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IS: 2720 ( Part 5 ) -1985

Indian Standard
METHOD OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART 5 DETERMINATION OF LIQUID AND PLASTIC LIMIT

( Second Revision)

Soil Engineering Sectional Committee, BDC 23

Chairman Representing
SHm SHAMS HER PRAKASH Central Building Research Institute (CSIR),
Roorkee
Members
PROF ALAM SINGH University of Jodhpur, Jodhpur
SHRr B. ANJIAH Engineering Research Laboratories, Government of
Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad
CHIEF ENGlNEER ( IPRI ) Irrigation Department, Government of Punjab,
Chandigarh
DIRECTOR ( DAM) ( Alternate)
SHRI C. S. DABKE Howe (India) Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
SHRI G. V. MURTHY ( Alternate)
Sl'IRI A. G. DAs'rIDAR In personal capacity (5 Hungerford Court, 12/1
Hungerford Str"t, Calcutta)
DIRECTOR ( D & QPC ) Public Works Department, Government of Uttar
Pradesh, Lucknow
DEPUTY DIRECTOH ( B & SD ) ( Alternate)
DIRECTOR, IRI Irrigation Department, Government of Uttar
Pradesh, Roorkee
DIREC'l'OR Central Soil & Materials Research Station, New
Delhi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR ( Alternate)
SnRr A. H. DlVANJI Asia Foundations and Construction (P) Ltd, Bombay
SHRI A. N. JANGLE (Alternate)
DR GOPAL RANJAN Univ<'rsity of Roorkee, Roorkee; and Institute of
Engineers ( India), Calcutta
SHm S. GuP'rA Cemindia Company Limited, Bombay
SHRI N. V. DE-SOUSA ( Alternate)
SHRr M. IYENGAlt Engineers India Limited, New Delhi
SHm ASHOR K. JAIN G. S. Jain and Associates, New Delhi
SUR! VIJAY K. JAIN ( Alternate)

( Continued on page 2 )
© Copyright 1985
INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act (XIV of 1957) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.
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IS : 2720 ( Part 5 ) • 1985
( Continued from page 1

Members Represtllting
JOINT DIRECTOlt RESEARCH Ministry of Railways
( GE )-1, RDSO
JOIN~' DIRECTOR RESEARCH
( GE )-ll, RDSO ( Alternate)
SHB! A. V. S. R. MrRTY Indian Geotechnical Society, New Delhi
SHRI D. R. NAHAJIAHl Ct'ntral Building Research Institute (CSIR),
Roorkee
SHItl T, K. NATRAJAN Central Road Research Institute (CSIR), New
Delhi
SJlRl RAN.T!T SINOH Ministry of Defence ( R&D)
SaRI V. B. GJIORPADE ( Alternate)
DR G. V. 'RAO Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
DR K. K. GUP1~A ( Alternate)
RESEARCH OFFII'ER ( B & RRL ) Public Works Department, Government of Punjab,
Chandigarh
SECRETARY Central Board of IrrigatIon and Power, New Delhi
DIRE()TOlt (C) ( Alternate)
SflRI N. SIVAGUltU Roads Wing ( Ministry of Shipping and Transport ),
New Delhi
SHIn U. JAYAKODI (Alternate)
SHRI K. S. SRINIVASAN National Buildings Organization, New Delhi
SHRI SUNIL BERRY ( Alternate)
DR N. SOM Jadavpur University, Calcutta
SHIt! N. SUBltAJlL\NYA:M: Karnataka Engineering Research Station,
Krisllharajasagar
COL R . R. SUDHINDRA Ministry of Defence (Engineer-in-Chief's Branch)
SHRI S. S . JOSHI ( Alternate)
SUPERINTENDING ENG I NEE R Public Works Department, Government of Tamil
(P & DC) Nadu, Madras
EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
( SMRD ) ( Altemate)
SflBI H. C. VER:\IA All India Instrument Manufacturers and Dealers
Association, Bombay
SURI H. K. GUJJA ( Alternate)
SHRI G. RAMAN, Director General, lSI ( Ex-officio Member)
Director ( Civ Engg )
Secretary
SHRI K. M. MATHUR
Senior Deputy Director ( Civ Engg ), lSI

( Continued on page 16 )

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IS : 2720 '( Part 5 ) • 1985

Indian Standard
METHOD OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART 5 DETERMINATION OF L1QUIO AND PLASTIC LIMIT

( Second Revision)

O. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard ( Part 5 ) ( Second Revision) was adopted by
the Indian Standards Institution on 25 January 1985, after the draft
finalized by the Soil Engineering Sectional Committee had been approved
by the Civil Engineering Division Council.

0.2 With a view to establish uniform procedures for the determination of

-different characteristics of soils and to facilitate comparative study of
the results, the Indian Standards Institution is bringing out the 'Indian
Standard methods of test for soils' ( IS : 2720 ) which is being published
in 'parts covering various properties of soils. This Part 5, whir h ,deals
with the methods of test for the determination of liquid and plasti c limits
and other related indices of soils, was first published in 1965 and rc\i ~ cd
in 1970.
0.2.1 In this second revision, cone penetration method has been revise,d
based on the 'revised cone' which is now universally used in other
countries. The conventional Casagrande apparatus has certain short-
comings, such as the difficulty of cutting groove in soils of low plasticity
and the tendency of soils to slip rather than flow. Cor.e penetrometer
forms an alternative method to overcome the inherent shortcomings.
0.3 The liquid and plastic limits of soils are both dependent on the
amount and type of clay in a wil and form the basi s for the soil classifi-
cation system for cohesive soils based on the plasticity tests. Besides
their use for identification, the plasticity tests give information concerning
the cohesion properties of soil and the amount of capillary water which
it can hold. They are also used directly in specifications for controlling
soil for use in fill. These index properties of soil have also been related
to various other properties of the soil.

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IS : 2720 ( Part 5) • 1985

0.4 In reporting the result of a test or analysis mac:e in accordance with

this standard, if the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded
off, it shall be clone in accordance with IS: 2-1960*.

1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard ( Part 5 ) lays down methods of test for the determina-
tion of the liquid limit and plastic limit of soils. Three methods, namely,
mechanical method, one point method and the cone method are given
for the determination of li<1uid limit.
1.1.1 Liquid limits over about 120 percent shall be obtained by the
procedure specified in 3 or 4. The one point method shall not be used
for highly organic soils ( see Note ).
NO'£E - The one point method may be applicable to the region for which the
constants are obtained based upon results of tests on soils from that region. For all
national and international reports the results obtained by the method in 3 or 4 may be
reported.
1.2 The methods for calculating the following indices which are related
to the liquid and plastic limits are also given:
a) Flow index ( Jee 3.5.2 ),
b) Plasticity index ( see 8 ),
c) Toughness index ( see 9 ),
d) Liquidity index ( or water plasticity ratio) (see 10), and
e) Consistency index ( see 11 ).

2. TERMINOLOGY
2.1 For the purpose of this standard, definitions of terms given in
IS: 2809-1972t shall apply.

3. TEST FOR THE DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT

( MECHANICAL METHOD)
3.1 Apparatus
3.1.1 Mechanical Liquid Limit Device - It shall conform to IS : 9259-
1979;.
3.1.2 Grooving Tool - It shall conform to IS : 9259-1979+.

"'Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised). . .

tGlossary of terms and symbols relating to soil engineering (first revISIon).
tSpecification for liquid limit apparatus for soils.

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IS : 2720 ( Part 5 ) - 1985

3.1.3 Porcelain Evaporating Dish - about 12 to 15 cm in diameter.

3.1.4 Flat Glass Plate - 10 mm thick and about 45 em square or larger
( alternative to porcelain evaporating dish for Illixing soil with water ).
3.1.5 Spatula - flexible, with the blacle about 8 em long and 2 em wide
( for mixing soil and water in the porcelain evaporating dish ).
3.1.6 Palette Knives - two, with the blade about 20 em long and 3 em
wide ( for mixing soil and water on the flat glass plate ).
3.1.7 Balance - sensitive to 0'01 g.
3.1.8 Oven - thermostatically controlled with interior of non-corroding
material to maintain the temperature between 105 and 11 noe.
3.1.9 Wash Bottle or Beaker - containing di'stilled water.
3.1.10 Containers - air-tight and ,non-corrodible for determination of
moisture content.
3.2 Soil SaID pIe - A sample weighing about 120 g shall be taken from
the thoroughly mixed portion of material passing 425-micron IS Sieve
[see IS: 460 (Part 1 )-1978*] obtained in accordance with IS : 2720
( Part 1 )-1983t ( see Note and 6.2 ) .
NOTE - When no stones are present in the soil and practically all of the soil passes
425-micron IS Sieve, there is sometimes a practice of testing samples without previo-
usly preparing them. When soils are tested in the natural condition, the results will
usually differ from those obtained with air-dried samples. The test record sh,,1l state
that soil in the natural condition was used.
If this is done and stones are present, only the material passing
425-micron IS Sieve shall be used for the test; this can be obtained by
rubbing the wet soil through the sieve until a sufficient quantity of the
size passing 425-micron IS ~ieve is obtained.
3.3 AdjustlDent of the Mechanical Device
3.3.1 The liquid limit device shan be inspected to determine that
it is clean, dry and in good working order, that the cup falls freely and
it does not have too much side play at its hinse. The grooving tool shall
also be inspected to determine that it is clean and dry.
3.3.2 Using the gauge on the handle of the grooving tool or a separate
gauge and by means of the adjustment plate of the mechanical liquid
limit device, the height through which the cup is lifted and dropped
shaII be adjusted so that the point on the cup which comes in contact

*Specification for test sieves: Part I Wire cloth test sievf's ( second revision ).
t Methods of test for soils; Part 1 Preparation of dry soil samples for various tests
( second revision ).

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IS : 2720 ( Part 5 ) • 1985

with the base falls through exactly one centimetre for one revolution of
the handle. The adjustment plate shall then be secured by tightening
the screw.
Non, _. If evenness of the base is not maintained in course of time, the base of
the liquid limit device should be changed.
3.4 Procedure
3.4.1 About 120 g of the soil sample passing 425-micron IS Sieve shall
be mixed thoroughly with distilled water in the evaporating dish or on
the flat glass plate to form a uniform paste. The paste shall have a
consistency that will require 30 to 35 drops of the cup to cause the
required closure of the standard groove. In the case of clayey soils, the
soil paste shall be left to stand for a sufficient time ( 24 hours) so as to
ensure uniform distribution of moisture throughout the soil mass ( see
Note 1 under 3.4.3 ).
3.4.2 The soil should then be re-mixed thoroughly before the test. A
portion of the paste shall be placed in the cup above the spot where the
cup rests on the base, squeezed down and spread into position shown in
Fig. 1, with as few strokes of the spatula as possible and at the same time
trimmed to a depth of one centimetre at the point of maximum thickness,
returning the excess soil to the dish. The soil in the cup shall be decided
by firm strokes of the grooving tool along the diameter through the
centre line of the cam follower so that a clean, sharp groove of the proper
dimensions is formed ( see Note 2 under 3.4.3). In case where grooving
tool, Type A does not give a clear groove as in sandy soils, grooving tool
Type B or Type C ( see Note 3 under 3.4.3 ) should be used.

DIVIDED SOIL CAKE

BEFORE TEST

SOIL CAKE AFTER

TEST
FIG. 1 DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING LIQUID LIMIT TEST

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( Part 5 ) • 1985

The cup shall be fitted and dropped by turning the crank at the rate
of two revolutions per second until the two halves of the soil cake come
in contact with bottom of the groove along a distance of a bout 12 mm
( see Note 4 ). This length shall be measured with the end of the grooving
tool or a ruler. The number of drops required to cause the groove
close for the length of 12 mm shall be recorded.
3.4.3 A little extra of the soil mixture shall be added to the cup and
mixed with the soil in the cup. The pat shall be made in the cup and
the test repeated as in 3.4.2. In no case shall dried soil be added to the
thoroughly mixed soil that is being tested. The procedure given in 3.4.2
and in this clause shall be repeated until two consecutive runs give the
same under of drops for closure of the groove { see Notes 4 and 5 ).
NO'l'E 1 - Light textured soils ( of low clay content) may be tested immediately
after thorough mixing of water.
NOTE 2 - To avoid tearing of the sides of the groove or slipping of the soil cake on
the cup, up to six strokes, from front to back or from back to front counting as one
stroke, shall be permitted. Each stroke penetrate a little deeper until the last stroke
from back to front scrapes the bottom of the cup clean. The groove shall be made
with as few strokes as possible.
NOTE 3 - With soils having low plasticity indices it is sometimes difficult
to cut a smooth groove in the soil with grooving tool, Type A. Grooving tool,
Type B or Type C may be used in such cases. Grooving tool, Type B inserts a wedge
into the pat of soil causing the two halves of the pat to slide at the cup-soil interface.
During the test the tendency is then for the soil to slide back again on this same face
instead of flowing as it should do. It should, therefore, be used with caution.
NOTE 4 - Some soils tend to slide on the surface of the cup instead of the soil
flowing. If this occurs, the results should be discarded and the test repf'ated until
flowing does occur. If sliding still occurs, the test is not applicable and a note ~hould
be made that the liquid limit could not be obtained.
NOTE 5 - Care shall be taken to sec that the soil paste does not dry out too rapidly
between repeat tests as the number of blows for closure will increase gradually as the
sample driQs out.
3.4.4 A representative slice of soil approximately the width of the
spatula, extending from about edge to edge of the soil cake at right angle
to the groove and including that portion of the groove in which the soil
flowed together, shall be taken in a suitable container and its moisture
content expressed as a percentage of the oven dry weight otherwise
determined as described in IS : 2720 ( Part 2 )-1973*. The remaining
soil in the cup shall be transferred to the evaporating dish and the cup
and the grooving tool cleaned thoroughly.
3.4.5 The operations specified in 3.4.2 to 3.4.4 shall be repeated for
at least three more additional trails (minimum of four in all), which
the soil collected in the evaporating dish or flat glass plate, to with
sufficient water has been added to bring the soil to a more fluid

*Methods of test for soils: Part 2 Determination of moi,ture content ( second revision ).
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18 : 2720 ( Part 5 ) - 1985

condition. In each case the number of blows shaH be recorded and the
moisture content determined as bef0re. The specimens shall be of such
consi stency that the number of drops required to -close the groove shall
be not less than 15 or more than 35 and the points on the flow curve are
evenly distributed in this range. The test should proceed from the
drier ( more drops) to the wetter ( less drops) condition of the soil. The
test may also be conducted from the wetter to the drier condition
provided drying is a1:hieved by kneading the wet soil and not by adding
dry soil.
3.5 DeterlDination of Liquid LilDit and Flow Index
3.5.1 Liquid Limit (WL) - 'A flow curve' shall be plotted on a semi-
logarithmic graph representing water content on the arithmetical scaJe
and the number of drops on the logarithmic scale. The flow curve is a
straight line drawn as nearly as possible through the four or more plotted
points. The moisture content corresponding to 25 drops as read from
the curve shall be rounded off to the nearest whole number and reported
as the liquid limit of the soil.
3.5.2 Flow Index ( Ir ) - The flow curve (stfaight line) plotted on
semi-logarithmic graph as in 3.5.1 shall be exten d ed at either end so as to
intersect the ordinates corresponding to 10 and 100 drops. The slope of
this line expressed as the difference in water contents as 10 drops and at
100 drops shall be reported as the flow index.
N()'rE - The flow index may be calculated from the following equa tion also:

where
I f = flow index,
Wl " content in percent corresponding to Nl drops, and
= moisture
W2 = moisture content in percent corresponding to N, drops.

3.6 Report
3.6.1 The results of the observations of the test shall be recorded
suita bly. A recommend~d proforma for the record of results is given in
Appendix A.
3.6.2 The liquid limit should be reported to the nearest whole number.
The history of the soil sam p le , that is, natural state, air-dried, oven
dried or unknown, the method used for the test reported and the period
of soaking allowed after mixing of water to the soil shall also be
reported.

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IS : 2720 ( Part 5 ) - 1985
4. TEST FOR THE DETERMINATION OF LIQ.UID LIMIT BY
CONE PENETRATION METHOD
4.1 The basic principle is to observe depths of penetrations of soils at
various initial moisture contents of a metal cone of a certain weight and
apex angle with the point barely touching the surface is allowed to drop
into the surface. The standardization has been to identify liquid limit
water content for a specified depth of penetration.
4.2 Apparatus
4.2.1 It shall conform to IS : 11196-1985*
4.2.2 Balance - Sensitive to 0'01 g.
4.2.3 Containers - non-corrodible and air-tight for moisture determina-
tion.
4.2.4 OVtll - thermostatically controlled with interior non-corroding
material to maintain the temperature between 105 and 110°C.
4.3 Soil Sample - A soil sample weighing about 150 g from thoroughly
mixed portion of the soil passing 425 micron IS Sieve obtained in
accordance to IS : 2720 ( Part I )-1983t.
4.4 Procedure - About 1"50 g of soil sample obtained as in 4.3 shall be
worked well into a paste with addition of distilled water. In the case of
highly clayey soils, to ensure uniform moisture distribution, it is recom-
mended that the soil in the mixed state is left for sufficient time ( 24
hours ) in an air-tight container. The wet soil paste shall then be
transferred to the cylindrical cup of cone penetrometer apparatus, ensur-
ing that no air is trapped in this process. Finally the wet soil is levelled
up to the top of the cup and placed on the base of the cone penetrometer
apparatus. The penetrometer shall be so adjusted that the cone point
just tou ches the surface of the soil paste in the cup clamped in this
position. The initial reading is either adjusted to zero or noted down as
is shown on the graduated scale. The vertical clamp is then released
allowing the cone to penetrate into the soil paste under its own weight.
The penetration of the cone after 5 seconds shall be noted to the nearest
millimelre. If the difference in penetration lies between 14 and 28 mm
the test is re pea ted with suitable adjustments to moisture either by
a d dition of more water or exposure of the spread paste on a glass plate
for re d uction in moisture content. The test shall then be repeated at
least to have four sets of values of penetration in the range of 14 to
28 mm. The exact moisture content of each trial shall be determined in
accord ance with IS : 2720 ( Part 2 )-1973:::.
·Specification for equipment for determination of liquid limit of soils by cone
pene tration method.
tMethods -for test for soils: Part I Pr eparation of dry soil samples for various tests
( second revision ).
tMethods of test for soils: Part 2 D eter mi nation of moisture content ( second revision).
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4.5 DeterDllnation of Liquid LiDlit -. A graph representing water

content on the y-axis and the cone penerration on the x-axis shall be
prepared. The best fitting straight line is then drawn. The moisture
content corresponding to cone penetration of 20 mm shall be taken as the
liquid limit of the soil and shall be expressed to the nearest first decimal
place.
4.6 Report
4.6.1 The results of observations of the test shall be recorded suitably.
4.6.2 The liquid limit should be reported to the nearest first decimal
place. The history of the sample, that is, natural state, air-dried, or
unknown, the pretreatment, if any to the soil shall be reported.

5. TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT BY

ONE ~POINT METHOD USING ( CASAGRANDE APPARATUS)
5.1 Principle - It has been established by basic characteristics of soils
and associated physico-chemical factors that critical shear strengths at
liquid limit water contents arise out of force field equilibrium and are
independent of soil type. This has lead to the formation of a scientific
base for liquid limit determination by one point method.
5.2 Apparatus - The requirements for apparatus are the same as
specified in 3.1.
5.3 Soil SaDlple - The requirements for the soil sample are the same
as specified in 3.2.
5.4 AdjustDlent of the Mechanical Device - The requirements for
mechanical device are the same as specified in 3.3.
5.5 Procedure - A sample of soil weighing at least 50 g from the
soil sample passing 425 micron IS Sieve shall be mixed thoroughly with
distilled water in the evaporating dish or on the flat glass plate to form a
uniform paste with a moisture content as near as possible to that corres-
ponding to the 25 drops value. The trial adciition of water to givE' about
25 drops may be checked with the mechanical device until experience
with the soil under test renders this stop unnecessary. The procedure
given in 3.4.1 to 3.4.4 should otherwise be followed, except that a
moisture content sample shall be taken only for the accepted trial. For
soils with liquid limits above 50 to 120 percent the accepted range shall
require between 20 and 30 drops to close the groove ( see 1.1.1 ); for soils
with liquid limit less than 50 percent a range of IS to 35 drops is accept-
able. At least two consistent consecutive closures shall -be observed before
taking the moisture content sample for calculation of the liquid limit.
The test shall always proceed from the wetter to the drier condition of the
soil.
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5.6 Computations - The water content WN of the soil of the accepted
trial shall be calculated. For the range of blows between 15 and 35 the
liquid limit water content shall be calculated employing the formula.
WN
i?32CS---=- O'231Og .fI
5.7 Report - See 4.6.

6. TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT BY ONE

POINT METHOD USING CONE PENETROMETER
APPARATUS
6.1 Principle - Since the depth of penetration is in an indirect
reflection of shear strength at different water contents, it has been found,
within the framework of a scientific base that W/WL against log D or D is
unique and is independent of soil type. The resulting linear relation
enables to determine liquid limit water content corresponding to 20 mm
penetration of the cone.

6.2 Apparatus - The requirements for apparatus are the same as

in 4.3.

6.3 Soil Sample - The requirements for the soil sample are the same
as in 4.4.
6.4 Procedure - Same as in 4.5. The accepted trial is su'ch that the
depth of cone penetration is between 16 and 26 mm.
6.5 Computations - The water content is determined for the
accepted trial. The liquid limit water content is computed from any
one of the following relationships:
WL ccc, wN/O'77 log D
WL == WN/( 0'65 + 0'017 5 D )
6.6 Report - See 4.6.
7. TEST FOR THE DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT
7.1 Apparatus
7.1.1 Porcelain Evaporating Dish - about 12 em in diameter.
or
Flat Glass Plate - 10 mm thick and about 45 em square or
larger.

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7.1.2 Spatula -- flexible, with the blade about 8 em long and 2 em

wide.
or
Palette Knives -- two, with the blade about 20 em long and 3 em
wide ( for use with flat glass plate for mixing soil and water).
7.1.3 Surface jor Rolling - ground-glass plate about 20 X 15 cm.
7.1.4 Containers - air-tight to determine moisture content.
7.1.5 Balance - sensitive to 0·0 I g.
7.1.6 Oven - thermostatically controlled with interior of non-corroding
material to maintain the temperature between 105°C and 110°C.
7.1.7 Rod - 3 mm in diameter and about 10 em long.
7.2 Soil SaDlple - A sample weighing about 20 g from the thoroughly
mixed portion of the material passing 425-micron IS Sieve, obtained in
accordance with IS : 2720 ( Part I )-1983* shaH be taken.
7.2.1 When both the liquid limit and the plastic limit of a soil are to
be determined, a quantity of soil sufficient for both the tests shall be
taken for preparation of the soil. At a stage in the process of mixing of
soil and water at which the mass becomes plastic enough to be easily
shaped into a ball, a portion of the soil s<lmple in the plastic state should
be taken for the plastic limit test.
7.3 Procedure - The soil sample shall be mixed thoroughly with
distilled water in an evaporating dish or on the flat glass plate till the
soil mass becomes plastic enough to be easily moulded with fingers. In
the case of clayey soils the plastic soil mass shall be left to stand for a
sufficient time ( 24 hours) to ensure uniform distribution of moisture
throughout the soil (see 7.2.1). A ball shall be formed with about 8 g
of this plastic soil mass and rolled between the fingers and the glass plate
with just sufficient pressure to roll the mass into a thread of uniform
diameter throughout its length. The rate of rolling shall be between 80
and 90 strokes/min counting a stroke as one complete motion of the hand
forward and back to the starting position again. The rolling shall be
done till the threads are of 3 mm diameter. The soil shall then be
kneaded together to a uniform mass and rolled again. This process of
alternate rolling and kneading shall be continued until the thread
crumbles under the pressure required for rolling and the soil can no
longer be rolled into a thread. The crumbling may occur when the
thread has a diameter greater than 3 mm. This shall be considered a

*MethOds of test for soils: Part 1 Preparation of dry soils samples for various tests
( second revision ).

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IS : 2720 ( Part 5 ) - 1985

satisfactory end point, provided the soil has been rolled into a thread
3 mrn in diarneter iffiluediately before. At no time shall an attempt be
made to produce failure at exactly 3 mm diameter by allowing the
thread to reach 3 mm, then reducing the rate of rolling or pressure or
both, and continuing the rolling without further deformation until the
thre-ad faUs apart. The pieces of crumbled soil thread shall be collected
in an air-tight container and the moisture content determined as
described in IS : 2720 ( Part 2 )-1973·.

7.4 Report

7.4.1 The observations of the test should be recorded suitably. A

recommended proforma for the record ofresuIts is given in Appendix A.

7.4.2 The moisture content determined as in 7.3 is the plastic limit of

the soil. The plastic limit shall be determined for at least three portions
of the soil passing 425-micron IS Sieve. The average of the results
calculated to the nearest whole number shall be reported as the plastic
limit of the soil.

7.4.3 The history of the soil sample ( that is, natural state, air-dried,
oven-dried or unknown) and the period of soaking allowed after mixing
of water to the soil shall also be reported.

8. PLASTICITY INDEX

8.1 Calculation - The plasticity index is calculated as the difference

between its liquid limit and plastic limit:

Plasticity index ( lp ) ,,~ liquid limit ( WL ) - plastic limit ( Wp ).

8.2 Report - The difference calculated as indicated in 8.1 shall be

reported as the plasticity index, except under the following conditions:

a) In the case of sandy soils plastic limit should be determined first.

When plastic limit cannot be determined, the plasticity index
should be reported as Np ( non-pl~stic ).
b) When the plastic limit is equal to or greater than the liquid limit,
the plasticity index shall be reported as zero.
* Methods of test for soils: Part 2 Determination of moisture content (second
revision 1.

13
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IS : 2720 ( Part 5 ) - 1985

9. TOUGHNESS INDEX
9.1 Calculation - The toughness index shall be calculated as follows:
Ip
Toughness index ( IT ) = ----
it
where
Ip = plasticity index ( see 8.1 ), and
If = flow index ( see 3.5.2 ),

10. LIQUIDITY ~NDEX

10.1 Calculation - The liquidity index shall be calculated as follows:

L lqUI 'd ex (I)

' 'd'Ity 10 L Wo
= - Wp--
-- -- ---
Jp
where
Wo = natural moisture content of the soil,
Wp =~ plastic limit of the soil, and

J p = ; plasticity index of the soil.

11. CONSISTENCY INDEX
11.1 Calculation - The consistency index shall be calculated as
follows:
WL - Wo
Consistency index ( Ie ) = Ip --

where
WI, = liquid limit of the soil,
Wo = natural moisture content of the soil, and
Ip = plasticity index of the soil.
12. GENERAL REPORT
12.1 The result of aIl1he tests and calculations may be reported in thll
proforma given in Appendix A,

14
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IS : 2720 ( Part 5 ) - 1985

APPENDIX A
C Clauses 3.6.1, 7.4.1 and 12.1 ~
PROFORMA FOR TESTS AND CALCULATIONS
IS No. with year .. .... ....... .. .. . ... .... .. . ..... .. . . Date ...... .............. . .. . .
Details of soil sample .... .. ....... ... ........... ... . Room Temperature .. . .
Natural water content ..... . ..... . .. . ..... ...... ... .
History of soil sample .... .. .. ....... .... ...... .. . .
Period of soaking of soil sample before test ........ . ... ............ ... .... .. .. . . . .
- LIQUID LIMIT PLASTIC LIMIT
I
Determination i
number 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Number of d rops
I
I ---- -- -- - - - - -- --
Container
number I I
Weight of con-
ta~ner + wet I I
1--\- -
-- - - -- -- I- -- - - --
i
soIl, g __ ____ _1_- - - - - - -
Weight of con-
tainer + .oven
I I

dry soil, g
II
- - -- - - - - -1 -- - --
Weight of water,
a
I_i_ -
-1-
b

1 -- - - -
Weight of con-
tainer, g

Weight of oven
dry soil, g
,-1-)- -- --
- 1-- I 1 - - --'

1 I
Moisture percent
RESUL T SUMMARY
Liquid Flow Plastic Plasticity Toughness Liquidity Consisten-
Limit Index Limit Index Index Index cy Index
WL If wp lp IT h Ie
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

REMARKS
15
Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to MCORE PVT LTD -
THANE([email protected]) 116.72.161.130 [for non-commercial use only].
IS : 2720 ( Part 5 ) - 1985
( Continued from pa,ge 2 )

Soi l Te~ ting Procedures Subcommittee, BDC 23 3

Convener Represe.~ ting

DR ALUl SING H Universit y ·of Jodhpur, J odhpur

Members
SURr V . N . S IN HA C entral Building R es<? ar ch Institute (CS IR ),
R oorkee
ASSIS'£A.NT R ESEA RCH O FFICE ", Irrigation Department, G overnm en t of Uttar
IRI Prad esh, Roorkee
ASSlSTAN1' RESE ARClI O FFlelm Irrigation Department, G o vernment of Punjab,
CIRRI) Chandigarh
SUR! A. K . CR ATllRVEDI Ministry of Defence ( Engineer-in-Chief's Branch)
SHRl P. V EltDARJA N ( Alternate )
DEPUTY DIRECTOR RESEARCH Ministry of R a ilways
(GE-IlI)
ARE ( GE ) ( Alternate )
DIRECTOR ( CSM & RS ) Central Soil & M at eria ls Research Sta tion,
New Delhi
DEP UTY D I H E C TOR
( CSM & RS ) ( Alternate)
DR SHASHl K . G ULH ATI Indian Institut e of Technology, New Del hi
SHRI M . D. N AIll Associated Instruments M a nufacturers (I ) Pvt Ltd,
New Delhi
PROF T_ S_ NAG .~R AJ ( Alternate) . .
PROF GOl'AL RANJAN University of Roorkee, R oorkee
DR S. C . H A NDA ( Alternate)
SUR! P. J AGANATHA RAO Central Road Research Institute ( CSIR ),
New Delhi

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