CE6511 - Soil Mechanics Lab Manual (R-2013) PDF
CE6511 - Soil Mechanics Lab Manual (R-2013) PDF
CE6511 - Soil Mechanics Lab Manual (R-2013) PDF
com
(Regulation 2013)
Approved By:
Documented BY:
Assistant Professor
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Code: L T P C
Soil Mechanics Laboratory
CE6511 0 0 4 2
OBJECTIVE
At the end of the course student attains adequate knowledge in assessing both
Physical and Engineering behavior of soils through laboratory testing procedures.
OUTCOMES
Students know the techniques to determine index properties and engineering
properties such as shear strength, compressibility and permeability by conducting
appropriate tests.
REFERENCES
OTHER REFERENCES
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Anna University Syllabus (R – 2013)
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DETERMINATION OF
INDEX PROPERTIES OF SOIL
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Exp No: 1
Date:
Specific Gravity of Soil Solids
Scope:
By this experimental procedure, the soil properties like void ratio, degree of saturation,
etc can be calculated from the knowledge of specific gravity.
Aim:
To determine the specific gravity of soil fraction passing 4.75 mm I.S sieve by density
bottle.
Theory:
Specific gravity G is defined as the ratio of the weight of an equal volume of soil solids at a
given temperature to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water at that
temperature, both weights being taken in air. The Indian Standard specifies 27 oC as the
standard temperature for reporting the specific gravity.
Apparatus Required:
1) Pycnometer (either a pycnometer jar with conical top or a stoppered bottle having a
capacity of at least 50ml)
2) 4.75mm sieve
Calculations:
Calculate the specific gravity of the soil, as follows,
-
Specific gravity = GS =
- -
Where,
W1 = Weight of empty pyconometer
Result:
The specific gravity the test sample is
2
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Exp No: 2
Date:
Grain Size Distribution – Sieve Analysis
Scope:
Select sieves as per I.S specifications and perform sieving.
Obtain percentage of soil retained on each sieve.
Draw graph between log grain size of soil and % finer.
Aim:
To determine the grain size distribution of the given soil sample using I.S sieves.
Theory:
The grain size analysis is widely used in classification of soils. The data obtained from
grain size distribution curves is used in the design of filters for earth dams and to
determine suitability of soil for road construction, air field etc. Information obtained
from grain size analysis can be used to predict soil water movement although
permeability tests are more generally used. The grain size analysis is an attempt to
determine the relative proportions of different grain sizes which make up a given soil
mass.
Apparatus Required:
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Sieving shall be continued until not more than 1 percent by mass of the residue passes
any sieve during 60 seconds.
Remove the sieves from the sieve shaker and carefully weigh the soil retained an each
sieve.
Remove the particles sticking to the sieve mesh and should be included to the weight
retained.
Tabulate the data and calculate the percentage passing as shown in the following table.
Table: Observation and Calculation
Total mass of the sample:
% retained
I.S sieve size or Mass retained in Cumulative % Cumulative %
= (mass retained /
number (mm) sieve (gm) retained finer (N)
total mass)*100
4.75
4.00
3.36
2.40
1.46
Graph:
Gradation curve is obtained by plotting percentage passing on y-axis and log of sieve size on x-
axis using a semi-log paper. Gradation curves are the best representation of soil nature i.e. it is
well graded uniformly graded or poorly graded soil. Uniformity coefficient (CU) and Coefficient
of gradation (Cg) can also give us an idea of soil nature.
Where, D10, D30 and D60 are diameters for 10%, 30% and 60% passing respectively.
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Result:
The gradation curve for the given soil sample is obtained.
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Exp No: 3
Date:
Grain Size Distribution – Hydrometer Analysis
Scope:
To determine the grain size distribution of soil sample containing appreciable amount
of fines (particle size finer than 75 micron).
To draw a grain size distribution curve.
Aim:
To determine the grain size distribution of the given soil sample by hydrometer test.
Theory:
For determining the grain size distribution of soil sample, usually mechanical analysis
(sieve analysis) is carried out in which the finer sieve used is 63 micron or the nearer
opening. If a soil contains appreciable quantities of fine fractions in (less than 63 micron)
wet analysis is done. One form of the analysis is hydrometer analysis. It is very much
helpful to classify the soil as per ISI classification. The properties of the soil are very
much influenced by the amount of clay and other fractions.
Apparatus Required:
1) Density Hydrometer (Conforming to I.S 3104 – 1965)
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16) Measuring cylinder100 ml capacity.
17) Wash bottle (containing distilled
water)
18) Filter papers.
19) Glass rod (about 15 to 20 cm long
and 4 to 5 mm in diameter)
20) Hydrogen peroxide (20 volume solution)
21) Hydrochloric acid N solution 89ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid (specific gravity
1.18) diluted with distilled water one litre of solution.
22) Sodium hexametaphosphate solution dissolve 33 g of sodium hexametaphosphate
and 7 gm of sodium carbonate in distilled water to make one litre of solution.
Procedure:
Calibration of hydrometer
Volume
Volume of water displaced: Approximately 800 ml of water shall be poured in the
1000 ml measuring cylinder. The reading of the water level shall be observed and
recorded.
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Take further readings after elapsed time periods of 8, 15 and 30 minutes and also after
1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours. Insert the hydrometer only just before the reading and
withdraw immediately after the reading.
Observe and keep recording the temperature of the soil suspension.
Shake the solution in the second cylinder thoroughly. Insert the hydrometer and note
the meniscus correction, which is the reading difference between the top of the
meniscus and the level of the solution in the cylinder when observed along the
hydrometer stem.
The composite correction is the difference between the top meniscus reading and
value of 1.000 corresponding to the usual hydrometer calibration temperature
of 27°C. This may be positive or negative.
Calibrate the hydrometer to establish a relation between any reading and its
corresponding effective depth, and obtain a calibration plot. The effective depth is the
distance from the surface of the soil suspension to the level at which the density of the
suspension is being measured.
Table: Observation
Mass of dry soil taken (passing 75micron) W (g) :
9
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Calculations for Liquid Limit:
Calculation of Particle Size
1. Enter hydrometer readings. Add meniscus correction and obtain corrected hydrometer
readings Rc1.
2. From calibration plot, obtain effective depth h corresponding to Rc1.
3. Calculate value of
4. Obtain viscosity value h corresponding to temperature T. Calculate factor
5. Calculate particle size D by multiplying M and
Calculation of Percentage Finer
1. Add the composite correction C to the hydrometer reading to get another corrected
hydrometer reading Rc2.
2. Calculate factor
3. Calculate percentage finer F by multiplying Rc2 and N.
4. Calculate percentage finer with respect to total mass of soil taken for sieve analysis and
hydrometer analysis.
Total percent finer = F x fine-grained percent in the total soil mass.
Present results by plotting particle size vs. percent finer on a semi-logarithmic sheet.
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Exp No: 4
Date:
Liquid limit and Plastic limit
Scope:
Prepare soil specimen as per specification.
Find the relationship between water content and number of blows.
Draw flow curve.
Find out liquid limit, plastic limit, flow index and toughness index of the soil sample.
Aim:
To determine the liquid limit and plastic limit of the given soil sample.
Theory:
Liquid limit is significant to know the stress history and general properties of the soil met
with construction. From the results of liquid limit the compression index may be
estimated. The compression index value will help us in settlement analysis. If the natural
moisture content of soil is closer to liquid limit, the soil can be considered as soft if the
moisture content is lesser than liquids limit, the soil can be considered as soft if the
moisture content is lesser than liquid limit. The soil is brittle and stiffer.
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Lift and drop the cup by turning crank at the rate of two revolutions per second until
the two halves of soil cake come in contact with each other for a length of about 1 cm
by flow only.
The number of blows required to cause the groove close for about 1 cm shall be
recorded.
A representative portion (15gm) of soil is taken from the cup for water content
determination by oven drying.
Repeat the test with different moisture contents at least three more times for blows
between 10 and 40.
Table: Observation for Liquid Limit
Natural moisture content: Room temperature:
1 No of blows (N)
2 Container number
3 Weight of the container + wet soil
1
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Table: Observation for Plastic Limit
1 Container number
2 Wt. container + Lid, W1
3 Wt. container + Lid + Wet sample, W2
4 Wt. container + Lid + Dry sample, W3
5 Wt. of dry sample = W3 – W1
6 Wt. of water in the soil = W3 – W2
Water content (%)
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= [(W3 – W2) / (W3 – W1)] * 100
Results:
Liquid Limit =
Plastic Limit =
Flow Index =
Plasticity Index =
Toughness Index =
1
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Exp No: 5
Date:
Shrinkage limit and Differential free swell tests
Scope:
A shrinkage limit test should be performed on a soil,
1. To obtain a quantitative indication of how much change in moisture can occur
before any appreciable volume changes occurs.
2. To obtain an indication of change in volume.
The shrinkage limit is useful in areas where soils undergo large volume changes when
going through wet and dry cycles (as in case of earth dams).
Aim:
To determine the shrinkage limit, shrinkage ratio and volumetric shrinkage for the given
soil.
Theory:
As the soil loses moisture, either in its natural environment, or by artificial means in
laboratory it changes from liquid state to plastic state, from plastic state to semisolid
state and then to solid state. Volume changes also occur with changes in water content.
Volumetric Shrinkage,
Results:
Shrinkage limit =
Shrinkage ratio =
Volumetric shrinkage =
1
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Exp No: 6
Date:
Field density test (Sand Replacement Method)
Scope:
The in situ density of natural soil is needed for the determination of bearing capacity
of soils, for the purpose of stability analysis of slopes, for the determination of
pressures on underlying strata for the calculation of settlement and the design of
underground structures.
It is very quality control test, where compaction is required, in the cases like
embankment and pavement construction.
Aim:
To determine the in situ density of natural or compacted soils using sand pouring cylinders.
Theory:
In core cutter method the unit weight of soil obtained from direct measurement of weight
and volume of soil obtained from field. Particularly for sandy soils the core cutter method
is not possible. In such situations the sand replacement method is employed to determine
the unit weight.
Procedure:
12 Container Number
Calculations:
Dry density,
(g/cm3)
(kN/m3)
Results:
Dry density =
2
3
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Exp No: 7
Date:
Determination of moisture – density relationship
Scope:
The objective of the experiment is to determine the relationship between water
content and dry density of soil using Standard Proctor Test (light compaction) and
then to determine the optimum water content and the corresponding maximum dry
density for a soil.
The test also covers the determination of relationship between penetration resistance
and water content for the compacted soil.
Aim:
To determine Optimum Moisture Content and Maximum dry density for a soil by
conducting standard proctor compaction test.
Theory:
Compaction is the process of densification of soil mass, by reducing air voids under
dynamic loading. On the other hand though consolidation is also a process of
densification of soil mass but it is due to the expulsion of water under the action of
(a) Density
6 Container number
(g/cm3)
Moisture-Density relationship:
The dry density of the soil shall be plotted as ordinates and the corresponding moisture
content as abscissas.
Results:
2
7
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DETERMINATION OF
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES
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Exp No: 8
Date:
Permeability determination (Constant head & Falling head)
Scope:
The knowledge of this property is much useful in solving problems involving yield of
water bearing strata, seepage through earthen dams, stability of earthen dams, and
embankments of canal bank affected by seepage, settlement etc.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION
1. Preparation of the soil sample for the test
2. Finding the discharge through the specimen under a particular head of water.
Aim:
To determine the coefficient of permeability of the soil by conducting constant head
method.
Theory:
The rate of flow under laminar flow conditions through a unit cross sectional are of
3 Time, t (sec)
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Calculations:
The flow is very low at the beginning, gradually increases and then stands constant. Constant
head permeability test is suitable for cohesionless soils. For cohesive soils falling head method
is suitable.
Coefficient of permeability for a constant head test is given by,
t h
d
d
e
S = degree of saturation
w = moisture content
e = void ratio
3
1
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3 Void ratio, e
Void ratio, e =
3
2
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Falling Head Method
Scope:
The test results of the permeability experiments are used:
1.To estimate ground water flow.
2.To calculate seepage through dams.
3.To find out the rate of consolidation and settlement of structures.
4.To plan the method of lowering the ground water table.
5.To calculate the uplift pressure and piping.
6.To design the grouting.
7.And also for soil freezing tests.
8.To design pits for recharging.
Thus the study of seepage of water through soil is very important, with wide field
applications.
The falling head method of determining permeability is used for soil with low
discharge, where as the constant head permeability test is used for coarsegrained
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Table: Observation
The coefficient of permeability is reported in cm/sec at 27OC.
The test result should be tabulated as below:
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Calculations:
For cohesive soils falling head method is suitable.
Results:
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Exp No: 9 One dimensional consolidation test
Date: (Determination of co-efficient of consolidation only)
Scope:
The test is conducted to determine the settlement due to primary consolidation. To
determine:
i. Rate of consolidation under normal load.
ii. Degree of consolidation at any time.
iii. Pressurevoid ratio relationship.
iv. Coefficient of consolidation at various pressures.
v. Compression index.
From the above information it will be possible for us to predict the time rate and
extent of settlement of structures founded on finegrained soils. It is also helpful in
analyzing the stress history of soil. Since the settlement analysis of the foundation
depends mainly on the values determined by the test, this test is very important for
foundation design.
Aim:
3
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Procedure:
Saturate two porous stones either by boiling in distilled water about 15 minute or by
keeping them submerged in the distilled water for 4 to 8 hrs. Wipe away excess
water. Fittings of the consolidometer which is to be enclosed shall be moistened.
Assemble the consolidometer, with the soil specimen and porous stones at top and
bottom of specimen, providing a filter paper between the soil specimen and porous
stone.
Position the pressure pad centrally on the top porous stone.
Mount the mould assembly on the loading frame, and center it such that the load
applied is axial.
Position the dial gauge to measure the vertical compression of the specimen. The dial
gauge holder should be set so that the dial gauge is in the begging of its releases run,
allowing sufficient margin for the swelling of the soil, if any.
Connect the mould assembly to the water reservoir and the sample is allowed to
saturate. The level of the water in the reservoir should be at about the same level as
the soil specimen.
196 14
225 15
256 16
289 17
324 18
361 19
400 20
500 22.4
600 24.5
1440 38
10
20
100
200
400
800
Calculations:
The Coefficient of consolidation at each pressures increment is calculated by using the
following equations:
a. Cv = 0.197*d2/t50 (Log fitting method)
b. Cv = 0.848*d2/t90 (Square fitting method)
In the log fitting method, a plot is made between dial readings and logarithmic of
time, the time corresponding to 50% consolidation is determined.
In the square root fitting method, a plot is made between dial readings and square
root of time and the time corresponding to 90% consolidation is determined. The
values of Cv are recorded in table 2.
Results:
4
Coefficient of consolidation of the given soil sample, Cv =
1
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Exp No: 10
Date:
Direct shear test in cohesion-less soil
Scope:
In many engineering problems such as design of foundation, retaining walls, slab
bridges, pipes, sheet piling, the value of the angle of internal friction and cohesion of
the soil involved are required for the design.
Direct shear test is used to predict these parameters quickly. The laboratory report
cover the laboratory procedures for determining these values for cohesionless soils.
Aim:
To determine the shearing strength of the soil using the direct shear apparatus.
Theory:
Shear strength of a soil is its maximum resistance to shearing stresses. It is equal to the
shear stress at failure on the failure plane. Shear strength is composed of (i) internal
frictions, which is the resistance due to the friction between the individual particles at
their contact points and inter locking of particles. (ii) cohesion which is the resistance
due to inter particle forces which tend to hold the particles together in a soil mass.
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Table: Observation for Direct Shear test
(Table 1: Normal stress 0.5 kg/cm2)
Least count of the dial : Proving ring constant :
Shear
stress =
Hor. Vertical
Shear div. Col.
Dial deform
deform Vertical (8) X
Horizon Vertical gauge ation = Proving
Proving ation gauge Proving
tal dial reading div. In reading
ring col. (4) reading ring
Gauge gauge Initial col. (6) Initial
reading X Least Initial constant
reading reading reading X L.C of reading
(3) count of reading area of
(1) (2) div. dial (8)
dial (6) the
Gauge gauge
(5) specimen
(4) (7)
(kg/cm2)
(9)
0
25
50
75
100
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(Table 2: Normal stress 1.0 kg/cm2)
Least count of the dial : Proving ring constant :
Shear
stress =
Hor. Vertical
Shear div. Col.
Dial deform
deform Vertical (8) X
Horizon Vertical gauge ation = Proving
Proving ation gauge Proving
tal dial reading div. In reading
ring col. (4) reading ring
Gauge gauge Initial col. (6) Initial
reading X Least Initial constant
reading reading reading X L.C of reading
(3) count of reading area of
(1) (2) div. dial (8)
dial (6) the
Gauge gauge
(5) specimen
(4) (7)
(kg/cm2)
(9)
0
25
50
75
100
125
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(Table 3: Normal stress 1.5 kg/cm2)
Least count of the dial : Proving ring constant :
Shear
stress =
Hor. Vertical
Shear div. Col.
Dial deform
deform Vertical (8) X
Horizon Vertical gauge ation = Proving
Proving ation gauge Proving
tal dial reading div. In reading
ring col. (4) reading ring
Gauge gauge Initial col. (6) Initial
reading X Least Initial constant
reading reading reading X L.C of reading
(3) count of reading area of
(1) (2) div. dial (8)
dial (6) the
Gauge gauge
(5) specimen
(4) (7)
(kg/cm2)
(9)
0
25
50
75
100
125
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Calculations:
Least count of the dial : Proving ring constant :
Calibrarion factor : Leverage factor :
Dimension of shear box : Empty weight of shear box :
Least count of dial gauge : Volume change :
Normal stress (kg/cm2) Shear stress (kg/cm2)
S.No Normal load (kg) (Load * Leverage / (Proving Ring reading *
Load) calibration / Area of container)
1
2
3
4
4
8
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Exp No: 11
Date:
Unconfined compression test in cohesive soil
Scope:
It is not always possible to conduct the bearing capacity test in the field. Some times it
is cheaper to take the undisturbed soil sample and test its strength in the laboratory.
Also to choose the best material for the embankment, one has to conduct strength
tests on the samples selected.
Under these conditions it is easy to perform the unconfined compression test on
undisturbed and remoulded soil sample. Now we will investigate experimentally the
strength of a given soil sample.
Aim:
To determine the shearing strength of the cohesive soil.
Theory:
The unconfined compression test is a special case of triaxial compression test in hich σ 2
σ3 = 0. The cell pressure in the triaxial cell is also called the confining pressure. Due to
the absence of such a confining pressure, the uniaxial test is called the unconfined
Calculations:
The axial strain, ϵ is determined by,
ϵ ∆ / O)*100
The average c/s area, A at particular strain is determined by,
plot is made bet een σ and ϵ. The maximum stress from this curve gives the values of
the unconfined compressive strength qu. Where no maximum occurs, the unconfined
compressive strength is taken as the stress at 20% axial strain.
Results:
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Exp No: 12
Date:
Laboratory Vane shear test in cohesive soil
Scope:
The structural strength of soil is basically a problem of shear strength.
Vane shear test is a useful method of measuring the shear strength of clay. It is a
cheaper and quicker method. The test can also be conducted in the laboratory. The
laboratory vane shear test for the measurement of shear strength of cohesive soils, is
useful for soils of low shear strength (less than 0.3kg/cm2) for which triaxial or
unconfined tests can not be performed.
The test gives the undrained strength of the soil. The undisturbed and remoulded
strength obtained are useful for evaluating the sensitivity of soil.
Aim:
To determine the undrained shear strength of the cohesive soil using vane shear.
Theory:
Vane shear test is a quick test, used either in the laboratory or in the field, to detremine
the undrained shear strength of cohesive soil. The vane shear tester consists of four thin
Procedure:
Prepare two or three specimens of the soil sample of dimensions of at least 37.5 mm
diameter and 75 mm length in specimen.(L/D ratio 2 or 3).
Mount the specimen container with the specimen on the base of the vane shear
apparatus. If the specimen container is closed at one end, it should be provided with a
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Table: Observation for VS test
T = (Spring
Initial Final Spring Shear
Difference constant/180) X
S.No reading reading constant stren th, τf
(Deg) Difference
(Deg) (Deg) (kg – cm) (kg – cm2)
(kg – cm)
1
2
3
4
5
Calculations:
The shear strength of the soil sample using vane apparatus is given by formula,
T
τf
H d
d +
5
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Exp No: 13 Tri-axial compression test in cohesion-less soil
Date: (Demonstration Only)
Scope:
The standard consolidated undrained test is compression test, in which the soil
specimen is first consolidated under all round pressure in the triaxial cell before
failure is brought about by increasing the major principal stress.
It may be perform with or without measurement of pore pressure although for most
applications the measurement of pore pressure is desirable.
Aim:
To determine the undrained shear strength of the cohesive soil using vane shear.
Theory:
The strength test more commonly used in a research laboratory today is the triaxial
compression test, first introduced in the U.S.A. by A. Casagrande and Karl Terzaghi in
1936 – 37. The soil specimen, cylindrical in shape, is subjected to direct stresses acting in
three mututally perpendicular directions. In the common solid cylindrical specimen test,
the major principal stress σ1 is applied in the vertical direction, and the other two
Procedure:
The sample is placed in the compression machine and a pressure plate is placed on
the top. Care must be taken to prevent any part of the machine or cell from jogging the
sample while it is being setup, for example, by knocking against this bottom of the
loading piston. The probable strength of the sample is estimated and a suitable
proving ring selected and fitted to the machine.
The cell must be properly set up and uniformly clamped down to prevent leakage of
pressure during the test, making sure first that the sample is properly sealed with its 5
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end caps and rings (rubber) in position and that the sealing rings for the cell are also
correctly placed.
When the sample is setup water is admitted and the cell is fitted under water escapes
from the beed valve, at the top, which is closed. If the sample is to be tested at zero
lateral pressure water is not required.
The air pressure in the reservoir is then increased to raise the hydrostatic pressure in
the required amount. The pressure gauge must be watched during the test and any
necessary adjustments must be made to keep the pressure constant.
The handle wheel of the screw jack is rotated until the under side of the hemispherical
seating of the proving ring, through which the loading is applied, just touches the cell
piston.
The piston is then removed down by handle until it is just in touch with the pressure
plate on the top of the sample, and the proving ring seating is again brought into
contact for the begging of the test.
Calculations:
The shear parameters are obtained from a plot of Mohr circles for which purpose peak
Results:
Shear parameter of the given soil sample is
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Exp No: 14
Date:
California Bearing Ratio test
Scope:
The california bearing ratio (CBR) test is penetration test meant for the evaluation of
subgrade strength of roads and pavements. The results obtained by these tests are
used with the empirical curves to determine the thickness of pavement and its
component layers. This is the most widely used method for the design of flexible
pavement.
This instruction sheet covers the laboratory method for the determination of C.B.R. of
undisturbed and remoulded /compacted soil specimens, both in soaked as well as
unsoaked state.
Aim:
To determine the California bearing ratio by conducting a load penetration test in the
laboratory.
Theory:
This method was originally devised by O.J.Porter, the of the California State Highway
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Apparatus Required:
1) Cylindrical mould with inside dia 150 mm and height 175 mm, provided with a
detachable extension collar 50 mm height and a detachable perforated base plate
10 mm thick.
2) Spacer disc 148 mm in dia and 47.7 mm in height along with handle.
3) Metal rammers. Weight 2.6 kg with a drop of 310 mm (or) weight 4.89 kg a drop
450 mm.
4) Weights. One annular metal weight and several slotted weights weighing 2.5 kg
each, 147 mm in dia, with a central hole 53 mm in diameter.
5) Loading machine. With a capacity of atleast 5000 kg and equipped with a movable
head or base that travels at an uniform rate of 1.25 mm/min. Complete with load
indicating device.
6) Metal penetration piston 50 mm dia and minimum of 100 mm in length.
7) Two dial gauges reading to 0.01 mm.
8) Sieves. 4.75 mm and 20 mm I.S. Sieves.
9) Miscellaneous apparatus, such as a mixing bowl, straight edge, scales soaking tank
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Procedure:
PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN
Undisturbed specimen
Attach the cutting edge to the mould and push it gently into the ground. Remove the
soil from the outside of the mould which is pushed in . When the mould is full of soil,
remove it from weighing the soil with the mould or by any field method near the spot.
Determine the density
Remoulded specimen
Prepare the remoulded specimen at Proctor’s maximum dry density or any other
density at which C.B.R is required. Maintain the specimen at optimum moisture
content or the field moisture as required. The material used should pass 20 mm I.S.
sieve but it should be retained on 4.75 mm I.S. sieve. Prepare the specimen either by
dynamic compaction or by static compaction.
Dynamic Compaction
Take about 4.5 to 5.5 kg of soil and mix thoroughly with the required water.
Fix the extension collar and the base plate to the mould. Insert the spacer disc over
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Procedure for Penetration Test
Place the mould assembly with the surcharge weights on the penetration test
machine.
Seat the penetration piston at the center of the specimen with the smallest possible
load, but in no case in excess of 4 kg so that full contact of the piston on the sample is
established.
Set the stress and strain dial gauge to read zero. Apply the load on the piston so that
the penetration rate is about 1.25 mm/min.
Record the load readings at penetrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10
and 12.5 mm. Note the maximum load and corresponding penetration if it occurs for a
penetration less than 12.5 mm.
Detach the mould from the loading equipment. Take about 20 to 50 g of soil from the
top 3 cm layer and determine the moisture content.
Table: Observation and Recording
1. Compaction characteristics:
(a) Dynamic compaction:
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0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
4.0
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
Calculations:
2. Load penetration:
Plot the load penetrating curve. If the initial portion of the curve is concave upwards,
apply correction by drawing a tangent to the curve at the point of greatest slope and shift the
origin. Find and record the correct load reading corresponding to each penetration.
Corresponding to the penetration value at which the C.B.R. is desired, correct load values are
found from the curve and C.B.R. is calculated as follows;
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C.B.R. = (PT/PS) * 100
Where,
PT = Corrected test load corresponding to the chosen penetration from the load penetration
curve.
PS = Standard load for the same penetration taken from the table below.
Results:
The C.B.R. values are usually calculated for penetration of 2.5 mm and 5 mm. Generally
the C.B.R. value at 2.5 mm will be greater that at 5 mm and in such a case/the former
shall be taken as C.B.R. for design purpose. If C.B.R. for 5 mm exceeds that for 2.5 mm,
the test should be repeated. If identical results follow, the C.B.R. corresponding to 5 mm
penetration should be taken for design.
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QUESTIONS
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Possible Viva-Voce
S.No Query
6. If the voids of a soil mass are full of air only, the soil is termed as?
For a well graded soil, both uniformity coefficient and coefficient of curvature
9.
are nearly _______________.
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If the natural water content of soil mass lie between its liquid limit and plastic
17.
limit, the soil mass is said to be in ___________________.
20. If the plasticity index of a soil mass is zero, the soil is?
21. The clay mineral with the largest swelling and shrinkage characteristics is?
The total and effective stresses at a depth of 5m below the top level of water in
22.
a swimming pool are __________________.
28. Coefficient of consolidation for clay normally decreases with increases in______.
30. The shear strength of the soil decreases with decrease in ___________________.
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