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Kittitat Rungrugeecharoen z5115302

(A) Forms
See attached

(B) Flow Chart

(C) Emerson Class Numbers


The Emerson class numbers measure the soil’s dispersion properties when submerged in
water and is categorised into Class 1 through to Class 8. The physical characteristics displayed
during the Emerson class number dispersion test included: slaking, swelling, dispersion, and
flocculation. Sites with Class 1 to Class 3 Emerson numbers must have an adequate mulch
layer (non-dispersive) to stabilise the soil before further activities (like construction) may
commence (Brisbane City Council, Oct 2010, pg 5). Soils with Class 1 and Class 2 Emerson
numbers will likely pollute stormwater through exposure to rain or surface runoff (Brisbane
City Council, Oct 2010, pg 5). They must first be treated with gypsum and cannot be placed
adjacent to retaining walls. Ultimately, the Emerson class numbers allow engineers and
architects to make safer decisions when it comes to suburb and site planning.
Kittitat Rungrugeecharoen z5115302

(D) Soil Classification


Soil A
LL = 80 %, PI = 50 %, Colour = grey
Insufficient enough information to calculate D10, D30 and D60.
Casagrande’s plasticity chart: inorganic clay and high plasticity (CH).
By grain size distribution curve: 20% fine sand, 80% fine grained soil. Gap graded.
Full description: CH. Inorganic clay with high plasticity. 20% fine grained sand and 80% fine
grained soil. Soil gap graded with a grey colour.

Soil B
LL = 45 %, PI = 20 %, Colour = brown
By grain size distribution curve: D10 = 0.0015, D30 = 0.01, D60 = 0.07, Cc = 0.95, Cu = 47.
Therefore, soil is poorly graded.
Casagrande’s plasticity chart: inorganic clay and low-medium plasticity (CL).
By grain size distribution curve: 40% sand, 40% silt, some clay.
Full description: CL. Inorganic clay with low-medium plasticity. Poorly graded soil with 40%
sand, 40% silt with some clay and a brown colour.

Soil C
LL = 55 %, PI = 30 %, Colour = redbrown
Insufficient enough information to calculate D10, D30 and D60.
Casagrande’s plasticity chart: inorganic clay and medium-high plasticity (CH) (above A-line).
By grain size distribution curve: 20% gravel, 40% sand. Gap graded.
Full description: SC. Clayey sand with medium-high plasticity. 20% gravel and 40% sand. Soil
gap graded with a redbrown colour.

Soil D
LL = 55 %, PI = 20 %, Colour = grey
Insufficient enough information to calculate D10, D30 and D60.
Casagrande’s plasticity chart: inorganic silt and medium-high plasticity (MH) (below A-line).
By grain size distribution curve: 40% gravel, 30% sand, 30 % fine grained soil. Gap graded.
Full description: GM. Silty gravels with medium-high plasticity. 40% gravel, 30% sand and
30% fine grained soil. Soil gap graded with a grey colour.
Kittitat Rungrugeecharoen z5115302

Soil E
LL = NP, PI = -- , Colour = grey
By grain size distribution curve: D10 = 0.17, D30 = 0.8, D60 = 3.5, Cc = 1.1, Cu = 4.4. Therefore,
well graded (Cu > 4 and 1 < Cc < 3 for gravels). 50% gravel, 40% sand, 10% fine grained soil.
Casagrande’s plasticity chart: does not apply for coarse grained soil.
Full description: GW. Well graded soil with mostly gravel, some sand and traces of fine
grained soil. Grey in colour.

(E) Particle Size Distribution Curve


i) Silty Clay (including hydrometer fraction)
Assuming soil classified as CL.

ii) Sand + some silt + trace gravel


3% (for “trace” classification) is gravel (over 4.75 mm particle size). 7% (for “some”
classification) is silt (less than 0.075 mm particle size). The remaining 90% is sand.
Kittitat Rungrugeecharoen z5115302

(F) Particle Size Distribution Curve


The liquid limit of the soil provided in the data is approximately 42.5% from plotting the points
on a semi-log graph paper and interpolating the moisture content when the number of blows
is 25. The plasticity of the soil provided in the data is approximately 14.07% but rounded to
the nearest integer as 14%. This is obtained by averaging the two plastic limits calculated.

Liquid limit test important points:


• Ensure sample is fully dried by drying for at least 24 hours then gradually mix in water.
• Ensure the Casagrande tool is accurately calibrated before performing the test.
• Ensure the handle is rotated at 2 revolutions per second for accurate results.
• Perform multiple repeats of this with different moisture contents and record the number
of blows accurately.
• Ensure the moisture content is interpolated at 25 blows on the graph.
Plastic limit test important points:
• Control the moisture content carefully by air drying and gradually mixing with water.
• Control the rate of rolling to between 80 to 90 strokes per minute.
• Ensured the container the samples that crumble at 3mm diameter is sealed to prevent
moisture loss.
• Ensured at least 3 portions are at 3mm diameter when rolled in order to average the
plastic limits and obtain a more accurate value.

References
• Brisbane City Council, Erosion Hazard Assessment Supporting Technical Notes – October
2010
<https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/ca10157_erosion_hazard_assess
ment_supporting_technical_notes.pdf>.

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