What does the modified proctor test for soil typically result in?

The modified Proctor test is a standard method used to determine the optimal moisture content and maximum dry unit weight of soil, particularly in civil engineering applications. This test involves compacting soil in a mold using a heavier ram and a specific number of blows, which simulates the conditions that soil will experience during construction.

The result of the modified Proctor test typically indicates that the maximum dry unit weight of the soil can be achieved at a specific moisture content that is lower than that of the standard Proctor test. This means that the soil can be compacted to a denser state when moisture is adequately managed, leading to a higher maximum dry unit weight during compaction. The optimum moisture content is crucial as it allows for maximum density to be achieved without excess water, which could compromise the soil structure.

Therefore, the combination of higher maximum dry unit weight and lower water content signifies that the modified Proctor test effectively achieves stronger, denser soils suitable for construction applications, particularly for materials like gravel and cohesive clay, which tend to benefit from the additional compactive effort.