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CHENNAI - 119
VI – SEMESTER
NAME..........................................................
YEAR..................... SECTION..................
CONTENT
EXP. NO EXPERIMENT NAME
1. Determination Of Moisture Content
2. Determination of Specific Gravity of Soil
3. Determination of Grain Size Distribution of Soil by
Sieve Analysis
4. Determination of Filed Density of Soil
A. Sand Replacement Method
B. Core Cutter Method
5. Determination of Atterberg limits
A. Liquid Limit
B. Plastic Limit
C. Shrinkage Limit
6. Determination of Permeability of Soil
A. Constant Head Method
B. Variable Head Method
7. Moisture – Density Relationship Using Standard
Proctor Compaction Test
8. Determination of coefficient of consolidation
A. Log Fitting Method
B. Root Time Fitting Method
C. Vane Shear Test
9. Determination of Shear Strength of Soil
A. Direct Shear Test
B. Triaxial Compression Test
C. Vane Shear Test
10. Unconfined Compression Test
1.MOISTURE CONTENT DETERMINATION
Ref: [ (IS:2720 (Part-2)-1973)]
OVEN DRYING METHOD
I. Object and Scope:-
The object of this test is to determine the water content of a soil sample in the
laboratory by oven drying. This experiment forms an essential part of many other
laboratory experiment.
II. Apparatus:
(i) Non- Corrodible airtight containers.
(ii) Balance of sufficient sensitivity to weigh soil samples to an accuracy of 0.04
percent of the weight of the solid taken for the test. For fine grained soils the
balance should have an accuracy of 0.01g and for coarse-grained soil, it
should have an accuracy of 0.1 g.
(iii) Desicator with any suitable desicating agent
(iv) Thermostatically controlled oven, with interior of non- corroding
(v) material to maintain temperature between 105CC to 110°C.
Test Procedure
(i) Clean the container and weigh it with lid (W1)
(ii) Put the required quantity of the moist soil sample in (he container and replace
trelid. Take the weight W2. The quantity of the soil sample to be taken
depends upon its gradation and maximum size of panicles. The following
quanties are recommended for laboratory use.
Determination. No 1 2 3
1. Container. No
2. Wt: of container (W1) g
3. Wt: of container +wet soil (W2) g
4. Wt: of container + dry soil (W3)g
5. Wt : of dry soil(W3-Wl)g
6. Wt: of water (W2-W3)g
7. Moisture content
( W2 − W3 )
W= x100 %
( W3 − W1 )
IV. RESULT :
PYCNOMETER METHOD
I. Object and Scope:
The object of the lest is to determine the specific gravity of soil fraction
passing 4.75 mm IS Sieve by pycnometer.
(i) Pycnometer of about 900ml capacity with the conical brass cap screwed at its
top
(ii) (ii) Balance sensitive to 1 g
(iii) Glass rod
(iv) Deaired. distilled water
Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a given volume of the soil
particles to the weight in air of equal volume of distilled water at 4°C. It is an
important factor which is used in computing other soil properties. For example void
ratio , panicle size determination by means of the hydrometer method etc.
(i) Clean the pycnometer and dry it. Find the weight (W1) of the pycnometer
brass cap and washer, accurate to 1g.
(ii) Take about 200 to 400 g oven dried soil and put it in the pycnometer. Weigh
the pycnometer plus soil (W2)
(iii) Fill the pycnometer to half its height with distilled water, and mix it
thoroughly with glass rod. Add more water and stir it. Replace the screw top
and fill the pycnometer flush with hole in the conical can Dry the pycnometer
from outside and weigh it (W3)
(v) Empty the pycnometer, clean it thoroughly and fill it with distilled water, to
the hole of the conical cap and weigh it (W2)
(vi) Repeal steps 2 to 4 for two more determinations of specific gravity.
V. DATA AND OBSERVATION SHEET.
Determination 1 2 3
Weight of Pycnometer (W1)g
Weight of Pyc + soil (W2)g
Weight of Pyc + soil +water (W3)g
Weight of Pyc +water (W4)g
VI. Calculation:
VII. RESULT:
II. Apparatus
Weigh accurately about 500-1000-gms of oven dry soil mass. Clean the
sieves and pan with brush. Arrange the sieves No. 4.75mm, 2mm. 1 mm. 600 micron,
425 micron, 300-micron. 150 micron and 75 micron in order, keeping the sieve of
4.75 mm on the top. Then shake the sample using a mechanical shaker for about
5-10 minutes. Weight of soil retained on each sieve and pan can be found cut. Plot
the grain size in mm on abscissa to log ale and percentage finer by weight on the
ordinate. Draw a curve connecting these points to obtain the grain size distribution
curve.
IV. PRECAUTIONS
(i) Ensure that no soil taken is lost during the grain size analysis.
(ii) JS 75 micron sieve should be very carefully handled.
V. DATA AND OBSERVATION SHEET:
Sieve
Sieve No. Weight of soil % Cumulative % %
opening
IS. Designation retained (gm) retained retained finer
"in mm
4.75mm 4.75
2.36,mm 2.00
108 mm 1.00
600 micron 0.6
425 micron 0.425
300 micron 0.300
150 micron 0.150
75micron 0.075
pan
VI. RESULTS:
Effective size (D10) =
Uniformity coefficient = D 60
D 10
Coefficient of curvative
2
D 30
Co =
D 60 x D10 =
Percentage Gravel =
Percentage sand =
Percentage silt & clay =
D60 = Diameter corresponding to 60% finer
D30 = Diameter corresponding to 30% finer
D10 = Diameter Corresponds to 10% finer
4. FIELD DENSITY OF SOIL
Ref: IS : 2720 (Part 28 &29)-1974/1975)
I. Object and Scope
The in-place density (also called field density) of natural soil is needed for the
determination of bearing capacity, stability analysis of slopes and for determining the
vertical stress at any depth below the ground due to overlying soil strata. In
compacted soils, the in-place density is needed to check the degree of compaction
obtained. The test covers the in-place determination of the bulk and dry density of
soil.
The basis of procedure adopted is to collect and weigh a sample of soil and to
determine the volume which the sample had occupied by pouring in a measured
quantity7 of loose sand.
II. Apparatus:
III. Procedure
IX. Calculations
(1) Find the internal volume of the calibrating can from the measured internal
dimensions of the cylinders (V)
(2) Place the pouring cylinder concentrically on top of the calibrating can after
being filled to the constant weight (W1).
(3) Open shutter allowing the sand to run out and close when further movement
of sand does not take place in the cylinder.
(4) Remove the cylinder and find the weight of cylinder and remaining soil after
filling the can + cone (W4)
(5) Repeat these measurements atleast three rimes to find the mean weight of
sand filling the calibrating can (W)
(c) Measurement of in-situ density of soil
1. Expose a flat area approximately 45cm square at the site and level the surface
2. Place the metal tray with a central hole on the prepared surface.
3. Excavate a hole in the soil using the hole in tray as a pattern, up to aboutl5cm
depth and collect all the excavated soil in the tray
4. Remove the tray and weigh the material collected to nearest gm.(Ws).Take
specimens for moisture content determination(w)
5. Place the pouring cylinder filled to the constant weight (W1 ) over the hole
concentrically
6. Open shutter allowing sand to run into the hole.
7. Close the shutter when no further movement of sand takes place
8. Remove the pouring cylinder and weigh to the nearest gram (W5)
V. OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION
Volume of the corecutter ‘V’ =
Wt : of core cutter = Wt =
Wt : of corecutter + soil (W2)
Wt : of Soil = W2-W1 =
W2 − W1
γ wet = =
V
Water content w =
Dry density
VI. RESULTS
II. Definition
It is the water content at which the soil begins to crumble when rolled into
threads of diameter 3mm
III. Test Procedure
(i) Place about 25gm of the thoroughly mixed air-dry soil in an evaporating dish
and mix it with sufficient quantity of distilled water until the mass
becomes plastic enough to be easily rolled into a ball.
(ii) Take a portion of the ball and roll it on a glass plate with the hand to form the
soil mass into a thread of uniform dia. of 3mm throughout its length. The
soil is now kneaded together and again rolled out in the form of a ball.
(iii)Repeal step (ii) until a 3mm dia. thread shoves signs of crumbing
(iv) Take some of the crumbled material for a water content determination Repeat
steps (ii) to (iv) obtain another determination which can be averaged to
give the plastic limit.
IV. Calculation
1. Liquid limit is read from the flow curve as the water content at twenty five
blows.
2. Plastic limit is the water content of the soil which crumbled when 3mm
threads were rolled.
3. PLASTICITY INDEX is the numerical difference between liquid limit and
plastic limit
4. FLOW INDEX is defined as the slope of the flow curve. It is computed using
the relationship.
W − W2
Flow index = 1 where N1 and
(N )
Log 2
N1
N2, are the blows corresponding to water contents W1 and W2 respectively in
the flow curve.
5. TOUGHNESS INDEX: Ratio of plasticity index to flow index
6. LIQUIDITY INDEX or water plasticity ratio
Natural water content - Wp
=
W1 − Wp
1 - LIQUIDITY INDEX
7. relative consistency Liquid limit - Natural w.c.
W1 - Wp
V. Observation sheet:-
Determination No 1 2 3
Con t. No
Wt. of cont. in gm
Wt. of container + wet soil in gm
Wt. container + drysoil in gm
Wt. of water in gm
Wt. of drysoil in gm
Water content in%
VI. RESULTS
(i) Liquid limit =
(ii) Flow index =
(iii)Plastic limit =
(iv) Plasticity index =
(v) Relative consistency =
(vi) Liquidity index =
(vii) Toughness index =
(viii) Classification as per Plasticity chart =
(C ) Determination of shrinkage limit (ws)
Ref: (1S:2720 (Part 6-1972)
I. Definition
Shrinkage limit is defined as the water content beyond which reduction of
moisture cause no volume change or it is the minimum water content required for
saturation of the soil sample.
II. Materials and Equipment
(i) Evaporating dish of porcelain
(ii) Shrinkage dish of non-corroding metal having flat bottom and 45mm in
diameter and 15 mm in height internally
(iii)Glass cup, the top rim of which is ground smooth and level.
(iv) Glass plate with three metal prongs
(v) Spatula
(vi) Straightedge
(vii) 425 micron IS sieve
(viii) balances, sensitive to 0.1 g and 0.01 g
(ix) Oven, thermostatically controlled (105°C-110°C)
(x) mercury (xi) wash bottle containing distilled water
(II) Dry pat Method
(a) Find the weight of the dry pat given
(b) Find the weight of the glass cup given and fill it fully with mercury.
(c) Place the dry pat over it and press it with the special tool given so that a
certain volume of mercury equal to that of the pat flows out which is
carefully collected in another dish
(d) Weigh the mercury overflown by means of which gives the volume of the dry
soil pat
(e) Knowing the specific gravity of the soil-and the volume of the
dry pat we can find out the shrinkage limit.
V.γw 1
Shrinkage limit ( Ws) = where
Ws G
V = Vol. of dry pal
Ws = wt. of dry pat and G = Sp. gravity of soil grains
III. Wet pat method
Take about 30 gm of soil passing through I.S. 425 micron and mix it
thoroughly with sufficient quantity of distilled water to a consistency that the soil
may flow. Apply the grease in a thin layer inside the dish to prevent the adhesion of
soil. Put the soil mixture in the dish in three equal quantities to fill the dish. After
putting one-third of the whole quantity, tap the dish on a firm surface cushioned by
several layers of blotting paper of similar material. Removing the excess soil with
straight edge and wipe off the soil adhering to outside of the dish. Weigh the
shrinkage dish and record the reading as the weight of the dish and wet soil. Allow
the soil pat to dry up in air till the colour of the pat changes from dark to light. Then
put the dish in the oven at 110°C till its weight becomes constant. Weigh the
shrinkage dish with dry soil and then weigh the empty dish. Fill (be mercury in the
empty shrinkage dish. Remove the excess of mercury by pressing a glass plate firmly
over the top of the dish. Measure the volume of mercury in the dish by means of
which gives the volume of the wet soil pat. Find out the volume of dry pat as in the
dry pat method.
IV. Precaution
1. The water content of the soil taken in shrinkage dish should be above liquid
limit but should be within 10% of moisture content from liquid limit.
2. Mo air should be entrapped under the dry soil pat when pressing the glass
plate with prongs is being carried out
IV. Observation and Calculations
(i) Weight of shrinkage dish W1
(ii) Weight of shrinkage dish + wet soil W2
(iii)Wt. of wet soil in the dish (W2-W1) = ‘W’
(iv) Wt.of shrinkage dish+dry soil W3.
(v) Wt.of dry soil pat = W3-W1 =W5
(vi) Volume of the shrinkage dish = Vol. of the wet soil = V1
Weight of ovenflown Hg
(vii) Volume of dry soil pat = V2 = =
13.6
(W - Ws ) - γ w ( V1 − V2 )
(viii) Shrinkage limit = =
Ws
VI RESULTS
The ease with which water flows through soils is indicated by its
permeability. The coefficient of permeability is the rate of flow of water through a
unit cross-sectional area of a soil mass under unit hydraulic gradient which maintains
laminar flow.
II Apparatus
Q×L
K= cm / s
A×h×t
K = coefficient of permeability
Q = quantity of water flowing in time interval ‘t’ (sec)
L = Length of sample (cm)
A = area of c/s of sample (cm2)
H = head causing flow (cm) t= time interval (sec)
Dimensions of specimen
Length ‘L’ = Diameter ‘d’ =
Area A = Test temperature = diameter of stand pipe
Volume = area of c/s of stand pipe 'a' =
Time
Sl.no ::. h1 cm h2 cm interval. k(cm/.sec) Averagek
sec ‘t’
aL h
K = 2.303 log 10 1
At h2
To determine the moisture dry density relation for a given soil using constant
compactive effort and subsequently find the maximum dry density and the optimum
water content.
III. Apparatus
1. Clean the mould and fix it to the base. Take the empty weight of the mould
with base and measure the internal dimensions
2. Take about 3 kg of soil sample which has been previously passed through
4.75 mm IS sieve
3. Add enough water to this soil to bring its moisture content to about 7% (
sandy soils) or 10% ( Clayey soils) less than the estimated optimum water
content
4. Fill the mould with mixed soil in 3 equal layers, with each layer being
compacted by 25 blows of a hammer weighing 2.6 kg falling through
310 mm. The blows should be uniformly distributed over the surface of each
layer after compaction, the top of the third layer should not be projecting
more than 5mm into the collar.
5. Remove the extension collar and level the top with straight edge. Clean the
mould from outside and weigh. Eject out the soil from the mould, cut it in the
middle and keep a representative soil specimen for water content
determination.
6. Repeat the experiment with moisture contents of 10%, 16%, 19% , 22% etc.
V. Graphs: -
1. Draw a graph with dry density along y-axis and moisture content along x-axis
and obtain O.M.C. and γd max
2. 100%, 90%, 80% saturation lines can also be sketched, in the above plot
using the. relationship
Gγ w
γd = Where S = degree of saturation
1+ wG
Sr
G= Specific gravity
Calculate the void ratio and porosity corresponding to maximum dry density
from the following relationship
Gγ w e
γd = n=
1+ e 1+ e
VII. RESULT
III. Apparatus
H1 + H f
H= Average drainage path for the pressure increment
4
where H1 initial height of specimen and H1-final height of specimen.
t50 -from the graph.
Primary compression ratio
d c − d100
r=
d0 − df
Make a plot of compression dial reading versus the of elapsed time with a
straight line extended to the abscissa to intersect zero time and obtain the corrected
zero point dc. Through dc draw a straight line having an inverse slope of 11.5 times
the tangent This straight line cuts the compression time curve at 90% primary
compression.
Tv H 2 ,
Cv. = (Tv ) 90 = 0.848
t 90
10 (d c − d 90 )
r =
9 (d 0 − d f )
dc- corrected zero point
d90- compression dial reading at 90% primary compression by root time
fitting method
d0 compression dial readme at zero time
df- final dial reading
d100- compression dial reading at
100% primary compression by log fitting method.
VII. Data and Observation sheet
V. Precautions
1. The specimen should be set up without causing any initial disturbance to the
sample
2. Remove the locking pins before starting the test.
3. Verify the capacity of the proving ring and ensure that it is not exceeded
4. Select the rate of application of shear load based on the type of test
VI. Graphs
Draw the Mohrs circle and determine the principal stresses at failure for a
particular normal stress.
VII. RESULTS
In this test, the application of the all-round pressure and of the deviator stress
form two separate stages of the test. The first stage is known as the consolidation
stage and the specimen is subjected to an all round confining pressure (σc). In the
second stage of the test, called the shearing stage, an additional axial stress, known as
the deviator stress (σd) is applied on the top of the specimen through a ram. Thus the
total stress in the axial direction at the time of shearing is equal is (σc + σd).
III. Apparatus
(i) Triaxial cell, with all accessories.
(ii) Apparatus for applying and maintaining the desired fluid pressure in the cell
(iii)Compression machine, capable of applying axial compression to the
specimen, at convenient speeds
(iv) Dial gauge to measure axial compression
(v) Seamless rubber membranes
(vi) Membrane stretcher
(vii) Rubber rings
(viii) Split mould, trimming knife, sample extruder, thin walled rubes
(ix) Water content determination containers
(x) Balance
(xi) Stop watch
IV. Test Procedure
a. Preparation of specimen
Take air dried soil. Mix up with required amount of water to give a required
density for a given volume. Compact the soil in constant volume. Press hollow
cylindrical cutters into the compacted soil and obtain the requisite size specimen
(i) Cover the pedestal in the triaxial cell with a solid end cap or keep the
drainage valve closed. Place the specimen assembly centrally on the
pedestal. Assemble the cell, with the loading ram initially clear of the top
of the specimen, and place it in the loading machine
(ii) Admit the operating fluid in the cell, and raise its pressure to the desired
value. Adjust the loading machine to bring the loading ram a short
distance away from the seat on the top cap of the specimen. Read the
initial reading of the load measuring gauge. Adjust the loading machine
so that the loading ram comes just in contact with the seat of the top of
the specimen. Note the initial reading of the dial measuring axial
compression
(iii)Apply the compressive force at constant rate of axial compression. Take the
simultaneous readings of load and deformation dials, define the stress
strain curve. Continue the test until failure or 20% axial strain
(iv) Upon completion of the test, the loading is shut off. Unload the specimen and
drain off cell fluid. Dismantle the cell and take out the specimen. Keep
samples for water content determination.
(v) Repeat the test on three or more identical specimens under different cell
pressures
V. Data and Observation sheet
Height of specimen 'I' - Area 'A0' -
Diameter - Volume-
Initial weight: Initial water content
Final weight: Final water content
Cell pressure (σ3)
Load gauge constant
Corrected
Comp Load Comp of Strain Vertical Deviator
area
dial gauge sample δ Load Stress Stress
‘e’ A
reading reading ‘δ’ 1 A= 0 σ1 σ1 σ3
1− e
Deviator stress at
Test No Cell pressure (σ3) σ1 at failure
failure (σ1-σ3)
VI. Graphs
1. A graph with deviator stress on the Y axis and % strain on the X’-axis is
plotted to obtain deviator stress at failure. The deviator stress at failure (σ -
σ3) is known as the compressive strength of the soil.
2. Mohr's circles are plotted with minor principal stress (σ3) is equal to the cell
pressure (σc). The major principal stress (σ1) is equal to the sum of the cell
pressure and the deviator stress. For different cell pressures, Mohr circles are
drawn and thus obtaining the failure envelopes.
VI. RESULTS
Cohesion (c) =
Angle of internal friction =
(C) VANE SHEAR TEST
Ref: IS: 2720 (Part 30)-1980
The laboratory vane shear test for the measurement of shear strength of
cohesive soils is useful for soils of low shear strength of less than about 0.5 kgf/cm2 .
This test gives the undrained strength of the soil, and the undisturbed and remoulded
strength obtained are used for evaluating the sensitivity of the soil.
II. Apparatus
(i) Vane- The vane shall consists of four blades each fixed at 90° to the adjacent
blades. The vane blades shall be welded together suitably to a central rod,
the maximum diameter of which should preferably not exceed 2.5 mm in
the portion of the rod which goes into the specimen during the test
(ii) The apparatus may be either of the hand operated type or motorized.
Provisions should be made in the apparatus for the following.
(a) Fixing of vane and shaft to the apparatus in such a way that the vane can be
lowered gradually and vertically into the soil specimen
(b) Fixing the tube containing the soil specimen to the base of the equipment, for
which it should have suitable hole.
(c) Arrangement for lowering the vane into the soil specimen gradually and
vertically, and for holding the vane properly and securely in the lowered
position
(d) Arrangement for rotating the vane steadily and for measuring the rotation of
the vane.
(e) A torque applicator to rotate the vane in the soil and a device for measuring
the torque applied.
(f) A set of springs capable of measuring shear strength of 0.5 kgf/cm2
Lower she shear vanes into the specimen to their full length gradually with
minimum disturbance of he soil specimen so that the top of the vane is at least 10mm
below the top of the specimen. Note the strain and torque indicators. Rotate the vane
at a uniform rate approximately 0.1% sec by suitably operating the torque applicator
handle until the specimen fails. Note the final reading of the torque indicator. Torque
readings and the corresponding strain readings may also be noted at desired intervals
of time as the test proceeds
Torque. 'T' =
Height of the vane 'h' =
Diameter of the vane 'd' =
Shear strength =
2T
τf = =
πd [h + d / 3]
2
V. RESULT
Shear strength =
10. UN CONFINED COMPRESSION TEST
Reference: IS:2720 Part (10)-1991
I. Object and Scope of the test
III. Apparatus
(i) Load frame to apply compressive load at constant rate of strain
(ii) Proving ring
(iii)Dial gauge
(iv) Vemier callipers
(v) Split moulds and compaction device for making remoulded specimens
V. Precautions
VI. Graph
Draw the stress Vs % strain graph with stress in kg/cm2 along Y axis and %
of strain along X-axis
Sample diameter —
Cross-sectional area of the sample (A) =
Height of the sample =
Strain rate =
Proving ring constant =
Least count of deformation dial gauge =
Increased
c/s area Actual
Deformation Strain
Provingning Load Compression stress
Sl.No Dial gauge δ1 = of sample
reading kg δ1 A load
reading e
A1 = A1
1− e
VIII. Calculations
(i) The unconfined compressive strength (qu) is got from the graph
(ii) The Mohr's circle is drawn for the soil sample.
IX. RESULTS