Proctor Compaction Test Apparatus 6″ Mould & 4.5 Kg Hammer – MDD Mold Set

Description

Introduction 4.5kg MDD Mould

The Proctor Compaction Test Apparatus is one of the most critical instruments in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. Every construction project that involves earthworks, road sub-base preparation, embankment design, or foundation stabilisation depends on accurate compaction data. The Proctor Compaction Test Apparatus 6″ Mould & 4.5 Kg Hammer that ASTZ Bangladesh supplies gives laboratories and field teams the precision they need to determine the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) of any given soil sample.

Soil engineers conduct the Standard Proctor Test — also known as the Proctor Compaction Test — to establish a benchmark compaction curve. They prepare soil samples at various moisture levels, compact each sample inside the 6-inch mould using exactly 25 blows per layer across three equal layers, and then calculate the dry density. The resulting data guides compaction control on site, ensuring that earthfill, sub-grades, and embankments reach the required density before construction proceeds.

ASTZ Bangladesh makes this Proctor Compaction Test Apparatus available to government testing laboratories, private soil investigation firms, engineering colleges, road construction companies, and quality assurance teams throughout Bangladesh. Furthermore, the apparatus meets internationally recognised standards, so test results carry full technical authority on project reports and regulatory submissions.

Specifications 4.5kg MDD Mould

Parameter	Specification
Mould Internal Diameter	152.4 mm (6 inches)
Mould Height	116.4 mm
Mould Volume	944 cm³ (± 0.5%)
Collar Height	60 mm
Hammer / Rammer Mass	4.5 kg (9.92 lbs)
Free-Fall Drop Height	305 mm (12 inches)
Compaction Energy (Standard Proctor)	600 kN·m/m³
Number of Layers	3
Blows per Layer	25
Base Plate Dimensions	Approx. 230 mm × 230 mm
Mould Wall Thickness	Minimum 5 mm steel
Rammer Face Diameter	50.8 mm (2 inches)
Rammer Construction	Solid steel with guide tube
Material	Mild steel with anti-rust finish
Applicable Standard	ASTM D698 / BS 1377 Part 4
Maximum Particle Size (soil)	19 mm (3/4 inch)
Kit Contents	Mould body, extension collar, base plate, 4.5 kg rammer with guide
Surface Finish	Machined internal mould surface
Country of Origin	As per manufacturer (available on request)
Calibration	Factory volume-checked against nominal 944 cm³

 

Key Features

1. 6-Inch (152 mm) Precision-Machined Steel Mould — Maintains exact internal volume (944 cm³) for repeatable test results every time.
2. 5 Kg Drop Rammer with 305 mm Guided Free Fall — Delivers consistent compaction energy of 600 kN·m/m³ per blow as required by ASTM D698 Standard Proctor method.
3. Detachable Extension Collar — Allows proper soil loading above the mould without spillage during compaction, then removes cleanly before trimming.
4. Heavy-Duty Base Plate with Locating Pins — Locks the mould in position during compaction and prevents any lateral shift that could compromise sample integrity.
5. All-Steel Construction with Corrosion-Resistant Finish — Survives daily lab use, high-humidity Bangladeshi conditions, and repeated cleaning without degradation.
6. ASTM D698 & BS 1377 Part 4 Compliant — Test data produced with this apparatus directly satisfies international and Bangladesh standards for compaction testing.
7. Standard Proctor and Modified Proctor Compatible — The mould accepts both Standard (4.5 kg hammer, 305 mm drop) and Modified Proctor (4.5 kg hammer variant) configurations when paired with the appropriate rammer.
8. Easy Mould Extraction — The split mould design or straight-wall construction with base plate release allows clean sample ejection without disturbing the compacted specimen.
9. Calibrated Internal Volume — Each mould is factory-checked against a 944 cm³ nominal volume to guarantee that all test calculations remain accurate.

Applications

1. Road & Highway Construction: Sub-grade and sub-base compaction control for national highways, city roads, and rural feeder roads across Bangladesh.
2. Embankment & Dam Engineering: Earthfill compaction verification for flood protection embankments, irrigation dams, and river-bank stabilisation projects.
3. Building Foundation Preparation: Soil bearing-capacity assessment and backfill compaction testing for residential, commercial, and industrial foundation works.
4. Airport Pavement Engineering: Airfield pavement sub-grade density testing to meet Civil Aviation Authority requirements.
5. Railway Trackbed Design: Ballast sub-base compaction characterisation for Bangladesh Railway and private rail infrastructure projects.
6. Soil Investigation Reports: Standard compaction data generation for geotechnical investigation reports submitted to BRTC, BUET, and government agencies.
7. Environmental Containment: Liner compaction testing for landfill and waste-containment projects where soil permeability depends on density.
8. Academic Research & Training: Undergraduate and postgraduate civil engineering laboratory coursework at universities and polytechnic institutes.
9. Quality Control on Construction Sites: On-site soil compliance verification during earthworks, ensuring field compaction matches laboratory MDD targets.
10. Material Characterisation Studies: Comparative MDD testing of different soil types, amended soils, and stabilised materials in research and consultancy settings.

Who Uses This

1. Geotechnical Engineering Firms
2. Road & Highway Departments (RHD, LGED)
3. Civil Engineering Universities (BUET, CUET, RUET)
4. Private Construction Companies
5. Government Testing Laboratories (BRTC)
6. Environmental Engineering Consultancies
7. Military & Bangladesh Army Engineering
8. Material Testing Laboratories

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What standard does this Proctor Compaction Test Apparatus follow?

This apparatus follows ASTM D698 (Standard Proctor Test) and BS 1377 Part 4. The 6-inch mould has a volume of 944 cm³, and the 4.5 kg rammer drops 305 mm to deliver the correct compaction energy of 600 kN·m/m³ specified in these standards.

Q2. What is the difference between Standard Proctor and Modified Proctor tests?

The Standard Proctor Test (ASTM D698) uses a 4.5 kg hammer with a 305 mm drop over 3 layers with 25 blows each. The Modified Proctor Test (ASTM D1557) uses a heavier 4.54 kg hammer with a 457 mm drop over 5 layers with 25 blows each. This apparatus suits the Standard Proctor method. Engineers select Modified Proctor for projects requiring higher compaction energy specifications.

Q6. Does this kit include a rammer / hammer?

Yes. ASTZ supplies this apparatus as a complete kit, including the 6-inch cylindrical mould, the extension collar, the base plate, and the 4.5 kg drop rammer with its guide tube. Buyers receive everything needed to start Standard Proctor testing immediately after delivery.

Q10. How should I maintain this Proctor mould and rammer?

After each test, clean the mould interior, collar, and base plate with a damp cloth or brush to remove soil residue. Apply a light coat of oil or silicone spray to the internal mould surface before storage to prevent rust. Store all components in a dry environment. Check the mould volume periodically if tests occur at high frequency, and inspect the rammer for deformation or wear on the striking face.

 

Why Buy from ASTZ Bangladesh

1. Genuine Instrument Guarantee-ASTZ supplies authentic, standards-compliant laboratory instruments sourced directly from verified manufacturers. Every Proctor apparatus ships with a factory compliance certificate.
2. Nationwide Delivery Across Bangladesh-ASTZ delivers laboratory instruments to Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, and all district towns through reliable courier and freight partners.
3. Expert Technical Support-The ASTZ technical team offers pre-sale guidance, equipment selection advice, and post-purchase troubleshooting — all in Bangla and English — so your laboratory always operates correctly.
4. Competitive & Transparent Pricing-ASTZ maintains fair, market-competitive prices without hidden charges. Bulk purchase discounts and institutional quotations are available for government and university orders.
5. Fast Processing & Secure Packaging-Orders receive same-day or next-day processing. ASTZ packs all instruments in protective foam-lined boxes to prevent transit damage to precision mould surfaces.
6. Trusted by Government & Academia-Leading institutions including BUET, CUET, RHD, and LGED procurement lists recognise ASTZ as a reliable supplier of geotechnical and civil engineering test instruments.