Experiment #3

Title: Determine the physical properties of soil. (e,n,s,Ydry,Ywet)

Discussion:
The soil is a complex mixture of mineral and organic materials, which interact
with one another. Soil can be shallow to very deep, but the surface of the soil
also known as topsoil. The physical properties of soils, in order of decreasing
importance,are texture, structure, density, porosity,consistency, temperat
ure, colour and resistivity. Soil texture is determined by the relative
proportion of the three kinds of soil particles, called soil separates: sand, silt,
and clay
Objective:
1. To be able determine the physical properties of soil (e,n,s,Ydry,Ywet) by
computation.
Procedure:
1. Gather two different samples of soil and determine their weight and
volume. Use a cylindrical canister to easily determine the total volume of soil.
Record the results.
2. After weighing, dry each sample separately by using heat for a minimum of
1hour
3. After drying, weigh the samples again and put them in the same canister to
determine the volume of the dry soil. Record the results.
4. Repeat until the data is gathered from both samples. Compute the required
properties of soil for each sample. Tabulate the findings.
Computation:
Table:
Drawing:
Conclusion:

Experiment #2
Title: Classification of soil according to USDA triangular textural classification
chart
Discussion:
Engineers, typically geotechnical engineers, classify soils according to their
engineering properties as they relate to use for foundation support or
building material. Modern engineering classification systems are designed to
allow an easy transition from field observations to basic predictions of soil
engineering properties and behaviors.
Objective:
1. to be able to identify the soil texture by different Feel test.
Procedure:
1. . Gather three samples of soil from different places weighing 125g each.
2. After weighing the soil sample, moistened each sample for preparing in the
different test to be done. Here are the following tests:
Feel test Rub some moist soil between fingers
Sands feels gritty
Silts feels smooth

Clays feels sticky

Ball squeeze test Squeeze a moistened ball of soil in the hand.
Course texture soils (sand or loamy sands)
Medium texture soils (sandy loam and silt)
Fined textured soils (clayey or clayey loam)
Ribbon test Squeeze a moistened ball of soil out between thumb
and fingers.
Ribbons less than 1
Feels gritty = course texture (sandy soil)
Not gritty feeling = medium texture (soil high in silt)

3. Repeat the process until all soil has been tested.

4. Gather the data collected and tabulate the findings.

Procedure: