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Theoretical maximum dry density

Short answer

Theoretical maximum dry density is the dry density at zero air voids (S=100%), given by γ_d = Gγ_w/(1+wG). It sets an upper bound; actual compaction always leaves 2–5% air, so the compaction curve lies below the zero air void line.

Describe theoretical maximum dry density.

The theoretical maximum dry density is the dry density that a soil would have if all air were removed from the voids, i.e. at S=100%S = 100\% for the given water content. It is represented by the zero air void (ZAV) line:

γd,max(theory)=Gγw1+wG\gamma_{d,max(theory)} = \frac{G\gamma_w}{1 + wG}

It is an upper limit of dry density: the actual compaction curve always lies below it, since in practice 2 - 5% air remains in the soil.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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