At a specific construction site, soil excavated from a borrow site and used as a fill. The

borrow site water content is $26\%$ and the solids specific gravity is $2\mathrm{.}65.$ Standard Proctor

Compaction tests resulted in a maximum dry unit weight of $105pcf$ at optimum moisture

content of $20\%.$ Contract specifications require $95\%$ relative compaction. However, at the

site, the contractor complains that the fill pumps and ruts badly before reaching the required

dry unit weight.

a$.$ Draw the zero air voids curve for the fill soil $($use spreadsheet$).$

b$.$ What is the maximum possible water content at $95\%$ relative compaction?

c$.$ If the soil is compacted at the natural water content of $26\%,$ what is the maximum

possible dry unit weight $($without pumping$)?$

d$.$ Briefly explain if the contractors' argument is valid?