Percent Gravel = D10 =

Percent Sand = D30 =

Percent Fines = D60 =

Cu = Cc =

Unified Classification of Soil: _________

Hydrometer Analysis

The liquid limit is the minimum water content at which the soil just begins to exhibit

shearing strength. Using a standard liquid limit is defined as the moisture content at which 25

blows in this apparatus will just close a standard groove in the sample of the soil.

Apparatus:

1. Balance,

2. Set of sieves,

3. Cleaning brush,

4. Sieve shaker,

5. mixer (blender),

6. 152H Hydrometer,

7. Sedimentation cylinder,

8. Control cylinder,

9. Thermometer,
 10. Beaker, and

11. Timing device

Procedure:

1. Apply meniscus correction to the actual hydrometer reading.

2. From Table 1, obtain the effective hydrometer depth L in cm (for meniscus

corrected reading).

3. For known Gs of the soil (if not known, assume 2.65 for this lab purpose), obtain

the value of K from Table 2.

4. Calculate the equivalent particle diameter by using the following formula:

𝐷 = 𝑘√ 𝐿/ t

Where, t is in minutes,

D is given in mm.

5. Determine the temperature correction CT from Table 3.

6. Determine correction factor “a” from Table 4 using GS.

7. Calculate corrected hydrometer reading as follows:

RC = RACTUAL – zero correction + CT

8. Calculate percent finer as follows:

P = (𝐑𝐜×𝐚)/𝐖𝐬 (100)

Where, WS is the weight of the soil sample in grams.

9. Adjusted percent fines as follows:

P = P×F200

𝐹200 = % finer of #200 sieve as a percent

 10. Plot the grain size curve D versus the adjusted percent finer on the

semilogarithmic sheet.

C. In-Situ Density test and Moisture Content Determination

Apparatus:

1. Cylindrical core cutter, 100mm internal diameter and 130mm long

2. Steel rammer, mass 9 kg, overall length with the foot and staff about 900mm.

3. Steel dolley, 25mm high and 100 mm internal diameter

4. Weighing balance, accuracy 1g.

5. Palette knife

6. Straight edge, steel rule etc.

Procedure:

1. Determine the internal diameter and height of the core cutter to the nearest

0.25mm

2. Determine the mass (M1) of the cutter to the nearest gram.

3. Expose a small area of the soil to be tested. Level the surface, about 300mm

square in area.
(b) Liquid Limit

The liquid limit is defined as the moisture content at which a soil transition from a

plastic state to a liquid state.

(c) Plasticity Index

The plasticity index is defined as the ratio of the unit weight of a given material to

the unit weight of water. The procedure is applicable only for soils composed of

particles smaller than no. 4 sieve (4.72 mm). if the soil contains particles large

than the no. 4 sieve (4.72), use ASTM C127 – Standard Test Method for Density,

Relative Density (specific gravity), and Absorption of course aggregate.

2.6.3.1 Evaluation of the Swelling Potential of Expansive Soils by Single

Index Method (Chen, 1988)

Simple soil property tests can be used for the evaluation of the swelling

potential of expansive soils (Chen, 1988). Such tests are easy to perform and

should be used as routine tests in investigation of building sites in those areas

having expansive soil. These tests include:

Atterberg Limits Tests

Holtz and Gibbs (1956) demonstrated that the plasticity index, I p, and the

Liquid Limit, wl, are useful indices for determining the swelling characteristics of

most clays. Since the liquid limit and the swelling of clays both depend on the

amount of water a clay tries to absorb, it is natural that they are related. The
 relation between the swelling potential of clays and the plasticity index has

been established as given in table 2.2.

Table 2.2 Relation between swelling potential and plasticity index, Ip

Plasticity index, Ip (%) Swelling potential

0-15 Low

10-35 Medium

20-55 High

35 and above Very high

2.7 Soil Classification

A soil classification system is the arrangement of different soils having similar properties

into groups and subgroups and subgroups based on their application. It provides a common large

to briefly express the general characteristic of solids.

2.8 Methods of Soil Classification

2.8.1 Textural Classification – based on the appearance of soil which is influenced by

the size of the individual particles present in it.

2.8.2 Classification by use – considers the presence of clay minerals and particle-size

distribution.
 a) American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials

(AASHTO)