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1
Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of

Soil and Rock by Mass
ASTM D 2216
Soil Testing For Engineers " T. Will I am Lamb" Page
1. (Moisture) Content of Soil (ω)

Water content defined as the ratio of the weight of water W w to the
weight of soil solids Ws , expressed as a percentage but usually used in
decimal form.
2. Aim
The test will do to compute the soil water content in laboratory with
sufficient accuracy.
3. Apparatus
1. Drying oven.
2. Moisture cans (tins) with lid or large pan depends on sample size.
3. Scoop.
4. Digital balance (0.01gm).
4. Application
Important in determination of natural water content of soils, compute
liquid and plasticity index and compaction test.
Sample size
ASTM D 2216 item 8.2
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2
5. Procedure
1. Determine and record the mass of the clean and dry specimen
container and its lid, (if used).
2. Select representative test specimens.
3. Place the moist test specimen in the container and, if used, set the
lid securely in position. Determine the mass of the container and
moist material using a balance (see 6.2) selected on the basis of the
specimen mass. Record this value.
4. Remove the lid (if used) and place the container with moist
material in the drying oven. Dry the material to a constant mass
maintain the drying oven at 110± 5°C unless constant mass will
vary depending on the type of material, size of specimen, oven type
and capacity, and other factors. The influence of these factors
generally can be established by good judgment, and experience
with the materials being tested and the apparatus being used*.
5. After the material has dried to constant mass remove the container
from the oven (and replace the lid if used). Allow the material and
container to cool to room temperature or until the container can be
handled comfortably with bare hands and the operation of the
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3
balance will not be affected by convection currents and/or its being

heated. Determine the mass of the container and oven-dried
material using the same type/capacity balance used. Record this
value. Tight fitting lids shall be used if it appears that the specimen
is absorbing moisture from the air prior to determination of its dry
mass.
6. Calculations
Calculate the moisture (water) content as equation below:
𝑊𝑤 𝑊𝑤𝑒𝑡 − 𝑊𝑑𝑟𝑦
𝜔= = 𝑋 100 %
𝑊𝑠 𝑊𝑑𝑟𝑦 − 𝑊𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦
Where:
𝑊𝑤 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒
𝑊𝑠 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑠
𝑊𝑤𝑒𝑡 = 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑒𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
𝑊𝑑𝑟𝑦 = 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
𝑊𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 = 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 (𝑐𝑎𝑛)(𝑡𝑖𝑛) 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
7. Discussion
Comment on the soil moisture with respect to soil type, total specimen
size and time of drying.
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1
Atterberg Limits and Indices Test
Lambe, (1951) “Soil testing for engineers” page (22)
Specification :( American Standard Tests Materials) ASTM D4318-98

Liquid Limit (LL): the limit between the Liquid and Plastic State
Plastic Limit (P.L.): The limit between the plastic and Semi – Solid State.
Shrinkage Limit (S.L.): the limit between the Semi – solid and Solid
State.
PI: Plasticity index: The amount of water which moisture added to
change a soil from its Plastic state to its Liquid state.
P.I. = L.L. – P.L. Thin water

film
Purpose:
Finding Liquid and Plastic Limit
Soil non Plastic range of soil Soil behave as

plastic defined by Ip viscous material
S.L. P.L. LL Fluid

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Apparatus and Supplies

1. Liquid Limit device
2. Grooving tool.
3. Sieve No.40(0.425mm).
4. Distilled water.
5. Balances (0.01g sensitivity).
6. Drying oven.
7. Evaporating dish.
8. Spatula.
9. Drying cans.
10.Glass Plates for plastic Limit determination.
Liquid limit
1. Take a bout (100 gm) of dry soil passing through sieve no.40 and
mix it with distilled water to form a uniform paste.
2. Check to calibrate height of Brass cup at lowest point should be
equal to (1cm).
3. Place a portion of the paste in the cup of the liquid limit device,
smooth the surface off to a maximum depth, and draw the grooving
tool through the sample along the symmetrical axis of the cup,
holding the tool perpendicular to the cup at the point of contact.
4. Turn the Crank at a rate of about two revolutions per second , and
count the blows necessary to close the groove in the soil for a
distance of (13mm) (1/2 in) , the groove should be closed by a
flow of the soil and Not by slippage between the soil and the cup
and record the number of the Blows. If the number should be
ranged from 20-35. Take one sample from the closed place of the
soil to find water content.
5. Mix the sample in the cup and repeat step (3) and (4) unit get 3
samples have number of blows differs from other sample other (5-3
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blows) the first trail has no. of blows equal to (15-25), the second
trail has no. of blows equal to (20-30) and the third trail has no. of
blows equal to (25-35) .
6. Obtain water content of the samples after drying them with 105°C
until reached constant dry mass.
7. Make plat for water content against log of blows, such a plot
known as a "flow curve" is usually approximately a straight line.
Plastic Limit
1. Mix thoroughly about (1.5-2g) of moist. Soil.
2. Roll the soil on glass Plate with hand until soil thread diameter
reach to (3mm).
3. Repeat step 2 until a (3mm) thread crumbling.
4. Take some of the crumbling material (at least two samples).
Calculation
𝑀𝑤 −𝑀𝑑
𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡(𝜔) = %
𝑀𝑑 −𝑀𝑒
L.L = water content against 25 blows indicated on the horizontal axis of

flow curve.
P.L. = Average of water content for two Samples (crumbling).
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Experiment
Fitted
Water content (%)
31
LL
30
29
10 Log 25=1.39 100
Blow count
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Discussion
1- Classify soil according to (USCS) using the LL, PL and P.I.?
2- Made comment about expected errors may happen during test
procedure?
3- Comment about method of manually liquid limit and using
Microsoft excel program by using trend logical function?
Liquid limit by using Cone penetrometer method
ASTM , TECHNICAL NOTE, Liquid and Plastic Limits as Determined from the Fall
Cone and the Casagrande Methods
BS 1377 part2 item 4.3
Liquid Limit (LL): The limit between the Liquid and Plastic State
This method covers the determination of the liquid limit of a sample of soil in
its natural state, or of a sample of soil from which material retained on a 425
mm test sieve has been removed.
Why cone penetrometer test?(test purpose)
The method using the cone penetrometer is preferred to that employing the
Casagrande apparatus (see 4.5), as the test is both easier to carry out and is
capable of giving more reproducible results.
The cone penetrometer apparatus is easier to maintain in correct a
adjustment and the tests procedure is less dependent on the judgments of the
operator.
Apparatus
1. Flat glass plate.

2. Two spatulas.
3. Penetrometer as used in bituminous material testing complying with BS
2000 : Part 49.
4. A cone of stainless steel or duralumin approximately 35 mm long, and
an angle of 30 ± 10, the mass of cone and its sliding shaft shall be
80.0gm.
5. Metal cups with (55mm) in diameter and (40mm) deep .
6. Evaporating dish (optional only for natural fine tested soils ).
7. Wash bottle.
8. Stop watch.
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Figure 1
Procedure
1. Take a sample of about 300 gm from the soil paste (sieved soil) and
place it on the glass plate.
2. Thoroughly mix the paste with distilled water using the Two spatulas.
Adjust the moisture content to that corresponding to a cone
penetration of between 15 mm and25 mm, and as close as possible to
20 mm.
3. checked with the cone penetrometer device if necessary Mix for at
least 10 min.
4. Push a portion of the mixed soil into the cup with a spatula, taking care
not to trap air. Strike off excess soil with the straightedge to give a
smooth surface.
5. With the cone locked in the raised position lower the supporting
assembly so that the tip of the cone just touches the surface of the soil.
6. Zero the cone reader meter.
7. Release the cone for a period of 5 ± 1 s. If the apparatus is not fitted
with an automatic release and locking device take care not to jerk the
apparatus during this operation.
8. Record the difference between the beginning and end of the drop as
the cone penetration.
9. Lift out the cone and clean it carefully to avoid scratching.
10. Add a little more wet soil to the cup, taking care not to trap air, make
the surface smooth as in step no.4 and repast step no.5 to no.9.
11. If the difference between the first and second penetration readings is
not more than 0.5 mm record the average of the two penetrations and
proceed to step no.14
12. If the second penetration is more than 0.5 mm and less than1 mm
different from the first, carry out a third test. If the overall range is then
not more than 1 mm record the average of the three penetrations and
proceed to step no14.
13. If the overall range is more than 1 mm remove the soil from the cup,
remix and repeat step no.4 to step no.11 until consistent results are
obtained and then proceed to step no.14.
14. Take a moisture content sample of about 10 g from the area
penetrated by the cone and determine the moisture content.
15. Repeat step no.4 to step no.14 at least three more times using the
same sample of soil to which further increments of distilled water have
been added. Proceed from the drier to the wetter condition of the soil.
The amount of water added shall be such that a range of penetration
values of approximately15 mm to25 mm is covered by the four or more
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test runs and is evenly distributed. Each time soil is removed from the
cup for the addition of water, wash and dry the cup.
calculation
1. Calculate the moisture content of each test specimen(ω1, ω2,

ω3and ω4).
2. Plot the relationship between moisture content and cone
penetration with the percentage moisture contents as abscissa
and the cone penetrations as ordinates, both on linear scales.
3. Draw the best straight line fitting the plotted points.
4. From the linear graph read off the moisture content place
corresponding to a cone penetration of 20 mm to one decimal
as figure 2 shows.
Figure 2
Discussion
1. what the main advantages of using fall cone penetrometer device in soil
liquid limit determination?
2. in case of two respective readings more than (1mm), comment on expecting
fine soil type or another conditions may cause that?
3. show the effect of non full horizontally penetrometer surface on the device
readings value?
4. show your opinion on time of paste mixing before step No. 4.
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1
Grain Size Analysis
1. Introduction
Name of experiment: grain Sieve analysis ASTM D422

Purpose from the experiment: Find the gradation (particle size
distribution) of the soil
Application:
Soils Classification, Subbase before used, sands and gravel, used in
construction works.
2. Apparatus
1. Brush (For cleaning sieves)
2. Balance (0.1g sensitivity)
3. Standard sieves set.
4. Sieves Shaker.
5. Drying oven.
6. Large Pan.
7. Hammer (Optional).
3. Sampling
1. For soils retained on No.10 sieve
ASTM D422
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2. The size of the portion passing the No. 10 sieve shall be

approximately 115 g for sandy soils and approximately 65g for silt
and clay soils.
4. Procedure
1. Make sure from each sieve is clean before weighting it.
2. Select with care a test sample which representative of Soil to be
tested, break the soil into individual particles with fingers or
hammer.
3. Weight approximately (500 gm) of oven dried Soil.
4. Collet set of Sieves with pan cover fixed in Shaker.
5. Open the Cover and Sieve the Soil Sample for (10 min) at hand
shaking) or (5 min) for mechanical Shaker.
6. Weight each sieve with Soil retained on it.
7. Subtract the weight obtained in Step (1) from those of step 6 to
give the weight of soil retained on each sieve.
8. If sizable Portion of Soil retained on the No 200 sieve , it should
be washed with clean water then dry saturated Slurry and retained
mortar both the and weight .
5. Calculations
Wt retained = Wt (sieve + retained Soil) – W Sieve
𝑊retained
% Wt retained = %
𝑊𝑡
𝑊𝑡 − 𝑊retained
% W Pass = %
𝑊𝑡
3
(Sieve No. Sieve. Sieve Retained Retained % Passing%

Size(mm) mass(gm) mass(gm)
1 2 3 4 5 6
4 4.75 200 M1 (M1/M.T.)*100% (100-
(column5))%
10 2.36 350 M2 (M2/M.T.)*100% (100-
-(column5))%
M3 (M3/M.T.)*100% .
.
Sum=M.T.
Coefficient of Uniformity
𝐷60
𝐶𝑢 =
𝐷10
D60,10 : Grain size of the soil particles and the subscript (10, 60) denotes
the percent that is smaller.
For example
D 10 =0.15mm means that 10% of sample grains are smaller than 0.15 mm
Coefficient of concavity
2
𝐷30
𝐶𝑐 =
𝐷10 𝐷60
4
1. 6 < Cu & 1 < C C < 3, well graded sand, 4 < Cu & 1 < C C < 3, well
graded gravel.
2. C u < 6 or C c > 1, Poorly graded sand
6. Discussion
1. Clarify if the total weight of Passing Soil not equals the dry weight of Sample.
2. In Which sieves the student must take care when weighting.
3. Classify the soil depends on the sieve analysis using unified soil classification
system.
4. Comment and discuss the C c and C u values.
1
Grain size analysis (hydrometer method)

References
ASTM D421, D422, D7928-17
AASHTO T87 and T-88
Scope of Experiment
Obtaining the approximate grain-size distribution of soils where appreciable quantities of the soil pass
No.200 sieve or No.10.
Equipment
1. Sedimentation cylinder (1000 cm3 cylinder), also termed a hydrometer Jar.

2. Hydrometer (152H model preferably).
3. Soil-dispersion device (malt mixer).
4. Dispersion agent [sodium hexa-metaphosphate (NaPO 3 ), trade name Calgon, or sodium silicate
(Na 2 SiO 3 ), also called water glass].
5. Hydrometer jar bath (optional).
6. Thermometer.
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General Discussion
The principal value of the hydrometer analysis appears to be obtained the percent clay (percent finer
than 0.002 mm),since grain size distribution curve when more than 12 percent is (-) No.200 is not used
in any soil classification system and there is no particular soil behavior depending on any intrinsic curve
shape. Soil behavior for the cohesive soil fraction depends principally on the type and percent of clay
mineral, geologic history and water content rather than on the distribution of particle sizes. The
hydrometer analysis may also have particular value in identifying grain sizes<0.0020 mm in frost
susceptibility for pavement sub grades.
The hydrometer analysis utilizes the relationship among velocity of fall of spheres in a fluid (𝜈𝜈)(cm/s),
the diameter of the sphere (D)(cm), specific weights of the spheres (g s )(g/cm3)and of the
fluid(g f )(g/cm3), and the viscosity of the fluid (dyn.s/cm3) as expressed by physicist G.G. Stokes
(ca.1850) in the equation termed Stokes’ law:
2 𝛾𝑠 − 𝛾𝑓 𝐷 2
𝜈𝜈 = � � … … . . (1)
9 𝜂𝜂 2
Solving equation above using g’ w instead of g f :
18𝜂𝜂𝜈𝜈
𝐷=� … … . . (2)
𝛾𝑠 − 𝛾𝑤′
The range of soil particle diameters D for this equation to be valid is approximately
0.0002 𝑚𝑚 ≤ 𝐷 ≤ 0.2 𝑚𝑚
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Analysis
Analysis The sediment to be analyzed is thoroughly dispersed in 1000ml solution of distilled water and
dispersing agent. The dispersing agent, such as sodium hexametaphosphate (or Calgon), is needed to
neutralize the particle charges on fine clay particles and prevent flocculation. The hydrometer is inserted
at varying time intervals and the depth to which it sinks is recorded. These data are used to calculate
settling velocity (V) according to the formula;
𝐿
𝑉=
𝑡
Where; V = settling velocity (cm/ s), L = distance (cm), particles fall in time t = time interval
Why correction
The hydrometer used is an ASTM Type 152H (Figure 1), which reads grams of sediment in 1000ml of
suspension. The percent finer is read directly from the hydrometer when the particle density is 2.65
g/cm3 and fluid density is 1.00 g/ cm3 (at 4o C)(see Table 1 for water density and viscosity at different
temperatures). These conditions, however, are rarely met and corrections must be made for deviation
from the standard conditions. The correction factors are available in the tables attached to this
laboratory exercise.
Figure 1
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5
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Procedure
Method A
Use the following procedure where 80 to 90 percent of the material passes the No.200 sieve. Where the
lesser amount passes the No. 200 and/ or(+) No.10 material is percent, consider using method B:
1. Take exactly 50 g of oven-dry, well pulverized soil (as used in the sieve analysis, if specified) and
mix with 125ml of 4% NaPO 3 solution. A 4% sodium metaphosphate solution can be made by
mixing 40 g of dry material with enough water to make 1000 ml. the solution should be freshly
mixed and in any case not over 1 month old.
2. Allow the soil mixture to stand about 1 h (ASTM suggests 16 h for clayey soils, but this is
generally not necessary). Transfer the mixture to a malt-mixer cup and add tap water until the
cup is two-thirds full. Mix for 1 min if soaked for 10 to 16 h, otherwise mix for 3 to 5 min.
3. Transfer all the contents of the mixer cup to the sedimentation cylinder, being very careful not
to lose any material. Add tap water to fill the cylinder to the 1000-ml mark. Prepare the control
jar with tap water and 125 ml of the 4% solution (or same as used in step 1). Be sure the tap
water temperature adjusted so that the sedimentation and control cylinders are at the same
temperature.
4. Cap the cylinder of soil suspension with a No.12 rubber stopper (use the palm of your hand if
stopper is not available), and carefully agitate for about 1 min. Set the jar down and remove the
stopper. About 20 s before the reading time, insert the hydrometer and take a reading at
elapsed times of 2 and 4 min. Also, take thermometer reading.
Place the hydrometer and thermometer in the control jar (which should be within 1oC of soil
water suspension). Take a meniscus reading in the control jar on the hydrometer.
When placing the hydrometer in the suspension, avoid unnecessary agitation by proceeding
slowly, so that about 10 s is required for the operation.
5. Replace the No.12 stopper, re agitate the suspension, and take another set of 2 and 4-min.
readings. Repeat as necessary until you obtain two sets of reading that agree within one unit of
each other for both readings. If you do not use jar bath, continue the test by taking readings as
in step 6.
If jar bath used, once more agitate the suspension, and place it in the jar bath along with control
jar.
6. Take a 4-min reading in the jar bath and compare to the earlier 4-min readings. If there is
sufficient agreement, continue; otherwise re agitate and redo until satisfactory agreement is
reached, when agreement between readings is reached (within 1 unit), take additional readings
at elapsed times of:
8, 15, 30, 60 min. and 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 96 h
Times beyond the first 2 h are approximate, and any elapsed times that give a good spread of
plotted points will be satisfactory.
7
Record the temperature of the soil-water suspension to the nearest 1o C for each hydrometer
reading.
The test may be terminate prior to 96 h at the discretion of the instructor. If no special
termination instructions are given, the test should be continue until the grain size D still in
suspension is about 0.001 mm (make computations).
Between hydrometer readings, store the hydrometer and thermometer in the control jar (which
should be at the same temperature).
7. Go to computations.
Computations
After the steps above, complete and readings of hydrometer and temperature recorded
Take first elapsed time, min. For equation below:
𝑅𝑐 = 𝑅𝑎 − 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + 𝐶𝑇 … … . (3)
Corrected hydrometer Actual hydrometer

reading reading
Entre temperature in table No. 3 to get the C T value temperature correction
Rc Known
Entre Soil G s in table No.2 to get a correction factor for Gs entre the (a ) value in equation below to get
percent finer for each hydrometer reading.
𝑅𝑐 𝑎
𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 = 𝑋100%
𝑊𝑠
Take Hydrometer corrected reading for meniscus only
Entre original hydrometer reading corrected reading for meniscus only computed above into table No.5
to get L (effective depth).
Calculate velocity of fall of particles by substituting as (L)(cm) computed above and first elapsed time
(min.) in equation below:
𝐿(𝑐𝑚)
𝜈𝜈 =
𝑡(min)
Find the K [which equal to f(T, G s , 𝜂𝜂) ] by entering temperature and G s values into table No.4
8
Compute D (mm) [particle diameter] offset the percent finer as equation below:
𝐿
𝐷 = 𝐾� 𝑚𝑚
𝑡
To simplify calculation see the two examples below:
Data from figure (1)
Hydrometer analysis
Hydrometer no.-152H-- Gs of soilds---2.72---- a = ---0.99----despising agent-[NaPO 3 ]-
Amount ----[4% in 125 ml]--------- Wt. of soil, Ws -50.0 g--
Zero correction------+3.0---------- meniscus correction---------1.0---
Date time of elapsed temp. Actual Corr. % Hyd. L 𝐿 K D,

o
reading time C hyd. hyd. finer corr. from 𝑡 from mm
min. reading reading for table table
Ra Rc Meniscus. 5 4
R
3-4 P.m. 0
3.30
2 22 47 44.4 87.9 48 8.4 4.2 0.0131 0.027
. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
3-6 P.m. 2850 24 10 8.0 15.8 11 14.5 0.0051 0.0127 0.009
3.00
For Elapsed time =2 min.
𝑅𝑐 = 𝑅𝑎 − 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + 𝐶𝑇 … … . (3)(C T from table 3 at 22oC)
𝑅𝑐 = 47 − 3 + 0.40 = 44.4 𝑎 = 0.99 [𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 2]
𝑅𝑐 𝑎 44.4(0.99)(100)
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 = 𝑋100% = = 87.9%
𝑊𝑠 50.0
9
Hydrometer corrected for meniscus only=47+1=48
L=8.4 cm (from table No.5 at R=50)
𝐿 8.4
𝜈𝜈 = = = 4.2, 𝐾 = 0.0131 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 4 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑇 = 22 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐺𝑠 = 2.72
𝑡 2
𝐷 = 𝐾�𝐿/𝑡 = 0.0131√4.2 = 0.027 𝑚𝑚
For Elapsed time =2850 min.
𝑅𝑐 = 10 − 3 + 1.0 = 8 𝑎 = 0.99 [𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 2]
𝑅𝑐 𝑎 8(0.99)(100)
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 = 𝑋100% = = 15.8%
𝑊𝑠 50.0
Hydrometer corrected for meniscus only=10+1=11
L=14.5 cm (from table No.5 at R=11)
𝐿 8.4
𝜈𝜈 = = = 4.2, 𝐾 = 0.0127 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 4 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑇 = 24 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐺𝑠 = 2.72
𝑡 2
𝐷 = 𝐾�𝐿/𝑡 = 0.0127�14.5/2850 = 0.0009 𝑚𝑚
Discussion
A. State two or more uses for hydrometer test data.

B. Why C c and C u have no meaning when more than 12 percent passes the No.200 sieve.
C. Why is there no meniscus reading correction in equation No.3
1
Specific Gravity of Soils Finer Than 4.75mm
ASTM D 854
Specific gravity: the specific gravity is defined as the unit of the material divided
by the unit weight of distilled water at 4o C. thus, if one is considering only the soil
grains, one obtain G s as:
𝛾𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝐺𝑠 =
𝛾𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑡 4𝑜 𝐶
Scope of test: The test cover the determination of the specific gravity of soil
solids that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve, by means of a water pycnometer.
Equipment
1. Volumetric flasks.
2. Balance (0.01 gm).
3. Graduated cylinders.
4. Vacuum pump.
5. Container made by heavy glass (two parts well locked) has flask rack.
6. Laser digital thermometer.
2
Calibration, procedure and general discussion

The container of known volume is the volumetric flask, which holds a standard
volume of distilled water at 20o C. At temperature above this value, the volume
will be slightly more; below 20o C, the volume will be slightly less. Since the
volume, change is small for small temperature deviations and it is relatively easy
to hold the test temperature close to 20o C an approximate temperature
correction for small temperature deviations can applied in the required
computations, which produces satisfactory accuracy without recourse to
experimentally determining the change in flask volume with temperature.
Alternatively, one may develop a calibration curve for any given volumetric flask:
1. Carefully clean the flask.
2. Fill the distilled, demineralized, or tap water at known temperatures.
3. Make a plot of weight (W bw vs. ToC (use about 4 points at, say, 16, 20, 24
and 28oC)).
Tap water instead of distilled water is often used in this test (at least for routine
work) again, relatively little error is involved. The error introduced from using tap
water can determine by filling the volumetric flask with tap water to the volume
mark and obtaining the temperature and weight. From this data and weight of the
empty flask, one can compute the density of the tap water and compare with the
density of distilled water in tables such as table -1-. Note that if the temperature
is not exactly 20o C the volume of the flask will require calibration as previously
outlined. Generally, if the density error is less than 0.001, it can neglect.
Since the laboratory work to determine the specific gravity of the soil using the
volumetric flask is somewhat indirect method (that is, one indirectly displaces the
volume of the materials), we shall derive the expression to compute the specific
gravity:
1. Let W b =weight of the empty (and dry) volumetric flask.
2. Let Wbw =weight of bottle + distilled or tap water to the volume mark on the
flask.
3. Now place the weight of soil W s into the flask and again fill the flask volume
mark and weigh. Let this value be W bws .
4. Recalling that one is dealing with a constant volume, if no water was
displaced from the bottle when W s was added, the weight would be:
W T =W bw +W s
Since water is displaced to bring the volume to the volume mark, the
weight of water that cannot be poured into the bottle must have been as:
W w =W T – W bws =W bw +W s -W bws
3
5. From the definition of G s if one does not have to consider any density (and
volume) changes with temperature, the specific gravity is:
𝑊𝑠
𝐺𝑠 = … … … (1)
𝑊𝑤
Since equal volumes are involved

We may also write
𝑊𝑠
𝐺𝑆 = … … . . (2)
𝑊𝑏𝑤 + 𝑊𝑠 − 𝑊𝑏𝑤𝑠
To account the temperature effects on density of water the G s equation became
𝛼𝑊𝑠
𝐺𝑆 = … … . . (3)
𝑊𝑏𝑤 + 𝑊𝑠 − 𝑊𝑏𝑤𝑠
Where 𝛂𝛂 computed as
𝛾𝑇
𝛼=
𝛾20𝑜 𝐶
Table-1-Typical values of the correction factor 𝛂𝛂 are as follows:

To,C 𝛂𝛂 g w (g/cm3)
16 1.0007 0.99897
18 1.0004 0.99862
20 1.0000 0.99823
22 0.9996 0.99780
24 0.9991 0.99732
26 0.9986 0.99681
Laboratory test Procedure
1. Mix 100 to 120 g of air–dry soil with water in evaporating dish to form a
creamy paste. If malt mixer is not used, soak soil 20 to 30 min (ASTM
suggests 12h for oven-dried samples).
2. Optional: transfer the past to malt-mixer container and add water to make
about 200ml of soil-water mixture. Mix the soil-water mixture for about 5
to 10min. if you do this step, you will need a 500-ml volumetric flask.
3. Weigh the dry volumetric flask W f , carefully fill to the volume mark with de
aired water. Alternatively apply vacuum for a few minutes after filling the
flask about three-quarters full. With the water level at the volume mark
4
and the neck inside above the volume mark dry, weight the flask and record
the weight as W bw . Take a temperature reading so the soil-water will be at
the same temperature ±not more than 1oC.
4. After 15 to 30 min., transfer the soaked soil from the evaporating dish to
the volumetric flask. Wash all the soil into the flask. Add sufficient
temperature-stabilized water to fill the flask two-thirds to three-quarters
full. Do not fill into the flask neck, as the vacuum efficiency will markedly
reduce.
5. Attach the flask to a high vacuum for at least 10 min. during this test time
gently agitate the mixture by carefully shaking and turning the flask.
Observe that the reduced air pressure in the flask causes the water to
“boil” check the vacuum efficiency as below:
A. Apply vacuum to a half –to-three-quarters-filled flask of soil-water
mixture for a period.
B. Fill flask to about 20mm of volume mark with temperature-stabilized
de aired water.
C. Reapply the vacuum for several minutes and, with colored grease
pencil, mark the water level in the neck.
D. Carefully pull the stopper to break the vacuum; if the water level
drops not more than 3mm, the de airing should be sufficient.
If the air has not been sufficiently removed, let the flask stand for a few
minutes so that the top water clears, then pour out enough water so that a
vacuum can be efficiently applied. This step can take several hours.
6. When the de airing process is complete (or terminated), carefully add water
until the bottom of the meniscus is exactly at the volume mark. Be very
careful not to reintroduce air into the flask when completing the filling
operation. Use water from the de aired, temperature-stabilized supply.
Carefully dry the neck of the flask above the calibration mark with a rolled
paper towel or some other means.
7. Weigh the flask and its contents to the nearest 0.01g (by estimation) to
obtain W bws . be sure the temperature is within 1oC of the temperature used
for obtaining W bw (unless a calibration curve is used).
8. Empty the flask and its contents into a deep evaporating dish or other
container and oven-dry. Be very careful not to lose any soil at this point.
Weigh the oven-dry soil to obtain W s .
9. Compute G s using equation (3). Compare the density of water used with
that of distilled water and comment in the report on the effect of using tap
water.
5
10.Repeat the sequence outlined step(1-9) for additional values of G s until you
have two values that are within 2 percent of each other, defined as follows:
𝐿𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑠
≤ 1.02
𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑠
When you have obtained this pair of values of G s , average them, round off
to the nearest 0.01, and report the value as G s for the soil.
ASTM prescribes a somewhat different acceptance criterion based on an
approximated standard deviation. The 2 percent value above is somewhat
less scientific but produces almost identical precision within a range of G s
from about 2.40 to 3.00.
Typical values of G s that can used as a guide in determining whether the

test results are correct are as follows:
Type of soil Gs
sand 2.65-2.67
Silty sand 2.67-2.70
Inorganic clay 2.70-2.80
Soils with micas or iron 2.75-3.00
organic soils Variable, but may be under 2.00
Discussion:
1. Comment on the most logical and not reasonable values can noted
for specific gravity value.
2. The reason the needed correction.
3. Why the process of vacuum required necessary before calculation
done?
AL-NAHRAIN UNIVERSITY 1
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL DEPARTMENT-SOIL LAB
Compaction test
References
ASTM D 698 and D1557

Compaction advantages
Many types of earth construction Such as dams , retaining walls , high
ways, and airports , require man placed soil , or fill to compact a soil that
is to place it in a dense state the compaction is desirable for three reasons:
a. Decrease future settlements.
b. Increase shears strength.
Thin water c. Decrease permeability.
film
Start stage
(dry side) Moderate
stage
Final stage
(wet side)
Purpose:
In Purpose of a libratory compaction test is to determine the proper
amount of mixing water to use when compacting the soil in the field and
resulting degree of denseness which can expected from compaction at this
optimum water Content.
Apparatus
1. Compaction device. (mold plus Collar , Hammer).
2. No. 4 sieve .
3. Scoop.
4. Straight edge and knife.
5. Large mixing pan.

6. Balance 0.1gm sensitivity .
7. Drying oven and drying cans.
Procedure
1. Weight the empty mold without collar.
2. Obtain (3kg) of soil sample by sieved it through sieve No.4
3. Break all Soil lumps in Mortar with a rubber covered Pestle, add
4% by soil weight distilled water and mix the soil carefully.
4. With the soil passing No.4 Sieve, from a 5- 7.5cm layer in the
mold.
5. Gently press the soil to smooth its surfaces and then Compact it
with (25) blows of hammer distributed as figure below:
6. Repeat procedure with a second and third layer , adjusting the drop
hammer (30CM) above the compacted soil layer, after the
compaction of the third layer , the surface of the Soil should be

slightly above the top rim of the mold.
7. Remove the Collar and trim off the Soil even the soil level with the
Top of the mold. In removing the collar it to break the bound
between it and the soil before lifting it off.
8. After the soil has been mode even with the top of the mold and all
loose Soil cleaned from the outside, weight the cylinder and
sample.
9. Remove the soil from the Cylinder and obtain a representative
sample of approximately 100 g for a water content determination.
The water content sample should be mode up with specimens from
top , middle , and bottom of the compacted soil.
10. Break up by hand the Soil removed from the cylinder , remix with
the original Sample , and raise its water content approximately 4%
by adding water to the sample .
11.Keep repeating the compaction process, each time raising the water
content approximately , 4 % until the weight of soil sample and the
mold decreased from the last trial recorded .
Calculation
𝑤 𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 = =
𝑉 (1 + 𝑊𝑎𝑣𝑒 ) 1+𝜔
Experiment
100% line
19 90% line
Dry unit weight (kN/m3)
Optimum A
Dry side Fitting A

Optimum B
18 Wet side Fitting B
17
5 10 15 20
Water content (%)

Discussion
1. Give the main reason of dry density decrease throughout adding
more water in the test?
2. For which soils type the test is preferred to do?
3. Show the main soil property effect on optimum moisture content
and maximum dry density values?
1
Field density by Sand replacement method

References
ASTM D1556
Field density = unit weight of soil for the certain volume
𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 =
1+𝜔
𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑝 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙

𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡 =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒
Purpose
Determination the field density for sandy soils and water content of it. (𝛾
in place)
Apparatus:
1- Sand cone apparatus.
2- Digging tools.
3- Friction cone.
4- Uniformly graded sand.
5- Scoop.
2
Procedure:
Calibration
1- Find density of uniformly graded sand by filling known volume
mold with the sand.
2- Find volume of plastic jar by filling it with the uniform sand.
(Before that the empty weight of the jar must be recorded).
3- Find the weight of funnel (cone) filled with medium uniform sand.
4- Record all weights above in data sheet.
Filed work
1- Fill the cylinder of the plastic jar with the uniform sand and take the
weight.
2- Clean and level the surface where field density is desired (keep the
temp plate with central hole on the leveled ground. Excavate the soil
from the hole by digging tools. Collect all excavated soil in a tray).
3- Next, with the valve closed, turn the sand cone upside down on the
template and open the valve after checking the vertically of jar.
When the sand causes to pour, close the valve and lift it off.
4- Each group will weigh the can of damp soil obtained from the field
and record the weight of the data sheet, pour the soil in a weighed
container and place in the oven for drying, to find water content of
soil.
5- Record the weight of the jar filled partially with uniform sand, from
this weight find the weight of sand fill the excavated hole.
6- From the bulk density of sand and weight of sand determine the
volume of the excavated soil.
3
Calculation and discussion
𝜔𝑡 .𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑗𝑎𝑟

𝛾𝑏 =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑗𝑎𝑟
𝜔3
=
𝑣1
𝜔𝑔 = 𝜔8 − 𝜔4
𝜔8 total weight of sand used in the field
𝜔4 Weight of sand used to fill the cone of the apparatus
𝜔𝑔
𝑣2(𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙) =
𝛾𝑏
𝑊9
Field density of soil = ; W 9 =weight of excavated soil.
𝑣2
If water content is determined as 𝜔%

𝛾𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 =
1+𝜔
In order to compute the field compaction ratio the 𝜸𝒅𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒙. from
compaction test (standard or modified) should be prior adopted.
After finding dry field density of the soil and maximum dry density the
field compaction ratio (C.R.) calculated as:
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
𝐶. 𝑅. % = ∗ 100%
𝛾𝑚𝑎𝑥
Discussion
• The application of this method.
• The state of tested soil.
• The accuracy level of the test.
• Effect of the accuracy of calculating Standard sand dry density used
in the test on a field compaction ratio.
1
Core test "field density determination for fine soils"

References
ASTM D 2937 , IS2720-29 (1975)
Field density: unit weight of soil for certain volume
𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 =
1+𝜔
𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡

𝛾𝜔 =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙
Purpose
To determine field density of clayey soils and its water content (𝛾 in
place) then the compaction ratio (C.R.) determined.
Apparatus:
1- Core for soil. "footer" optional if its isolated than hammer.
2- Hammer for core tied with it or isolated.
3- Brush.
2
4- Digging tools.
Procedure:
1- Directly take core and hammer to the soil in the field needed to test
and weight the empty steel core.
2- After selecting point needed to test level it with digging tool.
3- Put the core mould horizontally (if isolated type used), or drive the
core with hammer hand( core sharper edge should be within soil
side).
4- Drop down hammer on core footer (Isolated type) or drop hammer
weight on core tell it embedded in soil layer with fill depth of core.
5- After pull out core check if soil height equal to the total core depth
or not. Record that height difference if noticed.
6- Pull out core and directly weight it with soil.
7- Extrude soil from core mould and dry for (24h) with (1050C) to
find soil moisture field content.
Calculation
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑥 = known from compaction test
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑤𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙+𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑒 −𝑤𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑒
𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 = =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
𝑤2 −𝑤1
𝜔 = known =
𝑣1
𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 =
1+𝜔
𝛾𝑑 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
𝐶. 𝑅. =
𝛾𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚
Discussion
• Comment on type of soil sample filled the core compaction ratio
value with respect to soil field state.
• Why the soil sample almost not full the steel core height.
• Give your inspection about the effect tested soil sample of moisture
content on field soil density.
1
Constant Head Permeability test

References
ASTM D 2434
Coefficient of Permeability (k)

Coefficient of Permeability is a constant of Proportionality to the ease
with which a fluid passes through a porous medium.
Darcy's Law
V=ki
And the corresponding flow rate is
q=kiA
Aim
The test will be due to determine the coefficient of permeability of sandy
sample by constant head permeability test.
Apparatus
1. Permeameter.
2. Constant head reservoir.
3. Stand pipes
4. Source of water Supply.
5. Stop clock / watch.
6. Measuring Jar.
7. Slid Calipers (Scale) with two Pezometric Pipes (leads).
Application
Important in dam and land fill design .
2
Procedure
1. Measure the inner diameter of permeameter and the vertical
distance between intake Points for piezometric observations.
2. Add Sandy Soil to tested in the permeameter and tie the screen
above the sample and made the saturation for the sample after
collecting all apparatus of the test preceded .
3. See that there is no air entrapped in the leads from piezometic
intake points in the permeameter.
4. Open the value slightly to allow flow of water into permeameter ,
the water allow through soil and comes out of at the top , the water
level in stand pipes also vises and registers pressure head intake
points .
5. Collect the water from top in measuring jar for a fixed time interval
, Record the observations for quantity of pipes (leads) when the out
flow value of the permeameter is close .
6. Repeat step (4) three or four times by varying the discharge of
water through soil.
Water valve
Calculations X
From darcy's Law found that :

Air release
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 valve
𝑄 = 𝑘𝑖𝐴 =
𝑡
Porous stone
𝑉
sub k = ⟹ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑒𝑡 Sandy
𝑖
soil
sample
𝑄 .𝐿
𝑘=
ℎ .𝐴 .𝑡 Porous stone
Water valve
X
Q = Volume of water collected (average) (ml)

L = Sample height (cm) Graduated
cylinder
3
h = head loss (total constant head) (cm).

A = Cross Sectional Area of soil sample (cm2).
T = duration of water collection (Sec) (average).
Discussion
1. Degree of Permeability and its effect on soil type.
2. Effect of saturation degree of Soil on permeability value with
respect to the test results.
3. Why should outlet flow water value opened during piezometric
observation?
1
Unconsolidated Undrained
Procedure
1. Prepare soil of standard dimensions (Dia. 38mm * h = 76mm)
weight the sample.
2. Dry the soil particles remain from remolded soil to determine
moisture content.
3. Place the soil sample on the impervious disc and place loading cap
at top of the sample.
4. Stretch the rubber membrane over the soil sample, pedestal and
loading cap using rubber membrane stretcher.
5. Place O- rings on the membrane two at bottom on the pedestal and
two at top on the loading cap.
6. Place the triaxial cell over the base and lighten the Screws.
7. Transport the cell with the soil sample to the loading frame.
8. Connect the hose from de–aired water reservoir to the inlet value
and fill the cell with water.
9. Develop the required pressure in the constant pressure system and
transfer it slowly to the triaxial cell.
10. Turn dial gauge and proving ring of load cell to the zero
"Reading".
11.Set the rate of displacement "Take the strain rate as 10% for
sample height".
12.Switch on the machine and record the proving ring reading regular
intervals of vertical displacement dial gauge readings.
13.Switch off the machine when the soil samples has failed or when
the axial strain reaches a value of 15%.
14.Release the load and cell pressure.
15.Repeat the test at two or more cell pressure.
2
Computation
For U test → ∅ ≈ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶 > 0 to
∅ ≃ 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶 ≃ 0 𝑖𝑛 𝐶𝐷 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡
For partially saturated cohesive soil
∅ ≃ 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆 = 100 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
To
∅ ≃ 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆 = 0
1. Coulomb's equation
𝑇 = 𝐶 + 𝜎𝑛 tan ∅
𝜎𝑛 = normal stress.
∆𝐿 𝐴0
∈= , 𝐴̀ = , 𝜎 = 𝑃⁄𝐴̀
𝐿0 1− ∈
𝜎1 = 𝜎3 + 𝜎
𝜎 = peak point
2. Plot mohr's circles for three tests on the same set of axes and fill
tangent to the circles measure. The slope of the tangent as the angle
of internal friction ∅ of the soil and show on the plot, measure the
Y – axis intercept for the cohesion of the soil and show this value
on the graph.
3. Compute :
𝜎1 + 𝜎3 𝜎1 − 𝜎3
𝑃= 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞 =
2 2
For each test and plot the points (P, q), using P on the abscissa
𝜎1 − 𝜎3
𝐶𝑢 = , 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑄𝑢 = 0° conditions
2
𝜎1 − 𝜎3
sin ∅ = ⇒ 𝑔𝑒𝑡 ∅
𝜎1 + 𝜎3
3
Discussion
1. The reality of c & ∅ values.
2. Why the area of sample should be corrected?
3. Application of the test.
4. Can the student get E s from the test?
5. Can the student get logical and accurate parameters (C & ∅) from
one triaxial test?
Triaxial test
References
Unconfined compression test ASTM 2166,

Triaxial test – without Pore Pressure measurements ASTM D2850
Triaxial test – with Pore – Pressure Measurement
Unconfined Compression test

When method of testing tube – recovered cohesive soil samples in simple
compression was first introduced , it was widely accepted as a means of
rapidly evaluating the shear strength or cohesion (symbol C) of a Soil
sample can be approximately computed as : C =q u /2
Where the symbol of q u always used in define the unconfined
compressive strength of the soil.
Equipment
- Unconfined compression testing machine.
- Oven
- Dial gage
- Triaxial cell
Objective
The test was done to introduce an approximate procedure for evaluating
the shear strength of a cohesive soil or (undrained shear strength).
Procedure
1. Prepare a soil specimens of standard dimensions (38mm – diameter
* 76mm long).
1
2. Weigh the soil sample.
3. Place the soil sample on the impervious disc on the pedestal of the
triaxial cell base.
4. Place an impervious loading cap at the top of the sample.
5. Place the triaxial cell over the base and tighten the screws.
6. Transport the cell with the soil sample to the load frame.
7. Adjust the load frame such that the proving ring and the ram of the
cell are in contact with each other without exerting axial load on
the soil Sample.
8. Set the rate of displacement. For unconfined compression test, rate
of displacement can be computed on the basis of sample height
[(0.5 -2 percent/min) mm/min].
9. Set vertical displacement dial gauge to (Zero reading).
10. Switch on the machine and record the proving reading at regular
11.Switch off the machine when the soil sample has failed or when the
axial strain has reached a value of 15% .
2
Computations
1. unit strain ∈ is computed from mechanics of materials as :
∆𝐿 → 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑚𝑚)
∈=
𝐿𝑜 → 𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑚𝑚)
2. test stress (normal)

3. Load on sample at any instant for corresponding value of ∆L , KN
𝑃
𝜎= (𝐾𝑃𝑎)
𝐴́
Cross section corrected area of specimen for the corresponding load P,m2
𝐴0
𝐴́ =
1− 𝜖
𝐴𝑜 = 𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛

Before After
𝑉𝑇 = 𝐴0 𝐿0 → 𝑉𝑇 = 𝐴́ ( 𝐿0 ∆𝐿)
160
140
120
Stress, kPa
100
80
60
40
20
0
0.0000 0.0500 0.1000 0.1500
Axial starin
3
Discussion
• Errors noticed for the test.
• Can I use this test for cohesion less soil?
• Why the value of 𝜎3 = 0 always in this test.
Deformation load Sample Unit Area Corrected Total Sample

dial reading dial deformation strain C.F. 1- Area load on Stress
* 10-2 units ∆L ∆L⁄𝐿0 * ∈ 𝐴́(m2) sample KPa
10-2 KN
4
Triaxial Test – without pore – pressure measurements
General discussion, Lambe Page / 122

There are many types of triaxial with pore – pressure measurements and
to distinguish among the different types of tests that can be performed by
opening or closing the pore – fluid exit valve, three will be described:
1. Undrained test – also called an unconsolidation – undrained test or U
(also UU) test. This test is performed with the drain value closed for
all phases of the test and before the sample has a chance to
consolidate (if S < 100 percent). The test is commenced immediately
after the cell pressure is stabilized.
2. Consolidated undrained test – also termed a (CU) or consolidated
quick test. This test takes place after the sample has consolidated
with the drain value open under some confining cell pressure. Same
type of sample – monitoring device in needed to determine when the
sample volume change has halted, indicating that consolidation is
complete. When consolidation is complete, the drain values are
closed and the deviator stress is applied until sample failure.
3. Consolidated – drained test – also called (CD), in this test the drain
value is opened, the cell pressure is applied, the sample is monitored
for complete consolidation, and then with the drain value still open,
the deviator stress is applied the deviator stress must be applied at
such a slow rate that pore pressures, which are always developed
during shear, are small enough that the soil parameters are not
affected.
Unconsolidated Undrained
Procedure
1. Prepare soil of standard dimensions (Dia. 38mm * h = 76mm)
weight the sample.
5
2. Dry the soil particles remain from remolded soil to determine
moisture content.
3. Place the soil sample on the impervious disc and place loading cap
at top of the sample.
4. Stretch the rubber membrane over the soil sample, pedestal and
loading cap using rubber membrane stretcher.
5. Place O- rings on the membrane two at bottom on the pedestal and
two at top on the loading cap.
6. Place the triaxial cell over the base and lighten the Screws.
7. Transport the cell with the soil sample to the loading frame.
8. Connect the hose from de–aired water reservoir to the inlet value
and fill the cell with water.
9. Develop the required pressure in the constant pressure system and
transfer it slowly to the triaxial cell.
10. Turn dial gauge and proving ring of load cell to the zero
"Reading".
11.Set the rate of displacement "Take the strain rate as 10% for
sample height".
12.Switch on the machine and record the proving ring reading regular
13.Switch off the machine when the soil samples has failed or when
the axial strain reaches a value of 15%.
14.Release the load and cell pressure.
15.Repeat the test at two or more cell pressure.
Computation
For U test → ∅ ≈ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶 > 0 to
∅ ≃ 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶 ≃ 0 𝑖𝑛 𝐶𝐷 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡
For partially saturated cohesive soil
∅ ≃ 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆 = 100 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
6
To
∅ ≃ 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆 = 0
1. Coulomb's equation
𝑇 = 𝐶 + 𝜎𝑛 tan ∅
𝜎𝑛 = normal stress.
∆𝐿 𝐴0
∈= , 𝐴̀ = , 𝜎 = 𝑃⁄𝐴̀
𝐿0 1− ∈
𝜎1 = 𝜎3 + 𝜎
𝜎 = peak point
2. Plot mohr's circles for three tests on the same set of axes and fill
tangent to the circles measure. The slope of the tangent as the angle
of internal friction ∅ of the soil and show on the plot, measure the
Y – axis intercept for the cohesion of the soil and show this value
on the graph.
3. Compute :
𝜎1 + 𝜎3 𝜎1 − 𝜎3
𝑃= 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞 =
2 2
For each test and plot the points (P, q), using P on the abscissa
𝜎1 − 𝜎3
𝐶𝑢 = , 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑄𝑢 = 0° Conditions
2
𝜎1 − 𝜎3
sin ∅ = ⇒ 𝑔𝑒𝑡 ∅
𝜎1 + 𝜎3
7
Discussion
1. The reality of c & ∅ values.

2. Why the area of sample should be corrected?
3. Application of the test.
4. Can the student get E s from the test?
5. Can the student get logical and accurate parameters (C & ∅) from
one unconfined compression test?
8
Consolidation Test
References
Standard ASTM D2435

When my soil is subject to an increase in pressure (or load) , a read
settlement in the soil structure occurs that may be considered as
consisting primarily of plastic deformation with a corresponding
reduction in void ratio.
Significance and Use..
The value of the consolidation test are use to estimate the magnitude and
rate of both differential and total settlement of a structure or earth fill .
Consolidation will be defined as that plastic deformation void – ratio

reduction (generally termed settlement) which is a function of time (for
coarse grained soils)
S=f (t)
Consolidation (for fine grained soils) can be divided into two parts:
1- Primary Consolidation which is considered to be complete when
the water level in all piezometer returns to the static water listed in
figure (1).
2- Additional Soil deformation continuous after the time of point (1)
above termed secondary consolidation.
Apparent
1- Consolidation Unit
2- Specimen trimmer and accessories
3- Device for placing specimen in container (extruder)
4- Timer (Stop watch)
5- Drying Oven
6- Scale.
1
Procedure
Specimen Preparation
1- Measure heights and inner diameter of consolidation ring.
2- Determine the weight of whose parts which lie on the top of the
specimen to add it to the computed scale load required to give the
desired pressures.
3- Trim the test specimen by using a special sample trimmer.
4- From the soil trimmings obtain at least three representative specimens
for water content determination.
5- Place the trimmed specimen in the container carefully.
6- Trim the top and bottom faces of the specimen by means of a wire
sower knife.
7- Place and bottom porous stone which has been soaked in water on the
unit , and then raise the water level above the porous stone.
8- Place and specimen and the container on the porous stone and
carefully place the ring seal, porous stone and cover on the top of the
soil specimen.
2
Compression Test;
1- Mount the container with the specimen in the loading unit.
2- Screw the holder with vertical deflection dials in place and adjust it in
such a way that dial is at the beginning of its release run.
3- Apply the load to give a pressure intensity of 0.1 kg/cm2 on the soil
specimen and start taking time and vertical deflection readings
compression readings should be taken at a total elapsed times of 0.1,
0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 and 60 minutes etc. until 90%
consolidation has been reached .This point can be determined by the
square root fitting method.
4- At the end of 24 hr , a compression and time readings should be made
and then the load increased to 0.25 kg/cm2 and step (3) is repeated
likewise the following further load increments are made on the soil
sample :
0.5 kg/cm2, 2 kg/cm2, 4 kg cm2 and 8 kg/cm2.
5- After the 8 kg/cm2 load has been on for 24 hr, the load is decreased to
2 kg/cm2 and then 0.1 kg/cm2.
At least 4 hr should be allowed for the 2 and 0.1 kg/cm2 rebound
loads.
6- After the final reading has been taken for the 0.1 kg/cm2 load quickly
dismantle the apparatus dry the surface water of the soil specimen and
weigh.
7- Place the weigh specimen in the oven to dry for water content
determination.
3
Consolidation loading test procedures summery
Test loading summery for C v computations Test loading summery for C c and C S
computations
Load As an example for( 2 kg ) vertical loading Un-

mass loading
Time Minutes Hours Hours
0.1 0.25 1 2 4 8 15 30 60 24 24 24 24 24 24 16 16 24
Load(kg) 0 1 2 4 8 16 8 4 0
Dial
gauge
Calculation:
Compression and swelling index (C c and C S )
With respect to the data from above procedure found
𝑉𝑡 = 𝑉𝑆 + 𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑤 = 𝜔. 𝑉𝑠
𝐻𝑓 = 𝐻𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙 − ∆𝐻
𝑉𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 𝐻𝑓 . 𝐴 = 𝐻𝑠 . 𝐴 + 𝑉𝑤 ÷𝐴
𝑉𝑤 𝑉𝑣 𝐻𝑣 𝐴𝑣 𝐻𝑉
𝐻𝑠 = 𝐻𝑓 − ,𝐻𝑣 = 𝐻𝑖 − 𝐻𝑠 , 𝑒0 = = =
𝐴 𝑉𝑠 𝐻𝑠 𝐴𝑠 𝐻𝑠
𝑚𝑡𝑓 𝑚𝑑 𝑚 𝑉𝑠
𝑚𝑑 = 1+𝜔 , 𝜌𝑑 = , 𝑉𝑠 = 𝐺∗𝜌𝑑 , 𝐻𝑠 =
𝑉 𝑤 𝐴
𝐻 − 𝐻𝑠
𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
𝐻𝑠
Where:
4
𝑉𝑡 𝑉𝑆 𝑉𝑉 𝑉𝑤 𝜔 𝐻𝑓 ∆𝐻 𝐴 𝐻𝑠
Total Solids Voids Water Moisture Final Total Area of Height

sample volume volume volume content sample height sample of solids
volume height change
𝐻𝑣 𝐻𝑖 𝑒0 𝑚𝑑 𝑚𝑡𝑓 𝜌𝑑 𝐺 𝜌𝑤 𝐻
Height of Initial Initial void Dry Moisture Dry Specific Water Sample
voids sample ratio sample sample density gravity density height at
height mass mass certain
load
Compute the stress (σ) for each load increment as:

𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑒 ∗ 10 ∗ 9.81
𝜎= (𝑘𝑃𝑎)
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 ∗ 1000
C c represents the slope of log P-void ratio e relation
loading part; also C s was the slope of unloading or swelling
part.
The coefficient of consolidation C V is computed as:
0.848 𝐻 2
(1) C V = (Square root method)
𝑡90
0.197 𝐻 2
(2) C V = (Log fitting method)
𝑡50
C V unit = cm2/second
H: average thickness for the load increment
2H = Computed by means of ∆ dial values from the column d .Listed
time for 90% of primary compression if the square root fitting method is
used and listed time for 50% primary compression if the log fitting
method is used.
Elapsed compression log (t)

date time √𝑡
time dial in mm
A B C D E F
5
6
Steps how to find coefficient of consolidation C v by
drawing log. Method:
1. Find R 100 by interaction of two tangential lines for the
last end parts of the curve.
2. Select t 1 and t 2 , where t 2 =4t 1, and t 1, t2 (lies on lift and
right side of the inflection point respectively) optional:
the drawing above not complies with this comment.
3. Read the deference between projection of t1 and t 2 on y
axis dial gauge (mm), record it as (Z).
4. Elevate the distance (Z) above t1 horizontal projection
on y axis and record it as R 0 .
5. Calculate R 50 as the average of R 0 and R 100.
𝑅100 + 𝑅0
𝑅50 =
2
Steps how to find coefficient of consolidation C v by
drawing square root Method:
1. Extend the tangential line for the starting curve part
until the line intersects with the vertical axis (Dial
reading) at Ro .
2. Extend the tangential line for the starting curve part
draw down until intersect curve the projection of this
point on horizontal axis (�𝑡𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑒𝑠 ) taken as (X).
3. Project the (1.15X) distance on horizontal axis.
7
4. Draw straight line between point on horizontal axis
above and R 0 on vertical axis.
5. Project horizontality point of intersection between the
line above and curve of settlement and record R90 .
6. Calculate R 100 as follow:
10
𝑅100 = 𝑅0 − (𝑅 − 𝑅90 )
9 0
Discussion question
• Comment on computed C c and Cs to classify soil
consolidation properties?
• Comment on C v value computed?
• Is the tested soil will show swelling behavior?
8
1
Direct Shear For Cohesion Less Soil

References
ASTM D3080
Shear box
The direct-shear test imposes on a soil the idealized conditions shown in
Normal
figure (1).
force
Shear force
The purpose of this test is to determine soils shear strength parameters.

Apparatus
1- Direct shear machine.
2- Tamper for compacting soil.
3- Balance (0.1g sensitivity).
4- Drying oven.
5- Straight edge.
1
2
6- Spoons.
Procedure
1- Measure the soil container (L, b).
2- Either counter balance the device used to apply the normal load or
obtain the tare weight, the tare weight is the scale reading when the
normal load is zero.
3- Put the part of soil container together and attach it to the shear
machine.
4- Weigh a dish of dry cohesionless soil which is to be tested.
5- Place the soil in a smooth layer approximately 12.5 cm thick, if a
dense sample is desired, tamp the soil.
6- Reweigh the soil and dish the difference between this weight and
the previously determined weight is the amount of soil used.
7- Make the surface of the soil level.
8- Put the upper grating, or stone, and loading block on top of the soil.
9- Measure the thickness of the soil specimen
t = b + ya - x
Inside depth Average of y Combined thickness

of shear box readings on all of the loading block
four sides and upper grating
10- Apply the desired normal load.

11- Separate the two parts of the soil container. (Remove the vertical
lock sewers and raise the upper frame by turning the spacing
screws. Tighten the two horizontal grating screws on the upper
frame and then turn the spacing screws clear of the lower frame).
2
3
12- Attach the strain dial gauges which measure shear and normal
displacements. (Adjust the dial which measures normal
displacements to read either expansions or contractions). Record
the initial readings on all dials.
13- Before proceeding with the test, carefully check to see that there is
no connection between the two parts of the soil container except
the soil.
14- Select strain rate within (0.5-2%)mm/mi n from soil sample length.
15- Start the loading. Take readings of shear force, time, and shear and
normal displacement it prefers to record proving ring force reading
for each (0.02)mm strain gauge interval.
16- For a strain-controlled test, take a set reading every 15 seconds for
the first 2 minutes, and then a set every 0.02 on of horizontal
displacement.
Continue the test to a horizontal displacement of approximately 15% of
the length of the specimen unless a constant shear force is obtained first.
Calculation
1- Compute the unit strain from the deformation-dial reading and fill
in the appropriate column of the data sheet and also compute the
adjusted area as equations below.
∆𝐿
𝜖=
𝐿
A' = correction area

𝐴0
Ā=
1−𝜖
2- Compute the normal nominal stress as
Total normal load including load block and top

half of shear box.
𝑃𝑣
𝜎𝑛 = 𝐴
Cross sectional area of shear box soil
sample.
3
4
𝑃ℎ (𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒)
3- 𝜏 = 𝐴
Plate the horizontal displacement (Δ h ) v.s horizontal shear force P h
to obtain the beast value of ultimate shear force, and compute the shear
stress as equation of (𝜏) above.
AL-NAHRAIN UNIVERSITY
CIVIL DEPARTMENT
4
5
Discussion
1. Comment on calculated angle of internal friction and soil state
(loose, dense, medium) or in between.
2. What the effect of normal load increase on the value of angle of
internal friction.
3. For which soil type the test should be conduct.
Disadvantages of direct shear:
1. The area of the sample changes as the test progresses but may not
be very significant as the most samples "fail" at low deformation.
2. The actual failure surface always not plane, as is assumed or as was
intended from the way the shear box designed, nor is the shearing
stress uniformly distributed over the failure surface, as is also
assumed.
3. The test uses a small sample, with the result that preparation errors
become relatively important.
4. The size of the sample precludes much investigation into pore
water conditions during the test.
5. Values of modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio cannot be
determined.
6. Tri-axial test apparatus was developed.
The direct shear test appears to be regaining much of its former

popularity. Some of reasons for this are as follows:
1. The tri-axial test is relatively much more difficult to perform and
interpret-especially if pore pressure are taken.
2. The size of the sample makes it not so time-consuming to perform
consolidated undrained and consolidated drained tests, since
drainage time is relatively short, even for materials of low
coefficient of permeability, when the drainage path is quite short.
3. Square sample boxes were introduced so that the reduction in area
during the test can be easily accounted for, if desired.
4. The direct shear test machine is much more adaptable to electronic
readout equipment, so that an operator is not required to be on
5
6
continuous duty for consolidated-drained tests, which may be of

several days' duration.
5. It has been found that the soil parameters Ø and c obtained by the
direct shear test method are about as reliable as triaxial values(on
sands above 35o the Ø values from a direct shear test may be 1 to
4o larger than in a triaxial test. Below 35o the Ø values are about
the same)
6
1
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test

References
ASTM D1883, AASHTO T193
Objective
Evaluating the relative quality of sub grade, sub base and base soils for
road pavements and below some of structures foundation.
Tests equipment
1- Compaction mold with 15.2-cm diam.*17.8-cm height with cellar
and spacer disk 15.1cm diam. X 6.14 cm height (or 5.1-cm height as
available).
2- Compaction rammer (44.5N) (4.5kg)
3- Expansion measuring apparatus with dial gage reading to 0.01mm.
4- Surcharge weights.
5- Compression machine equipped with CBR penetration piston
(4.953-cm diam. With cross sectional area of 19.4 cm2) and capable
of a penetration rate of 1.27 mm/min.
2
* Two molds of soils one for immediate penetration and one for testing
after soaking for a period of 96h.
Procedure:
1- Prepare approximately 4.5kg of fine-grained pass No.4 material or
5.5kg of (19)mm maximum-size material to the optimum moisture
of the soil as determined by the (compaction test), or use any desired
moisture content to store the soil for about (12 to 24h).
2- Just before compacting soil in the mold, take representative water –
content sample (at least 100g for fine – grained soil).
3- Weight the mold less base plate and collar.
4- Clamp the mold to the base plate; insert the spacer disk (15.1*5.1cm
solid round disk) in the mold and collar with a piece of filter paper.
5- Compact soil according to ASTM D698 or ASTM D1557, take a
final representative water-content sample from the remaining soil.
6- Remove the collar, and trim the specimen smooth and flush with the
mold. Patch any holes for med from aggregate displacement when
scraping the specimen flush with the mold. Use soil particle for
patching that are smaller than the hole to be filled.
7- Remove the base plate and spacer disk, when the mold and
compacted soil to calculate the wet unit weight.
8- Place the piece of filter paper on the base plate, invert the specimen
(so the spacer gap is on top) for un soaked specimens:
9- Place sufficient slotted weights (but not less than 45kg) on the
sample to stimulate the required overburden pressure.
10- Place the specimen in the compression machine and seat the piston
using a seating load no greater than 4.5kg. Set load and penetration
(or deformation) dials to zero.
3
11- Take penetration readings as outlined in the (General Discussion)

and take the corresponding load-dial readings. Extrude the sample
and take two additional representative water content samples.
General discussion and calculation

𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝐶𝐵𝑅 = ∗ 100%
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑃 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔∗𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑂𝑎𝑑(𝑘𝑁)
𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 = = =
𝐴 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛
Reading of proving ring = take the reading the offset 2.5mm
0.40
0.35
0.30
�
0.25
Stress MPa
2.5mm CBR
0.20
5mm CBR
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
pentration (mm)
C.B.R. typical data result curve

4
Notes:
• The CBR ratio is usually based on the load ratio for penetration of
2.5 mm if however the CBR value at penetration of 5.0mm is larger
the test should be redone (ordinarily). If a second test yields also a
larger CBR number at 5.0mm penetration, the CBR for 5.0mm
should be used.
• Standard unit load take from table below
Penetration (mm) (standard unit load) MPa
2.5 6.9
5 10.3
7.5 13
10 16
12.7 18
• Penetration testing is accomplished in a compression machine using

strain rate of 1.27 mm/min
• Readings of load YS penetration are taken each 0.5mm for
penetration to include the value of 5mm, and then at each 2.5mm
increment thereafter until the total penetration is 12.7mm.
• The specimen is made up using compaction energy shown below
Method Blows Layers hammer weight (1N)
D698 56 3 24.5
D1557 56 5 44.5
Discussion
• In what cases needed to carry out soaked or un soaked test?
• What’s the best CBR ratio value needed in the site?
SOIL WATER (MOISTURE) CONTENT TEST DATA SHEET 1
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------

Location of Project ------------------------------------------------ Boring No. --------- Sample No. --------
Description of Soil ------------------------------------------------ Depth of Sample ---------------------------
Depth of Sample ------------ Tested By -------------------------- Date of Testing ----------------------------
Specimen size -----------------------------------
Water Content Determination
Can (Tin) No.
gm
Empty Wt. of dry can (tin) +lid(if
used)
gm
Wt. of can(tin) + wet soil
gm
Wt. of can(tin) + dry soil
gm
Wt. of water
gm
Wt. of dry soil
%
Water content, ω%
ATTERBERG LIMITS DETERMINATION DATA SHEET 2
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------
Depth of Sample ----- ------- Tested By -------------------------- Date of Testing ----------------------------
Liquid Limit Determination

Can No.
Wt. of wet soil + can
Wt. of dry soil + can
Wt. of can
Wt. of dry soil
Wt. of moisture
Water content, ω%
No. of blows N
Penetration D
Flow index F i =
Liquid limit =
Plastic limit =
Plasticity index I p =
Plastic Limit Determination

Can No.
Wt. of wet soil + can
Wt. of dry soil + can
Wt. of can
Wt. of dry soil
Wt. of moisture
Water content, ω % = ω p
ATTERBERG LIMITS DETERMINATION (FALL CONE) DATA SHEET 3
Location Job ref.

Borehole/
Soil description
Pit no. I
SAMPLE NO.
DEPTH
TEST METHOD BS 1377 : Part 2 : 1990 : 4.3/4.4* Date
Test no. 1 2 3 4
initial dial gauge reading, mm
Final dial gauge reading, mm
Average penetration, mm
Container no.
Mass of wet soil + container, g
Mass of dry soil + container, g
Mass of container, g
Mass of moisture
Mass of dry soil, g
Moisture content(ω) %
Liquid Limit:
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS MECHANICAL DATA SHEET 2
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------
Tested By ----------------------------------------------------------- Date of Testing -----------------------------
Soil Sample Size (ASTM D1140-54)

Nominal diameter of Approximate minimum
Largest practical Wt. of sample. g
No. 10 Sieve 200
No. 4 Sieve 500
3/4 in 1500
Wt. of dry sample + container
Wt. of container
Wt. of dry sample, Ws.
Sieve analysis and grain data sheet

Sieve No. Diam. (mm) Wt. retained % retained % passing
• % 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 100 − ∑ % 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑.

• Draw a figure of typical mechanical analysis soil data.
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS HYDROMETER METHOD DATA SHEET 5
• Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.---------------------------------
• Location of Project ------------------------------------------------ Boring No. --------- Sample No. --------
• Description of Soil ------------------------------------------------ Depth of Sample -------------------------
• Depth of Sample ------------- Tested By -------------------------- Date of Testing --------------------------
• Hydrometer analysis
• Hydrometer no.--------------- Gs of soilds----------------- a = -----------------despising agent--[NaPO 3 ]
• Amount ----[4% in 125 ml]--------- Wt. of soil, Ws ---------------------
• Zero correction-------------------------- meniscus correction--------------------
Date time of elapsed temp. actual Corr. % Hyd. L 𝐿 K D,

o
reading time C hyd. hyd. finer corr. from 𝑡 from mm
min. reading reading for table table
Ra Rc Meniscus. 5 4
R
𝑅𝑐 = 𝑅𝑎 − 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + 𝐶𝑇 … … . (3), %𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 = 𝑅𝑐 (𝑎)/𝑊𝑠 , 𝐷 = 𝐾�𝐿/𝑡

SPCIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL SOLIDS TEST DATA SHEET 6
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------
Test No. 1 2
Vol. of flask at 20o C
Method of air removal
Wt. flask +water +soil=W bu’8
Temperature, oC
Wt. flask +waterb=W bu’
Evap. Dish no.
Wt. evap.dish
W t. of dry soil=W 8
W u’ =W 8 +W bu’ -W bu’8
G 8 =𝛂𝛂W s /W u’ (0.99756)
COMPACTION STANDARD OR MODIFIED TEST DATA SHEET 7
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------
Optimum Moisture Content Determination

No. of trial Type of test: standard proctor Volume= cc
1 Wt. of mold without collar gm
Wt. of wet soil + mold gm ω add = %
Can. No. W wet W dry W empty ω% Ave ω%
1(top)
2(middle)
3(bottom)
1(top)
2(middle)
3(bottom)

1(top)
2(middle)
3(bottom)
1(top)
2(middle)
3(bottom)
FIELD DENSITY BY SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD TEST DATA SHEET 8
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------

Calibration of Equipment
Wt. of calibration jar W1 gm
Vol. of calibration jar V1 cm3
Wt. of jar + sand W2 gm
Wt. of sand to fill the jar (W3 = W2 - W1) W3 gm
Wt. of sand to fill can of the apparatus W4 gm
Bulk density of sand γb gm/cm3

Can No.
Empty Wt. of can gm
Wt. of can + wet soil gm
Wt. of can + dry soil gm
Wt. of water gm
Wt. of dry soil gm
Water content, ω%
Empty Wt. of apparatus W5 gm
Wt. of apparatus + sand W6 gm
Wt. of apparatus + sand, W7 gm
After running down sand
Wt. of sand used in field W8 gm
(W 8 = W 6 - W7 )
Wt. of sand used to fill the excavation hole W9 gm
(W 9 = W 8 - W 4 )
Wt. of excavation soil W 10 gm
Volume of excavation soil V2 cm3
Field of density of soil γ rfield gm/cm3
Water content of soil ω%
Dry density of soil γ dry gm/cm3
FIELD DENSITY BY CORE METHOD TEST DATA SHEET 9
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------

Wt. of core metal W1 gm
Vol. of core mould V1 cm3
Wt. of core+ wet soil W2 gm
Real soil height inside core W4 cm
Bulk density of soil γb gm/cm3

Can No.
Empty Wt. of can gm
Wt. of can + wet soil gm
Wt. of can + dry soil gm
Wt. of water gm
Wt. of dry soil gm
Water content, ω%
Field density and compaction ratio determination

Wet density of soil γ wet
gm/cm3
Dry density of soil γ dry
gm/cm3
Maximum dry density of soil γ dry max
gm/cm3
Compaction ratio C.R %
COEFFICENT OF PERMEABLEITY (CONSTANT HEAD) DATA SHEET 10
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------
Sample Dimensions: Ht. cm

Diam. cm Area cm2
Vol. cm3 Unit Wt. kN/m3
Initial Wt. pan + soil gm

final Wt. pan + soil gm
Wt. of sample gm
h=( )cm
Test Data Test data Used

Test No. t, S Q, cm3 T, oC Test No. t, S Q, cm3 T, oC
1
2
3
4
Average
K T = QL/Aht =
= cm/S
η T / η 20 =
K 20 = K T η T / η 20 = cm/S
TRAXIAL COMPRESSION TEST DATA SHEET 11
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------
Sample data: Area, A 0 cm2 Length, L 0 cm
Machine data: Load rate mm/min σ 3= kPa
Deform. dial Area

load dial ∆L in. Unit strain Correction Normalized
reading correction area 𝐴′ deviator
∆L/L 0
factor 1-ϵ
reading (col. 2 × )
( × ) (cm2) stress, kPa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
‫‪AL-NAHRAIN UNIVERSITY‬‬
‫‪COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING‬‬
‫‪CIVIL DEPARTMENT-SOIL LAB‬‬
‫‪CONSOLIDATION TEST‬‬ ‫‪DATA SHEET 12‬‬
‫‪Project ---------------------------------------------------------------‬‬ ‫‪Group No.----------------------------------‬‬
‫‪Location of Project ------------------------------------------------‬‬ ‫‪Boring No. --------- Sample No. --------‬‬
‫‪Description of Soil ------------------------------------------------‬‬ ‫‪Depth of Sample ---------------------------‬‬
‫‪Depth of Sample ------------ Tested By --------------------------‬‬ ‫‪Date of Testing ----------------------------‬‬
‫‪Consolidation‬‬ ‫‪Ring No.‬‬ ‫‪Multiplication of‬‬

‫‪type‬‬ ‫‪load device‬‬
‫‪Ring Dimensions:‬‬ ‫‪Diam.‬‬ ‫‪cm‬‬ ‫‪Ht.‬‬ ‫‪cm‬‬ ‫‪Area‬‬ ‫‪cm2‬‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = ‪Initial Ht. of soil, H i‬‬

‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = ‪Special gravity of soil, G x‬‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = ‪Wt. of ring + specimen at beginning of test‬‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = ‪Wt. of ring‬‬
‫ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = ‪Wt. of wet soil, W t‬‬
‫ـ ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = ‪Computed dry weight of soil, 𝑊𝑠′‬‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = 𝑠𝑊‪Oven dry Wt. of soil,′′‬‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = 𝑠𝐻‪Computed Ht. of solids,′′‬‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = ‪Initial Ht. of voids, H r = H i − H s‬‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = )‪Initial degree of saturation, S i = (W i −W s )/(H v A‬‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ = ‪Initial void of ratio e i = H r /H s‬‬
‫‪Water content determination‬‬

‫‪Wt. of con + wet soil‬‬ ‫‪gm‬‬ ‫‪Wt. of water‬‬ ‫‪gm‬‬
‫‪Wt. of con + dry soil‬‬ ‫‪gm‬‬ ‫‪Wt. of dry soil‬‬ ‫‪gm‬‬
‫‪Wt. of con‬‬ ‫‪gm‬‬ ‫‪Initial water content, ω i %‬‬
‫)‪Final test data (obtained at end of load test‬‬

‫‪Initial dial reading‬‬ ‫‪Final Ht. of voids, H vf‬‬ ‫‪cm‬‬
‫‪Final dial reading‬‬ ‫‪mm‬‬ ‫‪Final void of ratio e f = H vf /H s‬‬
‫‪Change in sample Ht.‬‬ ‫‪cm‬‬
‫‪Final water content determination‬‬

‫‪Final wet Wt. + ring‬‬ ‫‪gm‬‬ ‫‪final water content, ω f %‬‬
‫‪Final dry Wt. + ring‬‬ ‫‪gm‬‬ ‫‪Final degree of sat, S%‬‬
‫‪Oven dry Wt. of soil, W s‬‬ ‫‪gm‬‬
CONSOLIDATION TEST (TIME-COMPRESSION DATA) DATA SHEET 13
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------
Loading Test Data:

Load ‫ ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬kPa Load ‫ ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬kPa
Date applied ‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬ Date applied ‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬
Applied by ‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬ Applied by ‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬
Dial readings × ‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬ Dial readings × ‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬

Clock time Elapsed Clock time Elapsed
and date time, min and date time, min
Original Adjusted Original Adjusted
0 0
0.1 0.1
0.25 0.25
0.5 0.5
1 1
2 2
4 4
8 8
15 15
30 30
60 60
120 120
256 256
420 579
1417 1410
DIRECT SHEAR TEST, COHESIONLESS SOIL DATA SHEET 14
Project --------------------------------------------------------------- Group No.----------------------------------
Soil State (wet, dry) Soil Sample (distributed, undistributed)

Data to Obtain Sample Density if not an Undistributed Sample
Initial Wt. container + soil gm
final Wt. container + soil gm
Wt. of soil used gm
Water Content Data

Wt. dry soil + cup gm
Wt. wet soil + cup gm
Wt. of cup gm
Wt. of water gm
Wt. of dry soil gm
Water content, ω%
Shear Specimen Data

Sample Dimensions:
Side cm Area cm2
Ht. cm Vol.
Density:
γ wet kN/m3 γ dry

R
kN/m3
Normal load kg
Loading rate mm/min
Normal stress, 𝜎𝑛 kPa
Loading ring constant kg/div
(1-2)
COHESIVE SOIL, COHESIONLESS SOIL DATA SHEET 15
Vert. Vert. Horz.

Vert. dial Horz. dial Load ring Shear
displace. displace. Corr. area shear
reading reading dial stress
∆V. ∆H. 𝐴′ force N
(x0.0/mm) (x0.0/mm) reading r ( kPa)
( ) ( ) ( )
(2-2)
CALIFORNIEA BEARING TEST DATA SHEET 16
Project: Job No.
Location of project: Boring No. Sample No.
Description of soil: W L:
Wp :
Tested by: Date of testing:
Compaction energy: rammer: No. of layers: Blows/layer:
ω at compaction: % Mold Diam.: Ht. of soil: Vol.:
Wt. wet soil: Wt.dry soil: g wet : g dry :
penetration Piston load load (kPa) penetration Piston load load (kPa)
mm dial reading mm dial reading
0 5.0
0.5 6.0
1.0 7.5
1.5 9.0
2.0 10.0
2.5 12.5
3.0
4.0
final water
Top
content ,ω
%(soaked , Middle
unsoaked
Bottom
sample)

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1

Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of

1. (Moisture) Content of Soil (ω)

ASTM D 2216 item 8.2

balance will not be affected by convection currents and/or its being

Atterberg Limits and Indices Test

Lambe, (1951) “Soil testing for engineers” page (22)

Specification :( American Standard Tests Materials) ASTM D4318-98

P.I. = L.L. – P.L. Thin water

Soil non Plastic range of soil Soil behave as

S.L. P.L. LL Fluid

Apparatus and Supplies

L.L = water content against 25 blows indicated on the horizontal axis of

1. Flat glass plate.

1. Calculate the moisture content of each test specimen(ω1, ω2,

Grain Size Analysis

Lambe, (1951) “Soil testing for engineers” page (29)

Name of experiment: grain Sieve analysis ASTM D422

2. The size of the portion passing the No. 10 sieve shall be

(Sieve No. Sieve. Sieve Retained Retained % Passing%

Grain size analysis (hydrometer method)

AASHTO T87 and T-88

1. Sedimentation cylinder (1000 cm3 cylinder), also termed a hydrometer Jar.

Solving equation above using g’ w instead of g f :

Take first elapsed time, min. For equation below:

𝑅𝑐 = 𝑅𝑎 − 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + 𝐶𝑇 … … . (3)

Corrected hydrometer Actual hydrometer

Entre temperature in table No. 3 to get the C T value temperature correction

Take Hydrometer corrected reading for meniscus only

To simplify calculation see the two examples below:

Data from figure (1)

Hydrometer no.-152H-- Gs of soilds---2.72---- a = ---0.99----despising agent-[NaPO 3 ]-

Amount ----[4% in 125 ml]--------- Wt. of soil, Ws -50.0 g--

Zero correction------+3.0---------- meniscus correction---------1.0---

Date time of elapsed temp. Actual Corr. % Hyd. L 𝐿 K D,

𝑅𝑐 = 𝑅𝑎 − 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + 𝐶𝑇 … … . (3)(C T from table 3 at 22oC)

𝑅𝑐 = 47 − 3 + 0.40 = 44.4 𝑎 = 0.99 [𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 2]

Hydrometer corrected for meniscus only=47+1=48

L=8.4 cm (from table No.5 at R=50)

𝐷 = 𝐾�𝐿/𝑡 = 0.0131√4.2 = 0.027 𝑚𝑚

For Elapsed time =2850 min.

𝑅𝑐 = 10 − 3 + 1.0 = 8 𝑎 = 0.99 [𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 2]

Hydrometer corrected for meniscus only=10+1=11

L=14.5 cm (from table No.5 at R=11)

𝐷 = 𝐾�𝐿/𝑡 = 0.0127�14.5/2850 = 0.0009 𝑚𝑚

A. State two or more uses for hydrometer test data.

Specific Gravity of Soils Finer Than 4.75mm

Lambe, (1951) “Soil testing for engineers” page (15)

Calibration, procedure and general discussion

Since equal volumes are involved

Table-1-Typical values of the correction factor 𝛂𝛂 are as follows:

Typical values of G s that can used as a guide in determining whether the

ASTM D 698 and D1557

5. Large mixing pan.

compaction of the third layer , the surface of the Soil should be

Dry side Fitting A

Water content (%)

Field density by Sand replacement method

𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑝 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙

Calculation and discussion

𝜔𝑡 .𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑗𝑎𝑟

𝜔4 Weight of sand used to fill the cone of the apparatus

If water content is determined as 𝜔%

Core test "field density determination for fine soils"