The Optimum moisture content (OMC) or Optimum Water Content (OWC) is the moisture content at which the soil attains maximum dry density. This OMC value is with respect to the specific amount of compaction energy applied to the soil.
What is optimum moisture content of soil compaction?
The results of a set of standard Proctor compaction tests on a particular soil give a maximum dry density of 19.6 kN/m3 and an optimum moisture content of 12.5%.
Why is optimum moisture content important?
The optimum moisture content provides the maximum dry unit weight that can be obtained. The increase in the dry unit weight means improving the soil properties; increased strength, decrease in permeability and compressiblity. So it is better to use the optimum moisture content.
