FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING, AND SURVEYING

UiTM KOTA SAMARAHAN, SARAWAK

DIPLOMA IN BUILDING (AP116)

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IV
(BGN254)

TITLE: SOIL LAB REPORT

PREPARED BY:

NAME STUDENT ID CLASS

DAVID ADAM NAIN ANAK MATTHIAS 2019289042 4C

IDZWAN HAKIMI BIN TAHIR 2019242034 4C

JOCELYN JOAN ANAK HOLLIS 2019443036 4C

SCHOLASTICA ANAK SEKAM 2019227224 4C

PREPARED FOR:
MS. HEMYZA BUDIN

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
16TH JULY 2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 SECTION A: (MOISTURE CONTENT) ................................................................... 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 1

1.2 PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF TEST .............................................................. 1

1.3 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS .................................................................................... 2

1.4 PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................... 3

1.5 TEST ANALYSIS....................................................................................................... 5

1.6 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................... 6

2.0 SECTION B: (ATTERBERG TEST).......................................................................... 7

2.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 7

2.2 PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF TEST .............................................................. 7

2.3 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS .................................................................................... 8

2.4 PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... 10

2.5 TEST ANALYSIS..................................................................................................... 14

2.6 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................... 16

3.0 SECTION C: (MACKINTOSH PROBE TEST) ..................................................... 17

3.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 17

3.2 PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF TEST ............................................................ 17

3.3 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS .................................................................................. 18

3.4 PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... 20

3.5 TEST ANALYSIS..................................................................................................... 23

3.6 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................... 24

4.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 25

1.0 SECTION A: (MOISTURE CONTENT)

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Moisture content is also known as water content. The amount of water in the soil determines
its moisture content. It is defined as the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of the solids
in each mass of soil. Normally, the ratio is stated as a percentage (%).

The formula for moisture content is:

𝐌𝐰
𝐰= × 𝟏𝟎𝟎%
𝐌𝐬
Where:
𝐰 = Moisture content of the soil
𝐌𝐰 = Mass of the moisture in soil sample (Wet Weight minus Dry Weight)
𝐌𝐬 = Mass of soil solids in sample (Dry Weight)
The following report contains the data obtained by conducting a moisture content test on three
samples of soils that our group have chosen.
1.2 PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF TEST
The purpose of the moisture content test is used to check the moisture content of the soil. This
moisture content test is important since it is acknowledged as the most essential attribute that
determines soil behavior. The test findings can be misleading if the samples are not
representative of the mass, or if the collection and storage techniques do not retain the in-situ
moisture content prior to testing. Besides, a slight adjustment in moisture content in the design
can have a big impact on soil qualities. Soils can be made up of a mix of solid elements, water,
and air. Although all three phases can take up space, only solids and water are considered to
have weight.

1
1.3 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS
1. Aluminum moisture cans with lids or any suitable airtight container such as tin.

2. Balance (with enough sensitivity to weigh soil samples with a precision of 0.01g).

3. Electric oven (the temperature is maintained between 1050°C and 1100°C according to a
thermostatically controlled interior made of non-corroding material).

4. Desiccator

5. Container-handling equipment (gloves, tongs, or any suitable holder for moving and
handling hot containers after drying).

2
1.4 PROCEDURES
1. Clean the container with the lid and then dry it.
2. Make sure to zero the balance and place a clean, dry container with the lid on the balance
platform.

3. Record the container number as well as the tare (empty weight) including the lid (W1).
4. Fill the container with a representative moisture content specimen. Cover the container with
its lid right away.

5. Zero the balance and place the container with its lid on the balance platform. Record the tare
plus wet weight of the sample (W2).

6. Remove the lid and place it on the bottom of the container.

3
7. Place the container in the oven with the lid below the container. Dry the specimen to a
constant weight for 24 hours at a temperature of 1050°C to 1100°C.

8. Remove the container from the oven, as well as the cover. To prevent the specimen from
absorbing atmospheric moisture, immediately close the container with its lid.
9. Allow the container to cool to room temperature.
10. Zero the balance and place the cooled container on the balance platform. Record the tare
plus dry weight of the sample (W3).

11. Record the data in the table and analyze it.

4
1.5 TEST ANALYSIS
Results:
SAMPLE NAME SET A SET B SET C
W1 (g) 44.02 40.26 47.44
W2 (g) 153.70 140.80 137.80
W3 (g) 145.20 131.80 127.90
MOISTURE CONTENT 8.40 9.83 12.30
(%)

Calculating Results:
Formula,
(𝐰𝟐 − 𝐰𝟑)
𝐌𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐰) = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎%
(𝐰𝟑 − 𝐰𝟏)

(153.70 − 145.20)
𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐁 = × 100% = 8.40%
(145.20 − 44.02)

(140.80 − 131.80)
𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐃 = × 100% = 9.83%
(131.80 − 40.26)

(137.80 − 127.90)
𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐅 = × 100% = 12.30%
(127.90 − 47.44)

5
1.6 CONCLUSION
The oven drying method is extensively used to determine moisture content, in which water
is evaporated by heating and the weight lost because of water vaporization is taken as moisture
weight. The ability to calculate the moisture content of soil on a dry weight basis is useful in a
variety of situations. The focus of this research was to find out how much moisture contained
in three different soil samples: Set B, Set D, and Set F. Each set has a different moisture content.
We got 8.40% (Set B), 9.83% (Set D), and 12.30% (Set F) from the experiment.

6
2.0 SECTION B: (ATTERBERG TEST)

2.1 INTRODUCTION
Geotechnical engineers must evaluate their behavior under applied forces and variable
conditions of moisture for soils to support structures, pavements, or other charges. Soil
mechanics tests in geotechnical laboratories assess particle size distribution, shear strength,
moisture content, and the potential for cohesive soil expansion or shrinkage. The moisture
contents at which fine-grained clay and silt soils transition between solid, semi-solid, plastic,
and liquid states are determined by Atterberg limits tests. The Atterberg Test was created by a
Swedish chemist in 1911, Albert Atterberg but later than improved by Arthur Casagrande.

2.2 PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF TEST

It allows soil engineers to determine the limits of moisture content where the silt or clay
soil moves from one state to another. As moisture content rise, clay and silt soils pass four
distinct consistency states: solid, semi-solid, plastic and liquid. The strength, consistency and
behavior of each stage differ considerably. The moist content at points where the physical
changes occur at Atterberg limit tests precisely define the borders between these states. The
test values and derivative indices are used directly in the design of the structures and in
predicting the soil infills, embankments and pavement behavior. Shear strength is measured,
permeability assessed, settlement predicted and potential expansion soils are identified.

The size of the water content in percent is the plastic limit (PL). These soil limits are
very important attribute of the fine-grained soil and are used for the classification of fine-
grained soil and the calculation of the clay's activity and strength index. Liquid limit (LL) value
is used for fine grained soil classification. The water content is the liquid limit when the soil
begins to behave like a liquid. It provides us with information on the soil consistency on site.
Soil limits can be used to predict the soil consolidation characteristics by calculating the
permissible bearing capacity & foundation settlement.

In simpler words, the liquid limit is the water content of the soil that changes from a
plastic to a liquid state when the sample of soil is just fluid enough for the groove to close in a
preferred manner. Plastic Limit is the water content when a plastic is changed into a semi-solid.
The LL and the Plastic Index (PI) are used to identify the high- and low-plasticity silts and
clays.

7
2.3 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS
1. Glass Plate

2. Liquid Limit Device

3. Grooving Tool

4. Moisture Content Cans

5. Distilled Water

8
6. Spatula

7. Mixing Bowl

8. A Mortar and Pestle

9. Scale

10. Oven

9
2.4 PROCEDURES
Liquid Limit

1. Place it in a bowl, take roughly 3/4 of the soil. If it is clumpy, break up the soil with a
mortar and pestle. Mix the dirt thoroughly with a small amount of water until smooth
and homogeneous mixture is present.

2. Determine the three empty moisture cans with their lids and record the respective
weights and numbers of can on the data sheet.

3. By checking the height of the cup drop, calibrate the liquid limit device. The point on
the base of the cup should reach 10 mm in height. The 10 mm high block on the end of
the grooving tool should be used as a gage. Test with the cup to determine the correct
rate at which to rotate the crank so that the cup drops two times per second.

4. Clean and dry the cup thoroughly. Spread the previously mixed soil evenly into the cup
of the liquid limit device near the point where the cup rests on the base to form a soil
pat to be tested.

5. Using the grooving tool, cut a straight groove down the center of the cup. During the
groove-making process, the tool should remain perpendicular to the surface of the cup.
Take extreme caution to avoid the soil sliding relative to the cup's surface.

10
6. Turn the apparatus's crank at about two cycles per second and count the number of
drops, N, required to bring the two halves of the soil pat into contact at the bottom of
the groove along 13 mm or 1/2 inch. If the number of drops exceeds 50, skip to step
nine and do not record the number of drops on the data sheet, or else, record the number
of drops on the data sheet.

7. Using the spatula, scoop out and take a sample from the soil pat's edge to edge. The soil
on both sides of the groove should be included in the sample. Place the soil in a moisture
content can. Weigh the moisture can be containing the soil immediately, record its
mass, and place the can in the oven. Put the moisture can in the oven for 24 hours. Fill
the bowl with the soil that is still in the cup to dry it out. Clean and dry the cup, as well
as the grooving tool, on the apparatus.

8. In the bowl, remix the entire soil specimen. Add a small amount of distilled water to
raise the water content and reduce the number of drops needed to close the groove.
9. Repeat steps six, seven, and eight for at least two more trials, producing progressively
fewer drops to close the groove. One trial will be for a closure requiring 29 drops,
another for a closure requiring 17 drops, and a third for a closure requiring 20 drops.
Using the same method as in the first laboratory, determine the water content of each
trial. Always use the same balance for all weighing.

11
Plastic Limit

1. Weigh the remaining empty moisture cans with lids and record the weights and can
numbers on the data sheet.
2. Take the remaining 1/4 of the original soil sample and add distilled water until the soil
can be rolled without sticking to the hands.
3. Shape the soil into an ellipsoidal mass and roll it between your palms or fingers on a
glass plate. Using approximately 90 strokes per minute, apply enough pressure to roll
the mass into a thread of uniform diameter. (A stroke is a complete forward and
backward motion of the hand from the starting position.)

4. When the thread's diameter has reached the desired diameter, cut it into several pieces.
Re-roll the pieces after kneading and reforming them into ellipsoidal masses. Continue
rolling, gathering, kneading, and re-rolling until the thread crumbles under rolling
pressure and can no longer be rolled into a 3mm diameter thread.

5. Gather the crumbled thread pieces and place the soil in a moisture can. If the can does
not contain at least 6 grams of soil from the next trial, add soil from the next trial to the
can (See Step 6).

6. Weigh the moisture can be containing the soil immediately, record its mass, and place
the can in the oven. Let the moisture can be kept in the oven for at least 24 hours.

12
7. Re-weight the samples again in 24 hours. The average of the two moisture contents are
the plastic limit.

13
2.5 TEST ANALYSIS
Liquid Limit Determination

Sample no. 1 2 3
Moisture can and lid number 2 3 1
Mc = Mass of empty, clean can + lid (grams) 13.75 21.87 23.31
Mcms = Mass of can, lid, and moist soil (grams) 32.78 25.73 29.27
Mcds = Mass of can, lid, and dry soil (grams) 27.10 24.90 28.10
Ms = Mass of soil solids (grams) 13.35 3.03 4.79
Mw = Mass of pore water (grams) 5.68 0.83 1.17
w = Water Content, w% 42.55 27.39 24.43
No. of drops (N) 17 20 29

Plastic Limit Determination

Sample no. 1 2 3
Moisture can and lid number 7 10 13
Mc = Mass of empty, clean can + lid (grams) 7.78 16.79 7.83
Mcms = Mass of can, lid, and moist soil (grams) 16.39 24.06 13.43
Mcds = Mass of can, lid, and dry soil (grams) 15.28 22.63 12.69
Ms = Mass of soil solids (grams) 7.50 5.84 4.86
Mw = Mass of pore water (grams) 1.11 1.43 0.74
w = Water Content, w% 14.80 24.49 15.23

14.80+24.49+15.23
Plastic Limit (PL) = Average w % = = 18.17
3

14
Liquid Limit Chart

Final results:

Liquid Limit = 27.75%

Plastic Limit = 18.7%

Plasticity Index = 9.05%

15
2.6 CONCLUSION
The Atterberg limits test is the primary method for determining the nature of fine-
grained soil. Because of its liquid and plastic limits, fine soil can be classified. The soil can be
solid, semi-solid, or liquid depending on its water content. Because the soil's behavior may
differ in each of those states, many properties may change as a result of the changing soil's
behavior. As a result, it is critical to understand each of these states' boundaries. All procedures
must be carried out precisely. Any error in weighing, number of blows, or rolling the samples
could result in data loss. All of the outcomes in this experiment appear to be reasonable.

Drying the soil prior to testing may have an effect on the results, particularly for organic
samples. As a result, the liquid and plastic limits could be modified. The clay beneath
foundations will be disturbed during the foundation-laying process as well as when the
temperature changes. Topsoil is constantly disturbed as a result of environmental processes.
Earthquakes also cause soil disturbance. There are numerous factors that influence how
untouched soil adjusts its properties to match “remolded” clay from a lab. And, when the soil
becomes undisturbed, knowing the Atterberg limits of the less stable soil is critical for a
structure's stability.

16
3.0 SECTION C: (MACKINTOSH PROBE TEST)

3.1 INTRODUCTION
The only thing that needs be done before the building construction can begin is a site
investigation. This is due to the fact that the soil condition at the site must be determined in
order to select the best foundation for the project. As we all know, soil plays an important role
in supporting the load that a building generates, and the building need a solid foundation to
transfer the load to the earth. As a result, soil testing is required to determine the type of soil
and confirm that it can support the weight.

The probe mackintosh is extensively used in this country namely Malaysia, to investigate
soil conditions. Normal probe mackintosh and JKR probe mackintosh are the two types of
probe mackintosh that are commonly used in construction site.

3.2 PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE OF TEST

The purpose of using Mackintosh Probe is it allows soil investigator to make a research
regarding the soil in construction site. Besides, it is carried out to determine the carrying
capacity of the soil, which is its strength. The test results provide a general estimate of the soil
layer at a given location.

Other than that, the importance of this test is it can reduce the number of boreholes in the
soil. Mackintosh Probe Test also has a simple operation and data recording/analysis. Hence, it
is particularly beneficial for determining the appropriateness of soil for construction projects
during the site investigation. Although it is not in good working order, it can still be used to
evaluate soil conditions.

17
3.3 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS
i. Boring rods

ii. Rod coupling

iii. Penetration cone

iv. Measuring tape

18
 v. Drop Hammer

vi. Oil/Lubricant

vii. Gloves

viii. Lifting tool

ix. Trowel

19
3.4 PROCEDURES
1. The test equipment has been assembled.

2. Starting at the point of the cone, a distance of 0.3 m is measured and marked on the rod.

3. Set up the equipment, lubricate the screwed ends of each rod, rod coupling, and
penetration one with oil or lubricant medium.

4. Screw in the penetration cone to the first rod, and then put the drop hammer to the
stopper to ensure that the stopper is firmly attached. Screw in the cap of the hammer.

20
5. The hammer is lifted until it reached the maximum. To push the cone into the soils, the
hammer is dropped freely.

6. In the data sheet, the total number of strikes for penetration of 0.3 m is recorded.

7. The blow is continued and stopped when:

i. The blow is more than 400 for 0.3m penetration
ii. The depth has reached 4m.

21
8. Unscrewing the hammer cap and stopper, and pull the rods using lifting tools after the
penetration reached the requirement depth.

9. Sample collection, extract the soil from penetration cone by using the trowel.

10. Before being stored, the equipment is disassembled and cleaned. The sample will be
brought to the laboratory to be examined.
11. All the data and readings are recorded; therefore, it can be used to carry out soil
moisture testing.

22
3.5 TEST ANALYSIS
Depth (m) Number of
blows
0 – 0.3 15
0.3 – 0.6 10
0.6 – 0.9 8
0.9 – 1.2 16
1.2 – 1.5 42
1.5 – 1.8 50
1.8 – 2.1 52
2.1 – 2.4 48
2.4 – 2.7 56
2.7 – 3.0 54
3.0 – 3.3 90
3.3 – 3.6 95
3.6 – 3.9 105
3.9 – 4.0 400

Cumulative number of blows versus depth graph

4.5

3.5

3
Depth (m)

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Cumulative number of blows

23
3.6 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Mackintosh Probe Test is one of the methods that is very useful to measure
the suitability of soil during soil investigation. As a student, practising this method is relatively
simple to understand in comparison to other methods. Besides, it gives students more
knowledge on how to measure the existing moisture content in the soil. Furthermore, the
information in the internet concludes that the Mackintosh Probe is appropriate and cost-
effective for site assessment in soft deposits.

24
4.0 REFERENCES

REFERENCES FOR SECTION A (MOISTURE CONTENT)

1. Jamal, H. (2017), July 13. To determine Moisture Content of Soil by Oven Drying Method.
Retrieved from website: civil.com https://www.aboutcivil.org/to-determine-moisture-
content-of-soil.
2. Soil, Education. (n.d.) Determining the moisture content of soil (Conventional Oven
Method). Retrieved from website: https://sndl.ucmerced.edu/files/MHWG/Laboratory/
Soils/Protocol/Chapter_3_Moisture_Content.pdf.
3. The Civil Engineer.org. (n.d.) Calculation example – Determine the water content within a
soil sample. Retrieved from website: https://www.thecivilengineer.org/education/
calculation-examples/item/1345-calculation-example-determine-the-water-content-within
–soil-sample.
4. Walt, V. (2015), April 8. Why do we need to know the soil moisture content of soil?
Retrieved from website: Van Halt, https://www.vanwalt.com/news/2015/04/08/why-do-
we-need-to-know-the-soil-moisture-content-of -soil/

REFERENCES FOR SECTION B (ATTERBERG TEST)

1. Gilson Company, Inc. (2021). Atterberg Limits: A Quick Reference Guide, Retrieved from
website: https://www.globalgilson.com/blog/atterberg-limits-a-quick-reference-guide
2. GeoScience Inc. (2016). Why should you care about Atterberg Limits?
https://askinglot.com/open-detail/152359
3. Maneesh Shakya. (2021). Atterberg Limit Test Introduction Retrieved from website:
https://www.academia.edu/8416865/ATTERBERG_LIMITS_TEST_INTRODUCTION
4. Ronaluna. (2012, June 3). Atterberg Limit Tests Retrieved from Youtube: (LL and PL)
https://youtu.be/EcXJ961qjGA

25
 REFERENCES FOR SECTION C (MACKINTOSH PROBE TEST)

1. Fakher, A., Khodaparast, M., & Jones, C. J. F. P. (2006). The use of the Mackintosh Probe
for site investigation in soft soils. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and
Hydrogeology, 39(2), 189-196.
2. Sabtan, A. A., & Shehata, W. M. (1994). Mackintosh Probe as an exploration tool. Bulletin
of the International Association of Engineering Geology-Bulletin de l'Association
Internationale de Géologie de l'Ingénieur, 50(1), 89-94.

3. Probe Mackintosh. -Term Paper. (2011). Retrieved July 13, 2021, from
Termpaperwarehouse.com
4. Raj, J. K. (1984). Use of Mackintosh Probe for Locating the Sliding Surfaces of Slope
Failures.

26