Soil Lab Manual

MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TRICHY-SALEM HIGHWAY NEAR NO.1 TOLLGATE,
THUDAIYUR POST, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI- 621 213
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
CE 2308 / SOIL MECHANICS

LABORATORY MANUAL
FOR V SEMESTER B.E. DEGREE COURSE
[REGULATION 2008]
As per the prescribed syllabus by

ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
2013 - 2014
PREPARED BY
Mr.P.MUTHUKUMAR
A.P/CIVIL
P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.
Page 1
Observation:
Weight of the Pycnometer (W 1)
Weight of the Pycnometer+ dry soil (W 2)
Weight of the Pycnometer + soil + water (W 3)
Weight of the Pycnometer + water (W 4)
=
=
=
=
....
Page 2
Ex. No: 1
Date :
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL GRAINS
Aim:
To determine the specific gravity of the soil particles passing 4.75 mm I.S.Sieve using
pycnometer.
Description:
Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a given volume of dry soil solids to the weight
of equal volume of distilled water at 40C. The value of specific gravity depends upon temperature,
hence its value is reported at standard temperature of 270 C.
Specific gravity of soil grains is an important property and is used in calculating void ratio,
porosity and degree of saturation. Its value helps in identification and classification of soils. It is used in
computing the soil particles size by means of hydrometer analysis. Its value ranges as follows.
Coarse grained soils
:
2.6 2.7
Fine grained soils
:
2.7 2.8
Organic soil
:
2.3 2.5
Apparatus:
1. Pycnometer
2. 4.75mm I.S.Sieve
3. Glass rod
4. Distilled water
5. Weighing balance (accuracy 0.1 gms)
Procedure:
1. Dry the pycnometer and weight with its cap tightly screwed on (W 1).
2. Unscrew the cap and put in about 200 gms of oven dried soil passing 4.75 mm I.S.Sieveand
weigh again (W 2).
3. Add sufficient desired water to cover the soil about half full and screw on the top.
4. Shake well and stir thoroughly with glass rod to remove the entrapped air.
5. After the entrapped air has been removed, fill the pycnometer with water completely up to the
mark.
6. Thoroughly dry the Pycnometer from the outside and weigh it (W 3).
7. Record the temp of the content.
8. Clean the Pycnometer thoroughly.
Page 3
Calculation:
(W 2 - W1)
G
=
(W 4 - W 1) - (W 3 - W 2)
Page 4
9. Fill the Pycnometer with water up to its top and screw on the cap.
10. Weigh the Pycnometer after drying it on the outside (W 4).
The specific gravity of the soil grains is calculated as follows.
Results:
Specific gravity of grain soil =
Page 5
Observations:
Weight of soil
retained (gms)
S. No.
I.S.Sieves
4.75mm
2.36mm
1.18mm
600
425
300
150
75
Pan
Cumulative
weight retained
(gms)
Cumulative %
retained (gms)
% Finer
Page 6
Ex.No: 2
Date:
GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTIONS BY SIEVE ANALYSIS
Aim:
To determine the grained size distribution of coarse grained soil by sieving.
Description:
Soils having particles larger than 0.075 mm sieve are termed as coarse grained soils. Coarse
grained soils are classified mainly by sieve analysis. The grain size distribution curve gives an idea
regarding the graduation of soil whether the soil is well graded or poorly graded. In mechanical soil
stabilization the main principle is to mix a few soils in such a proportion that a desired grain size
distribution is obtained for the design mix. Hence for proportioning the selected soils, the grain size
distribution of each soil should be known.
Apparatus:
A set of specified sieves,
Balance.
Procedure:
1. Take suitable quantity (500 gms) of oven dried soil retained in 75sieve.
2. Sieve the soil through 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.70 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 , 425 , 300 , 150 , 75
and pan for 15 minutes (Manually).
3. Weigh to 0.1 gm, each sieve and pan with soil retained on them.
4. The sum of the retained soil is checked against the original mass of soil taken.
5. All the observations are entered in the data sheet and the calculations are made.
Page 7
Calculations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Effective size of the soil

Uniformity coefficient (Cu)
Coefficient of curvature (Cc)
Fineness modulus
=
=
=
=
D10
D60 /D10
(D30)2 / D10 xD60
Total sum of the cumulative % retained / 500
Page 8
Graph:
Plot the particle size distributional curve between the particle dia in (mm) and % Finer in semi
log sheet.
Results:
Effective size of the soil
Uniformity coefficient (Cu)
Coefficient of curvature (Cc)
Fineness modulus
=
=
=
=
Page 9
Calculations:
Dia of the core cutter
. cm
Height of the core cutter
. Cm
Volume of the Core Cutter (V)
. cc
Weight of the Core Cutter (W 1)
. gms
Weight of the Core Cutter with soil sample (W 2)
. gms
Weight of the soil sample W = W 2 W 1
. gms
Field Density of Soil = W/V
. g/cc
Page 10
Ex. No:3
Date:
Aim:
FIELD DENSITY TEST

By
(CORE CUTTER METHOD)
To determine the field density of soil by core cutter method.
Apparatus:
1. Core cutter
2. Dolly
3. Rammer
Description:
Core cutter having 10cm internal diameter is made of scamless steel tube. It is beveled and
hardened at one end to form cutting edge. Dolly is made of steel and is cylindrical in shape. Open from
both sides, it is fitted with a lip to enable it to be located on top of the core cutter. Rammer consists of a
solid cylindrical base attached to a steel stem.
Procedure:
1. Calculate the volume of the core cutter from its dimensions and weigh the core cutter to the
nearest gram.
2. Expose and level a small area of 30cm2 of the soil to be tested.
3. Place the core cutter on the levelled surface of the soil and place the dolly on the top of the
core cutter.
4. Drive the core cutter into the soil with help of rammer until only 15mm of the dolly produces
above the ground surface.
5. Care should be taken not to rock the core cutter during driving operation.
6. Take out the core cutter by digging the surrounding soil, care being taken to see that some
soil projects from the lower end of the cutter.
7. Level off both surface of the core cutter with a straight edge.
8. Weigh the core cutter with the soil sample to the nearest gram.
Result:
Field Density of Soil =. g/cc
Page 11
Observations:
Weight of soil taken
Weight of rammer
Diameter of mould
Number of layers
Height of mould
Number of blows
Volume of mould
: 3kg
: 2.6kg
: 10cm
: 3 Layers
: 12.7cm
: 25 blows for each layers
:Axh
Tabulation:
Water
content
S.NO.
%
Dry Density
Weight of
mould
without collar
W1 (gms)
Weight of
mould with
wet soil
W2 (gms)
Weight of
soil W =
(W2 W1)
(gms)
Bulk
Density
=W/V
ml
d
1
w
100
Page 12
Ex. No:4
Date:
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE DENSITY RELATIONSHIP

USING STANDARD PROCTOR'S COMPACTION TEST
Aim:
To determine the optimum water content and maximum dry density of a soil by standard proctor
test.
Apparatus:
1. Cylindrical mould
2. Standard rammer
3. Straight edge
4. Measuring jar
5. Balance
Description:
The apparatus consists of diameter of 10cm (d) and internal effective height of 12.73cm (h).
The mould is attached with detachable base plate and a removable collar.
The volume of the mould is
d2
xh
4
cm3.
A standard rammer has 50 mm circular base and weighs 2.6 kg. The rammer is equipped
with suitable arrangements to control the height of the drop which is 310 mm.
Procedure:
1. Weigh the standard proctor mould with base and without collar (w1) gm.
2. Take about 3 kg of air dried soil passing through 4.75 mm sieve.
3. Take known quantity of water (6% by the weight of dry soil) and mix well with the soil.
4. Attach the collar with proctor mould and fill the mixed soils in the mould in three equal
layers.
5. Compact each layer by the rammer weighing 2.6 kg allowing it to drop 25 times from the
height of 310 mm.
6. The total height of the compacted soil should be slightly more than the height of the mould.
7. Remove the collar and cut out the projected soils to have a level surface with the top of the
mould.
8. Weigh the mould with the soil (w2) gm.
9. Remove the soil from the cylinder and break up the soil by hand. Now increase the moisture
content by 2% and mix thoroughly. Repeat the experiment.
10. In the repeating process each time raise the moisture content by 2% until there is a
considerable fall in the weight of the mould with compacted soil.
11. Take samples from each operation and calculate the moisture content and corresponding
dry density.
.
Page 13
Calculations:
Bulk density = W/V
Dry density
d
1
w
100
Page 14
12. Draw the graph between dry density and moisture content. Draw the saturation line in the
same graph.
13.Find the dry density and optimum moisture content from the graph
Results:
Soil
Maximum dry density of the soil
Optimum moisture content
Red Soil
Page 15
Observation:
WATER CONTENT
S.NO.
NUMBER OF BLOWS
%
ml
Page 16
Ex. No:5
Date:
DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT OF SOIL
Aim:
To determine the liquid limit of the given soil
Description:
The liquid limit apparatus has a cup which is raised 1 cm above a flat base and then dropped by
rotating a handle. The grooving tool has a cutting edge of standard dimensions used to form a groove
in the middle of the soil sample.
A gauge block is used to check that the cup is adjusted to give a drop of exactly one cm.
Apparatus:
1. Liquid limit device with grooving tool
2. Balance to weigh upto an accuracy of 0.01 gm
3. Spatula
4. Container to dry the sample
Procedure:
1. Weigh about 100 gms of soil passing through 420 micron I.S. Sieve.
2. The soil sample is placed on the evaporating dish and thoroughly mixed with water using
spatula until the mass becomes a thick paste of putty like consistency.
3. The casagrande's device is checked to have a correct fall of 10 mm and placed a portion of
the prepared paste over the brass cup.
4. A portion of the mixture is placed in the cup and leveled with the spatua to a maximum
depth of 1 cm.
5. The grooving tool is used to cut a groove in the middle of the soil cake.
6. The cam is rotated at a rate of 2 blows per second and the rotations are counted until the
groove closes over a length of 12 mm
7. A small quantity near the centre of test sample is collected in a container and weighed it.
8. The sample is kept in the oven for 24 hours and weighed.
9. The difference of the two weights will give the weight of water and from that the moisture
content is found out by the dry weight.
10. The experiment is repeated by adding little more water. Four trials are made so that the
numbers of blows are more than 25 in two cases and less than 25 in other two cases. ( 25 +
15)
11. In each trial the moisture content is determined the results of the test are plotted as a flow
curve.
Results:
1. Soil
2. Liquid limit of the soil
=
=
Red Soil
Page 17
Observations:
Soil
Weight of can (W 1) (gm)
Weight of wet soil with can (W 2) (gm)
Weight of dried soil with can (W 3) (gm)
Weight of water (W 2 W3) (gm)
Weight of dry soil (W 3 W1) (gm)
Moisture content (w) (%)
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Page 18
Ex. No: 6
Date:
DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT OF SOIL
Aim:
To determine the plastic limit of the given soil.
Apparatus:
1. Glass plate
2. China clay disc
3. Balance
4. Container to dry the sample in oven
Procedure:
1. A sample of about 30 gms is taken from the given soil sample.
2. The sample is thoroughly mixed with water on the glass plate until it is plastic enough to be
rolled into a ball.
3. The ball of soil is then rolled between the hand and the glass plate so as to form the soil
mass into a thread of 3 mm diameter without breaking.
4. The soil is then kneaded together and rolled out again. The process of kneading and rolling
thread is repeated until the soil just ceases to be plastic and crumbles.
5. The portions of the crumbled soil are gathered together and placed in a container for
moisture content determination.
6. The test is repeated twice more with fresh samples.
Page 19
Calculations:
Determination of moisture content, (w)
W 2 W3
x100
W 3 W1
Page 20
Results:
Soil
Plastic limit of the soil
=
=
Page 21
Observations:
Empty Weight of Sand Pouring Cylinder
Weight of Sand Pouring Cylinder with Sand (W 1)
Weight of Sand Pouring Cylinder with Sand after filling Cone & Container (W2)
Weight of Sand in the Cone (W 3)
Weight of Sand in the Calibrating Container alone (W A = W 1 W 2 W 3)
Weight of Wet Soil (WW)
Weight of Sand Pouring Cylinder with Sand after filling the hole (W 4)
Weight of Sand in the hole (W d = W 1 W 3 W 4)
Page 22
Ex. No:7
Date:
FIELD DENSITY TEST

By
(SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD)
Aim :
To determine the field density of soil by sand replacement method.
Apparatus:
1. Sand pouring cylinder
2. Calibrating container
3. Metal Tray
4. Moisture bins
Procedure:
1. Determination of weight of sand in the pouring funnel (bottom cone):
i. Close the tap and fill the sand pouring Cylinder nearly up to the brim with dry
clean sand graded between 1.2mm to 0.6mm and weighted to the nearest gram. Place the
sand pouring Cylinder in a levelled horizontal place. By opening the top, allow the sand to run
down the Sand pouring cylinder. When no movement of sand is noticed, close the tap and
remove the Sand pouring Cylinder carefully and weight it to the nearest gram
2. Determination of Bulk Density of sand:
ii. Determine the volume of the calibrating container to the nearest 1cc. with the
Dimensions of the cylinder.
iii. Fill the sand pouring cylinder with same as used previously to the brim and
placeit over the metal tray and calibrating can. Open the Sand pouring Cylinder run down the
sand until no further movement of sand takes place. Close the tap and remove the Sand
pouring cylinder to the nearest gram.
3. Determination of Soil Density:
iv. Expose an area of soil to be tested and trim down to a level surface. Place the
metal tray with the hole over the surface of the soil to be tested and excavated the soil to a
depth of 12.5cm, collect the soil in a can, care being taken to see that no loose soil is left in
the hole and determine its weight to the nearest gram. Fill the sand pouring cylinder with
same sand as used previously to the brim and place it over the centre of the metal tray and
hole, open the sand pouring cylinder run down the sand until no further movement of sand
takes place. Close the tap and remove the sand pouring cylinder carefully. Determine the
weight of the sand pouring cylinder to the nearest gram.
Page 23
Calculations:
Volume of the Container, V
Bulk Density of Sand,
WA/ V
Wd/
(WW/ W d) x
(WW/ Vh) x
Volume of the hole, V h

Bulk Density of Field soil,
Water content, w
Filed Density of Soil
w
100
Page 24
Result:
The Field density of soil is (gm/cc)
Page 25
Observations:
Soil
Weight of the Pycnometer (W 1)
Weight of the Pycnometer+ dry soil (W 2)
Weight of the Pycnometer + soil + water (W 3)
Weight of the Pycnometer + water (W 4)
Specific gravity (G)
Weight of can (W 1) (gm)
Weight of wet soil with can (W 2) (gm)
Weight of dried soil with can (W 3) (gm)
Weight of water (W 2 W3) (gm)
Weight of dry soil (W 3 W1) (gm)
Water content (w) (%)
Volume of dry soil (Vd)
Volume of wet soil (Vw)
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
....
. cc
. cc
Page 26
Ex. No: 8
Date:
DETERMINATIONS OF SHRINKAGE FACTORS
Aim:
To determine the shrinkage limit of a soil and shrinkage factors.
Apparatus:
1. Pycnometer
2. I.S.Sieve 4.75mm
3. Glass rod
4. Weighing balance (accuracy 0.1 gms)
5. Moisture bins
Procedure:
1. Dry the pycnometer and weight with its cap tightly screwed on (W 1).
2. Unscrew the cap and put in about 200 gms of oven dried soil passing 4.75 mm I.S.Sieve
and weigh again (W 2).
3. Add sufficient desired water to cover the soil about half full and screw on the top.
4. Shake well and stir thoroughly with glass rod to remove the entrapped air.
5. After the entrapped air has been removed, fill the pycnometer with water completely up to
the mark.
6. Thoroughly dry the Pycnometer from the outside and weigh it (W 3).
7. Record the temp of the content.
8. Clean the Pycnometer thoroughly.
9. Fill the Pycnometer with water up to its top and screw on the cap.
10. Weigh the Pycnometer after drying it on the outside (W 4).
11. Then determine the moisture content, to calculate the dry density of soil and volume of dry
soil.
12. Finally, calculate the shrinkage limit (Ws) and shrinkage factors of the given soil.
Page 27
Calculations:
(W 2 - W 1)
Specific gravity (G)
=
(W 4 - W 1) - (W 3 - W 2)
Shrinkage limit (Ws)
Water content (w)
Mass of dry soil (Md)
Vd
Md
x100
W 2 W3
x 100
W 3 W1
w x Vw
G
Density of dry soil (d)
1
G
wG
S
Shrinkage ratio (S.R.)
Volumetric Shrinkage (V.S.)
(w Ws) x S.R.
Page 28
Results:
1. Shrinkage limit of the soil (Ws)
2. Shrinkage factors
a) Shrinkage ratio (S.R.)
b) Volumetric Shrinkage (V.S.)
3. Specific gravity (G)
=
=
=
=
=
Page 29
Page 30
Ex. No:9
Date:
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS FOR FINE GRAINED SOIL

By
(HYDROMETER METHOD)
Aim:
1. Calibrating the Hydrometer.
2. Plotting the grain size distribution curve of the given soil sample by hydrometer analysis and
to determine the effective size and uniformity coefficient.
Apparatus:
1. Balance to weigh upto 0.1 g
2. I.S. Sieve 75micron
3. Stop watch
4. Hydrometer in specific gravity range from 0.995 to 1.050 and reading 1.00 at 20 c in water.
5. Graduated measuring cylinder for a volume of 1000ml (Hydrometer Jar)
6. Thermometer.
7. Beakers of 100 cc capacity.
Calibration of hydrometer:
1. The readings on the hydrometer stem give the density of soil specimen situated at the
centre of the bulb at any time.
2. When hydrometer is immersed in the jar, the water level will rise, the rise being equal to the
volume Vh of the hydrometer divided by the internal area of cross section Aj of the jar.
3. So the corrected height Hr will be Hr = H Vh / 2Aj
4. A graph has been drawn between hydrometer reading in abscissa and height in ordinate.
Procedure:
1. Mix 50 g of soil with 100ml of sodium oxalate or sodium hexametaphosphate per litre.
2. The mixture is well stirred with a glass rod and allowed to stand overnight.
3. Next day the mixer is passing through 0.075 mm sieve and washed.
4. The passing is taken for hydrometer analysis.
5. After stirring the mixture for 5 minutes the suspension is transferred to the measuring
cylinder and made up to exactly 1000ml with distilled water.
Page 31
Page 32
6. The measuring jar is now shaken vigorously and then allowed to stand and the stop watch is
started.
7. The hydrometer is carefully inserted and the first reading taken after a period of 0.5 minute.
8. It is usual for convenience, when recording the hydrometer readings to omit the one and
more the decimal point three places to the right. For example the graduation of 1.014 is read
as 14.
9. Further readings are taken at 1 and 2 minutes and hydrometer is removed. Insertion and
withdrawal of hydrometer should be done carefully.
10. After each removal, the hydrometer should be wiped dry with a clean rag.
11. Further readings should be taken after periods of 4, 8, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3 hours.
Subsequently readings may be taken at convenient intervals.
12. The readings should be taken for 24 hours.
13. The results are tabulated as in the tabular column.
Corrections to hydrometer readings:
1. Meniscus Correction: Cm
Since soil suspension is opaque the true reading of the hydrometer at the bottom of the
meniscus of the liquid cannot be obtained. So a meniscus correction is applied to top reading.
The meniscus correction is positive and added to the hydrometer reading.
2. Temperature Correction: Ct
Hydrometers are calibrated for 20c. If the test temperature is higher than 20 corrections
is positive, if the test temperature is lower correction is negative. Readings are obtained from
temperature correction chart.
3. Dispersion agent Correction: Cd
The standard correction of 0.8 is subtracted from the reading.
Corrected hydrometer reading R = Rh + Cm + Ct Cd
Calibration of Hydrometer:
S.No Hydrometer Reading(rh)
H1
Rh=1000 (rh-1)
He=H1+0.5(h-Vh/Aj)
1.030
0.8
30
9.149
1.025
2.5
25
10.48
1.020
4.1
20
12.54
1.015
5.9
15
14.24
1.010
7.6
10
15.94
1.005
9.5
17.84
1.000
11.4
19.74
0.995
13.3
-5
21.64
Page 33
Page 34
Volume of Hydrometer (V) = 80 cc

Area of cross-section of jar (A) = (Volume of hydrometer/Height difference in calibrated
jar after the immersion of hydrometer in the jar with water)
=80 / 2.7
= 29.69 cm2
Height of bulb (h) = 19.4 cm
Note: Plot the graph (G1) with Rh as x-axis and He as Y-axis.
Elapsed
Time
(min)
Hydrometer
Reading
(rh)
1
2
3
4
5
10
15
30
45
60
120
1.025
1.025
1.0245
1.024
1.024
1.023
1.0225
1.022
1.025
1.0212
1.0205
Corrected
Hydrometer
Reading
(R1=Rh+Cm)
26.5
25.5
25
24.5
24.5
23.5
23
22.5
21.5
21.7
21
Effective
Depth (He)
(He/t)0.5
11.8
12.2
12.4
12.5
12.5
13.4
13.6
13.8
14
14.1
14.2
0.66
0.67
0.67
0.68
0.68
0.70
0.70
0.71
0.72
0.72
0.73
Factor
(F)
Particle
Size(D)
1259
0.0830
0.0084
0.0085
0.0085
0.0088
0.0088
0.0088
0.0089
0.0090
0.0090
0.0091
%finer
than wrt
mass
(N)
42.56
40.8
40
39.2
39.2
37.6
36.8
36
35.2
35.4
33.6
% Finer
wrt total
mass
(N)
1.70
1.63
1.632
1.568
1.568
1.504
1.472
1.44
1.408
1.410
1.344
Note: The He value is obtained by plotting the values of R1 in the graph G1 (Calibration of Hydrometer)
D=10-5F (He/t) 0.5
N= ((100G)/(Md)(G-1)) x R1
N=NM/M
F=Factor depending on room temperature
Md=Mass of dry sample i.e., 100 or 50 gms
M=Total mass of sample passing 75 microns
M=Total mass of sample i.e., 3000 gms
Finally draw the graph between particle size and N with D as x-axis and N as Y axis
Page 35
Calculations:
(i) Minimum Density:
The minimum density, min in gm/cm3 should be calculated as follows
Min
= W sm
Vc
(ii) Maximum density:
The maximum density, max in gm.cm3 should be calculate as follows
Max = W s
Vs
Where
Wsm =
mass of dry soil in the minimum density test in gm.
Vc
=
calibrated volume of the mould in cm3.
Ws
=
mass of dry soil in the maximum density test in gm
Vs
=
volume of soil in maximum test in cm3
=
Vc (D1-Df) A
A
=
cross sectional area of mould in cm3
D1
=
initial dial reading in cm
Df
=
final dial gauge reading on the surcharge base plate after completion of the
vibration period in cm
(iii) Density Index (Relative Density):
The density index Id (relative density Df) expressed as a percentage should be calculated as
follows:
In terms of void ratio
emax e
Id (or Df)
x 100
emax emin
Where
emax
e
emin
=
=
=
void ratio of the soil in loosest state

void ratio of the soil in the field
void ratio of the soil in the densest state obtainable in the laboratory
Page 36
Ex.No:10
Date:
STUDY OF RELATIVE DENSITY OF SANDS
Aim:
To study the relative density of cohesion less soil/sands.
Apparatus:
1. Vibratory Table: 75 cm x 75 cm deck frequency approximately 3600 vibrations per minute.
2. Cylindrical Metal Mould: 3000 cm2 capacity.
3. Guide Sleeves with clamping assembly 1 no.
4.Surcharge base plate with handle 1 no.
5. Surcharge weight.
6. Dial Gauge holder 1 no.
7. Dial Gauge 0.01 mm x 25 mm 1 no.
Introduction:
This Relative Density Test Apparatus meets the requirements of IS:2720 (part XIV) and is used
for determining the Relative Density of cohesionless free draining soils containing up to 12 % by weight
of soil particles passing a 75 micron IS Sieve.
Calibration:
Determine the volume of the mould by direct measurement. The average inside diameter and
height of the mould should be measured to 0.025 mm. Volume of 3000 cm3 mould should be calculated
to the nearest 3 cm3. The average inside cross sectional area of the mould should also be calculated in
square centimetres.
Determination of Initial Dial Reading for computing the Volumes of the Specimen:
The thickness of the surcharge base plate and the calibration bar should then be measured to
0.025 mm using a micrometer. The calibration bar should then be placed across a diameter of the
mould along the axis of the guide brackets. The dial gauge holder should be inserted in each of the
guide bracket on the mould with dial gauge stem on top pf the calibration bar and on the axis of the
guide brackets. The dial gauge holder should be placed in the same position in the guide brackets each
time by means of match mark on the guide brackets and the holder. Six dial gauge readings should be
obtained, three on the left side and three on the right side and these six readings averaged.
The initial dial reading should be computed by adding together the surcharge base plate
thickness and the average of six dial gauge readings and subtracting the thickness of the calibration
bar. The initial dial gauge reading is constant for a particular mould and surcharge plate.
Page 37
Page 38
Soil Sample:
The mass of soil sample to be taken depends upon the maximum size of particle in the soil as
given in Table.1.
The soil sample should be dried. The soil sample be pulverized without breaking the individual
soil particles and sieved through the required sieve.
S.
No
Table: 1 MASS OF SOIL SAMPLE TO BE TAKEN FOR THE TEST

Maximum size
Pouring device to be used in the test
Mass of Soil sample
of particle
for the determination of minimum
required (kg)
(mm)
density
Size of mould
to be used
(cm3)
37.5
12
Scoop
3000
19.0
12
Scoop
3000
9.50
12
Pouring device (25mm dia spout)
3000
4.75
12
Pouring device (25mm dia spout)
3000
Procedure for the determination of Minimum Density:

The pouring device and mould should be selected according to the maximum size of particle as
indicated in table1. The mould should be weighted and the mass recorded. Oven dry soils should be
used.
Soil containing particles smaller than 9.50mm should be placed as loosely as possible in the
mould by pouring the soil through the spout in a steady stream. The spout should be adjusted so that
height of free fall of the soil is always 25mm.
While pouring the soil the pouring device should be moved in a spiral motion from the outside
towards the centre to form a soil layer of uniform thickness without segregation. The mould should be
filled approximately 25mm above the top and levelled with top by making one continuous pass with the
steel straight edge. If all excess matter is not removed an additional continuous pass should be made.
Great care shall be exercised to avoid jarring the mould during the entire pouring and trimming
operation. The mould and the soil should be weighted and the mass recorded.
Soil containing particles larger than 9.50mm should be placed by means of a large scoop held
as close as possible to and just above the soil surface to cause the material to slide rather than fall into
the previously placed soil. If necessary, large particles may be held by hand to prevent them from
rolling off the scoop. The mould should be filled to overflowing but not more than 25mm above the top.
The surface of the soil should be levelled with the top of the mould using the mould the steel straight
edge in such a way that any slight projections of the larger particles above the top of the mould shall
approximately balance the larger voids in the surface below the top of the mould. The mould and the
soil should be weighed.
Page 39
Page 40
Procedure for the Determination of Maximum Density:

The maximum density may be determined by dry method.
Dry Method:
The guide sleeves should be assembled on the top of the mould and the clamp assemblies
tightened so that the inner surface of the walls of the mould and the sleeve are in line. The lock nuts on
the two set screws equipped with them should be tightened. The third clamp should be loosened, the
guide sleeve removed, the empty mould weighed and its mass recorded.
The mould should be filled with the thoroughly mixed oven dry soil by the procedure explained
in the above paragraphs. The mould filled for the determination of minimum density may also be used
for this test.
The guide sleeves should be attached to the mould and the surcharge base plate should be
placed on the soil surface. The surcharge weight should then be lowered on the base plate. The mould
should be fixed to the vibrator deck for assembly. The vibrator control should be set at maximum
amplitude and the loaded cell specimen should be vibrated for 8 minutes.
The surcharge weight and guide sleeves should be removed from the mould. The dial gauge
readings on two opposite sides of the surcharge base plate should be obtained and the average
recorded. The mould with the soil should be weighed.
Result:
Thus, the relative density of cohessionless soil was studied.
Page 41
Calculations:
The coefficient of permeability of the soil (k) =QL / At h
Where,
K
Coefficient of permeability of soil (cm/sec)
Q
Total discharge in time t (cm3/sec)
A
Area of sample perpendicular to the direction of flow of water (cm2)
L
Length of the sample (cm)
H
Head causing the flow (cm)
Page 42
Ex. No:11
Date:
STUDY OF CONSTANT HEAD PERMEABILITY TEST
Aim:
To study the coefficient of permeability of the assigned soil using a constant head permeability.
Apparatus:
Constant head permeability with accessories.
Stop watch
Measuring jar
Procedure:
1. The permeability mould should be filled with the assigned soil sample in a manner specified by
the instructor. The weight of the soil filling the mould should be determined in order to find out
the void ratio.
2. The permeability assembly should be assembled and kept in the bottom tank.
3. The 75 mm glass tube with overflow is used.
4. The water is allowed to flow into the permeability by opening tap.
5. The air release valve on the cap of the permeability is unscrewed.
6. Then it is closed when air ceases and only water comes out. Now the soil specimen is said to
be saturated.
7. The bottom outlet valve is opened and water is allowed to flow through the specimen.
8. Water is poured till it overflow in the tank.
9. When a steady state of flow has been established collect water coming out of the overflow tube
of the bottom tank.
10. Repeat the test for same time interval and determine the average quantity.
Page 43
Page 44
Results:
Thus, the coefficient of permeability of the soil was studied by using a constant head
permeability.
Page 45
Calculations:
The coefficient of permeability of the soil can be calculated from the following relation
kT 2.303
aL
h
log10 1
A t1
h2
Where,
a
A
L
t1
h1
h2
Area of the stand pipe (cm2)

Cross sectional area of the specimen (cm2)
Length of the specimen in cm
Time in seconds for the head to fall from h1 to h2.
head initial
head at time
Page 46
Ex. No:12
Date:
STUDY OF FALLING HEAD PERMEABILITY TEST
Aim:
To study the coefficient of permeability of the given fine grained soil using variable head
permeability.
Apparatus:
Variable head permeability with accessories.
Stop watch
Measuring jar
Procedure:
1. Prepare the soil specimen in the permeability and saturate it as explained in the constant
permeability test.
head
2. Keep the permeability mould assembly in the bottom tank.

3. Connect the water inlet nozzle of the mould to the stand pipe filled with water. Permit water to flow
for some time till steady state of flow is reached.
4. Note down the time interval required for the water level in the stand pipe to fall from some convenient
initial value (h1) to some final value (h2).
5.Repeat the above step at least three times and determine the time for the water level in the stand
pipe to drop from the same initial head to the same final value.
Page 47
Page 48
Results:
Thus, the coefficient of permeability of the soil was studied by using variable head permeability.
Page 49
Calculations:
Normal stress ( )
Normalload applied
Area of C.S.
Ultimate Shear stress ( )
Shear forceat failure

Area of C.S.
=
=
tan
(for
tan-1( / )
soil)
Also can be finding out from graph.
Page 50
Ex No: 13
STUDY OF DIRECT SHEAR TESTION COHESIONLESS SOIL
DATE:
Aim:
To study the angle of shearing resistance of the cohesion less soil by direct shear test method.
Apparatus:
1. Shear box assembly
2. Balance
3. Proving ring
4. Dial gauge
5. Weights
Description:
In the shear box test, failure is caused in a predetermined plane of the soil. The shear strength
or shearing resistance and the normal stress both being measured directly.
The shear box assembly consists of a container and two pieces of 6 x 6 x 2 cm. The two halves
of the shear box are positioned relative to each other by two pins which can be pulled out when not
required. A raised rim in the bottom half of the shear box separates it from the top half by about 1 mm
to prevent it from riding upon any soil particles that might get between the edges.
There are two grid plates which transmit the shear to the specimen surface. The base plate is
grooved and rests on pins in the sides of the lower half of the box. The top plate has an air vent and a
central spherical knob, on which the vertical loading yoke rest. The outer container moves freely on ball
roller strength strips parallel to the axis of the load screw and proving ring.
Procedure:
1. The shear box assembly is put together using the pin.
2. The bottom grid plate is placed in position, so that the groove in the grid plate should be
perpendicular to the direction of shear.
3. For the given density the weight of soil sample required is calculated.
4. The calculated weight of soil sample is placed in thelayers, each layer is tamped to the required
density. (The top of the layer does not come on the shear planes)
5. The top grip plate and loading pad is placed on top of the soil sample.
6. The normal load frame is placed on the loading pad.
7. The proving ring is set to read zero.
8. The required normal load is applied.
9. The pins from shear box assembly are removed.
10. The separating screw is turned to have a gap of 1 mm between the two halves.
11. The hand wheel is rotated to apply the shear load.
12. The maximum deflection is recorded in the proving ring which gives the maximum shear stress.
Page 51
Page 52
13. The shear load is released, the normal load and the shear box is removed.
14. The test is repeated with a fresh sample of soil for other normal loads.
15. The graph between the normal stress (x-axis) and the corresponding shear stress
(y-axis) at failure is drawn.
16. The shear parameter is found out from the graph.
Results:
Thus, the angle of shearing resistance of the cohesionless soil by direct shear test method was
studied successfully.
Page 53
Page 54
Ex. No: 14
Date:
STUDY OF UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST ON

COHESIVE SOIL
Aim: To study the unconfined compression strength and shear strength of remoulded clay samples in
its normal water content.
Apparatus required:
1. Unconfined compression tester
2. Soil sample
3. Gauge
4. Proving ring
Introduction:
The unconfined compression is also called as U test is the special form of triaxial compression
test where the lateral confining pressure is zero. This test is classified as undrained or quick test even
though small amount of drainage takes place during the test. The test can be conducted on undisturbed
and remoulded cohesive soil samples. Normally this test is conducted in soil samples at natural water
content.
Description of apparatus:
Unconfined compression tester consists of a small load frame fitted with a proving ring to
measure the vertical axial load applied to the soil specimen. The deformation of the sample is
measured with the help of a dial gauge. The ends of the cylindrical specimen are kept flat.
Procedure:
Remoulded soil specimen (38 mm dia) were prepared and it is centrally mounted in the
unconfined compression tester. The proving ring is so adjusted to touch the top of the soil sample.
Then vertical axial load is gradually applied to the soil specimen. Readings from the proving ring and
the compression dial gauge are taken.
During early stages of the test, take readings approximately 0.25 mm of vertical deflection. As
the stress strain curve begins to flatten take readings less often (ie 0.50 mm and later ever (0.75 mm).
Compress the specimen till failure.
Failure mode:
Two types of failure are possible. They are 1. Brittle failure 2.Plastic failure.which drops rapidly
with the further increases of strain. This is identically a well defined break point in the stress strain
curve.
In the plastic failure no definite maximum load is indicated. In such a case the load
corresponding to 20% strain is arbitrarily taken as the failure load.
Page 55
Page 56
Results:
Thus, the unconfined compression test on cohesive soil was studied successfully.
Page 57
Page 58
Ex. No: 15
Date:
STUDY OF TRIAXIAL COMPRESSION TEST
Aim:
To study the shear strength of the soil by Undrained Triaxial compression Test.
Scope:
The standard consolidated undrained test is compression test, in which the soil specimen is first
consolidated under all round pressure in the triaxial cell before failure is brought about by increasing the
major principal stress 1.
It may be performed with or without measurement of pore pressure although for most
applications the measurement of pore pressure is desirable.
Apparatus:
(1) 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) internal diameter 12.5 cm (5 inches) long sample tubes.
(2) Rubber ring.
(3) An open ended cylindrical section former, 3.8 cm inside diameter, fitted with a small rubber
tube in its side.
(4) Stop clock.
(5) Moisture content test apparatus.
(6) A balance of 250 gms capacity and accurate to 0.01 gms.
Procedure:
1. The sample is placed in the compression machine and a pressure plate is placed on the top.
Care must be taken to prevent any part of the machine or cell from jogging the sample while
it is being setup, for example by knocking against this bottom of the loading piston. The
probable strength of the sample is estimated and a suitable proving ring selected and fitted
to the machine
2. The cell must be properly set up and uniformly clamped down to prevent leakage of
pressure during the test, making sure first that the sample is properly sealed with its end
caps and rings (rubber) in position and that the sealing rings for the cell are also correctly
placed.
3. When the sample is set up water is admitted and the cell is fitted under water escapes from
the bleed valve, at the top, which is then closed. If the sample is to be tested at zero lateral
pressure water is not required.
4. The air pressure in the reservoir is then increased to raise the hydrostatic pressure in the
required amount. The pressure gauge must be watched during the test and any necessary
adjustments must be made to keep the pressure constant.
5. The hand wheel of the screw jack is rotated until the under side of the hemispherical seating
of the proving ring, through which the loading is applied, just touches the cell piston.
Page 59
Page 60
6. The piston is then moved down by hand until it is just in touch with the pressure plate on the
top of the sample, and the proving ring seating is again brought into contact for the
beginning of the test.
7. The machine is then set in motion (or if hand operated the hand wheel is turned at a
constant rate) to give a rate of strain 2% per minute.
8. The strain dial gauge reading is then taken and the corresponding proving ring reading is
taken the corresponding proving ring chart.
9. The load applied is known.
10. The experiment is stopped at the strain dial gauge reading for 15% length of the sample or
15% strain.
Results:
Thus, the shear strength of the soil by Undrained Triaxial compression Test was studied
successfully.
Page 61
Observation and calculations:

(a)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Square root method

Record the dial gauge readings at different time interval from the point of loading in Table.
Plot a graph between t on X axis and dial gauge reading on Y axis .Where t is time in minutes.
The curve drawn reflects three components of settlement (i) Immediate settlement or elastic
compression. This will be reflected in the form of steep settlements in a small time interval and a
nearly vertical line at the initial portion of the curve represents it. This is followed by (ii) Primary
consolidation curve, which will be nearly a straight line with a reduced sloe. The majority of
consolidation will be in this zone. After primary consolidation (iii) Secondary consolidation takes
place that is marked by a curve nearly parallel to time axis.
Draw a straight line through a primary consolidation zone. Identification of primary consolidation
zone depends on experience and eye judgement. Extent the straight line to meet Y- axis at Oc.
Oc is the corrected zero.
Draw another straight line through Oc , with a slope equal to 1.15 times the slope of the earlier
straight line.
The Straight line so drawn (with 1.15 times the slope of primary consolidation line) will intersect
the originally plotted curve at a point. The X co ordinate of this point will give t90. Where t90 is
the time required for 90% consolidation (in minutes)
The coefficient of consolidation is calculated as follows
Cv = 0.848 H2 / (t90 60) cm2/sec.
Where,
H = length of drainage path (cm)
t90 = time required for 90% consolidation in minutes.
(b) Log - method

1. The compression dial readings should be plotted against the log of time and a smooth curve
drawn to pass through the points.
2. The two straight portions of the curve should be extended to intersect at a point , the ordinate of
which gives d100 corresponding to 100% primary compression.
3. The corrected zero point ds shall be located by the laying of above point in the neighbourhood
of 0.1 minute a distance equal to the vertical distance between this point and one at a time
which is four times this value
Page 62
Ex. No: 16
Date:
STUDY OF ONE DIMENSIONAL CONSOLIDATION TEST
Aim:
To study the settlement due to primary of consolidation of soil by one dimensional consolidation
test.
Theory and application:
When a load is applied on a saturated soil, the load will initially be transferred to the water in
pores of the soil .This results in development of pressure in pore water which results in the escape of
water from voids and brings the soil particles together. The process of escape of water under applied
load, leads to reduction in volume of voids and hence the volume of soil. The process of reduction of
volume of voids due to expulsion of water under sustained static load is known as consolidation. The
magnitude of consolidation depends on the amount of voids or void ratio of the soil. The rate of
consolidation depends on the permeability properties of soil. The two important consolidation properties
of soil are (i) co-efficient of consolidation (Cv) and (ii) Compression index (Cc). The coefficient of
consolidation reflects the behaviour of soil with respect to time under a given load intensity.
Compression index explains the behaviour of soils under increased loads.
Applications:
Consolidation properties are required in estimating the settlement of a foundation. They provide
the maximum amount of settlements under a given load and the time required for it to occur. Many
times the design of foundations is carried out based on the limiting settlements. The amount of
consolidation will be more in clay soils. Further due to low permeability, the rate of settlement in clay
soil is very low. That means the time required for the total settlement in clay soils is very high. Hence
the study of consolidation properties is important for foundation resting on clay soil.
Apparatus:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Consolidometer consisting of specimen ring.

Guide ring
Porous stones
Dial gauges
Stop watch
4. The 50% compression point which is halfway between the corrected zero point and the 100%
compression point, shall be marked on the curve and the readings on the time axis
corresponding to this point t50, time to 50% primary compression, shall be noted. The readings
on the dial gauge reading axis, corresponding to 100% compression gives d100.
5. Coefficient of consolidation is calculated as follows
Cv = 0.197 H2/ t50.
Page 63
Page 64
Procedure:
Preparation of specimen
Sufficient thickness of the soil specimen is cut from undisturbed sample. The consolidation ring
is gradually inserted into the sample. The consolidation ring is gradually inserted into the sample by
pressing and carefully removing the material around it. The specimen should be trimmed smooth and
flush to the ends of the ring. Any voids in the specimen caused due to removal of gravel or limestone
pieces should be filled back by pressing completely the loose soil in the voids. The ring should be
wiped clean and weighed again with the soil. Place wet filter paper on top and bottom faces of the
sample and two porous stones covering it should be in place. Place this whole assembly in the loading
frame. Over the porous stone a perforated plate with loading ball is placed as shown in the figure.
The sample is put for saturation both from top and bottom. After allowing time for saturation the load is
applied through the loading frame. The settlement in sample is measured using a dial gauge. The
stepwise procedure for observing reading is as follows:
1.
2.
3.
Apply the required load intensity (stress) at which Cv is to be determined.

As the loading is applied, the stop watch should be started.
Take the readings of the dial gauge at different time interval from the time of loading and
record them in the table.
Result:
Thus, the settlements due to primary consolidation of soil by one dimensional consolidation
test were studied successfully.
Page 65

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MAHALAKSHMI

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CE 2308 / SOIL MECHANICS

As per the prescribed syllabus by

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL GRAINS

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTIONS BY SIEVE ANALYSIS

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

Effective size of the soil

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

Height of the core cutter

Volume of the Core Cutter (V)

Weight of the Core Cutter (W 1)

Weight of the Core Cutter with soil sample (W 2)

Weight of the soil sample W = W 2 W 1

Field Density of Soil = W/V

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

FIELD DENSITY TEST

To determine the field density of soil by core cutter method.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE DENSITY RELATIONSHIP

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

Maximum dry density of the soil

Optimum moisture content

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT OF SOIL

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT OF SOIL

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

Weight of Sand Pouring Cylinder with Sand (W 1)

Weight of Sand in the Cone (W 3)

Weight of Sand in the Calibrating Container alone (W A = W 1 W 2 W 3)

Weight of Wet Soil (WW)

Weight of Sand in the hole (W d = W 1 W 3 W 4)

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

FIELD DENSITY TEST

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

Bulk Density of Sand,

Volume of the hole, V h

Filed Density of Soil

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

DETERMINATIONS OF SHRINKAGE FACTORS

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

Shrinkage limit (Ws)

Water content (w)

Mass of dry soil (Md)

Shrinkage ratio (S.R.)

Volumetric Shrinkage (V.S.)

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.

P.Muthukumar, AP/Civil Mahalakshmi Engineering College, Trichy 621 213.