Introduction:

Soils containing large quantities of silt are the most troublesome to the engineer since these
exhibit changes in physical properties with changes in water content [ CITATION Has17 \l
4105 ] . This lab highlights the procedure for finding the % silt by volume present in a sample
of fine aggregates. It seeks to explain the relationship between a high silt content and bond
strength between cement and aggregates and other structural impacts of high silt content.

Theory:

Silt refers to those fine materials that are less than 150 μm. It is a granular material
whose mineral origin is quartz and feldspar. The silk content of an aggregate should be
known as excessive silt reduces the bonding between cement and fine aggregates and
causes rework [ CITATION Civ191 \l 4105 ]. Silt is smooth to the touch and retains water
longer because of its smaller particles. However, because of its tendency to retain
moisture and drain poorly; it expands- pushing against a foundation and weakening it,
making it not ideal for support [ CITATION Ram15 \l 4105 ]. Due to the structural impacts
of silt on buildings and foundations the silt Content in sand should not exceed 6% by
Volume.

The percentage silt content in an aggregate can be calculated using the formula:
% silt =¿ (V1/V2) ×100
Where; V1- Volume of silt layer alone, ml
V2- Sand volume (below the silt), ml

Civilology. (n.d.). Why we measure the Silt Content in the sand? Retrieved October 28, 2019, from
Civilology: http://www.civilology.com/silt-content-test-sand-fine-aggregate/

Jamal, H. (2017, July 16). Engineering Properties of Silt and Clayl. Retrieved October 28, 2019, from
AboutCivil: https://www.aboutcivil.org/silt-clay-engineering-properties.html

RamJack. (2015, August 31). Different Soils & How They Affect Foundations. Retrieved October 28,
2019, from RamJack: https://www.ramjack.com/blog/2015/august/different-soils-how-they-
affect-foundations/