3-Geotechnical Engg. Lab Manual v1

Geotechnical Engineering Lab
Department of Civil Engineering

University of Engineering and
Technology, Peshawar, Jalozai Campus
Geotechnical Engineering
Department of Civil and Construction Engineering

Soil Mechanics
Laboratory Manual
2017 - 2018
GEO TECHNICAL
ENGINEERING
(PART I and II)
Engr. Rana Muhammad
P a g e 2 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

University of Engineering and Technology
Peshawar, Jalozai Campus
Lab Safety/Precaution Rules.
1. Wear goggles, face mask gloves and lab coat when required.
2. Wipe down the work area.
3. Use lab only when directed by the teacher/instructor.
4. Report any incident or accident to the teacher/instructor.
5. Do not eat food or taste anything in the lab.
6. Wear appropriate footwear i.e. closed footwear.
7. Be careful while using oven because oven is frequent cause of fire and explosion. Do not heat
overnight. Lab oven have alarming habit of exceeding of their set temperature often by 100ᵒ.
8. Do not keep flammable chemical or plastic ware in oven.
9. Know the location, use of fire extinguisher and use it when fire get caught.
10. Clutters causes accident. (Neatness = Safety)
11. Take care that nothing insoluble goes to laboratory sink or basin.
12. Put things back when you are done, minimize use of central bench/ table as storage space.
13. Any injury should be reported immediately for proper care.
14. Maintain clean and orderly laboratories and work area, discard immediately unwanted item, leave
your coat, book and note book in the lecture room.
15. Keep your personal belongings with you in safe custody while working in lab. The lab staff will not
be held responsible for any loss or damage.

Laboratory Staff
S.No. Name Designation

1. Dr. Saeed Zaman Lab Incharge
2. Engr. Muhammad Faizan Lab Engineer
3. Mr. Najeebullah Lab Assistant
4. Mr. Asif Lab Attendant

Table of Contents
1. Moisture Content Determination by Oven Drying Method (ASTM D2216-98) .................................... 6

2. Moisture Content Determination by Speedy Moisture Meter (ASTM D4944) ................................... 10
3. Specific Gravity Determination (ASTM D854-02) ............................................................................... 13
4. Particle Size Analysis (Mechanical Analysis) (ASTM D22) ................................................................... 16
5. Particle Size Analysis (Hydrometer Analysis) (ASTM D422) ................................................................ 21
6. Determination Atterberg’s Limits (Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit) (ASTM D4318) .............................. 27
7. DIRECT SHEAR TEST IN COHESION-LESS SOIL (ASTM D3080) ............................................................. 32
8. UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST IN COHESIVE SOIL (ASTM D2166)............................................... 34
9. VANE SHEAR TEST IN COHESIVE SOIL (ASTM D2573) ......................................................................... 38
10. FIELD DETERMINATION OF DENSITY (ASTM D1556-00) ................................................................. 41
Core-Cutter Method ................................................................................................................................ 41
Sand Replacement Method ..................................................................................................................... 45
Standard AASHTO Method (ASTM D698) ................................................................................................ 49
Modified AASHTO Method (ASTM D1557).............................................................................................. 53
11. PERMEABILITY ................................................................................................................................. 57
Constant Head Permeameter (ASTM D243) ........................................................................................... 59
Variable Head Permeameter (ASTM D2434)........................................................................................... 61
12. Triaxial Test (ASTM D2850) ............................................................................................................. 64
13. CONSOLIDATION TEST (ASTM D 2435) ........................................................................................... 68
14. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST (ASTM D4429).......................................................................... 71
15. Plate Load Test for Bearing Capacity of Soil (ASTM D 1194 – 94) ................................................ 74
16. Standard Penetration Test for Bearing Capacity of Soil (ASTM D1586) ......................................... 76

1. Moisture Content Determination by Oven Drying Method

(ASTM D2216-98)
Objective
To determine the amount of water or moisture present in the given quantity of soil in terms of its dry
weight.
Need and Scope of the Experiment

In almost all soil tests natural moisture content of the soil is to be determined. The knowledge of the
moisture content is essential in all studies of soil mechanics. To sight a few, natural moisture content is
used in determining the bearing capacity and settlement. The natural moisture content will give an idea
of the state of soil in the field.
Theory
Water content or moisture content determination is a routine laboratory test, the results of which are
used in evaluation of different important engineering properties of soil. The determination of moisture
content involves removing of soil moisture by oven-drying a soil sample until the weight remains
constant. The moisture content is expressed in percentage and is calculated from the sample weight
before and after drying.
Mathematically it can be written as;

ω =(Ww/Ws)x100
Ww = Weight of soil water
Ws = Weight of soil solids
Apparatus
1. Moisture tins
2. Weighing balance (Least count of 0.01 g)
0
3. Drying oven (Temperature control at 110 ±5 C)
Procedure
1. Take empty clean moisture tin and mark it with an identifying number or code Fig. 1.1.
2. Weight the container and record the weight as W1 to the nearest 0.01 g

3. Take representative wet soil sample (not less than 20 g) and place it quickly in the moisture tin
4. Weight the moisture tin with wet soil sample to the nearest 0.01 g and record this weight as W2
5. Place the moisture tin with the wet soil sample in drying oven, Fig 1.2 at constant temperature
0
of 110 ± 5 C for 24 hours.
6. After 24 hours remove the moisture tin from drying oven and weight it to the nearest 0.01 g.
Record this weight as W3
Fig 1.1: Weighing balance, Moisture tins, Gloves and Spatula

Fig 1.2: Drying oven (Temperature control at 110 ±5 C)
Precautions
1. If it is not possible to place the container carrying wet soil sample in drying oven immediately,
cover the container with led
2. If it is suspected that gypsum is present in the soil, the soil sample should not be subjected to a
0
temperature beyond 60 C. Otherwise gypsum will lose its water of crystallization affecting
0
thereby the results of moisture content. Oven drying at 60 C may, however, be continued for
longer time in order to ensure complete evaporation of free water present in the sample.
Observations and Calculations
ω= ω =W2−W3 X 100
W3−W1
Where;
W1 = Weight of tin = (g)
W2 = Weight of moist soil + tin = (g)
W3 = Weight of dried soil + tin = (g)

Can No.
Wt. of wet soil + can (g) W2
Wt. of dry soil + can (g) W3
Wt. of can (g) W1
Wt. of dry soil (g)
Wt. of moisture (g)
Water content (%)
Depth (m)
Moisture Content, ω =

2. Moisture Content Determination by Speedy Moisture Meter

(ASTM D4944)
Objective
To determine the moisture content of a soil sample by speedy moisture meter.
Theory
The speedy moisture meter provides a quick, simple means of determining the moisture content of soil.
It is particularly useful for field determination of moisture contents in conjunction with the field
compacting testing. The speedy moisture meter is also known as calcium carbide gas moisture tester.
The basic principle behind this method is that the free moisture in the soil reacts with calcium carbide
reagent to form a gas called acetylene gas eq.1. This gas exerts a pressure on the internal side of the
walls of speedy moisture meter which is reflected by a pressure dial. The pressure dial is calibrated in
such a way that pressure reading reflects the percent moisture by wet weight of soil directly.
The reaction which takes place inside the speedy moisture meter is as follows;
CaC2 + H2O → CaO + C2H2 ----------------------------------------------------------- (1)
Since the moisture content by definition is expressed as a percentage of dry weight of soil, eq. 2.
Readings obtained by speedy moisture meter are corrected using following expression;
ωsp
ω= x 100 (2)
1− ωsp
Where
ω = Moisture content in percentage of dry weight of soil
ωsp= Moisture content as obtained by speedy moisture meter expressed as decimal fraction
Apparatus
1. Speedy moisture meter
2. Calcium carbide reagent
3. Two 1.25 inch steel balls
4. Cleaning brush and cloth
5. Scope for measuring calcium carbide reagent

Procedure
1. Weight approximately 6 g of wet soil sample on the tarred scale, and place it in the cap of the
tester
2. Place three scoops of calcium carbide and two inch steel balls in the large chamber of the
moisture tester Fig. 1.3
3. With the pressure vessel in an approximate horizontal position, insert the cap in the pressure
vessel and seal it by tightening the clamp
4. Raise the moisture tester to a vertical position so that the soil in the cap falls into the pressure
vessel
5. Shake the instrument vigorously so that all lumps are broken up to permit the calcium carbide to
react with all available free moisture. The instrument should be shaken with a rotating motion
so that the steel balls do not damage the instrument or cause soil particles to become
embedded in the orifice leading to pressure diaphragm
6. When the needle stops moving, record the dial reading while holding the instrument in a
horizontal position at eye level.
7. With the cap of the instrument pointed away from the operator, slowly release the gas
pressure. Empty the pressure vessel and examine the material for lumps. If the sample is not
completely pulverized, the test should be repeated using a new wet soil sample.
8. Apply correction to the dial reading to convert the moisture content in terms of dry weight of
soil
Fig 1.3: Speedy moisture meter
Limitation
The speedy moisture meter can determine the moisture content only up to 20 percent. If the moisture
content of the sample exceeds the limit of the pressure gauge, one half size samples must be used and
dial gauge reading must be doubled.

Precautions
1. Care should be taken that no calcium carbide comes in contact with the soil until a complete
seal is achieved
2. Shake the instrument by rotating the instrument in horizontal plane so that moisture tester is
not damaged during shaking
3. After completion of test, slowly release the gas pressure pointing the instrument away from
operator

ωsp
ω= x 100
ω
1− sp
Moisture Content, ω =
Sample no.
ωsp
ω

3. Specific Gravity Determination (ASTM D854-02)
Objective
To familiarize the students with general method of obtaining the specific gravity of a mass of any type or
material composed of small particles (especially soil)
Theory
A value of specific gravity is necessary to compute the void ratio of a soil, it is used in the hydrometer
analysis, and it is useful to predict the unit weight of a soil. Occasionally, the specific gravity may be
useful in soil mineral classification; e.g., iron minerals have large value of specific gravity than silica’s.
The specific gravity of any substance is defined as the unit weight of the material divided by the unit
0
weight of distilled water at 4 C. Thus specific gravity of soil can be found as;
As long as equal volume of water and soil are involved, the above stated form can be simplified as;
Strictly speaking above mentioned equation is only valid if we do not consider any density change with
temperature. However, a slight increase in precision to account for temperature effects on the density
of water can be obtained by rewriting above stated equation as;
0
Where α is the ratio of the unit weight of water at temperature T of the test and at 4 . The value of Gs
0
obtained at temperature T (which will be too large if T ˃ 4 C) is appropriately reduced.
Apparatus
1. Pycnometer
2. Weighing balance (Least count of 0.01 g)
3. Thermometer
4. Hot plate or Bunsen burner
5. Funnel
6. Drying oven
7. Paper towel
Procedure
1. Weigh the dry pycnometer to nearest 0.01 g and record it as W1
2. Take about 100 g of oven dried soil and put it into the flask. Weigh the flask and dry soil to the
nearest 0.01 g. Record this weight as W2
3. Add water in the Pycnometer, Fig. 2.1 until it is about two-third full. In order to remove the
entrapped air from soil and water, heat the mixture at least 2h after soil –water mixture comes
to a full boil. Use only enough heat to keep the slurry boiling. Agitate the slurry as necessary to
prevent any soil from sticking to or drying on to the glass above the slurry surface
4. Allow the mixture to cool, and then fill the flask with distilled water to above the calibration
mark

5. Place the stopper in the bottle while removing the excess water. Be sure the entire exterior of
the flask is dry. Weigh the flask to the nearest 0.01 g and record this weight as W3
6. Empty the flask, wash it thoroughly and fill it completely with water. Dry the exterior of the
flask. Weigh the flask and record it as W4
7. Repeat the procedure three times
8. Record the temperature of soil water mixture
Fig 2.1: Pycnometer and Weighing balance
(w2−w1)
GS = [(w4−w1) − (w3−w2)

Precautions
1. Make sure no air is entrapped within the soil water mixture
2. Weights should be obtained from a properly balanced weighing scale

Test no. 1 2 3
Volume of flask
W1 (g)
W2 (g)
W3 (g)
W4 (g)
α (Table 1)
Gs
Table 1. Typical values of correction factor, α;

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

4. Particle Size Analysis (Mechanical Analysis) (ASTM

D22)
Objective
To introduce the students to the method of making a mechanical grain size analysis of a soil and
presenting the resulting data
Theory
Grain size analysis is very important in the determination of engineering properties of soil e.g. suitability
criteria of soils (for road, airfield, levee, dam and foundation material), soil water movement,
susceptibility to frost action etc.
The grain size analysis is the attempt to determine the relative proportions of the different grain sizes
which make up soil mass. For this, sample should be statically representative of the soil mass.
By carrying out mechanical analysis, particle sizes and their relative distribution can be done for the
particle greater than 0.075 mm. the mechanical analysis is carried out by stacking the sieves, one on top
of the other, pouring a known weight of soil into the top sieve on the stack, and shaking the sieve in a
certain manner to allow the soil to fall down through the stack.
The stack of sieves is known as nest of sieves. The nest is arranged with the largest screen openings
(smallest sieve number) on top, progressing to the sieve with the smallest screen opening (largest sieve
number) on the bottom of the nest. A lid is placed on the top of the nest and pan is placed below the
bottom sieve to catch any soil that passes through the smallest opening. The number or size of the
sieves used in the nest depends on the type of the soil and the distribution of the particle sizes.
Generally sieve No. 4, 10, 40, 100, 200 are used for classifying the soil.
Apparatus
1. A set of sieves
2. Mechanical soil pulverize
3. Weighing balance (least count 0.01 g)
4. Mechanical sieve shaker
Procedure
1. Obtain 500 g of soil sample which has already been pulverized by placing it on sieve no. 200 and
then oven dried
2. Arrange a nest of sieves including sieves no. 4, 10, 40, 100, 200, Fig. 3.1.
3. Place the set of sieves in the mechanical sieve shaker and sieve it for 5 to 10 mint. Note that if
the entire set of sieves does not fit into the shaker perform a hand shaking operation until the

top few sieves can be removed from the stack and then place the remainder of the stack in the
mechanical shaker
4. Remove the nest of sieves from the shaker and obtained the weight of the material retained on
each sieve. Sum these weights and compare with the actual weight taken. A loss of more than 2
% by the weight of the residual material is considered unsatisfactory and the test should be
replaced
5. Compute the % retained on each sieve by dividing the weight retained on each sieve by the
original sample weight
6. Compute the % passing by starting with 100 % and subtracting the cumulative % retained for
that sieve
Fig 3.1: Set of sieves and mechanical sieve shaker

Weight of sample = (g)
Sieve No. Diameter Weight of Soil % Weight Cumulative Percent

(mm) Retained (g) Retained Percent Passing (%)
Retained (%)
1 2 3 4 5 6

Colum (5) = Colum (4) + Colum (5) of previous line
Colum (4) = (Colum (3)/ Total Weigh) × 100
Colum (6) = 100 - Colum (5)
D10= D30= D60=
Cu - Uniformity coefficient.
Cu = D60/D10.
Cc - Coefficient of curvature.
Cc = (D30)^2 /(D60)(D10).


Precautions
1) Particles that appear to be stuck in the sieve screen should never be forced on through the mesh.
There are two reasons for not doing this
• The particles would have passed the screen on their own had they been smaller than the
mesh opening. Forcing these particles through the screen to be retained on the next size
would distort the grain size results
• Secondly forcing the particles through the mesh can damage the screen and necessitate its
replacement
Particles caught in the screen should be removed by brushing with the proper sieve brush. Brushing
should be done from the undesired of the screen in order that the particles can be brushed out of the
screen in the direction from which it entered in the screen opening. Stubborn (obstinate) particles that
cannot be removed by rushing should be left in place.
2) Lumps of soil must have broken down into their individual particles in order for the grain size
analysis to be valid. This is accomplished in two ways. The first is to break up lumps with a rubber-
tipped pestle in ceramic mortar. It has been found that the rubber-tipped pestles will not grind or
crush the individual particles while a ceramic or metal-tipped pestle will. The second is to wet-sieve
the soil. Washing the particles that are retained on the No.200 sieve with water and this will
accomplish two things.
• It separates those small lumps that might not have been broken up with the rubber tipped
pestle into individual particles
• It washes the “Dust Size” particles and through the No.200 sieve
3) A 10 minute shaking period is suggested in procedure. A large sample is requires longer shaking.
Similarly a sample comprising primarily of fine grained material will require a longer shaking period
than a coarse grained sample of equal weight

5. Particle Size Analysis (Hydrometer Analysis) (ASTM

D422)
Objective
The hydrometer method is used to approximate the particle size distribution for particles that passes
sieve No.200. The hydrometer test is held as an extension to the sieve analysis to make us able to
classify the soil.
Apparatus
1. Sedimentation cylinder (1,000 cu-cm cylinder) also termed a hydrometer jar
2. Hydrometer (152H)
3. Soil-dispersion device (malt mixer)
4. Dispersion agent (sodium hexametaphosphate NaPO3), trade name calgon, or sodium
silicate (Na 2Sio 3) also called water glass
5. thermometer
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 125mL 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 (-)
correction and a reading between zero and sixty is recorded as a positive (+) 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, 60minutes and 24 hour
Hydrometer Analysis
1. Apply meniscus correction to the actual hydrometer reading
2. From Table 1, obtain the effective hydrometer depth L in cm (for meniscus corrected reading)
3. For known Gs of the soil (if not known, assume 2.65 for this purpose), obtain the value of K
from Table 2
. 4. Calculate the equivalent particle diameter by using the relevant formula:
5. Determine the temperature correction CT from Table 3.
6. Determine correction factor “a” from Table 4 using Gs.
7. Observations and Calculations Calculate corrected hydrometer reading as follows:
Rc = RACTUAL - zero correction + CT
8. Calculate percent finer
9. Adjusted percent fines 200
10. Plot the grain size curve D versus the adjusted percent finer on the semi logarithmic sheet.

Table 1.Values of Effective Depth Based on Hydrometer and Sedimentation Cylinder of Specific Sizes

Table 2.Values of k for Use in Equation for Computing Diameter of Particle in Hydrometer Analysis
Table 3.Temperature Correction Factors CT

Temperature Factor
0 C CT
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 4 Correction Factors a for Unit Weight of Solids
Unit Weight of Soil Correction

Solids, factor
3
(g/cm ) a
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
Hydrometer Analysis
Observation and Calculations

Test Date: ___________
Tested By: ___________
Hydrometer Number (if known): ___________
Specific Gravity of Solids: ___________
Dispersing Agent: ___________
Weight of Soil Sample: (g) ___________
Zero Correction: ___________
Meniscus Correction: ___________


Date
Time
Elapsed Time (min)
O
Temp. ( C)
Actual Hydro. Rdg.
Ra
Hyd. Corr. for
Meniscus
L from Table 1
K from Table 2
D (mm)
CT from Table 3
a from Table 4
a from Table 4
% Finer P
% Adjusted Finer
PA
Precautions
1. It is usual to leave the hydrometer in the soil suspension for the first 4 min. remove it and
reinsert it each time for all additional readings. Little error will be caused if the hydrometer is
left in the jar for all 4 of the readings as compensating errors of the fluid disturbance will tend to
offset errors due to soil participating on the hydrometer bulb.
2. When placing the hydrometer in the soil suspension for a reading proceed slowly enough that it
takes about 10 sec. for the operation (the insertion time should not exceed approximately 5 to 6
second)
3. Consistent readings indicate a uniform mixture of soil water suspension
4. Time beyond first 2 hr. of readings are approximate and are set to give reasonable spread of
plotted points for the percent finer vs grain size (diameter) curve

6. Determination Atterberg’s Limits (Liquid Limit and Plastic

Limit) (ASTM D4318)
Objective
To introduce the students to the procedure for determining the liquid and plastic limit
Theory
The liquid and plastic limits are two of the five “limits” proposed by A. Atterberg, a Swedish
agricultural scientist. These limits are;
1. Cohesion Limit – that moisture content at which soil crumbs just stick together
2. Sticky Limit – that moisture content at which soil just sticks to a metal surface such as spatula
blade. This would have some significance to the agricultural engineer since it is related to soil
sticking to the moldboard of a plow or disc in cultivating soil
3. Shrinkage Limit – that moisture content below which no further soil volume reduction
(shrinkage) occurs
4. Plastic Limit – moisture content below which soil is non-plastic
5. Liquid Limit – moisture content below which the soil behaves as plastic material. At this
moisture content, the soil is on the verge of becoming a viscous fluid
The liquid and plastic limits have been widely used all over the world, primarily for soil identification and
classification. The shrinkage limit is useful in certain geographical areas where soil undergo large volume
changes when going through wet and dry cycles. The cohesion and sticky limits are used very little
worldwide.
Apparatus
1. Liquid limit device with Casagrande grooving tool (cuts a groove of size 2 mm wide at
the bottom, 11 mm wide at the top and 8 mm high)
2. No.40 ASTM sieve
3. Water content equipment
4. Spatula
5. Glass plate
6. 1/8 inch diameter brass rod
7. containers

Procedure for Liquid Limit Determination

1. Pulverize a sufficient quantity of air-dried soil to obtain about 250 g of representative sample
passing through No.40 sieve
2. Adjust the height of fall of the liquid limit device to exactly 1 cm. Use the 1 cm calibration block
at the end of the grooving tool for making this adjustment
3. Place about 250 g of soil in a glass plate, (or container). Add distilled water very slowly and using
spatula mix the soil thoroughly until it becomes a thick, homogeneous paste. Be careful not to
add too much water. Add approximately that much water in the soil to make it such consistent
that a blow count of 30 to 40 blows to close the standard groove of ½ inch is obtained.
4. Place a portion of the soil paste in the brass cup, Fig. 4.1, of liquid limit device and by means of
spatula, level and smooth the surface of soil.
5. Cut a clean, straight groove in the soil by drawing the grooving tool along the diameter through
center of the hinge which separates the soil into two parts.
6. Turn the crank of the liquid limit device at the rate of two revolutions per second and count the
number of blows (drops) until two parts of the soil come into contact at the bottom of the
groove along a distance ½ inch.
7. Take about 20-40 g of sample of soil from the closed part of the groove for subsequent water
content determination and put it in a pre-weighted moisture content container. Remove the
remaining soil from the brass cup and return it to the container. Wash and dry the cup.
8. Repeat steps 4, 5, 6 and 7 at least four times using the same soil samples to which further small
increments of distilled water have been added. The amount of water added must be such that
the blows (drops) count range between 10 and 50
9. The test should always proceed from the drier to the wetter conditions. If it should occur that
too much water was added to the soil must never be dried by adding additional dry soil. The
proper procedure is to thinly spread the wet soil on the glass plate and let it air dry to the
desired consistency. Continuous mixing and fanning of wet soil is permitted to expedite the
drying process
10. Weight the moisture containers and place them in the oven to dry overnight
11. The U.S army Corps of Engineers found from an investigation conducted with 767 liquid limit
determinations that the liquid limit of soil could be reliably obtained by conducting only one trial
and using the following correlation equation;
. =Wh( N /25) 0.121
N = Number of blows required to close the standard groove for distance of ½

inch Wn= moisture content of the soil which closed after N blows

Fig 4.1: Casagrande apparatus

Can No. 1 2 3 4
Wt. of wet soil + can (g)
Wt. of dry soil + can (g)
Wt. of can (g)
Wt. of dry soil (g)
Wt. of moisture (g)
Water content %
No. of blows
Procedure for Plastic Limit Determination

1. Take about 20 g of air dried soil from the thoroughly mixed portion of the material passing
No.40 sieve. Mix it on the glass plate with sufficient distilled water to make it plastic enough to
be shaped into a ball. Leave the plastic soil mass for some time to mature
2. Take about 8 g of the plastic soil, make a ball of it, and roll it between the fingers and glass plate
with just sufficient pressure to roll the mass into a thread of uniform diameter throughout its
length, Fig. 4.2. When the diameter of the thread has decreased to 1/8 inch. The specimen is
kneaded together and rolled out again. Continue the process until the thread just crumbled at
1/8 inch diameter, Fig. 4.3.
3. Collect the crumbled soil thread in the container for water content determination

4. Repeat the test for three to four times and take average value of these readings
Fig 4.2: Spatula, glass plate cans and ellipsoidal soil sample
Fig 4.3: Plastic Limit Determination


Can No. 1 2 3 4
Wt. of wet soil + can (g)
Wt. of dry soil + can (g)
Wt. of can (g)
Wt. of dry soil (g)
Wt. of moisture (g)
Water content %
Precautions
Make sure that the liquid limit test should always proceed from the drier to the wetter conditions.
Otherwise, drying of soil sample may cause wastage of time.

7. DIRECT SHEAR TEST IN COHESION-LESS SOIL (ASTM D3080)
Aim:
To determine the shear strength of given soil sample by Direct shear test.
Apparatus Required:
1.
Direct shear box
2.
Loading frame (Motor type loader)
3.
Dial gauge
4.
Proving ring
5.
Tamper
6.
Weighing balance
7.
Aluminum container
8.
Spatula
Instrument setup:
Fig.11. Direct shear test setup

Procedure:
1. Check the inner dimension of the soil container.
2. Put the test of the s oil container together.
3. Calculate the volume of the container.
4. Place the soil in smooth layers (10 mm thick). If a dense sample is desired tamp the soil.
5. Weigh the soil container the difference of these two is the weight of the soil. Calculate the density
of the soil.
6. Make the surface of the soil plane. Put the upper grating on stone and loading block on top of soil.
7. Measure the thickness of the specimen and apply the desired normal load and remove the
shear pin.

8. Attach the dial gauge which measures the change of volume. Record the initial reading of
the dial gauge and calibration values.
9. Before proceeding to test check all adjustments to see that is no connection between two parts
except sand/soil.
10. Start the motor, take the reading of the shear force and record the reading.
11. Take volume change readings till failure and add 5kg/cm2 and continue the test till failure.
12. Record carefully all the readings. Set the dial gauge zero, before starting the experiment.
Observation:
Least count (LC) =
Proving ring constant =
Dimension of shear box = 60x60 mm
Empty wt. of shear box =
Tabulation:
Result:
The shear strength of the given soil sample is .

8. UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST IN COHESIVE SOIL (ASTM
D 2166)
Aim:
To obtain the shear parameters of cohesive soil.
Apparatus Required:
1. Loading frame
2. Proving ring
3. Soil trimmer
4. Evaporating dish
5. Dial gauge
6. Weighing balance
7. Microwave oven
8. Vernier
Instrument setup:
Fig.12. Unconfined Compression Apparatus

Procedure:
(a). Specimen – Undisturbed sample:
1. Note down the sample number bore hole number and the depth at which the sample
was taken.
2. Remove the protective cover from the sampling tube.
3. Place the sampling tube extractor and push the plunger till a small length of sample moves
out.

4. Trim the projected sample using a wire saw. Again push the plunger of the extractor till a 75
mm long sample comes out.
5. Cutout this sample carefully and hold it on the split sampler so that it does not fall.
6. Take about 10 to 15 g of soil from the tube for water content determination.
7. Note the container number and take the net weight and measure the diameter at the
top, middle and bottom of the sample and fine the average.
8. Measure the length of the sample and find the weight of the sample and recorded.
b). Moulded sample:

1. For the desired water content and the dry density calculate the weight of the soil required
for preparing a specimen of 3.8 cm dia. and 7.5 cm long.
2. Add required quantity of water Ww to this soil.
Ww = (WsxW)/100 gm.
3. Mix the soil thoroughly with water and place the wet soil in a tight thick polyurethane bag in
a humidity chamber and place the soil in a constant volume mould having and internal height
of 7.5 cm and internal dia. Of 3.8 cm.
4. After 24 he humidity hours take the soil from the humidity chamber and place the soil in a
constant volume mould having and internal height of 7.5 cm and internal dia. Of 3.8 cm.
5. Place the lubricated mould with plungers in position in the load frame and apply the
compressive load till the specimen is compacted to a height of 7.5 cm.
6. Eject the specimen from the constant volume mould and record the correct height, weight
and diameter of the specimen.
Test procedure:
1. Take two frictionless bearing plates of 75 mm diameter and Place the specimen on the base
plate of the load frame.
2. Place a hardened steel ball on the bearing plate and Adjust the center line of the
specimen such that the proving ring and the steel ball are in the same line.
3. Fix a dial gauge to measure the vertical compression of the specimen. Adjust the gear
position on the load frame to give suitable vertical displacement.
4. Start applying the load and record the readings of the proving ring dial and compression dial
for every 5 mm compression.
5. Continue loading till failure is complete.

Formula:
Unconfined compression strength of the soil is qu
Shear strength of the soil = (qu/2)
Where,
qu – Undisturbed soil (or) Moulded soil sample
Observation:
Specific gravity of soil (G) = 2.71
Bulk density of soil =
Water saturation =
Degree of saturation =
Diameter of the soil (Do) =
Area of cross section (A) =
Initial length of the sample (Lo) = 76 mm
Tabulation:
Calculation:
Unconfined compression strength of the soil is qu
Shear strength of the soil = (qu/2)
Graph:
Draw the sketch of the failure pattern in the specimen.

Result:
1. Define: UCC.
2. What are the merits of UCC?
3. What are the demerits of UCC?
4. Enlist the various methods of shear parameters.
5. Which one is the best test of shear strength of the soil?

9. VANE SHEAR TEST IN COHESIVE SOIL (ASTM D2573)
Aim:
To determine the shear strength of a given soil sample by vane shear method.
Apparatus Required:
1. Vane shear apparatus
2. Specimen
3. Specimen container
4. Caliper
Instrument setup:
Fig.13 Vane Shear Apparatus

Procedure:
1. Prepare two or three specimen of the given soil sample of dimensions of at least 37.5 mm
diameter and 75 mm length in specimen (L/d ratio is 2 to 3)
2. Mount the specimen container with the specimen on the base of the vane shear apparatus. If the
specimen container is closed at one end, if should be provided with a hole of about 1 mm diameter
at the bottom.
3. Gently lower the shear vane into the specimen to their full length without disturbing the soil
specimen. The top of the vanes should be at least 10 mm below the top of the specimen. Note the
readings of the angle of twist.

4. Rotate the vanes at a uniform rate say 0.1º/s by suitable operating the torque application
handle until the specimen fails.
5. Note the final reading of the angle of twist and Find the value of blade height in cm.
6. Find the value of blade width in cm.
Formula:
Shear strength (S) = T/(D2H/2+D3/6)
Where,
S – Shear strength of soil in kg/cm2
T – Torque in cm kg
D – Overall diameter of vane in cm
T – Spring constant / 180º x difference in degrees.
Observation:
No of vane=
Diameter of vane (D) =
Tabulation:
Calculation:
Shear strength (S) = T/(D2H/2+D3/6)
G = 1/(D2H/2+D3/6
Result:
The shear strength of given a soil sample is .

Viva-voce:
1. What are the uses of their experiment?
2. Enlist the types of shear failure.
3. How to find out the shear failure? Give an example.
4. How to solve the shear failure? Give an example.
5. Draw the near sketch of various shear failure in soil.

10. FIELD DETERMINATION OF DENSITY (ASTM D1556-00)

Core-Cutter Method
Objective
Core cutter is used for finding field density of cohesive/clayey soils placed as fill. It is a rapid method
conducted in the field. It cannot be applied to coarse grained soil as the penetration of core cutter
becomes difficult due to increased resistance at the tip of core cutter leading to damage to core cutter
Apparatus
1. Cylindrical core cutter of seamless steep tube, 130 mm long and 10 cm internal diameter with
wall thickness of 3mm, beveled at one end; giving a volume of 1000 cm3.
2. Steel dolly, 2.5 cm high and 10 cm internal diameter with wall thickness of 7.5 mm with a lip to
enable it to be fitted on top of the core cutter.
3. Steel rammer with solid mild steel foot 14 cm diameter and 7.5 cm height with a concentrically
screwed 2.5 cm diameter solid mild steel staff.
4. Balance
5. Palette knife having blade approximately 20 cm long and 3 cm wide.
6. Steel ruler.
7. Container for determination of water content

Procedure
1. Calculate internal volume of the core cutter.

2. Weigh the empty core cutter and record its weight.
3. Apply oil on inner surface of the core cutter.
4. Place the core cutter on a freshly prepared plain ground with dolly on it; and gently hammer it so
that the cutter will get pushed in the soil completely.
5. Remove the side material and take out the filled up core cutter gently and properly trim the top
and bottom surfaces and weigh it.
6. Remove soil from the core cutter and preserve a representative sample in an air tight container to
determine water content.


Dry Density Determination:
a) Determination of bulk and dry density of soil
Determination No. 1 2 3
Mass of empty core cutter, M1 (g)
Mass of core cutter + wet soil, M2 (g)
Mass of wet soil, (M2-M1) (g)
3
Volume of core cutter, V, (cm )
Bulk density ϒb = (M2-M1) / (V)
Dry density ϒd = (ϒb) / (1 + w)
b) Determination of water content of soil
Container No. 1 2 3
Mass of empty container with lid, M1 , (g)
Mass of container with lid and wet soil, M2 ,(g)
Mass of container with lid and dry soil, M3, (g)
M M
Water content, w w
= -M 3 x100 (%)
2
Md M 3 -M1

Comments
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Sand Replacement Method
Objective
These test methods are used to determine the in-place density of compacted materials in construction
of earth embankments, road fills, and structure backfill. For construction control, these test methods
are often used as the basis for acceptance of material compacted to a specified density or to a
percentage of a maximum unit weight determined by a standard laboratory test method. This test
method covers determination of the in-place density and unit weight of soil using a pouring device
and calibrated sand to determine the volume of a test pit.
Apparatus
1. Sand-Cone Density Apparatus—It consists of a capacity cylinder with attached one
separated by a shutter and base plate.
2. Cylindrical calibrating container
3. Metal Template—A square or circular template to serve as a pattern for the excavation.
4. Balance—A balance accurate to 0.01 g.
5. Drying Oven— thermostatically controlled oven, capable of maintaining a uniform temperature

of 110 + 5°C throughout the drying chamber.
6. Tools for excavating hole.
7. Sieve—No. 4 (4.75 mm) conforming to the requirements of Specification E 11.
8. Sand—the sand must be clean, dry, uniform, un-cemented, and durable and free
flowing. The maximum particle size may be No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve
Procedure
(I) Calibration of the cylinder:
1. Measure the internal dimensions of the calibrating container and find its volume.
2. Fill the clean uniformly graded standard sand in the sand pouring cylinder up to a height of 1cm
below the top with the shutter closed. Find out initial mass of the sand, (M0). This mass should be
maintained constant throughout the test for which the calibration is used.
3. Allow the sand of volume equal to that of the calibrating container to run out of the cylinder by
opening the shutter. Close the shutter.

4. Place the sand cone-pouring cylinder on a paper placed on a horizontal table. Open the shutter
again and allow the sand to flow and fill the cone.
5. Close the shutter. Find the mass of sand on paper, (M1)
6. Repeat steps 2-4 at least thrice and fine the mean mass, (M1).
(II) Determination of bulk density of sand:
7. Place the sand-pouring cylinder concentrically on the top of the calibrating container with the
shutter closed making sure that constant mass (M0) is maintained.
8. Open the shutter of cylinder and allow the sand to move into the container. When no further
movement is seen, close the shutter and find the mass of sand left in the cylinder, (M2).
9. Repeat steps 2-3 at least thrice and fine the mean mass (M2).
(III) Determination of field density of soil
10. Level surface of the soil in the open field.
11. Place metal tray on the surface having a circular hole at the center. Dig a hole of the same
diameter up to about 15 cm depth. Collect all the excavated soil in a tray and find the mass of
excavated soil, (M).
12. Remove the tray and place the sand–pouring cylinder concentrically on the hole. Open the shutter
and allow the sand to run into the hole till no further movement of sand is noticed. Close the
shutter and determine mass of sand which is left in the cylinder, (M3).
13. The representative sample is taken from the excavated soil for determination of water content.

Dry Density Determination:
A) Determination of Mass of sand in the cone
1. Volume of calibrating container, Vc, (ml)
2. Mass of sand in cylinder before pouring, M0, (g)
3. Mean mass of sand in cone , M1, (g)

B) Determination of bulk density of sand

1. Mean mass of sand left in cylinder after pouring, M2, (g)
2. Mass of sand filling calibrating container, MC = M0-M1-M2 (g)
3. Bulk density of sand 3

= MC / VC (g/cm )
C) Bulk density and unit weight of soil

1. Mass of wet soil from the hole (M)
2. Mass of sand in cylinder after pouring in the hole, M3, (g)
3. Mass of sand in the hole, MS = M1 – M3 (g)
M 3
4. Bulk density of soil, = S (g/cm )
VS
ϒb
5. Dry density of soil, =
1 w
D) Determination of water content soil

Container No. 1 2 3
Mass of empty container with lid, m1, (g)
Mass of container with lid and wet soil, m2, (g)
Mass of container with lid and dry soil, m3, (g)
Mass of dry soil, md = m3-m1, (g)
Mass of water, mw = m2-m3, (g)
m m
Water content, w = w
= 2 -m3 x100 (%)
m m3- m1
d

Comments
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Standard AASHTO Method (ASTM D698)
Objective
Determination of the relationship between water content and dry density of soil using Standard Proctor
Test

It is required to compact the in-situ soil to produce a strong, settlement free, water-resistant mass. This
test serves as a guide and a basis of comparison for field compaction.
These test methods covers laboratory compaction methods used to determine the relationship between
water content and dry unit weight of soils (compaction curve) compacted in a 4 or 6-in. (101.6 or 152.4-
mm) diameter mold with a 5.5-lbf (24.4-N) rammer dropped from a height of 12 in. (305 mm) producing
3 3
a compacting effort of 12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600 kN-m/m ).
Theory
Dry density of soil (or dry unit weight) is defined as the weight of oven dry soil per unit volume of soil
mass. Water content (or moisture content) is expressed as percentage of weight of water in a given soil
mass to the weight of solid particles under a specified testing condition. Optimum water content is the
water content of which a soil can be compacted to the maximum dry unit weight by a given compacting
effort.
Apparatus
1. Proctor mould with a detachable collar assembly and base plate.
2. Manual rammer weighing 2.5 kg and equipped to provide a height of drop to a free fall of 30 cm.
3. Sample Extruder.
4. A balance accurate to 0.01 g.
5. Straight edge.
6. Squeeze bottle
7. Mixing tools such as mixing pan, spoon, trowel, spatula etc.
8. Moisture cans.
9. Thermostatically controlled oven, capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 + 5°C

throughout the drying chamber.

Fig 6.1: Proctor mould and Manual rammer
Procedure
1. Obtain approximately 10 lb. (4.5 kg) of air-dried soil in the mixing pan, break all the lumps so that
it passes No. 4 sieve.
2. Add approximate amount of water to increase the moisture content by about 5%.
3. Determine the weight of empty proctor mould without the base plate and the collar. M4 (g).
4. Fix the collar and base plate.
5. Place the first portion of the soil in the Proctor mould, Fig. 6.1 as explained in the class and
compact the layer applying 25 blows.
6. Scratch the layer with a spatula forming a grid to ensure uniformity in distribution of compaction
energy to the subsequent layer. Place the second layer, apply 25 blows, place the last portion and
apply 25 blows.
7. The final layer should ensure that the compacted soil is just above the rim of the compaction
mould when the collar is still attached.
8. Detach the collar carefully without disturbing the compacted soil inside the mould and using a
straight edge trim the excess soil leveling to the mould.
9. Determine the weight of the mould with the moist soil M5 (g). Extrude the sample and break it to
collect the sample for water content determination preferably from the middle of the specimen.
10. Weigh an empty moisture can, M1 (g) and weigh again with the moist soil obtained from the
extruded sample in step9, M2 (g). Keep this can in the oven for water content determination.

11. Break the rest of the compacted soil with hand (visually ensure that it passes US Sieve No.4). Add
more water to increase the moisture content by 2%.
12. Repeat steps 4 to 11. During this process the weight W2 increases for some time with the increase
in moisture and drops suddenly. Take two moisture increments after the weights starts reducing.
Obtain at least 4 points to plot the dry unit weight, moisture content variation.
13. After 24 hrs recover the sample in the oven and determine the weight M3 (g).

Compaction Test
Diameter of mould D =__________ (cm)

Height of mould H =__________ (cm)
Volume of mould V =__________ (cm)
1 2 3
Moisture can number
Mass of moisture can, M1, (g)
Mass of can + moist soil, M2, (g)
Mass of can + dry soil, M3, (g)
Moisture content:
w (%) = [(M2-M3)/(M3-M1)] x 100
Mass of the mold without the base and collar, M4, (g)
Mass of the mold + moist soil, M5 (g)
Mass of the compacted soil, M=M5-M4, (g)
3
Wet Density, γ = *(M5-M4)/V], (kN/m )
Dry unit weight of compaction:

3
γd (lb/ft ) = γ/*1+(w/100)+

Graph
Determine optimum water content and the corresponding maximum dry density of soil by drawing
a graph between water content at X-axis and dry density at Y-axis.

Modified AASHTO Method (ASTM D1557)
Objective
Determination of the relationship between water content and dry density of soil using Modified Proctor
Test

Soil placed as engineering fill (embankments, foundation pads, road bases) is compacted to a dense
state to obtain satisfactory engineering properties such as, shear strength, compressibility, or
permeability. Also, foundation soils are often compacted to improve their engineering properties.
Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for determining the percent compaction and water
content needed to achieve the required engineering properties, and for controlling construction to
assure that the required compaction and water contents are achieved.
These test methods cover laboratory compaction methods used to determine the relationship between
water content and dry unit weight of soils (compaction curve) compacted in a 4- or 6-in. (101.6 or 152.4
mm) Diameter mold with a 10-lbf. (44.5-N) rammer dropped from a height of 18 in. (457 mm) producing
3 3
a compacting effort of 56,000 ft-lbf/ft (2,700 kN-m/m ).
Theory
Apparatus
1. Proctor mold with a detachable collar assembly and base plate.
2. Manual rammer weighing 4.5 kg and equipped to provide a height of drop to a free fall of 45.7
cm.
3. Sample Extruder.
4. A balance accurate to 0.01 g.
5. Straight edge.
6. Squeeze bottle
7. Mixing tools such as mixing pan, spoon, trowel, spatula etc.
8. Moisture cans.
9. Thermostatically controlled oven, capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 + 5°C

throughout the drying chamber.

Procedure
1. Obtain approximately 10 lb. (4.5 kg) of air-dried soil in the mixing pan, break all the lumps so that
it passes No. 4 sieve.
1. Add approximate amount of water to increase the moisture content by about 5%.
2. Determine the weight of empty proctor mold without the base plate and the collar. M4 (g).
3. Fix the collar and base plate.
4. Place the first portion of the soil in the Proctor mold as explained in the class and compact the
layer applying 25 blows.
5. Scratch the layer with a spatula forming a grid to ensure uniformity in distribution of compaction
energy to the subsequent layer. Place the second layer, apply 25 blows, place the last portion and
apply 25 blows.
6. The final layer should ensure that the compacted soil is just above the rim of the compaction mold
when the collar is still attached.
7. Detach the collar carefully without disturbing the compacted soil inside the mold and using a
straight edge trim the excess soil leveling to the mold.
8. Determine the weight of the mold with the moist soil M5 (g). Extrude the sample and break it to
collect the sample for water content determination preferably from the middle of the specimen.
9. Weigh an empty moisture can, M1 (g) and weigh again with the moist soil obtained from the
extruded sample in step9, M2 (g). Keep this can in the oven for water content determination.
10. Break the rest of the compacted soil with hand (visually ensure that it passes US Sieve No.4). Add
more water to increase the moisture content by 2%.
11. Repeat steps 4 to 11. During this process the weight W2 increases for some time with the increase
in moisture and drops suddenly. Take two moisture increments after the weights starts reducing.
Obtain at least 4 points to plot the dry unit weight, moisture content variation.
12. After 24 hrs recover the sample in the oven and determine the weight M3 (g).

Compaction Test
Diameter of mold D =__________ (cm)

Height of mold H =__________ (cm)
Volume of mold V =__________ (cm)


No. 1 2 3
Moisture can number
Mass of moisture can, M1, (g)
Mass of can + moist soil, M2, (g)
Mass of can + dry soil, M3, (g)
Moisture content:
w (%) = [(M2-M3)/(M3-M1)] x 100
Mass of the mold without the base and collar, M4, (g)
Mass of the mold + moist soil, M5(g)
Mass of the compacted soil, M=M5-M4, (g)
3
Wet Density, γ = [(M5-M4)/V], (kN/m )
Dry unit weight of compaction:

3
γd (lb/ft ) = γ/ [1+ (w/100)]
Graph
Determine optimum water content and the corresponding maximum dry density of soil by drawing
a graph between water content at X-axis and dry density at Y-axis

Comments
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11. PERMEABILITY
Permeability refers to the porosity of a material to allow a fluid to move through its pores. In soil
mechanics, permeability generally refers to the porosity of a soil to allow water to move through its void
spaces.
Two general laboratory methods are available for determining the coefficient of permeability of a soil.
There are constant head method and the falling head method. Both methods use Darcy’s Law which is
expressed as;
q = Ki A
Where
q = Quantity of fluid flow in a given time (vol/time)
K = Coefficient of permeability (length/time)
I = Hydraulic gradient
A = Cross-sectional area of soil mass
Neither the constant head nor the falling head laboratory method provided a reliable value for
coefficient of permeability of a soil. Reasons for this are varied, but the major ones are as follow;
• The soil in the permeability device in never in the same state as in the field- it is always
disturbed to some extent
• Orientation of the in situ stratum to the flow of water is probably not duplicated
• Boundary conditions are not the same in the laboratory. The smooth walls of the permeability
mold make for better flow paths than if they were rough. If the soil is stratified vertically, the
flow in the different strata will be different and this boundary condition may be impossible to
duplicate
• The hydraulic head ‘h’ may be different (often much larger) in the laboratory, causing a wash-
out of fine material to the boundary with a possible reduction of K
• The effect of entrapped air on the laboratory sample will be large even for small air bubbles
since the sample is small

Fig 7.1: Permeability Apparatus

Constant Head Permeameter (ASTM D243)
Objective
To determine the co-efficient of permeability of a granular soil by constant head permeameter.
Apparatus
1. Constant head permeameter device or apparatus
2. Constant elevation reservoir with water supply
0 0
3. Thermometer (nearest to 1 C or 1 F)
4. 1000 ml beaker
5. Balance, sensitive to nearest 0.01 g
6. Mater stick
7. Plastic tubing
8. stopwatch
Procedure
1. Measure the inside diameter of the permeameter and record as D, Fig. 7.1.
2. Measure the length ‘L’ of the permeameter, between the centers of the two piezometric tubes
3. Calculate the volume of the specimen needed for length L
4. For the given bulk-density and moisture content calculate the weight of the soil needed for the
volume in step 3
5. Place the specimen in the permeameter and allow water to flow through the sample for at least
10 min in order to saturate it. Longer periods are sometimes required to ensure complete
saturation of the sample. Bubbles that appear (entrapped air) should be removed by tapping
gently on the permeameter or using other means
6. When constant flow conditions have been achieved, measure the hydraulic head ‘h’ across the
sample
7. Using a 500 or 1000 cu-cm container (preferably 1000 cu-cm), record the time ‘t’ required to
collect 1000 cu-cm of water. Repeat two or three additional times until two runs agree
reasonably well
0
8. Measure and record the temperature of the test water as T C
0
9. Compute the K value at test temperature, also compute K20 (co-efficient of permeability at 20 C)

Internal
Dia. of the permeameter, D = (cm)

2
Area of the specimen, A= (π/4) D2 (cm )
3
Bulk-density of the soil, γb= (gm/cm )
3
Dry density of the soil, γd= (gm/cm )

Length of specimen, L= (cm)

Volume of the specimen, V= AxL = (cm3)
Natural moisture content of the soil, w = (%)
Weight of the specimen needed for volume V = W= (gm)
0
Test h1 h2 h = h1h2 t Vol. of water Q = V/ t T ( C) KT= K20= KT
3 3
No. (cm) (cm) (cm) (sec) collected (V) (cm ) Cm /sec Q.L/ A.h (ηT/η20)

Variable Head Permeameter (ASTM D2434)
Objective
To determine the coefficient of permeability of a fine-grained soil (such as fine sand, silt and clay) by falling
head permeameter.
Apparatus
1. Falling head permeameter device or apparatus
2. Stand pipe or graduated device or apparatus
3. Plastic tubing
0 0
4. Thermometer (nearest to 1 C to 1 F)
5. Meter stick
6. Stop watch
Procedure
1. Measure the inside diameter of the specimen of the permeameter and record as D
2. Measure the length of the soil specimen and record as L
3. Weight the permeameter mold and record as W1
4. Take undisturbed soil sample in the mold and record the weight of the mold with soil sample as W2
5. Calculate the weight of the soil sample as W3 = (W2-W1)
6. Attach the permeameter with the water supply and allow water to flow. This pretest flow period
should be permitted to continue until the specimen is saturated
7. Once the soil is saturated close the stand pipe valve. Measure the height of the water in the stand
pipe with respect to some convenient datum and record as ‘h1’
8. Open the stand valve and start the stopwatch simultaneously
9. After a reasonable period, or after a reasonable quantity of water has flowed out of the stand pipe,
close the stand pipe valve and record the time as ‘t’. Measure the height to the stand pipe water
level from the same datum used in step 7 and record as ‘h2’
0
10. Measure and record the water temperature as T C
0
11. Compute the K value at test temperature, also compute K20 (co-efficient of permeability at 20 C)

Variable Head:
Internal dia. of the mold, D, (cm)

Internal height of mold, L, (cm)
2
Int. area of the mold, A, (π/4) D (cm)
3
Int. volume of mold, V, AxL, (cm )
Wt. of empty mold, W1, (gm)
Wt. of empty mold + soil, W2, (gm)
Wt. of soil sample, W3, {W2 – W1} (gm)
Dia. Of stand pipe, d, (cm)

Test no. h1 h2 t T KT= (2.3 a.L / (A.t)) Log (h1/h2) K20= KTηT/η20
0
(cm) (cm) (sec) ( C) (cm/sec)

Comments
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12. Triaxial Test (ASTM D2850)
Scope of the test

The measurement of the effective shear strength parameters for cylindrical specimens of saturated soil
which have been subjected to isotropic consolidation and then sheared in compression, under a
constant confining pressure, by increasing the axial strain.
Apparatus
Fig 8.1: Triaxial Test Apparatus
The triaxial test apparatus consist of the following parts as shown in figures;
1- Triaxial cell
2- Upper Drainage Valve
3- Lower Drainage Valve
4- Cell pressure Control Valve
5- Proving ring
6- Pressure controller
7- Pressure Gauge

8- Bladder for air control

9- Bladder for water pressure control
Procedure
1- Place the triaxial cell Fig. 8.1 (with the specimen inside it) on the platform of the compression
machine.
2- Make proper adjustments so that the piston of the triaxial cell just rests on the top platen of the
specimen
3- Fill the chamber of the triaxial cell with water. Apply a hydrostatic pressure, σ3 to the specimen
through the chamber fluid.
4- All drainage valves should be closed so that drainage from the specimen does not occur.
5- Check for proper contact between the piston and the top platen on the specimen. Zero the dial
gauge of the proving ring and the gauge used for measurement of the vertical compression of
the specimen. Set the compression machine for a strain rate of about 0.5% per minute, and tum
the switch on.
6- Take initial proving ring dial readings for vertical compression intervals of 0.01 in. This interval
can be increase to 0.02 in. or more later when the rate of increase of load on the specimen
decreases. The proving ring readings will increase to a peak value and then may decrease or
remain approximately constant. Take about four to five readings after the peak point.
7- After completion of the test, reverse the compression machine; lower the triaxial cell, and then
tum off the machine. Release the chamber pressure and drain the water in the triaxial cell. Then
remove the specimen and determine its moisture content.
Application
Triaxial test gives shear strength of soil at different confining stresses. Shear strength is important in all
types of geotechnical designs and analyses.
Calculations
Description of Soil.___________________________________ Specimen No. _______________
Location. ______________________________________________________________________
Tested By.________________________________________ Date. ________________________

Table 1.Triaxial Test Preliminary Data
Serial Items Quantity

No
1 Moist mass of specimen (end of test), W1
2 Dry mass of specimen, W2
3 Moisture content (end of test), w (%)
4 Initial average length of specimen, Lo
5 Initial average diameter of specimen, Do
6 Initial area, Ao
7 Specific gravity of soil solids, Gs
8 Final degree of saturation
9 Cell confining pressure, σ3

Table 2.Triaxial Test Axial Stress-Strain Calculation
Axial Axial Load Axial Strain Corrected Area Deviator Stress

Deformation (ΔL) (P) ( ε = L/ Lo ) (A = Ao/(1- ε) ) (Δσ = P/A)

13. CONSOLIDATION TEST (ASTM D 2435)
Objective
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.

The One-dimensional Consolidation test is used to determine the consolidation characteristics of soils of
low permeability. Tests are carried out on specimens prepared from undisturbed samples. Data
obtained from these tests, together with classification data and knowledge of the soils loading history,
enables estimates to be made of the behavior of foundations under load.
Theory
All soils are compressible so deformation will occur whenever stress is applied to soils. Soil minerals and
water are both incompressible. Therefore, when saturated soils are loaded, the load first acts on the
pore water causing pore water pressures that are in excess of the hydrostatic pressures. The excess pore
water pressures are largest near the application of load and decrease with distance from the loading.
The variations in excess pore water pressure cause total head gradients in the soil which, according to
Darcy’s Law, will induce water to flow from locations of high total head to low total head. The excess
pore water pressures dissipate as water flows from the soil and, to compensate for the applied stress,
the stress is transferred to the soil minerals resulting in higher effective soil stress. The flow of water
from the soil also causes reductions in the soil volume and settlements at the ground surface. Fine-
grained soils have very low permeability so they can require substantial periods of time before the
excess pore water pressures fully dissipate. This process of time-dependent settlement is referred to as
consolidation. Terzaghi’s theory for one-dimensional consolidation provided the means to calculate the
total amount of consolidation settlement and the consolidation settlement rate. In practice, engineers
obtain representative soil samples, conduct consolidation tests and use Terzaghi’s consolidation theory
to predict the total settlement and time rate of settlement for embankments and foundations.
Apparatus
• Consolidation device (including ring, porous stones, water reservoir, and load plate)
• Dial gauge (0.0001 inch = 1.0 on dial)
• Sample trimming device
• Glass plate
• Metal straight edge
• Clock
• Moisture can
• Filter paper

Fig 9.1: Consolidation Apparatus
Procedure
A. Sample Preparation (several days before test)
Moist fine-grained soil from the laboratory was placed in the consolidation ring and statically
compacted using several layers. Excess soil from the top of the ring was carefully trimmed level with the
top of the ring.

B. Test Preparation (several days before test)
1) The height, diameter and mass of the consolidation ring were measured, Fig. 9.1. The initial wet mass of
the soil sample and ring and the height of the soil sample were measured. The trimmings were used for a
water content determination.
2) The test specimen in the consolidation ring was placed in the consolidometer, Fig. 9.1 and the
consolidometer was placed in the loading device. The deformation gage was adjusted and an initial
reading obtained. Loads were applied and removed incrementally in order to preconsolidate the test
specimen. Water was added to the consolidometer periodically to saturate the soil.
C. Consolidation Test
1) Apply increments of total stress to the soil specimen. The duration of each increment should be
sufficient to define the characteristic curve obtained by a graph of deformation versus either the square
root of time or the log of time.
2) The standard loading schedule is determined using a load increment ratio (LIR) of one, obtained by
doubling the total stress on the soil. The load values should be 17.1, 34.2, 68.3, 136.7, 273.3, 546.7 kPa.
3) For each load increment, record the dial readings at time intervals of approximately 0.09, 0.25, 0.49, 1,
4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81 and 100 minutes to obtain the deformations, d.
4) After completion of all load increments, remove the soil from the consolidometer and determine the
final water content.

14. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST (ASTM D4429)
Aim:
To determine the strength of the given soil sample.
Apparatus Required:
1. Mould
2. Steel Cutting collar
3. Spacer Disc
4. Surcharge weight
5. Dial gauges
6. IS Sieves
7. Penetration Plunger
8. Loading Machine
Instrument setup:
Fig.16. CBR apparatus

Procedure:
1. Normally 3 specimens each of about 7 kg must be completed so that their compacted
densities range from 95% - 100% generally with 10, 30 and 65 blows.
2. Weigh of empty mould.
3. Add water to the first specimen and after compaction remove he collar and level the surface.
4. Take sample for determination of moisture content.
5. Weight of mould + compacted specimen and place the mould in the soaking tank for 4 days.
6. Take other samples and apply different blows and repeat the whole process.
7. After 4 days measure the swell reading and find % of swell.
8. Remove the mould from the tank and allow water to drain.
9. Then place the specimen under the penetration piston and place surcharge load of 10 lb.

Tabulation:
Graph:
1. Apply the load and note the penetration load values.

2. Draw the graph the penetration Vs penetration load.

Graph of penetration Vs load.
Result:
The strength of the soil sample is

15. Plate Load Test for Bearing Capacity of Soil (ASTM

D 1194 – 94)
Apparatus:
1. Loading Platform, 2. Jack, 3. Bearing Plates, 4. Dial Gauges, 5. Reference beams
Procedure:
1. Selection of test areas: Perform the load test at the proposed footing level and under the same
conditions to which the proposed footing will be subjected.
2. Test pits: Excavate the test pit to the proposed footing level. Following are the specifications for the
test pit.
2.1 The test pit should be at least four times the size of the largest plate.
2.2 Prior to loading, protect the test pit and the loading area against moisture changes in soil.
2.3 If wetting is expected during life time of structure, such as in case of hydraulic structures, pre-wet
the soil in the area to the desired extent to a depth not less than twice the diameter of the largest
bearing plate.
2.4 Carefully level and clean the area to be loaded by the test plates so that the loads are transmitted
over the entire contact area on undisturbed soil.
2.5 For uniform contact of the plate with soil use dry sand or plaster of Paris under the plate.
3. Loading platform: Support the loading platform by cribbing or other suitable means, at points which
are preferably not less than 8-ft (2.4-m) away from test area (i.e., center of plate) so that the platform
loading has no affect on the soil to be tested.
4. Dead load: Record weight of all the equipments used as dead load, such as steel plates, loading
column and jack etc, that are to be placed on test area prior to the application of load increments.
5. Reference beam: Independently support the beams supporting the dial gauges as far as practicable,
but not less than 8-ft (2.4-m) from the center of the loaded area so that the beam supports are not
affected by settlement of soil under the plate.
6. Load increments: Apply the load to the soil in cumulative equal increments of not more than 1.0
ton/ft2, or not more than one tenth of the estimated bearing capacity of the soil being tested. Normally
0.5 ton/ft2 increments are used. Accurately measure each load and apply it in such a manner that all of
the loads reach the soil as a static load, without impact.
7. Time interval of loading: After the application of each load increment, maintain the cumulative load
for a selected time interval of not less than 15 min. normally each increment of load is applied after 30
minutes. The duration for all the load increments should be the same.
8. Measurement of Settlement: The settlement is measured preferably using three dial gauges evenly
spaced on the circumference of the plate. Keep a continuous record of all settlements. Make
settlement measurements as soon as possible before and after the application of each load increment,
and after each five minutes while a load is being held constant.
9. Termination of test: The test should be continued until a peak load is reached or until the ratio of
load increment to settlement increment reaches a minimum steady value. If sufficient reaction from the
loading platform is available, continue the test until the total settlement reaches at least 10

percent of the plate diameter, or 25-mm. or unless a well-defined failure load is observed. After
completion of observations for the last load increment, release the applied load in three approximately
equal decrements. Continue recording rebound deflections until the deformation ceases or for a period
not smaller than the time interval of loading

16. Standard Penetration Test for Bearing Capacity of Soil

(ASTM D1586)
Test Specifications:
1. Size of clean hole = 55 to 150 mm dia.

2. Outer dia. of the split spoon sampler = 50.8 mm (2 in)
3. Inner dia. of the split spoon sampler = 35.0 mm (1.5 in)
4. Length of split spoon sampler = 600 mm (24 in)
5. Weight of the hammer = 63.5 Kg (140 lbs)
6. Height of fall of hammer = 760 mm (30 in)
Apparatus & Procedure:
1. A clean bore hole is made in the ground.

2. Casing is used to support the sides of the hole if required.
3. Drilling tools are removed and spoon sampler is lowered to the bottom of hole.
4. The spoon sampler is driven into the soil by a hammer of weight 140 lbs from a height of 30 in and at
a rate of 30 blows per min.
5. Number of blows required to drive the sampler for every 6 in. till a total penetration of 18 in. is
achieved.
6. Numbers of blows for last 12in. penetration is taken as SPT-value or N-value.
7. The test is performed in the bore hole at different depth intervals.
8. For economy the depth interval is increased for higher depth.
9. Average N-value within the influence zone is taken, so that the allowable bearing capacity of the
whole influence zone is obtained.
10. If the soil contains gravels, the split spoon may be damaged therefore standard cone is used, the
advantage of cone is that the gravel slides sideways.


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Geotechnical Engineering Lab

Department of Civil Engineering

Department of Civil and Construction Engineering

Engr. Rana Muhammad

P a g e 2 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Lab Safety/Precaution Rules.

2. Wipe down the work area.

3. Use lab only when directed by the teacher/instructor.

4. Report any incident or accident to the teacher/instructor.

5. Do not eat food or taste anything in the lab.

6. Wear appropriate footwear i.e. closed footwear.

8. Do not keep flammable chemical or plastic ware in oven.

10. Clutters causes accident. (Neatness = Safety)

13. Any injury should be reported immediately for proper care.

your coat, book and note book in the lecture room.

be held responsible for any loss or damage.

P a g e 3 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

S.No. Name Designation

P a g e 4 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

1. Moisture Content Determination by Oven Drying Method (ASTM D2216-98) .................................... 6

P a g e 5 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

1. Moisture Content Determination by Oven Drying Method

Need and Scope of the Experiment

Mathematically it can be written as;

Ww = Weight of soil water

Ws = Weight of soil solids

P a g e 6 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Fig 1.1: Weighing balance, Moisture tins, Gloves and Spatula

P a g e 7 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Fig 1.2: Drying oven (Temperature control at 110 ±5 C)

Observations and Calculations

W1 = Weight of tin = (g)

W2 = Weight of moist soil + tin = (g)

W3 = Weight of dried soil + tin = (g)

P a g e 8 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Wt. of wet soil + can (g) W2

Wt. of dry soil + can (g) W3

Wt. of can (g) W1

Wt. of dry soil (g)

Wt. of moisture (g)

Water content (%)

P a g e 9 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

2. Moisture Content Determination by Speedy Moisture Meter

CaC2 + H2O → CaO + C2H2 ----------------------------------------------------------- (1)

ω = Moisture content in percentage of dry weight of soil

P a g e 10 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Fig 1.3: Speedy moisture meter

P a g e 11 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Observations and Calculations

P a g e 12 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

3. Specific Gravity Determination (ASTM D854-02)

P a g e 13 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Fig 2.1: Pycnometer and Weighing balance

P a g e 14 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Observations and Calculations

Table 1. Typical values of correction factor, α;

P a g e 15 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

4. Particle Size Analysis (Mechanical Analysis) (ASTM

P a g e 16 | 76 Department of Civil Engineering

Fig 3.1: Set of sieves and mechanical sieve shaker