Abstract: The compacted silt soils are usually used as the bearing layer for the multistory residential buildings in the eastern Henan. The geotechnical properties of the compacted as well as the insitu silts are studied with both the laboratory and insitu tests. The strength and deformation characteristics of compacted silt samples under various moisture contents are also studied. The results indicate that, under a good construction quality control, the silt with natural moisture content has a satisfactory strength and stiffness. The moisture content has a significant impact on the geotechnical properties of compacted silt. Therefore, a strict construction quality control of moisture content is required for a successful compacted silt as the foundation soil.

Key words: Compacted Silt, Shear Strength, Moisture Content, Bearing Capacity