The strength and durability of any soil structure is dependent on the quality of the compaction of the soil. This quality is measured by employing a standard compaction test, which provides a standard with which density may be compared, called the maximum dry density, and the moisture content of the soil at which this is achieved, called the optimum moisture content. As a matter of routine during quality control, the particle size distribution, plasticity index and liquid limit of the soil are determined at the same time as its maximum dry density and optimum moisture content.
