This study investigates the bearing capacity of sandy soil at different degrees of compaction using laboratory dynamic cone penetration (DCP) tests for application in road embankment construction

This study presents laboratory dynamic cone penetration (DCP) test results to evaluate the influence of compaction degree on the conventional bearing capacity R0 of sand. The tests were conducted on sand specimens prepared at four compaction levels, namely K80, K85, K90 and K95, using a large-scale testing mold. The relationship between the conventional bearing capacity R0 and penetration depth was analyzed based on repeated DCP tests. The results indicate that R0 increases with depth and shows a pronounced increase as the degree of compaction is enhanced. At lower compaction levels, R0 values are relatively small and exhibit significant scatter, whereas at higher compaction levels (K90 - K95), larger R0 values are obtained and the R0 - depth profiles become more stable with good repeatability. Correlation relationship between soil compaction level and conventional bearing capacity: R0 = 4,97(1 - e-4,16(K-80)) confirms the critical role of compaction degree in governing the bearing capacity of sand fills and demonstrates the potential applicability of DCP testing for assessing the quality of compacted sand foundations.