Laboratory 1 title: Water/Moisture Content Determination

I. Objective/s

Determine the natural moisture content of the given soil sample.

ll. Discussion/s

In almost all soil tests natural moisture content of the soil is to be determined. The
knowledge of the natural moisture content is essential in all studies of soil mechanics. To
sight a few, natural moisture content is used in determining the bearing capacity and
settlement. The natural moisture content will give an idea of the state of soil in the field.

Apparatus/Equipment Used

1. Non-corrodible air-tight container.

2. Electric oven, maintain the temperature between 1050C to 1100C.

3. Desiccator.

4. Balance of sufficient sensitivity.

IV. Procedure/s

Clean the containers with lid dry it and weigh it.

2. Take a specimen of the sample in the container and weigh with lid.

3. Keep the container in the oven with lid removed. Dry the specimen to constant weight maintaining
the

temperature between 1050C to 1100C for a period varying with the type of soil but usually 16 to 24
hours.

4. Record the final constant weight (W3) of the container with dried soil sample. Peat and other organic
soils are

to be dried at lower temperature (say 600C) possibly for a longer period.

V. Data and Computations

Trails Weight of wet soil and Weight of can (grams) Weight of dry soil and
can ( grams) can (grams)
1 187.80 6.80 180.20
2 183.80 6.90 174.50
3 184.70 7.00 175.60
W1 =4.383%

W2=5.549%

W3=5.397%

VI. Observation/s

1. What is natural water content or moisture content of soils in engineering point of view?
The natural water content also called the natural moisture content is the ratio of the weight of
water to the
weight of the solids in a given mass of soil. This ratio is usually expressed as percentage
2. Why do we need to know the natural water content or moisture content in soil?
it’s mostly for designing. The moisture content is essential in the compaction of soils. Meaning:
when the soil is compressed by external force, the space between its particles is reduced, and
water helps (to some point) to expel the air trapped in the soil voids.

So the result of this, a better bearing capacity of soil, and less air content.
3. What engineering strength property is affected by the natural water content of the soil? How
does water content affects this strength property?
Water content significantly modifies their cohesion. As water content increases – cohesion
decreases. This is because increasing water content causes greater separation of clay particles
(and thus easier slippage) and further, causes softening of soil cements.
4. Define and differentiate a dry, partially saturated and saturated soil condition. Show a diagram
for each condition.

VII. Conclusions