TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

938 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Civil Engineering Department

CE 401 SOIL MECHANICS

CE31S12

EXPERIMENT NO. 1

DRY PREPARATION OF DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLES

SUBMITTED BY:

Lenguaje, John Patrick M. 1914702

Magnaye, Kristan P. 2113697
Cabrillos, John Michael M. 2114153
Edangal, Ryan Clever 2115987
Punzalan, Mc Gil T. 2210782
Din, Rob Kurby R. 2210603

SUBMITTED TO:

ENGR. RANDEL LUIS PANGAN

Instructor

September 3, 2024
 Experiment No. 1
DRY PREPARATION OF DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLES

1. Objective(s):
● The activity aims to impart the standard preparation of disturbed soil samples.
● This practice covers the dry preparation of soil samples as received from the field for
particle-size analysis and the determination of the soil constants

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:
● prepare disturbed soil samples for future laboratory experiments.
● distinguish unacceptable practices in preparation of soil samples

3. Discussion:

This practice can be used to prepare samples for particle-size and plasticity tests where it is desired to
determine test values on air-dried samples, or where it is known that air drying does not have an effect
on test results relative to samples prepared.

The method of dry preparation of soil samples is used to prepare soil samples in various laboratory
experiments such as moisture content determination, particle size analysis and in determination of
Atterberg limits. It is proper that the samples be prepared in an orderly manner to avoid compromising
the results of the laboratory experiments because of errors in the preparation. Proper preparation also
will allow sufficient amount of samples for each laboratory experiment.

4. Resources:

1. Digital Weighing Scale 3. Rectangular Pan 5. Trowel

2. Mortar and Pestle 4. Standard Sieves #4 and #40

5. Procedure:

5.1 Initial Inspection:

5.1.1. Begin by visually inspecting the disturbed soil samples for any foreign particles or
debris.
5.1.2. Remove large particles such as stones, roots, and plant materials.

5.2. Sampling and Air-Drying:

5.2.1. Dry the soil sample as received from the field, using one of the following methods: (1)
in air at room temperature, (2) in a drying oven at a temperature not exceeding 140°F
(60°C).
5.2.2. Spread the soil samples in a thin layer on a clean surface and allow them to air-dry
completely. Using a mortar and pestle, break up the aggregations thoroughly.
5.2.3. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures during the drying process.
5.2.4. Select a representative sample of the amount required to perform the desired tests by
the method of quartering or by the use of a sampler.
5.2.5. Record the initial mass of the total test sample uncorrected for hygroscopic moisture
before drying.

5.3. Preparation of Test Sample:

5.3.1. Once the samples are dry, break down any clumps by gently crushing them with a
mortar and pestle.
5.3.2. Test Sample for Specific Gravity Determination
5.3.2.1. Prepare at least 150 g of representative air dry soil sample passing the no. 4 sieve
(4.75-mm)

5.3.3. Test Sample for Consistency Limit Test

5.3.3.1. Prepare at least 300 g of representative air dry soil sample passing the no. 40
sieve. Pulverize this soil sample. Be sure to break all lumps to elemental particles

5.3.4. Test Sample for Sieve Analysis.

5.3.4.1. Collect a representative air dry soil sample. Samples having largest particles of
the size of No. 4 sieve openings (4.75 mm) should be about 500 grams.

5.4. Storage:
5.4.1. Store the sieved soil fractions in labeled containers for future testing or analysis using
ziplock.
5.4.2. Ensure that containers are sealed to prevent moisture absorption
Course: CE 401 Experiment No.: 1
Group No.: 1 Section: CE31S12
Group Leader: Lenguaje, John Patrick M. Date Performed: September 24, 2024
Group Members: Magnaye, Kristan P. Date Submitted: September 3, 2024
Cabrillos, John Michael M. Instructor: Engr. Randel Luis Pangan
Edangal, Ryan Clever
Punzalan, Mc Gil T.
Din, Rob Kurby R.

6. Data and Results:

Sample # Weight (g) Description

1. 1676g Mass of the total test sample uncorrected
for hygroscopic moisture
Sample # Weight (g) Purpose
1.A 650.4g Soil for Specific Gravity Determination
1.B 518g Soil for Consistency Limit Test
1.C 432g Soil for Sieve Analysis

7. Observation and Discussion:

1. What are the things that you have observed in conducting the experiment?

- Before the experiment happened, the students observed that the soil inside the
container may lead to dampening it and this resulted in wet soil. Because of this,
air-drying the students resorted to air-drying the samples but the air-dry method takes a
lot of time. As a result, this method takes a lot of time so the students used the oven to
dry the soil faster.

2. What part of the procedure you have found difficulty in performing the experiment?

- The students struggle with the first part of the experiment, wherein you need to break
down the soil into smaller pieces with the use of mortar and pestle. This process takes
a lot of strength and endurance to execute.

3. Why is it important to prepare soil samples before conducting various tests and analyses?

- Handling the samples before conducting the experiment is very important if you want to
achieve accurate results. If the samples were not handled properly, the data that will be
gathered in the experiment will become inaccurate and inconsistent. Also, being
organized is an important attitude the students must have since you can apply this
attitude when you go out in the field.
4. How does the dry preparation of soil samples affect the accuracy of subsequent experiments?

- Dry processing the soil samples is crucial when performing an experiment since the
soil has different properties and this said properties may spoil the experiment if the
samples are moist. Dry samples of soil can modify its characteristics and structure
which can affect directly to the accuracy of the following tests. Moist samples of soil
may result in compacted samples and can affect the test in particle distribution and soil
aggregation.

5. How might the knowledge gained from this experiment be relevant in real-world scenarios?
(e.g., construction, agriculture, geotechnical engineering)

- After conducting this experiment, the students learned the importance of properly
preparing the soil samples, and the said samples may affect the experiments and
produce inaccurate data. This being said, Soil classification is an important part of
geotechnical engineering. It allows engineers to understand the properties of soil and
how it will behave under different conditions. This information is essential for designing
safe and reliable foundations, roads, and other structures.

6. What are the potential limitations of using a drying method to prepare soil samples?

- Soil Structure Alteration

- Shrinkage
- Moisture Content
- Time and Resources

7. Distinguish unacceptable practices in the preparation of soil samples.

- The students didn't engage in any sort of unacceptable practices, we only resorted to
drying the samples in a much faster way, which is by using an oven. This method is
also instructed to us by our instructor to further fasten the drying phase of the samples
8. Conclusion:

In conclusion, the students concluded that many factors including moisture should be taken into
consideration when experimenting. Moisture of the soil may affect its size and distribution since it is
more compacted than the dried soil. Furthermore, air-drying the soil has its pros and cons. Some of the
cons are; it might take too much time in air drying samples and some of the soil might be dusted off
because of the wind, affecting its general weight. Overall, the students must prepare air-dried soil for
future experiments, since its very crucial to prepare this beforehand to ensure that the representative of
a sample is ideal and consistent to ensure better results for the future experiments

9. Documentation:

CRUSHED SOIL SAMPLE USING PESTLE

INITIAL WEIGHT OF SMASHED SOIL SAMPLE

DRYING SAMPLE WITH THE USED OF AN OVEN

Assessment (Rubric for Laboratory Performance):
References:
● American Society for Testing and Materials (1999). Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for
Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Constants (D-421-85). Pennsylvania: ASTM
International
● Murthy, V.N.S. (2011). Textbook of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering. Singapore:
Alken Company
● TIP Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

Edited by Engr. Marc Daniel Laurina – Instructor in the Civil Engineering Department, T.I.P. Quezon City

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY PLEDGE

I swear on my honor that I did not use any appropriate aid, nor give such to others, in getting my
assigned questionnaire for this course activity. I fully understand that cheating and/or plagiarism is a
major offense, as stated in Section 15 of the TIP Student Manual and TIP Memorandum No. P-04, s.
2017-2018. I will wholeheartedly accept the consequences and sanctions that will be imposed on me
appropriately once I have committed such acts.

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME
Lenguaje, John Patrick M.

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME
Magnaye, Kristan P.

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME
Cabrillos, John Michael M.

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME
Edangal, Ryan Clever

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME
Punzalan, Mc Gil T.

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME
Din, Rob Kurby R.