SOIL MECHANICS TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LAYOUT OF SOIL MECHANICS LAB / GEOTECHNICAL LAB.......................................

DRYING OVEN:...................................................................................................................
PROCTOR APPARATUS:....................................................................................................
SIEVE ANALYSIS:.............................................................................................................10
HYDROMETER TEST APARATUS:................................................................................11
LIQUID LIMIT APARATUS:.............................................................................................12
PLASTIC LIMIT APARATUS:..........................................................................................12
SHRINKAGE LIMIT APARATUS:...................................................................................13
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:.........................................................................................................14
SEIVE SHAKER:................................................................................................................15
SHELBY TUBE SAMPLE EXTRUDER:...........................................................................15
DIRECT SHEAR TEST APPARATUS:.............................................................................16
RELATIVE DENSITY TEST APPARATUS:....................................................................17
CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST APPARATUS:..................................................17
UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST MECHINE:........................................................18
CONE PENTROMETER TEST APPARATUS:.................................................................19
SAND replacement test apparatus:......................................................................................20
Core cutter rest apparatus:....................................................................................................21
EXPERIMENT NO 2...............................................................................................................22
DETERMINATION OF WATER CONTENT BY OVEN DRY METHOD (D2261)...........22
OBJECTIVE:.......................................................................................................................22
NEED AND SCOPE OF THE EXPERIMENT:..................................................................22
RELATED THEORY:.........................................................................................................22
LIMITATIONS:...................................................................................................................23
METHODS:.........................................................................................................................23
SOIL TYPES:.......................................................................................................................23
APPARATUS:.....................................................................................................................24
PROCEDURE:.....................................................................................................................24
PRECAUTIONS:.................................................................................................................25
REFERENCE:......................................................................................................................25
OVSERVATION AND CALCULATION:.........................................................................25
COMMENTS:......................................................................................................................26

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EXPERIMENT NO 3...............................................................................................................27
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT BY USING SPEEDY MOISTURE
METER....................................................................................................................................27
(Designation: D4944 – 04).......................................................................................................27
SIFNIFICANCE:..................................................................................................................27
LIMITAIONS:.....................................................................................................................27
APPARATUS:.....................................................................................................................27
Referenced Documents:.......................................................................................................28
Procedure:............................................................................................................................28
PRECAUIONS:....................................................................................................................29
Calibration:...........................................................................................................................30
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:.....................................................................30
COMMENTS:......................................................................................................................30
EXPERIMENT NO 4 WATER CONTENT
DETERMINATION (BY DIRECT HEATING METHOD)...................................................31
OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................31
SCOPE OF THE EXPERIMENT:.......................................................................................31
THEORY:............................................................................................................................31
Apparatus.............................................................................................................................32
Procedure:............................................................................................................................32
Limitations:..........................................................................................................................33
Precautions:..........................................................................................................................33
Observations and Calculations:............................................................................................34
COMMENTS:......................................................................................................................34
EXPERIMENT NO 5...............................................................................................................35
COMPACTION TEST (STANDARD PROCTOR TEST).....................................................35
Objective:.............................................................................................................................35
Theory..................................................................................................................................35
Compaction:.....................................................................................................................35
Compactive effort:...........................................................................................................35
Compaction effects:.........................................................................................................35
Different Methods of test:....................................................................................................35
Method A:........................................................................................................................36
Method B:.........................................................................................................................36
Method C:.........................................................................................................................36
Apparatus:............................................................................................................................37
Procedure:............................................................................................................................37

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Precautions:..........................................................................................................................38
Comments:...........................................................................................................................39
Experiment NO 6.....................................................................................................................40
Determination Of In-Place Soil Density (Sand Replacement Method)...................................40
Apparatus:............................................................................................................................40
Procedure :...........................................................................................................................40
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:.....................................................................42
REFERENCE:..................................................................................................................42
COMMENTS:......................................................................................................................43
EXPERIMENT NO 07.............................................................................................................44
DETERMINATION OF ATTERBERG’S LIMITS (LIQUID LIMIT AND PLASTIC
LIMIT) AND PLASTICITY INDEX......................................................................................44
Objective:.............................................................................................................................44
Theory:.................................................................................................................................44
Summary of Test Method:...................................................................................................44
Significance and Use:...........................................................................................................45
Apparatus:............................................................................................................................45
Procedure for Liquid Limit Determination:.........................................................................46
Procedure for Plastic Limit Determination:.........................................................................48
Precautions:..........................................................................................................................48
Reference:............................................................................................................................48
COMMENTS:......................................................................................................................49
Experiment no 8.......................................................................................................................50
Compaction test modified Proctor test (AASHTO TEST)......................................................50
Objective:-............................................................................................................................50
Significance and Use:-.........................................................................................................50
Theory:-................................................................................................................................50
APPARATUS:-....................................................................................................................51
PROCEDURE:-....................................................................................................................51
PRECAUTIONS:-................................................................................................................52
COMMENTS:-.....................................................................................................................53
EXPERIMENT NO 9...............................................................................................................54
DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL SAMPLE.....................................54
OBJECTIVES:.....................................................................................................................54
APPARATUS:.....................................................................................................................54
RELATED THEORY:.........................................................................................................54
PROCEDURE:.....................................................................................................................55

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OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:.....................................................................56

Typical values of correction factor α...................................................................................56
PRECAUTIONS:.................................................................................................................57
COMMENTS:......................................................................................................................57
EXPERIMENT NO 10.............................................................................................................58
DETERMINATION OF IN-PLACE SOIL DENSITY (CORE CUTTER METHOD)..........58
OBJECTIVE:.......................................................................................................................58
THEORY:............................................................................................................................58
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE:...............................................................................................59
APPARATUS:.....................................................................................................................59
PROCEDURE:.....................................................................................................................60
PRECAUTION:...................................................................................................................60
COMMENTS:......................................................................................................................61
EXPERIMENT NO 11.............................................................................................................62
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS ACCORDING TO USCS & AASHTO....62
OBJECTIVE:.......................................................................................................................62
THEORY :...........................................................................................................................62
AASHTO Soil Classification System:.................................................................................65
Table of AASHTO:..............................................................................................................66
Group Index (GI)..............................................................................................................66
PROCEDURE :....................................................................................................................67
CALCULATIONS:..............................................................................................................68
1. Calculate the % of soil retained on the #200 sieve..............................................................68
PRECAUTIONS :................................................................................................................69
REFERENCE :.................................................................................................................70
COMMENTS :.....................................................................................................................70
EXPERIMENT NO 12.............................................................................................................71
To Determine The Relative Density Test On Granular Soils..................................................71
Objective :............................................................................................................................71
Theory :................................................................................................................................71
Procedure :...........................................................................................................................71
Precautions:..........................................................................................................................72
Observations and calculations:.............................................................................................72
Reference:............................................................................................................................73
COMMENTS:......................................................................................................................73

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 SOIL MECHANICS TABLE OF FIGURES

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: LAYOUT OF SOIL MECHANICS LAB..................................................................

Figure 2: OVEN DRY APPARATUS.......................................................................................
Figure 3:PROCTOR APPARATUS........................................................................................10
Figure 4: SEIVES.....................................................................................................................10
Figure 5:HYDROMETER APPARAUTS...............................................................................11
Figure 6:LIQUID LIMIT APPARATUS.................................................................................12
Figure 7:PLASTIC LIMIT APPARATUS...............................................................................13
Figure 8: SHRINKAGE LIMIT APPARATUS.......................................................................14
Figure 9:SPECIFIC GRAVITY APPARATUS.......................................................................14
Figure 10:SEIVE SHAKER.....................................................................................................15
Figure 11:SELFBY EXTRUDER............................................................................................16
Figure 12:DIRECT SHEAR TEST APPARATUS..................................................................16
Figure 13:RELATIVE DENSITY TEST APPARATUS.........................................................17
Figure 14:CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO.........................................................................18
Figure 15:UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TESTER...........................................................19
Figure 16:CONE PANETRATION TESTER..........................................................................20
Figure 17:SAND REPLACEMENT APPARATUS................................................................20
Figure 18:CORE CUTTER TEST APPARATUS...................................................................21
Figure 19:SOIL SAMPLE........................................................................................................24
Figure 20:DRYING OVEN......................................................................................................25
Figure 21:SPEEDY MOISTURE METER..............................................................................28
Figure 22:WEIGHT BALANCE..............................................................................................33
Figure 23: STANDARD PROCTOR APPARATUS...............................................................37
Figure 24:SAND CONE APPARATUS..................................................................................42
Figure 25:APPARATUS FOR LIQUID LIMIT AND PLASTIC LIMIT...............................47
Figure 26:MODIFIED COMPACTION TEST........................................................................51
Figure 27:CHART FOR USCS................................................................................................64
Figure 28:GRAPH BETWEEN PLASTIC LIMIT AND LIQUID LIMIT.............................65
Figure 29:TABLE OF AASHTO.............................................................................................66

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 SOIL MECHANICS TABLE OF CALCULATIONS

TABLE OF CALCULATIONS

Table 1: CALCULATIONS OF OVEN DRY METHOD.......................................................26

Table 2:CALCULATIONS OF SPEEDY MOISTURE CONTENT:.....................................30

Table 3:CALCULATIONS FOR DIRECT HEATING:..........................................................34

Table 4: CALCULATIONS FOR STANDARD PROCTOR TEST.......................................38

Table 5: CALCULATIONS FOR LIQUID LIMIT:................................................................47

Table 6:C ALCULATIONS FOR PLASTIC LIMIT:..............................................................48

Table 7:CALCULATIONS OF MODIFIED PROCTOR TEST:............................................52

Table 8:CALCULATIONS OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY:..........................................................56

Table 9:CALCULATIONS FOR CORE CUTTER:................................................................60

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 1

LAYOUT OF SOIL MECHANICS LAB / GEOTECHNICAL

LAB

Figure 1: LAYOUT OF SOIL MECHANICS LAB

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DRYING OVEN:

It is a method to dry the moisture present in a wet soil, it has a temperature reading which
gives us the temperature at which the soil moisture dry, and mostly the temperature is kept at
110 ◦C. It is the most accurate method than the others.

Figure 2: OVEN DRY APPARATUS

PROCTOR APPARATUS:

The Proctor compaction test is a laboratory method of experimentally determining the

optimal moisture content at which a given soil type will become most dense and achieve its
maximum dry density. These laboratory tests generally consist of compacting soil at known
moisture content into a cylindrical mold of standard dimensions using a comp active effort of
controlled magnitude. The soil is usually compacted into the mold to a certain amount of
equal layers, each receiving a number of blows from a standard weighted hammer at a
specified height. This process is then repeated for various moisture contents and the dry
densities are determined for each.

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Figure 3:PROCTOR APPARATUS

SIEVE ANALYSIS:

The sieve analysis, also called mechanical method, measures the dry mass of soil retained on
each sieve in a stack of sieves, where the sieve opening sizes vary from the largest to smallest
going from the top to the bottom of the stack. All the soil particles retained on a particular
sieve will have an ‘intermediate size’ or ‘average diameter’ that is smaller than the opening
of the sieve above and larger than all the sieves below. Thus the individual particle sizes of
the soil are not measured but the range of sizes (i.e. smaller than the sieve above and larger
than the sieve retaining the particle) is determined.

Figure 4: SEIVES

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SIZE OR NUMBER OPENING IN (mm)

LID
4 4.75
10 2.00
20 0.850
40 0.425
60 0.250
100 0.150
200 0.075
PAN

HYDROMETER TEST APARATUS:

The hydrometer analysis, also called sedimentation method, is used to determine the grain
size distribution for the fraction of soil that is smaller than the No. 10 (2.00 mm) sieve. Fine
soil particles are dispersed by soaking the soil sample in a dispersing agent and by rapid
stirring to neutralize the charges between the soil particles. The soil particles are particles are
not spheres; the hydrometer analysis gives the diameters of spheres that would be settling at
the same velocity as the soil particles.

Figure 5:HYDROMETER APPARAUTS

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LIQUID LIMIT APARATUS:

This testing method is used as an integral part of several engineering classifications systems
to characterize the fine-grained fractions of soils and to specify the fine-grained fraction of
construction materials. The liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index of soils are also used
extensively, either individually or together, with other soil properties to correlate with
engineering behavior such as compressibility, permeability, compatibility, shrink-swell and
shear strength. It is a mechanical device.

Figure 6:LIQUID LIMIT APPARATUS

PLASTIC LIMIT APARATUS:

The water content at which the soil begins to crumble when rolled into threads of specified
size. The Plastic Limit, also known as the lower plastic limit, is the water content at which a
soil changes from the plastic state to a semisolid state. Plastic Limit (PL or wP) the water
content, in percent, of a soil at the boundary between the plastic and semi-solid states.
It is defined as “The moisture content at which the soil behaves like a plastic material is
called plastic limit”
OR
It may also be defined as “The moisture content at which the soil changes from plastic state
to semi solid state"

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OR
“The moisture content at which the soil begins to crumble when rolled up into a thread of 3
mm in diameter.

Figure 7:PLASTIC LIMIT APPARATUS

SHRINKAGE LIMIT APARATUS:

Shrinkage limit is defined as “the moisture content at which the soil change from a semi solid
state to a solid state”
OR

“The maximum water content at which the reduction in water content will not cause decrease
in total volume of soil but the increase in moisture content will cause an increase in moisture
content”
OR

It is also defined as “the lowest water content at which the soil is still completely saturated.

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Figure 8: SHRINKAGE LIMIT APPARATUS

SPECIFIC GRAVITY:

These test methods cover the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids that pass the
4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve, by means of a water pycnometer. When the soil contains particles
larger than the 4.75-mm sieve, Test Method C127 shall be used for the soil solids retained on
the 4.75-mm sieve and these test methods shall be used for the soil solids passing the 4.75-
mm sieve.
Soil solids for these test methods do not include solids which can be altered by these
methods, contaminated with a substance that prohibits the use of these methods, or are highly
organic soil solids, such as fibrous matter which floats in water.

Figure 9:SPECIFIC GRAVITY APPARATUS

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SEIVE SHAKER:

It is used to expose the particles in a sample to all the openings in each sieve in a stack ”.
A sieve stack is the result of fitting each sieve to be used in a given particle size analysis into
the one above. The sieve with the largest mesh holes is at the top with each subsequent sieve
of a tighter mesh size than the one above it.
A sieve stack can consist of anywhere between 1 and 18 sieves. The number and mesh sizes
of the sieves in a sieve stack are dictated by industry/application standards or the stated
production standards of specific products.
When particles to be separated are smaller than 50 microns, other techniques may be needed
to effectively separate these small particles. Use of ultrasonic agitation techniques often
works. Another method involves the use of a vacuum to pull small particles through the sieve
openings. Such vacuum equipment usually processes one sieve at a time.

Figure 10:SEIVE SHAKER

SHELBY TUBE SAMPLE EXTRUDER:

Shelby tube samplers are thin-walled, hollow steel tubes, which are driven into the ground to
extract a relatively undisturbed soil sample for use in laboratory tests used to determine
density, permeability, compressibility and strength. Each tube has one end that is chamfered
to form a cutting edge and the upper end includes holes for securing the tube to a drive head.
Shelby tubes are useful for collecting soils that are particularly sensitive to sampling

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disturbance, including fine cohesive soils and clays. The tubes can also be used to transport
samples back to the lab as well.

Figure 11:SELFBY EXTRUDER

DIRECT SHEAR TEST APPARATUS:

This test cover the determination of the consolidated drained shear strength of a soil material
in direct shear. The Digi shear machine, with digital control and display of speed, is driven by
a high resolution stepper motor and worm reduction unit. Can accommodate all standard
specimens up to 10 cm square and 10 cm dia. The vertical load is directly applied to the
specimen through a load frame carrying weights and can be increased using the beam loading
device, used to amplify the load on the shear testing machine. It can receive up to 50 kg of
weight so that the total load on the specimen can reach 500 N or 5000 N.

Figure 12:DIRECT SHEAR TEST APPARATUS

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RELATIVE DENSITY TEST APPARATUS:

This method, in the EN standard, covers the determination of the maximum dry density and
water  content of cohesionless materials when compacted using a vibrating table. Materials
for which this method is applicable may contain up to 12% by mass fines (<0.063 mm). The
maximum particle size of the materials to be tested is 80 mm. This method applies to
mixtures to be used in road construction. The ASTM, also specify that it is used for the
determination of the relative density of cohesionless soil for which impact compaction will
not produce a well defined moisture-density relationship curve and where the maximum
density of impact method will generally be less than by vibratory method.
The two versions: 33-T0063/A Conforming to EN and 33-T0063 Conforming to ASTM are
practical identical except for the 0.1 cu.ft mould 

Figure 13:RELATIVE DENSITY TEST APPARATUS

CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST APPARATUS:

The California bearing ratio (CBR) is a penetration test for evaluation of the mechanical

strength of road subgrades and basecourses. It was developed by the California Department
of Transportation before World War II.

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The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test was developed by The California state highway
department and is widely used to determine the resistance strength of sub-grade and sub-base
materials. The test is basically a simple penetration test using a load frame and a standard,
compacted CBR test mold of the material to be tested. The results of the test are then
compared and evaluated to known standards already established for the material being
tested.1
LBR or lime-rock bearing ratio is a variation of the CBR test. Developed primarily in Florida,
it is used on materials with a high lime content. Humboldt offers several CBR/LBR testing
solutions based on your overall testing needs and budget, from the advanced HM-3000.3F
load frame with computer interface using our HMTS software to a simple, hand-operated H-
4156 load frame suitable for lab or field use.

Figure 14:CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO

UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST MECHINE:

A measure of a soil's strength. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is the maximum

axial compressive stress that a right-cylindrical sample of soil can withstand under
unconfined conditions. The primary purpose of the Unconfined Compression Test is to
quickly determine a measure of the unconfined compressive strength of rocks or fine-grained
soils that possess sufficient cohesion to permit testing in the unconfined state. This measure is

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then used to calculate the unconsolidated undrained shear strength of the clay under
unconfined conditions. In general, The UCT can be conducted on rock samples or on
undisturbed, reconstituted or compacted cohesive soil sample.

Figure 15:UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TESTER

CONE PENTROMETER TEST APPARATUS:

The cone penetration test (CPT) is a common in situ testing method used to determine
the geotechnical engineering properties of soils and assessing subsurface stratigraphy. The
testing apparatus consists of an instrumented still cone having a tip facing down, with an
usual apex angle of 60° and cross-section area of 1000 mm2. The code is attached to a
internal still rode than can run inside an outer hollow rod, which itself is attached to a sleeve.
In the more elaborate CPT instruments, the cone and the sleeve (attached to the outer rod) can
move separately. 
The Cone penetration test can be carried out from the ground surface with a need for a
borehole. The test is carried out by first pushing the cone into the ground at a standard
velocity of 1 to 2 cm/s while keeping the sleeve stationary

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Figure 16:CONE PANETRATION TESTER

SAND replacement test apparatus:

The verification of the degree of compaction can be determinate on site by a simple

procedure consisting essentially in removing and weighing a part of compacted soil and
replacing in the hole with sand by a simple apparatus recording the volume of sand and then
calculating the density of the removed soil.
We propose three models to be selected conforming to the size of grained soils.
The sand pouring cylinders and calibration cans are made of cast aluminium and precisely
machined. The tray is made of plated sheet steel.

Figure 17:SAND REPLACEMENT APPARATUS

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Core cutter rest apparatus:

A cylindrical core cutter is a seamless steel tube. For determination of the dry density of the
soil, the cutter is pressed into the soil mass so that it is filled with the soil. The cutter filled
with the soil is lifted up. The mass of the soil in the cutter is determined.

Figure 18:CORE CUTTER TEST APPARATUS

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 2

EXPERIMENT NO 2
DETERMINATION OF WATER CONTENT BY OVEN DRY
METHOD (D2261)

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the amount of water or moisture present in the given quantity of soil in term 0f
its weight.

NEED AND SCOPE OF THE EXPERIMENT:

In almost all soil tests natural moisture is to be determined. The knowledge of moisture
content is essential in all studies of soil mechanics. To sight a few natural moisture content is
in determining the bearing capacity and settlement. The natural moisture content will give an
idea of the state of the soil in the field.

For many materials, the water content is one of the most significant index properties used in
establishing a correlation between soil behavior and its index properties. The water content
of a material is used in expressing the phase relationships of air, water, and solids in a given
volume of material. In fine-grained (cohesive) soils, the consistency of a given soil type
depends on its water content. The water content of a soil, along with its liquid and plastic
limits as determined by Test Method D4318, is used to express its relative consistency or
liquidity index

RELATED THEORY:
Water content determination is a routine lab test, the results of which are used in evaluation
of different important engineering properties of soil. The determination of water content is
removing moisture by oven drying a soil sample until the weight remains constant. The
moisture content is expressed in percentage and is calculated from the sample weight before
and after drying.

Methamaticaly represented as:

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Ww
ὡ = Ws ×100
ww = weight of soil water

ws = weight of soil solid

LIMITATIONS:
Materials containing gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) or other compounds having
significant amounts of hydrated water may present a special problem as this material slowly
dehydrates at the standard drying temperature (110°C) and at very low relative humidity,
forming a compound (such as calcium sulfate hemihydrate) that is not normally present in
natural materials except in some desert soils.

METHODS:
The methods differ in the significant digits reported and the size of the specimen (mass)
required. The method to be used may be specified by the requesting authority; otherwise
MethodAshall be performed. 1.7.1 Method A—The water content by mass is recorded to the
nearest 1 %. For cases of dispute, Method A is the referee method. 1.7.2 Method B—The
water content by mass is recorded to the nearest 0.1 %.

SOIL TYPES:
When the test specimen is a portion of a larger amount of material, the specimen must be
selected to be representative of the water condition of the entire amount of material. The
manner in which the test specimen is selected depends on the purpose and application of the
test, type of material being tested, the water condition, and the type of sample (from another
test, bag, block, etc.). For disturbed samples such as trimmings, bag samples, etc; obtain the
test specimen by one of the following methods (listed in order of preference): 9.2.1 If the
material is such that it can be manipulated and handled without significant moisture loss and
segregation, the material should be mixed thoroughly. Select a representative portion using a
scoop of a size that no more than a few scoopfuls are required to obtain the proper size of
specimen . Combine all the portions for the test specimen.

APPARATUS:

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 Moisture tins.
 Weight balance.
 Drying oven

PROCEDURE:
 Take empty clean moisture tin and mark it with an identifying number and code.
 Weight the container and record the weight as W1 to the nearest 0.01 grams.
 Take representative wet soil sample and place it quickly in the moisture tin.
 Weight the moisture tin with wet soil sample in drying oven at constant temperature of
110 +- 5 for 24 hours.
 After 24 hours remove the moisture tin from drying oven and weight it to the nearest 0.01
grams. Record this weight as W3.

Figure 19:SOIL SAMPLE

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Figure 20:DRYING OVEN

PRECAUTIONS:
 If it is not possible to place the container carrying wet soil sample in drying oven
immediately, cover the container with lid.
 If it is suspected that gypsum is present in the soil sample, the soil should not be subjected
to temperature beyond 60 c. otherwise gypsum will lose its water of crystallization
affecting thereby the results of moisture content. Oven drying at 60 c may however be
continued for a longer time in order to ensure complete evaporation of free water present
in the sample.

REFERENCE:
ASTM D2261

OVSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Ww W 2−W 3
ὡ= Ws × 100 = W 3−W 1 × 100

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Table 1: CALCULATIONS OF OVEN DRY METHOD

CAN NO. G1- E C3 C4

WT. of wet soil +
42.5 87.12 42.5
can
WT. of dry soil +
39.07 83.61 37.04
can
WT of can 14 26.04 14
WT of dry soil 25.07 57.57 25.07
WT of moisture 3.43 3.51 3.43
Water content 13.68 6.098 23.69

COMMENTS:

 Moisture content is calculated in this experiment that came out to be 13.68 prcnt.

 Moisture content is the basic step that has to be done in every project.

 It is the base for further experiments.

 The oven dry method is considered as the precise and accurate method it take some

time but gets accurate value.

 After calculating moisture content we can take further steps in project like compaction

and other major tests are based on moisture content like liquid, plastic limit etc.

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 3

EXPERIMENT NO 3
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT BY USING
SPEEDY MOISTURE METER
(Designation: D4944 – 04)

SIFNIFICANCE:
This test method outlines procedures for determining the water (moisture) content of soil by
chemical reaction using calcium carbide as a reagent to react with the available water in the
soil producing a gas. A measurement is made of the gas pressure produced when a specified
mass of wet or moist soil is placed in a testing device with an appropriate volume of reagent
and mixed.
This test method is applicable for most soils. Calcium carbide, used as a reagent, reacts with
water as it is mixed with the soil by shaking and agitating with the aid of steel balls in the
apparatus. To produce accurate results, the reagent must react with all the water which is not
chemically hydrated with soil minerals or compounds in the soil.

LIMITAIONS:
This test method is limited to using calcium carbide moisture test equipment made for 20g, or
larger, soil specimens and to testing soil which contains particles no larger than the No. 4
Standard sieve size.

APPARATUS:

I. Speedy Moisture Meter

II. Small Scoop, for measuring reagent.
III. Two Steel Balls, (manufacturer supplied).
IV. Brush and Cloth, for cleaning and other incidental items.
V. Sieve, No. 4 (4.75 mm), conforming to the requirements of Specification E11.

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Figure 21:SPEEDY MOISTURE METER

Referenced Documents:

I. D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

II. D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of
Soil and Rock by Mass
III. D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or
Inspection of Soil and Rock as used in Engineering Design and Construction
IV. E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

Procedure:

Remove the cap from the testing chamber of the apparatus and place the recommended
amount of calcium carbide reagent along with the two steel balls into the testing chamber.
Most equipment built to test 20-g samples requires approximately 22 g of reagent. Use the
balance to obtain a specimen of soil that has a mass recommended for the equipment and
contains particles smaller than the No. 4 sieve size. One-half specimen size should be used
when the water content is expected to exceed the limits of the gage on the gas pressure
chamber or when it actually reaches or exceeds the gage limit in any test. Place the soil

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specimen in the testing chamber cap then, with the apparatus in the horizontal position, insert
the cap in the testing chamber and tighten the clamp to seal the cap to the unit. Take care that
no calcium carbide comes in contact with the soil until a complete seal is achieved. Raise the
apparatus to the vertical (upright) position so that the contents of the cap fall into the testing
chamber. Strike the side of the apparatus with an open hand to assure that all the material
falls out of the cap. Shake the apparatus vigorously with a rotating motion so that the steel
balls roll around the inside circumference and impact a grinding effect on the soil and
reagent. This motion also prevents the steel balls from striking the orifice that leads to the
pressure gage. Shake the apparatus for at least 1 min for sands, increasing the time for silts,
and up to 3 min for clays. Some highly plastic clay soils may take more than 3 min.
periodically check the progress of the needle on the pressure gage dial. Allow time for the
needle to stabilize as the heat from the chemical reaction is dissipated. When the pressure
gage dial needle stops moving, read the dial while holding the apparatus in the horizontal
position. If the dial goes to the limit of the gage. When a half size specimen is used, the final
dial reading is multiplied by two for use with the calibration curve. Record the final pressure
gage dial reading and use the appropriate calibration curve to determine the corrected water
content in percent of dry mass of soil and record. With the cap of the testing chamber pointed
away from the operator, slowly release the gas pressure. Empty the chamber and examine the
specimen for lumps. Clean the testing chamber and cap with a brush or cloth and allow the
apparatus to cool before performing another test.

PRECAUIONS:

When combined with water, the calcium carbide reagent produces a highly flammable or
explosive acetylene gas. Testing should not be carried out in confined spaces or in the
vicinity of an open flame, embers or other source of heat that can cause combustion. Care
should be exercised when releasing the gas from the apparatus to direct it away from the
body. Lighted cigarettes, hot objects or open flames are extremely dangerous in the area of
testing. As an added precaution, the operator should use a dust mask, clothing with long
sleeves, gloves and goggles to keep the reagent from irritating the eyes, respiratory system, or
hands and arms.

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Calibration:
The manufacturer-supplied equipment set, including the testing chamber with attached gage
and the balance scales, are calibrated as a unit and paired together for the testing procedure.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Ѡ sp
Ѡ= * 100
1−Ѡ sp

Ѡ sp=11

Moisture Content Ѡ=12.35

Table 2:CALCULATIONS OF SPEEDY MOISTURE CONTENT:

SAMPLE NO 1 2 3
Ѡ sp (%) 11 10.8 1
Ѡ ( % ) formchart 11 10.8 13
Ѡ ( % )from formula 12.35 12.1 14.9

COMMENTS:

 This method is used in field for quick determination of moisture content.

 It is quick method but is not that much accurate as compared to oven drying.

 In our case we got two values 12.35 and 12.1 .

 It also have limitations that is can measure water content upto 20% only.

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 4

EXPERIMENT NO 4
WATER CONTENT DETERMINATION (BY DIRECT
HEATING METHOD)

OBJECTIVE
Objective of this job is to find the moisture content present in a given quantity of soil in terms
of its dry weight by direct heating method.

SCOPE OF THE EXPERIMENT:

This method covers procedures for determining the water(moisture)content of soils by drying
with direct heat,such as using a hotplate,stove stc.This metod can be used as a substitute for
test methods D 2216 when more rapid results are desired to expedite other phases of testing
and slightly less accurate results are acceptable. When questions of accuracy between this
test method and Method D 2216 arise, Method D 2216 shall be the referee method. This test
method is applicable for most soil types. For some soils, such as those containing significant
amounts of halloysite, mica, montmorillonite, gypsum, or other hydrated materials, highly
organic soils or soils that contain dissolved solids, (such as salt in the case of marine
deposits), this test method may not yield reliable water content values. The values stated in SI
units are to be regarded as standard.

THEORY:
The water content of a soil is used throughout geotechnical engineering practice both in
laboratory and field.This test is necessary in all soil tests. Drying by direct heating is one
such method. Results of this test method have been demonstrated to be of satisfactory
accuracy for use in field control work, such as in the determination of water content, and in
the determination of in-place dry unit weight of soils.The behavior of a soil when subjected to
direct heating is dependent on its mineralogical composition, and as a result, no one
procedure is applicable for all types of soils or heat sources. The general procedure of this
test method applies to all soils A correction factor is valid when the difference is consistent
for several comparisons, and is reconfirmed on a regular specified basis..

Mathematically it can be written as;

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ω = Ww/Ws * 100

Ww = Weight of water

Ws = Weight of solid

Apparatus
1. Moisture tins/containers
2. Weighing balance(least count of 0.01 grams
3. Electric, gas, butane or oil stove(temperature control at 110º)
4. Container handling tools (gloves or any suitable apparatus )
5. Miscellaneous (as required)

Procedure:
Take empty, clean moisture tin and mark it with a specific number.

1. A moist soil specimen(not less than 20 grams) is placed in a suitable container and its
mass is determined.
2. It is then subjected to drying by the application of direct heat until dry by appearance,
removed from the heat source, and its new mass is determined.
3. This procedure is repeated until the mass becomes constant within specified limits.
4. The difference between the masses of the moist specimen and the dried specimen is used
as the mass of water contained in the specimen.
5. The water content (expressed as a percentage) is determined by dividing the mass of
water by the dry mass of soil, multiplied by 100.
6. For a given soil type and specimen size, the time to achieve a constant dry mass can be
noted and used to estimate drying time for subsequent tests of the same soil type using the
same size specimen and drying apparatus.

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Figure 22:WEIGHT BALANCE

Limitations:
1. This test method is not suitable for flammable organic specimens or contaminants and use
of other test methods is recommended.
2. Specimens tested in this test should not be used for performance of other test as
localized high temperature in the soil during testing may lead to change in physical
characteristics, degradation of individual soil particles along with vaporization ,chemical
transition or loss of organics.
3. This test method may not be suitable when precise results are required or when minor
variations in moisture contents will affect the results of other test methods. A collection
factor is required by making several comparisons between the result of this test method
and Test methods ASTM D2216

Precautions:
1. Container holders or gloves are recommended for handling hot containers. Some soil
types can retain considerable heat, and serious burns could result from improper handling.
2. Suitable eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles is recommended due to the
possibility of particle shattering during heating, mixing, or mass determinations
3. Due to the possibility of steam explosions, or thermal stress shattering of porous or brittle
aggregates, a vented covering over the sample container may be appropriate to prevent
operator injury or equipment damage
4. When testing sand and gravel size particles, additional care must be taken to avoid the
possibility of particle shattering.

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Observations and Calculations:

ω = Ww/Ws * 100 = W2-W1/W3-W1*100

Where;
W1=weight of container = 160.15g
W2=weight of moist soil + container = 278.36g
W3=weight of dried soil + container = 260g

Table 3:CALCULATIONS FOR DIRECT HEATING:

Can No. Weight (g)

Wt of wet soil+can (g) 278.36

Wt of dry soil +can (g) 260

Wt of can (g) 160.15

Wt of dry soil (g) 99.85

Wt of moisture content (g) 18.36

Water content (g) 18.38

Moisture Content (ω) = 18.38%

COMMENTS:

 It is also a quick method for the determinations of moisture content in the field.
 Just like speedy moisture method it is not that much accurate as compared to oven dry
method.
 It also have limitations, it is not applicable on organic matter as described above.
 In this case we got value 18.38%

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 5

EXPERIMENT NO 5
COMPACTION TEST (STANDARD PROCTOR TEST)

Objective:
These test methods cover laboratory compaction methods used to determine the relationship
between molding water content and dry unit weight of soils (compaction curve) compacted in
a 4 or 6-in. (101.6 or 152.4-mm) diameter mold with a 5.50-lbf (24.5-N) rammer dropped
from a height of 12.0in. (305 mm) producing a compactive effort of 12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-
m/m3).

Theory
Compaction:
Compaction is the type of mechanical stabilization where the soil mass is densified with the
application of mechanical energy.

Compactive effort:
The energy which is utilized to compact the soil is called compactive effort.This energy can
be dynamic load, static load, vibration or tamping. During compaction soil particles are
rearranged and air volume is removed.

Compaction effects:
 Increase shear strength of soil
 Decrease future settlement of soil
 Decrease in permeability of soil

Thus for a given compactive effort, there is a particular moisture content at which dry density
is maximum and compaction is best. This moisture content is called “Optimum Moisture
Content”. And density is called “Maximum Dry Density”.

Different Methods of test:

In this experiment 3 methods can be adopted by the variation of soil

1. Method A
2. Method B

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3. Method C

Method A:
This method may be adopted when material retained 25 % or less by mass on the No. 4 (4.75-
mm) sieve.

In this method following apparatus are used:

 Mold 4-in. diameter.

 Material Passing sieve No. 4 (4.75-mm)
 No of Layers = Three.
 Blows per Layer = 25.

Other Usage—If this gradation requirement cannot be met, then Method C may be used.

Method B:
This method may be used if 25 % or less by mass of the material is retained on the 3/8-in.
(9.5-mm) sieve.

In this experiment following apparatus are used:

Mold = 4-in.Diameter.

Material = Passing 3/8 in. (9.5-mm) sieve.

Layers = Three.

Blows per Layer = 25.

Other Usage—If this gradation requirement cannot be met, then Method C may be used.

Method C:
Mold = 6-in. (152.4-mm) diameter.

Material = passing 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.

Layers = Three.

Blows per Layer = 56.

This experiment may be used if 30 % or less by mass of the material is retained on the 3⁄4-in.
(19.0-mm) sieve.

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Apparatus:

1. Mold
 Height = 4.584”
 Internal Diameter = 4”
2. Hammer
 Weight = 5.5 lb.
 Height of fall = 12”
3. Cans
4. Mixing utensils
5. Mixing spoon
6. Trimming knife
7. Drying oven
8. Weight balance

Figure 23: STANDARD PROCTOR APPARATUS

Procedure:
 Take a representative quantity (3kg) of dry soil passing sieve no. 4
 If it is in joint form then crush it into finer form
 Add three percent (3%) of soil water in soil mix it well like kneading

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 In compaction soil is compacted in three layers. Take soil in mold and compact with
hammer by 25 no. of blows. After that put other layer of soil in mold and compact with
25 no. of blows and like that 3rd layer.
 During compaction by hammer it is carefully used that all the soil is affected
 After that remove collar of mold carefully and remove soil which is above the height of
mold and weight the mold and soil by weighing balance and take a little quantity of that
compacted soil in can and weight that can empty first, after that take weight of can +
compacted soil
 Put that soil in can in drying oven to dry
 After this add 3% more water in soil and repeat above procedure again and take weight of
mold and soil
 We repeat that procedure by adding 3% water in soil till the weight id soil is not decrease.
 We put all samples in oven to dry for 24 hours and next day take that samples and weight
again
 By that we calculate the actual water content of each test
 Plot the curve b/w water content and dry density

Precautions:
 Do not reuse soil that has been previously compacted in the laboratory
 During compaction blows should be uniformly applied
 Mold is always filled above the collar
 Hammer should be used vertically

Table 4: CALCULATIONS FOR STANDARD PROCTOR TEST

Sample no. 1 2 3 4

Can no.

Wt. Of can +wet soil (g)

Wt. of can +dry soil (g)

Wt. of water (g)

Wt. of can (g)

Wt. of dry soil (g)

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Water content (%)

Assumed moisture content (%)

Water content (g)

Wt. of soil + mold(g)

Wt. of mold (g)

Wt. of soil in mold (g)

Wet density,γb (kN/m3)

dry density,γd (kN/m3)

Comments:

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 6

Experiment NO 6
Determination Of In-Place Soil Density (Sand Replacement
Method)

Apparatus:

 Density apparatus, consisting of cylinder with attached cone separated by a shutter and
base plate.
 Glass plate
 Cylindrical calibrating container
 Tools for excavating hole
 Weight balance (least count = 0.1gram)
 Weight balance (least count = 1.0gram)
 Clear dry flowing sand(graded between B.S sieves No.25 and 52)

Procedure :
Determining the in-situ density by sand replacement mainly involves three steps :

A. Determination of weight of sand filling the cone.

B. Determination of bulk density of sand.
C. Determination of dry density of soil in place.

A. Determination Of Weight Of Sand Filling The Cone:

1. Put sand in apparatus and note weight of apparatus and the sand as W1.
2. Place the apparatus on the glass plate which is placed on a clean and level surface. (If
base plate is to be used than place the plate on a glass plate and seat the apparatus in
opening of the base plate)
3. Open the valve and keep it open until the sand stops running of the jar.
4. Close the valve sharply. Remove and weight the apparatus with its remaining sand and
record it a W2.
5. Determine the weight of the sand and required to fill the cone as W3.

W3 = W1 - W2

6. Replace the sand removed in the cone determination.

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1. Determination Of Bulk Density Of Sand :

1. Determine the volume (V) of the calibrating container by filling it with the water full to
the brim and finding the weight of water. This volume should be checked by calculating
it from the measured internal diameter of the container.
2. Weigh the calibrating container and record it as W4. Placd the sand cylinder
concentrically on the top of the calibrating container. Open the valve and permit the sand
to run into the container.when no futher movement of sand is seen,close the valve.
Remove the excess sand,level and clean the calibrating container and weigh it along the
sand. Let this weigh by W5 then weight of sand filling the calibrating container W6 is :
W6=W5- W4
The bulk density of soil is:
ϒbs =W6/V

C.determination of dry density of soil in –place

1. If not already determined, weigh the apparatus with sand in it nearest 1.0 gram and
record as W7.
2. Prepare the surface of the location to be tested so that it is a level plane.
3. Dig the test hole inside the base plate opening; being careful to avoid disturbing the soil
that will bound the hole. Soils that are essentially granular require extreme care. Place all
removed soil in the container with a tight – fitting lid or cover to avoid loss of moisture,
being carefull to avoid losing any material.
4. Set the apparatus in the base plate opening and open the valve. Close the valve after sand
has ceased to run out of the cylinder.( be carefull not to vibrate the apparatus).
5. Weigh the apparatus and its remaining sand and record the weight as =W8.
6. Weigh the wet soil that was removed fron the hole and record it to nearest 1.0 gram as
W9.
7. Mix the material taken from the hole thoroughly and select a representative sample for
soil moisture content determination .( do not over mix, as this will dry the soil ). Record
the weight of the sample to the nearest 0.01 gram).
8. Dry the wet soil sample and record its dry weight to the nearest 0.01 gram.

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Figure 24:SAND CONE APPARATUS

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

A. Determintaion of weight of sand filling the cone.

1. Wt of apparatus + sand (before test) = W1 = (grams)
2. Wt of apparatus + sand (after filling cone)=W2= (grams)
3. Wt. of sand in cone = W3= (grams)
B. Determination of bulk density of sand
4. volume of calibrating container = V= (cm3)
5. wt . of calibrating container = W4= (grams)
6. wt. of calibrating container + sand=W5= (grams)
7. wt. of sand (in vol . V) = W6= (grams)
8. bulk density of soil =ϒbs = (gm/cm3)
C. Determination of dry density of soil in – place
9. Wt .of the wet soil from the hole= W= (grams)
10. Wt . of apparatus + sand (before pouring in the hole) = W7 = (grams)
11. Wt . of apparatus + sand (after pouring in the hole ) = W8 = (grams)
12. Wt .of sand in the hole = W9= (grams)
13. Bulk density of soil =ϒb= (gm /cm3)

REFERENCE:
ASTM D 4914

Standard test methods for density and unit weight of soil and rock in place by the sand
replacement method in a test pit

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COMMENTS:

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 7

EXPERIMENT NO 07
DETERMINATION OF ATTERBERG’S LIMITS (LIQUID LIMIT AND
PLASTIC LIMIT) AND PLASTICITY INDEX

Objective:
The objective of this job to introduced the students to the procedure for determining the
liquid and plastic limit.

Theory:
The liquid limit and the plastic limit are two of the five “limits” proposed by A. Atterberg, a
Swedish Agricultural scientist. These limits are
1. Cohesion Limit - that moisture content at which soil crumbs just stick together.
2. Sticky Limit - that moisture content at which soil just sticks to a metal surface such as
spatula blade. This would has some significance to the agricultural engineering since it is
related to soil sticking to the moldboard of a plow or disc in cultivating soil.
3. Shrinkage Limit - moisture content below which no further soil volume reduction (or
shrinkage) occurs.
4. Plastic Limit - that moisture content below which the soil is non plastic.
5. Liquid Limit - that moisture content below which the soil behaves as a plastic material.
At this moisture content, the soil is on the verge of becoming a viscous fluid.
The liquid and plastic limit have been widely used in all over the world, primarily for soil
identification and classification. The shrinkage limit is useful in certain geographical areas
where soil undergo large volume changes when going through wet and dry cycles. The
cohesion and sticky limits are used very worldwide.

Summary of Test Method:

The specimen is processed to remove any material retained on a 425-µm (No. 40) sieve. The
liquid limit is determined by performing trials in which a portion of the specimen is spread in
a brass cup, divided in two by a grooving tool, and then allowed to flow together from the
shocks caused by repeatedly dropping the cup in a standard mechanical device. The
multipoint liquid limit, Method A, requires three or more trials over a range of water contents
to be performed and the data from the trials plotted or calculated to make a relationship from

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which the liquid limit is determined. The one-point liquid limit, Method B, uses the data from
two trials at one water content multiplied by a correction factor to determine the liquid limit.
Plastic limit is determined by alternately pressing together and rolling into a 3.2-mm (1⁄8-in.)
diameter thread a small portion of plastic soil until its water content is reduced to a point at
which the thread crumbles and can no longer be pressed together and re-rolled. The water
content of the soil at this point is reported as the plastic limit.
The plasticity index is calculated as the difference between the liquid limit and the plastic
limit.

Significance and Use:

These test methods are used as an integral part of several engineering classification systems
to characterize the fine grained fractions of soils and to specify the fine-grained fraction of
construction materials. The liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soils are also
used extensively, either individually or together, with other soil properties to correlate with
engineering behavior such as compressibility, hydraulic conductivity (permeability),
compactibility, shrink-swell, and shear strength.
The liquid and plastic limits of a soil and its water content can be used to express its relative
consistency or liquidity index. In addition, the plasticity index and the percentage finer than
2-µm particle size can be used to determine its activity number.
These methods are sometimes used to evaluate the weathering characteristics of clay-shale
materials. When subjected to repeated wetting and drying cycles, the liquid limits of these
materials tend to increase. The amount of increase is considered to be a measure of a shale’s
susceptibility to weathering.

Apparatus:
Apparatus used for this
 Liquid limit device with Casagrande grooving tool (cuts a groove of size 2mm wide at
the bottom, 11mm width at the top and 8mm high).
 No.40 ASTM sieve.
 Water content equipment
 Spatula
 Glass plate
 1/8 inch diameter rod
 Containers

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Procedure for Liquid Limit Determination:

i. Pulverize a sufficient quantity of air-dried soil to obtain about 250 grams of
representative sample passing through No. 40 sieve.
ii. Adjust the height of fall of the liquid limit device to exactly 1 cm. use the 1 cm
calibration block at the end of the grooving tool for making this adjustment.
iii. Place about 250 grams of soil in a glass plate, (or container). Add distilled water very
slowly and using spatula mix the soil thoroughly until it becomes a thick,
homogeneous paste. Be careful not to add too much water. Add approximately that
much water in the soil to make it such consistent that a blow count of 30 to 40 blows
to close the standard groove of ½ inch is obtained.
iv. Place a portion of the soil paste in the brass cup of liquid limit device, and by means
of spatula, level and smooth the surface of soil.
v. Cut a clean, straight groove in the soil by drawing the grooving tool along the
diameter through center of the hinge which separates the soil into two (02) parts.
vi. Turn the crank of the liquid limit device at the rate of two revolutions per second and
count the number of blows (drops) until two parts of the soil come into contact at the
bottom of the groove along a distance ½ inch.
vii. Take about 20-40 grams of sample of soul from the closed part of the groove for
subsequent water content determination and put it in a pre-weighed moisture content
container. Remove the remaining soil from the brass cup and return it to the container
wash and dry the cup.
viii. Repeat steps 4, 5, 6 and 7 at least four times using the same soil sample to which
further small increment of distilled water have been added. The amount of water
added must be such that the blows (drops) count range between 10 to 50.
ix. The test should always proceed from the drier to the wetter condition. If it should
occur that too much water was added to the soil must never be dried by adding
additional dry soil. The proper procedure is to thinly spread the wet soil on the glass
plate and let it air dry to the desired consistency. Continuous mixing and fanning of
the wet soil is permitted to expedite the drying process.
x. Weight the moisture containers and place them in the oven to dry overnight.
xi. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers found from an investigations conducted with 767
liquid limit determinations that the liquid limit of a soil could be reliably obtained by
conducting only one trial and using the following correlation equation;

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N 0.121
L . L=Wn( )
25
N = Number of blows required to close the standard groove distance 0 ½ inch.
Wn = Moisture content of the soil which closed after N blows.

Figure 25:APPARATUS FOR LIQUID LIMIT AND PLASTIC LIMIT

Table 5: CALCULATIONS FOR LIQUID LIMIT:

Can No. R-9 9-X R-7
Wt. of wet soil + can (grams) 33.86 31.12 32.8
Wt. of dry 20soil + can (grams) 29.39 27.31 28.4
Wt. of can (grams) 11.83 11.43 10.68
Wt. of wet soil (grams) 17.56 15.88 17.72
Wt. of moisture (grams) 4.47 3.81 4.4
Water Content % 25.4 24 24.83
No. of blows 14 23 37
L.L 23.6 23.75 26.03

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Procedure for Plastic Limit Determination:

I. Take about 20 grams of air dried soil from the thoroughly mixed portion of the
material passing No. 40 sieve. Mix it on the glass plate with sufficient water to make
it plastic enough to be shaped into a ball. Leave the plastic soil mass for some time to
mature.
II. Take about 8 grams of the plastic soil, make a ball of it, and roll it between the fingers
and glass plate with just sufficient pressure to roll the mass into a thread of uniform
diameter throughout its length. When the diameter of the thread has decreased to 1/8
inch. The specimen is kneaded together and rolled out again. Continue the process
until the thread just crumbles at 1/8 inch diameter.
III. Collect the crumbled soil thread in the container for water content determination.
IV. Repeat the test for three to four times and take average value of these readings.

Table 6:C ALCULATIONS FOR PLASTIC LIMIT:

Can No. X-7
Wt. of wet soil + can 16.28
(grams)
Wt. of dry soil + can (grams) 15.37
Wt. of can (grams) 10.79
Wt. of dry soil (grams) 4.58
Wt. of moisture (grams) 0.91
Water Content % 19.86

Precautions:

Make sure that the liquid limit test should always proceed from the drier to the wetter
conditions. Otherwise, drying of soil sample may cause wastage of time.

Reference:

ASTM D4318

Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit and Plasticity index of Soils.

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COMMENTS:

 Liquid limit that we calculate in this experiment is an important property of soil.

 It gives us information regarding the state of consistency of soil in field.

 It is also used to calculate activity of clay and toughness index of soil.

 In our case the value of moisture content comes out to be 24.5% against 25 blows.

 Similarly, plastic limit is also an important property of soil.

 We find plasticity index which is difference between liquid and plastic limit and is

used in soil classification.

 In our case we got plastic limit 19.86%

 PI will be

PI = 24.5-19.86

= 4.64

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 8

Experiment no 8
Compaction test modified Proctor test (AASHTO TEST)

Objective:-
To perform the modified compaction test and to obtain the moisture density relationship for a
given compactive effort on particular soil.

Significance and Use:-

Soil placed as engineering fill (embankments, foundation pads, road bases) is compacted to a
dense state to obtain
Satisfactory engineering properties such as shear strength, compressibility, or permeability.
In addition, foundation soils are often compacted to improve their engineering properties.
Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for determining the percent compaction and
molding water content needed to achieve the required engineering properties, and for
controlling construction to assure that the required compaction and water contents are
achieved.

Theory:-
Test covers laboratory compaction procedures used to determine the relationship between
water content and dry unit wight of soil. The code provides three alternative procedures based
on the soil material tested. The details of the procedures are given in TABLE 1. Tests shall be
performed in accordance ASTM D 1557 ( AASHTO T180).

SR.
ITEMS PROCEDURE
#
A B C
1 Mold dia 4” 4” 6”

2 Vol. mould 944cm3 944cm3 2124cm3

3 Wt. hammer 10 lb 10 lb 10 lb

4 Height of drop 18” 18” 18”

5 No. of layers 5 5 5

6 No. of blows 25 25 56

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Energy of
7 56,250 ft lb/ft3 56,250 ft lb/ft3 56,250 ft lb/ft3
compaction
May be used if 20% or Shall be used 20% or more retained on Shall be used 20% more retained on
8 Soil material less retained on no. 4 sieve 4 and 20% or less retained on sieve 3/8 and 30% less retained on
sieve 1/8 in. sieve 3/4 in. sieve

APPARATUS:-
 Compaction mould with base plate and collar
 Standard compaction rammer
 Moisture tins
 Large mixing utensil
 Large mixing spoon
 Trimming knife
 Steel Straight edge
 Drying Oven
 Weighing balance (L.C=0.01 gm)

 Weighing balance(L.C=1.0 gm)

PROCEDURE:-

 Obtain 2500g of oven dry (air dry will work, but not as well) soil passed through the #4
sieve.

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 Weigh 3 "bread pan" moisture content containers individually and record weights on the
data sheet in your manual.
 Weigh a 4 inch diameter compaction mold.  (V = 1/30 of a cubic foot)
 Add enough water to your sample to obtain a 12% moisture content (300 grams of
water).
 Compact the soil into the mold in FIVE layers using a 10 pound hammer and 25 blows
per layer.  Make sure that on the last layer, your compacted sample is just above (1/4" or
so) the top of the mold so it can be trimmed and weighed.
 Weigh the mold and the sample (in pounds) and record on your data sheet.
 Take a representative sample of the soil (about half of it evenly distributed from the
entire sample) and place in a "bread pan" moisture content container. Weigh the sample,
record the data, and place in the oven.  Work quickly because water is being lost as time
progresses.
 Repeat steps 1 through 7 twice, increasing the moisture content to 15% for the 2nd point
and then 18% for the third point.
   Obtain all weights the following day and plot moisture content vs. dry unit weight to
scale on graph paper and indicate optimum moisture and maximum dry unit weight.

PRECAUTIONS:-

 Blows should be applied uniformly.

 If the mould is not filled above the collar joint from the last compacted layer,do not add
soil to make p deficiency.Always repeat the test.

Table 7:CALCULATIONS OF MODIFIED PROCTOR TEST:

Sr # Sample # 1 2 3 4 5 6
1 Moisture can
no.

2 Wt. of can+
wet soil

3 Wt. of can +
dry soil

4 Wt. of water

5 Wt. of can

6 Wt. of dry soil

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7 Water content
%

8 Assumed
moisture
content %

9 Water content
%

10 Wt. of soil +
mould

11 Wt of mould

12 Wt of soil in
mould

13 Wet density

14 Dry density

COMMENTS:-

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 9

EXPERIMENT NO 9
DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
SAMPLE
(ASTM D854-02)

OBJECTIVES:
The objective of this experiment was to familiarize the students with general method of
obtaining the specific gravity of a mass of any type of soil sample. We determined the
specific gravity of soil sample by using pycnometer.

APPARATUS:
 Pycnometer
 Weighing balance
 Thermometer
 Hot plate or Bunsen burner
 Funnel
 Drying oven
 Paper towel

RELATED THEORY:
A value of specific gravity is necessary to compute the void ratio of a soil. It is used in the
hydrometer analysis, and it is useful to predict the unit weight of a soil. Occasionally, the
specific gravity may be useful in soil mineral classification, e.g iron minerals have larger
value of specific gravity than silica.
The specific gravity of any substance is defined as the unit weight of the material divided by
the unit weight of distilled water at 4ºC. Thus the specific gravity of soil can be found as,

δsoil
Gs = δwater

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As long as equal volume of water and soil are involved the above stated form can be
simplified as
Wsoil
V
Gs = Wwater
V

Strictly speaking above mentioned equation is only valid if we do not consider and density
change in temperature. However, a slight increase in the precision to account for temperature
effects on the density of water can be obtained by rewriting above stated equation as

Wsoil
Gs = Wwater ×α

PROCEDURE:

 Weigh the dry pycnometer to the nearest 0.01gm and record it as W1.
 Take about 100 gm of oven dried soil and put it in flask. Weigh the flask and dry soil to
nearest 0.01 gm. Record this weight as W2.
 Add water in the pycnometer until it is about two thirds full. In order to remove the
entrapped air from the soil and water heat the mixture for at least two hours after the soil
water mixture comes to a full boil. Use only enough heat to keep the slurry boiling,
agitate the slurry as necessary to prevent any soil from sticking or drying on to the glass
above the surface.
 Allow the mixture to cool and then fill the flask with distilled water to above the
calibration mark.
 Place the stopper in the bottle while removing the excess water be sure the entire exterior
of the flask is dry, weight the flask to the nearest 0.01gm and record this weight as W3.
 Empty the flask, wash it thoroughly and fill it completely with water, dry the exterior of
the flask weigh the flask and record it as W4.
 Repeat the procedure three times.
 Record the temperature of the soil body mixture.

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OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

( W 2−W 1 ) α
Gs =
[ ( W 4−W 1 )−( W 3−W 2 ) ]

Table 8:CALCULATIONS OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY:

Test No. 1 2 3
Volume of flask 1000 ml 1000 ml
W1(grams) 96.04 96.04
W2(grams) 196.22 195.81
W3(grams) 410.42 409.17
W4(grams) 353.77 353.17
α 0.9972 0.9971
Gs 2.295 2.23

Typical values of correction factor α

T( 0C ) Correction factor, α
4 1.0000
15 0.9999
20 0.9982
25 0.9971
30 0.9957
35 0.9941

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PRECAUTIONS:
 Make sure no air is entrapped with in the soil water mixture.
 Weight should be obtained from a properly balanced weighing scale.

COMMENTS:
 Specific gravity that we calculated is about 2.295.
 Specific gravity is also important property after moisture content.

 The value of α in this method is very important and is a sensitive work to estimate its
value because it depends on temperature and the graph that had been used for the values
needs interpolation.

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 10

EXPERIMENT NO 10
DETERMINATION OF IN-PLACE SOIL DENSITY (CORE
CUTTER METHOD)

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the in-situ density of soil

THEORY:
Once compaction criteria are established for the soil to be used at a particular site, generally
with both moisture and density limitations, some means of verification of the results must be
used. on all small projects and all large projects, this verification is achieved by either the
snad-cone method or core cutter method. On a few large projects, nuclear devices have been
and are being used. The nuclear method is beyond the scope of this manual and will not be
considered further.
Basically, both the sand-cone and core cutter methods use the same principle. That is, one
obtains a known weight of damp(wet) soil from a small excavation of somewhat irregular
shape (a hole) in the ground. If one knows the volume of the hole, the wet density is simply
computed as:
weightofdumpsoil
ϒ wet = volumeofhole

And if one obtains the water content ( ⱳ ) of the excavated material, the dry unit weight of
the material is :
ϒ wet
ϒ dry = 1+ⱳ

The sand cone and core cutter enable us to determine the volume of the excavated and weight
of the excavated material is determined by simply weighing the sample on weighing scale.

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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE:

This test method can be used to determine the in-placedensity of soils which do not contain
significant amounts ofparticles coarser than 4.75 mm (3⁄16 in.), and which can bereadily
retained in the drive cylinder. This test method may alsobe used to determine the inplace
density of compacted soilsused in construction of structural fill, highway embankments,or
earth dams. When the in-place density is to be used as a
basis for acceptance, the drive cylinder volumes must be aslarge as practical and not less than
850 cm3 (0.030 ft3 ).4.2 This test method is not recommended for use in organic
or friable soils. This test method may not be applicable for soft,highly plastic, noncohesive,
saturated or other soils which areeasily deformed, compress during sampling, or which may
notbe retained in the drive cylinder. The use of this test method in soils containing particles
coarser than 4.75 mm (3⁄16 in.) mayresult in damage to the drive cylinder equipment. Soils
containing particles coarser than 4.75 mm (3⁄16 in.) may notyield valid results if voids are
created along the wall of cylinderduring driving, or if particles are dislodged from the
sampleends during trimming.

APPARATUS:

 Cylindrical core cutter of steel

(H = 127.4mm, internal diameter = 100mm, wall thickness = 3mm)

 Steel dolly
(H = 25mm, internal diameter = 100mm, wall thickness = 7.5mm)
 Steel rammer
 Knife
 Steel rule
 Spade or grafting tool
 Weighing balance ( L.C = 0.01g)
 Weigingbailance (L.C = 1.0g)
 Moisture tin

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 Straight edge

PROCEDURE:

 Measure the inside dimensions of the core cutter and calculate its volume.
 Weigh the core cutter without dolly to the narest 1g.
 Expose the small area, about 30 cm square, to be tested and level it. Put the dolly on the
top of the core cutter and drive the assembly into the soil with the help of rammer until
the top of the dolly remains 1 cm above the surface.
 Dig out the core cutter from the surrounding soil, and allow some soil to project from the
lower end of the cutter. Take out the dolly and also trim the other end of the cutter.
 Weigh the cutter full of soil to the nearest 1 g.
 Keep some representative sample of soil for water content determination.
 Repeat the test at three locations.

PRECAUTION:

While trimming the soil from both ends of core cutter, make sure a leveled and smooth
surface is obtained without cavities.
Core cutter should be driven in soil vertically , otherwise it would be difficult to extract the
core cutter.

Table 9:CALCULATIONS FOR CORE CUTTER:

Test no 1 2 3

Wt. of core cutter (g)

Wt. of core cutter + wet soil (g)

Wt. of wet soil

Volume of core cutter (cc)

Bulk density (g/cc)

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Container no

Wt. of container

Wt. of container + wet soil (g)

Wt. of container + dry soil (g)

Wt. of water (g)

Wt. of dry soil (g)

Water content (%)

Dry density (g/cc)

COMMENTS:

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 11

EXPERIMENT NO 11
ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS ACCORDING
TO USCS & AASHTO

OBJECTIVE:
To perform basic characterization tests (specific gravity test, Sieve analysis, Hydrometer
analysis, Atterberg's limits) on soil specimens and to classify those soils according to USCS
and AASHTO methods

THEORY :
A classification scheme provides method of identifying soils in a particular group that would
likely exhibit similar characteristics. Soil classification is used to specify a certain soil type
that is best suitable for a given application. There are several classification schemes available.
Each was devised for a specific use. For example American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) developed one scheme that classifies the soil
according to their usefulness in roads and highways. However, Unified Soil Classification
System (USCS) was originally developed for use in airfield construction, but was later
modified -for-general purpose. AASHTO and USCS are two major classification systems in
use.
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS )

The USCS uses symbols for the particular size group:

G – Gravel particles retained on #4 sieve (4.75 mm)

S – Sand particles passing #4 sieve, but retained on # 200 sieve (0.075 mm)

M - Silt particles passing # 200 sieve

C - Clay particles passing # 200 sieve

These are combined with other symbols with expressing gradation characteristics

W- Well graded

P-Poorly graded

And, plasticity characteristics (figure 1)

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H High plasticity L- Low plasticity O- Organic matter

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Figure 27:CHART FOR USCS

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AASHTO Soil Classification System:

The AASHTO soil classification is used to determine the suitability of soils for earthworks,
embankments, and road bed materials (sub base and sub grade).
According to AASHTO classification,

Gravel 75 mm — 2 mm (#10 sieve)

Sand 2 mm — 0.075 mm (#200 sieve)

Silt and Clay <0.075 mm

Silty: Pl< 10%

Clayey: Pl >11 %

AASHTO classification classifies soil into 7 major groups: A-1 through A-7.

A-1 - A-3 : Granular or coarse grained soil

A-4 – A-7 :silty clay or fine grained soil

Figure 28:GRAPH BETWEEN PLASTIC LIMIT AND LIQUID LIMIT

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Table of AASHTO:

Figure 29:TABLE OF AASHTO

Silty and clayey soil can be located in a plasticity chart as shown below

Group Index (GI)

A group index value (GI) is appended in parentheses to the main group to provide a measure
of quality of a soil as highway sub grade material. The group index is given as:

Group Index : GI = (F-35) (0.2+0.005 ( LL-40 ) ) + 0.01 (F-15) (P1-10)

Where,

F = % finer than #200 sieve size.

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GI is expressed in a nearest whole number. If GI is less than 0, set it to 0. If any terms in the
above equation are less than 0, set them to 0. For them partial group index is used. The higher
the group index, the lower the quality of soil as sub grade material. GI should not exceed 20
for any of group A-4 through A-7.

PROCEDURE :
Information Required
Grain size distribution curve

Plasticity information of the soil — LL, PL, and PI

ASTM D 2487

AASHTO M 145

USCS Classification

1. Determine the % of soil retained on #200 sieve (R200).

2. If 8200 is greater than 50%, it is a coarse grained soil otherwise it is a fine grained soil.

3. For fine grained soil:

a. Find whether the soil is organic, by comparing the liquid limit of oven dried specimen with
that of the original specimen. If the LL of oven dried specimen is less than 75% of that of the
non oven dried specimen, the soil is organic. Otherwise, the soil is inorganic.

b. Plot the LL and PI values on the plasticity chart, and find the group symbol for the soil.

c. Determine % of soil retained on the US #4 sieve (R4). This is the % of gravel fraction (GF)
in the soil.

d. Determine the % of sand fraction (SF) in the soil by, SF = R200 — GF.

e. Use the ASTM table to classify the fine grained soil.

4. For coarse grained soil,

a. If % of gravel is more than % of sand, it is gravelly soil otherwise sandy.

b. Using the grain size distribution curve, calculate Cc, and Cu.

c. Using the ASTM chart for the coarse grained soil, classify the soil. Be careful to check
whether they fall under dual classification or not.

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AASHTO Classification
1. Determine the % of soil passing through #200 sieve (F200). If F200 is more than 35% soil
is fine grained otherwise coarse grained.

2. For coarse grained soil:

a. Determine F30, F40, F200, LL, and Pl.

b. Match the soil group based on the AASHTO Classification.

3. For fine grained soil:

a. Determine LL, and PI.

b. Group soil according to the AASHTO classification.

4. Determine Group Index (GI) of the soil as:

Group Index : GI = (F-35)(0.2+0.005(11-40)) 0.01(F-15)(PI-10)

5. Express GI in whole number.

6. Express the classification first by soil classification and then GI in parenthesis.

CALCULATIONS:

1. Calculate the % of soil retained on the #200 sieve

R200 = (100 — F200)

2. Calculate the % of soil retained on the #4 sieve

R4 = (100 — F4)

3. Calculate uniformity coefficient (Cu) and coefficient of gradation (Cc) using the following
equations.

Cc = (D60) / (D10) =

Cc = (D30)^2/ [ (D10) x (D60) ] =

4. Calculate group index (GI)

GI = (F-35)(0.2+0.005 (LL-40) )+ 0.01 (F-15)(Pl-10)

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PRECAUTIONS :
1. Particles that appear to be stuck in the sieve screen should never be forced on through the
mesh. There are two reasons for not doing this.
a. The particles would have passed the screen on their own had they been smaller than the
mesh opening. Forcing these particles through the screen to be retained on the next size
would distort the grain size results.

b. Secondly forcing the particles through the mesh can damage the screen and necessitate its
replacement.

2. Particles caught in a screen should be removed by brushing with the proper sieve brush.
Brushing should be done from the underside of the screen in order that the particles can be
brushed out of the screen in the direction from which it entered in the screen opening.
Stubborn (obstinate) particles that cannot be removed by rushing should be left in place.

3. Lumps of soils must have broken down into their individual particles in order for the grain
size analysis to be valid. This is accomplished in two ways. The first is to break up lumps
with a rubber-tipped pestle in ceramic mortar. It has been found that the rubber-tipped pestles
will not grind or crush the individual particles while a ceramic or metal-tipped pestle will.
The second is to wet-sieve the soil. Washing the particles that are retained on the No.200
sieve with water and this will accomplish two things.

a. it separates those small lumps that might not have been broken up with the rubber tipped
pestle into individual particles.

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b. It washes the "Dust size" particles and through the No.200 sieve.

4. A 10 minute shaking period is suggested in procedure. A large sample is requires longer

shaking than a sample. Similarly a sample comprising primarily of fine grained material will
require a longer shaking period than a coarse grained sample of equal weight.

REFERENCE :

ASTM D2487
Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil
Classification System)

ASTM D2487

Standard Practice for Classification of Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures for Highway
Construction Purposes

AASHTO M 145

COMMENTS :

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 SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT NO 12

EXPERIMENT NO 12
To Determine The Relative Density Test On Granular Soils.

Objective :
These test methods cover the determination of the maximum and minimum index dry
density/unit weight of cohesionless, free draining soils using a vertically vibrating table.The
adjective “dry” before density or unit weight is omitted in the title and remaining portions of
this standards to be be consistent.

Theory :
The terms density and unit weight are often used interchangeably. Density is mass per unit
volume whereas unit weight is force per unit volume. In this standard density is given only in
SI units. After the density has been determined, the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-
pound units, or both. Relative density of soil is the ratio expressed in percentage of difference
between maximum index void ratio and field void ratio cohesionless, free draining to the
difference of maximum and minimum index void ratio.

RD = (emax-ef)/(emax-emin)

emax = is the void ratio corresponding to the loosest density (ɤ dmin) of soil.

emin = is the void ratio corresponding to maximum density (ɤ dmax) of soil.

ef = is the void ratio corresponding to field density (ɤdf) of soil.

ɤd = (Gs .ɤw)/(1+ω)

Procedure :
 Take sample of soil in its loosest form.
 Check the maximum size of the soil particle and select the mould and placement device.
 Take the mould and place it on vibrating table
 Place the soil in the mould with help of funnel
 Make the surface smooth with help of spatula.
 Place a plate on the soil sample.
 Note the reading with help of dial gauge.
 Put 25kg weight on plate and clamp the whole instrument.
 Now start vibration as amplitude pf 0.40mm at 50Hz frequency for 10 mintues.
 Measure the height of compacted soil sample with help of dial gauge.

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 Weight the soil sample.

 Calculate ɤdmax and ɤdmin.

Weight of soil sample

ɤdmin = volume of soil∈loosest state

Weight of soil sample

ɤdmax = volume of soil∈compacted state
Calculate emax and emin

Maximum size Mass of soil Placement Mould Surcharge

of soil particle (kg) device Volume weight (kg)
3”(75mm) 34 Shower or 0.5ft3 86.2
big scoop
1.5”(38mm) 34 Scoop 0.5ft3 86.2
0.75”(19mm) 34 Scoop 0.5ft3 25.9
0.375”(9.5mm) 34 Funnel with 0.5ft3 25.9
spout dia of
1”
0.187”(4.75mm) 34 Funnel with 0.5ft3 25.9
spout dia of
0.5”

Precautions:
 Funnel through which the soil is to be placed, should be 0.5” to 1”above the
soil surface and there should be not contact between the lower-end of the
funnel with the soil surface.
 The vibrating table should be operated at specified frequency.
 This experiment is applied for soils which may contain 15% fine particles
(passing # 200) provided the material is cohesion less and free draining
 Maximum particle size for this experiment is 3”.
Observations and calculations:
Diameter of cylinder = d= cm

Height of cylinder=H= cm

Weight of cylinder=W1= kg

Weight of cylinder + sand= W2= kg

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Weight of sand= W3 = kg

Decrease in height= cm

Gs ϒw =1gm/ cm3 ef =

Volume of sand when cylinder is full=V=(πd2/4) x H = cm3

ϒd min= W3/v = gm/cm3

Volume of cylinder after compaction = V’==(πd2/4) x H’ = cm3

ϒd max = W3/V’ = gm / cm3

e min = Gs ϒw / ϒd max - 1=

e max = Gs ϒw / ϒd min - 1=

Rd = emax – e f / emax - emin * 100= %

ϒd f = Gs ϒw/1+e f = gm /cm3

Rc = ϒd f / ϒ d max * 100= %

Reference:
ASTM D4253

Standard test methods for maximum index density and unit weight of soil using a vibratory
table

ASTM D4254

Standard test methods for minimum index density and unit weight of soils and calculation of
relative density

COMMENTS:

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