1.

MEASUREMENT OF MOISTURE CONTENT

1.1 OBJECTIVE

Determine the natural content of the given soil sample.

1.2 APPARATUS

1. Non-corrodible air-tight container.

2. Electric oven, maintain the temperature between 1050 c to 1100 c.
3. Desiccator.
4. Balance of sufficient sensitivity.

1.3 PROCEDURE
1. Clean the container with lid dry it and weigh it (w1).
2. Take a specimen of the sample in the container and weigh with lid (w2).
3. Keep the container in the oven with lid removed. Dry the specimen to constant weight
maintaining the temperature between 1050 c to 1100 c for a period varying with the type of
soil but usually 16 to 24 hours.
4. Record the final constant weight (w3) of the container with dried soil sample. Peat and other
organic soils are to be dried at lower temperature (say 600) possibly for a longer period.

Certain soils contain gypsum which on heating loses its water if crystallization. If it is
suspected that gypsum is present in the soil sample used for moisture content determination it
shall be dried at not more than 800 c and possibly for a longer time.

1.4 SITE PLAN

1.5 DATA AND RESULTS

CONTAINER ID A-47
MASS OF CONTAINER, Mc 24.18 g
MASS OF MOIST SOIL + CONTAINER, M1 74.81 g
MASS OF DRY SOIL + CONTAINER, M2 60.33 g
MASS OF MOISTURE, Mw = M1 – M2 14.48 g
MASS OF DRY SOIL, Ms = M2 – Mc 36.15 g
MOISTURE CONTENT, w = (Mw/Ms)100% 40.0553 %

CONTAINER ID A-78
MASS OF CONTAINER, Mc 24.33 g
MASS OF MOIST SOIL + CONTAINER, M1 68.66 g
MASS OF DRY SOIL + CONTAINER, M2 57.48 g
MASS OF MOISTURE, Mw = M1 – M2 11.18 g
MASS OF DRY SOIL, Ms = M2 – Mc 33.15 g
MOISTURE CONTENT, w = (Mw/Ms)100% 33.7255 %

CONTAINER ID A-3
MASS OF CONTAINER, Mc 25.04 g
MASS OF MOIST SOIL + CONTAINER, M1 65.08 g
MASS OF DRY SOIL + CONTAINER, M2 52.00 g
MASS OF MOISTURE, Mw = M1 – M2 13.08 g
MASS OF DRY SOIL, Ms = M2 – Mc 26.96 g
MOISTURE CONTENT, w = (Mw/Ms)100% 48.5163 %

1.6 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the determination of soil water content i s t o s h o w gravimetric
measurement of soil water content is based on removal of water from the sample. Sample
water is removed by evaporation, leaching or chemical reaction. Once sample water
is removed, the amount of water removed from the sample is determined and
used to calculate soil moisture content. Determination of water co n t e n t r e m o v e d i s
d o n e u s i n g s e v e r a l m e t h o d s . T h e s i m p l e s t m e t h o d t o determine water
content removed is by measurement of loss of weight of the sample. Sample water
content can also be determined by collection of the water through distillation or
absorption in a desiccant. Extraction of substances which replace sample water and
measurement of a physical or chemical property of the extracting material that is affected
by water content is another method. Finally, sample water content can be determined by
quantitative measurement of reaction products displaced from a sample. In each of these
methods the water and soil are separated and the amount of water removed is measured or
inferred. Oven drying is the most widely used of all gravimetric methods. The oven dry
method is the standard for the calibration of all other soil moisture determination techniques.
1.7 NOTES
1. The balance to be used in a particular test will depend on the size of the sample. The balance
should be accurate to within 0.03% of the weight of the sample.
2. It is convenient to maintain a table of weighing tin weights. Weighing tins should be
thoroughly cleaned and re-weighed at least every 6 months. If tins become dirty or tarnished,
they should be thoroughly cleaned immediately and re-weighed.
3. The sample may be crumbled to assist drying but care is necessary to avoid loss of any soil.
4. Soils containing gypsum lose water of crystallization on heating. Therefore, a moisture
content determined by this method will be affected by approximately 0.1% for each 1% of
gypsum. If it is suspected that gypsum is present in the soil, dry the moisture content samples
at not more than 80 °c, for a longer period and report the method used.
5. Checking every moisture content sample to determine that it is dried to a constant weight is
impractical. In most cases, drying of a moisture content sample overnight (16 hours) is
sufficient. In cases where there is doubt concerning the adequacy of overnight drying, drying
should be continued until the difference in weight of the cooled sample after two successive
periods does not exceed 0.1% of the original sample weight. Samples of sand may often be
dried to constant weight after 7 hours. Since dry soil may absorb moisture from wet samples,
dried samples should be removed before placing wet samples in the oven. Drying time should
be extended if the oven is full.
6. If the lids of the tins fit well and it is unlikely that the samples are to be left for a
considerable time before weighing, the samples need not be placed in the desiccator to cool.
7. Moisture content samples should be discarded and should not be used in any other test.
2. SIEVE ANALYSIS OF SOIL
2.1 OBJECTIVE
To determine the particle size distribution curve of the representative sample using sieve analysis.
2.2 APPARATUS

1. Mechanical sieves
2. Mortar and pestle
3. Balance (with accuracy of 0.01 g)

2.3 PROCEDURE
1. Write down the weight of each sieve as well as the bottom pan to be used in the analysis.
2. Record the weight of the given dry soil sample.
3. Make sure that all the sieves are clean, and assemble them in the ascending order of sieve
numbers (#4 sieve at top and #200 sieve at bottom). Place the pan below #200 sieve. Carefully
pour the soil sample into the top sieve and place the cap over it.
4. Place the sieve stack in the mechanical shaker and shake for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the stack from the shaker and carefully weigh and record the weight of each sieve
with its retained soil. In addition, remember to weigh and record the weight of the bottom pan
with its retained fine soil.

2.4 SITE PLAN

2.5 DATA AND RESULTS

OPENING SIZE MASS RETAINED CUMMULATIVE

SIEVE NO. (mm) (g) MASS RETAINED % FINER
(g)
4 4.75 1.26 1.26 98.151
8 2.36 6.24 7.5 88.993
16 1.18 13.81 21.31 68.726
30 0.600 14.76 36.07 47.065
50 0.300 10.64 46.71 31.450
100 0.150 8.74 55.45 18.623
200 0.075 6.39 61.84 9.246
PAN 0 6.3 68.14 0
TOTAL 68.14

2.6 CONCLUSION
Furthermore, sieve analysis is a very important test in distinguishing the differences
between the fine aggregates and coarse aggregates. It is a very useful method to know the
relative proportions of different sizes among different ranges. This test can be used in
the field of engineering by getting the data obtained and using it for the design of filters for
earth dams and to determine the suitability of soil for road construction.
2.7 GRAPH
3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
3.1 OBJECTIVE

Determine the specific gravity of soil fraction passing 4.75 mm I.S sieve by density bottle.

3.2 APPARATUS
1. Pycnometer
2. Balance
3. Vacuum pump
4. Funnel
5. Spoon

3.3 PROCEDURE
1. Determine and record the weight of the empty clean and dry pycnometer, WP.
2. Place 125g of a dry soil sample (passed through the sieve No. 10) in the pycnometer.
Determine and record the weight of the pycnometer containing the dry soil, WPS.
3. Add distilled water to fill about half to three-fourth of the pycnometer. Soak the sample for
10 minutes.
4. Apply a partial vacuum to the contents for 10 minutes longer, to remove the entrapped air.
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 29
5. Stop the vacuum and carefully remove the vacuum line from pycnometer.
6. Fill the pycnometer with distilled (water to the mark), clean the exterior surface of the
pycnometer with a clean, dry cloth. Determine the weight of the pycnometer and contents,
WB.
7. Empty the pycnometer and clean it. Then fill it with distilled water only (to the mark). Clean
the exterior surface of the pycnometer with a clean, dry cloth. Determine the weight of the
pycnometer and distilled water, WA.
8. Empty the pycnometer and clean it.
3.4 SITE PLAN
3.5 DATA AND RESULTS

TEST ID 24
MASS OF FLASK FILLED WITH WATER, Ma 648.77 g
MASS OF FLASK FILLED WITH SOIL AND WATER, Mb 693.29 g
MASS OF DRY SOIL, Mo 70.21 g
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL SOLIDS, Gs 2.733
WATER TEMPERATURE 22°C
CORRECTION FACTOR, K 0.9996
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL SOLIDS AT 20°C, Gs20 2.7319

3.6 CONCLUSION
In this experiment, we have determined the specific gravity of the mixture using the
mass of dry soil, Mo, mass of flask filled with water, Ma, and the mass of flask filled with soil
and water, Mb. The specific gravity that we have computed was 2.7319.
3.7 NOTE
To determine the specific gravity of solids, the sample may be at its natural water
content or oven-dried. Soils with a high organic content or with fines that are low compressible
are difficult to rewet after having been oven-dried. These soils should be tested at their natural
water content first and the oven-dried weight determined at the end of the test.
4 DIRECT SHEAR TEST
4.1 OBJECTIVE
To determine the shearing strength of the soil using the direct shear apparatus.
4.2 APPARATUS
1. Direct shear apparatus
2. Cutter
3. Ruler
4.3 PROCEDURE
1. Trim the soil sample and prepare at least four (4) 2”x2”x2” soil sample.
2. Assemble the shear box.
3. Put the shear bow assembly, containing the undisturbed soil sample, and then place it in the
direct shear apparatus.
4. Apply the desired normal load, N, on the specimen. This can be done by hanging dead weights
to the vertical load yoke.
NOTE: the normal load should be calculated as N = load hanger + weight of the yoke + weight of
loading head + weight of top half of the shear box.
5. Attach the horizontal and vertical dial gauges to the shear box to measure the displacement
during the test.
6. Apply horizontal load, V, to the top half of the shear box. The rate of the shear displacement
should be between 0.1 in/min to 0.2 in/min.
7. Shear the specimen, until the shear resistance measured by the proving ring dial gauge reading:
A. Reaches a maximum and then fails, or;
B. Reaches a maximum and then remains constant.
8. Repeat the test procedures 2-7 at least three more times.
9. NOTE: do not forget to disassemble the shear box and clean it properly by wiping excess soil
fragments on it. This would lessen the errors accumulated during the experiment.
And make sure that the soil sample touches the bottom of the shear box before starting the
experiment to avoid errors in reading.
10. Determine the shear stress and normal stress using equations (1) and (2).

NORMAL STRESS = (Pxg)/Ao (1)

Where:
NORMAL LOAD, P = m1 + m2

SHEAR STRESS = (Vxg)/Ao (2)

Where:
SHEAR FORCE, V = DIAL READING x LOAD DIAL
11. Plot the maximum shear stress versus the corresponding normal stress for each test and
determine the shear strength parameters, c and ɸ.

4.4 SITE PLAN

4.5. DATA AND RESULTS

Area of Specimen, Ao = 2.58064x10-3 sq. m
Weight of Loading Frame + Plate, m1 = 7.5 kg
Load Dial = 1.38 N/div

SPECIMEN WEIGHT DIAL NORMAL NORMAL SHEAR, V SHEAR

NO. ADDED READING LOAD,P STRESS, ɣ (N) STRESS, Ʈ
(m2), kg (kg) (kPa) (kPa)
1 4.5359 60 12.0359 45.7531 82.80 32.0851
2 9.0718 29 16.5718 62.9958 40.02 15.5078
3 13.6078 110 21.1078 80.2388 151.80 58.8226
4 18.1437 118 25.6437 97.4815 162.84 63.1006

COHESION, C = 32. 0581

ANGLE OF INTERNAL FRICTION, ɸ = 32°

4.6 CONCLUSION
I therefore, conclude that the value of cohesion, C is 32.0581 kPa and the angle of internal
friction, ɸ is 32°. When the angle of internal friction increases with the particle angularity, the
void ratio on the other hand decreases. The sources of errors are likely to occur during the
preparartion of the soil specimen and while getting the dial reading.
4.7 GRAPH

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
5 UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST
5.1 OBJECTIVE
To analyze and identify the nature unconfined compression on saturated clays.
5.2 APPARATUS
1. Unconfined compression machine
2. Cutter
3. Vernier Caliper
4. Electric Balance
5. Ruler

5.3 PROCEDURE
1. Cut and trim a soil specimen so that the ratio (L/D) is approximately between two (2) and two
point five (2.5). Where L and D are the Length and Diameter of soil specimen, respectively.
2. Measure the diameter of the top, middle and bottom part of the soil sample. Average the
readings and record it as the diameter (Do).
3. Measure the length of the soil specimen at these different locations about 120° apart. Average
these measurements and record this as the length (Lo).
4. weigh the soil and record this as the mass of the sample.
5. calculate the deformation ΔL corresponding to 15% strain, ε = ΔL/Lo where Lo is the original length
of the specimen.
6. Carefully place the specimen in the compression device and put it in the center of the bottom plate.
Adjust the device so just the top of the specimen touches the upper plate. Set all the load and
deformation dials to zero.
NOTE: make sure that the metal detector attached to deformation dial touches the upper plate before
applying load on it to avoid errors.
7. Apply the load so the device produces 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 five (5) divisions on the
deformation dial.
8. Keep applying the load until:
a. The load (load dial) decreases on the specimen significantly;
b. The load holds constant for at least four (4) deformation dial readings, or;
c. The deformation is significantly past the 15% strain that was determined in step no. 5.
9. Solve the variations of strain and stress per load application using equations (1) and (2).

UNIT STRAIN, ε = (ɣ/Lo) x 100% (1)

Where:
SAMPLE DEFORMATION, ɣ = DEFORM DIAL DIV x DEFORMATION DIAL

SAMPLE STRESS, qu = (Px10)/CA (2)

Where:
TOTAL LOAD ON SAMPLE, P = LOAD DIAL DIV x LOAD DIAL
CORRECTED AREA, CA = CF x Ao
AREA CORRECTION FACTOR, CF = 1/(1-( ε/100%))
10. 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.
11. Compute the undrained shear strength, cu = qucs/2.
5.4 SITE PLAN

5.5 DATA AND RESULTS

Specimen No. 1
Average Diameter, Do = 70.4667 mm
Average Height, Lo = 153.2667 mm
Area, Ao = 38.9994 cm2
Volume of the Soil, Vol = 597.7309 cm3
Mass of the Soil = 1 033.54 g
Load Dial = 1.92 N/div
Deformation Dial = 0.0254 mm/div

Load Sample Unit Total Corrected Sample

Deformation Dial Deformation, Strain, Load in Correction Area, CA Stress,
Dial (Div) (Div) ɣ (mm) ε (%) Sample, Factor, CF (cm2) qu
P (N) (kPa)
0 0 0 0 0 1 38.9994 0
5 3.5 0.127 0.083 6.72 1.0008 39.0969 1.7217
10 5.5 0.254 0.166 10.56 1.0017 39.0657 2.7031
15 8 0.381 0.249 15.36 1.0025 39.0969 3.9287
20 9.5 0.508 0.331 18.24 1.0033 39.1281 4.6616
25 11.5 0.635 0.414 22.08 1.0042 39.1632 5.6379
30 13 0.762 0.497 24.96 1.005 39.1944 6.3683
35 15 0.889 0.58 28.8 1.0058 39.2256 7.3421
40 17 1.016 0.663 32.64 1.0067 39.2607 8.3137
45 18.5 1.143 0.746 35.52 1.0075 39.2919 9.04
50 20 1.27 0.829 38.40 1.0084 39.327 9.7643
55 22 1.397 0.911 42.24 1.0092 39.3582 10.7322
60 23.5 1.524 0.994 45.12 1.01 39.3894 11.4549
65 25.5 1.651 1.077 48.96 1.0109 39.4245 12.4187
70 27.5 1.778 1.16 52.80 1.0117 39.4557 13.3821
75 29 1.905 1.243 55.68 1.0126 39.4908 14.0995
80 31 2.032 1.326 59.51 1.0134 39.522 15.06
85 33 2.159 1.409 63.36 1.0143 39.5571 16.0174
90 34.5 2.286 1.492 66.24 1.0151 39.5883 16.7322
95 36 2.413 1.576 69.12 1.016 39.6234 17.4442
100 38 2.54 1.657 72.96 1.0168 39.6546 18.3989
105 39.5 2.667 1.74 75.84 1.0177 39.6897 19.1082
110 41 2.794 1.823 78.72 1.0186 39.7248 19.8163
115 43 2.921 1.906 82.56 1.0194 39.756 20.7667
120 44.5 3.048 1.989 85.44 1.0203 39.7911 21.4721
125 46 3.175 2.072 88.32 1.0212 39.8262 22.1764
130 47.5 3.302 2.154 91.20 1.022 39.8574 22.8816
135 49 3.429 2.237 94.08 1.0229 39.8925 23.5834
140 50 3.556 2.32 96 1.0238 39.9276 24.0435
145 52 3.683 2.403 99.84 1.0246 39.9588 24.9857
150 53 3.81 2.486 101.76 1.0255 39.9939 25.4439
155 54.5 3.937 2.569 104.64 1.0264 40.029 26.141
160 55.5 4.064 2.652 106.56 1.0272 40.0602 26.6
165 56.5 4.191 2.734 108.48 1.0281 40.0953 27.0555
170 58 4.318 2.817 111.36 1.029 40.1304 27.7495
175 59 4.445 2.9 113.28 1.0299 40.1655 28.033
180 60 4.572 2.983 115.20 1.0307 40.1967 28.6591
185 60.5 4.699 3.066 116.16 1.0316 40.2318 28.8727
190 61.5 4.826 3.149 118.08 1.0325 40.2669 29.3243
195 62 4.953 3.232 119.04 1.0334 40.302 29.537
200 63 5.08 3.314 120.96 1.0343 40.3371 29.9873
205 64 5.207 3.397 122.88 1.0352 40.3722 30.4368
210 64.5 5.334 3.48 123.84 1.0361 40.4073 30.6479
215 65 5.461 3.563 124.80 1.0369 40.4385 30.8617
 220 65.5 5.588 3.646 125.76 1.0378 40.4736 31.0721
225 66 5.715 3.729 126.72 1.0387 40.5087 31.2822
230 66.5 5.842 3.812 127.68 1.0396 40.5438 31.4919
235 67 5.969 3.895 128.64 1.0405 40.5789 31.7012
240 68 6.096 3.977 130.56 1.0414 40.614 32.1466
245 68.5 6.223 4.06 131.52 1.0423 40.6491 32.355
250 69 6.35 4.143 132.48 1.0432 40.6842 32.563
255 69.5 6.477 4.226 133.44 1.0441 40.7193 32.7707
260 70 6.604 4.309 134.4 1.045 40.7544 32.978

Unconfined Compression Strength, q = 32.978 kPa

Undrained Shear Strength, Cu = 16.489 kPa

Specimen No. 2
Average Diameter, Do = 72.1133 mm
Average Height, Lo = 131.5133 mm
Area, Ao = 40.8483 cm2
Volume of the Soil, Vol = 573.1437 cm3
Mass of the Soil = 885.28 g
Load Dial = 1.92 N/div
Deformation Dial = 0.0254 mm/div

Load Sample Unit Total Corrected Sample

Deformation Dial Deformation, Strain, Load in Correction Area, CA Stress,
Dial (Div) (Div) ɣ (mm) ε (%) Sample, Factor, CF (cm2) qu (kPa)
P (N)
0 0 0 0 0 1 40.8433 0
5 11.5 .127 0.097 22.08 1.001 40.8841 5.4006
10 15.5 0.254 0.193 29.76 1.0019 40.9209 7.2726
15 19 0.381 0.29 36.48 1.0029 40.9617 8.9059
20 22 0.508 0.386 42.24 1.0039 41.0026 10.3018
25 25.5 0.635 0.483 28.96 1.0049 41.0434 11.9288
30 29 0.762 0.579 55.68 1.0058 41.0802 13.554
35 31.5 0.889 0.676 60.48 1.0068 41.121 14.7468
40 35 1.016 0.773 67.2 1.0078 41.1619 16.3258
45 38 1.143 0.869 72.96 1.0088 41.2027 17.7076
50 40.5 1.27 0.966 77.76 1.0098 41.2436 18.8538
55 43.5 1.397 1.062 83.52 1.0107 41.2803 20.2324
60 46 1.524 1.159 88.32 1.0117 41.3212 21.374
65 49 1.651 1.255 94.08 1.0127 41.362 22.7455
70 51.5 1.778 1.352 98.88 1.0137 41.4029 23.8824
75 54.5 1.905 1.449 104.64 1.0147 41.4437 25.2487
 80 57 2.032 1.545 109.44 1.0157 41.4845 26.3809
85 60 2.159 1.642 115.2 1.0167 41.5254 27.7421
90 62.5 2.286 1.738 120 1.0177 41.5662 28.8696
95 65.5 2.413 1.835 125.76 1.0187 41.6071 30.2256
100 68 2.54 1.931 130.56 1.0197 41.6479 31.3485
105 71 2.667 2.028 136.32 1.0207 41.6888 32.6994
110 73.5 2.794 2.125 141.12 1.0217 41.7296 33.8177
115 76 2.921 2.221 145.92 1.0227 41.7704 34.9338
120 77 3.048 2.318 147.84 1.0237 41.8113 35.3589
125 78.5 3.175 2.414 150.72 1.0247 41.8521 36.0125
130 80 3.301 2.511 153.6 1.0258 41.8971 36.6612
135 81.5 3.429 2.607 156.48 1.0268 41.9379 37.3123
140 82.5 3.556 2.704 158.4 1.0278 41.9787 37.7334
145 83.5 3.683 2.801 160.32 1.0288 42.0196 38.1536
150 85 3.81 2.897 163.2 1.0298 42.0604 38.8013
155 86 3.937 2.994 165.12 1.0309 42.1054 39.2159
160 87 4.064 3.09 167.04 1.0319 42.1462 39.6335
165 88.5 4.191 3.187 169.92 1.0329 42.187 40.2778
170 89.5 4.318 3.283 171.84 1.0339 42.2279 40.6935
175 90.5 4.445 3.38 173.76 1.035 42.2728 41.1044
180 92 4.572 3.477 176.64 1.036 42.3137 41.7453
185 93 4.699 3.573 178.56 1.0371 42.3586 42.1544
190 94 4.826 3.67 180.48 1.0381 42.3994 42.5666
195 95 4.953 3.766 182.4 1.0391 42.4403 42.978
200 96.5 5.08 3.863 185.28 1.0402 42.4852 43.6105
205 97.5 5.207 3.959 187.2 1.0412 42.526 44.0201
210 98 5.334 4.056 188.16 1.0423 42.571 44.1991
215 99.5 5.461 4.152 191.04 1.0433 42.6118 44.8327
220 100.5 5.588 4.249 192.96 1.0444 42.6567 45.2356
225 102 5.715 4.346 195.84 1.0454 42.6076 45.8667

Unconfined Compression Strength, q = 45.8667 kPa

Undrained shear strength, Cu = 22.9334 kPa

5.6 CONCLUSION

One of the several methods available for measuring the shear strength of soil is the
unconfined compression test. It significance lies in that it is a quick test to obtain the shear
strength parameters of cohesive soils either in undisturbed or remolded state. The test is strain
controlled and when the soil sample is loaded rapidly, the pore pressures undergo changes
which may affect the read, which is why the soil loading is slow and controlled. This test is
reliable by many standards and is a good representation of soils in construction sites where the
pore water does not have time to dissipate. Although this test is reliable, it is not applicable to
cohesion less or coarse grained soils. While our experiment is a rough idea on a test of shear
strength, many other factors affect the shear strength in real world conditions. Things such as
water drainage paths, compaction, direction and rate of strain, density of particles will all affect
shear strength. Other tests such as the Torvane test or the Pocket Penetrometer test can also
be used to estimate shear strength in field conditions, though these tests are usually not as
reliable as should only be used in preliminary surveying or design conditions.