CE3A03 Geotechnical Engineering I Lab Instructions

CE 3A03 – Geotechnical Engineering I: Lab Instructions

Lab 2: Permeability Test

1. OBJECTIVE

Constant head permeability tests will be performed on fine sand of different densities to obtain the
coefficients of permeability and their variation with void ratio e.

2. EQUIPMENT

Each group should be provided with:

• Permeater mould; measuring glass; funnel; brush; thermometer; clamps.

The following equipment is available for the whole class:

• A balance of 10 kg capacity accurate to 1 g; wall clock; plastic tubs.

Please do not interfere with any other equipment.

3. INTRODUCTION

Each group will set up and test one sample. The range of void ratios of sand samples to be used
by various groups will vary from a very loose to a very dense condition. Different degrees of soil
density are achieved by vibrating the sample. Vibrations are imparted by tapping on the sample
mold by means of a soft hammer. All groups will share data in order to plot relationship between
permeability and void ratio.

Each student should fully acquaint himself with the test apparatus, its piping and valve network,
and discussing it with the instructor before opening any valve. The term valve is also used to
denote a hose clamp.

The soil to be tested is oven dry. This is not a necessary requirement but aids in expediting the test
since the weight of the soil used is equal to the weight of the solids.

Measure the inside diameter and height of the permeameter mold.

4. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Sample Preparation

• Loose Sample
1. Clamp the permeameter mold to the base with the lower rubber gasket in place and record
the weight of the assembly to the nearest gram.
2. Using the funnel provided, slowly pour soil into the mold such that the distance of free-fall
is kept to a minimum.

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CE3A03 Geotechnical Engineering I Lab Instructions

3. Fill the mold to the top and carefully trim off excess soil using a straight edge (i.e., edge of
a ruler). It is essential that the sample be carefully handled as the slightest jar or vibration
will densify the sample.
4. Carefully wipe off all spillage and top edges of the permeameter mold using a soft cloth or
brush or your fingers. Do not touch or disturb the top surface of soil.
5. Measure and record the weight of the filled permeameter to the nearest gram.

• Very Dense Sample

1. Pour soil into the permeameter mold as in step 2 for loose samples. While pouring, vibrate
continuously until the mold is full to the top.
2. Trim off excess soil and wipe clean all spillage and top edges of mold.

Test Procedure
1. Place a piece of filter paper on top of the sand in the mould, then position and clamp the
collar to the permeameter using the thin O-ring. Now place the upper rubber gasket on the
top edge of the collar and firmly seat and clamp the cover.
2. Place a piece of clear plastic tube on the top outlet pipe, if not already in there.
3. To saturate the sample, place the permeameter under water in one of the plastic tubs. Do
not allow water enter the sample from the top and make sure the bottom tube is open. If
there are no leaks, the sample is saturated when you see water in the plastic tube.
4. Clamp the bottom plastic tube and then remove the permeameter from the tub.
5. Now attach it to the constant head device as per the sketch shown in Figure 1.
6. Open valve 2 fully and temporarily open valve 1 in order to eliminate any air trapped in the
reservoir supply line or in the crown of the permeameter.
7. Now start flow through the sample by opening valve 4. Simultaneously regulate the inflow
into the reservoir from the tap in such a way that the head water level in the reservoir stays
constant. This will occur when the water supply in excess of flow through the sample
discharges over the overflow pipe.
8. Allow a few minutes for equilibrium condition to be reached, then obtain graduate and time
readings.
9. After sufficient amount of water has collected in the graduate for a satisfactory measure of
its volume, again take graduate and time observations.
10. Record the temperature of the discharge water.
11. Measure the value of the head, h.
12. Repeat steps 10 to 11 two or three additional times until consistent values of coefficient of
permeability are obtained.
13. Dismantle the apparatus. Do not throw away the soil. Dump it in the container provided.

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CE3A03 Geotechnical Engineering I Lab Instructions

5. REPORT

Each group will calculate kT for the test temperature, apply the viscosity correction (see Page 5)
and determine k20 along the corresponding value of e. Obtain from other groups k values at
different void ratios, plot k vs. e curve. Assume the specific gravity of soil particles to be Gs = 2.65
when calculating void ratio e.

Include in your discussion:

(a) How is the value of k affected by migration of fines within the test sample? If fines leave?
(b) How would the value of k be affected if the sample were not completely saturated?

6. ADDITIONAL READINGS

• Text: 6.3 and 6.4 (Das), or 2.2 and 2.3 (Craig)

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Fig. 1 Constant head permeability apparatus, McMaster University.
 Effect of temperature on k
The coefficient of permeability (or the hydraulic conductivity) is a function of the unit
weight and the viscosity of water, which is in turn a function of the temperature at which
the test is conducted, i.e.
γ
k = Kd102 w
η
where
K: constant related to soil structure and particle sizes
d10: the effective particle diameter
γw: the unit weight of water
η: the viscosity of water

It is conventional to express the value of k at a temperature of 200C, i.e.

γ 0 η 0
k 200 C = w 20 C T C k T 0C
γ wT 0C η 200 C
The variation of ηT 0C / η 20 0 C and the density of water ρw (= γw /g) with temperature is
given in the follow tables.

Table 1: Variation of ηT 0C / η 200 C

Temperature T (0C) ηT 0C / η 200 C Temperature T (0C) ηT 0C / η 200 C
15 1.135 23 0.931
16 1.106 24 0.910
17 1.077 25 0.889
18 1.051 26 0.869
19 1.025 27 0.850
20 1.000 28 0.832
21 0.976 29 0.814
22 0.953 30 0.797
Table 2: Density of Water
Temperature, T °C (°F) Density of Water ρw, g/cm3
15(59.0) 0.99910
16 (60.8) 0.99895
17 (62.6) 0.99878
18 (64.4) 0.99860
19 (66.2) 0.99841
20 (68.0) 0.99821
21 (69.8) 0.99799
22 (71.6) 0.99777
23 (73.4) 0.99754
24 (75.2) 0.99730
25 (77.0) 0.99705
26 (78.8) 0.99679