_ _Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual _

LABORATORY TEST NO.3

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

SIGNIFICANCE:
The behavior of a soil is markedly influenced by the amount of moisture it contains.
Moisture content therefore, is an important characteristic. By definition, moisture content, MC, is
the ratio of the weight/mass of water in the soil to the weight/mass of the dry soil after it has been
dried to constant weight/mass at a temperature of 110±5°c.

STANDARD REFERENCE:
ASTM D 4959-16 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct
Heating

APPARATUSES:
1. Moisture can(s): Moisture cans are available in various sizes.
Example: 2-in. (50.8 mm) diameter and 7/8 in. (22.2 mm) high 3.5-in. (88.9 mm)
diameter and 2 in. (50.8 mm) high
2. Oven with temperature control: For drying, the temperature of the oven is generally kept
between 105°C. A higher temperature should be avoided to prevent the burning of organic
matter in the soil.
3. Balance: The balance should have a readability of 0.01 g for specimens having a mass of
200g or less. If the specimen has a mass of over 200g, the readability should be 0.1g

PROCEDURES:
1. Determine the mass (g) of the empty moisture can plus its cap (W 1), and also record the
number.
2. Place a sample of representative moist soil in the can. Close the can with its cap to avoid loss
of moisture.
3. Determine the combined mass (g) of the closed can and moist soil (W 2).
4. Remove the cap from the top of the can and place it on the bottom (of the can).
5. Put the can (Step 4) in the oven to dry the soil to a constant weight. In most cases, 24 hours of
drying is sufficient.
6. Record the final constant weight (W3) of the dry soil sample plus the can and its cap.

Engr. Vera Karla S. Caingles | Engr. Roxanne C. Galdo | Engr. Roxette C. Galdo | Engr. Reyca Joice Obsioma
CE Faculty
 _ _Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual _

Moisture Content Data Sheet

Soil Sample Number: ____________________________________________________

Classified by: __________________________________________________________
Date: __________________

Moisture Content Can Number 1 2 3

Weight of Moisture Can, W1 (g)
Weight of Moisture Can + Wet Soil, W2 (g)
Weight of Moisture Can + Dry Soil, W3 (g)
Moisture Content,
W% = [(W2
- W3)/(W3 - W1)] x 100
Average

Observation:

Engr. Vera Karla S. Caingles | Engr. Roxanne C. Galdo | Engr. Roxette C. Galdo | Engr. Reyca Joice Obsioma
CE Faculty