IS : 2720 (Pert Vll)-1980

(Reaffirmed1987)

Indian Standard
METHODS

( Reaffirmed 1997 )

OF TEST FOR SOILS

PART VII DETERMINATION

OF WATER CONTENT-DRY
DENSITY RELATION USING LIGHT COMPACTION

( Second Revision
Fifth Reprint AUGUST 19%

UDC 624-131378

BURRAU
MANAK

OF

BHAVAN,

INDIAN
9 BAHADUR

NEW DBLM

Cr 3

STANDARDS
SHAH
lldooz

ZAFAR

MARG

December 1980

18 : 2320 ( Part VII ) - 1980

Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
DETERMINATION
OF WATER CONTENT-DRY
PART VII
DENSTY
RELATION USING LIGHT COMPACTION

( Second Revision )
Soil Engineering

and Rock Mechanics

Sectional

Committee,

BDC 23

Rtjmnting
University of Roorkee, Roorkee

ChOilVlOn
DB JAG~DUBHNu~rn

&bur
ADDITIONALDIBECTOB,IRI

Irrigation Department,
Patna
Ministry of Railways

Government

of Bihar,

AWITIONALD~BECTOBRrsa~~oa
( F. E. ), RDSO
DPWTY DIR~OTORRESEABOH
( SOIL MEOH), RDSO ( Alteroafs )
University of Jodhpur, Jodhpur
Paor ALAY !31~ox
Engineer-in-Chief I Il.-anch, Army Headquarters
CAL AVTA~ drxox
LT-CAL V. K. KI~ITXAB (Alfmurtu )
Cemindia Co Ltd, Bombay
DE A. B~ERJE~
SHRIS. GUPTA ( Altmutr )
Central Building Resear& Institute, Roorkee
DB R. K. BE~ANDAI~I
Irrigation Department, Government of Punjab,
Crttxr Bxorx~xn ( B&R )
Chandigarh
DR G. S. Dhillon ( AflrrauIa )
The Concrete Association of India, Bombay
SEBI M. G. DANDAVAT~
SH~I N. C. DTJO~OL( Altnnolr )
In personal capacitv
(5 Hun n ord Court, E2II
Sasr A. G. DA~TIDAB
Htuigrfwd Stwt, Calcutta 7&l/,
Indian
eotechnical Society, New Delhi
DB G. S. DHILL~N
Irrigation
Department,
Government
of Uttar
DIB~OTOB,IRI
Pradesh, Roorkee

BUREAU

OF

INDIAN

STANDARDS

This publication is protected under the Kndian Copyriiht Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher shall be deemed to be an infringemerrt of copyright under the said Act.

IS I 2720 ( Part VII ) - 1989

(Continwf/rom

pagr 1 )
Rqwnting

Members
Snnx A. H. DIVANJI

Asia

Foundations
Bombay

Construction

(P )

Ltd,

SHRI A. N. JANQLE ( Alternate )

University of Roorkee, Roorkee
PROF GOPAL RANJAN
Institution of Engineers ( India ), Calcutta
PJ~OFG~PAL RANJAN
Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
DR SNASHI K. GULHATI
DR G. B. RAO ( Alternate )
Public Works Department, Chandigarh AdminisSanx 0. P. MALHOTBA
tration, Chandigarh
Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi
SHRI T. K. NATRAJAN
All India Instrument Manufacturers & Dealers
PRESIDENT t\ 1MDA 1
Association, Bombay
DEPUTY SECRETARY( AIIMDA ) ( Altcmute )
Central Water Commission, New Delhi
SHRI R. V. RANTHIDEVAN
DEPUTY DIRECTOR( CSMRS ) ( Alrnatr )
Public Works Deoartment. Government of Puniab.
RESEAIX~HOFFICER ( B&RRL )
., I
Chandigarh a
.
Public Works Department, Government of Andhra
SHRI K. R. SAXENA
Pradesh, Hyderabad
Central Board of Irrigation & Power, New Delhi
SECRETARY
DEPUTY SECRETARY( Alterante )
Roads Wing, Ministry of Shipping & Transport
SHRI N. SIVAQURU
SI~RI D. V. SIKKA ( Ahmatr )
National Buildings Organization, New Delhi
SHRI K. S. SRINIVASAN
.
SHIII SUNIL BERRY ( Alfan& )
Public Works Department, Government of Tamil
SUPERINTENDING E N Q I N E E B
(P&D)
. - . .Nadu, Madras
EXECUTIVEENQINEEB( SMRD ) ( Alkmat~ )
All India Instrument Manufacturers & Dealers
SHRI H. C. VERMA
Association, Bombay
SERI H. K. GUEA ( Alternutr)
Public Works Department, Government of Uttar
SHRI S. D. VIDYABTHI
Pradesh. Lucknow
Da B. L. DHAWAN ( Alternatr )
Director General, IS1 ( &&30 ddrrnba)
SURI G. RAXAN,
Director ( Civ Engg )

SHBI K. M. h&ATHW
Deputy Director ( Civ Engg ), ISI

IS : 2720 ( Part VII ) - 1980

Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART VII DETERMINATION OF WATER CONTENT-DRY
DENSITY RELATION USING LIGHT COMPACTION

( Second Revision)
0.
0.1 This Indian Standard
by the Indian Standards
finalized by the Soil and
mittee had been approved

FOREWORD
( Part VII ) ( Second Revision ) was adopted
Institution on 31 October 1980, after the draft
Rock Mechanics Engineering Sectional Com~by the Civil Engineering Division Council.

0.2 With a view to establishing uniform procedures for determination

of different characteristics of soils and also for facilitating comparative
studies of the results, the Indian Standards Institution is bringing -out
this Indian Standard methods of test for soils ( IS : 2720 ) which is being
published in parts. This part ( Part VII ) ( first published in 1965 and
revised in 1974 ) deals with the method of test for the determination of
water content-dry
density relation of soil using light compaction ( see
Note below ). The purpose of a laboratory compaction test is to determine the proper amount of mixing water to be used, when compacting
the soil in the field and the resulting degree of denseness which can be
To accomplish
expected from compaction at optimum moisture content.
this, a laboratory test which will give a degree of compaction comparable
to that obtained by the field method used is necessary.
This procedure.
is satisfactory for.cohesive soils but does not lend itself well to the study
of the compaction characteristics of clean sands or gravels which displace.
Some nearly-cohesionless
soils
easily when struck with the rammer.

compact satisfactorily
in the standard test although in many cases : c
water density curve is not well defined.
Frequently, too in these cases
indicated, maximum density is not as great as can be achieved readily in
the field under available compaction methods.
With a knowledge -of the
water density relation as determined by this test, better control of the field
compaction of soil fill is possible because the optimum moisture content
and the density which should be obtained are known by using this test
procedure and these can be checked by field control tests.

IS : 2720 ( Part VII ) - 1980

NOTE - The method
( Part VIII )-1974.

of test based on heavy

compaction~is

0.2.1 This revision % prepared

so as to cover
could be susceptible
to crushing during compaction.

covered

such

in IS

casts

: 2720

when

soil

0.3 In reporting
the results of a test or analysis made in accordance
with
this standard,
if the final value, observed or calculated,
is to be rounded
off, it shall be done in accordance
with IS : 2-1960t.

1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard
( Part VII ) lays down the method for the dtttrmination of the relation
between
the water content
and the dry density of
In this test a 2.6,kg rammer falling through
soils using light compaction.
a height of 310 mm is used.
2. TERMlNOLOGY
2.1 For the purpose
1972$ shall apply.

of this standard,

the

definitions

given in IS : 2809-

3. APPARATUS
3.1 Cylindrical Metal Mould - It shall be in accordance
Indian standards
on specification
of compaction
mould.

with relevant

3.2 Sample Extruder ( Optional ) - It consists of a jack, lever

or other dc.. _e adopted
for the purpose of extruding
compacted
mens from the mo*lld.
3.3 Balances
- one, of capacity
tapscity
200 g sensitive to 0.01 g.

10 kg sensitive

controlled
3.4 Oven - thermostatically
material
to maintain
temperature
between

straightedge

airtight
container
in the laboratory.
about

of

to

30 cm in length

+Methodr of test foraoils: Part VIII Determination

of water content-dry
relation using heavy corn action ( jrrt raoision ).
tRuler for rounding o % numerical
valuer ( mised ).
$Glosrary of terms and symbols relating to soil engineering
(first revision ),

other

with interior
of non-corroding
105C and 110C.

3.5 Container - any

suitable
non-corrodible
determine
the water content for tests conducted
3.6 Steel Straightedge - a steel
and having one bevtlltd
edge.

to 1 g and

frame
speci-

density

18 : 2720 ( Part VII ) -~I980

3.7 sieve - 4*75-mm and 20-mm
ments of IS : 460 ( Part I )-1978.

IS sieves

tools,
3.8 Mixing
Tools - miscellaneous
trowel and spatula, or a suitable mechanical
the sample of soil with additions
of water.
3.9 Metal Rammer

It shall conform

conforming

to the require-

such as tray or pan, spoon,

device for thoroughly
mixing
to IS : 9198.1979t.
.

-1, SOIL SPECIMEN

4.1 A representative
portion of air dried soil material
and large enough
about 6 kg of material
passing at 20-mm IS sieve ( for soils
not susceptible
to crushing
during
compaction
), or about
15 kg of
material
passing a 20-mm
IS sieve ( for soils susceptible
to crushing
during compaction
), shall be taken ( SCI Note 1 ). This portion shall be
sieved on a 20-mm IS sieve and the coarse fraction rejected after its proportion of the total sample has been recorded.

to provide

NOTE i - The soil should be considered susceptible to crushing during compaction if the sample contains granular material of a soft nature, such as soft limestone,
sandstone,
etc, which ig reduced in size by the action of the 2.6 kg rammer.
The
procedure
given in~5.2 for soils susceptible
to -crushing during compaction
can be
applied to all soils if it is convenient
to do SO.

4.1.1 Aggregations
of particles
shall Abe broken
sample
was sieved on a 4*75-mm IS sieve, only
particles would be retained.

down so that if the

separated
individual

5. PROCEDURE
5.1 Soil not Susceptible to Crushing
is as follows.
Note 1 ) - The procedure

During

Compaction

( WC

5.1.1 A 5-kg sample of air dried soil passing the 20 mm IS test sieve
shall be taken ( see Note 2 ). The sample shall be mixed thoroughly
with
a suitable
amount
of water depending
on the soil type ( SCI Notes 3
and 4).
5.1.2 The mould, with baseplate
attached,
shall be weighed
to the
nearest 1 g ( ml ). The mould shall be placed on a solid base, such as
a concrete
floor or plinth and the moist soil shall be compacted
into
the mould, with the extension
attached,
in three layers of approximately
equal mass, each layer being given 25 blows from the 2*6-kg rammer dropped from a height
of 310 mm above the soil.
The blows shall be
~*&ecilicatiOn for test sieves: Part I Wire cloth test sieve8 ( secondrcmrion ).
tgpecification for compaction rammer for soil testing.

fS:2720(PartVD)-1980
distributed uniformly over the surface of each layer. The operator shall
ensure that the tube of the rammer iskept clear of soil so that the rammer always falls freely. The amount of soil used shall be sufficient to fill
the mould, leaving not more than about 6 mm to be struck off when the
extension is removed ( see Note-5 ). The extension shall be ,removed a.nd
the compacted soil shall be levelled off carefully to the top of the mould
by means of the straightedge. The mould and soil shall then be weighed
to 1 g ( ma >.
5.1.3 The compacted soil specimen shall be removed ~from the mould
and placed on the mixing tray. The water content of a representative
~3rnn~ of the specimen shall be ~determined as in IS : 2720 ( Part 11 ).

5.1.4 The remainder of the soil specimen shall be broken up, rubbed
through the 20-mm IS test sieve, and then mixed with the remainder of
the original sample.
Suitable increments of water ( see Note 6 ) shall be
added successively and mixed into the sample, and the above procedure
from operations 5.1.2 to 5.1.4 shall be repeated for each increment
of water added. The total number of determinations made shall he
at least five, and the range of moisture contents should be such that the
optimum moisture content, at which the maximum dry density occurs, is
within that range.
5.2 SoiI Surceptible to Crushing During Compaction ( see Note 1) The procedure is as follows:
a) Five or more 2.5-kg samples of air dried soil passing the
20-mm IS test sieve, shall be taken ( see Note 2 ). The samples
shall each be mixed thoroughly with different amounts of water
to give a suitable range of moisture contents (see Notes 3 and 4 ).
The range of moisture content, at which the maximum dry
density occurs, is within that range ( MCNote 6 ).
b) Each sample shall be treated as in 5.1.2.
c) Each compacted specimen shall be treated as in 5.1.3.
d) The remainder of each soil specimen shall be discarded.
5.3 Compactionh
Large4hc MomId - For compacting soil containing
coarse material up to 40 mm size, the 2 250 ml mould should be wed. A
ample weighing about 6 kg and passing the 40-mm IS sieve is used for
the test. Soil is compacted in three layers, each layer being given
55 blows of the 2*6-kg rammer. The rest of the procedure is the same aa
in 5.1 or 5.2.
@Methodaof test for roilr : Part II Determination of water content ( record rmi&n ).

IS I 2720 ( Part VII ) -

1980

of small amounts
of stone ( up to 5 percent
) retained
on
NOTE 2 - The removal
a 20-mm
IS Sieve will affect the density
obtainable
only by amounts
comparabl?
with the experimental
error
involved
in measuring
the maximum
dry density.
The exclusion
of a large proportion
of stone coarse than 20 mm may have a major
effect on the density
obtained
compared
with that obtainable
with the soil as a
There
is at present
no generally
whole,
and on the optimum
moisture
content.
accepted
method
of test or of calculation
for dealing
with this diff%Mty
in comparing
laboratory
compaction
test results with densities
obtained
in the field.
For
soils containing
larger proportions
of gravel,
the use of a bigger mould ( 2 250 ml >
will avoid major errors.
NOTE 3 -- The amount
of water
to be mixed
with air dried soil at the commencement
of the test will vary with the type of soil under test.
In general,
with
sandy
and gravelly
soils a moisture
content
of 4 percent
to 6 percent
would be
suitable,
while with cohesive soils a moisture
content
about 8 percent
to 10 percent
below the plastic
limit of the soil ( plastic limit minus 10 to plastic
limit minus 8 )
usually
be suitable.
that the water
is mixed thoroughly
and adequately
NOTE 4 - It is important
rise to variable
test results.
This
with the soil, since
inadequate
mixing
gives
is particularly
important
with cohesive soils when adding
a substantial
quantity
of
With clays of high plasticity,
or where hand mixing is
water to the air dried soil.
employed,
it may be difficult
to distribute
the water uniformly
through
the air
dried soil by mixing alone, and it may be necessary
to store the mixed sample in a
sealed container
for a mimmum
period of about 16 hours before continuing
with the
test.
to control
the total volume
NOTE 5 - It is necessary
h;s been found that if the amount
of soil struck off after
too great, the test results will be inaccurate.

of soil compacted,
since
removing
the extension

it
is

NOTE 6 -The
water
added
for each stage of the test should
be such that a
range
of moisture
contents
is obtained
which
includes
the optimum
moisture
In general,
increments
of 1 percent
to 2 percent
are suitable
for sandy and gravelly
soils and of 2 percent
to 4 percent
for cohesive
soils.
To increase
the accuracy
of
the test it is often advisable
to reduce the increments
of water in the region of the
optimum
moisture
content.

6. CALCULATIONS
6.1 Bulk Density - ym in g/ml, of each compacted
calculated from the equation:

specimen shall be

-- m2- ml
YmVm

where
ml = mass in g of mould and base;
ml = mass in g of mould, base and soil; and
v, = volume in ml of mould.
6.2 The dry density, ya in g/ml, shall be calculated from the equation:
10%
1oo+w

yas--------

where
w = moisture content of soil in percent.
7

tS : 2720 ( Part VII ) 1380

n

6.3 The dry densities, ye obtained

in a series of determinations
shall be
plotted against the corresponding moisture contents w. A smooth curve
shall be drawn through the resulting points and the position of the
maximum on this curve shall be determined.
7. REPORTING

OF RESULTS

7.1 The experimental points and the smooth curve drawn through them
showing the relationship between moisture content and dry density shall
be reported.
7.2 The dry density in g/ml corresponding to the maximum point on the
moisture content/dry density curve shall be reported as the maximum dry
density to the nearest 0.01.
7.3 The percentage moisture content corresponding to the maximum dry
density on the moisture content/dry density curve shall be reported as the
optimum moisture content and quoted to the nearest O-2 for values below
5 percent to the nearest O-5 for values from 5 percent to 10 percent, and
to the nearest
whole number for value exceeding
10 percent .( see
Note 7 ).
7.4 The amount of stone retained
ted to the nearest 1 percent.

on the 20-mm IS Sieve shall be repor-

7.5 The method of obtaining the result shall be stated, ( 2.6-kg rammer
method ) , The procedure used shall also be stated that is single sample
or separate sample and the size of the mould used,
soils such as clean ,gravels,
uniformly
NOTE 7 - For some highly permeable
graded and coarse clean sands the results of the laboratory compaction
test ( 2*6-kg
rammer
method ) may provide
only a poor guide for specificationa
on field
compaction.
The laboratory
test often indicates higher values of optimum moisture
content than would be desirable for field compaction
and the maximum
dry density
is often much lower than the state of compaction
that can readily
be obtained
in
the field.

IS t 2720 ( Part VII ) - 1980

( Continuedfrmn pap 2 )

Soil Testing

Procedures

and Equipment

Auaa Sorrow

BDC 23:3

R4pwnting

Convmn
Paoa

Subcommittee,

University

of Jodhpur,

Jodhpur

Members
Central Building Research Institute,
Roorkee
S~nr AXAR SINQR
DEPUTY
DIRECTOR RESEAXCB
Ministry of Railways
(FE-II
\-- ~- 1.
,, RDSO
DEPUTY DIRECTOR RESEARCH
( SM-III ), RDSO ( Altemafc)
Central Water Commission, New Delhi
DIRECTCR ( CSMRS )
DEPUTY DIRECTOR ( CSMRS ) ( Ahmate)
University
of~Roorkee, Roorkee
Paop GOPAL RANJAN
DR S. C. HANDA ( Ahmats )
Indian Institute of Technology,
New Delhi
Da SEASRI K. GULHATI
~Geologists Syndicate Pvt Ltd. Calcutta
SHRI H. K. GUHA
SHRI H. N. B~ATTACHABAYA (Alternate )
Public Worka Department,
Cbandigarh
AdminisSERI 0. P. MALXOTBA
tration
Associated
Instruments
Manufacturers
( I ) Pvt
SHRI M. D. NAIB
Ltd, New Delhi
PROP T. S. NAQARAJ ( Alkmatc)
Delhi College of Engineering,
Delhi
SHEI N. M. PATEL
Central Road Research Institute,
New Delhi
SHRI P. JAOANATHA RAO
Engineer-in-Chiefs
Branch, Army Headquarters
COL AVTAR SINC+H
LT.COL V. K. KANITKAR ( &fsm&
)
Public Works Department,
Government
of Utter
SHBI S. D. VIDYARTHI
Pradesh, Lucknow
Da B. L. DHAWAN ( Allmntc )

BUREAUOF INDIANSTANDARDS
Mar@ Bhavan,9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, NEW DELHI 110002
Telephones: 323 0131,323 3375,323 9402
Fax : 91 11 3234062,Sl
11 3239399, 91 11 3239302
Telegrams : Manaksanstha
(Common to ali Dffices)
Telephone
Centml Laboratory :
0-77 00 32

Plot No. 20/9, Site IV, Sahibabad Industrial Area, Sahibabad 201010
RegIona\
Central

offices:.

: Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, NEW DELHI 110002

*Eastern

: l/l 4 CIT Schems VII M, V.I.P. Road, Maniktola, CALCUrrA

Northern : SC0 335-336, Sector 34-A, CHANDIGARH

Southern

700054

32376

17

337 86 62
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160022

: C.I.T. Campus, IV Cross Road, CHENNAI 600113

23523

15

tWestem : Manakalaya, E9, Behind Mard Telephone Exchange, Andheri (East),

MUMBAI 400093

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Pushpak, Nurmohamsd Shaikh Marg, Khanpur, AHMEDABAD

5501348

380001

6394955

SPeenya Industrial Area, 1 st Stage, Bangabre-TumkurmRoad,

BANGALORE 560058
Gangotri Complex, 5th floor, Bhadbhada Road, T.T. Nagar, BHOPAt
Plot No. 62-63, Unit VI, Ganga Nagar, BHUBANESHWAR
Kataikathii Buildings,~670 Avinashi Road. COIMBATORE
Plot No. 43, Sector 16 A, Mathura Road, FARIDABAD
Savitii Complex, 116~G.T. Road, GHAZlABAD
53/5 Ward No.29, R.G. BaruaRoad,

462003

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40 36 27

751001

21 01 41

641037

8-28 88 01

121001

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201001

5th By-lane, GUWAHATI

541137

761003

5-6-56C, L.N. Gupta Marg, NampaHy Station Road, HYDERABAD

500001

201083

E-52, Chitaranjan Marg, C- Scheme, JAlPUR 302001

37 29 25

117/418 B, Sarvodaya Nagar, KANPUR 208005

21 68 76

Seth Bhawan, 2nd Floor,

LUCKNOW 226001

Behind

Leela

Cinema,

Naval

Kishore

Road,

23 69 23

NIT Building, Second Floor, Gokulpat Market, NAGPUR 440010

52 51 71

Patliputra industrial Estate, PATNA 600013

262305

Institution of Engineers (India) Building 1332 Shivaji Nagar, PUNE 411005

32 36 35

T.C. No. 14/l 421, University P. 0. Palayarn, THlRWANANTHAPURAM

621

695034

17

*Sales Office is at 5 Chowringhee Approach, P.O. Princep Street,

CALCUl-fA 700072

271085

tSales Office is at Novelty Chambers, Grant Road, MUMBAl400007

309 65 26

*Sales Office is at F Block, Unity Building, Narashimaraja Square,

BANGALORE 560002
c

222 39 71

Reprography Unit, B&New

Delhi, India

OCTOBER 1982

AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO

IS:2720(Part VII)-1980 METh3DS OF TEST FOR SOILS

PART VII DETERMNATION OF WATER CONTENT-DRY

DENSITYRELATIONUSING LIGHT COMPACTION
(Smmd

Revi8icn)

Alteration
_---(Pcrge4, ctau8e 3.2) - Substitutethe following
for the existing:

'3.1-IMoulds - It shall conformto IS:10074-19825.'

Addenda
w--m

4, foot-note with mark($)] - Ada the

followingfoot-noteafter the existing:
[page

'OSpeciflcation
for compactionmould assemblyfor
lightand heavy compactiontest for soils.'

(BDC 23)

Kqwography

Unit, BIS, New Delhi, India

ANENDMENT NO. 2

JULY 1984

TO

IS:272O(Part

7)-1980

METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS

PART 7 DETERMINATION OF WATER CONTENT-DRY

DENSITY RELATION USING LI(;HT COMPACTION
(Second

Uevision)

Alterations
-_-m-M
(Page 4, clause 0,2, Note) - Substitute 'IS:2720
(Part 6)-1993*' for
'IF272O(Part VIII)-1974"'.

(Page4, foot-n&a quitit * mark)

ttiefollowing for the existing:

- Substitute

'*Methods of test for soils: ?art 8 Determination

of water content-dry density relation using heavy
compaction (ssoond r+&uion) .'

(Page 5, ctni~se3.7, line 1; clause

Substitute '19 mm' ,?or '20 mm'.

5.1.1,

!7:nc2)

(Puse 6, cZau8cz5.1.4, tine 2; ctause 5.2(a),

line 2) - Substitute '14 mm' for '20 mm'.
@acne 6, clause 5.3, lines 2 and 3) - Substitute
'37.5 mm' for f40'~m at both places.
(Pace 7, .Vote 2, lines 3 mc? 4) - Substitute
'19 ITJE'
for '20 m' occurring at both places.
(Page 7, clause 6.2, formukz) - Substitute
the following for the existing formula:

d = 100

'rn

100 + 0'
(WC 23)
Reprography Unit, BIS, New Delhi, India