Predictions of maximum dry density and optimum moisture content from simple material properties

A set of results of basic soil classification properties, particle size distribution, plasticity and corresponding compacted maximum dry density and optimum moisture content tests recorded on Australian soils was analysed to establish equations to predict the last two parameters from the classification data. A stepwise variable selection linear regression analysis gave the best results for the Australian data analysed. Models developed by other workers and a simplification of those models did not give a closer prediction for the Australian soil dataset.