SOIL MECHANICS

LABORATORY
Module 2 Unit 1

SOIL IDENTIFICATION BY VISUAL

1. GRAVEL – round or water-worn pebbles. No cohersion or plasticity and crunchy under feet.
2. SAND – gritty and loose grained. Individual grains easily seen and felt. No plasticity or cohersion. If dry, a cast
formed in the hand will fall apart. If moist, a cast will crumble when touched.
3. SILT – fine and barely visible grains. When in a dirty pulverized condition, it feels soft and floury. Can hardly
be made plastic. Exhibits little or no strength when air-dried. A dried cast is easily crushed in the hands. In the
wet state, an organic silt cannot support own weight if held by one hand. When mixed with water to the
consistency of thick paste, the surface of an organic silt will appear wet and shine. If a pat is squeezed, the surface
will dry up, appear dry and eventually crack.
4. CLAY – can be made plastic adjusting its water content. Cohesive. Exhibits considerable strength when dried
and difficult to crush in hands. Can be molded and rolled into thin threads without breaking or crumbling within
a moderate to wide range of water content. The threads of considerable length will support its own weight when
held by one hand.
5. ORGANIC SOILS – gray to black color. Fibrous substance due to presence of undecomposed plant matter.
Unhealthy sewage odor found as deposits in swamps and peat logs.

PICTURES OF EACH TYPE OF SOIL:

GRAVEL

SAND
CLAY

SILT

ORGANIC SOILS
If your place have silt and clay soils around your dwellings, you can try to compare the difference between the
two as per definition above. This is to guide you in having exercise No. 1

Name: Date:
EXERCISE NO. I

Title: Disturbed Soil Sampling, Labeling & Storing

Objective: To prepare soil sample for test
Apparatus: Soil auger, spade or shovel, moisture tight sample container, petrowax or paraffin
Procedure:
1. Clear the area of grass and vegetation where the sample is to be obtained.
2. With the use of soil auger, the soil is bored until desired depth is reached and obtained a disturbed
sample.
 3. Record the depth of each type of soil strata.
4. Place the soil in a container, cover and seal with petrowax or paraffin.
5. Store sample in a cool dry room.
6. Plot the soil profile based on the record of each group.

(In another sheet analyze the samples taken from the borings into a soil profile) If you can do this within your
backyard, it is really fun and worth knowing.

SOIL PROFILE: (sample based on actual boring of several holes at certain distance from each other)

The samples taken from each borehole (per layer type – whether clayey, silty or sandy) should be placed in a
container. These containers need labelling:

LABELING FORMAT ON THE CONTAINER:

Project: File No.: 1
Location: Date:
Boring No.: 1 (first hole) Sample No.: 1,2,so on
Description of soil: very sandy CLAY
Elevation of ground surface: assume say 20.0m
 Depth of sample bottom: say 0.20 m (of first layer)
No. of samples in shipment: total number of samples in all borings
Type of sample: Disturbed soil
Original size of sample: 150mm x 150mm
Condition of sample: wet or dry

Initial Preparation of Test Samples

1. The soil sample as received from the field shall be dried thoroughly in air or in drying apparatus at a temperature
not exceeding 60°C.
2. Obtain the required quantity of sample for each test by method of quartering or by sample splitter. The
aggregation of soil particles shall be broken up by pulverizing apparatus. Care should be taken so that individual
particles are not broken.
BEFORE PERFORMING ANY REQUIRED TEST, THE SOIL SAMPLE SHALL UNDERGO REDUCTION INTO TESTING SIZE
Reducing Field Samples of Aggregates To Testing Size
Significance
The large sample obtained in the field should be reduced to a convenient size for conducting a number of
tests to describe the material and measure its quality in a manner that the smaller portion is most likely to be a
representation of the field sample. Under certain circumstances, reduction in size of the field sample prior to testing
is not recommended because there is a tendency the few large size particles maybe unequally distributed among
the reduced size test samples.
Methods Used in Reducing Field Samples
1. Method A – Mechanical Splitter
2. Method B – Quartering
3. Method C – Miniature Stockpiling Sampling

Method A – Apparatus: sample splitter

Procedure:
Place the field sample in the hopper and uniformly distribute it from edge to edge, so that equal amount
will flow through each chute at a rate to allow a free flowing through the chutes into the receptacles below.
Reintroduce the portion of the sample in one of the receptacles into the splitter until the specified size of sample
intended for testing has been attained.

Method B – apparatus: shovel/trowel, broom/brush, straight edge, scoop, canvas blanket 2.0 m x 2.5 m

Procedure 1 Alternative Procedure using blanket

Procedure 1 Alternative Procedure using blanket

Shovel/trowel scoops
Procedure:
1. Place the field sample on a hard clean, level surface where there will be neither loss of material nor accidental
addition of foreign material. Mix the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample over three times. With the
last turning, shovel the entire sample into a conical pile by depositing each shovelful on top of the preceding one.
Carefully flatten the conical pile to a uniform thickness and diameter by pressing the down the apex with a shovel
so that each quarter sector of the resulting pile will contain the material originally in. it. The diameter should be
approximately 4 to 8 times the thickness. Divide the flattened mass into four equal quarters with a shovel or trowel
and remove two diagonally opposite quarters, including all fine material, and brush the cleared spaces clean.
Successively mix and quarter the remaining material until the sample is reduced to the desired size.
2. As an alternative, when the floor surface is uneven, the field sample may be placed on a canvas blanket and mix
with a shovel as in procedure 1, then alternately lifting each corner of the canvas and pulling it over toward the
diagonally opposite corner causing the material to be rolled. Flatten the pile as described in procedure 1. Then
divide the sample as described in procedure 1. If the surface beneath the blanket is uneven, insert a stick or pipe
beneath the blanket and under the center of the pile, then lift both ends of the stick, dividing the sample into two
equal parts. Remove the stick leaving a fold of the blanket between the divided portions. Insert the stick under the
center of the pile at right angle to the first division and again lift both ends of the stick, dividing the sample into
four equal parts. Remove two diagonally opposite quarters, being careful to clean the fines from the blanket.
Successively mix and quarter the remaining material until the sample is reduced to the desired size.

Method C – Apparatus: straight edge, scoop, shovel or trowel for mixing the aggregate, small scoop or spoon

(Same as in quartering of procedure 1)

Procedure:
Place the field sample of damp fine aggregate on a hard clean, level surface where there will be neither loss of
material nor accidental addition of foreign material. Mix the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample over
three times. With the last turning, shovel the entire sample into a conical pile by depositing each shovelful on top
of the preceding one. If so desired, the conical pile maybe flattened to a uniform thickness and diameter by pressing
down the apex with a shovel so that each quarter sector of the resulting pile will contain the material originally in
it. Obtain a sample for each test by selecting at least five increments of material at random locations from the
miniature stockpile, using any of the sampling devices used in Method C apparatus.
Precision and accuracy – since this method produces no numerical test results, determination of precision is not
possible. However, failure to carefully follow the procedures could result in providing a biased sample to be used
in the succeeding testing.

Selection of Method
1. Fine Aggregates – field samples of fine aggregates that are drier than saturated surface-dry condition shall be
reduced in size by a mechanical splitter according to method A. Field samples having free moisture on the particle
surfaces maybe reduced in size by quartering according to method B or by treating as a miniature stockpile as
described in Method C.
2. Coarse Aggregates and Mixture of Coarse and Fine Aggregates – reduce the sample by using a mechanical splitter
in accordance with method B. The miniature stockpile is not permitted for coarse aggregate or mixture of coarse
and fine aggregates.
The field sample of aggregates shall be taken in accordance with sampling of aggregates, or as required by
individual test methods. When additional tests are to be conducted, the user shall satisfy himself that the initial
size of the field sample is adequate to accomplish all intended tests.

MINIMUM MASS REQUIRED FOR TEST SAMPLES PER PARTICLE SIZE

For fraction retained on a 2.0 mm sieve shall be set aside for use in sieve analysis of the coarse material:
LARGEST PARTICLE SIZE MINIMUM MASS
9.5 mm 0.50 kg
25.0 mm 2.00 kg
50.0 mm 4.00 kg
75.0 mm 5.00 kg
The fraction passing the sieve 2.0 mm sieve shall be thoroughly mixed and the use of splitting or quartering,
representative portions having appropriated weights shall be obtained as follows:
Sandy soil 110 g.
Silty or Clayey soil 60 g.
Two methods in the Preparation of Soil Sample
1. Preparation of Disturbed Sample
2. Preparation of Undisturbed Soil Sample
Using the Disturbed Soil Samples, the following tests are being performed:
1. Grading Test 4. Compaction Test
2. Plastic Limit Test 5. Abrasion Test
3. Liquid Limit Test 6. CBR Test
Under the Undisturbed Soil Samples, the following tests are being performed:
1. Permeability Test 3. Shear Test
2. Consolidation Test 4. Density Test
Shipping of Samples:
1. Transport aggregates in bags or other containers preventing loss or contamination on any part of the sample
nor damage the contents from mishandling during the shipment.
2. Shipping containers for aggregate sample shall have the suitable individual identification attached are enclosed
so required for reporting and laboratory testing.

PREPARATION OF DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLES FOR TEST

Significance
The soil aggregate samples required from the field shall be prepared for various tests by reducing
aggregations of particles into sizes which will pass certain sieves.
Apparatus:
1. Balance, sensitive to 0.1 g
2. Oven with temperature control
3. Standard sieves – 19 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.0 mm, 0.425 mm
4. Mortar and rubber covered pestle
5. Sample splitter

Balance Oven Set of sieves

Mortar and rubber covered pestle Sample splitter Sieving

Procedure:
The test samples for mechanical analysis shall be prepared in accordance with the preparation of disturbed soil
sample test.
Sieve analysis of fraction retained on 2.0 mm
1. Pass the sample through a series of standard sieves, 4.75 mm and bigger openings. Use the mechanical shaker
is preferred.
2. Sieving operation shall be conducted by means of lateral and vertical motion of the sieve accompanied by
jarring action to keep the sample moving continuously on the surface of the sieve. Sieving shall be continued until
not more than 1% by weight of the residue passing any sieve within 1 minute.
3. Weigh and record the quantity retained on each sieve
4. Compute for the % passing for each sieve.

DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT

Apparatus:
1. Evaporating dish 5. Liquid limit device
2. Oven w/ temp. control 6. Grooving tool
3. Balance, sensitive 0.1g 7. Containers
4. Spatula w/ blade 75mm length & 20mm width

Grooving tool Liquid Limit Device Set with containers, spatula, evaporating dish

Procedure:
1. A sample weighing about 100g shall be taken from thoroughly mixed material passing the 0.425 mm sieve which
has been obtained in accordance with standard procedure in preparation of disturbed soil sample test. Mix the
sample with 15 ml to 20 ml of distilled water. Mixed thoroughly by alternately stirring and kneeding with spatula.
Further addition of water shall be made by 1 to 3 ml increments.
2. Place a portion of the paste in the brass cup of the liquid limit device, level off the surface with a
spatula to a maximum depth of 10 mm and divide the soil pat into two segments by means of the standard grooving
tool.
3. Mount the brass cup to the carriage such that it can be raised and allowed to drop sharply on the base through
a height of 10 mm by rotating the crank at a rate of two rotations per second until the closure of the groove
about 13 mm from the bottom. The closure should be by flow of the soil and not by slippage in the cup.
4. Take a slice of approximately the width of the spatula extending from edge to edge of the soil cake at right angles
of the groove. Place the sample in a drying can for moisture content determination.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 with different moisture contents of the soil in the range of 15 to 35 blows. A total of 4
determinations should be made.
6. Plot moisture content against log number of blows and draw the flow curve.

SEE FOR YOURSELF AND STUDY THE FOLLOWING FORMS AND A TABLE SPECIFICALLY FOR:
1. SIEVE ANALYSIS
2. LIQUID LIMIT AND PLASTIC LIMIT

FILLED UP FORMS ON HOW TO ENCODE, COMPUTE AND ANALYZE THE SOIL SAMPLE UP TO WHETHER THE
SAMPLE TESTED IS A GOOD OR POOR MATERIAL FOR ITS SPECIFIC USE (EITHER AS A FOUNDATION OR A
MATERIAL FOR CONSTRUCTION) ON NEXT PAGE
1. SIEVE ANALYSIS FORM
2. LIQUID LIMIT AND PLASTIC LIMIT FORM
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO FILL UP THE FORM: SIEVE ANALYSIS
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO FILL UP THE FORM: PLASTIC LIMIT AND LIQUID LIMIT
LEARNING SKILL: SIEVE ANALYSIS
LEARNING SKILL: LIQUID LIMIT AND PLASTIC LIMIT

TO COMPLETE THE DATA ON THIS FORM, A TABLE IS PRESENTED IN ORDER TO COME UP WITH THE GROUP
INDEX AND GROUP CALSSIFICATION.
 A group index is introduced to identify completely soils containing appreciable fine grained materials as
shown in the table.
The group index is a means of rating the value of a soil as a subgrade material within its own group. It is
not used in order to place a soil in a particular group (that is done from the results of sieve analysis, LL and PI).

The group index value should be shown in parenthesis after the group symbol as A-2-7(0) where zero is the
group index.

EMPIRICAL FORMULA:
Group Index=(F-35) 0.2+0.005(LL-40) + 0.01(F-15)(PI-10)
Where: F = % passing 0.075 mm sieve expressed as positive whole number
LL = numerical liquid limit expressed as positive whole number
PI = numerical plasticity index expressed as positive whole number
LESS THAN 35% = GRANULAR MATERIALS
MORE THAN 35% = CLAYEY OR SILTY

Sample Calculation:
An A-4 soil has 50% passing 0.075mm sieve, LL of 30 and PI of 10
GI = (50-35)((0.2+0.005(30-40))+0.01(50-15)(10-10)
= (15)(0.2+(-.05))+0
= 2.25 say 2.0 (in case of negative results the GI would be zero)

The group index number is a measure of the supporting power of the subgrade soil. Thus a higher number will
require greater depth of base and surface. Thickness approximation is not based on mathematical calculation of
stresses but upon average highway experience. Subgrade soil and traffic conditions are also considered in the
design of pavement.