I.

Title
Exercise No. 1 Mechanical Analysis of Soils

II. Objectives
The exercise aims to familiarize engineering students with the
mechanical analyses of soils, particularly the determination of soils
particle size distribution through the use of the hydrometer method in
order to gain knowledge of the soils physical properties such as specific
gravity or bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, moisture retention
properties, and infiltration characteristics as they are essential in irrigation
systems design, operation, and management.
III. Apparatus and Supplies
1 Hydrometer
Cylinder

2. Mechanical Stirrer

4. Sedimentation Table
Bottles
7. Calgon

5. Plunger

3. 1L Graduated

6. Flush
8. Thermometer

IV. Procedures
1. Calibration

Add 110 mL of Calgon solution to a 1L graduated cylinder

Add 1L of distilled water
Mix solution thoroughly with plunger
Record temperature
Lower hydrometer into solution
Determine scale reading
2. Sample Preparation (See next page)

3. Hydrometer Reading

No restirring will be done before taking hydrometer readings

Take hydrometer readings (R) every 0.5, 1,3,10,30,90,270,and 720

minutes. Record also the temperature of the solution.
Make necessary corrections to every reading and calculate concentration of
suspension

Calculate summation percentage of the suspension

Calculate corresponding particle size

Sample Preparation

Weigh two
44.0g of soil
sample
For determination of
moisture content

For analysis
(non-dried)

Place sample in a 600-ml

beaker or a stirring cup.

Get fresh weight of

sample.

Add 110ml of calgon solution

and 400ml of distilled water.

Place sample in
an oven at
105C for

Allow sample to soak for 15mins.

Transfer the solution

Bring the
completely
to the
level
of
the
graduated/sedimentat
Stir the solution
for
Was beaker
solution
to
ion5mins
cylinder
using
used
for
soaking?
using
a
N

Ye

While firmly holding

the base of the
Transfer
solution
cylinder
with
one
Record
the
completely
to the
hand,
mix the
temperature
stirring cup using
solutionofwith
the plunger
flush
bottle.

Finish with
two
Get oven-dried
weight.
or three smooth
and down
Addup
a drop
of amyl
strokes,
alcohol if and
the
quickly
remove
surface is covered

4. Plotting of data
Plot P versus x in a semi logarithmic paper using log scale for
x.
5. Soil texture classification

Use P vs x curve to determine Attenberg soil classification

Clay 2.0 microns
Silt 2.O x 20.0 microns
Sand x >20 microns

Determine the soil texture using Figure 1. (Soil Textural Classification)

Data Blanks
Calibration
Temperature of solution:
Scale reading, RL:
Sample Preparation
Weight of soil sample:
Moisture content of soil sample:
Temperature of solution:
Hydrometer Reading
Time (mins)
0.5
1
3
10
30
90
270
720
Total
Temperature of solution:

Rc

P (%)

Plotting of Data
Chart Title

Semi-logarithmic paper

Soil Texture Classification

Atterberg Soil Texture Classifcation