FEATI UNIVERSITY

Helios St., Sta Cruz Manila

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

SOIL MECHANICS
LABORATORY MANUAL

BY
ENGR. TOMAS U. GANIRON, JR.
May 1993

EXPERIMENT NO. 01
SIMPLE VISUAL AND MANUAL TEST USED FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF
FINE GRAINED SOIL IN THE FIELD`

OBJECT:
To formulate simple manual test in identifying fine-grained soil in the field.
APPARATUS:
Graduated cylinder
Oven mixing container
Spoon
Roiling pan
PROCEDURE:
a. Dry Strength Test
1. Wet and mold about 50 grams of soil then allow it to dry in the air or
by the use of an oven.
2. Obtain a small fragment of the dried sample and press between the
thumb and forefinger
3. Described the reaction produced. How would you describe the strength
of the sample under test? Does it really crushes or break into pieces
when pressed? Name the soil under test.
b. Plasticity Test.
1. Mold about 50 grams of soil and roll into thin threads about 1/18 in
diameter.
2. Obtain a 1-foot long specimen from the thin threads and hold it
vertically at one end.
3. Described the threads produced. Can it support its own weight when it
held vertically at one end?
Can it be mold as thin 1/18 in diameter? Described the reaction
produced. Name the sample under test.
c. Water Mobility.
1. Mix about 30 grams of soil with water at a consistency of a thick plate.
2. Place some of the mixture on the hand then shake.
3. Describe how water rises when the sample is shaken. What does it
exhibit when the soil is wet? Name the sample after test.
d. Dispersion Test.
1. Disperse a small amount of soil in a glass cylinder half full with water
and allow to settle.
2. Identify the particles that settled and the particles that remain in
suspension.
3. What is the same name of the sample under test?

OBSERVATION (ANSWER):
A. Dry Strength Test

B. Plasticity Test

C. Water Mobility

D. Dispersion Test

EXPERIMENT NO. 02
DETERMINATION OF WATER CONTENT

INTRODUCTION:
Water plays an important part in the stability of the foundation. The total amount
of water added corresponding to the maximum density is the optimum amount for a given
soil or compaction process. Furthermore, water reacts as lubricants in between soil
particles which is very important characteristics so as to permit soil particles to move
more closer to each other. For a foundation which is dehydrated, is highly susceptible to
future settlement. Water content therefore, is the ration of the weight of water present in
the soil to the weight of the oven-dried soil after it has been dried at constant weight at a
temperature of 105C to 110C.
OBJECT:
To determine the water content of a given soil sample.
APPARATUS:
Oven with temperature control
Triple beam balance
Dessicator
Container with cover
Crucible tong
PROCEDURE:
1. Weight the container with cover and record as W1
2. place a representative soil sample in the container and cover immediately. Get
the weight and record as W2.
3. Remove the cover and allow to completely dry in the oven with temperature
control at 105C to 100C. Stir the soil if necessary in order to minimize drying
time of the sample inside the oven.
4. When completely dried, remove the container from the oven and cool to room
temperature twenty minutes. After the allotted time, place the container inside
the dessicator for further cooling of the sample.
5. Remove the container from the dessicator and immediately place the cover.
Weigh and record as W3. Perform 5 trials.
Note: Weighing hot containers is not advisable as it affects the accuracy of the
results.

CALCULATION:
W2 W3
W3 W1

100

W1
W2
W3
W4

= weight of container with cover

= weight of wet soil + weight of container with cover
= weight of oven dried soil + weight of container with cover
= water content expressed as percentage

where:

Test Number

Can and Wet Soil, g

Can and Dry Soil, g
Moisture Loss, g
Can, g
Dry Soil, g
Water Content, %

QUESTIONS:
1. A sample of saturated clay has a volume of 16 cc. its weight in the natural
state is 40 grams and after oven drying was 20 grams. Calculate the water
content and the void ration.
2. The mass unit weight of a saturated sand is 100 pcf and the water content of
16%, what is the dry unit weight?
3. A sample of sand above the water table was found to have natural water
content of 10% and a unit weight of 100 pcf. The unit weight of the soil grains
was 2.65 g/cc. Calculate the void ratio and the degree of saturation.

EXPERIMENT NO. 03
PREPARATION OF DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLES FOR TEST

INTRODUCTION
Coarse-grained are readily identified on the basis of particles size as the
individual particles can be identified by the unaided eye. However, this is not true for
fine-grained soil since the particles are not visible. Therefore, other means should be
employed for then identification. Soil samples are prepared for subsequent tests by
reducing aggregations of particles into sizes which II pass certain sieves. A pulverizing
device is used but care is being taken not to break the individual particles. Likewise, with
the addition of water as lubricant, water is distributed to a more uniform quantity and
intensity and mixing is thorough to ensure reliable test results. The foregoing preparation
is a method known as dry preparation.
OBJECT:
To study how disturbed soil samples are prepared for test.
APPARATUS:
Triple beam balance
Oven with temperature control
Set of sieves (No. 4, 10 & 40)
Mortar and rubber-covered pestle
Sample splitter
SIZE OF SAMPLES:
1. Mechanical Analysis material passing no. 10 sieve, 115 gm sandy soil and
65 gm for silty or clayed soils.
2. Atterberg Limit Test material passing no. 40 sieve, 200 gm.
3. Compaction Test material passing no. 4 sieve, 3000 gm.
PROCEDURE:
1. Place about 8.5 lbs of soil sample in the oven and allow to dry at temperature
not exceeding 140 oF. Stir if necessary to reduce the drying time.
2. When completely dry, remove the sample in the oven and allow to cool at a
room temperature.
3. Place enough sample in the mortar with a rubber-covered pestle and begin
breaking the aggregate between the soil particles. Care should be taken not to
pulverized completely the individual particles. Repeat the same procedure
until the oven dried sample passed in this step.
4. Obtain the require quantity of sample for each test by the method of
quartering or by a sample splitter.
5. Get the no. 10 sieve and place enough sample taken from 3 for the sieving
operation. Repeat procedure 3 for all samples retained in the no. 10 sieve. This
is to reduce the aggregations between the particles. Continue the sieving until

required quantity of sample is obtained for mechanical analysis and limit tests.
Set aside the portion retained for sieve analysis of coarse material and weight
passing for the analysis of fine materials.
6. Mix thoroughly all portions passing no. 10 sieve and weight the required
quantity is specified under the size of sample for mechanical analysis.
7. From the remaining portion of sample passing no. 10 sieve, place enough
sample on the no. 40 sieve and continue the sieving operation for the weight
retained in the sieve, repeat procedure 3 to further reduce the aggregation
between the particles. Repeat the sieving operation until a sufficient amount of
sample is obtained passing no. 40 sieve for the limit tests.
8. Mix thoroughly the portions passing no. 40 sieve and weight the required
quantity for limit test. Discard the portion retained.

EXPERIMENT NO. 04
PREPARATION OF UNDISTURBES SOIL SAMPLES FOR TEST

INTRODUCTION:
The preparation of samples should be done in a humid room to minimize moisture
loss. Undisturbed soil samples are those obtained with minimum disturbance. That is both
the natural density and water content are preserved as much as practicable. Such samples
are necessary for density, permeability, consolidation and the various shear tests.
Undisturbed samples are obtained by the two methods, Open pit and tube
sampling. In the open pit, a big chunk is carefully excavated from an exposed surface of
the ground with the use of common tools. In tube sampling, thin walled tubes are drawn
deep in the ground to extract the sample. Immediately, after removal, the samples are
covered with a protective coating such as paraffin and other waxes. Sample material
penetrated should be brought up at every change in their character and generally at every
5 to 10 feet in depth at which they are found properly recorded so that correct plot of
boring maybe made. For solid rock, diamond drill must be used and the cores, maybe
preserved intact. In shallow borings, ordinary pipes or augers maybe used or test pit dug.
OBJECT:
To study how undisturbed soil samples are prepared for test.
APPARATUS:
Soil lathe
Wire saw with one fine wire for final trimming
Sharp knife
Meter box
Extruder for tube
Caliper
PROCEDURE:
1. Use the sharp knife to remove the protective coating placed on the soil sample
taken from the field.
2. For at least disturbance, use a wire saw or sharp knife in cutting a
representative sample required for the test. The test specimen should be
slightly larger than the required sample for test.
3. If a cube is desired, place the specimen in the mitter box and cut to standard
height. Both ends should.
4. Save the trimming for water content determination.
5. Measure the exact dimension of test specimen using a caliper.

EXPERIMENT NO. 05
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOILS
INTRODUCTION:
In the investigation of the soil, the most easily visualized condition involved the
volume occupied by soil solids. Vs, the volume occupied by the soil moisture. Vw, and the
volume occupied by air in the soil mass. Va. However, most measurements are readily
obtained by weight. To correlate weight and volume, a factor called specific gravity is
required. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio between the unit weight of the substance
and the unit of the water at 4 oC. There are several different types of specific gravity in
common use. Those use by the Bureau of Reclamation: Absolute specific gravity,
apparent specific gravity and several types of bulk specific gravities.
The absolute specific gravity is determined by analyzing the amount and kind of
mineral constituents present in the soil. For this test, all the coarse grains are pulverized
at least finer than no. 200 size so that all impermeable pores or voids in the coarse grains
are exposed. The specific gravity determined in this manner is the highest value which
can be obtained for a given soil.
PURPOSE:
To determine the absolute gravity sample by means of pycnometer.
APPARATUS:
1. Pycnometer or volumetric flask, at least 100 ml capacity
2. Oven with temperature control
3. Balance, sensitive to 0.1 gram
4. Thermometer, graduated to 0.1 oC
5. Evaporating dishes, medicine dropper or pipette
6. Bunsen burner and iron stand
7. Water bath
PROCEDURE:
A. Calibration of Pycnometer.
1. Clean and dry the pycnometer, weigh and record the weight obtained as Wb.
2. Fill the bottle with desired water at room temperature until the bottom of the
meniscus is at the calibration mark.
3. Weight the bottle plus water to 0.01 gm and record the weight obtained.
4. Take readings of the water temperature to 0.1 oC, holding the tip of the
thermometer at different elevations to see if the temperature of water is
uniform.
5. Record the uniform temperature observed as T.
6. Heat the bottle by placing in a warm bath to increase temperature of water in
the bottle.
7. Repeat the procedure with increasing temperature test at least, three times for
the plotting of calibration curved.
8. Make a plot of the calibration curve using the data obtained from step 2 and 7.

B. Determination of Specific Gravity

1. Place 25 gm sample of soil (oven dried) in the pycnometer carefully so as not
to loss any of the soil.
2. Add distilled water into the bottle to about three-fourths full.
3. Place the bottle with content in the water bath and boil gently to remove the
entrapped air in the sample for at least 10 mins.
4. Cool the heated bottle with sample to room temperature.
5. After cooling period, fill the bottle with distilled water to level of graduation.
6. Weight the bottle plus contents and record the weight obtained as W1.
7. Take reading of the temperature of the solution and record as T in oC.
CALCULATION:
The specific gravity of soil, Gs can be obtained from:
Gs

WsGT (Ws W1 + W2)

W2

Wb + Vb (1 + ATE) (t 8a)

AT

T Tc

GT
Ws
W1
W2
Wb
Vb
T
Tc
E
8a

= specific gravity of distilled water at temperature T (see table 2)

= oven-dry weight of soil sample
= weight of pycnometer bottle, soil and water
= weight of pycnometer bottle plus water (from calibration curve)
= weight of pycnometer bottle
= volume of water in volume in ml.
= temperature which W2 is desired
= initial temperature
= 0.100 x 10-4 per oC
= 0.12 x 10-29/cc

where:

Table 2. Specific Gravity of distilled water

Temperature, oC

Temperature, oC

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39

0.9982
0.9980
0.9978
0.9976
0.9973
0.9971
0.9968
0.9965
0.9963
0.9960

0.9957
0.9954
0.9951
0.9947
0.9944
0.9941
0.9937
0.9934
0.9930
0.9926

10

Determination No.

Pycnometer Water gm., W2

Pycnometer Water Soil gm., W1

Temperature, oC, T

Evaporating Dish No.

Dish, Dry Soil, gm.

Dish, gm.

Dry soil, Ws

Specific Gravity of Water at T.G

Specific Gravity of Soil, Gs

PROBLEMS:
1. The mass specific gravity of a soil sample is 1.65. The specific gravity of soil
grains is 2.66. What is the void ratio assuming that the soil is perfectly dry?
2. The dry unit weight of sand sample is 100 pcf and the specific gravity of soil
grains is 2.66. What is the unit weight when saturated?

11

EXPERIMENT NO. 06
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOIL-SIEVE TEST

INTRODUCTION:
A grain size analysis is performed in the laboratory for the purposes of
determining the grain size distribution of the soil. In reporting the result of this test, the
common practice is to express the total weight finer than a given grain size, as a
percentage of total weight of the soil. The most direct method for separating the soil
particles into various size fractions is by the use of the sieves.
The result of a given grain size analysis are usually presented in the form of the
grain size distribution curve. The percentage of material finer than a given grain size, P is
plotted as the ordinate in a natural scale and the corresponding particle diameter, DI mm
as the abscissa in a logarithmic scale. The slope of the curve is indicative of the grading.
The more uniform the particle size, the steeper is the slope of the curve. A vertical line
represents a soil whose particles are all the same size. Well-graded soil or those whose
particles distributed from coarse to fine, have S-shape curves that extend several cycles of
the logarithmic scale. The advantage of plotting of a semilog scale is that materials of
equal uniformity are represented by curves of identical shape whether the soil is finedgrain or coarse-grain. The curve is also used to interpolate values of P (percent finer)
corresponding to size different from the sieve openings.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the grain analysis of a given sample by the use of sieve.
APPARATUS:
1 set of sieve
Oven
Platform balance
Spatula
Aluminum basin
Mortar and pestle
PROCEDURE:
1. Dry about 400 grams of soil sample in an oven at a temperature not to exceed
to 140 oF.
2. Allow to cool to room temperature. Check if the aggregate between particles
is segregated, if not use a mortar and pestle but be careful that the individual
particles are not broken.
3. weigh the sample pass in the sieves arranges from biggest to smallest opening.
Place the cover at the top and the pan at the bottom.
4. Get the weight of all particles retained in each sieves. Computation for weight
passing and weight retained in each sieves shall be commutative.
5. Keep the sample retained in the pan for hydrometer test.
6. Plot the grain-size distribution in a semi-log scale.

12

PARTICLE SIZE LIMITS OF SOIL CONSTITUENTS ASTM CLASSIFICATION

Name of Particles

Limiting Diameter (mm)

Gravel
Coarse Sand
Medium Sand
Fine Sand
Fines (combined silt and clay)

4.75
4.75 to 2.00
2.00 to 0.425
0.425 to 0.075
0.075

Note:
a. 0.075 is the limiting boundary between coarse and fine grained materials
b. If the diameter of the particle exceeds 200 mm, the name of the material is
called boulder.
PLOTTING:
To obtain the grain-size curve, the commutative percentage passing base on the
total sample is plotted as in natural scale against diameter, D in mm as abscissa in semilog scale.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why is grain-size analysis performed on soil?
2. What does the grain-size curve indicated?
3. Describe the grading of the soil under test?
4. Define the following terms from an engineering point of view; soil, silt, clay
and gravel.
5. Which is stronger sand or clay? Why?
6. Describe the shape of the sand, clay, gravel and silt particles.
7. How will you distinguish fine grained-soil from coarse grained-soil?

13

EXPERIMENT NO. 07
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOIL
(WET ANALYSIS)
INTRODUCTION:
A grain or mechanical analysis is the determination of particles size distribution in
soil by sieve, hydrometer or combined analysis. The method which should be used
depends on the size of the soil grains.
If the soil is fine grained-soil of nearly all particles are finer that the no. 200
sieves, the hydrometer method is introduced. Hydrometer analysis is based on the
principle of sedimentation of soil grain in water. When the soil specimen is dispersed in
water, the particles will settle at different velocities that depends on their shape, size and
weight. For simplicity, it is assumed that all the soil particles are spheres and the velocity
v of soil particles can be expressed by Stokes law. (Stated by Stokes law in 1845) which
expresses the velocity at which spherical particles falls through a fluid medium as a
function of the diameter and specific gravity of the solid particles.
In laboratory, the hydrometer test is conducted by dispersing a quantity of soil in
distilled water and the suspension is placed in a liter-graduated cylinder. Sodium Silicate
is generally the dispersing agent. The hydrometer is used to measure the varying specific
gravity of the suspension and the percentage finer than this diameter is computed at the
different interval, and using Stokes equation and hydrometer reading. However, this is
on the assumption that all particles are spherical. Since, most fine-grained soils have
flaked shape particles. The grain-size that actually determine in the test is the diameter of
the soil particles but in equivalent diameter.
OBJECT:
To determine the grain size analysis of a fine-grained soil by the use of
hydrometer.
APPARATUS:
1. Balance, sensitive to at least 0.1 gm
2. Mechanical stirring apparatus and dispersion cup
3. Hydrometer (heavy and calibrated for soil)
4. 1 liter graduated cylinder
5. Thermometer
6. Set of sieves
7. Water bath at constant temperature
8. Oven with temperature control
9. Beaker, 400 ml capacity
10. Timer
11. other laboratory apparatus and supplies including drying pans, dessicator,
dispersing agent and distilled water.

14

PROCEDURE:
I. Hydrometer Analysis of Fraction Passing No. 10 Sieve
1. Hydroscopic moisture. Weigh about 10 grams of the air-dried sample
passing no. 10 sieve, dry to a constant weight in an oven at 105 to 110 oC,
cool to room temperature, weigh the oven dried materials and record the
result.
2. Dispersion of sample. Weigh 50 grams of the air-dried sample (100 grams
for sandy soil) place in a beaker, fill with distilled water to about half the
depth and allow to soak for at least 18 hours. After soaking, add 20 ml of
sodium silicate as a deflocculating agent, and then wash the contents into
dispersion cup. Add the distilled water until it is about 2 inches from the
brim and disperse the contents for 1 minute in the mechanical stirring
apparatus.
3. Transfer the mixture to the graduated cylinder and add distilled water to
bring the water level to the 1000 ml mark. Place the cylinder in the
constant temperature bath. Stir the suspension frequently to avoid
settlement of particles.
4. Remove the cylinder from the water bath as soon as the temperature of
suspension and the water bath are the same. Shake thoroughly the mixture
for 1 minute by turning the cylinder upside down and back, using the palm
of the hand as stopper. The soil should not stick to the bottom of the
cylinder when upside down.
5. Replace cylinder in the water bath, insert carefully the hydrometer in the
suspension and start timer.
6. Take hydrometer reading after 1/2, 1 and 2 minutes without removing the
hydrometer from the suspension. Read the hydrometer at the top of the
meniscus formed around its stem. Repeat the shaking and recording
procedure until consistent set of readings are obtained.
7. Restart the test but this time takes reading after 2, 5, 15, 60, 250 and 1440
minutes. Insert carefully the hydrometer about 15 to 20 seconds before
each of these readings. Dry the stem before insertion. It should be
removed carefully and placed in a cylinder of distilled water after each
readings.
Take the temperature of the suspension immediately following each
hydrometer reading and record.
Between hydrometer readings, the top of the cylinder should be covered to
minimize evaporation and prevent collection of dust or dirt from the air.
8. After the final reading, wash the suspension on a no. 200 sieve. Dry the
fraction retained and performed the sieve analysis as explained in the first
part of this procedure using the no. 40, 60 and 200 sieves.

15

CALCULATIONS:
1. Hydroscopic Moisture (%) =
Weight of the air-dried soil x weight of oven-dried soil
Weight of oven-dried soil

x 100

2. The air-dry weight of the fraction passing no. 10 sieve is calculated by

subtracting the oven-dried weight of the fraction retained on the no. 10 sieve
from the total weight of the air-dried sample.
3. The corrected dry weight of the fraction passing no. 10 sieve is obtained by
multiplying the air dry weight by the expression:
100 / (100 + % hydroscopic moisture)
4. Total dry weight of the sample is the sum of the corrected dry weight of
fraction passing no. 10 sieve and the oven of the fraction retained on no. 10
sieve.
The percentage passing the different sieves are calculated on the basis of the
total dry weight of sample.
Percentage of soil in Suspension
5. Hydrometer reading made at temperature other than the calibration
temperature is corrected by appropriate correction factors. A typical factor
curve of this type should be prepared for such hydrometer used.
6. The percentage of soil in suspension is represented by the different correction
hydrometer readings and is calculated as follows.
For hydrometer A
P =
For hydrometer B =

RA
WS
1606(R-1) a
WS

100

100

Where:
P = percentage of soil in suspension based on dry weight of soil
dispersed.
R = corrected hydrometer reading
Wb = dry weight of soil dispersed
A = a constant depending on the density of the suspension. It
varies with the specific gravity, GS of the suspended particles.
To convert percent of soil in suspension, P, to percent of total sample, multiply P
by the percentage passing no. 10 sieve (as obtained in step 4)

16

7. The maximum diameter, D, of the particles in suspension corresponding to

each hydrometer reading is calculated from the Stokes equation:
D
Where:
D
N
L

T
Gm

30nL / 980 (GS GN) T

= maximum particles diameter, mm

= coefficient of viscosity of suspending medium, poise it varies
with temperature of medium, see Table V
= distance from the surface suspension to center of volume of the
Hydrometer calibration, cm. For convenience draw a hydrometer
calibration curve to get value of L for every hydrometer reading.
= period of sedimentation, min.
= specific gravity of suspending medium at time of test, see Table
IV.

Table IV: SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF DISTILLED WATER

Temperature oC

Temperature oC

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

0.9932
0.9980
0.9978
0.9976
0.9973
0.9971
0.9968
0.9965
0.9963
0.9960

0.9957
0.9955
0.9951
0.9947
0.9944
0.9941
0.9937
0.9934
0.9930
0.9926
0.9922

PLOTTING
The cumulative % passing based on the total sample plotted against particle
diameter, D, in semi log scale to obtain the grain-size-curve. Use the same data in
experiment no. 6 but this time, the percent finer P for silt and clay will be plotted
separately.

17

Table V: VISCOSITY OF WATER MILLIPOISES

Temperature oC

Temperature oC

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

10.09
9.84
9.61
9.38
9.16
8.95
8.75
8.55
8.36
8.18

8.00
7.83
7.67
7.51
7.36
7.31
7.06
6.92
6.76
6.66
6.54

QUESTIONS:
1. A 100 cc suspension containing 40 grams of dry soil with a specific gravity of 2.65 is
prepared for a hydrometer analysis. What should be the hydrometer reading at the
instant sedimentation begins? Assume that the temperature of the test and the
temperature of the calibration of the hydrometer used in the test read 1.00 in a liter of
distilled water at the temperature of calibration.
2. Explain the function of a hydrometer?

18

EXPERIMENT NO. 08
SHRINKAGE LIMITS OF SOIL

INTRODUCTION:
Soils which undergo large volume changes with change in water content may be
troublesome if used for highway or railroads fill or if foundations are placed on them.
The soil volume changes can result in bumps in roads and cracks in structure since the
volume changes may not, and usually will not be equal.
The liquid and plastic limits may be used to predict trouble in soils due to volume
changes. However, to obtain quantitative indication of how much change in moisture can
occur before any appropriate volume changes occurs and obtain, if volume changes does
occur, and indication of the amount of change, a shrinkage limit should be performed.
This test begins with a given volume of fully saturated soil, preferably (but this is
not absolutely necessary) at water content above the liquid limit. The soil is dried. It is
assumed during drying that down to a certain limiting value of water content, any loss of
water is accompanied by a corresponding change in bulk volume (or void ratio). Below
this limiting value of water content, no further change in volume occurs with loss of pore
water. This limiting value of water content is termed the shrinkage limit.
PURPOSE:
To determine the water content of soil sample from a semi-solid state to a solid
state.
APPARATUS:
1. Shrinkage mold (1-3/4 in, diameter and in deep)
2. Glass cup (about 2-in. diameter)
3. Mercury supply
4. Medicine dropper
5. Evaporating dish, oven, balance, glass, plate, straight edge
PROCEDURE:
1. Grease inside of the shrinkage mold with a thin film of petroleum jelly. Weigh
mold and record.
2. Place about 30 gm of the sample in a n evaporating dish and mix thoroughly
with sufficient water to completely fill the voids to a consistency to as much
as 10% in excess of the liquid limit.
3. Place a portion of a wet soil in the mold (about 1/3 the volume of mold) and
tap the bottom on a firm surface. Add approximately the same amount of soil
and tap bottom until thoroughly compacted and entrapped air is driven off.
Add more soil and continue tapping until the mold immediately. Record as the
weight of mold and wet soil.
4. Air-dry the soil until its color turns dark to light, the oven dry to constant
weight at 105 oC. Record as the weight of the dish and dry soil.

19

5. Determine the volume of the wet soil by filling the mold with mercury to
overflowing. Remove the excess by processing a glass plate firmly over the
top. Measure in a graduated cylinder the volume of mercury filling mold. This
is also the volume of wet soil pat.
6. Determine the volume of the dry soil by the following procedure:
a. Remove the dry soil pat from the mold.
b. Fill the glass cup overflowing with mercury and remove the excess
pressing the glass plate with prongs firmly over the top of the cup.
c. Place the cup with mercury in the evaporating dish and place the soil
pat on the surface of the mercury.
d. Carefully force the soil pat under the mercury, the prolonged glass
plate and press firmly over the top of the cup.
e. Measure in a graduated cylinder the volume of displace mercury. This
is also volume of the dry soil pat.
COMPUTATIONS:
The shrinkage limit of soil is the maximum calculated water content, at which a
reduction in water will not cause a decrease in the volume of the soil mass.
S.L.

w V Vo x 100%
Wo

S.L.
W

= shrinkage limit
= water content of wet soil
= wt. wet soil wt. dry soil
wt. dry soil
= volume of wet soil pat
= volume of oven-dried soil pat
= wt. of oven-dried soil pat

Where:

V
Vo
Wo

QUESTIONS:
1. Define the terms: consistency, liquid limits, plastic limits, plastic range,
plastic index.
2. Describe the characteristics of a clay soil when it is in the:
a. Liquid state
b. Plastic state
c. Semi-solid state
d. Solid state
3. The dry weight of clay is 22.5 gm and its dry volume is 11.66 cc. If the
specific gravity of solid is 2.65, find the shrinkage limit of the soil?
4. A saturated soil sample has a weight of 90 gm volume of 60 cc. If the dry
volume is 33 cc and the weight of solids is 50 gm. What is the shrinkage
limit?

20

EXPERIMENT NO. 09
SOIL COMPACTION TEST

INTRODUCTION:
Soil compaction is generally the cheapest method of soil stabilization available.
Soil stabilization is improving the undesirable physical properties of a soil to achieve the
desired shear strength, structure and void ratio. There are many method of stabilizing soil
using chemicals such as lime, lime-fly-ash admixtures, cement and phosphoric acid
compounds, but these methods are usually more expensive and may utilize compaction
methods in addition to the admixture since it incorporation into the soil mass may disturb
the soil considerably.
Compaction achieve soil stabilization through the input of energy into the soil.
Generally, the compaction effort imparts to the soil.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

An increase in shear strength since this is a function of density.

An increase in swell potential
An increase in density
An increase in shrinkage
An increase in permeability
An increase in compressibility

PURPOSE:
To determine the relationship between the moisture content of the resulting dry
densities when the soil is compacted.
APPARATUS:
1. Cylindrical metal mold with an internal diameter of 4 in. height about 4.6.,
and having a volume of 1/30 cu.ft. with a detachable mold collar about 2.5 in
high and 4 in diameter.
2. Metal hammer having a 2 in diameter face, weighing 5.5 lb and with a suitable
means for controlling its drop.
3. Balances, one with a capacity of 25 lb. and sensitive to 0.01 lb and another
with 100 gm capacity and sensitive to 0.01 gm.
4. Oven with temperature control
5. Drying cans
6. Straight edge
7. Large mixing pans
8. Scoop
9. No. 4 sieve
10. Graduated cylinder
11. Tools or suitable mechanical device for extruding the compacted sample from
the mold.
12. Sprayer or any suitable device for thoroughly mixing soil sample with water.

21

PROCEDURE:
1. Weight the empty cylindrical metal mold (with the base put without the collar)
2. Obtain a g-lb representative sample from the thoroughly mixed portion of the
air-dried material passing the no. 4 sieve.
3. Place the portion of the sample in the mold to form a 2 to 3 in layer then
compact it with 25 uniformly distributed blows of hammer with a 12 in free
drop. To ensure uniform distribution of blows, rotate slightly either the mold
or hammer between each drop.
4. Repeat the procedure with a second and third layer, adjusting the free drop of
the hammer to 12 in. the soil surface should be higher than 1 in of the mold
after compaction of last layered.
5. Remove the collar and trim off carefully the soil even with top of the mold
with the straight edge. Weight the mold and compacted soil sample.
6. Remove the soil from the mold and slice vertically through the center, obtain a
representative sample of approximately 100 gm from one of the cut faces, for
water content determination.
7. Break up the soil removed from the mold, remix the original sample, and pass
through the no. 4 sieve. Add sufficient water to increase water content of the
sample by approximately 2 percent and repeat step 3 to 6 for each increment
of water added until the soil becomes very wet or there is a substantial
decrease in the weight of the compound soil 5 to 6 determinations may be
necessary.
CALCULATION:
The wet density of the compacted sample (D1) is equal to the weight of the mold
and compacted sample minus the weight of the mold multiply by 30.
The water content and dry density of the compacted soil be calculated as follows:
W

W1 - W2
W2
D1
1
-/

100%

w/100

where:
W
W1
W2
D
D1

= water content
= weight of wet soil
= weight of dry soil
= dry density
= wet density

Determine the water content and corresponding dry density of the compacted soil
for each determination and plot as ordinate and dry density and as abscissa the
corresponding water contents. Connect the plotted points with a smooth line. Generally
the curve is parabolic in form.

22

The water content corresponding to the vertex of the curve is the optimum water
content and the dry density at optimum moisture content is the maximum dry density of
the soil.
Description of sample _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Sample at _______________________________________________________________
Weight of mold, lb _______________________ Volume of mold, cu ft. _____________
No. of layers _____________ Blow/layer ____________ Wb of hammer, lb __________
Wet density, lb/cu.
Ft (D1)

Wet soil, lb

Mold wet soil, lb

Determination No.

Water Content Determination

Wet
soil
can,
gm

Dry
soil
can,
gm

Can,
No.

Can,
gm

Dry
soil,
gm

Dry
Water density
content lb/cu.ft

23

DRY DENSITY lb/cu. ft

Water content, %
Maximum dry density, lb/cu. ft _______________________
Optimum water content, % __________________________
QUESTIONS
1. What is the importance of the optimum water content in the compaction of
solids?
2. Explain why lubrication effect is not effective in compaction of coarsegrained soils.
3. If a greater compactive effort is applied to a soil being compacted, what is the
effect of the optimum water content and maximum density, all other
conditions being equal?

24

EXPERIMENT NO. 10
FIELD DENSITY TEST

INTRODUCTION:
Once compaction criteria are established for the soil to be use at a particular site,
generally with both moisture and density limitation, some means of verification of the
result must be used. On all small projects and nearly all-large projects, this verification is
achieved by either the sand-cone method or the balloon-density method. on a few large
projects, nuclear devices have been and are being used. The nuclear method is beyond the
scope of this experiment and will not be considered further.
Basically, both end the sand-cone and balloon-density methods use the same
principle. That is, once obtain a known weight of damp (or wet) soil from excavation of
somewhat irregular shape (a hole) in the ground. If one knows the volume of the hole, the
wet density is simply computed as
Wet

Weight of damp soil

Volume of hole

and if one obtain the water content w of the excavated material, the dry unit weight of the
material is
Dry

wet

(1 -/ w)

PURPOSE:
To determine the in-place density of rolled embankment later by the sand-cone
method.
APPARATUS:
1. Digging tools, such as earth auger, crowbar or chisel
2. Guide plate, about 12 in by 3/16 in with a 6 in diameter hole in the center
3. Balance, one sensitive to 0.01 lb
4. Oven with temperature control
5. Sand, clean, dry and free-flowing, preferably (-) no. 20 no. 30 sieve
6. sand funnel
7. Sieves no. 4, 20 and 30
8. Soil pans
9. Calibration bucket, not less than 0.01 cu.ft
PROCEDURE:
A. Calibration of Bucket and sand
1. Calibrate the bucket to be used as a volumetric measure by using water
(known density = 62.4 lbs/cu.ft). Weight the empty bucket. Fill with
water and weigh.

25

2. Calibrate the sand by pouring it into the bucket through channels. The
height of fall above the deposited and should be constant in order to
maintain a uniform density from bottom to top of container. Strike off
the excess and with a straight edge and weigh the bucket filled with
sand.
At least two determinations should be-made fro each calibration and
use the average value.
B. Density Determination
1. Smooth off a representative stop of sufficient size and lay flat the
guide plate on the surface of the soil layer to be tested.
2. Dig a 4 in to 6 in diameter hole with a auger, knife or any digging tool
to the full depth of the layer under test. Trim the hole carefully to
make the sides more or less vertical and the bottom level.
3. Remove all soil excavated from the hole and pulverized with the
mortar and rubber covered pestle. Pass through the no. 4 sieve. Weigh
the portion passing. Save the portion retained and return to the hole
when hole is backfilled with the sand.
4. Take a representative sample from the portion passing the no. 4 sieve
for water content determination.
5. Weigh a portion of the calibrated sand in excess of the required to fill
the test hole.
6. Pour the calibrated sand into the test hole through a funnel. The height
of fall above that deposit should be constant. Return the portion of the
soil excavated retained on the no. 4 sieve, if any, to the hole while
pouring the sand. Strike off the excess to the sand level with the
ground surface with a straight edge and return all excess to the sand
container.
7. Weigh the sand remaining in the container to determine the weight of
sand used to fill the test hole.
8. Remove the sand from the test hole, clean for future use.
CALCULATIONS:
Volume of bucket (cu.ft)

Density of sand

Volume of hole

Wet density of soil

Dry density of soil

weight of water to fill bucket (lb)

62.5 lb/cu.ft
weight of water to fill bucket
Volume of bucket
weight of water to fill hole
Density of the sand
weight of water to fill hole
Volume of hole
wet density of soil
1- water content (%)
100

26

WORKSHEET FOR FIELD DENSITY TEST

DATA:
TRIAL NUMBER
Volume of bucket of mold (cu.ft)

Wt. of bucket (lbs)

Wt. of bucket and sand (lbs)
Density of sand (lbs/cu.ft)
Wt of sand to fill the hole (lbs)
Vol. of the hole (cu.ft)
Wt. of excavated soil and container
Wt. of container (lbs)
Wt. of soil passing no. 4 sieve (lbs)
Wt. of soil retained no. 4 sieve (lbs)
Wt. of cans (gms)
Wt. of wet soil + can (gms)
Wt. of oven dry soil + can (gms)
Moisture loss (gms)
Water content (%)
Wet density of soil (H/cu.ft)
Dry density of soil (lb/cu.ft)
Average wet density (lb/cu.ft)
Average dry density (lb/cu.ft)
PROBLEM:
1. Define density?
2. Differentiate between wet and dry density.
3. How is soil density affected by the size of uniform particles, arrangement of
particles, particle size distribution and specific gravity of solids?
4. A sample of soft saturated clay weight 300 gms in its natural state, and 230
gms after oven drying. If the density of the solid constituents is 2.65 gms/cc,
what is the dry and wet density?
5. A partially saturated clay sample has a water content of 30% and its void ratio
is 0.80. If the specific gravity of solid is 2.69, what is the weight density?
27

EXPERIMENT NO. 11
PERMEABILITY TEST

INTRODUCTION:
The coefficient of permeability is a constant of proportionality relating to the case
with which a fluid passing through a porous medium. Two general laboratory methods
are available for determining the coefficient of permeability of a soil. These are the
constant-head method, and the falling-head method. both methods use Darcys law which
is expressed as :
q

= KIA

q
K
I
A

= quantity of fluid in a given time

= coefficient of permeability
= hydraulic agent
= cross-sectional area of soil mass

where:

The coefficient of permeability of a homogenous, isotropic soil mass depends

primarily on the following factors:
1. The viscosity of the pore fluid (usually water). As the temperature increase,
the viscosity of water decrease all the coefficient of permeability increases;
i.e. the flow rate increase.
2. The void ratio e of the soil.
3. The size and shape of the soil grains. Angular and platy particles tent to
reduce k more than when the soil predominates in rounded and more spherical
soil particles.
4. Degree of saturation. As the degree of saturation increases, the apparent
coefficient of permeability increases.
PURPOSE:
To determine the coefficient of permeability of a soils. Either an undisturbed or
removed samples.
APPARATUS:
1. Permeameter unit consisting of a Standard Proctor mold and cellar, mounting
base with porous stone and brass pipe fitting; and head with air escape valve
and fitting.
2. Preparation of specimen for test.
a. For test on cohesionless soil such as sands and gravels, the soils are
placed in the mold by spoon or any desired method. To avoid
entrapped air, it is advisable to raise the water level in the cylinder and
the soil is placed, maintaining about 1 inch of free water above the
surface of the sample. If the sample contain fines, cares must be
exercised to avoid segregation. After the materials has been and is at

28

the proper voids rate, the collar removed at least head and gasket are
set in points and tightened.
b. For test and remolded, compacted soils such as silts, clay cylinder and
the collar are mounted on a compaction mold base and the sample is
compacted as per the Standard Proctor Method or other method
applicable to the test results. With the specimen properly compacted;
the collar should be removed and the upper surface of the soil squared
with the ends of the cylinder. The cylinder and soil are placed on the
permeameter base, and the heard fastened in place. Care must be taken
to keep air out of the system at all stages of preparation for the test.
c. For test on undistributed soil samples, the specimen is trimmed to fit
the cylinder without air space between soil and the wall. If this is
impossible, the sides of the sample should be sealed with paraffin and
the sample fitted to the cylinder is then placed at all permeameter base
and the head fastened in place.
PROCEDURE:
A. Constant Head Test
This test is generally used for determining permeability of material such as
sands, gravel etc.. A constant head supply can be adjusted to give the desired
hydraulic gradient. The discharge can be conveniently collected in a 100 cc
graduate. A stop watch or stop clock is required for timing the discharge period.
B. Falling Head Test
For solid with low permeability, the falling head test is most applicable;
the drain at the base is connected to a tank which will give the tail water
elevation. The falling head source is connected to the pipe fitting at the head and
the valve opened to remove all air from the system, the valve is close after air
removed. If a small pressure head is sufficient, the elevation of the water is a
pipette may be taken as the headwater elevation. For a large pressure head is
required, constant air pressure may be introduced at the top of the pipette and this
air pressure head added to the pipette head. When a very high pressure head is
used, it is usually sufficient permeability as in the constant head finish-heads and
to calculate the permeability as in the constant head test.
For test in which it is desired to maintain a high hydrostatic pressure but
small differencein pressure head i.e., stimulating underground low depth pressure
two pressure tanks, one at each may be used. One would become head pressure,
the other tail pressure.
CALCULATION:
Constant Head Permeability
K
= QL / AHT
Where:
K
= coefficient of permeability
Q
= rate of discharge cc/sec
L
= length of specimen, cm
H
= pressure head, cm
A
= area of specimen

29

Falling Head Permeability

K
= aL/AT
Log e Ho/H or
K
= (2.3003/AT) *aL Log 10 (Ho/H)
Where:
K
= coefficient of permeability, cm/sec
A
= cross-sectional area of permeability
L
= length of specimen
a
= cross-sectional area of standpipe (pipette)
T
= time of test, cm
Ho
= head start of test, cm
H
= head end of test, cm
Coefficient of Permeability at Standard Temperature
Since the viscosity of water is function temperature, a change in water
temperature will affect the value of the K, it is general practice to note the temperature of
water. T, during the test and use a conversion factor to express the value of K
correspondence to 20 oC (standard T) using the equation:
Kst

= (n T) Kt
(n 2 o)

Kt
NT
N2O

= coefficient of permeability @ T oC
= viscosity of water @ T oC
= viscosity of water @ 20 oC

where:

Refer to table 1, for values of NT/N2O for temperature ranging from 10 oC to 35

oC
Description of sample _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Sample at _______________________________________________________________
Permeameter
Standpipe
Diameter, cm _______________________ Diameter, cm ________________________
Area, sq. cm ________________________ Area, sq. cm _________________________
Length, cm _________________________
Variable Head
Permeameter, gm ____________________ Ho, cm _____________________________
Specific Gravity _____________________ H, cm ______________________________
Temperature, T oC ___________________ nT/nTS _____________________________

30

Det no

Permeability and
dry sample, gm

Dry sample,
gm

Elapsed time T, Ho to H
sec

KT
KSTe
cm/sec cm/sec

1
2
3
4

Constant Head:
Specific Gravity _____________________ H, cm _____________________
Temperature, T oC ___________________ nT/nTS ____________________
Det no.

Permeability and
dry sample, gm

Dry sample,
gm

Discharge Elapsed
Q
time T sec

KT
cm/sec

KSTe
cm/sec

1
2
3
4
PROBLEMS:
1. A sample of clean sand, 12 cm high and 5 cm in diameter was tested in a
constant head permeameter. Water percolated through the soil under a
hydrostatic of 50 cm for a period of 25 seconds. The discharge water
amounted to 150 cc. compute the coefficient of permeability at temperature of
the test.
2. A falling head permeability test was performed in a permeameter with an
inside diameter of 5 cm. The inside diameter of the standpipe was 2.54 mm.
The sample had a length 20 cm. During a period of 5 minutes, the head on the
sample decreased from 100 to 60 cm. Compute the coefficient of
permeability.

31

EXPERIMENT NO. 12
DIRECT SHEAR TEST

INTRODUCTION
The direct-shear test imposes on soil the idealized conditions. That is, the failure
plane is forced to occur at a predetermined location. On this plane there are two forces (or
stress) acting a normal stress due to an applied load Pv and a shearing stress due to the
applied horizontal load Pn. These stresses are simple computed as:
Qn

= Pv / A

= Pn / A

Where A is the nominal are of the specimen and is usually not corrected for the
change in sample area caused by the lateral displacement of the sample under the shear
load Pn. These stresses should satisfy Coulombs equation of:
r

= c Qn tan o

There are two unknown quantities (c and o), two values, as a minimum, normal
stress Qn and shear stress r will be required to obtain a solution.
PURPOSE:
To determine the shearing resistance of a soil sample when subjected to a
continuous shearing displacements, either in the undisturbed or remolded state.
APPARATUS:
1. Sample former a cutter or mold for forming samples to fit the shear box.
Samples can be compacted directly in the shear box.
2. Direct shear machine
3. Proving ring assembly
4. Extensometer assembly, 2 sets
5. Remolding cylinder and tamper
6. Set of weights
7. Stop watch
8. Other laboratory equipment, as oven with temperature control, drying cans,
balances, caliper and pans

32

PROCEDURE:
Before test is started, the rate of horizontal stress or strain should be checked if
within the allowed values.
1. Push the sample into the lower section (fixed) of the shear box until it is
resting firmly on the support and engaged by the metal grips. Attach carefully
the upper section of the box and on top of it, place the loading block.
2. Allow the upper crossbar to just rest on the loading block and apply the
desired normal load.
3. Set extensometer and proving ring dials to zero position.
4. Push the starting switch to apply the shearing force.
5. Take simultaneously vertical extensometer and either horizontal extensometer
or proving ring dial reading at predetermined horizontal extensometer or
proving ring dial readings.
6. Continue taking these reading until shear force is about constant or the
horizontal strain is 0.50 inch.
7. Determine moisture content of entire sample.
8. Repeat the test by applying at least 2 different normal loads.
CALCULATIONS:
Shear Stress

- Shear Force / Initial Cross-Sectional Area

Plot in arithmetic scale the following:

1. Peak shear stress vs. normal stress
Draw the rapture envelop, determine cohesion and friction angle.
2. Shear stress vs. horizontal strain
WORKSHEET FOR DIRECT SHEAR TEST
Direction of sample _______________________________________________________
Sample at _______________________________________________________________
Diameter of sample, in ___________________Water content, % ___________________
Thickness of sample, in ___________________ Rate of HQR,
Area of sample, sq ft _____________________ shear in/min ______________________
Type of test ___________________________ Proving ring no. ____________________

33

TRIAL NO.
Horizontal Shear
Dial Reading
0.001

Load
SHEAR
Load
SHEAR
Load
SHEAR
FORCE STRESS
Dial FORCE STRESS Dial
Dial FORCE STRESS
bl
psf
bl
psf
bl
psf
Rdg.
Rdg.
Rdg.
0.0001
0.0001
0.0001

Peak shear stress, Psf

Normal stress, pcf

Initial diameter

Do

Initial area

Ao

Initial height

Ho

Initial volume

Vo

Final diameter

Df

Final area

Af

Final height

Hf

Final volume

Vf

34

WORKSHEET FOR UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST

Description of sample _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Sample at _______________________________________________________________
Diameter of sample, in _____________________ Water content, % _________________
Initial area, sq ft __________________________ Proving ratio no. _________________
Initial height, in __________________________
Strain total inch
%

Area, sq. ft

Proving ring
dial, 0.0001

Compressive
force, lb

Compressive
stress

35