What percentage is a trench required to be compacted at for optimal performance?

For optimal performance, a trench is typically required to be compacted to 90%. This compaction level is crucial as it helps ensure stability and prevent future settling, which can lead to structural issues or damage to the plumbing and utility lines buried within the trench. Compaction at this level strikes a balance, providing sufficient support while allowing for some level of flexibility in the underlying materials.

Lower compaction percentages may lead to an increased risk of voids and instability, while 100% compaction is often unachievable due to practical limitations in field conditions, such as the potential for material displacement or air pockets that prevent uniform density. Thus, targeting a compaction rate of 90% is a standard practice in the industry, promoting safety and effectiveness in utility installations.