Compiled by: Prof.B.S.Chawhan M.Tech(Geo-Tech Engg), Asst.Professor,CED,Government.

Engineering College,Haveri-581110
Demonstration Experiments
Experiment No -05
Proctor Needle.
5.1 Proctor Needle:
Theory: Proctor needle is used for the rapid determination of the water content in the field. The proctor needle consists of a needle
point, attached to graduated needle shank in turn is attached to a spring loaded plunger. The needle points of varying cross sectional
area are available so that a wide range of penetration resistance can be measured. The penetration force is read on a loaded gauge
fixed over the handle (fig.d).
To use the needle in the field, a calibration curve (fig.d) is plotted in the laboratory between the penetration resistance as the
ordinate and the water content as the abscissa. The laboratory penetration resistance is measured by inserting the Proctor needle in
the compacted soil in the proctor mould. The penetration resistance corresponding to the various water contents is thus noted at the
end of each proctor compaction, and a calibration curve is plotted. This curve may be used to determine the placement water content.
The penetration resistance of the compacted soil in the field is determined with Proctor needle, and its water content is read off from
the calibration curve.
Experiment No -06
Rapid Moisture Meter.
6.1 Rapid Moisture Meter:
Theory: In this method 6gm of wet soil sample is placed in an air tight container called rapid moisture tester and is mixed with
sufficient quantity of fresh calcium carbide powder. The mixture is shaken well. The acetylene gas produced by the reaction of the soil
and calcium carbide exerts presence on a sensitive diaphragm reads the water content directly. However the calibration of the dial
gauge is such that it gives the water content based on the wet weight of the sample. The method is very quick the result can be
obtained in 5 to 10 minutes. The field kit contains the moisture tester a small single weighing balance, a bottle containing calcium
carbide and a brush.
A big container permits the use of 26gm sample. In order that balls having wet soil inside and dry soil outside may not form
during the reaction with calcium carbide, the soil may be mixed with perfectly dry sand. In the larger container two 30mm diameter
balls are placed for proper pulverization of clay soils. This method is especially suited to a circumstance where water content is to be
quickly determined for the purpose of proper field control, such as in the compaction of an embankment.
6.2 Result:
Water content, w in %=

Good Luck

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