Soil 1 Practicals

G.H.
Raisoni College of Engineering

Hingna Road, Digdoh Hills, Nagpur - 16
LABORATORY MANUAL
THIRD SEMESTER B.E. CIVIL
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING-I
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
RAISONI
GROUP OF OF
INSTITUTIONS
NAGPUR AMRAVATI AKOLA PUNE JALGAON RAIPUR AHMADNAGAR LONDON
Geotechnical Engineering- I
G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering
Digdoh Hills, Hingna Road, Nagpur-16
Department of Civil Engineering

Subject: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING- I
(PRACTICAL)
INDEX
SR. PAGE
PARTICULARS
NO. NO.
D
ep 1 Water Content Determination 1 ar
t 2 Specific Gravity of Soil 5 m
en t
3 Grain Size Analysis- Mechanical method 8
of
4 Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit of Soil 13
5 Shrinkage Limit of Soil 19

6 Permeability of Soil 24
7 Insitu Density of Soil 31
8 Compaction Test 38
9 Unconfined Compressive Strength of Soil 42
10 Direct Shear Test 48
11 Triaxial Shear Test (Study Experiment) 54
Civil Engineering
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY
LISTS OF EXPERIMENTS
SR. NO. NAME OF EXPERIMENT
1 Determination of the moisture content of soil
Determination of the specific gravity of the soil using

2 pycnometer
3 Grain size distribution of the soils by Sieve analysis
Determination of liquid limit, plastic limit of the soil

4
Determination of Shrinkage limit of soil
5
Determination of coefficient of permeability of the soil by
6 a) Constant head method
b) Falling head method
Determination of field density of soils by
a) Core cutter method
7 b) Sand replacement method
Determination of optimum moisture content and

8 maximum dry density of the soil by proctor test
Determination of unconfined compressive strength of the
9 cohesive soil
Determination of shear strength parameters of the soil by
10 direct shear test
11 Study of Triaxial shear test apparatus
12 Study of Swell test apparatus
EXPERIMENT NO. 1
WATER CONTENT DETERMINATION
Aim: To determine the moisture content (water content) of a given soil sample.
Theory and applications:

A soil is an aggregate of soil particles having a porous structure. The pores may
have water and/or air. The pores are also known as voids. If voids are fully filled with
water. The soil is called saturated soil and if voids have only air, the soil is called dry.
Moisture content is defined as the ratio of the mass/weight of water to the
mass/weight of soil solids
Ww
W= Ws
Where, W = water content

Ww = Weight/ mass of water
Ws = Weight/ mass of soil solids
(mass of oven dry soil)
The mass of water used in the above expression is the mass of free pore water
only. Hence for moisture content determination the soil samples are dried to the
temperature at which only pore water is evaporated. This temperature was
standardized 105 C to 110 C. Soils having gypsum are dried at 60 C to 80 C.
0 0 0 0
The quantity of soil sample needed for the determination of moisture content
depends on the gradation and the maximum size of particles. Following quantities are
recommended.
Max. quantity used

SN Soil
(gm)
01 Coarse gravel 1000 to 2000
02 Fine gravel 300 to 500
03 Coarse sand 200
04 Medium sand 50
05 Fine sand 25
06 Silt and clays 10 to 25
The methods to determine moisture content in the laboratory are oven-drying,

pycnometer, infrared lamp with torsion balance moisture meter. The approximate
methods are alcohol burning method and calcium carbide method.
Applications:
Moisture content plays an important role in understanding the behavior of fine

grained soils. It is the moisture content which changes the soils from liquid state to
plastic and solid states. Its value controls the shear strength and compressibility of
soils. Compaction of soils in the field is also controlled by the quantity of water
present. Densities of soils are directly influenced by its value and are used in
calculating the Stability of slopes, bearing capacity of soils-foundation system, earth
pressure behind the retaining walls and pressure due to overburden.
The knowledge of determining the moisture content is helpful in many of the
laboratory tests such as Atterberg’s limits, shears strength compaction and
consolidation.
This experiment may be performed by two different methods.
A. Oven drying method
B. Torsion balance moisture content
A - OVEN DRYING METHOD

Apparatus
General
1. Containers (non corrodible, air-tight)
2. Balance (accuracy 0.04 percent of the weight of the soil taken for test).
3. Oven (interior of non-corroding material, thermostatically controlled).
4. Desiccators.
5. Tongs (one pair).
Procedure
1. Clean, dry and weigh the container with lid.
2. Take the required quantity of the soil specimen in the container and weigh with
lid.
3. Maintain the temperature of the oven between 105 C to 110 C for normal soils
0 0
and
60 C to 80 C for soils having loosely bound hydration water or/and Organic matter.
0 0
4. Dry the sample in the oven till its mass becomes constant. In normal conditions
the
sample is kept in the oven for not more than 24 hours.
5. After drying remove the container from the oven, replace the lid and cool in the
desiccators.
6. Weigh the dry soil in the container with lid.
Precautions
1. The soil specimen should be loosely placed in the container.
2. Over heating should be avoided.
3. Dry soil sample should not be left in open before weighing.
Observations and Calculations
The moisture content is calculated as follows:
Ww (W2_W3)
W= = _ 100
= Ws (W 3
W 1
)
Where W1 = mass of container with lid

W2 = mass of container with lid + wet soil
W3 = mass of container with lid + dry soil
B- TORSION BALANCE MOISTURE METER METHOD
Apparatus:-
Special
1. Torsion balance moisture meter (0-100% with infrared lamp)
2. Tong
Procedure:-
1. Set the 100% scale division of the calibrated drum to align with the index mark
with the help of drum drive knob.
2. With pan placed on the pivot; check that the Pointer is aligned with the index line
&
the 100% scale division. If not set the pointer with the help of initial setting knob.
3. Rotate the drum drive knob anti-clockwise and bring the 0% scale division in line
with the index mark, thus presenting the wire through an amount mark, thus
prestressing the wire through an amount equal to 100%. (This pre-set the amount
of
unbalance. The pointer will now be above the index mark)
4. Raise the lamp housing and carefully distribute the test material evenly on the
sample pan until the pointer return to the index mark. (Approximately 5 grams of
the
material will be needed in one operation).
5. Lower the lamp housing and switch on the infra-red lamp with the help of the
switch provided on the left hand side. Insert the thermometer in its socket
and bracket. Adjust the Varian control knob between 95 and 100 on the scale if it
is desired that the temperature of drying should be around 110 C. The sample will
0
now begin to loose moisture and the pointer will rise above the index.
6. To determine the percentage reduction of weight at any instant, rotate the drum
scale by turning the drum drive knob until the pointer returns to the index. Read
the
percentage directly from the scale. The percent moisture which is read from the
scale is the percent moisture based upon the initial weight of the sample i.e. the
wet
weight of the sample.
7. The criterion for taking the final the reading is that the pointer should remain
steady
on the index mark which shows that the sample has dried to constant weight. Note
the drum scale reading against the pointer which is the percent moisture on the
total
weight taken. Remove the thermometer from its bracket.
8. For repeating the test use the spare pan so that the pan used first, has time to
cool
and can be cleaned out.
9. Repeat steps 1 to 8 as above with a fresh sample.
Precautions
1. Pan should be cleaned before taking wet soil in it.
2. For taking the final reading, ensure that pointer should remain constant normally
in
15 to 30 minutes.
3. Temperature should be controlled between 60 C to 80 C for soils having gypsum
0 0
or/and organic matter. At this temperature pointer becomes constant
approximately
in 40 to 60 minutes.
4. Instrument should not be subject to any jolting.
5. Do not rotate the initial setting knob unnecessarily which may lead to snapping.

1. Read the percentage directly from the scale on the drum. This is the moisture
Content based on the wet mass of the soil.
2. Calculation the moisture content of the soil with respect to dry mass of the soil.
m
w=
(100-m)
 100
Where w = moisture content based on dry mass (%).
m = moisture content based on wet weight
Oven Drying’ Method
Observation Table and Calculations

Soil Sample No.: Date:
TABLE 1
S.N. Determination No. 1 2 3

01 Container No.
02 Mass of container with lid. W1(gm)
03 Mass of container with lid + wet soil,W2
(gm)
04 Mass of container with lid + dry soil,W3
(gm)
05 Mass of water, Ww = W2 - W3 (gm)
06 Mass of dry soil, Ws = W3 - W1 (gm)
07 Moisture content, W = W2 - W3 / W3-W1 x
100, (%)
Result
Average Moisture Content, w = ………… (%)
Diagram
Fig. Phase Diagram of Soil
EXPERIMENT NO. 2
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
Aim: To determine the specific gravity of the soil particles passing 4.75 mm I.S. sieve
using pycnometer.
Theory
Specific gravity is the ratio of the mass/weight in air of a given volume of dry soil
solids to the mass/weight of equal volume of distilled water at 4 C.
0
From fig. we observed that,

(a)Represent the empty pycnometer of mass =W1
(b) Represent the pycnometer +soil grains of mass= W2
(c) Represent the pycnometer + soil grains+ water of mass= W3
(d) Represents the pycnometer +water of mass = W4
Mass of soil grains Ws = W2-W1
Mass of equal volume of distilled water = (W4+W2-W1 –W3)
Specific gravity of soil grains = (W 2-W 1)/ ((W 2-W 1)-(W 3-W 4))
= (W S)/ (W s+W 4-W 3)
The value of specific gravity depends upon depends upon temperature, hence its
value is reported at standard temperature of 27 C.
0
G (at27 C) = G (atTt C) + [Sp. gr. of water at Tt c / Sp. gr. of water at 27 C]

s
0
S
0 ˚ 0
Applications
Specific gravity of soil grains is important property and is used in calculating

void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation if density and water content are known.
Void ratio, e = [Gs(1+ww)Vw / (Vt)] -1
Where - e = Void ratio
Gs = Specific gravity
Ww = Water content
Vw = Mass density of water (g/cc)
Vt = Moist density of soil (g/cc)
And degree of saturation,
S = (Gs x W/e) x100
Where S = Degree of structure (%)
Gs = Specific gravity of soil grains
W = Water content
e = Void ratio
Its value helps up to some extent in identification and classification of soils. It
gives an idea about the suitability of the soil as a construction material; higher value
of specific gravity gives more strength for roads and foundations. It is used in
computing the soil particle size by means of hydrometer analysis the soil particle size
by means of hydrometer analysis. It is also used in estimating the critical hydraulic
gradient in soil when a sand boiling condition is being studied and in zero air-void
calculations in the compaction theory of soils.
Its value ranges from as follows
Coarse grained soils 2.6-2.7
Fine grained soil 2.7-2.8
Organic soil 2.3-2.5
Apparatus
Special
1. Pycnometer
2. 4.75 mm (or 2 mm) I.S. sieve
General
1. Vacuum pump (or hot water bath)
2. Balance (accuracy 0.1 gm)
3. Drying oven
4. Desiccator
5. Glass rod
6. Distilled and deaired water
7. Thermometer (0 to 50 C) 0
Procedure
1. Dry the pycnometer thoroughly and weigh with its cap tightly screwed on.
2. Mark the cap and pycnometer with a vertical line parallel to the axis of pycnometer
so
that each time the cap is screwed the same amount.
3. Unscrew the cap and put in about 200 gm of oven dried soil passing 4.75 mm I.S.
sieve and weigh again.
4. Add sufficient deaired water to cover the soil about half full and screw on the cap.
5. Shake well and connect to the vacuum pump to remove entrapped air.
6. Allow the air to be evacuated for at least 20 minutes for grained soils and 10
minutes
for sandy soils. Shake the pycnometer occasionally to assist in the air evaluation.
7. After the entrapped air has been largely removed, disconnect the pump and fill the
pycnometer with water about three fourth full.
8. Reapply the vacuum for at least 5 minutes. Evacuation should be continued until
very
few bubbles appear on the top of the water.
9. After the air has been eliminated, full the pycnometer with water completely up to
the
mark.
10. Thoroughly dry the pycnometer from the outside and weigh it.
11. Record the temperature of the content in degree centigrade.
12. Clean the pycnometer by washing water thoroughly.
13. Fill the pycnometer with water up to its top and screw on the cap.
14. Weigh the pycnometer after drying it on the outside thoroughly.
15. Repeat the test twice more.
Precautions
1. The soil grains whose specific gravity is to be determined should be completely dry.
2. Dried soil taken for testing should have the soil grains of its original size, so if on
drying soil humps are formed, they should be broken to its original size.
3. Hold the rubber tubing tightly with the pycnometer so that there is no leakage when
Vacuum pump works.
4. Inaccuracies in weighing and failure to completely eliminate the entrapped air are
the
main source of error. Both should be avoided by careful working.
5. Cap should be screwed up to the same mark during the test.
6. Cap should be properly screwed with washer to avoid any leakage.
Observation and Calculations

(a) Determine the specific gravity of soil grains using equation
G s = (W 2-W 1) / (W 2-W1)-(W3-W4)
(b) Calculate the correction factor Ct
Relative density of water at T C
0
Ct = Relative density of water at 27 C 0
(c) Calculation the specific gravity at 27 C

0
(G s) 27 c = (Gs) Tt x Ct
0
(d)The average of three values of the same soil sample is taken and reported to the
nearest 0.01. If any of the values differ by more than 0.03 from the average, that
test
is discarded and other test is done.
Result
Specific Gravity of Soil = …………
EXPERIMENT NO. 3
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS-MECHANICAL METHOD
Object: To classify the coarse grained soils.
Theory and Applications

Soils having particles larger than 0.075mm size are termed as coarse grained
soils. In these soils more than 50% of the total material by mass is larger than 75
micron. Coarse grained soil may have boulder, cobble, gravel and sand.
Coarse grained soils may have rounded to angular bulky, hard, rock particles
with the following sizes:
Boulder - more than 300 mm dia.
Cobble - smaller than 300 mm and larger than 80mm dia.
Gravel (G) - smaller than 80mm and larger than 4.75mm.
Coarse gravel- 20mm to 4.75mm
Sand (S) - smaller than 4.75 mm and larger than 0.075mm
Coarse : 4.75mm to 2mm
Medium : 2.0mm to 425 micron
Fine : 425 micron to 75 micron
Name of the soil is given depending upon the maximum percentage of the
above components.
Soils having less than 5% particles of size smaller than 0.075 mm are designed
by the symbols:
GW: Well graded gravel
GP-Poorly graded gravel
SW: Well graded sand
SP-Poorly graded sand
Soils having greater than 12% of particles of size smaller than 0.075 mm are
designed by the following symbols:
GM or GC: Silty gravel or clayey sand
SM or SC: Silty sand or clayey sand
Dual symbols are used for the soils having 75 micron passing between 5 to 12%.
Dry sieve analysis is performed for cohesion less soils if fines are less than 5%. Wet
sieve analysis is done if fines are more than 5% and of cohesive in nature. Gravel and
sand may be either poorly graded (uniformly graded) or well graded depending upon
the value of coefficient of curvature and uniformly coefficient.
Coefficient of curvature may be estimated as:-
(D30) 2
Cc = (D10xD60)
Where,
D60=diameter at 60% finer
It should lie between 1 and 2 for well graded gravels and sands
Uniformity coefficient
D60
Cu = 
D10
Its value should be more than 4 for well-graded gravels and more than 6 for well
graded sands (IS: 1498-1970).
Applications
The percentage of different sizes of soil particles coarser than 75μ is
determined. Coarse grained soils are classified mainly by sieve analysis. The grain size
distribution curve gives an idea regarding the gradation of the soil i.e. it is possible to
identify whether a soil is well graded or poorly graded. In mechanical soil stabilization,
the main principle is to mix a few selected 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 is to be first known.
Apparatus
Special:
1. 1 set sieves of sizes 300 mm, 80 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, and 4.75 mm.
st
2. 2 set of sieves of sizes 2 mm, 850μ, 425μ, 150μ, and 75 μ.

nd
3. Sodium hexametaphosphate (for cohesive soils)

4. Mechanical shaker (optional)
5. Brush
6. Rubber pestle and Motor
General:-
1 Balances (one of accuracy=1.0 gm. Other of accuracy=0.1 gm)
2 Weights and weight box
3 Oven
4 Desiccator
5 Drying crucibles
6 Tray/bucket
7 Water
Procedure
1. Take suitable quantity of oven-dry soil depending upon the maximum size of
material present in.
Substantial quantities in the soil
S.N Maximum size of material Quantity to
. present in be taken
01 substantial
80 mm quantities (Kg)
60.0
02 20 mm 6.5
03 4.75 mm to 75 μ 0.5
2. (a) If soil seems to have more than 5% of cohesive soils, the soil taken in step(1) is
spread out in the large tray or bucket and covered with water. Two grams of sodium
hexametaphosphate per liter of water used is then to be added to the soil. The mix
is
thoroughly stirred and left for soaking.
(b)The soaked soil specimen is washed on 75 μ I.S. sieve until the water passing
sieve is clean.
(c)The fraction retained on sieve is tipped without loss of material in a tray, dried in
the oven at 105 C to 110 C and weighted.
0 0
(d) Loss in mass will give percentage passing 75 μ sieves.

Sieving for coarser than 4.75 mm size
3. Clean the set of sieve and pan with brush
4. Sieve the soil first through I.S. sieves of first set i.e. 80 mm, 40 mm, 10mm and
4.75 mm manually or using a mechanical shaker for 5-10 minutes.
5. Weigh the material retained on each sieve to 1.0 gm.
Sieving for soil passing from 4.75mm size
6. Clean the sieve and pan with brush and weigh to 0.1gm.
7. Sieve the soil through 2nd set of sieves i.e., 2mm, 600μ, 425μ, 150μ and 75μ using a
mechanical shaker for 10 minutes.
8. Weigh to 0.1 gm each sieve and pan with soil retained on them. The sum of the
retained soil mass is checked against the original mass of soil taken.
Precautions:
1. While drying the temperature of the oven should not be more than 105˚C because
higher temperature may cause some permanent change in the -75 μ materials.
2. During shaking, sample soil should not be allowed to come out.
3. In wet analysis, all cohesive soil adhering to large size particles should be removed
by water.
4. For plotting, per cent finer should be determined with respect to the total soil taken
for
initial analysis.
Observations and Calculations:

1. All observations are entered in prescribed observation tables. Most of the
calculations
are done in the observation tables itself. In table 1 the cumulative mass of soil
fraction
retained on each sieve is calculated. The cumulative percentage of the soil fraction
retained on each sieve is calculated on the basis of the total weight of the sample
taken for this analysis. Percentage finer is calculated by subtracting the percentage
retained from 100.
2. In observation table 2 the cumulative mass of soil fraction retained on each sieve is
calculated. The cumulative percentage of soil fraction retained on each sieve is
calculated on the basis of the mass of the sample passing 4.75 mm I.S. sieve. The
combined gradation on the basis of the total soil sample taken for analysis is then
calculated.
3. Diameter (mm) is taken on log scale and percent finer on ordinary scale for plotting
the grain size distribution curve. Use recommended graph paper.
4. Read the diameter corresponding to 60%, 30% and 10% finer. Calculate coefficient
of
curvature and uniformity coefficient.
5. Read also the percentage of each soil from the graph paper.
Determination
1 2 3
No.
D60
D30
D10
Cc
Cu
Observations and Calculations:

Table No.-01
Soil Sample No. Date
(Soil coarser than 4.75mm)
Weight of total soil sample taken for analysis, kg =
Cumulati Cumulati
Mass of % finer
ve mass ve % of
soil (passin Remark
Sieve No. of soil soil
SN retained g) s
retained retained
gm 100-(4)
(gm) (gm)
1 2 3 4 5 6
01 80mm
02 40mm
03 20mm
04 10mm
05 4.75m
m
06 Pan
Table No.-02
(Soil passing from 4.75mm Sieve and retained on 75µ Sieve)
i) Weight of total soil sample taken for analysis (kg) =
ii) % of soil sample passing from 4.75mm sieve =
iii) Weight of soil sample taken for this analysis (kg) =
% finer
Combined
Cumulativ Cumulati w.r.t.
Mass of % finer
e mass of ve % of 4.75m
soil w.r.t. total
Sieve No. soil soil m
SN retained soil
retained retained (passin
gm sample
(gm) (gm) g)
(5) x (ii)
1 2 3 4 5 6
01 4.75
mm
02 2.12
mm
03 1.18
mm
04 600 μ
05 425 μ
06 300 μ
07 150 μ
08 75 μ
09 Pan
Draw Graph sheet – Grain Size Analysis
Result
1. Coefficient of Curvature, Cc= …………

2. Uniformity Coefficient, Cu= …………
EXPERIMENT NO. 4
LIQUID AND PLASTIC LIMIT TESTS
AIM: (a) To determine liquid limit

(b) To determine plastic limit
(c) To classify the soil
(d) To find flow index
(e) To find toughness index
Theory
Liquid limit is the water content at which soil passes from zero strength to
an
Infinitesimal strength, hence the true value of liquid limit can not be determined. For
determination purpose liquid limit is that water content at which a part of soil, cut by a
groove of standard dimensions, will flow together for a distance of 1.25cm under an
impact of 25 blows in a standard liquid limit apparatus. The soil at the water content
liquid limit apparatus. The soil at the water content has some strength which is about
0.17 N/cm (17.6 gm/cm ). At this water content soil just passes from liquid state to
2 2
plastic state.
The moisture content at which soil has the smallest plasticity is called as the
plastic limit. Just after the plastic limit the soil displays the properties of a semi- solid.
Change in state at these limits is shown in figure.
Fig. Relationship between Volume of soil and Its Moisture Content

For determination purpose, the plastic limit is defined as the water content at
which a soil will just begin to crumble when rolled into a thread of 3mm in diameter
the difference in moisture content or interval between the liquid and plastic limits is
termed the plasticity index. Knowing the liquid limit and plasticity index soil may be
classified with the help of plasticity chart according to Indian standard on soil
classification (IS 1498-1970).
Fig. Plasticity Chart
In the plasticity chart following symbols are used:

CL = Clay of low compressibility
CL = Clay of low medium compressibility
CH = Clay of high compressibility
ML = Silt of low compressibility
MI = Silt of medium compressibility
MH = Silt of high compressibility
OL = Organic soil of low compressibility
OI = Organic soil of medium compressibility
OH = Organic soil of high compressibility
Applications
The values of liquid limit and plastic limit are directly used for classifying the
fine grained cohesive soils according to Indian Standard on soil classification. Once the
soil is classified, it help a lot in understanding the behavior of soil and selecting the
maintenance of the structures made up or/ and resting on soils.
The values of these limits are also used in calculating the flow index, toughness
index, toughness index and relative plasticity index which are useful in giving an idea
about the plasticity, cohesiveness, compressibility, shear strength, permeability,
consistency and state of cohesive soils. Atterberg’s (1911) shows the correlations
between the plasticity index, soil type, degree of plasticity and degree of
cohesiveness.
Plasticity Degree of Degree of

SN Soil Type
index plasticity cohesiveness
01 0 Sand Non-plastic Non-cohesive
02 <7 Silt Low-plastic Partly cohesive
03 7-17 Silt Medium - Cohesive
plastic
04 >17 Clay High-plastic Cohesive
Apparatus
Special
1. Cassagrande’s liquid limit device
2. A.S.T.M. and B.S. grooving tool (Cassagrande’s type)
3. Glass plate 20X15cm
4. 425 micron I.S. sieve
5. 3mm diameter rod.
General
1) Spatula, 2) Basin (300c.c. capacity), 3) Balance (0.01 gm sensitivity), 4) Water
content tins or crucibles, 5) Drying oven, 6) Distilled water, 7) Measuring cylinder,
8) Desiccator
Procedure
(a) Liquid Limit

1. Adjust the cup of the liquid limit apparatus with the help of grooving tool gauge &
the
adjustment plate to give a drop of exactly 1 cm on the point of contact on base.
2. Take about 120gm of an air dried sample passing 425 µ sieve.
3. Mix it thoroughly with some distilled water to from a uniform paste.
4. Place a portion of the paste in the cup of the liquid limit device, smooth the surface
with spatula to a maximum depth of 1cm. Draw the grooving tool through the
sample
along the symmetrical axis of the cup, holding the tool perpendicular to the cup.
5. Turn the handle at a rate of 2 revolutions per second and count blows until two parts
of the soil sample come into contact at the bottom of the soil sample come into
contact at the bottom of the groove along a distance of 10mm.
6. Transfer about 15gm of the soil forming the edges of the groove that
flowed together
to a water content tin and determine the water content by oven drying.
7. Transfer the remaining soil in the cup to the main soil sample in the basin and mix
thoroughly after adding a small amount of water
8. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6. Obtain at least four sets of readings in the range of 10 to
40
blows.
Fig. Liquid limit Test Apparatus
(a) Plastic Limit

1. Take about 30gm of air dried sample passing 425 micron sieve.
2. Mix thoroughly with distilled water on the glass plate until it is plastic enough to be
shaped into a small ball.
3. Take about 10gm of the plastic soil mass and roll it between the hand and the glass
plate to from the soil mass into a thread. If diameter of thread becomes less than
3mm without cracks, it shows that water added in the soil is more than its plastic
limit;
hence the soil is kneaded further and rolled into thread again.
4. Repeat this rolling and remolding process until the thread starts just crumpling at a
diameter of 3mm.
5. If crumpling starts before 3mm diameter thread in step 3, it show the water added
in
step 2 is less than the plastic limit of the soil, hence some more water should be
added and mixed to a uniform mass and rolled again, until the thread starts just
crumbling at a diameter of 3mm.
6. Collect the pieces of crumbled soil thread at 3mm diameter in an air tight container
and determine moisture content.
7. Repeat this procedure twice more with fresh samples of 10gm each.
Precaution
1. Use distilled water in order to minimize the possibility of iron exchange between the
soil and any impurities in the water.
2. Soil used for liquid and plastic limit determinations should not be oven dried prior to
testing.
3. In liquid limit test, the groove should be closed by a flow of the soil and not by
slippage between the soil and the cup.
4. After mixing distilled water to the soil sample, sufficient time should be given to
permeate the water throughout the soil mass.
5. Wet soil taken in the container for moisture content determination should not be left
open in the air even for some time, the containers with soil samples should either
be
placed in desiccators or immediately be weighed,
6. For each test, cup and grooving tool, should be clean.
Observation and Calculations

(a) Liquid Limit (L.L. or W ) L.L
1. Use table 1 for recording the number of blows and calculating the moisture
contents.
2. Use semi log graph paper, take number of blows on semi log scale (x-axis) and
water
contents on ordinary scale (y-axis). Plot all the points and draw a straight line (flow
curve) passing through these points.
3. Read the water content at 25 blows which is the value of liquid limit.
(b) Plastic limits (P.L. or W .)
P.L
Use table 2 for calculating the plastic limit.

(c) Classification of soil.
1. Calculating plasticity index (P.I. or Ip)
Ip = WL.L - WP.L.
2. Use plasticity chart for classification of given soil.
Or
Calculate the plasticity the plasticity index of ‘A’ line
(P.I.)A = 0.73 (WL.L-- 20)
Where W is in percentage
L.L
If P.I. > (P.I.)A the soil is clay

If P.I. < (P.I.) the soil is silt
A
L.L. = 0-35 low Compressibility

35-50 medium Compressibility
> 50 High Compressibility
(d) Flow Index (F.I. or IF)
1. Extend the flow curve at both ends so as to intersect the ordinates corresponding to
10 and 100 blows.
2. Read the water contents at 10 and 100 blows. Difference of these two these two
water contents is equal to flow index Or
The flow index may be calculated from the equation
IF =
w1 = water content in % at N1 Blows

w2 = water content in % at N2 Blows
(e) Toughness Index (T.I. or IT)
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION

TABLE NO.1
Soil sample no. Liquid limit Date
Sr
Determination No. 1 2 3
No.
1 No. of blows
2 Container No.
3 Mass of container + wet soil (gm)
4 Mass of container + dry soil ,(gm)
5 Mass of water (3)-(4) (gm)
6 Mass of container, (gm)
7 Mass of dry soil (4)-(6)
8 Moisture content (5)/ (7) x 100, (%)
Liquid limit:…………….
TABLE NO.2
Soil sample no Plastic limit Date
Sr. No. Determination No. 1 2 3
1 Container No.
2 Mass of container + wet soil (gm)
3 Mass of container + dry soil ,(gm)
4 Mass of water, (2)-(3) (gm)
5 Mass of container (gm)
6 Mass of dry soil (3)-(5) ,(gm)
7 Plastic Limit (4)/(6) x 100,(%)
Average plastic limit:…………….
RESULT
Liquid limit L.L (%) =
Plastic limit P.L (%) =
Plasticity Index P.I =
Classification =
Flow Index IF =
Toughness Index IT =
EXPERIMENT NO.5
SHRINKAGE LIMIT OF SOIL
Aim: (a) To determine the shrinkage limit of soil

(b) To calculate shrinkage factors
Theory:
Shrinkage limit is the maximum water content at which a reduction in water content
does not cause an appreciable decrease in volume of the soil mass. At shrinkage limit,
on further redaction in water, air starts to enter into the voids of the soil and keeps the
volume of voids constant.
Represent the initial soil sample in saturated stage with initial mass W1 and volume V1;
(c) Represent the oven dry sample with mass W s and volume V2. According to
definition, the water content at (b) will be the shrinkage limit.
Mass of water in (a) = W1 - Ws
Loss in water from (a) to (b) = (V1 – V2) w
Mass of water in (b),
Ws = (W1 - Ws) - (V1 – V2) w
Water content in (b)
Shrinkage limit, W.S.L (%)
Where W1 = water content in (a)

Other shrinkage factors i.e. shrinkage ratio, volumetric shrinkage may also be
calculated from the test data of shrinkage limit.
.
Shrinkage Ratio
It is the ratio of a given volume change expressed as a percentage of the dry
volume to the corresponding change in water content above the shrinkage limit.
Volumetric Shrinkage
It is the decrease in volume of a soil mass when the water content is reduced
from a given percentage to the shrinkage limit and which is expressed as percentage
of dry volume of the soil mass.
Application
The value of shrinkage limit is used for understanding the swelling and
shrinkage properties of cohesive soils. It is used for calculating the shrinkage factors
which helps in the design problem of the structures made up of the soils or/and resting
on soil. It gives an idea about the suitability of the soil as construction material in
foundations, roads, embankment & dams. It helps knowing the state of the given soil.
Approximate values of Sp. Gr. Of soil grains may also be determine from the data of
shrinkage limit test. From figure Specific Gravity is given by,
Where,
Apparatus
Special
1. Three circular shrinkage dish (porcelain / stainless steel/brass with flat bottom about
4.5 cm in dia and 1.5 cm high)
2. Three porcelain evaporated dish (two about 12cm large) and one 6cm (small in
diameter)
3. One glass plate with three prongs.
4. Plain glass plate (7.5 cm X 7 .5 cm).
5. One glass or stainless steel cup (about 5.0 cm in dia and 2.5 cm high with level and
smooth ground top rim).
6. Mercury
7. 425 micron sieve.
General
8. Spatula
9. Straight edge
10. Oven
11. Desiccator
12. Balance (sensitivity 0.01 gm)
Procedure
1. Mix about 30gm of soil passing 425 micron sieve with distilled water. The water
added should be sufficient to make the soil past enough to be readily worked into
the
shrinkage dish without inclusion of air bubbles.
2. Cost the inside of two shrinkage dish with a thin layer of Vaseline. Place the soil
sample in the dish, by giving gentle taps. Strike off the top surface with a straight
edge.
3. Weight the shrinkage dish immediately full of wet soil. Dry the dish fist in air and
then
in an oven.
4. Weight the shrinkage dish with dry soil pat.
5. Clean dry the shrinkage dish and determine its empty mass.
6. Also weigh an empty porcelain dish (small size) which will be used for weighing
dish.
7. Keep the shrinkage dish in a large porcelain dish, fill it to overflowing with mercury
and remove the excess by pressing the plate firmly over the top of the dish. Transfer
the contents of the shrinkage dish to the mercury weighing dish and weight.
8. Place the glass cup in a large dish. Fill it to over flowing with mercury; remove the
excess by pressing the glass plate with three prongs firmly over the top of the cup.
9. Wipe the outside of the glass cup to remove any adhering mercury, and then place
it in another large dish. Place the dry soils pat on the surface of the mercury and
submerge it under the mercury by pressing with glass plate with prongs.
10. Transfer the mercury displaced by the dry soil pat to the mercury weighing dish
and
weigh.
11. Repeat the test at least three times for each soil sample.
Precautions
1. The water content of the soil taken in shrinkage dish should be above liquid limit but
within 10% from liquid limit.
2. To prevent the cake from adhering to the shrinkage dish and consequent cracking of
the dry soil pat, the inside of the shrinkage dish should be greased with Vaseline.
3. During filling the shrinkage dish with soil paste, sufficient tapping should be done to
remove the entrapped air.
4. The dry soil pat should be weighed soon after it has been removed from the air.
5. Test should be repeated at least three times for each soil sample and the average of
the results thus obtained reported. If any individual value varies from the average
by
2%, it should be discarded and test repeated.
6. No air should be entrapped under the dry soil pat when pressing by the glass with
prongs is being carried out.
Observation and Calculation
(a) Shrinkage Limit

1. Enter all the observations in the table.
2. Calculate the shrinkage limit using the equation
W S.L
Where,
W S.L. = shrinkage limit in % soil pat.
W1 = initial water content of wet soil pat.
V1 = volume of wet soil pat in cc.
V2 = volume of dry soil in cc.
Ws = mass of oven-dry soil pat in gm.
w = mass density of water in g/cc.
(b) Other Shrinkage Factors
1. Shrinkage ratio
Where Ws = mass of oven-dry soil pat in gm.

V2 = volume of oven-dry soil in cc.
2. Volumetric Shrinkage
VS = (W1 – W S.L.)
Where,
W1 = given moisture content in %
WS.L = shrinkage limit in %
S. R. = shrinkage ratio
3. Linear shrinkage
Where VS = Volumetric shrinkage.
TABLE -01
S. Determination No. 1 2 3
N.
01 Shrinkage dish no. (gm)
02 Mass of dish+ wet soil pat (gm)
03 Mass of dish+ dry soil pat (gm)
04 Mass of water,(2)-(3) (gm)
05 Mass of shrinkage dish empty (gm)
06 Mass of dry soil pat (Ws)=(3)-(5)
(gm)
07 Initial water content (%)
08 Mass of weighing dish +mercury
(filling shrinkage dish)
09 Mass of weighing dish empty (gm)
10 Mass of mercury (8)-(9) (gm)
11 Vol. wet soil pat (cc)
12 Mass of weighing dish+ displaced
mercury (by dry pat)
13 Mass of mercury displaced (12) –
(9)
14 Volume of dry soil packed
Result:
(a) Shrinkage Limit :

(b) Shrinkage ratio :
(c) Volumetric Shrinkage :
(d) Linear Shrinkage :
EXPERIMENT NO. 6
PERMEABILITY TEST
Aim: To determine coefficient of permeability of given soil sample at desired density

by a suitable method.
Theory
The property of the soils which permits water (fluids) to percolate through its
continuously connected voids is called its permeability.
Depending upon the value of Reynolds number the flow of water through soils
may be ‘laminar’ or ‘turbulent’. In laminar flow, a particle of water starting from a
given position follows a definite path without crisscrossing the path of other particles.
In turbulent flow the particles do not follow any definite path but have random,
twisting and crisscrossing path. For laminar and steady flow, according to Darcy’s law
the rate of flow of water is proportional to the hydraulic gradient in uniform and
homogeneous soils.
i. e. V i
where v = discharge velocity of water
 V = ki
If q = discharge of water per unit time
q = k.i.A
If i = l
k=v
where i = hydraulic gradient
k = coefficient of permeability
A = cross sectional area of the soil for discharge q.
In soil mechanics, the coefficient of permeability, k expresses the degree of
permeability. It has the velocity dimensions.
Factors affecting coefficient of permeability can be studied by the equation
Where k = coefficient of permeability

C = constant
ds = average diameter of soil grains
vw = unit weight of water
= viscosity of the water
e = void ratio of the soil
Viscosity and unit weight of water depend upon temperature, hence the
coefficient of permeability is effected by the climatic conditions also. Constant ‘C’
depends upon arrangement and shape of grains and voids Thus the soil insitu often
as smaller permeability in vertical direction as compared to the horizontal due to
horizontally stratified structure.
The coefficient of permeability may be determined both in the laboratory and
field by direct tests. In the laboratory, constant head method is more suited to coarse
grained soils as the quantity of seepage in case of relatively impervious soils is less.
Variable head method is suited to fine grained soil as the fall of head is very fast in
coarse grained soils.
Applications
Water flowing through soil exerts considerable seepage forces which have direct effect
on the safety of hydraulic structures. The rate of settlement of compressible clay layer
under load depends on its permeability. The quantity of stored water escaping through
and beneath an earthen dam depends on the permeability of the embankment and
the foundations respectively. The rate of drainage of where through well and
excavated foundation pits depend on the coefficient of permeability of the soils. Shear
strength of soils also depends indirectly on its permeability; because dissipation of
pore pressure is
controlled by its permeability. Rough values of coefficient of permeability for different
type of soils are given in the table no.1
Table 1
SN Type of Value of
Soil k(cm/sec)
01 Gravel 10
02 Sand 1.0-10
03 Silt 10
04 Clay Less than 10
According to U.S. Bureau of reclamation, soils are classified as follows:
Impervious k less then 10- cm/sec
6
Semi-pervious k between10 to 10 cm /sec

-6 -4
Pervious k greater than 10 cm /sec

-4
Apparatus
Special
1. Permeameter mould (internal dia = 100 m.m. effective height = 127.3
m.m. Capacity
100cc)
2. Accessories of the permeameter (cover, base, detachable collar, porous stones,
dummy plate) (common)
3. Round filter paper 100 mm. dia (common)
4. A static or dynamic compaction device (if remolded samples are used)
5. Constant head reservoir (common)
6. Graduated glass stand pipe (internal dia 5to 20 mm, preferably 10mm)
(Variable head)
7. Support frame and clamps (variable head)
8. Funnel (variable head)
9. Measuring flask (Constant head)
General (Common to both the methods)

1.Metre Scale
2.Balance
3.Stop watch
4.Thermometer
5.Deaired water
6.Drying oven
7.IS: Sieve 4.75 mm (if remolded samples are used)
8.Grease
9.Straight edge
10Drying crucibles
11.Desiccator
Procedure
A. Variable Head Method
1. Remove the cover of the mould and apply a little grease on the sides of the mould.
2. Weigh the mould with dummy plate.
3. Measure the internal diameter and effective height of the mould, then attach the
collar and the base plate.
4.(i)Compact the soil at given dry density and moisture content by a suitable static or
dynamic device for remolded samples.
(ii) For undisturbed samples, trim off the undisturbed specimen in the form of a
cylinder
about 85 mm in diameter and height equal to that of mould. Place the specimen
centrally over the bottom porous dise & filter paper. Fill the annular space between
the mould and the specimen with an impervious material such as cement slurry or
bentonite slurry to provide sealing against leakage from the sides.
5. Remove the collar & base plate, trim off the excess soil and level with the top of the
mould.
6. Clean the outside of the mould and dummy plate.
7. Weigh the mould with soil and dummy plate. Difference of this mass and the mass
taken in step 2 will give the mass of soil used.
8.Apply grease around the porous stone and base plate, put the porous stone inside
the base plate and filter paper on porous stone.
9.Remove the dummy plate and place the mould with washer on the base plate.
10.Put the small quantity of the soil sample in drying oven to determine the moisture
content.
11.Clean the edges of the mould and the collar and apply grease in the grooves
around them.
12. Place a filter paper, porous stone and washer on the top of the soil sample and fix
up the collar again.
13.Connect the reservoir with water to the outlet at the bottom of the mould and allow
the water to flow in. wait till the water has been able to travel up and saturate the
sample .Allow about one cm depth of free water to collect on the top of the sample.
14. Fill the remaining portion of the cylinder with deaired water without disturbing the
surface of the soil.
15. Fix the cover plate over the collar and tighten the nuts in the rods.
16. Disconnect the reservoir from the outlet at the bottom and connect the stand pipe
to
the inlet at the top plate. Fill the stand pipe with water.
17. Open the stop cock at the top and allow water to flow out so that all the air in the
cylinder is removed.
18.Fix the height h1 and h2 won the pipe from the centre of the outlet such that (h 1-h2)
is
about 30 to 40 cm. Mark the level of √ h1 h2 from the centre of the outlet.
19. When all the air has escaped, close the stop cock and allow the water from the
pipe
to flow through the soil and establish a speedy flow.
20.Record the time intervals for the head to fall from √ h1 h2√ h1 h2 to h2. The time
intervals should be same, otherwise steady flow in established.
21.Change the height h1 and h2 and record the time intervals.
22.Stop the flow of water, disconnect all parts.
23.Take a small quantity of the soil sample from the mould in the drying crucible and
put inside the drying oven for moisture content determination.
24.Measure the temperature of the water.
B. Constant Head method
1.Take steps 1 to 16.

2.Disconnect the reservoirs from the outlet as the bottom and connect to the inlet at
the
top plate.
3.Open stop cock at the cover and allow water to flow out so that all the air in the
cylinder is removed.
4.When all the air has escaped close the stop cock and open the outlet. Allow the
water
to flow through the soil and established a steady flow.
5.When steady flow is reached collect the water in a measuring flask for a convenient
time interval. Repeat this thrice quantity of water collected must be same, otherwise
observations are repeated.
6.Repeat step (5) for atleast two more different time intervals.
7.Repeat steps (22),(23)and (24)
Precautions
1.All the possibilities of leakage at the joints must be eliminated .All the joints and
washer must be thoroughly cleaned so that there are no soil particles between
them.
2.Apply the grease liberally between mould, base plate and collar.
3. Rubber washer must be moisture with water before placing.
4. Porous stones must be sutured just before placing
5. Desired and distilled water must be used to avoid the chocking of flow water.
6. Soil samples must be fully saturated before taking the observations.
7. In order to ensure laminar flow condition, cohesion less soil must be tested under
low
hydraulic gradient.
8. Steady floe must be established before taking the observations.
9. In constant head method, quantity of water collected must be sufficient and
measured
very accurately to eliminate large errors.
Observations and Calculations.

(a)Enter all observations of variable head method in table 2 and of constant head
method in table 3.
(b)Calculate the coefficient of permeability of the soil using the following equations.
kT = 2.303 [aL/At] log10 (h1/h2)
For Variable Head Method

Where, KT = Coefficient of Permeability at Test temperature T0C (cm/sec)
a= Cross-Sectional area of stand pipe (cm2)
L= Effective length of sample (cm)
A= Cross-Sectional area of Sample (cm2)
t= Time Interval to fall the head from h1 to h2 (sec)
h1= Initial height of water in the pipe above the outlet (cm)
h2= Final height of water in the pipe above the outlet (cm)
For Constant Head Method

KT = Q.L/At.h
Where, KT = Coefficient of Permeability at Test temperature T0C (cm/sec)
Q = Quantity of Water collected in time t (ml)
L = length of soil sample (cm)
A= Cross-Sectional area of Soil Sample (cm2)
h = Constant hydraulic head (cm)
(c) Report the coefficient of permeability at standard temperature of 270c
k27 = kT x [T/27]
Where, k27= Coefficient of Permeability at 270c
kT = Coefficient of permeability at T0c
T = Coefficient of Viscosity at T0c
27 = Coefficient of Viscosity at 270c
(d) Calculate the density, void ratio, and degree of saturation at which test is performed
Void ratio, e = [Gs/d] - 1
Where, Gs = Specific Gravity of soil grains (Assume 2.6 if not known)
d = Dry density of soil sample (gm/cc)
Degree of Saturation, S = (w x Gs) / e
Where, w = Moisture content (%)
TABLE 1
1. Length of sample, L (cm) =
2. Diameter of sample, d(cm) =
3. Area of sample, A(cm2) =
4. Mass of Mould + dummy plate, W1 (gm) =
5. Mass of Mould + soil + dummy plate, W2 (gm) =
6. Mass of soil, W= (W1-W2) (gm) =
7. Volume of Soil sample (cm3) =
8. Density of soil sample [t= W/V] (gm/cc) =
9. Moisture Content at the start, w1 =
10. Dry Density of soil sample [d= (t/1+w1)] (gm/cc) =
11. Void ratio, e= [Gs/d] -1 =
Sr. Determination No. At the start At the end

No. (before saturation) (after saturation)
1 Container No.
2 Mass of Container + Wet soil (gm)
3 Mass of Container + dry soil (gm)
4 Mass of Container (gm)
5 Mass of soil (3-4) (gm)
6 Mass of water (2-3 ) (gm)
7 Water Content, w = [6/5]x 100
8 Degree of Saturation
= (w x Gs) / e
TABLE 2
Soil Sample No. Variable Head Method Date
1.Diameter of stand pipe (cm) =
2.Cross sectional area of pipe (cm2) =
3.Temprature of water , T0c =
4. Correction factor due to temperature, Ct = T/27 =
5. Constant Factor = 2.303 [aL/A] =

1 Initial Head, h1 (cm)
2 Final Head, h2 (cm)
3 Head  (h1-h2) (cm)
4 Time Interval (sec)
A From h1 to  (h1-h2)
B From  (h1-h2) to h2
C From h1 to h2, t = A+B
5 Log10 h1/h2
6 Coefficient of permeability k (cm/sec)
K at test temperature T0c = (2.303 [aL/A] x 5) / 4C
7 Coefficient of permeability k (cm/sec)

K at test temperature 270c = 6 x T/27
Result
1. Average value of coefficient of permeability at test temperature, KT =
2. Average value of coefficient of permeability at standard temperature 270c , K27 =
3. Void ratio of soil sample, e =
4. Type of soil =
TABLE 3
Soil Sample No. Constant Head Method Date
1 Hydraulic Head, h (cm)
2 Time Interval (sec)
3 Quantity of flow, Q (ml)
A I test for time , t (ml)
B II test for same time , t (ml)
C III test for same time , t (ml)
5 Average Quantity of Flow
(A+B+C)/3 (ml)
6 Coefficient of permeability at test temperature kT (cm/sec)
7 Coefficient of permeability k27 at 270c temperature (cm/sec)
Result
1. Average value of coefficient of permeability at test temperature, KT =
2. Average value of coefficient of permeability at standard temperature 270 c, K27 =
3. Void ratio of soil sample, e =
4. Type of soil =
EXPERIMENT NO. 7
INSITU DENSITY OF SOIL
Aim: To determine the mass density of soils by

(a) Core cutter method
(b) Sand replacement method
Theory
Density is defined as the mass per unit volume of soil
Where = mass density of soil

w = total mass of soil
v = total volume of soil
Here mass and volume of soil comprise the whole soil mass. In the above figure,
voids may be filled with both water and air or only air or only water, consequently the
soil may be wet or dry or saturated. In soil the mass of air is consider negligible and
there fore the saturated density is maximum , dry density is minimum and wet
density is in between the two if soils are found below water table submerged density is
also estimated. The density can be expressed in g/cm , or t/m3 or kg/m or 1b/t . For
3 3 3
calculating the submerged density the density of water is taken as 1 g/c3 = 1 t/m3
Dry density of the soil is calculated by using equation
Where, d = dry density of soil

t = wet density of soil
w = moisture content of soil
Density of soil may be determined by core cutter test, sand replacement method
and gamma ray method. Void ratio (e) is the ratio of volume of voids to volume of soil
solids.
Degree of saturation (S) is defined as the ratio of volume of water to volume of
voids. Vv
e= X100
Vw
S= Vs Vv X100
Where e = voids ratio in %

S = degree of saturation in %
VV = Volume of voids
Vs= Volume of solids
Vw= Volume of water
Further, the following relationships can be obtained
Gs w
e= d -1
Gs w
S=
e
Where Gs = specific gravity of soil solids

d = dry density
w = density of water
w = water content
Applications
Density is used in calculating the stress in the stress in the soil due to its
overburden pressure. It is needed in estimating the bearing capacity of soil foundation
system, settlement of footings, earth pressures behind the retaining walls, dams,
embankments. Stability of natural slopes, dams, embankments and cutis checked with
the help of deity of these soils. It is the density of controls the field of soils.
Permeability of soils depends upon its density. Relative density of cohesion less soils is
determined by knowing by knowing the dry density of that soil in natural, loosest and
densest states. Void ratio, porosity and degree of saturation need the help of density
of soils. In this chapter the following two methods are discussed to determine the field
density of soils.
A. Core cutter method
B. Sand replacement method
(A) Core cutter method

Apparatus
Special
1. Cylindrical core cutter (height = 12.74 cm, dia 10 cm)
2. Steel rammer
3. Steel dolly (2.5 cm high and 10 cm internal diameter)
General
1. Balance (accuracy 1gm)
2. Balance (accuracy 0.01gm)
3. Steel rule
4. Spade of pickaxe
5. Straight edge
6. Knife
7. Water content crucibles Fig. Core Cutter Apparatus
8. Desiccator
9. Oven
10. Tongs
Precautions
1. Steel dolly should be placed on the top of the cutter before ramming it down.
2. Core cutter should not be used in gravels and boulders.
3. Before lifting the cutter, soil should be removed round the cutter, to minimize the
disturbances.
4. While lifting the cutter, no soil should drop down,
5. During pressing and lifting the cutter care should be taken that some soil is
projected at both the ends of the cutter.
6. Values should be reported to second place of decimal
Observations and calculation

1. Ether all observation in table 1.
2. Calculate wet density of soil
W2 – W1
t =
V
Where
W2 = mass of cutter + soil
W1= mass of cutter only
V = volume of cutter
3. Calculate dry density void ratio and degree of saturation using above equations.
TABLE-1
Soil Sample No. Core Cutter Method Date
Internal Diameter of Cutter (cm) =

Height of Cutter (cm) =
Cross-sectional Area of cutter (cm2) =
Volume of Cutter (cm3) =
Specific Gravity of soil =
Sr. Determination No.

1 2 3
No.
1 Mass of Core Cutter W1(gm)
2 Mass of Core + Soil, W2(gm)
3 Mass of wet soil (W2-W1)
4 Mass of Crucible(gm)
5 Mass of Crucible + wet soil (gm)
6 Mass of Crucible + dry soil (gm)
7 Mass of Water = (6-7)
8 Mass of Dry soil = (7-5)
9 Moisture Content, W= (8/9) x 100
Result
1 Wet Density (t) = (W2-W1) / V (gm/cc)
2 Dry Density (d)= t / (1+w)
(gm/cc)
3 Void Ratio, e = (Gs w )/ t
4 Degree of Saturation ,S = (w.Gs /e) x 100
(%)
(B) Sand replacement method

Apparatus
Special
1. Sand pouring cylinder
2. Trowel or bent spoon
3. Cylindrical calibrating container
4. Metal tray with hole (30 cm square with 10 cm hole in the centre)
5. Sand (clean oven dried, passing 600 micron sieve)
General
1. Balance (accuracy 1gm)
2. Balance (accuracy 0.01gm)
3. Moisture content crucibles
4. Oven
5. Desiccator Fig. Sand Replacement Apparatus
6. Tongs
7. Glass plate (about 45 cm square)
8. Metal tray (about 30 cm square)
9. Scraper tool
10. Measuring jar
Procedure
Calibration of Apparatus
1. Measure the internal volume of the calibrating container from the volume of the
water
required to fill the container.
2. Fill the pouring cylinder with sand within about 1.0 cm of the top and weight it.
3. Place the pouring cylinder concentrically on the top the calibrating container.
4. Open the shutter to allow the sand to run out and fill calibrating cylinder.
5. When there is no father movement of sand in the pouring cylinder closed the
shutter.
6. Remove the pouring cylinder and weight it to the nearest gram.
7. Place the pouring cylinder on a plane surface such as the glass plate
8. Open the shutter and allow the sand to run out. When there is no movement of sand
in the cylinder, close the shutter.
9. Weigh the pouring cylinder with remaining sand.
Measurement of Soil Density
1. Clean and level the ground where the field density is required.
2. Fill the pouring cylinder with dry sand within about 1.0 cm of the top and weigh it.
3. Place the metal tray with the central hole over the portion of soil to be tested.
4. Excavate the soil approximately 10 cm dia and 15 cm deep with bent spoon. The
hole
in the tray will guide the diameter of the hole to be made in the soil.
5. Collect the excavated soil in the metal tray, weight it to the nearest gram.
6. Determine moisture content of the excavated soil.
7. Place the pouring cylinder over the hole so that base of the cylinder over
Concentrically.
8. Open the shutter and allow the sand to run out into the hole. When there is no
Movement of sand, the shutter is closed.
9. Remove the cylinder and weight it.
Precaution
1. If for any reason it is necessary to excavate the holes to depth other than 15cm, the
calibrating cylinder should be replaced by one of the depth which is the same as the
hole to be excavated.
2. Case should be taken in excavating the hole to that it is not enlarged by levering
the
dibber against the side of the hole, as this will result in lower density being recorded.
3. No lose material should be left in the hole.
4. Initial height of sand in the pouring cylinder should be kept same during calibration
and density determinations.
5. There should be no vibrations during this test.
6. Since dry density of soils varies from point to point, it is necessary to repeat the
test
at several point, it is necessary to repeat the test at several points and to
average
the result.
Observations and Calculation

1. Enter all the readings in table 2, 3 and 4
2. Bulk density of sand is calculated as shown in table 2. This density is used in
determining the volume of the hole made in the soil.
3. Table 4 show the calculations of wet density, dry density, void ratio and degree of
saturation of the soil.
4. Above Equations are used to calculate the dry density, void and degree of
saturation
respectively
TABLE-2
Soil Sample No. Calibration of Apparatus Date
Sr. Determination No.

1 2
No.
1 Volume of Calibrating Container, V (gm)
2 Mass of Pouring Cylinder+ Sand, W’1(gm)
(Before Pouring In the Calibration Cylinder)
3 Mass of Pouring Cylinder +Sand W’2 (gm)
(After Pouring In the Calibration Cylinder)
(After Making the sand cone on flat surface)
5 Mass of sand for filling the calibrating
cylinder and cone (gm)
W’4 = (W’1-W’2)
6 Mass of sand for making the cone only (gm)
W’5 = (W’2-W’3)
7 Mass of sand in the calibrating cylinder only
(gm) W’6 = (W’4-W’5)
8 Bulk Density of Sand , d = W’6 /V (gm/cc)
TABLE-3
Soil Sample No. Water Content Determination Date
TABLE-4
Soil Sample No. Sand Replacement Method Date
Sr. Determination No. 1 2 3

S.N. Determination No. 1 2 3
No.
01 Container No.
1 Mass of Pouring Cylinder+ Sand, W’1(gm)
02 Mass of container with lid. W1(gm)
(Before Pouring In the Calibration Cylinder)
03 Mass of container with lid + wet soil,W2(gm)
04 Mass of container
(After with
Pouring In the lid + dry soil,W
Calibration 2(gm)
Cylinder)
05 Mass
3 of water,
Mass Ww =
of Pouring W2 - W
Cylinder 3(gm)
+Sand W’3 (gm)
06 Mass of dry soil, Ws = W 3 - W1(gm)
(After Making the sand cone on flat surface)
07 Moisture
4 Masscontent, W=
of sand used in [W 3/ W
- Wand
the 2hole 3-W1] x 100,
cone(gm)
(%) W4 = (W1-W2)
5 Mass of sand in the Cone only (gm)
W5 = (W2-W3)
6 Mass of sand in the hole only (gm)
W6 = (W4-W5)
7 Volume of Sand, V= W6/d (from Table 2)
8 Mass of Tray + Excavated Soil, W7 (gm)
9 Mass of Tray Only, W8 (gm)
10 Mass of Excavated Soil, (W= W7-W8) (gm)
Result
1 Wet Density (t) = (10 / 7) (gm/cc)
2 Dry Density (d)= t / (1+w)
(gm/cc)
3 Void Ratio, e = [(Gs w ) / d]-1
4 Degree of Saturation, S = (w.Gs /e) x 100 (%)
Result:
In-situ density of soil by
1. Core cutter = ------------ gm/cc
2. Sand replacement = ---------- gm/cc
EXPERIMENT NO. 8
COMPACTION TEST
Aim:
(i) To determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of a soil by
proctor test.
(ii) To plot the cure of zero air void.
Theory and Application
Compaction is the process of densification of soil mass by reducing air voids.
This process should not be confused with consolidation which is also a process be
confused with consolidation which is also a process of densification of soil mass but
continuously acting static load over a long period. The degree of compaction of a soil
is measured in terms of its dry density The degree of compaction mainly depends
upon its moisture content, compaction energy and type of soil. For a given compaction
mainly depends upon soil . For a given compaction energy every soil attains the
maximum dry density at a particular water content. In the dry side, water acts as a
lubricant and helps in the closer packing of soil grains. In the wet side, water starts to
occupy the space of soil grains and hinders in the closer packing of grains.
Application
Compaction of soils increases their density, shear strength bearing capacity but
reduces their void ratio, porosity, permeability and settlements. The results of this test
are useful in the stability of field problems like earthen dams, embankments, roads
and airfields. In such constructions, the soils are compacted. The moisture content at
which the soils are compacted in moisture content at which the soils are compacted in
the field is controlled by the value of optimum moisture content determined by the
laboratory proctor compaction test. The compaction energy to be given by the field
compaction energy to be given by the field compaction unit is also controlled by the
maximum dry density determined in the laboratory. In other words, the laboratory
compaction specification for field compaction of soils.
Apparatus
Special
1. Cylindrical mould (capacity 1000 cc, internal dia 100 mm. effective height 127.3
mm)
Cylindrical mould (capacity 2250cc, internal dia 150 mm. effective height
127.30m.m)
2. Rammer for light compaction (face diameter 50 mm mass of 2.6 kg free drop 310
mm) or Rammer for heavy compaction (face diameter 50 mm mass of 4.89 kg free
drop 450 mm) .
3. Mould accessories (detachable base plate removable collar)
4. I.S. serves (20 mm, 4.75mm)
General
1. Balance (capacity 10kg, sensitivity 1gm)
2. Balance (capacity 200kg, sensitivity 0.01gm)
3. Drying oven (temperature 1000 C to 110 C)
4. Desiccators
5. Drying crucibles
6. Graduated jars
7. Straight edge
8. Large mixing pan
9. Spatula
10. Scoop
Procedure
1. Take about 20 kg for 100cc mould or 45 kg for 2250 cc mould of air dried and
mixed soil.
2. Sieve this through 20mm and 4.75 mm sieves.
3. Calculate the percentage retained on 20 mm and 4.75mm sieves and passing from
4.75 mm sieve. Do not use the soil retained on 20 mm sieve.
4. Use a mould of 10 cm diameter if percentage retained on 4.75mm sieve is less
than 20 or use a mould of 15cm diameter if percentage retained on 4.75 mm sieve
more than 20.
5. Mix the soil retained on 4.75 mm sieve and passing from 4.75 mm sieve thoroughly
in the proportion obtained in step3
6. Take about 2.5kg of the soil for 1000 cc mould or take about 2.8 kg or the soil for
1000 cc mould or 6.5kg for 2250 cc mould for heavy compaction.
7. Add water to it bring its moisture content to about 4% in coarse grained soils and
8%
in fine grained soils
8. Clean, dry and grease lightly the mould and base plate. Weigh the mould with base
plate.
9. Fit the collar and place the mould on a solid base.
10. For light compaction, compact wet soil in three equal layers by the rammer of
mass
2.6 kg and free fall 31 cm with 25 evenly distributed blows in each layer for 10 cm
diameter mould and 56 blows for 15cm diameter mould. Alternatively for heavy
compaction compact the soils using the rammer of mass 4.89 kg and free fall 45
cm
in five layers. Each layer being given 25 blows for 10 cm diameter mould and 56
blows for 15 cm diameter mould.
11. Remove the collar and trim off the soil flush with the top of the mould. In removing
the collar rotate it to break the bond between it and the soil before lifting it off the
mould.
12. Clean the outside of the mould and base plate, weigh the mould with soil and base
plate.
13. Remove the soil from the mould and obtain a representative soil sample from the
bottom middle and top for water content determination.
14. Weigh the drying crucible with samples and put samples and put in the drying
oven
at temperature 105 c to 110 c or 24 hours.
0 0
15. Repeat the above procedure with 7,10,13,16,19,22% of water contents on coarse
grained fresh soil samples and 11,14,17,20,23 and 26% of water contents of fine
grained fresh soil samples approximately.
16. Next day first weigh the crucibles with dry soil samples and then the empty
crucibles.
Fig. Compaction Mould

Precautions
1. Adequate period is allowed for mixing the water with soil before compaction
2. The blows should be uniformly distributed over the surface of each layer.
3. Each layer of compacted soil is scored with a spatula before placing the soil for the
succeeding layer.
4. The amount of soil used be just sufficient to fill the mould i.e. at the last layer the
Surface of the soil should be slightly (5mm)above the top rim of the mould.
5. Mould should be placed on a solid foundation during compaction.
Observations and Calculation

1. Enter all observations in table 1 and calculate the wet density.
2. Calculate the dry density by using the equation
Where d = dry density (g/cc)

t = wet density (g/cc); w = water content
3. Plot the water content on X-axis and dry density on Y-axis draw the smooth curve,
called the compaction curve.
4. Calculate the dry density at 100% saturation.
Ga  w
d =
wGs
1+
S
Gs = specific gravity of soil grains

W = Water content
w = unit mass of water (1g/cc)
S = Degree of saturation (one for fully saturated soils)
5. Plot the 100% saturation or Zero Air Voids curve on the same graph.
6. Read the point of maximum density from compaction curve.
7. Calculate the degree of saturation at optimum moisture content using above
equation
TABLE -1
Soil retained on 20mm sieve (%) =

Soil retained on 4.75mm sieve (%) =
Soil passing from 4.75mm sieve (%) =
Specific Gravity of soil = Type of test =

Diameter of mould, d (cm) = Wt.of rammer =
Height of mould, h (cm) = No. of layers =
Volume of mould, V (cm3) = No. of blows/layer =
Mass of mould, W (gm) =
Sr. No. Determination No. 1 2 3 4 5

1 Mass of mould + compacted soil (gm)
2 Mass of compacted soil Wt (gm)
3 Wet Density, t = Wt /V (gm/cc)
4 Crucible No.
5 Mass of Crusible + Wet soil (gm)
6 Mass of Crucible + dry soil (gm)
7 Mass of water (5-6)
8 Mass of Crucible (gm)
9 Mass of dry soil (gm) (6-8)
10 Water Content, w = [7/9] x 100 (%)
11 Dry Density, d = t / (1+w) (gm/cc)
12 Dry Density at 100% Saturation (gm/cc)
RESULT:
1. Optimum Moisture Content =----------- %
2. Maximum Dry Density = ------------- gm/cc
3. Degree of Saturation at OMC=-------- %
EXPERIMENT NO. 09
UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF SOIL
Aim: (a) To determine the unconfined compressive strength of cohesive soil sample.
(b) To determine sensitivity of the soil sample.
(c) To determine shear parameters of the soil sample.
Theory
The unconfined compressive strength is defined as the ratio of failure load to
cross section area of the soil sample if it is not subjected to any lateral pressure,
Where qu = Unconfined compressive strength

P = Failure load
AC = Corrected area at failure
Now,
Where Ao = initial area
= Strain
Again
Where L = Change in length

Lo = initial length of the sample
This test is undrained; sine the rate of supplying load is so test that no pore
water in allowed draining and pore water pressure does not dissipate. Sensitivity is
defined as the ratio of unconfined compressive strength of undisturbed soil sample to
the unconfined compressive strength of remoulded sample at constant moisture
content.
Cohesion of the soil sample may be calculated by using the following relations
1 = 3 tan2 + 2cTan 
Where  = major principal stress at failure
1
 = major principal stress at failure

3
= failure angle with major principal plane

= 45 +  / 2 (= angle of internal friction)
In unconfined compression test 3 = 0,  = qu
1
Hence qu = 2c tan (45 + /2)
If Soil sample is fully saturated and no drainage is allowed, then therefore
Shear strength of soil is estimated from coulomb’s equation:
t = c + tan 
ef
Where t = shear resistance

 = effective normal stress
ef
If 
t = c
Application
This is the simplest quickest test for determining cohesion and shear strength of
cohesive soils. These values are used for checking the short term stability of
foundation and slopes, where rate of loading is fast but drainage is very slow Soil
consistency can easily be known from the value of unconfined compressive strength
from the following table:
TABLE
SN Qu, kN/cm 2
Kg/ cm2 Soil
consistency
01 2.5 < 0.25 Very Soft
02 2.5 to 5.0 0.25 to 0.5 Soft
03 5.0 to 10.0 0.5 to 1.0 Medium
04 10.0 to 1.0 to 2.0 Stiff
20.0
05 20.0 to 2.0 to 4.0 Very Stiff
40.0
06 < 40.0 <4 Hard
Sensitivity is a very useful factor to know the effect of remolding on shear
strength of cohesive soils. Remolding of soil is very common during pile driving and
excavation. Generally soils having sensitivity less than four are considered good for
the construction purposes.
Soils are designated as follows with respect to sensitivity
SN Sensitivi Designation
ty
01 1–4 Normal
02 4-8 Sensitive
03 8 – 15 Extra
sensitive
04 > 15 Quick
The following two methods are discussed to determine the compressive strength f soil
1. Compression machine with proving ring as load measuring device.
2. Screw jack with spring compression as load measuring device.
A compression Machine with Proving ring as Load measuring Device

Apparatus
Special
1. Compression machine
2.Proving ring of capacity 500 N and 1000 N with least count 1.0 and 0.2 N
respectively.
3. Dial gauge of least count 0.01 mm
4. Split mould of internal dia 38 mm and length 76mm
5. Sampling tube of internal dia 38 mm and length 200 mm.
6. Sample extractor
General
1. Stop watch
2. Vernier caliper and scale
3. Knife
4. Balance of accuracy 0.1 gm
5. Grease or oil.
Procedure
1. Undisturbed – Push the sampling tube into in to the clay samples. Remove the
sampling tube along with the soil.
2. Saturate the soil sample in sampling rube by a suitable method if possible.
3. Coat the inside of the split mould with a thin layer of the soil.
4. Extrude the specimen from the sampling tube to the split mould with the help of
sample extractor and knife.
5. Trim the two ends of the mould sample
6. Weight the soil sample and the mould.
7. Remove the sample from the mould by splitting it in two parts.
8. Measure the length and diameter of the specimen.
9. Place the specimen on the bottom plate of the compression machine.
10. Raise the bottom plate of the machine to make contact of the specimen with the
upper plate.
11. Adjust the strain dial gauge and proving dial gauge to read zero.
12. Apply the compression load by raising the bottom of the machine to produce axial
strain at a rate of to per minute.
13. Record the strain and proving ring dial gauges readings every 30 seconds.
14. Compress the specimen till it fails or 20 % vertical deformation is reached
whichever
is earlier.
15. Note the least count of strain dial gauge in mm/div. And load dial gauge in kg/div.
16. Measure the failure angle from horizontal if possible especially if soil sample is not
fully saturated.
17. Determine the moisture content of the specimen.
Precautions
1. The specimen should be handled carefully to prevent disturbance, change in density
or loss of moisture. Loss of moisture during the testing may be checked by sealing
the specimen with rubber membranes.
2. Two ends of the specimen should be perpendicular to the long axis of the specimen.
3. The seating of the sample should be proper on the upper and lower plates.
4. The loading of the sample should be at constant rate.
5. Remolded specimen should be prepared at the same moisture content and density
as of undisturbed sample.
6. If degree pf saturation is less than 100% don’t forget to measure the failure angle.
7. The sample should always be pushed in the sampling tube or the mould along the
same direction in which it enters the same direction in which it enters the tube in
the
field.
8. Do not interchange the least count and observations of deformation dial gauge with
proving ring dial gauge.

1. Calculate the strain and stress as shown in observation table
2. Plot the stress- strain curve on graph sheet taking strain on x-axis and stress on y-
axis
3. The maximum value of stress from this plot gives the value of the unconfined
strength. Where no maximum is observed. Stress at 20%train will give the
unconfined compressive strength.
4. Calculate the sensitivity of the specimen.
5. If failure angel () has been measured, calculate the angle of internal friction
 = (-45) X2
u
6. Calculate the value of cohesion Cu
Cu = qu / 2 if sample is fully saturated

Cu = qu / 2 tan if sample is partially saturated
7. Read soil consistency and designation from table
TABLE 01
Sr. No Type of Sample
Undisturbed Remolded
1 Initial length of the specimen, Lo (mm)
2 Initial diameter of the specimen , (mm)
3 Initial area of the specimen, (cm2)
4 Initial volume of the specimen , Vo (cm3)
5 Mass of the specimen + mould (gm)
6 Mass of the mould (gm)
7 Mass of the specimen , W = (5) – (6) (gm)
(7)
8 t =
Density of the specimen , (4) (gm/ cc)
9 Crucible No.
10 Mass of crucible + wet soil (gm)
11 Mass of crucible + dry soil (gm)
12 Mass of crucible (gm)
Water content W= (10)- (11)
13 (11) – (12) X 100 (%)
Void ratio,e0=Gs(1+w)w - 1
14
t
Degree of saturation, S=GsW X100 (%)
15
e0
TABLE 02 (a)
i. Type of specimen – (Undisturbed/ Disturbed) =
ii. Least Count of deformation dial gauge (mm/div.) =
iii. Proving ring constant (N/div.) =
Corrected Area Compressive

Elapsed Deformation (∆L) Strain Load
(cm2) Stress
Sr. Time () = L/L0
No. (min) div. mm Ac= A0/(1-) div. N (N/mm2)
1 2 3 4 = 3x L.C 5 6 7 8 = 7X iii 9= 8 / 6
1
2
3
4
5
RESULT
1. Unconfined Compressive Strength qu (N/cm2) =
2. Strain at failure (%) =
3. Angle of Internal friction Фu =
4. Soil Consistency =
5. Sensitivity and Designation =
FIGURE
Fig. Unconfined Compressive Strength Test Apparatus
EXPERIMENT NO. 10
DIRECT SHEAR TEST
Aim: To determine shear strength parameters of the given soil sample at known
density and moisture content by direct shear test.
Theory
Shear strength of a soil has its maximum resistance to shearing stress at failure on the
failure plane. Shear strength is composed of
(i) Internal friction which is the resistance due to friction between individual particles
at their contact points and interlocking of particles.
(ii) Cohesion which is resistance due to interparticles forces which tend to hold the
particles together in a soil mass. Coulomb has represented the shear strength of soil
by the equation:
t = c + n tan 
Where t = shear strength of soil
= shear stress at failure
C = Cohesion
n = Total normal stress on the failure plane
= Angle of internal (shearing) friction
The parameters c and are not constant for type of soil but depend on it degree
of saturation and the condition of laboratory testing. There are three types of
laboratory test.
(a) Undrained Test –water is not allowed to drain out during the entire test, hence
there is no dissipation of pressure.
(b) Consolidate under the initially applied normal stress only, hence drainage is
permitted. But no drainage is allowed during shear.
(c) Drained Test— Drainage is slowed throughout the test during the application of
normal and shear stresses, No pore pressure is set-up at any stage of the test.
Coulomb’s shear strength equation has been modified on the concept of pore
pressure development. Modified equation is
 = c’ + ’ tan 
t
tOr  = c’ + (u) tan 

Where c’ = effective cohesion
’ = effective normal stress
u = pore pressure
= total normal stress
= effective angle of shearing resistance
Applications
The purpose of direct shear test is to get the ultimate shear resistance, peak
shear resistance cohesion, angle of internal friction and shear stress strain character
of soils.
Shear parameters are used in the design of earthen dams and embankments.
These are used in calculating the bearing capacity of soil foundation systems.
Parameters help in estimating the earth pressures behind the retaining walls. The
values of these parameters are also used in checking the stability of natural slopes,
cuts and frills.
Apparatus
Special
1. Shear box (Non- corrosive meal, size 60 mm X 60mm X 50mm)
2. Container for shear box.
3. Grid plates (two plain and two perforated, depth of serrations 1.5mm)
4. Base plate (non-corrosive metal with cross-grooves on its top face)
5. Porous stone (two, 6 mm thick).
6. Loading pad.
7. Loading frame.
8. Loading yoke.
9. Proving ring with dial gauge (capacity 1.5-2.0M accuracy of dial gauge 0.002mm).
10. Other accessories (two fixing screws, two spacing screws)
11. Static/ dynamic compaction device (for remoulded samples)
General:
1. Sample trimmer
2. Stop clock
3. Balance (capacity 1kg sensitivity 0.1 gm capacity 160 gm sensitivity 0.01)
4. Spatula and straight edge.
5. Drying crucibles.
6. Drying oven
7. Scale.
8. Desired water (for saturated samples).
9. Dial gauges (two, sensitivity 0.01 mm)
10. Weights
11. Oven
Procedure
1. Prepare a soil specimen of size 6 cm X 6cm X 2 cm either from undisturbed soil
sample or from compacted and remoulded sample
2. Fix the upper part of the box to the lower part by the fixing screws. Attach the base
plate to the lower part.
3. Place a porous stone in the box.
4. For undrained test, place the grid on the stone, keeping the serrations of the grid at
right angle to the direction of shear. For consolidated undrained and drained tests use
the perforated grid in place of plain grid.
6. Weigh the box with base plate, porous stone and grid
7. Transfer the soil specimen prepared in step in the box.
8. Weigh the box with soil specimen
9. Place the upper grid, porous stone and loading pad in the order on soil specimen.
10. Place the box inside the container and mount it on loading frame.
11. Bring the upper half of the box in contact with proving ring assembly. Contact is
observed with proving ring assembly. Contact is observed by a slight movement of
proving ring dial gauge.
12. Fill the container with if soil is to be saturated.
13. Mount the loading yoke on the ball placed on the loading pad.
14. Mount one dial gauge on the yoke to record the vertical movement and other dial
gauge on the container to record the shear movement.
15. Put the weights on the loading yoke to apply the normal stress of intensity
2.5N/cm2
Add the weight of yoke also in estimating the normal stress intensity.
16. For consolidated undrained fully under this normal load. This step is avoided for
undrained test.
17. Remove the fixing screws from the box and raise slightly the upper half box with
the
help of spacing screws. Remove the spacing screws also.
18. Adjust all the three dial gauges to read zero.
19. Shear load is applied at a constant rate of strain
20. Record readings of proving ring dial gauge and vertical and shear movement dial
gauges at every half minute.
21. Continue the test until the specimen fails
22. Repeat the test on identical specimen under increasing normal stress 0.5,1,2 and
4 kg/cm 2
23. Determine the moisture contents of the specimen before and after the test.
Fig. Shear Box Test
Precautions
1 Before starting the test upper half of the box should be brought in contact of the
proving ring assembly
2. Before subjecting the specimen to shear, the fixing screws should be taken out.
3. Spacing screws should also be removed before shearing the specimen.
4. The vertical stress on the sample should remain uniform, vertical and constant
during
the test.
5. The rate of strain should be constant throughout the test.
6. The shearing strain and stress should be applied in the same plane as the dividing
plans of the two part of the box
7. No vibrations should be transmitted to the specimen during the test.
8. For drained test, the porous stones should be deaired and saturated boiling.
9. Do not forget to add the self weight of the loading yoke in the vertical loads
10.Do not mix with each other the least counts and readings of the three dial gauges.
Observation and Calculation

1. Calculate the normal stress by dividing the total normal load with the area of the
shear box. Normal stress,
Weight of yoke + normal load
=
Area of the shear box
2. Calculate the normal displacement by multiplying the normal dia gauge divisions
with
the least count of that dial gauge.
3. Calculate the shear displacements by multiplying shear dial gauge division with the
least count of the dial gauge
4. Calculate the shear strains by dividing the shear displacement with the length of
the
specimen.
5. Calculate the shear force by multiplying the proving ring dial gauge division with the
proving ring constant.
6. Calculate the shear stress by dividing the shear force with the shear area (equal to
area of shear box.)
7. Use sheet 3 [graph paper] to draw the shear stress-strain curves, taken shear strain
on X-axis, corresponding to each normal stress.
8. Read the maximum value of shear stress if failure has occurred, otherwise read the
shear stress at 20% strain which is defined as failure shear stress.
9. Use sheet 4 [graph paper] to plot the normal stress on X-axis and corresponding
shear stress at failure on Y-axis. Join the points by smooth curve. This is defined as
the shear strength envelope.
10. Read the slope of the line, which is defined as the angle of shearing resistance and
the intercept of the line with Y-axis the cohesion of the soil.
TABLE 1
(i) Size of box,(cm)= (iii) Thickness of sample, cm=

(ii)Area of box,(cm)= (iv)Volume of the sample(cm3)=
Sr No. Test No. 1 2 3 4 5

Before Test
1 Mass of box (gm)
2 Mass of box + soil(gm)
3 Mass of soil used ,(2)-(1) (gm)
4 Density of Soil,γ=(3)/(iv)(g/cc)
5 Mass of drying crucible with no. (gm)
6 Mass of crucible + wt. soil(gm)
7 Mass of crucible +dry soil(gm)
8 Mass of water, ww =(6)-(7), (gm)
9 Mass of dry soil, Ws=(7)-(5) (gm)
10 Water content,w1= (8)/(9) (gm)
11 Dry density, (g/cc)

d =
1+w1
12 Mass of crucible with no. (gm)
13 Mass of crucible+ wet soil (gm)
14 Mass of crucible+ dry soil (gm)
15 Water content,w2 (13)-(14)/(14)-(12)
During Test
16 Mass of yoke + normal weight (N)
17 Normal stress,(N/cm2)
18 Shear force at failure,(N)
19 Shear stress at failure,f(N/cm2)
TABLE 2
1. Least count of normal dial gauge, (mm/div) =

2. Least count of shear dial gauge, (mm/div) =
3. Proving ring constant, (N/div) =
4. Normal weight +weight of yoke, (N) =
5. Area of box (cm2) =
6. Normal stress applied, (N/cm2) =
Shear
Elapsed Shear Normal
Shear displacement Shear Force Stress
Time strain displacement
[N/cm2]
[Div] [mm] [Div] [mm] [Div] [N]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
RESULT
1. Angle of Internal Friction () (degree) =

2. Cohesion (c) (N/cm2) =
EXPERIMENT NO. 11
TRIAXIAL SHEAR TEST
Object: To determine shear strength parameter i.e. angle of shearing resistance and
cohesion of a given soil sample.
Theory
The strength parameter namely the cohesion (c) and angle of shearing
resistance () are determined both by laboratory and field tests. In the laboratory,
unconfined compression test, direct shear test, vane shear test and Triaxial
compression test are used. In the field, plate load test, large direct shear test, large
vane shear test and block shear test may be performed. Selection of the suitable
method will depend upon the type of soil and field condition. Triaxial tests are superior
where confining stress is to be applied and the plain of shear failure is not
predetermined. Refer experiments on direct shear test and unconfined compression
tests for details.
For determining c and  Mohr’s circles are drawn, then strength envelope is
obtained. Slope of this envelop will represent the angle of shearing resistance and
intersection with ordinate (y- axis) will give the cohesion.
Applications
In deep foundation, confining pressures play the significant role in changing the
behavior of soils. Similarly in the high rise earth dam. The confining pressure are of
very high magnitude. Triaxial test is the only test to simulate these confining
pressures. For short term stability of foundation, dam and slopes, shear strength
parameter for unconsolidated untrained or consolidated untrained condition are used,
while for lading term stability shear parameter corresponding to consolidated drained
condition will give more reliable results. All such special condition can be achieved in
Triaxial tests.
Apparatus
Special
1. Triaxial test cell with base, Perspex cell and head.
2. Compression machine (speed 0.05 to 7.5 mm; capacity 50kN)
3. Lateral pressure assembly (accuracy 0.5 N/ cm2 with a pressure gauge).
4. Proving ring (for low strength soils: capacity 1 KN sensitivity 2N; for high strength
soils: capacity 10 KN sensitivity 10N)
5. Rubber membranes
6. Membranes stretch
7. Rubber O rings
8. Split mould 3.81 cm dial and 7.62 cm height.
General
1. Desired water supply
2. Vacuum pump
3. Porous stone
4. Balance (0.1 gm and 0.01 gm sensitivity)
5. Drying oven
6. Desiccate
7. Dry crucibles
8. Scale and venire calipers
9. Dial gauge (0.01 mm accuracy)
10. Spoon
11. Stop watch
12. Volume change burette 25c.c.
Procedure
Dry samples
1. Put a non- porous cap on the bottom pedestal and the rubber membrane slid over it
and tie it with the bottom pedestal of the base by O –ring.
2. Puttee spite mould over the and the rubber membrane taking through it inside and
stretch over it at the top.
3. Weigh the in the dish to make a sample required dry density.
4. For dry samples, allow the soil to fall freely and rapidly from a tunnel. For dense
sample pour the soil in the mould in layers and compact it by temping without
rupturing the membranes. After the required weight of sand has been used, level the
top, place the solid cap over it and seal by O- rings
5. Operate vacuum pump and carefully remove the split mould without jarring the
sample.
6. Assemble the call and fill it with water to exert a confining pressure (cell or chamber
pressure) of the order of 5N / cm2.
7. Raise the lading plate-form of the compression machine to bring the ram in contact
with the lading cap.
8. Set the dial gauge on proving ring zero to compensate for the load- due to cell
pressure and piston friction.
9. Set the strain dial gauge o zero just as the ram touches the sample cap.
10. Take reading of proving ring at the internal of 25 divisions (0.25mm) till sample fail
or 20 percent strain in achieved.
11. Make a sketch of the failure of the specimen.
12. Repeat the test for higher cell pressure such as 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 N / cm2 at
the same initial dry density of sand.
Saturated sample
1. Connect the outlet at the base of the cell to a burette for volume change the
measurements. Run the water from the burette o remove all air in the line by flushing.
2. Put a porous cap on the pedestal.
3. Seal the rubber membrane to the pedestal with sealing ring.
4. Place the split mould in position and take the membrane through it inside and
stretch on the top.
5. Fill the membrane with desired water.
6. Weigh the required amount sand and drop in to the water without entrapping air.
7. After filling the required weight of sand, level the top.
8. Put solid cap and seal it by O- rings.
9. Lower the burette and apply the slight vacuum.
10. Remove the slit mould and measure the dimensions of the sample.
11. Assemble the cell and fill it with water.
12. Note the initial readings of the burette.
13. Apply the cell pressure equal to 5 N / cm2.
14. Note the reading of the burette.
15. Raise the loading platform of the compression machine to bring the ram in contact
of the loading cap.
16 Set the dial gauge on the proving ring to read zero. This will compensate for the
load due to cell pressure and piston friction.
17. The strain dial is adjusted to read zero.
18. Start the machine to apply the normal load. Take reading of proving ring and
burette at interval of 25 divisions (0.25mm) till sample fails or 20 percent strain in
applied.
19. Make a sketch of failed specimen and measure final dimensions.
20. Repeat the test for higher cell pressure at the same initial density of sand.
Precautions
1. It is an essential to maintain the same initial density of sand in all the test using
different lateral pressure. Small deference will rustle in appreciable errors the
maximum failure stress.
2. During compaction sand in the mould, if rupture of membrane takes place, the test
should be repeated with new membrane.
3. For test on saturated sand, there should be no bottom of the sample to the burette
as the easy flow of water will be prevented
4. During compaction sand, the rate of testing is slow so that no excess pore pressure
is generated
5. The mould should be removed carefully; it should not give any jar on the sample
6. Friction due to end cap should be minimum
7. There should no leakage through the cell
8. During entire period of the test, confining pressure should be kept constant.
Figure

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G.H.

Raisoni College of Engineering

THIRD SEMESTER B.E. CIVIL

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Department of Civil Engineering

5 Shrinkage Limit of Soil 19

9 Unconfined Compressive Strength of Soil 42

10 Direct Shear Test 48

11 Triaxial Shear Test (Study Experiment) 54

SR. NO. NAME OF EXPERIMENT

1 Determination of the moisture content of soil

Determination of the specific gravity of the soil using

3 Grain size distribution of the soils by Sieve analysis

Determination of liquid limit, plastic limit of the soil

Determination of optimum moisture content and

11 Study of Triaxial shear test apparatus

12 Study of Swell test apparatus

WATER CONTENT DETERMINATION

Theory and applications:

Where, W = water content

Max. quantity used

The methods to determine moisture content in the laboratory are oven-drying,

Moisture content plays an important role in understanding the behavior of fine

A - OVEN DRYING METHOD

Where W1 = mass of container with lid

Observations and Calculations

Observation Table and Calculations

S.N. Determination No. 1 2 3

From fig. we observed that,

G (at27 C) = G (atTt C) + [Sp. gr. of water at Tt c / Sp. gr. of water at 27 C]

Specific gravity of soil grains is important property and is used in calculating

Observation and Calculations

Ct = Relative density of water at 27 C 0

(c) Calculation the specific gravity at 27 C

Specific Gravity of Soil = …………

GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS-MECHANICAL METHOD

Object: To classify the coarse grained soils.

Theory and Applications

2. 2 set of sieves of sizes 2 mm, 850μ, 425μ, 150μ, and 75 μ.

3. Sodium hexametaphosphate (for cohesive soils)

(d) Loss in mass will give percentage passing 75 μ sieves.

Observations and Calculations:

Observations and Calculations:

Draw Graph sheet – Grain Size Analysis

1. Coefficient of Curvature, Cc= …………

AIM: (a) To determine liquid limit

Fig. Relationship between Volume of soil and Its Moisture Content

In the plasticity chart following symbols are used:

Plasticity Degree of Degree of

(a) Liquid Limit

Fig. Liquid limit Test Apparatus

(a) Plastic Limit

Observation and Calculations

Use table 2 for calculating the plastic limit.

If P.I. > (P.I.)A the soil is clay

L.L. = 0-35 low Compressibility

w1 = water content in % at N1 Blows

(e) Toughness Index (T.I. or IT)

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION