Subject: Advanced Soil Mechanics

Lecturer: Dr. Xu Li
Student Name: Heng Piseth
Homework
Date: 09/10/2014
Question:
1.1.

The results of particle size analyses and, where appropriate, limit tests on samples of
four soils are given in Table 1.5. Allot group symbols and give main and qualifying terms

appropriate for each soil.

1.2.
A soil has a bulk density of 1.91 Mg/m3 and a water content of 9.5%. The value of Gs
is 2.70. Calculate the void ratio and degree of saturation of the soil. What would be the
values of density and water content if the soil were fully saturated at the same void ratio?

Answer:
1.1.
Please give main and qualifying terms appropriate for each soil

Figure 1: Soil Classification

Primary Particle size of soil are: Sand 2 mm - 0.05 mm
Silt 0.05 mm 0.002 mm
Clay <0.002 mm
Soil E: RClay = 0% ; RSilt = 0% ,and Rsand = 100%
According to the figure, we can say that this soil is pure sand.
Soil F: RClay = 4% ; RSilt = 22%-4% = 18% ,and Rsand = 100% - 22% = 78%
According to the figure, we can say that this soil is loamy sand.
Soil G: RClay = 13% ; RSilt = 46%-13% = 33% ,and Rsand = 100% - 46% = 54%
According to the figure, we can say that this soil is sandy loam.
LL=32% ; PL=24%
Soil H: RClay = 58% ; RSilt = 88%-58% = 30% ,and Rsand = 100% - 88% = 12%
According to the figure, we can say that this soil is clay.

Low

P la stic Inde x (%)

60

Medium

High
CH

40
A - Line
U - Line

CI

20

MH
or
OH

CL
CL - ML

ML or OL

0
0

20

40

60

80

100

Liquid Limit (%)

Figure 2
1.2.

Calculate the void ratio and degree of saturation of the soil

We have

3
bulk density 1.91Mg / m

Water Content W=9.5%

The value of Gs 2.70
Void ratio

e Gs (1 W )

Degree of saturation

w
1000
1 2.70(1 0.095)
1 0.548

1910
Sr

wGs 0.095 2.70

0, 468 46.8%
e
0.548

If the soil were fully saturated

w
1 0

1000
2.70(1 W )
1 0 W 11.43%
1910

Gs (1 W )

The water content W=11.43%

The water absorb Wa=11.43-9.5=1.93%