Proctor/Fagerberg test and its three modified procedures
The IMSBC Code appendix 2 compaction test family that fixes a transportable moisture limit at a stated degree of saturation rather than from a flow moisture point.
The Proctor/Fagerberg test is the IMSBC Code appendix 2 paragraph 1.3 compaction procedure for determining the transportable moisture limit of ore concentrates and similar materials up to a top size of 5 mm. Unlike the flow table and penetration routes, it computes no flow moisture point at all. It builds a compaction curve and reads the critical moisture content off the 70 percent degree of saturation line, at paragraph 1.3.1.3. Paragraph 1.3.1.1 excludes coal and other porous materials from the base method.
Three modified procedures were added for cargoes the base method cannot handle. Appendix 2 paragraph 1.4 covers iron ore fines and reads the critical moisture content at 80 percent saturation. Paragraph 1.5 covers coals up to a nominal top size of 50 mm, reconstituted to minus 25 mm, using a 150 mm compaction cylinder and the Proctor/Fagerberg D energy hammer, and produces the PFD70 value. Paragraph 1.6 covers bauxite using the CBR mould, on a two-branch rule of 80 or 70 percent saturation depending on where optimum moisture content falls.
Two of the modified procedures can remove a cargo from Group A entirely. Where the moisture drains freely so the compaction curve never reaches the saturation line, the result indicates a cargo within IMSBC section 7.2.2 and not liable to liquefy. The full article will cover the compaction energies, the sample reconstitution rules and the certificate practice.