LI Purpose ‘This method describes the procedure for determination of moisture content of soil. The properties of the sol lke shear strength and compaction characteristics are greatly influenced by its water content and the changes therein. Water content thus indicates the likely behavior of sol 1.2. Oven—Drying Method (Standard Method) 1.2.1 Apparatus 1, Containers/Moisture Cans/Tins with lid 2. Balance having capacity 300 g with accuracy of 0.01g 3. Thermostatically controlled electric Oven for temperature 110°C + $°C (sensitivity 10 C), 4, Desiceators 1.2.2 Procedure 1. Takeany suitable non —corrodible airtight containcr. Clean the container with id, dry and weigh own. 2. ‘Take the required quantity of soil specimen in the container, crumbled and placed loosely and ‘weigh with lid (W2). ‘Keep itin the oven with the lid removed and maintain the temperature ofthe oven at 110°C + 5° c. 4, Ifthe soil contains gypsum or other mincrals having loosely bound water of hydration or with significant amount of organic materials, the drying may be carried out at 60-80°C, 5. Dry the specimen in the oven for 24 hrs 6. Take out container from oven, place the lid back on the container and cool the container in desiceators. 7. Record the final weight (W3) ofthe container with lid and dried sample. 1.23 Caleulation Calculate the percentage of moisture content using the formula: ‘Moisture Content = ((W2-W3)/ (W3-W1)] 1.2.4 Reporting Report the results in the percentage of moisture content nearest to 0.1, as given in the form ! given below:Form 1: Moisture Content Test of Soil by Oven Drying Method. Sample [Can/Tin ]We.of [WE of WEof |Loss of Wa [Wt of Ory] Moisture Content No. |no. | can/ |canstine |canytins |eer te) |Soilie) | (6) Tin, |wetsoil, | dry soil g) (eo) fterow2) | (way cwaws) | owaaway | iw2wayowa- (way wa)}*100 1.3. Determination of Moisture Content by Speedy Moisture Meter ‘Speedy moisture Meter is based on the principle that water will react with calcium carbide to form acetylene gas. Quantity of gas formed is directly proportional to the water present, The quantity ‘of gas formed can be read from a pressure gauge which is calibrated in percentage of moisture on ‘wet weight basis. This can then be converted to moisture content based on dry weight. ‘This test determines the moisture content of soil quickly, without having to wait forthe evaporation of moisture. ‘This is rapid method of determination of moisture content, 1.3.1 Apparatus 1. Speedy Moisture Meter consisting of one metallic pressure vessel with clamp for sealing cup and a gauge calibrated in percentage water. ‘One counterpoint balance, a scoop for measuring calcium carbide ‘Stecl balls: 12.5mm diameter- 3 numbers and 25mm diameter - one number Calcium carbide 1.32 Procedure 1. Setthe balance and place the sample inthe pan till the mark on the balanee arm mass lines up with the index mark. 2. Unclamp the clamping screw to remove the U—clamp off the cup. Lift off the cup. Clean the cup and the body of moisture meter. 3. Hold the body horizontally. Gently deposit one level scoopful of calcium carbide halfway inside the chamber. Then lay the chamber down without disturbing the absorbent charge and transfer the soil weighed out as above from the pan to the cup. 4, Holding cup and chamber approximately horizontal bring them together, without disturbing, sample or absorbent, bring the U clamp round and clamp the cup tightly into place. 5. With the gauge downwards, shake the moisture meter up and down vigorously for $ seconds, then ‘quickly tur it so that the gauge is upwards, give a tap to the body of the moisture meter to ensure that all the contents fall into the cup, 6. Hold the rapid moisture meter downwards, again shake for 5 seconds, then tum it with gauge upwards and tap. Hold for 1 minute. Repeat this for a third time. Once more invert the rapid ‘moisture meter and shake up and down to cool the gas. Turn the rapid moisture meter with the ‘gauge upwards, and dial horizontal held at chest height when the needle comes to rest, take thereading. The readings on the meter are the percentage of water on the wet mass basis, 7. Alternatively, the three smaller steel balls can be placed in the cup along with the soil and the larger one in the body along with the absorbent and seal up the unit as usual. Hold the rapid moisture meter vertical so that the material in the cup falls into the body. Now holding the unit horizontally, rotate it for 10 seconds so thatthe balls are rolled round the inside circumference of the body. Rest for 20 seconds, Repeat the rotation —rest cycle until the gauge reading is constant (usually this takes 4 to 8 minutes). Note the reading as usual 8. Finally release the pressure slowly (away from the operator) by opening the clamp screw and taking the cup out, empty the contents and clean the instrument with @ brush. 1.33 Caleulation Calculate the water content (W) on the dry mass from the water content (M) obtained on the wet ‘mass as the reading on the rapid moisture meter, as follows 'W= {(My/ (100 M}*100 percent Where, W = percent water content of the dry mass 'M= percent water content ofthe wet mass 1.3.4 Reporting Report the result in percentage nearest to a whole number.