer to Humboldt Mfg. Co. catalog on Terms and Conditions of Sale. The purchaser is
responsible for the transportation charges. Humboldt Mfg. Co. shall not be responsible
under this warranty if the goods have been improperly maintained, installed, operated or
the goods have been altered or modified so as to adversely affect the operation, use
performance or durability or so as to change their intended use. The Humboldt Mfg. Co.
liability under the warranty contained in this clause is limited to the repair or
replacement of defective goods and making good, defective workmanship.
9. Drawings
H-4165
CAUTION:
Keep hands, clothi
ng and other objects away from
moving parts when the machine is in operation.

Harvard Miniature Compaction Apparatus (H-4165) Page 7of 7
Instruction Manual Rev.0; August 01, 2003
Copyright 2003 Humboldt Mfg. Co., Norridge, IL. 60706, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
H-4165