Empirical modeling of the compaction curve of cohesive soils

Compaction curves (or density-moisture relationships) of cohesive soils are essential components for establishing practical and reliable criteria for effective control of field compaction. In this paper, modules built from em pirical models for simulating the compaction curves of cohesive soils based on easily measured basic soil properties and compaction energy were develo ped using both statistical regression and artificial neural networks (ANNs) techniques. A large number of compaction curves pertaining to a wide varie ty of fine-grained soils were collected and used in modeling. The developed modules were able to predict compaction curves of soils with good accuracy , with the ANN-based module outperforming the statistical-based analog. The compaction modules were utilized to inquire about the compactibility behav ior of fine-grained soils in relation to their properties and the compactio n energy used. Besides their use as independent compaction curve predictors , the compaction modules can be used as supplementary units in numerical mo dels for solving geotechnical engineering problems and as tools useful in p reliminary design phases and feasibility studies.