Ce 332 (Lab Manual)

CE 332
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SESSIONAL
Sultan Mohammad Farooq

Sheikh Sharif Ahmed
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CHITTAGONG UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
INDEX
ITEM Page No.
General Instructions to Students 2
01. Field Identification of Soil 3

02. Grain Size Analysis of Soil by Sieve 11
03. Hydrometer Analysis of Soil 15
04. Determination of Moisture Content of Soil 21
05. Determination of Specific Gravity of Soil 25
06. Determination of Atterberg Limits of Soil 31
07. In-Situ Dry Density of Soil by Sand Replacement Method 40
08. Unconfined Compression Test 44
09. Standard Proctor Compaction Test 49
010. Relative Density of Sand 57
011. Direct Shear Test 62
012. Consolidation Test 70
Appendix 92
Page | 1
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS
Arrangement of Report
 Objective
 Scope of the Test/Theory
 Equipment
 Materials used
 Procedure
 Data Sheet
 Calculation
 Graph
 Discussion
NOTE
 An Index Sheet must be provided at top of the report file. It should contain-
 Experiment No.
 Experiment Name
 Date of Performance
 Date of Submission
 Remarks
 Separate Top Sheet should be attached with each report.
 The Top Sheet should contain the following:
 Course No.
 Course Name
 Group No.
 Experiment No.
 Experiment Name
 Date of Performance
 Date of Submission
 Name
 Student No.
 The report should be hand written by pen (black or blue) in A4 size paper in one
side.
REFERENCES
1. “Soil Testing for Engineers” by T William Lambe.

2. “Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing” by Prof. Krishna Reddy,
UIC.
Page | 2
EXPERIMENT 01
FIELD IDENTIFICATION OF SOILS
SCOPE
The first step in any geotechnical engineering project is to identify and describe the
subsoil condition. For example, as soon as a ground is identified as gravel, engineer can
immediately form some ideas on the nature of problems that might be encountered in a
tunneling project. In contrast, a soft clay ground is expected to lead to other types of
design and construction considerations. Therefore, it is useful to have a systematic
procedure for identification of soils even in the planning stages of a project.
Soils can be classified into two general categories: (1) coarse grained soils and (2) fine
grained soils. Examples of coarse-grained soils are gravels and sands. Examples of fine-
grained soils are silts and clays. Procedures for visually identifying these two general
types of soils are described in the following sections.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 2488
EQUIPMENT
Magnifying glass (optional)
PROCEDURE
1) Identify the color (e.g. brown, gray, brownish gray), odor (if any) and texture (coarse
or fine-grained) of soil.
2) Identify the major soil constituent (>50% by weight) using Table 1.1 as coarse gravel,
fine gravel, coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand, or fines.
3) Estimate percentages of all other soil constituents using Table 1.1 and the following
terms:
Trace - 0 to 10% by weight

Little - 10 to 20%
Some - 20 to 30%
And - 30 to 50%
(Examples: trace fine gravel, little silt, some clay)
4) If the major soil constituent is sand or gravel:

a) Identify particle distribution. Describe as well graded or poorly graded. Well-
graded soil consists of particle sizes over a wide range. Poorly graded soil consists
of particles which are all about the same size.
b) Identify particle shape (angular, sub-angular, rounded, sub-rounded) using Figure
1.1 and Table 1.2.
5) If the major soil constituents are fines, perform the following tests:
a) Dry strength test: Mold a sample into 1/8" size ball and let it dry. Test the
strength of the dry sample by crushing it between the fingers. Describe the
strength as none, low, medium, high or very high depending on the results of the
test as shown in Table 1.3(a).
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b) Dilatancy Test: Make a sample of soft putty consistency in your palm. Then
observe the reaction during shaking, squeezing (by closing hand) and vigorous
tapping. The reaction is rapid, slow or none according to the test results given in
Table 1.3(b). During dilatancy test, vibration densifies the silt and water appears
on the surface. Now on squeezing, shear stresses are applied on the densified silt.
The dense silt has a tendency for volume increase or dilatancy due to shear
stresses. So the water disappears from the surface. Moreover, silty soil has a high
permeability, so the water moves quickly. In clay, we see no change, no shiny
surface, in other words, no reaction.
c) Plasticity (or Toughness) Test: Roll the samples into a thread about 1/8" in
diameter. Fold the thread and reroll it repeatedly until the thread crumbles at a
diameter of 1/8". Note (a) the pressure required to roll the thread when it is near
crumbling, (b) whether it can support its own weight, (c) whether it can be
molded back into a coherent mass, and (d) whether it is tough during kneading.
Describe the plasticity and toughness according to the criteria in Tables 1.3(c) and
1.3(d). A low to medium toughness and non-plastic to low plasticity is the
indication that the soil is silty; otherwise the soil is clayey. Based on dry strength,
dilatancy and toughness, determine soil symbol based on Table 1.4.
6) Identify moisture condition (dry, moist, wet or saturated) using Table 1.5.
7) Record visual classification of the soil in the following order: color, major constituent,
minor constituents, particle distribution and particle shape (if major constituent is
coarse-grained), plasticity (if major constituent is fine-grained), moisture content, soil
symbol (if major constituent is fine-grained).
Figure 1.1 Shape of Coarse-Grained Soil Particles
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Examples of coarse-grained soils:
Soil 1: Brown fine gravel, some coarse to fine sand, trace silt, trace clay, well graded,
angular, dry.
Soil 2: Gray coarse sand, trace medium to fine sand, some silt, trace clay, poorly graded,
rounded, saturated.
Examples of fine-grained soils:
Soil A: Brown lean clay, trace coarse to fine sand, medium plasticity, moist, CL.
Soil B: Gray clayey silt, trace fine sand, non-plastic, saturated, ML.
Table 1.1 Grain Size Distribution
Soil Constituent Size Limits Familiar Example

Boulder 12 in (305 mm) or more Larger than basketball
Cobbles 3 in (76 mm) ~ 12 in (305 mm) Fazli Mango
Coarse Gravel ¾ in (19 mm) ~ 3 in (76 mm) Orange or Lemon
Fine Gravel 4.75 mm (No. 4 Sieve) ~ ¾ in (19 mm) Grape or Pea
Coarse Sand 2 mm (No. 10 Sieve) ~ 4.75 mm (No. 4 Sieve) Rock salt
0.42 mm (No. 40 Sieve) ~ 2 mm (No. 10
Medium Sand Sugar, Table salt
Sieve)
0.075 mm (No. 200 Sieve) ~ 0.42 mm (No. 40
Fine Sand Powdered Sugar
Sieve)
Fines Less than 0.0075 mm (No. 200 Sieve)
Note: Particles finer than fine sand cannot be discerned with the naked eye at a distance of 8 in (20
cm).
Table 1.2 Criteria for Describing Shape of Coarse-Grained Soil Particles
Description Criteria
Particles have sharp edges and relatively plane sides with unpolished
Angular
surfaces.
Subangular Particles are similar to angular description, but have rounded edges.
Particles have nearly plane sides, but have well-rounded corners and
Subrounded
edges.
Rounded Particles have smoothly curved sides and no edges.
Table 1.3(a) Criteria for Describing Dry Strength
The dry specimen ball crumbles into powder with the slightest handling
None
pressure.
The dry specimen crumbles into powder with some pressure form
Low
fingers.
The dry specimen breaks into pieces or crumbles with moderate finger
Medium
pressure.
The dry specimen cannot be broken with finger pressure. Specimen will
High
break into pieces between thumb and a hard surface.
The dry specimen cannot be broken between the thumb and a hard
Very High
surface.
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Table 1.3(b) Criteria for Describing Dilatancy of a Soil Sample
None There is no visible change in the soil samples.
Water slowly appears and remains on the surface during shaking or
Slow
water slowly disappears upon squeezing.
Water quickly appears on the surface during shaking and quickly
Rapid
disappears upon squeezing.
Table 1.3(c) Criteria for Describing Soil Plasticity
None A 1/8” (3-mm) thread cannot be rolled at any water content.

The thread is difficult to roll and a cohesive mass cannot be formed when
Low
drier than the plastic limit.
The thread is easy to roll and little time is needed to reach the plastic
Medium limit. The thread cannot be re-rolled after the plastic limit is reached. The
mass crumbles when it is drier than the plastic limit.
Considerable time is needed, rolling and kneading the sample, to reach

the plastic limit. The thread can be rerolled and reworked several times
High
before reaching the plastic limit. A mass can be formed when the sample
is drier than the plastic limit.
Note: The plastic limit is the water content at which the soil begins to break apart and crumbles
when rolled into threads 1/8” in diameter.
Table 1.3(d) Criteria for Describing Soil Toughness
Only slight pressure is needed to roll the thread to the plastic limit. The
Low
thread and mass are weak and soft.
Moderate pressure is needed to roll the thread to near the plastic limit.
Medium
The thread and mass have moderate stiffness.
Substantial pressure is needed to roll the thread to near the plastic limit.
High
The thread and mass are very stiff.
Table 1.4 Identification of Inorganic Fine-Grained Soils
Soil Symbol Dry Strength Dilatancy Toughness

Low or thread cannot
ML None or Low Slow to Rapid
be formed
CL Medium to High None to Slow Medium
MH Low to Medium None to Slow Low to Medium
CH High to Very High None High
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Note: ML = Silt; CL = Lean Clay (low plasticity clay); MH = Elastic Soil; CH = Fat Clay (high plasticity
clay). The terms ‘lean’ and ‘fat’ may not be used in certain geographic regions (midwest).
Table 1.5 Criteria for Describing Soil Moisture Conditions
Dry Soil is dry to the touch, dusty, a clear absence of moisture
Moist Soil is damp, slight moisture; soil may begin to retain molded form
Wet Soil is clearly wet; water is visible when sample is squeezed
Saturated Water is easily visible and drains freely from the sample
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EXAMPLE DATA SHEET 01
Soil Number : Soil A

Classified by : Sharif
Date : 09 July, 2012
1. Color : Gray
2. Odor : None
3. Texture : Coarse
4. Major soil constituent : Sand
5. Minor soil constituents : Gravel, Fines
Approx. % by
Type
weight
Gravel 80
Sand 15
Fines 5
6. For coarse-grained soils
Gradation : Poorly Graded

Particle Shape : Rounded
7. For fine-grained soils
Dry Strength :
Dilatancy :
Plasticity :
Toughness :
Soil Symbol :
8. Moisture Condition : Dry
CLASSIFICATION
Gray sand, little fine gravel, trace fines, poorly graded, rounded, dry
Page | 8
EXAMPLE DATA SHEET 02
Soil Number : Soil B

Classified by : Anup
Date : 09 July, 2012
1. Color : Gray
2. Odor : None
3. Texture : Fine-Grained
4. Major soil constituent : Fines
5. Minor soil constituents : Fine Sand
Approx. % by
Type
weight
Fines 95
Fine Sand 5
Gradation :
Particle Shape :
Dry Strength : High

Dilatancy : None
Plasticity : Medium
Toughness : Medium
Soil Symbol : CL
8. Moisture Condition : Moist
CLASSIFICATION
Gray silty clay, trace fine sand, medium plasticity, moist, CL
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FIELD IDENTIFICATION OF SOILS
DATA SHEET
Soil Number :
Classified by :
Date :
1. Color :
2. Odor :
3. Texture :
4. Major soil constituent :
5. Minor soil constituents :
Approx. % by
Type
weight
Gradation :
Particle Shape :
Dry Strength :
Dilatancy :
Plasticity :
Toughness :
Soil Symbol :
8. Moisture Condition :
CLASSIFICATION
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EXPERIMENT 02
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOIL BY SIEVE
SCOPE
The particle size analysis of a soil sample involves determining the percentage by mass of
particles within the different size ranges. The particle size distribution of a coarse soil can
be determined by the method of sieving. The soil sample is passed through a series of
standard test sieves having successively smaller mesh sizes. The mass of soil retained in
each sieve is determined and the cumulative percentage by mass passing each sieve is
calculated.
The particle size distribution of a soil is presented as a curve on a semi logarithmic plot,
the ordinates being the percentage by mass of particles smaller than the size given by the
abscissa. The flatter the distribution curve the larger the range of particle sizes in the soil;
the steeper the curve the smaller the size range. A coarse soil is described as well graded
if there is no excess of particles in any size range and if no intermediate sizes are lacking.
In general, a well-graded soil is represented by a smooth, concave distribution curve. A
coarse soil is described as poorly graded (a) if a high proportion of the particles have sizes
within narrow limits (a uniform soil) or (b) if particles of both large and small sizes are
present but with a relatively low proportion of particles of intermediate size (a gap-
graded or step-graded soil).
Particle size is represented on a logarithmic scale so that two soils having the same
degree of uniformity are represented by curves of the same shape regardless of their
positions on the particle size distribution plot. The particle size corresponding to any
specified value on the ‘percentage smaller’ scale can be read from the particle size
distribution curve. The size such that 10% of the particles are smaller than that size is
denoted by D10. Other sizes such as D30 and D60 can be defined in a similar way. The size
D10 is defined as the effective size.
The general slope and shape of the distribution curve can be described by means of the
coefficient of uniformity (Cu) and the coefficient of curvature (Cc), defined as follows:
The higher the value of the coefficient of uniformity the larger the range of particle sizes
in the soil. A well-graded soil has a coefficient of curvature between 1 and 3.
The distribution of different grain sizes affects the engineering properties of soil. Grain
size analysis provides the grain size distribution, and it is required in classifying the soil.
Soil permeability (the ease with which a fluid will flow through the soil) and capillarity
(the attraction or the retention of water above the water table) are related to an effective
particle diameter. The method of designing filters for dams, levees etc. uses the particle
size distribution of the soil involved.
Page | 11
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 422
EQUIPMENT
 Balance
 Standard set of sieves
 Cleaning brush
 Sieve shaker
Figure 2.1 Sieves and Sieve Shaker
TEST PROCEDURE
1) Write down the weight of each sieve as well as the bottom pan to be used in the
analysis.
2) Take 500 gm of dry soil sample.
3) Make sure that all the sieves are clean, and assemble them in the ascending order of
sieve numbers (#4 sieve at top and #200 sieve at bottom). Place the pan below #200
sieve. Carefully pour the soil sample into the top sieve and place the cap over it.
Page | 12
4) Place the sieve stack in the mechanical shaker and shake for 10 minutes.
5) Remove the stack from the shaker and carefully weigh and record the weight of each
sieve with its retained soil. In addition, remember to weigh and record the weight of
the bottom pan with its retained fine soil.
CALCULATION
1) Obtain the mass of soil retained on each sieve by subtracting the weight of the empty
sieve from the mass of the sieve + retained soil, and record this mass as the weight
retained on the data sheet. The sum of these retained masses should be
approximately equals the initial mass of the soil sample. A loss of more than two
percent is unsatisfactory.
2) Calculate the percent retained on each sieve by dividing the weight retained on each
sieve by the original sample mass.
3) Calculate the percent passing (or percent finer) by starting with 100 percent and
subtracting the percent retained on each sieve as a cumulative procedure.
For example: Total mass = 500 gm
Mass retained on No. 4 sieve = 9.7 gm
Mass retained on No. 10 sieve = 39.5 gm
For the No.4 sieve:
The percent retained is calculated as;
% retained = Mass retained/Total Mass
= (9.7/500) x 100 = 1.9 %
From this, the % passing = 100 - 1.9 = 98.1 %
4) Make a semi logarithmic plot of Percent Finer vs. Grain Size.

5) Compute Cc and Cu for the soil.
SAMPLE GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS CURVE
Page | 13
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF SOIL
DATA SHEET
Sieve Materials % of
Sieve Cumulative Percent
Opening Retained Materials
Number % Retained Finer
(mm) (gm) Retained
No. 4
No. 8
No. 16
No. 30
No. 50
No. 100
No. 200
Pan
TOTAL =
D10 =
D30 =
D60 =
Co-efficient of Uniformity, Cu
Co-efficient of Curvature, Cc
Page | 14
EXPERIMENT 03
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS OF SOIL
SCOPE
For those soils, which are nearly all finer than a No. 200 sieve (0.075 mm), the
hydrometer analysis is done.
Hydrometer analysis is based on the principle of sedimentation of soil grains in water.

When a soil specimen is dispersed in water, the particles settle at different velocities,
depending on their shape, size, and weight, and the viscosity of the water. For simplicity,
it is assumed that all the soil particles are spheres and that the velocity of soil particles
can be expressed by Stokes' law, according to which-
Where,
Thus,
√ √ √
Where,
Again,
Thus,
√ √ √
In the laboratory, the hydrometer test is conducted in a sedimentation cylinder usually

with 50 gm of oven-dried sample. Sometimes 100 gm samples can also be used. The
sedimentation cylinder is 457 mm (18 in) high and 63.5 mm (2.5 in) in diameter. It is
marked for a volume of 1000 ml. Sodium Hexametaphosphate is generally used as the
dispersing agent. The volume of the dispersed soil suspension is increased to 1000 ml by
adding distilled water. Figure shows an ASTM l52H type of hydrometer.
When a hydrometer is placed in the soil suspension at a time t, measured from the start
of sedimentation it measures the specific gravity in the vicinity of its bulb at a depth L.
The specific gravity is a function of the amount of soil particles present per unit volume of
suspension at that depth. Also, at a time t, the soil particles in suspension at a depth L will
Page | 15
have a diameter smaller than D. The larger particles would have settled beyond the zone
of measurement. Hydrometers are designed to give the amount of soil, in grams, that is
still in suspension. They are calibrated for soils that have a specific gravity, Gs of 2.65;
for soils of other specific gravity, a correction must be made.
By knowing the amount of soil in suspension, L, and t, we can calculate the percentage of
soil by weight finer than a given diameter. Note that L is the depth measured from the
surface of the water to the center of gravity of the hydrometer bulb at which the density
of the suspension is measured. The value of L will change with time t. Hydrometer
analysis is effective for separating soil fractions down to a size of about 0.5 m.
STANDARD REFERENCES
ASTM D 422
EQUIPMENTS
 152H Hydrometer
 Sedimentation cylinder
 Control cylinder
 Thermometer
 Beaker
 Timing device
Figure 3.1 Hydrometer Analysis
Page | 16
PROCEDURE
1) Take the fine soil from the bottom pan of the sieve set, place it into a beaker, and add
125 mL of the dispersing agent (sodium hexametaphosphate (40 g/L)) solution. Stir
the mixture until the soil is thoroughly wet. Let the soil soak for at least ten minutes.
2) While the soil is soaking, add 125 mL of dispersing agent into the control cylinder and
fill it with distilled water to the mark. Take the reading at the top of the meniscus
formed by the hydrometer stem and the control solution. A reading less than zero is
recorded as a negative (-ve) correction and a reading between zero and sixty is
recorded as a positive (+ve) correction. This reading is called the zero correction. The
meniscus correction is the difference between the top of the meniscus and the level of
the solution in the control jar (Usually about +1). Shake the control cylinder in such a
way that the contents are mixed thoroughly. Insert the hydrometer and thermometer
into the control cylinder and note the zero correction and temperature respectively.
3) Transfer the soil slurry into a mixer by adding more distilled water, if necessary, until
mixing cup is at least half full. Then mix the solution for a period of two minutes.
4) Immediately transfer the soil slurry into the empty sedimentation cylinder. Add
distilled water up to the mark.
5) Cover the open end of the cylinder with a stopper and secure it with the palm of your
hand. Then turn the cylinder upside down and back upright for a period of one
minute. (The cylinder should be inverted approximately 30 times during the minute.)
6) Set the cylinder down and record the time. Remove the stopper from the cylinder.
After an elapsed time of one minute and forty seconds, very slowly and carefully
insert the hydrometer for the first reading.
(Note: It should take about ten seconds to insert or remove the hydrometer to minimize any
disturbance, and the release of the hydrometer should be made as close to the reading depth
as possible to avoid excessive bobbing).
7) The reading is taken by observing the top of the meniscus formed by the suspension
and the hydrometer stem. The hydrometer is removed slowly and placed back into
the control cylinder. Very gently spin it in control cylinder to remove any particles
that may have adhered.
8) Take hydrometer readings after elapsed time of 2 and 5, 8, 15, 30, 60 minutes and 24
hours.
CALCULATIONS
1) Apply meniscus correction to the actual hydrometer reading.

2) From Table 3.1, obtain the effective hydrometer depth L in cm (for meniscus
corrected reading).
3) Assume Gs = 2.65 of the soil for this lab (if not known).
4) Calculate the equivalent particle diameter by using the following formula:
√ √
5) Determine the temperature correction CT from Table 3.2.

6) Determine correction factor a from Table 3.3 using Gs.
7) Calculate corrected hydrometer reading as follows:
Page | 17
8) Calculate percent finer as follows:
Where, is the weight of soil sample in grams
9) Adjusted percent fines as follows:
% finer of #200 sieve as a percent
10) Plot the grain size curve D versus the adjusted percent finer on the semi logarithmic
sheet.
Table 3.1 Variation of L with Hydrometer Reading
Hydrometer 151H Hydrometer 152H

Actual Effective Actual Effective Actual Effective
Hydrometer Depth, L Hydrometer Depth, L Hydrometer Depth, L
Reading (cm) Reading (cm) Reading (cm)
1.000 16.3 0 16.3 31 11.2
1.001 16.0 1 16.1 32 11.1
1.002 15.8 2 16.0 33 10.9
1.003 15.5 3 15.8 34 10.7
1.004 15.2 4 15.6 35 10.6
1.005 15.0 5 15.5 36 10.4
1.006 14.7 6 15.3 37 10.2
1.007 14.4 7 15.2 38 10.1
1.008 14.2 8 15.0 39 9.9
1.009 13.9 9 14.8 40 9.7
1.010 13.7 10 14.7 41 9.6
1.011 13.4 11 14.5 42 9.4
1.012 13.1 12 14.3 43 9.2
1.013 12.9 13 14.2 44 9.1
1.014 12.6 14 14.0 45 8.9
1.015 12.3 15 13.8 46 8.8
1.016 12.1 16 13.7 47 8.6
1.017 11.8 17 13.5 48 8.4
1.018 11.5 18 13.3 49 8.3
1.019 11.3 19 13.2 50 8.1
1.020 11.0 20 13.0 51 7.9
1.021 10.7 21 12.9 52 7.8
1.022 10.5 22 12.7 53 7.6
1.023 10.2 23 12.5 54 7.4
1.024 10.0 24 12.4 55 7.3
1.025 9.7 25 12.2 56 7.1
1.026 9.4 26 12.0 57 7.0
1.027 9.2 27 11.9 58 6.8
1.028 8.9 28 11.7 59 6.6
1.029 8.6 29 11.5 60 6.5
1.030 8.4 30 11.4
1.031 8.1
1.032 7.8
1.033 7.6
1.034 7.3
1.035 7.0
1.036 6.8
1.037 6.5
1.038 6.2
1.039 5.9
Page | 18
Table 3.2 Temperature Correction Factors, CT
Temperature
Factor CT
ºC
15 -1.10
16 -0.90
17 -0.70
18 -0.50
19 -0.30
20 0.00
21 +0.20
22 +0.40
23 +0.70
24 +1.00
25 +1.30
26 +1.65
27 +2.00
28 +2.50
29 +3.05
30 +3.80
Table 3.3 Correction Factors a for Unit Weight of Solids
Specific Gravity of
Correction Factor,
Soil Solids,
a
Gs
2.85 0.96
2.80 0.97
2.75 0.98
2.70 0.99
2.65 1.00
2.60 1.01
2.55 1.02
2.50 1.04
Page | 19
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS OF SOIL
DATA SHEET
Date : Hydrometer Number (if known) :

Tested By : Specific Gravity of Solids :
Dispersing Agent : Weight of Soil Sample :
Zero Correction : Meniscus Correction :
Actual Hydrometer Corrected

Elapsed Adjusted
Temp. Hydrometer Correction L from D CT from a from Hydrometer
Date Time time % Finer, P % Finer,
(ºC) Reading for Table 1 (mm) Table 2 Table 3 Reading
(min) PA
(Ractual) Meniscus (Rc)
Page | 20
EXPERIMENT 04
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOIL
SCOPE
The Moisture Content or Water Content of soil is defined as the ratio of the mass of pore or
free water to the mass of solids in a given volume of soil. It is usually expressed as
percentage.
Where,
Mass of Water
Mass of Soil Solids
For many soils, the water content may be an extremely important index used for
establishing the relationship between the behavior of soil and its index properties. The
consistency of a fine-grained soil largely depends on its water content. The water content is
also used in expressing the phase relationships of air, water, and solids in a given volume of
soil.
For fine-grained or clayey soils, the consolidation settlement is affected by amount of pore
water present in the soil.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 2216
EQUIPMENT
 Drying Oven
 Capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 ± 5°C throughout the
drying chamber
 Balance
 Moisture Can/Specimen Container
 Desiccator
 Container Handling Apparatus
 Gloves, tongs etc.
 Miscellaneous
 Knives, spatulas, scoops, quartering cloth, sample splitters, etc. as required
Page | 21
Figure 4.1 Determination of Moisture Content
TEST PROCEDURE
1) Record the Moisture Can/Specimen Container number.

2) Determine and record the mass of an empty, clean, and dry Moisture Can/Specimen
Container.
3) Place the sample moist soil in the Moisture Can/Specimen Container.
4) Determine and record the mass of the Moisture Can/Specimen Container (now
containing the moist soil).
5) Place the Moisture Can/Specimen Container (containing the moist soil) in the Drying
Oven and set the drying temperature at 105°C. Leave it in the oven for 24 hours.
6) Remove the Moisture Can/Specimen Container from Drying Oven and allow it to cool to
room temperature using Desiccator.
7) Determine and record the mass of the Moisture Can/Specimen Container (containing
the dry soil).
Page | 22
CALCULATION
1) Calculate the Moisture Content of each specimen.

2) Take the average of the Moisture Contents determined of each specimen.
Page | 23
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOIL
DATA SHEET
Sample No. 01 02 03
Moisture Can/Specimen Container No.
Mass of Moisture Can/Specimen Container

(gm), M1
Mass of Moisture Can/Specimen Container +

Wet Soil (gm), M2
Mass of Moisture Can/Specimen Container +

Dry Soil (gm), M3
Mass of Water (gm), Mw = M2 – M3
Mass of Dry Soil (gm), Ms = M3 - M1
Moisture Content (%),
Average Moisture Content (%)
Page | 24
EXPERIMENT 05
DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
SCOPE
The specific gravity of a soil is defined as the ratio of its mass in air to the mass of an equal
volume of distilled water at a temperature of 4°C. The specific gravity of a soil is used in the
phase relationship of air, water, and solids in a given volume of the soil. Knowing the Void
Ratio, the Degree of Saturation and the Specific Gravity, the Unit Weight of a moist soil can
be determined. The Unit Weight of soil is required in almost all pressure, settlement and
stability problems in Geotechnical Engineering. It is also used in the computations of most
of the laboratory tests.
This lab is performed to determine the Specific Gravity of soil by using a Pycnometer.
Specific Gravity is the ratio of the mass of unit volume of soil at a stated temperature to the
mass of the same volume of gas-free distilled water at same temperature.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 854
EQUIPMENT
 Pycnometer (Volumetric Bottle)

 Balance
 Manometer
 Heat Source
 Drying Oven
 Desiccator
 Thermometer
 graduated to 0.1°C
 Evaporating Dishes
Figure 5.1 Determination of Specific Gravity of Soil

Page | 25
TEST PROCEDURE
In the computation of the Specific Gravity of a soil sample in laboratory, the weight of the
Pycnometer filled with distilled water at the test temperature is needed. This value is
usually taken from a plot of Temperature versus Weight of Bottle plus Water. The plot or
calibration curve can be determined either by experimental or by theoretical means.
Calibration of Pycnometer by Experimental Procedure
This procedure consists of obtaining at least three sets of concurrent temperature and
weight measurements about 4°C apart and within the temperature range of 20°C to 30°C.
Each set of coordinates for a point on the calibration curve is obtained as follows –
1) Add deaired, distilled water in a clean Pycnometer at room temperature until the
bottom of the meniscus is at the calibration mark.
2) Carefully dry the outside of the bottle and the inside of the neck above the water
surface.
3) Weight the Bottle plus Water to 0.01 gm.
4) Measure the water temperature to 0.1°C. Hold the tip of the thermometer at different
elevations within the water to see if the temperature is uniform.
5) If the temperature is non-uniform, place the thumb over the open end of the bottle and
turn it upside down and back to mix the water thoroughly for a temperature
observation.
6) Heat the Bottle of water slightly by placing it in a warm water bath and repeat steps 2-
5, each time removing enough water to bring the meniscus down to the calibration
mark. Repeat this procedure until enough points are obtained to plot the calibration
curve.
Calibration of Pycnometer by Theoretical Procedure
Points for the calibration curve can be obtained by successively substituting different
temperatures in the following equation-
Where,
Weight of Bottle plus Water

Weight of clean, dry Bottle
Calibrated Volume of Bottle at Tc
Temperature in degree celcius at which is desired

Calibration Temperature of Bottle (usually 20°C)
Thermal Coefficient of cubical expansion for pyrex glass per °C)
Unit Weight of Water at T (see appendix)
Unit Weight of air at T and atmospheric pressure (an average value of accurate
enough to use in this test is 0.0012 gm/cm )
3
Page | 26
Specific Gravity Determination
Cohesionless Soil
1) Put approximately 150 gm of oven-dry soil, weighed to 0.01 gm into a calibrated

pycnometer which is already half full of deaired, distilled water. Be sure that no soil
grains are lost when they are put into the pycnometer.
2) Remove all of the air which is entrapped in the soil by 10 minutes of boiling.
Accompany the boiling with continuous agitation.
3) Cool the bottle and suspension to some temperature within the range of the calibration
curve for the bottle.
4) Add water to bring the bottom of the meniscus to the calibration mark.
5) Dry the outside of the bottle and the inside of the neck above the meniscus.
6) Weigh the bottle with water and soil in it to 0.01 gm.
7) After checking to be sure that the contents of the bottle are at a uniform temperature,
record the temperature.
Cohesive Soil
1) Work a sample of the soil to be tested into a smooth paste by mixing it with distilled
water. The sample used should contain approximately 50 gm in dry weight.
2) Pour the paste into a calibrated pycnometer.
3) Remove the entrapped air, cool and obtain the weight and temperature as was done in
steps 2-7 of the procedure for the cohesionless soil.
4) Pour the entire mixture of soil and water into a large evaporating dish of known weight;
rinse the pycnometer to ensure the collection of all the soil.
5) Dry the soil in the oven, cool and weigh. The dry weight of soil grains can be obtained
by subtracting the weight of the empty dish from the weight of the dish with soil in it.
Precautions
 The boiling should not be too vigorous since soil may be carried out the neck of the
bottle.
 The heating of a pycnometer to a high temperature is unwise because of the possibility
of changing the shape of the bottle.
 Two sources of important experimental errors are nonuniform temperatures and
incomplete removal of air entrapped in the soil.
CALCULATIONS
1) Determine the ordinates of Calibration Curve by means of both the experimental

procedure and the theoretical procedure.
2) Plot the Calibration Curve (Weight of Bottle plus Water, W2 versus Temperature, T) for
both the experimental procedure and the theoretical procedure.
3) Determine the Specific Gravity of Soil by taking both the values of W2 obtained from the
Calibration Curve for both the experimental procedure and the theoretical procedure.
The Specific Gravity of the soil, , can be obtained from the following equation.
Page | 27
Where,
Dry weight of soil

Specific Gravity of distilled water at temperature T
Weight of Pycnometer, Soil and Water
Weight of Pycnometer plus Water (from Calibration Curve)
SAMPLE CALIBRATION CURVE
Page | 28
DATA SHEET
DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
Pycnometer Calibration
(Experimental Procedure)
Weight of Bottle+Water at T ºC,

Observation Temperature, T
No. (ºC)
(gm)
Pycnometer Calibration
(Theoretical Procedure)
Weight of clean, dry Bottle = gm
Temperature of Calibration, Tc = ºC
Volume of Bottle at Tc , VB = cm3
Cubical Expansion for Glass = 0.100×10-4 per °C
Unit Weight of Air, = 0.0012 gm/cm3
Unit Weight of Water at Weight of Bottle + Water at

Observation Temperature, T
TºC , T ºC,
No. (ºC)
(gm/cm3) (gm)
Page | 29
Specific Gravity Determination
Procedure Theoretical Experimental
Weight of Bottle+Water+Soil, W1
(gm)
Temperature, T (ºC)
Weight of Bottle+Water, W2
(gm)
Dry Weight of Soil
(gm)
Specific Gravity of Water at T ºC,
GT
Specific Gravity of Soil, Gs
Page | 30
EXPERIMENT 06
DETERMINATION OF ATTERBERG LIMITS OF SOIL
SCOPE
A fine-grained soil can exist in any of several states; which state depends on the amount of
water in the soil system. When water is added to a dry soil, each particle is covered with a
film of adsorbed water. If the addition of water is continued, the thickness of the water film
on a particle increases. Increasing the thickness of the water films permits the particles to
slide past one another more easily. The behavior of the soil, therefore, is related to the
amount of water in the system.
In the early 1900s, a Swedish soil scientist named Atterberg developed a method to
describe the consistency of fine-grained soils with varying moisture contents. At a very low
moisture content, soil behaves more like a solid. When the moisture content is very high,
the soil and water may flow like a liquid. Hence, on an arbitrary basis, depending on the
moisture content, the behavior of soil can be divided into four basic states- solid, semisolid,
plastic and liquid.
The moisture content, in percent, at which the transition from solid to semi-solid state
takes place, is defined as the shrinkage limit. The moisture content at the point of transition
from semisolid to plastic state is the plastic limit and from plastic to liquid state is the liquid
limit. These parameters are also known as Atterberg Limits.
Figure 6.1 Atterberg Limits
A wide variety of soil engineering properties have been correlated to the liquid and plastic
limits, and these Atterberg limits are also used to classify a fine-grained soil according to
the Unified Soil Classification system or AASHTO system.
This lab is performed to determine the Plastic Limit, Liquid Limit and Shrinkage Limit of a
fine-grained soil. The Liquid Limit (LL) is arbitrarily defined as the water content, in
percent, at which a pat of soil in a standard cup and cut by a groove of standard dimensions
will flow together at the base of the groove for a distance of 13 mm (1/2 in.) when
subjected to 25 shocks from the cup being dropped 10 mm in a standard liquid limit
apparatus operated at a rate of two shocks per second. The Plastic Limit (PL) is the water
content, in percent, at which a soil can no longer be deformed by rolling into 3.2 mm (1/8
in.) diameter threads without crumbling.
Page | 31
Figure 6.2 Volume Change of Soil with Moisture Content
The Shrinkage Limit can be determined from the following equation:
( )
Where,
STANDARD REFERENCE
 ASTM D 4318 (for Liquid & Plastic Limit)

 ASTM D 427 (for Shrinkage Limit)
EQUIPMENT
 Liquid Limit Device (Casangrande Apparatus)

 Grooving Tool
 #40 Sieve
 Porcelain (Evaporating) dish
 Moisture Cans
 Balance
 Desiccator
 Glass plate
 Spatula
 Wash bottle filled with distilled water
 Drying Oven
Page | 32
Figure 6.3 Casagrande Apparatus
Figure 6.4 Determination of Liquid Limit by Casagrande Apparatus
Page | 33
Figure 6.5 Determination of Plastic Limit
PROCEDURE
Liquid Limit
1) Take about 100 gm of moist soil mix it thoroughly with distilled water to form a
uniform paste, assuming that the soil was previously passed through a No. 40 sieve,
air-dried, and then pulverized. Thoroughly mix the soil with a small amount of distilled
water until it appears as a smooth uniform paste.
2) Place a portion of the previously mixed soil into the cup of the liquid limit device.
3) Use the grooving tool carefully to cut a clean straight groove (1/2 inch or 13 mm width
and depth) down the center of the cup. The tool should remain perpendicular to the
surface of the cup as groove is being made.
4) Make sure that the base of the apparatus below the cup and the underside of the cup is
clean of soil.
5) Turn the crank of the apparatus at a rate of approximately two blows per second and
count the number of blows (N) necessary to close the groove in the soil for a distance of
Page | 34
13 mm (1/2 inch). The groove should be closed by a flow of the soil and not by slippage
between the soil and the cup.
6) If the number of blows is less than 10, then add some soil and if the number of blows
exceeds 40, then add some water.
7) Mix the sample in the cup and repeat steps 3 to 6 until the number of blows required to
close the gap is substantially the same and between 10 to 40. A difference of two or
three blows probably indicates poor mixing of the sample.
8) When a consistent value in the range of 10 to 40 blows has been obtained, take
approximately 10 gm of soil in a moisture can (previously weighed) from near the
closed groove for a water content determination.
9) Weigh the moisture can plus wet soil sample.
10) Keep the can with sample in dry oven for 24 hours and weigh the moisture can plus dry
soil sample.
11) Determine the water content of the sample.
12) By altering the water content of the soil and repeating previous steps, obtain five water
content determinations in the range of 10 to 40 blows.
13) Make a plot of water content vs. number of blows (log scale) in a semi log graph paper.
Such a plot is known as a flow curve and it is approximated as a straight line. From the
flow curve determine the water content corresponding to the number of blows 25
which is the Liquid Limit.
14) Also determine the Liquid Limit using following equation:
( )
Where,
Sample Flow Curve
Page | 35
Plastic Limit
1) Mix thoroughly about 15 gm of the soil sample with water.

2) Roll the soil on a glass plate with the hand until it is reached to 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) in
diameter.
3) Repeat step 2 until a 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) diameter thread shows signs of crumbling.
4) Take some of the crumbling soil obtained in step 3 for a water content
determination.
5) Determine the water content of the sample.
6) Repeat steps 2 to 5 to obtain three determinations which can be averaged to give
the plastic limit.
Shrinkage Limit
1) Determine the weight of a Porcelain Dish.

2) Take some soil sample after Liquid Limit Determination in the Porcelain dish.
3) Use a knife to remove the excess soil standing above the edge of the dish and to
level it.
4) Weigh the dish containing wet soil.
5) Keep the dish with wet soil in dry oven for 24 hours.
6) Cool the soil and weigh dish with dry soil.
7) Place a small dish in a larger one and fill the small one to overflowing with mercury.
8) Immerse the oven dry sample in mercury and weigh the mercury that is displaced
by the dry soil pat.
9) Calculate the Shrinkage Limit using the equation 1.
Note:
CALCULATION
1) Calculate the Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit and Shrinkage Limit.

2) Calculate Plasticity Index (PI), Flow Index (FI) and Toughness Index (TI):
Page | 36
DATA SHEET
LIQUID LIMIT DETERMINATION
Determination No. 1 2 3 4 5
No. of Blows (N)
Moisture Can No.
Weight of Can (gm)
Weight of Can + Wet Soil (gm)
Weight of Can + Dry Soil (gm)
Weight of Water (gm)
Weight of Dry Soil (gm)
Water Content (%)
PLASTIC LIMIT DETERMINATION
Determination No. 1 2 3
Moisture Can No.
Weight of Can (gm)
Weight of Can + Wet Soil (gm)
Weight of Can + Dry Soil (gm)
Weight of Dry Soil (gm)
Water Content (%)
Average Water Content (%)

(PLASTIC LIMIT)
Page | 37
SHRINKAGE LIMIT DETERMINATION
Test Temperature, =
Specific Gravity of Water, GT at =
Specific Gravity of Soil, Gs =
Determination No. 1 2
Dish No.
Weight of Dish (gm)
Weight of Dish + Wet Soil (gm)
Weight of Dish + Dry Soil (gm)
Weight of Dry Soil, Ws (gm)
Weight of displaced Mercury (gm)
Volume of Dry Soil, V (cm3)
SHRINKAGE LIMIT (%)
Page | 38
RESULT SUMMARY
Liquid Limit from experiment (LL or wl)
Liquid Limit from equation (LL or wl)
Plastic Limit (PL or wp)
Shrinkage Limit (SL or ws)
Plasticity Index (PI or IP)
Flow Index (FI or IF)
Toughness index (TI or IT)
Page | 39
EXPERMENT 07
IN-SITU DRY DENSITY OF SOIL BY SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD
SCOPE
The dry density of soil is an important parameter for calculating bearing capacity of
foundations and in designing laterally loaded foundations, retaining walls, bracing etc.
This test is used to determine the in-place density of soils. This test can also be used to
determine density of compacted soils used in the construction of structural fills, highway
embankments, or earth dams. This method is not recommended for organic or friable soils.
STANDARD REFERENCE
IS: 2720 (Part XXVIII) – 1974
EQUIPMENT
 Sand pouring cylinder

 Cylindrical calibrating container
 Soil cutting and excavating tools such as a scraper tool, bent spoon
 Glass plate – 450 mm square and 9 mm thick or larger
 Metal containers to collect excavated soil
 Metal tray – 300mm square and 40mm deep with a 100mm hole in the center
 Balance
PROCEDURE
Calibration of Apparatus
The method given below should be followed for the determination of the weight of sand in the
cone of the pouring cylinder:
1) The pouring cylinder should be filled so that the level of the sand in the cylinder is
within about 10 mm of the top. Its total initial weight (W1) should be maintained
constant throughout the tests for which the calibration is used. A volume of sand
equivalent to that of the excavated hole in the soil (or equal to that of the calibrating
container) should be allowed to run out of the cylinder under gravity. The shutter of the
pouring cylinder should then be closed and the cylinder placed on a plain surface, such
as a glass plate.
2) The shutter of the pouring cylinder should be opened and sand allowed to run out.
When no further movement of sand takes place in the cylinder, the shutter should be
closed and the cylinder removed carefully.
3) The sand that had filled the cone of the pouring cylinder (that is, the sand that is left on
the plain surface) should be collected and weighed to the nearest gram.
4) These measurements should be repeated at least thrice and the mean weight (W2)
taken.
Page | 40
The method described below should be followed for the determination of the bulk density of
the sand ( ):
1) The internal volume (V) in ml of the calibrating container should be determined from
the weight of water contained in the container when filled to the brim. The volume may
also be calculated from the measured internal dimensions of the container.
2) The pouring cylinder should be placed concentrically on the top of the calibrating
container after being filled to the constant weight (W1). The shutter of the pouring
cylinder should be closed during the operation. The shutter should be opened and sand
allowed to run out. When no further movement of sand takes place in the cylinder, the
shutter should be closed. The pouring cylinder should be removed and weighed to the
nearest gram.
3) These measurements should be repeated at least thrice and the mean weight (W3)
taken.
Measurement of soil density
The following method should be followed for the measurement of soil density:
1) A flat area, approximately 450 sq. mm of the soil to be tested should be exposed and
trimmed down to a level surface, preferably with the aid of the scraper tool.
2) The metal tray with a central hole should be laid on the prepared surface of the soil
with the hole over the portion of the soil to be tested.
3) The hole in the soil should then be excavated using the hole in the tray as a pattern, to
the depth of the layer to be tested up to a maximum of 150 mm. The excavated soil
should be carefully collected, leaving no loose material in the hole and weighed to the
nearest gram (Ww). The metal tray should be removed before the pouring cylinder is
placed in position over the excavated hole.
4) The water content (w) of the excavated soil should be determined as discussed earlier.
Alternatively, the whole of the excavated soil should be dried and weighed (Wd).
5) The pouring cylinder, filled to the constant weight (W1) should be so placed that the
base of the cylinder covers the hole concentrically. The shutter should then be opened
and sand allowed to run out into the hole. The pouring cylinder and the surrounding
area should not be vibrated during this period. When no further movement of sand
takes place, the shutter should be closed. The cylinder should be removed and weighed
to the nearest gram (W4).
CALCULATIONS
1) The weight of sand (Wa) in gm, required to fill the calibrating container should be
calculated from-
2) The bulk density ( ) of the sand in kg/m3 should be calculated from-
Page | 41
3) The weight of sand (Wb) in gm, required to fill the excavated hole should be calculated
from-
4) The bulk density ( ) , that is, the weight of the wet soil per cubic meter should be
calculated from-
5) The dry density ( ) , that is, the weight of the dry soil per cubic meter should be
calculated from-
EXAMPLE DATASHEET
Mean weight of sand in cone (of pouring cylinder), W2 (gm) 450
Volume of calibrating container, V (ml) 980
Weight of sand + Cylinder before pouring, W1 (gm) 11,040
Mean Weight of sand + Cylinder after pouring, W3 (gm) 9,120

Weight of sand to fill calibrating container,
1,470
(gm)
Bulk density of sand,
1,500
(kg/m3)
Measurement of Soil Density
Weight of wet soil from the hole, Ww (gm) 2,310 2,400 2,280
Weight of sand + Cylinder before pouring, W1 (gm) 11,040 11,042 11,037

Mean Weight of sand + Cylinder after pouring, W4
8,840 8,752 8,882
(gm)
Weight of sand in the hole,
1,750 1,840 1,705
(gm)
Bulk density,
1,980 1,957 2,006
Water content, w (%) 18.48 18.81 19.26

Dry density,
1,671 1,647 1,682
Average Dry density (kg/m3) 1,667
Page | 42
DATASHEET
Mean weight of sand in cone (of pouring cylinder), W2

(gm)
Volume of calibrating container, V (ml)
Weight of sand + Cylinder before pouring, W1 (gm)

(gm)
Weight of sand to fill calibrating container,

(gm)
Bulk density of sand,

(kg/m3)
Measurement of Soil Density
Weight of wet soil from the hole, Ww (gm)
Weight of sand + Cylinder before pouring, W1 (gm)

(gm)
Weight of sand in the hole,

(gm)
Bulk density,
Water content, w (%)
Dry density,
Average Dry density (kg/m3)
Page | 43
EXPERIMENT 08
UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST
SCOPE
The shear strength of a soil is its resistance to shearing stresses. It is a measure of the soil
resistance to deformation by continuous displacement of its individual soil particles. Shear
strength in soils depends primarily on interactions between particles. Shear failure occurs
when the stresses between the particles are such that they slide or roll past each other.
Therefore, the shear strength of a soil mass can be defined as the internal resistance per
unit area that the soil mass can offer to resist failure and sliding along any plane inside it.
The knowledge about the strength of soil is a must in order to analyze soil stability
problems such as bearing capacity, slope stability and lateral pressure on earth retaining
structures.
Soil derives its shear strength from two sources:
 Cohesion between particles (stress independent component)

 Cementation between sand grains
 Electrostatic attraction between clay particles
 Frictional resistance between particles (stress dependent component)
Cohesion (c) is a measure of the forces that cement particles of soils.
Internal Friction Angle ( ) is the measure of the shear strength of soils due to friction.
Mohr-Coulomb failure theory
This theory states that a material fails because of a critical combination of normal stress
and shear stress, and not from their either maximum normal or shear stress alone.
According to this theory, the Shear Strength ( ) of a soil can be expressed as:
Where,
Depending on the source of its strength, soil can be divided in following two types:
 Cohesive soil
 Cohesionless soil
Cohesive soils are those in which individual particles exhibit inter-attraction among them.
There is no cohesion or attraction among the particles of Cohesionless soils. The shear
strength of a Cohesionless soil is derived from the friction between particles or grains and
the interlocking of them. In general, Sandy soils are Cohesionless soil and Clayey soils are
Page | 44
Cohesive soils. Therefore, for Sandy soils, ; and for Clayey soils, . If the two types
of soils, i.e. clay and sand are mixed, then both the cohesion and friction angle contributes
to the shear strength of the mixed soil.
The Unconfined Compression Test is a special type of Unconsolidated-Undrained test,

which is commonly employed to determine the Unconfined Compressive Strength of clayey
soils. According to the ASTM standard, the unconfined compressive strength (qu) is defined
as the compressive stress at which an unconfined cylindrical specimen of soil will fail in a
simple compression test. The undrained shear strength (su) of a cohesive soil is equal to
one-half the unconfined compressive strength (qu) when the soil is under the
condition. The most critical condition for the soil usually occurs immediately after
construction, which represents undrained conditions, when the undrained shear strength is
basically equal to the cohesion (c). This is expressed as:
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 2166
EQUIPMENT
 Unconfined Compression device

 Load and deformation dial gauges
 Sample trimming equipment
 Balance
Page | 45
Figure 8.1 Unconfined Compression Test
PROCEDURE
1) Extrude the soil sample from Shelby tube sampler. Cut a soil specimen so that the ratio
(L/d) is approximately between 2 and 2.5; Where L and d are the length and diameter
of soil specimen, respectively. Take L=3” and d=1.5”
2) Measure the exact diameter of the top of the specimen at three locations 120° apart,
and then make the same measurements on the bottom of the specimen. Average the
measurements and record the average as the diameter on the data sheet.
3) Measure the exact length of the specimen at three locations 120° apart, and then
average the measurements and record the average as the length on the data sheet.
4) Weigh the sample and record the mass on the data sheet.
5) Calculate the deformation ( L) corresponding to 15% strain ( ).
6) Carefully place the specimen in the compression device and center it on the bottom
plate. Adjust the device so that the upper plate just makes contact with the specimen
and set the load and deformation dials to zero.
7) Apply the load so that the device produces an axial strain at a rate of 0.5% to 2.0% per
minute, and then record the load and deformation dial readings on the data sheet at
every 20 to 50 divisions on deformation the dial.
8) Keep applying the load until the load (load dial) decreases on the specimen
significantly, the load holds constant for at least four deformation dial readings, or the
deformation is significantly past the 15% strain that was determined in step 5.
9) Draw a sketch to depict the sample failure.
Page | 46
CALCULATION
1) Convert the dial readings to the appropriate load and length units, and enter these
values on the data sheet in the deformation and total load columns. (Confirm that the
conversion is done correctly, particularly proving dial gage readings conversion into
load)
2) Compute the sample cross-sectional area.
3) Compute the strain.
4) Computed the corrected area.
5) Using A’, compute the specimen stress.
(Be careful with unit conversions and use constant units)
6) Plot the stress versus strain curve. Show qu as the peak stress (or at 15% strain) of the
test. Be sure that the strain is plotted on the abscissa.
7) Draw Mohr’s circle using qu from the last step and show the undrained shear strength,
su = c (or cohesion) = qu/2.
Page | 47
DATA SHEET
UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST
Sample Height, L :
Sample Diameter, d :
Initial Cross-Sectional Area, A :
Deformation Dial : 1 unit =
Proving Ring No :
Load Dial : 1 unit =
Sample Corrected
Deformation Load Dial Deformation Strain % Area Load Stress
Dial Reading Reading L ( ) Strain A'
Page | 48
EXPERIMENT 09
STANDARD PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST
SCOPE
In construction of highway embankments, earth dams and many other engineering

structures, loose soils must be compacted to improve their strength by increasing their unit
weight. Compaction of soil is desirable for the following reasons-
 To increase the bearing capacity of foundations.

 To decrease the undesirable future settlement of structures.
 To control undesirable volume changes.
 To reduce permeability or hydraulic conductivity.
 To increase the stability of slopes.
There are four controlling factors affecting the extent of compaction.
1) Moisture Content
2) Dry Unit Weight (Dry Density)
3) Compaction Effort
4) Soil Type and Gradation
Compaction is the densification of soil by removing air voids using mechanical equipment.
The degree of compaction is measured in terms of its dry unit weight. When water is added
to the soil during compaction, it acts as a softening agent on the soil particles. The soil
particles slip over each other and move into a densely packed position. The dry unit weight
after compaction first increases as the moisture content increases. When the moisture
content is gradually increased and the same compactive effort is used for compaction, the
weight of the soil solids in a unit volume gradually increases. Beyond a certain moisture
content, any increase in the moisture content tends to reduce the dry unit weight. This
phenomenon occurs because the water takes up the spaces that would have been occupied
by the solid particles.
The moisture content at which the maximum dry unit weight is attained is referred to as
the Optimum Moisture Content.
For example (in figure 9.1),
At a moisture content, , the moist unit weight is equal to the dry unit weight
, or
at
However, the dry unit weight at this moisture content is given by
Page | 49
At the dry unit weight is the maximum. After addition of more water, the dry unit
weight decreases.
Figure 9.1 Demonstration of Optimum Moisture Content
This laboratory test is performed to determine the relationship between the moisture
content and the dry density of a soil for a specified compactive effort and to obtain the
Maximum Dry Unit Weight and the Optimum Moisture Content.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 698
EQUIPMENT
 Standard Proctor Compaction Device

 Mold
 10.16 cm (4 inch) Diameter
 11.684 cm (4.6 inch) Height
 944 cm3 (1/30 ft3) Volume
 Removable Mold Collar

 10.16 cm (4 inch) Diameter
 6.35 cm (2.5 inch) Height
 Hammer
 5.08 cm (2 inch) Diameter Face
 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) Mass
 #4 Sieve
 Straight edge and Knife
 Large Mixing Pan
 Balance
Page | 50
 Drying Oven
 Moisture Can
 Mechanical Extruder/Rejector
Figure 9.2 Standard Proctor Compaction Test
PROCEDURE
1) Obtain approximately 10 lbs of soil passing No. 4 sieve.

2) Record the weight of the Proctor mold without the base and the (collar) extension, the
volume of which is 1/30 ft3.
3) Assemble the compaction apparatus.
4) Form a 2 to 3 inch layer of soil in the mold and gently press it to smooth its surface.
5) Compact the layer using 25 well distributed blows of the Proctor hammer using a 12
inch free drop.
Page | 51
6) Repeat the procedure with a second and third layer. After compaction of the third layer,
the surface of the soil should be slightly above the rim of the mold.
7) Carefully detach the collar without disturbing the soil inside the mold and trim off the
compacted soil so that it is completely even with the top of the mold using the straight
edge. Replace small bits of soil that may fall out during the trimming process.
8) Remove the base and determine the weight of the mold and compacted soil.
9) Take two samples (approximately 20-30 gm each): one from the top and another from
the bottom of the compacted soil specimen and keep them in two moisture cans
weighed before. Keep the samples in dry oven for 24 hours.
10) Weigh the moisture cans with dry soil and determine the water content of each and
average them.
11) Break up the remainder of the molded soil, thoroughly remix it with the original sample
and raise its water content approximately 3 % by adding water to the sample.
12) Repeat steps 3 to 9 each time raising the water content approximately 3 % until five or
six runs have been made and the soil becomes very wet and sticky.
CALCULATION
1) Compute Dry Unit weight from the following-
Where,
2) Plot Dry Unit weight vs. Moisture Content curve (Smooth curve).
3) Determine the Optimum Moisture Content, which corresponds to the maximum dry
unit weight, from the plot.
4) Also plot the zero air void curve using the following-
Page | 52
Sample Datasheet & Curve
Determination of Moisture Content
Sample No. 01 02 03
Moisture Can/Specimen Container
12 15 87 45 34 13
No.
Mass of Moisture Can/Specimen
45.0 44.0 51.0 49.0 43.0 53.0
Container (gm), M1
100.0 101.0 112.0 107.0 96.0 113.0
Container + Wet Soil (gm), M2
95.0 95.4 104.7 100.0 88.0 104.0
Container + Dry Soil (gm), M3
Mass of Water (gm),
5.0 5.6 7.3 7.0 8.0 9.0
Mw = M 2 – M 3
Mass of Dry Soil (gm),
50.0 51.4 53.7 51.0 45.0 51.0
Ms = M 3 - M 1
10.0 10.9 13.6 13.7 17.8 17.6
Average Moisture Content (%) 10.4 13.7 17.7
Determination of Moisture Content
Sample No. 04 05 06
9 56 76 63 21 54
No.
48.0 47.0 53.0 50.0 44.0 47.0
Container (gm), M1
104.5 105.3 117.0 112.0 100.0 99.0
95.0 95.4 104.7 100.0 88.0 87.6
Mass of Water (gm),
9.5 9.9 12.3 12.0 12.0 11.4
Mw = M 2 – M 3
47.0 48.4 51.7 50.0 44.0 40.6
Ms = M 3 - M 1
20.2 20.5 23.8 24.0 27.3 28.1
Average Moisture Content (%) 20.3 23.9 27.7
Page | 53
Determination of Dry Density
Mold Volume = 944 cm3 (1/30 ft3)
Sample No. 01 02 03 04 05 06
Average Water Content, w

10.4 13.7 17.7 20.3 23.9 27.7
(%)
Mass of Compacted Soil &
3420 3553 3760 3570 3562 3529
Mold (gm)
Mass of Mold (gm) 1900 1890 1910 1897 1930 1912
Wet Mass of soil in Mold

1520 1663 1850 1673 1632 1617
(gm),
Dry Unit Weight ,
14.31 15.20 16.33 14.45 13.69 13.16
Dry Unit Weight at 100 %

20.38 19.07 17.70 16.90 15.92 14.99
Saturation ,
RESULT
Optimum Moisture Content : 17.8 %

Maximum Dry Density : 16.4 kN/m3
Page | 54
DATASHEET
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT 01
Sample No. 01 02 03

No.

Container (gm), M1


Mass of Water (gm),

Mw = M 2 – M 3

Ms = M 3 - M 1
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT 02
Sample No. 04 05 06

No.

Container (gm), M1


Mass of Water (gm),

Mw = M 2 – M 3

Ms = M 3 - M 1
Page | 55
DETERMINATION OF DRY DENSITY
Mold Volume =
Sample No. 01 02 03 04 05 06
Average Water Content, w

(%)
Mass of Compacted Soil &

Mold (gm)
Mass of Mold (gm)
Wet Mass of soil in Mold

(gm),
Dry Unit Weight ,
Dry Unit Weight at 100 %

Saturation ,
RESULT
Optimum Moisture Content :

Maximum Dry Density :
Page | 56
EXPERIMENT 10
RELATIVE DENSITY OF SAND
SCOPE
The term Relative Density is commonly used to indicate the in situ denseness or looseness
of granular soil. Relative density or density index is the ratio of the difference between the
void ratios of a cohesionless soil in its loosest state and existing natural state to the
difference between its void ratio in the loosest and densest states. It is expressed as-
Where,
The values of may vary from a minimum of 0% for very loose soil to a maximum of
100% for very dense soils. In-place soils seldom have relative densities less than 20 to 30%.
Compacting a granular soil to a relative density greater than about 85% is difficult.
Table 10.1 Qualitative Description of Granular Soil Deposits
Relative Density Description of Soil

(%) Deposit
0 – 15 Very loose
15 – 50 Loose
50 – 70 Medium
70 – 85 Dense
85 – 100 Very dense
The relationships for relative density can also be defined in terms of porosity.
Page | 57
Where,
Thus,
The relative density can be expressed in terms of maximum and minimum dry unit weights.
Thus,
[ ] [ ]
[ ][ ]
[ ] [ ]
Where,
Relative density and percent compaction are commonly used for evaluating the state of
compactness of a given soil mass. The engineering properties, such as shear strength,
compressibility, and permeability, of a given soil depend on the level of compaction.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 2049
EQUIPMENT
 Cylindrical Mold
 Scale
 Balance
 Funnel
 Hammer
PROCEDURE
Determination of
1) First determine the internal height and diameter of the mold.

2) Determine the volume (V) of the mold.
3) Determine the mass (Mm) of the mold.
4) Fill the mold with the soil sample (approximately 0.5 inch to 1 inch above the top of the
mold) as loosely as possible by pouring the soil using a scoop or pouring device
(funnel). Spiraling motion should be just sufficient to minimize particle segregation.
Page | 58
5) Trim off the excess soil level with the top by carefully trimming the soil surface with a
straightedge.
6) Determine and record the weight of the mold and soil (M1).
Determination of
1) Fill the mold with the soil again in 5 layers; each layer having 20 blows of hammer all
around the mold.
2) Trim off the excess soil level with the top by carefully trimming the soil surface with a
straightedge.
3) Determine and record the weight of the mold and compacted soil (M2).
Determination of
1) The dry density can be determined from the equation-
Where,
2) For this test, the dry density will be given in the class.
CALCULATION
1) Determine as follows-
2) Determine as follows-
3) Determine the Relative Density in percent as follows-
[ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
Page | 59
EXAMPLE DATASHEET
Height of the Mold : cm
Internal Diameter of the Mold : cm
Volume of the Mold : 3,326.57 cm3
Mass of the Mold (gm), 7,100
Mass of the Mold + Loose Soil (gm), 11,560
Weight of the Loose Soil (gm), 4,460
Dry Density of Loose Soil (gm/cm3), 1.34
Mass of the Mold + Dense Soil (gm), 12,320
Weight of the Dense Soil (gm), 5,220
Dry Density of Dense Soil (gm/cm3), 1.57
In situ Dry Density (gm/cm3), 1.45
Relative Density (%),

[ ] [ ]
51.78
[ ] [ ]
Page | 60
DATASHEET
RELATIVE DENSITY OF SAND
Height of the Mold : cm
Internal Diameter of the Mold : cm
Volume of the Mold : cm3
Mass of the Mold (gm),
Mass of the Mold + Loose Soil (gm),
Weight of the Loose Soil (gm),
Dry Density of Loose Soil (gm/cm3),
Mass of the Mold + Dense Soil (gm),
Weight of the Dense Soil (gm),
Dry Density of Dense Soil (gm/cm3),
In situ Dry Density (gm/cm3),
Relative Density (%),

[ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
Page | 61
EXPERIMENT 11
DIRECT SHEAR TEST
SCOPE
The definition and importance of shear strength of soil have been discussed earlier in the
unconfined compression test.
The Direct shear test is one of the oldest and simplest forms of shear strength test methods.
This method is used to determine the shear strength of both cohesive soil and cohesionless
soil. From the plot of the shear stress versus the horizontal displacement, the maximum
shear stress is obtained for a specific vertical confining stress. After the experiment is run
several times for various vertical-confining stresses, a plot of the maximum shear stresses
versus the vertical (normal) confining stresses for each of the tests is produced. From the
plot, a straight-line approximation of the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope curve can be
drawn, may be determined, and, for cohesionless soils (c = 0), the shear strength can be
computed from the following equation:
Where,
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 3080
EQUIPMENT
 Direct shear device

 Load and deformation dial gauges
 Balance
TEST PROCEDURE
1) Weigh the initial mass of soil in the pan.

2) Measure the diameter and height of the shear box. Compute 15% of the diameter in
millimeters.
3) Carefully assemble the shear box and place it in the direct shear device. Then place a
porous stone and a filter paper in the shear box.
4) Place the sand into the shear box and level off the top. Place a filter paper, a porous
stone, and a top plate (with ball) on top of the sand
5) Remove the large alignment screws from the shear box! Open the gap between the
shear box halves to approximately 0.025 in using the gap screws, and then back out the
gap screws.
6) Weigh the pan of soil again and compute the mass of soil used.
Page | 62
Figure 11.1 Direct Shear Test
Page | 63
7) Complete the assembly of the direct shear device and initialize the three gauges
(Horizontal displacement gage, vertical displacement gage and shear load gage) to zero.
8) Set the vertical load (or pressure) to a predetermined value, and then close bleeder
valve and apply the load to the soil specimen by raising the toggle switch.
9) Start the motor with selected speed so that the rate of shearing is at a selected constant
rate, and take the horizontal displacement gauge, vertical displacement gage and shear
load gage readings. Record the readings on the data sheet. (Note: Record the vertical
displacement gage readings, if needed).
10) Continue taking readings until the horizontal shear load peaks and then falls, or the
horizontal displacement reaches 15% of the diameter.
CALCULATION
1) Calculate the density of the soil sample from the mass of soil and volume of the shear
box.
2) Convert the dial readings to the appropriate length and load units and enter the values
on the data sheet in the correct locations. Compute the sample area A, and the vertical
(Normal) stress-
Where, P = normal vertical force, and = normal vertical stress
3) Calculate shear stress ( ) using-
Where, H = Shear/Horizontal force
4) Plot the horizontal shear stress ( ) versus horizontal (lateral) displacement H.

5) Calculate the maximum shear stress for each test.
6) Plot the value of the maximum shear stress versus the corresponding vertical stress for
each test, and determine the angle of internal friction ( ) from the slope of the
approximated Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope.
Page | 64
EXAMPLE DATA SHEET
Date Tested : June 30, 2012

Tested By : Sharif
Project Name : Geotech Lab
Sample Number : K-3
Visual Classification : Brown uniform sand
Shear Box Inside Diameter : 6.3 cm

Area (A) : 31.17 cm2 = 4.83 in2
Shear Box Height : 4.9 cm
Soil Volume : 119.9 cm3
Initial mass of soil and pan : 1000. g
Final mass of soil and pan : 720.82 cm
Mass of soil : 279.18 g
Density of soil : 1.65 g/cm3
Normal Stress: 2.27 psi
Horizontal Horizontal
Horizontal Dial Load Dial Shear Stress
Displacement Shear Force
Reading Reading (psi)
(in) (lb)
0 0 0 0.000 0.000
10 0.01 4 3.360 0.696
20 0.02 4.3 3.522 0.729
30 0.03 4.8 3.792 0.785
40 0.04 5 3.900 0.807
50 0.05 7 4.980 1.031
60 0.06 8 5.520 1.143
70 0.07 13.5 8.490 1.758
80 0.08 15 9.300 1.925
90 0.09 17 10.380 2.149
100 0.1 19 11.460 2.373
110 0.11 20 12.000 2.484
120 0.12 22 13.080 2.708
130 0.13 22.5 13.350 2.764
140 0.14 23 13.620 2.820
150 0.15 23.5 13.890 2.876
160 0.16 25 14.700 3.043
170 0.17 25.5 14.970 3.099
180 0.18 26 15.240 3.155
190 0.19 27 15.780 3.267
200 0.2 27.5 16.050 3.323
210 0.21 28 16.320 3.379
220 0.22 25 14.700 3.043
Page | 65
(in) (lb)
0 0 0 0.000 0.000
10 0.01 8 5.520 1.143
20 0.02 12 7.680 1.590
30 0.03 13.5 8.490 1.758
40 0.04 15 9.300 1.925
50 0.05 18.5 11.190 2.317
60 0.06 21 12.540 2.596
70 0.07 23 13.620 2.820
80 0.08 26 15.240 3.155
90 0.09 30 17.400 3.602
100 0.1 33.5 19.290 3.994
110 0.11 36 20.640 4.273
120 0.12 39 22.260 4.609
130 0.13 41.5 23.610 4.888
140 0.14 44.5 25.230 5.224
150 0.15 47 26.580 5.503
160 0.16 49 27.660 5.727
170 0.17 47 26.580 5.503
180 0.18 44 24.960 5.168
(in) (lb)
0 0 0 0.000 0.000
10 0.01 12 7.680 1.590
20 0.02 18 10.920 2.261
30 0.03 24 14.160 2.932
40 0.04 28 16.320 3.379
50 0.05 32.5 18.750 3.882
60 0.06 36.5 20.910 4.329
70 0.07 40 22.800 4.720
80 0.08 44 24.960 5.168
90 0.09 48 27.120 5.615
100 0.1 50.5 28.470 5.894
110 0.11 55 30.900 6.398
120 0.12 60 33.600 6.957
130 0.13 64 35.760 7.404
140 0.14 67.5 37.650 7.795
150 0.15 71 39.540 8.186
160 0.16 68 37.920 7.851
170 0.17 64 35.760 7.404
Page | 66
180 0.18 59 33.060 6.845
Page | 67
DATA SHEET
DIRECT SHEAR TEST
Date Tested :
Tested By :
Project Name :
Sample Number :
Visual Classification :
Shear Box inside Diameter :

Area (A) :
Shear Box Height :
Soil Volume :
Initial mass of soil and pan :
Final mass of soil and pan :
Mass of soil :
Density of soil :
Normal Stress:
(in) (lb)
Page | 68
Normal Stress: Normal Stress:
Horizontal Horizontal Horizontal Horizontal Horizontal Horizontal

Load Dial Shear Stress Load Dial Shear Stress
Dial Displacement Shear Force Dial Displacement Shear Force
Reading Reading
Reading Reading
Page | 69
EXPERIMENT 12
CONSOLIDATION TEST
SCOPE
The consolidation properties determined from the consolidation test are used to estimate
the magnitude and the rate of both primary and secondary consolidation settlement of a
structure or an earth-fill. Estimates of this type are of key importance in the design of
engineered structures and the evaluation of their performance.
This test is performed to determine the magnitude and rate of volume decrease that a
laterally confined soil specimen undergoes when subjected to different vertical pressures.
From the measured data, the consolidation curve (pressure-void ratio relationship) can be
plotted. This data is useful in determining the compression index, the recompression index
and the pre-consolidation pressure (or maximum past pressure) of the soil. In addition, the
data obtained can also be used to determine the coefficient of consolidation and the
coefficient of secondary compression of the soil.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 2435
EQUIPMENT
 Consolidation device (including ring, porous stones, water reservoir, and load plate)
 Dial gauge
 Sample trimming device
 Glass plate
 Metal straight edge
 Clock
 Moisture can
 Filter paper
PROCEDURE
1) Weigh the empty consolidation ring together with glass plate.

2) Measure the height (h) of the ring and its inside diameter (d).
3) Extrude the soil sample from the sampler, generally thin-walled Shelby tube. Determine
the initial moisture content and the specific gravity of the soil. Cut approximately a
three-inch long sample. Place the sample on the consolidation ring and cut the sides of
the sample to be approximately the same as the outside diameter of the ring. Rotate the
ring and pare off the excess soil by means of the cutting tool so that the sample is
reduced to the same inside diameter of the ring. It is important to keep the cutting tool
in the correct horizontal position during this process.
Page | 70
Figure12.1 Consolidation Device
4) As the trimming progresses, press the sample gently into the ring and continue until the
sample protrudes a short distance through the bottom of the ring. Be careful
throughout the trimming process to insure that there is no void space between the
sample and the ring.
5) Turn the ring over carefully and remove the portion of the soil protruding above the
ring. Using the metal straight edge, cut the soil surface flush with the surface of the
ring. Remove the final portion with extreme care.
6) Place the previously weighed Saran-covered glass plate on the freshly cut surface, turn
the ring over again, and carefully cut the other end in a similar manner.
7) Weigh the specimen plus ring plus glass plate.
8) Carefully remove the ring with specimen from the Saran-covered glass plate and peel
the Saran from the specimen surface. Center the porous stones that have been soaking,
on the top and bottom surfaces of the test specimen. Place the filter papers between
porous stones and soil specimen. Press very lightly to make sure that the stones adhere
to the sample. Lower the assembly carefully into the base of the water reservoir. Fill
the water reservoir with water until the specimen is completely covered and saturated.
Page | 71
Figure12.2 Consolidation Test
9) Being careful to prevent movement of the ring and porous stones, place the load plate
centrally on the upper porous stone and adjust the loading device.
10) Adjust the dial gauge to a zero reading.
Page | 72
11) With the toggle switch in the down (closed) position, set the pressure gauge dial (based
on calibration curve) to result in an applied pressure of 0.5 tsf (tons per square foot).
12) Simultaneously, open the valve (by quickly lifting the toggle switch to the up (open)
position) and start the timing clock.
13) Record the consolidation dial readings at the elapsed times given on the data sheet.
14) Repeat Steps 11 to 13 for different preselected pressures (generally includes loading
pressures of 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 tsf and unloading pressures of 8.0, 4.0, 2.0, 1.0
and 0.5 tsf)
15) At the last elapsed time reading, record the final consolidation dial reading and time,
release the load, and quickly disassemble the consolidation device and remove the
specimen. Quickly but carefully blot the surfaces dry with paper toweling. (The
specimen will tend to absorb water after the load is released.)
16) Place the specimen and ring on the Saran-covered glass plate and, once again, weigh
them together.
17) Weigh an empty large moisture can and lid.
18) Carefully remove the specimen from the consolidation ring, being sure not to lose too
much soil, and place the specimen in the previously weighed moisture can. Place the
moisture can containing the specimen in the oven and let it dry for 12 to 18 hours.
19) Weigh the dry specimen in the moisture can.
CALCULATION
1) Calculate the initial water content and specific gravity of the soil.
2) For each pressure increment, construct a semilog plot of the consolidation dial readings
versus the log time (in minutes). Determine D0, D50, D100, and the coefficient of
consolidation (cv) using Casagrande’s logarithm of time fitting method. See example
data. Also calculate the coefficient of secondary compression based on these plots.
3) Calculate the void ratio at the end of primary consolidation for each pressure increment
(see example data). Plot log pressure versus void ratio. Based on this plot, calculate
compression index, recompression index and preconsolidation pressure (maximum
past pressure).
4) Summarize and discuss the results.
Page | 73
Consolidation Test
Example Data Sheets
Date Tested : October 05, 2002

Tested By : Sharif
Project Name : Geotech Lab
Sample Number : UD-02
Visual Classification : Brown Clay
Before test
Mass of the ring + glass plate = 465.9 g

Inside diameter of the ring = 6.3 cm
Height of specimen, Hi = 2.7 cm
Area of specimen, A = 31.172 cm2
Mass of specimen + ring = 646.4 g
Initial moisture content, wi (%) = 19.5 %
Specific gravity of solids, Gs = 2.67
After test
Mass of wet sample + ring + glass plate = 636.5 g

Mass of can = 59.3 g
Mass of can + wet soil = 229.8 g
Mass of wet specimen = 170.50 g
Mass of can + dry soil = 208.5 g
Mass of dry specimen, Ms = 149.2 g
Final moisture content, wf (%) = 14.27 %
Calculations
Mass of solids in specimen, Ms =149.2 g

(Mass of dry specimen after test)
Mass of water in specimen before test, Mwi = wi x Ms = 0.195*149.2 = 29.094 g
Mass of water in specimen after test, Mwf (g) = wf x Ms = 0.1427*149.2 = 21.29 g
Height of solids,
(Same before and after test and

Height of water before test,
Page | 74
Height of water after test,
Change in height of specimen after test, ∑

(∑ for all pressures – see t vs Dial reading plots)
Height of specimen after test, ∑
Void ratio before test,
Void ratio after test,
Degree of saturation before test,
Degree of saturation after test,
Dry density before test,
Table : Time-Settlement Data (1 unit on dial guage = 0.0001 inches)
1/2 tsf 1 tsf 2 tsf
Time Dial Reading Time Dial Reading Time Dial Reading

0 0 0 0 0 255
0.1 13 0.1 6 0.1 255.5
0.25 18 0.25 8 0.25 256
0.5 25 0.5 11.5 0.5 256.5
1 34 1 15 1 257
2 40 2 20.5 2 257.5
4 54 4 27 4 258
8 77 10 42 8 258.5
15 90 15 46 15 262.5
30 126 31 58 30 283
60 144.5 60 79 60 286
130 160 121 81 128 292.5
300 162 240 85 240 297
1380 169 562 86 335 299
390 300
678 303
1380 303.5
1520 304
Page | 75
4 tsf 2 tsf (unloading) 1 tsf (unloading)

0 313 0 496 0 492.5
0.06 319 0.1 496 0.1 492.5
0.15 328 0.25 496 0.25 492.5
0.3 336 0.5 496.5 0.5 492
1 357 1 495 1 490.5
2 375 2 494 2 486.5
4 398 4 493.5 4 481.5
8 428 8 493 8 477.5
15 453 15 492.5 15 474.5
30 464 30 492.5 44 472.5
60 472.5 70 492.5 60 471.5
120 479.5 140 492.5 218 470.5
290 486 215 492.5
395 488
1230 496
1/2 tsf (unloading) 1 tsf 2 tsf

0 470.5 0 440.5 0 442.4
0.06 469.5 0.1 440.7 0.1 442.9
0.5 466 0.25 441 0.25 443.4
1 464.5 0.5 441.2 0.5 444.4
2 461.5 1 441.5 1 445.1
4 458.5 2 441.6 2 445.3
8 454 4 441.8 4 445.4
15 450.5 8 442 8 445.9
30 447 15 442.1 15 446.3
60 444.5 30 442.4 30 446.4
110 443.5 60 442.4 60 446.5
930 440.5 120 442.4 120 446.5
4 tsf 8 tsf 16 tsf

0 446.5 0 500 0 652
0.1 446.5 0.1 510 0.1 672
0.25 446.5 0.25 518 0.25 687
0.5 449.5 0.5 528 0.5 702
1 456.5 1 542 1 727
2 465.5 2 561.5 2 754
4 473.5 4 580 4 800.5
8 481 8 604 8 816
17 485.5 15 619.5 15 836.5
30 488 30 631.8 30 850
108 490.5 60 640 60 860
947 500 127 642 115 867
205 651
228 652
Page | 76
32 tsf
Time Dial Reading

0 867
0.1 877
0.25 893
0.5 908
1 928
2 953
4 983
8 1012
15 1027
30 1040
50 1047.5
76 1052.5
138 1060
240 1063
Page | 77
Page | 78
Page | 79
Page | 80
Page | 81
Page | 82
Page | 83
Analysis of Consolidation Test Data
Time for
∆H Coefficient of
50% D0 D100 Hj =
Pressure D50 = (from Σ ∆H H Hd consolidation Hv
consolidation (from (from D50 x 0.0001 e
(tsf) (D0+D100)x 0.5 graph) (in) (in) (in) Cv (in)
t50 graph) graph) (in)
(in) (in2/min)
(min)
0 1.06299
0.5 10 8 159 83.5 0.00835 0.01530 0.01530 1.04769 0.52385 0.00540595 0.34218 0.485
1 11.5 173 254 213.5 0.02135 0.00800 0.02330 1.03969 0.51985 0.00462931 0.33418 0.474
2 30 254 301 277.5 0.02775 0.00480 0.02810 1.03489 0.51745 0.00175822 0.32938 0.467
4 3.3 310 362 336 0.03360 0.01560 0.04370 1.01929 0.50965 0.01550557 0.31378 0.445
2 1.9 496 492.5 494.25 0.04943 -0.00040 0.04330 1.01969 0.50985 0.02695187 0.31418 0.445
1 3.5 493 472.5 482.75 0.04828 -0.00200 0.04130 1.02169 0.51085 0.01468847 0.31618 0.448
0.5 6 472 442 457 0.04570 -0.00290 0.03840 1.02459 0.51230 0.00861698 0.31908 0.452
1 1.2 441 442.4 441.7 0.04417 0.00020 0.03860 1.02439 0.51220 0.04306809 0.31888 0.452
2 0.6 443 446.5 444.75 0.04448 0.00040 0.03900 1.02399 0.51200 0.08606893 0.31848 0.451
4 2.4 446 489 467.5 0.04675 0.00430 0.04330 1.01969 0.50985 0.0213369 0.31418 0.445
8 3 504 650 577 0.05770 0.01430 0.05760 1.00539 0.50270 0.01659412 0.29988 0.425
16 2 660 861 760.5 0.07605 0.02000 0.07760 0.98539 0.49270 0.02391071 0.27988 0.397
32 3 869 1060 964.5 0.09645 0.01920 0.09680 0.96619 0.48310 0.01532534 0.26068 0.369
∑ ∑
Page | 84
Final Results
Compression Index (Cc) = 0.11

Recompression Index (Cr) = 0.013
Preconsolidation pressure (Pc) or Maximum past pressure (σvmax) = 3.5 tsf
Coefficient of consolidation (cv)= 1.54x10-2 to 9.01x10-3 in2/min
(depends on the pressure)
Coefficient of secondary compression (cα) = 0.001
(It is the slope of time vs settlement curve beyond the end of primary
consolidation)
Page | 85
CONSOLIDATION TEST
DATA SHEET
Date Tested :
Tested By :
Project Name :
Sample Number :
Visual Classification :
Before test
Mass of the ring + glass plate =

Inside diameter of the ring =
Height of specimen, Hi =
Area of specimen, A =
Mass of specimen + ring =
Initial moisture content, wi (%) =
Specific gravity of solids, Gs =
After test
Mass of wet sample + ring + glass plate =

Mass of can =
Mass of can + wet soil =
Mass of wet specimen =
Mass of can + dry soil =
Mass of dry specimen, Ms =
Final moisture content, wf (%) =
Calculations
Mass of solids in specimen, Ms =

(Mass of dry specimen after test)
Mass of water in specimen before test, Mwi = wi x M s =
Mass of water in specimen after test, Mwf (g) = wf x Ms =
Height of solids,
Page | 86
(Same before and after test and
Height of water before test,
Height of water after test,
Change in height of specimen after test, ∑

(∑ for all pressures – see t vs Dial reading plots)
Height of specimen after test, ∑
Void ratio before test,
Void ratio after test,
Degree of saturation before test,
Degree of saturation after test,
Dry density before test,
Page | 87
Table : Time-Settlement Data (1 unit on dial guage = 0.0001 inches)
Page | 88
Page | 89
Analysis of Consolidation Test Data
Time for
∆H Coefficient of
50% D0 D100 Hj =
Pressure D50 = (from Σ ∆H H Hd consolidation Hv
consolidation (from (from D50 x 0.0001 e
(tsf) (D0+D100)x 0.5 graph) (in) (in) (in) Cv (in)
t50 graph) graph) (in)
(in) (in2/min)
(min)
∑ ∑
Page | 90
Final Results
Compression Index (Cc) =

Recompression Index (Cr) =
Preconsolidation pressure (Pc) or Maximum past pressure (σvmax) =
Coefficient of consolidation (cv)=
(depends on the pressure)
Coefficient of secondary compression (cα) =
(It is the slope of time vs settlement curve beyond the end of primary
consolidation)
Page | 91
APPENDIX
Table A-1
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF WATER
ºC 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 0.9999 0.9999 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 0.9999 0.9999 0.9998
10 0.9997 0.9996 0.9995 0.9994 0.9993 0.9991 0.9990 0.9988 0.9986 0.9984
20 0.9982 0.9980 0.9978 0.9976 0.9973 0.9971 0.9968 0.9965 0.9963 0.9960
30 0.9957 0.9954 0.9951 0.9947 0.9944 0.9941 0.9937 0.9934 0.9930 0.9926
40 0.9922 0.9919 0.9915 0.9911 0.9907 0.9902 0.9898 0.9894 0.9890 0.9885
50 0.9881 0.9876 0.9872 0.9867 0.9862 0.9857 0.9852 0.9848 0.9842 0.9838
60 0.9832 0.9827 0.9822 0.9817 0.9811 0.9806 0.9800 0.9795 0.9789 0.9784
70 0.9778 0.9772 0.9767 0.9761 0.9755 0.9749 0.9743 0.9737 0.9731 0.9724
80 0.9718 0.9712 0.9706 0.9699 0.9693 0.9686 0.9680 0.9673 0.9667 0.9660
90 0.9653 0.9647 0.9640 0.9633 0.9626 0.9619 0.9612 0.9605 0.9598 0.9591
Table A-2
VISCOSITY OF WATER
(Values are in millipoises)
ºC 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 17.94 17.32 16.74 16.19 15.68 15.19 14.73 14.29 13.87 13.48
10 13.10 12.74 12.39 12.06 11.75 11.45 11.16 10.88 10.60 10.34
20 10.09 9.84 9.61 9.38 9.16 8.95 8.75 8.55 8.36 8.18
30 8.00 7.83 7.67 7.51 7.36 7.31 7.06 6.92 6.79 6.66
40 6.54 6.42 6.30 6.18 6.08 5.97 5.87 5.77 5.68 5.58
50 5.49 5.40 5.32 5.24 5.15 5.07 4.99 4.92 4.84 4.77
60 4.70 4.63 4.56 4.50 4.43 4.37 4.31 4.24 4.19 4.13
70 4.07 4.02 3.96 3.91 3.86 3.81 3.76 3.71 3.66 3.62
80 3.57 3.53 3.48 3.44 3.40 3.36 3.32 3.28 3.24 3.20
90 3.17 3.13 3.10 3.06 3.03 2.99 2.96 2.93 2.90 2.87
100 2.84 2.82 2.79 2.76 2.73 2.70 2.67 2.64 2.62 2.59
Page | 92
Page | 93
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CE 332

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SESSIONAL

Sultan Mohammad Farooq

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

General Instructions to Students 2

01. Field Identification of Soil 3

1. “Soil Testing for Engineers” by T William Lambe.

Magnifying glass (optional)

Trace - 0 to 10% by weight

4) If the major soil constituent is sand or gravel:

Figure 1.1 Shape of Coarse-Grained Soil Particles

Examples of fine-grained soils:

Table 1.1 Grain Size Distribution

Soil Constituent Size Limits Familiar Example

Table 1.2 Criteria for Describing Shape of Coarse-Grained Soil Particles

Table 1.3(a) Criteria for Describing Dry Strength

Table 1.3(c) Criteria for Describing Soil Plasticity

None A 1/8” (3-mm) thread cannot be rolled at any water content.

Considerable time is needed, rolling and kneading the sample, to reach

Table 1.3(d) Criteria for Describing Soil Toughness

Table 1.4 Identification of Inorganic Fine-Grained Soils

Soil Symbol Dry Strength Dilatancy Toughness

Table 1.5 Criteria for Describing Soil Moisture Conditions

Dry Soil is dry to the touch, dusty, a clear absence of moisture

Wet Soil is clearly wet; water is visible when sample is squeezed

Soil Number : Soil A

6. For coarse-grained soils

Gradation : Poorly Graded

7. For fine-grained soils

8. Moisture Condition : Dry

Soil Number : Soil B

6. For coarse-grained soils

7. For fine-grained soils

Dry Strength : High

8. Moisture Condition : Moist

Gray silty clay, trace fine sand, medium plasticity, moist, CL

6. For coarse-grained soils

7. For fine-grained soils

Figure 2.1 Sieves and Sieve Shaker

For example: Total mass = 500 gm

Mass retained on No. 4 sieve = 9.7 gm

Mass retained on No. 10 sieve = 39.5 gm

For the No.4 sieve:

The percent retained is calculated as;

% retained = Mass retained/Total Mass

= (9.7/500) x 100 = 1.9 %

From this, the % passing = 100 - 1.9 = 98.1 %

4) Make a semi logarithmic plot of Percent Finer vs. Grain Size.

SAMPLE GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS CURVE

Hydrometer analysis is based on the principle of sedimentation of soil grains in water.

In the laboratory, the hydrometer test is conducted in a sedimentation cylinder usually

Figure 3.1 Hydrometer Analysis

1) Apply meniscus correction to the actual hydrometer reading.

5) Determine the temperature correction CT from Table 3.2.

Where, is the weight of soil sample in grams

9) Adjusted percent fines as follows:

% finer of #200 sieve as a percent

Hydrometer 151H Hydrometer 152H

Table 3.3 Correction Factors a for Unit Weight of Solids

Date : Hydrometer Number (if known) :