Why is moisture testing conducted before compaction?

Moisture testing is conducted before compaction to ensure that the soil moisture levels are optimal for maximum compaction efficiency. The amount of moisture present in the soil has a direct impact on its compaction characteristics. If the soil is too dry, it may not compact well, leading to air voids and reduced density. Conversely, if the soil is too wet, it can become overly saturated, making it difficult to achieve the desired compaction and potentially leading to issues such as soil collapse or instability.

Finding the correct moisture content helps achieve the maximum dry density of the soil, which is critical in construction projects to ensure the integrity and longevity of the structure being built. Effective compaction minimizes the risk of future settlement and promotes stability under load.

Assessing nutrient content, determining soil temperature, or identifying soil type are not directly relevant to the compaction process and therefore do not address the primary purpose of moisture testing before compaction.