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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

STANDARD PENETRATION TEST (SPT)

Purpose
This lab is performed to determine the SPT N value, which gives an indication of the soil
strength and stiffness and can be empirically related to many engineering properties.

Standard References
ASTM D 1586 Standard Penetration Test Methods for Soils.
Significance
SPT is one of the oldest in-situ tests and is performed to ascertain sub-surface soil
profile and obtain disturbed soil samples in order to determine index properties, shear strength
and stiffness parameters, in order to evaluate the limit bearing capacity of the granular soil. The
SPT N values are also empirically related with limit bearing capacity, stiffness, and shear wave
velocity. The SPT-N values are also used for seismic site evaluation and to ascertain the
liquefaction potential of a soil deposit.
SPT tests is performed by dropping a standard hammer to fall height of 30 inch in order
to record the blow counts for penetration of split spoon sampler to depth of 6 inch interval as
illustrated in Figure 1.

Fig.1. Test Apparatus.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Equipment
Drilling Tools (Hand Auger or Portable Motorized Auger), Split Spoon Sampler, Connecting
Rods, Safety Hammer with hammer guide, Tripod Assembly, Shelby Tube Sampler, Wax and
sampling sealing material, Chalk and, rule and Soil Specimen Jars.

Test Procedure
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)

A bore hole is driven to a specific depth and the drill tools are removed
The split-spoon sampler is inserted into the bore hole and attached to the steel rod. The
steel rod connects the sampler to and hammer guide at end.
The hammer is raised to a distance of 30 in (2.5 ft) and then released. This is repeated
until the sampler is driven 18 in (1.5 ft) into the soil.
The number of blows at every 6 in interval is recorded.
Compute the N value by summing the blow count for the second and third sampling
interval. The first 6 in are used for the reference purposes.
Remove the split spoon sampler. Remove the soil from the sampler and save for the lab
index testing.
Drill the boring to greater depth, and repeat the process.
In order to obtain undisturbed sample, insert Shelby tube with connecting rod in bore
hole.
Jacked the Shelby tube into soil to 12 inch minimum and rotate it. Take out the sampler
and sealed it to preserve moisture content.
Note the bore hole number, depth of sampler on the Shelby tube for sample marking.
Tabulate the readings and find out SPT-N60 value after applying all applicable
corrections.
Observe drilled soil and identify the soil type, colour and consistency during the
drilling.
Record the depth of different soil types if encountered during drilling.

Conduct of Experiment/ Lab


1.
Student syndicates will perform this experiment in two groups of 24 individuals at a
time. This experiment will be demonstrated to the syndicate, the students will take various
measurements by themselves and record data individually.
2.
All students syndicates will show the recorded data to lab staff/ lab Engineer in person
to get their attendance marked for this particular lab obtain signature on the data sheet.
Observations and calculation
3.
Record Drilling information,
i Bore hole diameter . mm
ii Rod Length .m
iii Hammer Type ...
iv Split Spoon Sampler Type..

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

4.
Blow counts for each 6 inch penetration will be recorded in the table below. Last 12
inch blow count were added and recorded as SPT-N value.
Table :
Soil Description
Sampling
Blow Count
Depth
At 1stAt
6 2nd 6 inch
At 3rd 6 inch
N Value
inch
(b)
(c)
(b+c)
(a)
Silty Clay

Analysis and Discussion


5.
The data collected by each group student syndicates will be shared among themselves
in order to develop boring log.
6.
Apply all applicable following SPT corrections and obtained N60 value.
7.
Estimate different soil engineering parameters using empirical correlations for observed
soil type as discussed in class:a. Relative Density (DR)=
b. Peak Friction Angle (p) =
c. Undrained Shear Strength (Su) =
d. Coefficient of Volume Compressibility (mv) =
e. Equivalent Modulus of Elasticity (Es)=

Precautions
a.
b.
c.
d.

Check the connecting rods connections are firm.


Keep the fall height constant during each blow.
Apply the hammer blows at rate of 30-40 blows per minute.
Use personnel protection equipment (PPE) during the test.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

RELATIVE DENSITY DETERMINATION

Purpose
This lab is performed to determine the relative density of cohesionless, free-draining soils
using a vibrating table. The relative density of a soil is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of
the difference between the maximum index void ratio and the field void ratio of a
cohesionless, free-draining soil; to the difference between its maximum and minimum index
void ratios.

Standard References
ASTM D 4254 Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of
Soils and Calculation of Relative Density.
ASTM D 4253 Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of
Soils Using a Vibratory Table.

Significance
Relative density and percent compaction are commonly used for evaluating the state of
compactness of a given soil mass. The engineering properties, such as shear strength,
compressibility, and permeability, of a given soil depend on the level of compaction.

Equipment
Vibrating Table, Mold Assembly consisting of standard mold, guide sleeves, surcharge baseplate, surcharge weights, surcharge base-plate handle, and dial-indicator gage, Balance,
Scoop, Straightedge.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Fig.1. Test apparatus and different stages of the experiment.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Test Procedure
1)

Fill the mold with the soil (approximately 0.5 inch to 1 inch above the top of the
mold) as loosely as possible by pouring the soil using a scoop or pouring device
(funnel). Spiraling motion should be just sufficient to minimize particle segregation.

2)

Trim off the excess soil level with the top by carefully trimming the soil surface with
a straight edge.

3)

Determine and record the mass of the mold and soil. Then empty the mold (M1). See
Fig. 1.

4)

Again fill the mold with soil (do not use the same soil used in step 1) and level the
surface of the soil by using a scoop or pouring device (funnel) in order to minimize
the soil segregation. The sides of the mold may be struck a few times using a metal
bar or rubber hammer to settle the soil so that the surcharge base-plate can be easily
placed into position and there is no surge of air from the mold when vibration is
initiated.

5)

Place the surcharge base plate on the surface of the soil and twist it slightly several
times so that it is placed firmly and uniformly in contact with the surface of the soil.
Remove the surcharge base-plate handle.

6)

Attach the mold to the vibrating table.

7)

Determine the initial dial reading by inserting the dial indicator gauge holder in each
of the guide brackets with the dial gage stem in contact with the rim of the mold (at
its center) on the both sides of the guide brackets. Obtain six sets of dial indicator
readings, three on each side of each guide bracket. The average of these twelve
readings is the initial dial gage reading, Ri. Record Ri to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025
mm). See Fig. 1.

8)

Firmly attach the guide sleeve to the mold and lower the appropriate surcharge
weight onto the surcharge base-plate. See Fig. 1.

9)

Vibrate the mold assembly and soil specimen for 8 min.

10)

Determine and record the dial indicator gage readings as in step (7). The average of
these readings is the final dial gage reading, Rf.

11)

Remove the surcharge base-plate from the mold and detach the mold from the
vibrating table.

12)

Determine and record the mass of the mold and soil (M2)

13)

Empty the mold and determine the weight of the mold.


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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

14)

Military College of Engineering

Determine and record the dimensions of the mold (i.e., diameter and height) in order
to calculate the calibrated volume of the mold, Vc. Also, determine the thickness of
the surcharge base-plate, Tp.

Analysis
1)

Calculate the minimum index density (dmin) as follows:

dmin

M S1
VC

where
MS1 = Mass of tested (or dry) soil
= Mass of mold with soil placed loose mass of mold
VC = Calibrated volume of the mold
2)

Calculate the maximum index density (dmax) as follows:

dmax
where
MS2 =
=
V
=
=

MS2
V

Mass of tested (or dry) soil


Mass of mold with soil after vibration Mass of mold
Volume of tested (or dry) soil
VC (AC H)

where
AC = the calibrated cross sectional area of the mold
H
= |Rf Ri| + Tp
3)

Calculate the maximum and the minimum-index void ratios as follows (use Gs value
and w =1 g/cm3):
emin

4)

wGS
G
1 , and emax w S 1
d max
d min

Calculate the relative density as follows:


Relative Density R d

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emax e
emax emin

CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

RELATIVE DENSITY DETERMINATION


(EXAMPLE DATA)

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

RELATIVE DENSITY DETERMINATION


(DATA SHEET)
Date Tested:
Tested By:
Project Name:
Sample Number:
Sample Description:
Mass of empty mold:
Diameter of empty mold:
Height of empty mold:
Mass of mold and soil (M1):
Average initial dial gauge reading (Ri):
Average final dial gauge reading (Rf):
Thickness of surcharge base plate (TP):
Mass of mold and soil (M2):
Calculations:

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

DIRECT SHEAR TEST

Purpose
This test is performed to determine the consolidated-drained shear strength of a sandy to silty
soil. The shear strength is one of the most important engineering properties of a soil, because
it is required whenever a structure is dependent on the soils shearing resistance. The shear
strength is needed for engineering situations such as determining the stability of slopes or
cuts, finding the bearing capacity for foundations, and calculating the pressure exerted by a
soil on a retaining wall.

Standard Reference
ASTM D 3080 - Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils Under Consolidated
Drained Conditions

Significance
The direct shear test is one of the oldest strength tests for soils. In this laboratory, a direct
shear device will be used to determine the shear strength of a cohesionless soil (i.e. angle of
internal friction (f)). From the plot of the shear stress versus the horizontal displacement, the
maximum shear stress is obtained for a specific vertical confining stress. After the experiment
is run several times for various vertical-confining stresses, a plot of the maxi mum shear
stresses versus the vertical (normal) confining stresses for each of the tests is produced. From
the plot, a straight-line approximation of the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope curve can be
drawn, f may be determined, and, for cohesionless soils (c = 0), the shear strength can be
computed from the following equation:

s tan

Equipment
Direct shear device, Load and deformation dial gauges, Balance.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Test Procedure
1)

Weigh the initial mass of soil in the pan.

2)

Measure the diameter and height of the shear box. Compute 15% of the diameter in
millimeters.

3)

Carefully assemble the shear box and place it in the direct shear device. Then place a
porous stone and a filter paper in the shear box.

4)

Place the sand into the shear box and level off the top. Place a filter paper, a porous
stone, and a top plate (with ball) on top of the sand

5)

Remove the large alignment screws from the shear box! Open the gap between the
shear box halves to approximately 0.025 in. using the gap screws, and then back out
the gap screws.

6)

Weigh the pan of soil again and compute the mass of soil used.
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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

7)

Complete the assembly of the direct shear device and initialize the three gauges
(Horizontal displacement gage, vertical displacement gage and shear load gage) to
zero.

8)

Set the vertical load (or pressure) to a predetermined value, and then close bleeder
valve and apply the load to the soil specimen by raising the toggle switch.

9)

Start the motor with selected speed so that the rate of shearing is at a selected
constant rate, and take the horizontal displacement gauge, vertical displacement
gage and shear load gage readings. Record the readings on the data sheet. (Note:
Record the vertical displacement gage readings, if needed).

10)

Continue taking readings until the horizontal shear load peaks and then falls, or the
horizontal displacement reaches 15% of the diameter.

Analysis
1)

Calculate the density of the soil sample from the mass of soil and volume of the
shear box.

2)

Convert the dial readings to the appropriate length and load units and enter the
values on the data sheet in the correct locations. Compute the sample area A, and the
vertical (Normal) stress v.

NV
A
where: Nv = normal vertical force, and v = normal vertical stress

3)

Calculate shear stress (t) using

Fh
A

where Fh = shear force (measured with shear load gage)


4)

Plot the horizontal shear stress (t) versus horizontal (lateral) displacement.

5)

Calculate the maximum shear stress for each test.

6)

Plot the value of the maximum shear stress versus the corresponding vertical stress
for each test, and determine the angle of internal friction (f) from the slope of the
approximated Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

DIRECT SHEAR TEST


(EXAMPLE DATA)

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

DIRECT SHEAR TEST


(DATA SHEET)

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

UNCONFINED COMPRESSION (UC) TEST

Purpose
The primary purpose of this test is to determine the unconfined compressive strength, which
is then used to calculate the unconsolidated undrained shear strength of the clay under
unconfined conditions. According to the ASTM standard, the unconfined compressive
strength (qu) is defined as the compressive stress at which an unconfined cylindrical
specimen of soil will fail in a simple compression test. In addition, in this test method, the
unconfined compressive strength is taken as the maximum load attained per unit area, or the
load per unit area at 15% axial strain, whichever occurs first during the performance of a test.

Standard Reference
ASTM D 2166 - Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive
Soil

Significance
For soils, the undrained shear strength (su) is necessary for the determination of the bearing
capacity of foundations, dams, etc. The undrained shear strength (su) of clays is commonly
determined from an unconfined compression test. The undrained shear strength (su) of a
cohesive soil is equal to one-half the unconfined compressive strength (qu) when the soil is
under the = 0 condition ( = the angle of internal friction). The most critical condition for
the soil usually occurs immediately after construction, which represents undrained conditions,
when the undrained shear strength is basically equal to the cohesion (c). This is expressed as:
q
su c u
2
Then, as time passes, the pore water in the soil slowly dissipates, and the intergranular stress
increases, so that the drained shear strength (s), given by s = c + tan , must be used.
Where = intergranular pressure acting perpendicular to the shear plane; and = ( u ),
= total pressure, and u = pore water pressure; c and are drained shear strength parameters.

Equipment
Compression device, Load and deformation dial gauges, Sample trimming equipment,
Balance, Moisture can.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Test Procedure
1)
Extrude the soil sample from Shelby tube sampler. Cut a soil specimen so that the
ratio (L/d) is approximately between 2 and 2.5, where L and d are the length and
diameter of soil specimen, respectively.
2)

Measure the exact diameter of the top of the specimen at three locations 120 apart,
and then make the same measurements on the bottom of the specimen. Average the
measurements and record the average as the diameter on the data sheet.

3)

Measure the exact length of the specimen at three locations 120 apart, and then
average the measurements and record the average as the length on the data sheet.

4)

Weigh the sample and record the mass on the data sheet.

5)

Calculate the deformation (L) corresponding to 15% strain ().


Strain

L
Lo

Where Lo = Original specimen length (as measured in step 3).


6)

Carefully place the specimen in the compression device and center it on the bottom
plate. Adjust the device so that the upper plate just makes contact with the specimen
and set the load and deformation dials to zero.

7)

Apply the load so that the device produces an axial strain at a rate of 0.5% to 2.0%
per minute, and then record the load and deformation dial readings on the data sheet
at every 20 to 50 divisions on deformation the dial.

8)

Keep applying the load until (1) the load (load dial) decreases on the specimen
significantly, (2) the load holds constant for at least four deformation dial readings,
or (3) the deformation is significantly past the 15% strain that was determined in
step 5.

9)

Draw a sketch to depict the sample failure.

10)

Remove the sample from the compression device and obtain a sample for water
content determination.

Analysis
1)

Convert the dial readings to the appropriate load and length units, and enter these
values on the data sheet in the deformation and total load columns (Confirm that the
conversion is done correctly, particularly proving dial gage readings conversion into
load).

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

2)

Compute the sample cross-sectional area A o

3)

Compute the strain,

4)

Computed the corrected area, A

5)

Using A, compute the specimen stress,

L
Lo

Ao
1 e
P
A

(Be careful with unit conversions and use constant units).


6)

Compute the water content, w%.

7)

Plot the stress versus strain. Show qu as the peak stress (or at 15% strain) of the test.
Be sure that the strain is plotted on the abscissa.

8)

Draw Mohrs circle using qu from the last step and show the undrained shear
strength, su = c (or cohesion) = qu/2.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

UNCONFINED COMPRESSION (UC) TEST


(DATA SHEET)
Date Tested:
Tested By:
Project Name:
Sample Number:
Sample Description:

Diameter (d):
Length (Lo) :
Mass:

Table 1: Moisture Content determination


Copy from exp 3 or 5

Area (Ao):
Volume:
Wet density:
Water content (w%):
Dry density (d):

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Proving ring/deformation dial: 1 unit = ________ mm


Proving ring No. _______________
Load dial 1 unit = ______________ kg/N/lb

Table 2: Unconfined compression test data


Deformation
dial reading

Load
dial
reading

Sample
deformation
L (mm)

Strain
()

% strain

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Corrected
Area A

Load (lb)

Load
(kN)

Stress
(kPa)

CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

1D CONSOLIDATION TEST

Purpose
To determine the coefficient of consolidation and rate of volume decrease that a laterally
confined soil specimen undergoes when subjected to different vertical pressure.
Standard Reference
ASTM D 3080 - Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils Under Consolidated
Drained Conditions

Significance
The one dimensional consolidation test is one of the important test for fine grained soils. The
Consolidation tests are typically performed on intact, undisturbed cohesive soil materials or
soils that consolidate slowly enough such that the time rates of deformation are of engineering
concern. Sometimes the oedometer test is also performed on coarse-grained soils to obtain the
one dimensional compression index. The Consolidation tests are used to find compressibility
parameters, such as pre-consolidation pressure to evaluate the stress history, Compression
Index, Secondary Compression index and coefficient of consolidation (vp , Cc, Cs, and cv).
These parameters can be used to predict the magnitude and time rate of settlement, as well as
to estimate the percent consolidation at various times under a single increment in the field in
addition to define stress history of the deposit.
Equipment
Consolidation Apparatus, Consolidation cell, Dial gauge or LVDT, Porous stone ,Filter
paper, Balance, Stop watch, Oven, Moisture cans.

Figure 1 Consolidation Cell with Loading Frame

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Figure 2. Sample Preparation

Figure 2: Sample Preparation in Consolidation Cell

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Test Procedure
11) Measure consolidometer ring diameter (Dr), the ring mass, and the ring height (hr).
The height of ring coincides with the initial height of the specimen (Ho).
12) Trim the soil to fit and completely fill the ring. Please note that may you have two
different type of specimens; undisturbed or remolded. The quality of the results
depend s how well undisturbed specimens are obtained, transported, and placed in
the oedometer. Utmost care must be taken during handling undisturbed specimen to
avoid the compromising test result.
13) Record the mass of the soil specimen and ring (Mr+s).
14) Assemble the apparatus using filter paper between soil specimen and porous stone
balance the level arm and set the dia indicator to zero.
15) Add distal water consolidation cell at the same time that the first load is being
applied during the duration of testing, the specimen must be submerged at all time
to prevent the specimen.
16) Assemble weights. for example use the following load increments(this load
sequence yields a load increments ratio[LIR] equals to 1.0):
17) 5N, 10N , 20N, and40N
18) Unloading 20N, 10N, 5N
19) Reloading 10N, 20N, 40N, 80N, and160N
20) Note that the actual applied load to the soil specimen is the weight times the loading
arm ratio.(in most consolidation loading devices the arm ratio is equal to
10.Therefore , multiply the weight value times ten to obtain the load on the
specimen. please note that this is not the vertical stress the vertical stress is
obtained by dividing the load by the specimen cross-sectional area.
21) Add the first prescribed load to the hanger of the consolidation apparatus. Record
dial readings H at increasing time intervals (approximately 6,15,30
sec,1,2,4,8,15,30,60,120,1440 min). if the reading is not taken at the given time,
please record the exact time of the reading. If a computer-controlled data acquisition
system is used, the reading scheme can be programmed, and sampling rate can be
increased with little effort.
22) Following the load-unload sequence, allow the specimen to swell for 24h(1440) at
the final load(5nread the final change in height(Hf).
23) Remove the ring from cell, remove the surplus water, and determine the mass of
ring plus specimen (Msf+r).
24) Place both the ring and specimen in the oven. Measure the mass of ring and dry soil
specimen (Md+r).

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Analysis
7)

Calculate initial void ratio (eo) from phase relationship from measured data at the
start of the test or load increment.

8)

Calculate the final void ratios at the end of primary (EOP) and at the end of each
increment.

9)

Use the final void ratios at the end of primary (EOP) for drawing lab compression
curve.

Figure 3: Relationship of Change Height of Sample to Void Ratio


10)

Calculate coefficient of consolidation (Cv) and secondary compression at each load


increment by plotting change height vs. time data using Casagranda and Taylors,
Root Times methods.

Figure 4: Coefficient Consolidation using Log and Square Root Time Methods
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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

11)

Plot Laboratory compression curve using (EOP) corresponding each load increment
and vertical stress.

12)

Calculate the Pre-Consolidation stress using Casagranda Technique.

Figure 5: Determination of Pre-Consolidation Pressure


13)

Calculate Compression index from normally consolidation portion of compression


curve and Recompression or Swelling Index from Un-load-Reload Cycle.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

CONSOLIDATION TEST
(DATA SHEET)
Consolidation Type_______________________________________
Ring diamentionDiam =________ Cm . Area=_______Cm2 Ht =______________mm
Initial ht of soil, Hi= ________________
water content determination
Specific gravity of soil ,Gs= __________
wt of can +wet
Wt of ring + specimen
soil=___________________
at beginning of test=________________
wt of can +dry
Wt of ring
=__________________
soil=___________________
Wt of wet soil Wt =_________________
wt of can
Computed dry wt of soil, Ws =__________________
=__________________________
Oven dry wt soil Ws =___________________
wt of water
Computed Htwt of soil, Hs
=________________________
wt of dry soil
=_______________________
initial water content ,
wi=______________
=_______________________________________________________
Initial Ht of voids ,Hv = Hi Hs =
___________________________________________________
Initial degree of saturation , Si = (Wi Ws)/(HrA) =
_____________________________________
Initial void ratio ei= Hv/Hs
=________________________________________________________
Final test data (obtained at end of load testing)
Final water content determination
Initial dial reading ___________________
Final wet Wt + ringc ___________________
Final dial reading ____________________
Final dry Wt + ring ____________________
Change in sample Ht _________________
Oven dry wet , of soil , Ws______________
Final ht of voids, Hvf__________________
Final water content , wf________________
Final void ratio ,ef= Hrf/Hs _____________
Final degree of sat. S __________________

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Consolidation Test (time-compression data)


Loading test data
Clock time
and date

Elapsed time
min

Dial reading
Original

Load _______________ kPa


Date applied _____________

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Adjusted

CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

PLATE LOAD TEST (PLT)


Purpose
This lab is performed to determine the in-situ bearing capacity of soil.
Standard References
ASTM D 1196 Standard Test Method for Static Plate Load Test of Soils
Significance
The bearing capacity of a soil mass is an important input parameter for the design of
any engineering structure. There are different field and laboratory tests available for the
determination of bearing capacity. The Plate Load Test is a field test being used for determining
in Situ bearing capacity of the soil. In addition to bearing capacity, the load-displacement
curve also used for determination of subgrade modulus, an important parameter for pavement
design.
PLT tests is performed by loading an steel plate foundation at the intended depth of
planned footing and recording the load displacement at top of plate as illustrated in Figure 1.
The ultimate bearing capacity of soil is determined corresponding to 10% relative settlement
of plate.

Fig.1. Test Apparatus.


Equipment
Bearing plate of 12 inch (30.5 Cm) dia, hydraulic jacks and various gages to measure load
and deflection and truck with special attachment to apply load.

Test Procedure

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

(14)

Make a test pit to the depth of foundation or to a point where bearing capacity is
required. The size of the test pit should be four times the dia of plate to be used.

(15)

Place bearing plate of appropriate size at the bottom of the test pit and put hydraulic
Jack at the center of plate.

(16)

Put the reference beam at ground surface on the top of test pit and attach various gauges
to record applied load and settlement of the plate.

(17)

Put the loading mechanism in place and apply pressure of 1 Psi to seat the plate and
then release it after few seconds.

(18)

Apply first increment of load equal to one fourth of expected bearing capacity of soil.
Keep the load in place till the settlement of plate seizes and record the settlement of the
plate.

(19)

Apply the second increment of load and maintain it till seizes. Record this settlement
also. Keep increasing the load till soil fails or plate settles for one inch (25.4mm).

Analysis and Discussion


8.
The computation and interpretation to be done after the practical are as fol:a. Complete data sheet.
b. Draw stress vs settlement curve.
c. Determine ultimate failure stress from the curve by drawing two tangent, one from
the upper limb and the other from the lower limb of curve and extending the
intersection point to X-axis. If there is no maximum curvature on the curve, then find
stress for 25mm settlement which is considered as ultimate failure stress.
d. Determine safe bearing capacity by dividing ultimate stress determine from stresssettlement curve to the suitable factor of safety.

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CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

PLATE LOAD TEST


(Data Sheet)

The observations to be taken during the test are as following.


1. Dia of Plate

= 12inch (30.5 Cm)

2. Plate Area (PA)

= 113 inch2 (707Cm2)

3. Jack Ram Area (JRA)

= 11.045 inch2 (71.26Cm2)

4. Force in (kgf)

=pressure gauge readingx1000 x11.045/2.204

5. Jack Ram Area (JRA) / 2.204

= 11.045/2.204=5.01

S. No

Deflection/
Settlement
(mm)

(a)

(b)

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

Pressure gauge
reading x1000
(Psi)
(c)

Force
(kgf)
(d)=(3)x(JRA)/2.204
=(3)x5.01

Page 39 of 40

Stress
(kg/cm2)
(e)= (4)/ Plate
Area

CE324 Soil Mechanics II

Military College of Engineering

Stress kg/cm2
0

10

Settlement (mm)

20

30

40

Ultimate bearing capacity at failure point or at 25mm settlement from the graph

qu =

kg/cm2

1kg/ Cm2 =0.9139 TSF

Page 40 of 40

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