GT Lab Manual

SREYAS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi | Affiliated to JNTUH, Hyderabad | Accredited by NAAC)
Hyderabad | PIN: 500068
EXPERIMENT NO-1
(a) DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT OF SOIL
[IS:2720 (Part 5) - 1985]
Aim: To determine the Liquid limit of a given soil.
Apparatus:
1. A mechanical liquid limit apparatus (Casagrande type) with grooving tool

2. Evaporating dishes, water bottle
3. Sensitive Balance accurate to 0.01g
4. Air tight containers
5. Oven to maintain temperature at 105o C to 110o C
6. 425 µ IS Sieve
7. Spatula
Theory:
Consistency of fine-grained soils may be defined as the relative ease with which a soil can be
remolded. Consistency limits may be categorized into three limits called Atterberg limits.
They are: 1) Liquid limit 2) Plastic limit 3) Shrinkage limit
Liquid limit is the moisture content that defines where the soil changes from a plastic to a
viscous fluid state. Liquid limit can be defined as the minimum water content at which a pat of soil
cut by a groove of standard dimension will flow together for a distance of 12 mm (1/2 inch) under
an impact of 25 blows in the liquid limit device.
Procedure:
1. About 120 gm of air-dried soil from thoroughly mixed portion of material passing through
425 µ IS sieve is taken.
2. Distilled water is mixed to the soil thus obtained in a mixing disc to form uniform paste. The
paste shall have a consistency that would require 30 to 35 drops of cup to cause closer of
standard groove for 12 mm length.
3. The soil should then be remixed thoroughly before the test. A portion of the paste is placed
in the cup of Mechanical Liquid Limit device and spread into portion with few strokes of
spatula as possible.
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4. At the same time, trim it to a depth of 1 cm at the point of maximum thickness and return
excess of soil to the dish.
5. The soil in the cup shall be decided by the firm strokes of the grooving tool (Indian Standard/
Casagrande's Grooving Tool for clayey soils and ASTM Grooving Tool for sandy soils)
along the diameter through the centre line of the follower so that clean sharp groove of proper
dimension is formed.
6. Lift and drop the cup by turning crank at the rate of two revolutions per second until the two
halves of soil cake come in contact with each other for a length of about 12 mm by flow
only.
7. The number of blows required to cause the groove close for about 12 mm shall be recorded.
8. A representative portion of soil is taken from the cup for water content determination. Repeat
the test with different moisture contents at least three more times for blows between 15 and
35.
Diagram:
Casagrande grooving tool
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Observations & Calculations:
Trial No 1 2 3 4
w1 w2 w3 w4
No of blows (N)
Mass of container (M1)
Mass of container + wet soil (M2)
Mass of container + dry soil (M3)
Water content (w) = ((M2-M3)/(M3-M1)) *100
Average Water content, w = (w1+w2+w3+w4) / 4
Graph:
A flow curve shall be plotted on a semi-logarithmic graph representing water content on the
arithmetical scale and the number of drops on the logarithmic scale. The flow curve is a straight line
drawn as nearly as possible through the four or more plotted points. The moisture content
corresponding to 25 drops as read from the curve shall be rounded off to the nearest whole number
and reported as the liquid limit of the soil.
Flow index, If = (w1-w2)/ log10(N2/N1)

where, If = Flow Index
w1 = Moisture content in percentage corresponding to N1 drops and
w2 = Moisture content in percentage corresponding to N2 drops
Liquid Limit Graph
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Result:
From the graph drawn, Liquid Limit = __________%

flow index (If) = (w1-w2) / log (N2/N1) = __________
Inference/Comments:
From liquid limit test, the compression index may be estimated, which is used in settlement analysis.
If the natural moisture content of soil is higher than liquid limit, the soil can be considered as soft
and if the moisture content is lesser than liquid limit, the soil is brittle and stiffer. The value of liquid
limit is used in classification of the soil and it gives an idea about plasticity of the soil.
Liquid Limit (WL) Description
< 35% Low Compressible
35 % - 50 % Intermediate Compressible
>50% Highly Compressible
Precautions:
• In LL test, the groove should be closed by the flow of soil and not by slippage between the
soil and the cup.
• Wet soil taken in the container for moisture content determination should not be left open in
the air, the container with soil sample should immediately be weighed.
• After performing each test, the cup and grooving tool must be cleaned.
• The number of blows should be just enough to close the groove.
• The number of blows should be between 10 and 40.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is Liquid Limit?
2. Which sieve is used for Liquid limit test?
3. What is Flow index?
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(b) DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT OF SOIL

[IS:2720 (Part 5) –1985]
Aim: To determine the Plastic limit of a given soil.
Apparatus:
1. 425 µ IS sieve
2. Porcelain evaporating dish
3. Flat glass plate
4. Sensitive Balance accurate to 0.01g
5. Oven to maintain temperature at 105o C to 110o C
6. Air tight containers
7. Spatula
Theory:
The plastic limit is the moisture content that defines where the soil changes from a semi-solid to a
plastic state. It may also be defined as that water content at which soil starts crumbling when rolled
into threads of 3 mm diameter.
Procedure:
1. Take about 30 gm of thoroughly mixed portion of the material passing through 425 µ IS sieve.
2. Mix it thoroughly with distilled water in the evaporating dish till the soil mass becomes plastic
enough to be easily moulded with fingers.
3. Take about 8 gm of this plastic soil mass and roll it between fingers and glass plate with just
sufficient pressure to roll the mass into a thread of uniform diameter throughout its length. The
rate of rolling shall be between 80 and 90 strokes per minute.
4. Continue rolling till you get a thread of 3 mm diameter. Knead the soil together to a uniform
mass and re-roll.
5. Continue the process until the thread crumbles when the diameter is 3 mm.
6. Collect the pieces of the crumbled thread in air tight container for moisture content
determination.
7. Repeat the test to at least 3 times and take the average of the results.
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Diagram:
Observations & Calculations:

Trail No 1 2 3 4
(w1) (w2) (w3) (w4)
Mass of container (M1), g
Mass of container + wet soil (M2), g
Mass of container + dry soil (M3), g
Water content (w) = ((M2-M3)/(M3-M1)) *100
Average water content, w = (w1+w2+w3+w4)/4
Graph:
Plasticity Chart
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Equation of A-Line: IP = 0.73(WL-20)

Plasticity Index, Ip = WL - WP
Result:
The Plastic limit of soil is ________
Plasticity index = WL-WP = ___________
Type of soil = ___________
Inference:
Determination of plastic limit is as important as liquid limit so as to ascertain Plasticity Index, Ip of
the soil and estimates the type of soil.
Plasticity Index Description

0 Non-Plastic
<7 Low Plastic
7-14 Medium Plastic
> 14 Highly Plastic
Precautions:
1. After mixing the water to the soil sample, sufficient time should be given to permeate the
water throughout out the soil mass.
2. Wet soil taken in the container for moisture content determination should not be left open.
The container with soil sample should either be placed in desiccators or immediately be
weighed.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is Plasticity Index?
2. Draw the Plasticity chart?
3. What is the equation of A-Line?
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(c) DETERMINATION OF SHRINKAGE LIMIT OF SOIL

[IS: 2720 (Part 6) - 1972]
Aim: To determine the Shrinkage limit of a given soil.
Apparatus:
1. Shrinkage dish having flat bottom 45 mm diameter and 15 mm height
2. Two large evaporating dishes about 120 mm diameter with a pour out and flat bottom.
3. One small mercury dish 60 mm diameter
4. Two glass plate, one plain and one with prongs, 75 mm x 75 mm x 3 mm size.
5. Glass cup 50 mm diameter and 25 mm height
6. 425 µ IS sieve
7. Oven
8. Sensitive balance accuracy 0.01 g.
9. Spatula
10. Straight edge
Theory:
The shrinkage limit of soil is the water content of the soil when the water is just sufficient to fill all
the pores of the soil and the soil is just saturated. The volume of the soil does not decrease when the
water content is reduced below the shrinkage limit.
Procedure:
1. Take a sample of mass about 100 g from a thoroughly mixed soil passing 425 µ sieve.
2. Take about 30 g of soil sample in a large evaporating dish. Mix it with distilled water to
make a creamy paste which can be readily worked without entrapping the air bubbles.
3. Take the shrinkage dish. Clean it and determine its mass.
4. Fill the mercury in the shrinkage dish. Remove the excess mercury by pressing the plain
glass plate over the top of the shrinkage dish. The plate should be flush with the top of the
dish and no air should be entrapped.
5. Transfer the mercury of the shrinkage dish to a mercury weighing dish and determine the
mass of the mercury to an accuracy of 0.1g.and the volume of the shrinkage dish is equal to
the mass of mercury in grams divided by the specific gravity of the mercury (i.e. 13.6)
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6. Coat the inside of the shrinkage dish with a thin layer of silicon grease or Vaseline. Place the
soil specimen in the center of the shrinkage dish equal to about one-third the volume of the
shrinkage dish. Tap the shrinkage dish on a firm cushioned surface and allow the paste to
flow to the edges.
7. Add more soil and continue the tapping till the shrinkage dish is completely filled and excess
soil paste projects out about its edge. Strike out the top surface of the plate with a straight
edge. Wipe of all soil adhering to the outside of the shrinkage dish. Determine the mass of
the wet soil (M1).
8. Dry the soil in the shrinkage dish in air until the colour of the pat turns from dark to light.
Then dry the pat in the oven at 1050 to 110 0C for about 24 hours.
9. Cool the dry pat and weight the shrinkage dish with the dry pat to determine the dry mass
of the soil (Ms).
10. Place a glass cup in a large evaporating dish and fill it with mercury. Remove the excess
mercury by pressing the glass plate with prongs firmly over the top of the cup. Wipe off any
mercury adhering to the outside of the cup. Remove the glass cup full of mercury and place
it in another evaporating dish taking care not to spill any mercury from the cup.
11. Take out the dry pat of the soil from the shrinkage dish and immerse it in the glass cup full
of mercury. Take care not to entrap air under the pat. Press the plate with prongs on the top
of the cup firmly.
12. Collect the mercury displaced by the dry pat in the evaporating dish and transfer it to the
mercury weighing dish. Determine the mass of the mercury to an accuracy of 0.1g. The
volume of the dry pat (V2) is equal to the mass of the mercury divided by the specific gravity
of the mercury.
13. Repeat the test at least 3 times.
Diagram:
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Observations and Calculations:
SL No Description 1 2 3
1 Mass of empty mercury dish, M1

2 Mass of mercury dish, with mercury equal to volume of
the shrinkage dish, M2
3 Mass of mercury = M =M2 - M1
4 Volume of shrinkage dish, V1= M/13.6
5 Mass of shrinkage dish, M3
6 Mass of shrinkage dish + wet soil, M4
7 Mass of wet soil, M0= M4- M3
8 Mass of shrinkage dish + dry soil, M5
9 Mass of dry soil Ms= M5- M3
10 Mass of mercury dish + mercury equal to in volume of
dry pat, M6
11 Mass of mercury displaced by dry pat, M7 = M6 – M1
12 Volume of dry pat V2= M7/13.6
13 Shrinkage limit,
Result:
The shrinkage limit Ws = ____________
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Inference:
The value of shrinkage limit is used for understanding the swelling and shrinkage properties of
cohesive soils. It is used for calculating the shrinkage factors which helps in the design problems of
the structures made up of the soils or/and resting on soil.
Precautions:
CAUTION: DO NOT TOUCH THE MERCURY WITH GOLD RINGS
• The water content of the soil taken in shrinkage dish should be above liquid limit but within
10% from liquid limit.
• To prevent the cake from adhering to the shrinkage dish and consequent cracking of the dry soil
paste, inside of the shrinkage dish should be greased with Vaseline.
• During filling the shrinkage dish with soil paste, sufficient tapping should be done to remove
the entrapped air.
• Test should be repeated at least three times for each sample and the average of the results thus
obtained is reported.
• No air should be entrapped under the dry soil paste when pressing by the glass with prongs is
being carried out.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is Shrinkage limit?
2. What is Shrinkage Index?
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EXPERIMENT NO-2
(a) DETERMINATION OF FIELD DENSITY BY CORE CUTTER METHOD
[IS:2720 (Part 29)-1975]
Aim: To determine the field density of soil by Core cutter method.

Apparatus
1. A cylindrical core cutter of 100 mm diameter and 130 mm long.
2. Steel rammer of mass 9 kg, overall length with foot and staff 900 mm.
3. Steel dolley of 100 mm diameter and 25 mm high.
4. Weighing balance of accuracy 1 g.
5. Apparatus for moisture content determination.
6. Palette knife, straight edge, steel rule, etc.
Theory:
Density is defined as weight per unit volume of soil mass in the field.
𝜌𝑏
ρd = (1+𝑤) (g/cm³)
where, ρb = Dry density in g/cm3,
ρb = Bulk density in g/cm3,

w = water content %
Procedure
1. Determine the internal diameter and height of the core cutter.
2. Determine the mass (M1) of the core cutter to the nearest grams.
3. Expose and level the surface of a small area of soil to be tested, about 300 mm square in
area.
4. Place the dolley over the top of the core cutter and press into the soil using the rammer. Stop
the process when about 15 mm of the dolley protrudes above the soil surface.
5. Remove the soil surrounding the core cutter, and take out the core cutter. Some soil would
project from the lower end of the cutter.
6. Remove the dolley and trim the top and bottom surface of the core cutter carefully using a
straight edge.
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7. Weigh the core cutter filled with the soil to the nearest grams (M 2).
8. Remove the soil from the cutter and take a sample for water content determination.
Diagram:
Observations:
SL No. Description Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
1 Internal diameter of core cutter (cm)
2 Height of core cutter (cm)
3 Mass of empty core cutter (M1), g
4 Mass of core cutter + soil (M2), g
5 Mass of wet soil (M3), g
6 Volume of core cutter (V), g
7 Bulk Density of soil (ρb), (M2-M1)/ V
8 Container number
9 Mass of empty container (M4), g
10 Mass of container + wet soil (M5), g
11 Mass of container + dry soil (M6), g
12 Water container (w), [(M5-M6)/(M6-M4)]
13 Dry density, (ρd), [ρb/ (1+w)]
Result:
The Dry density of a soil is = ____________
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Inference:
Core cutter method for determination of dry density is only used on fine-grained cohesive soils which
do not contain stones. Therefore, it is very useful for control of earthworks and subgrade materials
but is not fit for coarse grained soils.
Precautions:
1. While lifting the cutter, no soil should dropdown.
2. Core cutter method of determining the field density of soil is only suitable for fine grained soil
(Silts and clay). That is, core cutter should not be used for gravels, boulders or any hard surface.
This is because collection of undisturbed soil sample from a coarse-grained soil is difficult and
hence the field properties, including unit weight, cannot be maintained in a core sample.
3. Core cutter should be driven into the ground till the steel dolly penetrates into the ground half
way only so as to avoid compaction of the soil in the core.
4. Before lifting the core cutter, soil around the cutter should be removed to minimize the
disturbances.
Viva-Voce:
1. What are the internal dimensions of the core cutter?
2. What is the difference between bulk density and dry density?
3. Which soil is suitable for core cutter method?
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b) DETERMINATION OF FIELD DENSITY BY SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD

[IS:2720 (Part 28)-1975]
Aim: To determine in-situ density of natural soil using Sand replacement method.
Apparatus:
1. Sand – pouring cylinder

2. Calibrating container, 100 mm diameter and 150 mm height
3. Soil cutting and excavating tools, such as scrapper tool, bent spoon
4. Plane surface: Glass or Perspex Plate or Other Plane Surface, 450 mm square, 9 mm thick or
larger
5. Metal container to collect excavated soil
6. Metal tray, 300 mm square and 40 mm deep with a hole of 100 mm in diameter at the center
7. Weighing balance accurate to 1 g.
8. Moisture content cans
9. Oven
Procedure:
1.Materials
Clean, uniform sand passing 1 mm IS sieve and retained on 600 micron IS sieve in sufficient
quantity. It is required to be free from organic substances. The sand should have been dried in an
oven and kept in suitable storage for a period of time to allow its water content to reach equilibrium
with atmospheric humidity.
2.Calibrations
1. Measure the internal dimensions of the calibrating container and then calculate its volume.
2. Fill the sand-pouring cylinder with sand, within about 10 mm of its top. Determine the weight
of the filled cylinder (M1).
3. Place the sand-pouring cylinder vertically on the calibrating container. Open the shutter to
allow the sand run out from the cylinder. When there is no further movement of the sand in
the cylinder, close the shutter.
4. Lift the pouring cylinder from the calibrating container and weigh it to the nearest gram (M 2).
5. Place the sand pouring cylinder on the glass plate. Open the shutter and allow the sand to run
out of the cylinder until no further movement of the sand is noticed (sand fills the cone of
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the cylinder), and then close the shutter and remove the sand pouring cylinder carefully.
6. Take the sand on the glass plate and determine its weight (M 3)
7. Repeat step 3 to step 6 two more times and record mean weight (mean M2 and M3).
Observations:
Table 1 Calibration for Dry Density of Sand
1 Volume of calibrating cone, VC
2 Mass of pouring cylinder (M1), filled with sand
3 Mass of pouring cylinder after pouring sand
into the calibrating container and cone (M2)
4 Mass of sand in the cone (M3)
5 Mass of sand in the calibrating container, MC =
M1- M2- M3
6 Dry density of sand, ρs = MC/VC
3. Determination of Field Density:

1. Expose an area of about 450 mm square on the surface of the soil mass. Trim the surface
down to a level surface using a scrapper tool.
2. Place the metal tray on the levelled surface.
3. Excavate the soil though the central hole of the tray, using the hole in the tray as a pattern.
The depth of the excavated hole should be about 150 mm.
4. Collect all the excavated soil in a metal tray, and determine the mass of the soil (M).
5. Remove the metal tray from the excavated hole.
6. Fill the sand pouring cylinder within 10 mm of its top. Determine its mass (M1).
7. Place the cylinder directly over the excavated hole. Allow the sand to run out the cylinder
by opening the shutter. Close the shutter when the hole is completely filled and no further
movement of sand is observed.
8. Remove the cylinder from the filled hole. Determine the mass of the cylinder (M4).
9. Take a representative sample of the excavated soil. Determine its water content.
10. Determine the dry density of soil as shown in Table 2.
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Table 2 Observations and Calculations for Dry Density Test of Soil

1 Mass of excavated soil (M)
2 Mass of pouring cylinder (M1), filled with sand
3 Mass of pouring cylinder after pouring into the
hole and cone (M4)
4 Mass of sand in the hole, MS=M1– M4- M3
5 Volume of sand in the hole V=Ms/ ρs
6 Bulk density = M/V
7 Container number
11 Water container (w), [(M5-M6)/(M6-M4)]
12 Dry density, (ρd), [ρb/ (1+w)]
Diagram:
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Result:
The Dry density of soil is =_________
Inference:
The in-situ density of natural soil is needed for the determination of bearing capacity of soils, for
the purpose of stability analysis of slopes, for the determination of pressures on underlying strata for
the calculation of settlement.
Precautions:
1. Sand used in this test should be dry.

2. Excavated soil should be collected as the whole.
3. Sample collected for determination of water content should be kept covered.
4. Calibration of cone apparatus should be done before starting the test.
Viva-Voce:
1. Which soil is suitable for Sand replacement method?
2. What is the size of sand used for this test?
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Experiment No-3
DETERMINATION OF PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION BY SIEVE ANALYSIS
[IS: 2720 (Part 4) – 1985]
Aim: To determine the particle size distribution by sieve analysis.

Apparatus:
1. Sieves of sizes: 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 µ, 300 µ, 150 µ, 75 µ and pan
2. Oven
3. Trays, sieve brush
4. Mechanical sieve shaker
Theory:
The grain size analysis is widely used in classification of soils. The method is applicable to dry soil
passing through 4.75 mm size sieve less than 10 % passing through 75-micron sieve.
• Percentage retained on any sieve = (weight of soil retained / total weight) x 100
• Cumulative percentage retained = sum of percentages retained on any sieve on all coarser
sieves
• Percentage finer than any sieve = 100 percent minus cumulative size
Cu = Coefficient of Uniformity
Cc = Coefficient of Curvature
D60= Diameter of soil at 60% finer
Procedure:
1. Take a representative sample of soil received from the field and dry it in the oven.
2. Use a known mass of dried soil with all the grains properly separated out. The maximum
mass of soil taken for analysis may not exceed 500 g.
3. Prepare a stack of sieves. Set the sieves one over the other with an ascending order (sieves
having larger opening sizes i.e., lower numbers are placed above the one with smaller
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opening sizes i.e., smaller numbers).

4. A pan is attached to the lowest 75 µ sieve to collect the portions passing and fit the nest to a
mechanical shaker.
5. Make sure sieves are clean. If many soil particles are stuck in the openings try to poke them
out using brush.
6. The whole nest of sieves is given a horizontal shaking for 10 min in sieve shaker till the soil
retained on each reaches a constant value.
7. Determine mass of soil retained on each sieve including that collected in the pan placed
below.
Diagram:
Observations and calculations:
Sieve Mass of Mass of Mass of % Soil Cumulative % Finer = 100

size sieve sieve + soil soil retained % soil – Cumulative
(mm) M1 (g) retained Retained retained % soil retained
M2 (g) (M2-M1) (g)
4.75
2.36
1.18
0.60
0.30
0.150
0.075
Pan
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Graph:
A grain size distribution curve is analyzed by using different particle sizes: D 60, D30, and D10. The
curve is the graph plotted between the percentage finer in y-axis to the particle size in x-axis in
logarithmic scale.
Grain size distribution curve

Result:
Cu = _______
Cc = _______
The given type of soil is _________
Inference / Comments:
Primary classification:
If more than 50% soil retains on 75 µ sieve, then it is “coarse grained soil”
If more than 50% soil passes through 75 µ sieve, then it is “fine grained soil”
Cu > 4 & Cc = 1 to 3 } Well graded Gravel (GW)

Cu not greater than 4 & Cc < 1 and Cc > 3 } Poorly graded Gravel (GP)
Cu > 6 & Cc = 1 to 3 } Well graded Sand (SW)

Cu not greater than 6 & Cc < 1 and Cc > 3 } Poorly graded Sand (SP)
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Precautions:
• Clean the sieves set so that no soil particles were struck in them.
• While weighing put the sieve with soil sample on the balance in a concentric position.
• Check the electric connection of the sieve shaker before conducting the test.
• No particle of soil sample shall be pushed through the sieves.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is Cu and Cc ?
2. What is fine-grained and coarse-grained soil?
3. What is poorly graded gravel?
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EXPERIMENT NO-4
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
[IS: 2720 (Part 4) – 1985]
A) Determination of specific gravity of coarse-grained soil by Pycnometer
Aim: To determine the specific gravity of soil solids by Pycnometer.

Apparatus:
1. Pycnometer of about 1 litre capacity
2. Weighing Balance
3. Glass rod and Water
Theory:
Specific gravity of soil solids is defined as the weight of soil solids to weight of equal volume of
water.
𝑀2−𝑀1
G=
(M2−M1)−(M3−M4)
where,
M1 = Mass of Pycnometer (g)
M2= Mass of Pycnometer + dry soil (g)
M3= Mass of Pycnometer + soil+ water (g)
M4= Mass of Pycnometer + water (g)
Procedure:
1. Clean and dry the pycnometer and weigh it along with the conical cap (M1)
2. Select about 300 gm of dry soil free of clods and put the same into the pycnometer. Weigh
it (M2) with cap and washer.
3. Fill the pycnometer with de-aired water up-to half its height and stir the mix with a glass
rod. Add more water and stir it. Fit the screw cap and fill the pycnometer flush with the
hole in the conical cap and take the weight (M3).
4. Remove all the contents from the pycnometer, clean it thoroughly and fill it with distilled
water. Weigh it (M4)
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Diagram:

Particulars Trial 1 (G1) Trial 2 (G2) Trial 3 (G3)
Mass of Pycnometer (M1), g
Mass of Pycnometer + dry soil (M2), g
Mass of Pycnometer + soil + water (M3), g
Mass of Pycnometer + water (M4), g
𝑀2−𝑀1
Specific gravity, G = (M2−M1)−(M3−M4)
Average G = (G1+G2+G3)/3
Result:
The specific gravity of a given soil is _________
Inference:
The specific gravity of soil particles will come within the range of 2.65 and 2.85. If the soils consist
of porous and organic materials, a specific gravity value of less than 2 will be obtained. A specific
gravity value greater than 3 will be shown by soils that have heavy substances.
Precautions:
1. Hold the Pycnometer carefully as it is made of glass.
2. No air should be entrapped above or at the tip of pycnometer.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is specific gravity?
2. Which soil is suitable for pycnometer method?
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B) Determination of specific gravity of fine-grained soil by Density bottle
Aim: To determine the specific gravity of soil solids by Density bottle.

Apparatus:
1. Density bottle of 50 ml capacity with stopper
2. Digital balance of accuracy 0.001g
3. Water bottle
Theory:
Specific gravity of soil solids is defined as the weight of soil solids to weight of equal volume of
water.
𝑀2−𝑀1
G=
(M2−M1)−(M3−M4)
where,
M1 = Mass of Density bottle (g)
M2= Mass of Density bottle + dry soil (g)
M3= Mass of Density bottle + soil+ water (g)
M4= Mass of Density bottle + water (g)
Procedure:
1. Clean and dry the density bottle and weigh it along with the stopper (M1).
2. Select about 10 to 20 gm of dry soil free of clods passing through 75 µ and put the same
into the density bottle and weigh it (M2).
3. Fill the density bottle with de-aired water up-to half its neck. Add more water and stir it.
Place the stopper on the top of density bottle and take the weight (M3).
4. Remove all the contents from the density bottle, clean it thoroughly, fill it with distilled
water and weigh it (M4).
Diagram:
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS

Particulars Trial 1 (G1) Trial 2 (G2) Trial 3 (G3)
Mass of Density bottle (M1), g
Mass of Density bottle + dry soil (M2), g
Mass of Density bottle + soil + water (M3), g
Mass of Density bottle + water (M4), g
𝑀2−𝑀1
Specific gravity, G = (
M2−M1)−(M3−M4)
Average G = (G1+G2+G3)/3
Result:
The specific gravity of a given soil is _________
Inference/ Comments:
The specific gravity of soil particles will come within the range of 2.65 and 2.85. If the soils consist
of porous and organic materials, a specific gravity value of less than 2 will be obtained. A specific
gravity value greater than 3 will be shown by soils that have heavy substances.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is specific gravity?
2. Which soil is suitable for density bottle method?
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
26
SREYAS
EXPERIMENT NO-5
(a) DETERMINATION OF PERMEABILITY OF THE SOIL BY CONSTANT- HEAD
METHOD
[IS:2720 Part 17- (1986)]
Aim: To determine the permeability of soil by constant-head method.

Apparatus:
1. Permeameter mould, internal diameter = 100 mm, effective height =127.3 mm, capacity
= 1000 ml.
2. Detachable collar, 100 mm diameter, 60 mm height
3. Dummy plate, 108 mm diameter, 12 mm thick
4. Drainage base, having porous disc
5. Drainage cap having porous disc with a spring attached to the top
6. Constant head water supply reservoir
7. Vacuum pump
8. Constant head collecting chamber
9. Stop watch
10. Weighing balance accuracy 0.1g
11. Filter paper.
Theory:
The coefficient of permeability, k is defined as the rate of flow of water under laminar flow
conditions through a porous medium area of unit cross section under unit hydraulic gradient. The
coefficient of permeability (k) is obtained from the relation
where,
k = coefficient of permeability (cm/sec)
Q = volume of water collected in time t (cm3/sec)
h = head causing flow (cm)
A = cross sectional area of sample (cm)
L = length of sample (cm)
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
Procedure:
1. Select a representative soil mass of about 2.5 kg properly mixed.
2. Fill the soil into the mould and compact it to the required dry density by making use of
a suitable compacting device.
3. Set the assembly as shown in figure after saturating the porous stones.
4. The water supply is properly adjusted to maintain constant head.
5. Open the valve and saturate the sample by allowing water to flow through for a
sufficiently long time to remove all air-bubbles.
6. When the whole setup is ready for the test, open the valve, allow the water to flow
through the sample collect water in a graduated jar starting simultaneously a stopwatch.
Note the time to collect a certain quantity of water Q.
7. Repeat the test three times and determine the average of Q for the same time interval t.
8. Measure the head h, length of sample L, and calculate the cross-sectional area A of the
sample.
9. Calculate k by making use of equation
Diagram:
Constant head Permeameter
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
Observation & Calculations:

Length of Soil sample, L = __________
Diameter of Soil sample, D = __________
Area of soil sample, A = __________
Volume of Head over the

SL
water Time, t q=V/t sample, H (cm) k = (qL)/(AH)
No. collected, V (sec) (cm/sec)
(cc)
1 20
2 2
3 20
Result:
Coefficient of Permeability of soil k = _________ cm/sec
Inference:
The table below gives rough values of the coefficient of permeability of various soils:
Type of soil Value of permeability (cm/sec)

Gravel 103 to 1.0
Sand 1.0 to 10-3
Silt 10-3 to 10-6
Clay less than 10-3
Precautions:
1. All possible leakage of joints must be eliminated.
2. Porous stones must be saturated before being put to use.
3. Soil sample must be carefully saturated before taking the observations.
4. Use of high heads, which result in turbulent flows, should be avoided.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is Permeability?
2. Which soil is suitable for constant head permeability method?
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
29
SREYAS
(b) FALLING HEAD PERMEABILITY TEST FOR FINE GRAINED SOILS
[IS 2720-17 (1986)]
Aim: To determine the coefficient of permeability of a given soil sample by Variable head
permeability test.
Apparatus:
All the accessories are the same as the constant head test and the following:
1. Graduated glass stands pipe and the clamp
2. Supporting frame for the stand pipe and the clamp
Theory:
Falling/Variable head permeability test is one of several techniques by which the permeability of
soil is determined. It is used to evaluate the permeability of fairly less previous soil. Permeability
is the measure of the ability of soil to allow water to flow its pores or voids.
Procedure:
1. Connect the specimen to the selected stand-pipe through the top inlet.
2. Open the bottom outlet and record the time interval required for the water level to fall from
a known initial head to a known final head as measured above the center of the outlet.
3. Refill the stand-pipe with water and repeat the test till three successive observations give
nearly same time interval; the time intervals being recorded for the drop in head from the
same initial to final values, as in the first determination.
4. Alternatively, after selecting the suitable initial and final heads, h1, and h2, respectively,
observe the time intervals for the head to fall from h 1 to (h1*h2)^0.5, and similarly from
(h1*h2)^0.5 to h2.
5. The time intervals should be the same; otherwise, the observation shall be repeated after
refilling the stand-pipe.
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
Diagram:
Falling head permeameter

Observation & Calculations:
Area of stand pipe, a (cm2) =
Length of soil specimen, L (cm) =
Cross sectional area of soil specimen, A (cm2) =
Initial Time 𝟐.𝟑𝟎𝟑∗𝒂𝑳∗ (𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟏𝟎 (𝐡𝟏/𝐡𝟐))
Final head, k=
SL No. head, h1 interval, t 𝑨∗𝒕
h2 (cm)
(cm) (sec) (cm/sec)
1
2
3
Result:
Coefficient of Permeability of soil (k) =_______________cm/sec
Inference:
The falling head method of determining permeability is used for soil with low discharge, whereas
the constant head permeability test is used for coarse-grained soils with a reasonable discharge in
a given time.
Viva-Voce:
1. Which soil is suitable for falling head permeability method?
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
EXPERIMENT NO-6
STANDARD PROCTOR’S COMPACTION TEST
[IS: 2720 Part 2 - (1980)]
Aim: To determine the moisture content and dry density of a soil for a specified compactive effort.
Apparatus:
1. Compaction mould, capacity 1000 ml
2. Rammer, mass 2.6 kg
3. Detachable base plate
4. Collar, 60 mm high
5. 4.75 mm IS sieve
6. Oven
7. Weighing balance, accuracy 1g
8. Large mixing pan or tray
9. Straight edge
10. Spatula
11. Graduated jar, Mixing tools, spoons, trowels, etc.
Theory:
Compaction is the process of densification of soil by reducing air voids. The degree of compaction
of a given soil is measured in terms of its dry density. The dry density is maximum at the optimum
water content. A curve is drawn between the water content and the dry density to obtain the
maximum dry density and the optimum water content.
Dry density of soil (ρ) = M/V
M = Mass of soil (g)
V = Volume of mould (cm3)
Procedure:
1. Take about 2.5 kg of air-dried soil retained on 4.75 mm sieve.
2. Clean and dry the mould and the base plate. Grease them lightly.
3. Weigh the mould with the base plate to the nearest 1 gram.
4. Add water to it to bring the water content to about 4% if the soil is sandy and to about 8%
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
if the soil is clayey.

5. Attach the collar to the mould. Place the mould on a solid base.
6. Divide the entire soil into approximately 3 equal parts. Take about one-third the quantity
first, place the soil in mould and compact it by giving 25 blows of the rammer. The blows
should be uniformly distributed over the surface of each layer.
7. The top surface of the first layer be scratched with spatula before placing the second layer.
The second layer should also be compacted by 25 blows of rammer. Likewise, place the
third layer and compact it.
8. The amount of the soil used should be just sufficient to fill the mould and leaving about 5
mm above the top of the mould to be struck off when the collar is removed.
9. Remove the collar and trim off the excess soil projecting above the mould using a straight
edge.
10. Clean the base plate and the mould from outside. Weigh it to the nearest gram.
11. Remove the soil from the mould. The soil may also be ejected out.
12. Take the soil samples for the water content determination from the top, middle and bottom
portions. Determine the water content.
13. Add about 3% of the water to a fresh portion of the processed soil, and repeat the steps 10
to 14.
Diagram:
Compaction mould Rammer
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS

Diameter of the mould = ______
Height of mould =________
Volume of the mould=___________
SL
Description
No.
1 Mass of empty mould with base plate, M1 (g)
2 Mass of mould, compacted soil and base plate, M2 (g)
3 Mass of compacted soil, M = M2 - M1 (g)
4 Volume of mould, V (cc)
5 Bulk Density, ρb = M/V (g/cc)
6 Container number
10 Water container (w), [(M4-M5)/(M5-M3)] (%)
11 Dry density, (ρd), [ρb/ (1+w)] (g/cc)
Graph:
Compaction Curve
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
Result:
From plot
1. Maximum dry density = ____________ g/cc
2. Optimum water content =___________ %
Inference:
The optimum moisture content and Maximum dry density values are used when placing soil as
fill material to reduce the susceptibility to settlement.
Precautions:
• Aggregates of particles was broken down. After optimum moisture content no more dry
density tends to increase.
• Brush should be used so that the particles on the mould do not get added to the weight
taking process.
• Grease should be applied properly and completely so that particles don’t stick.
• Hand gloves and safety shoes while compacting should be worn.
• Adequate period should be allowed after mixing the water and before compacting into the
mould.
• The blows must be uniformly distributed over the surface of each layer in order to have
best results.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is the difference between Standard Proctor and Modified Proctor tests?
2. What is Zero Air Void line?
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
35
SREYAS
EXPERIMENT NO-7
DIRECT SHEAR TEST
Aim: To determine the shear strength of the given soil.
Apparatus:
1. Shear box
2. Base plate with cross groves on its top
3. Porous stones (2 Nos)
4. Plain Grid plates (2Nos)
5. Perforated grid plates (2Nos)
6. Loading pad with steel ball
7. Digital weighing machine
8. Loading frame with loading yoke
9. Proving ring
10. Dial gauges (2 Nos)
11. Weights, Tampering Rod, Spatula, Rammer
Theory:
Shear strength of a soil is its maximum resistance to shearing stresses. The shear strength is
expressed as
where, c = cohesion (kPa)

σ = Normal stress (kPa)
ϕ = Angle of shearing resistance (o)
Procedure:
1. Collect the soil specimen which is either undisturbed or remoulded. The sample should be
taken using sampler and Rammer. If cohesionless soil is taken then sampler and rammer
are not required.
2. The inner dimensions of sampler should be 60 mm x 60 mm in plan which are also the
inner dimensions of shear box. The thickness of box is about 50 mm while the thickness of
sample should be 25 mm.
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
3. Now attach the two halves of the shear box with locking pins and place the base plate at
the bottom.
4. Above the base plate, place the porous stone and above it place the grid plate. Plain grid
plates are used for undrained conditions while perforated grid plates are used for drained
conditions
5. Now we have base plate, porous stone and grid plate in the shear box.
6. After that place the soil specimen above the grid plate. Undisturbed sample is directly
transferred to shear box. If sandy soil is using, place it layers wise and tamper each layer
to get the required density.
7. Above the soil specimen, place the upper grid plate, porous stone and loading pad one
above the other.
8. Now the whole box is placed in a container and mounted on the loading frame.
9. Proving ring is arranged in such a way that it should contact the upper half of the shear
box.
10. Loading yoke is placed on the steel ball of loading pad of shear box.
11. Two dial gauges are fitted one to the container for measuring shear displacement and other
one is to the loading yoke for measuring vertical displacement.
12. Now locking pins are removed from the shear box and spacing screws are placed in their
respective positions of the box.
13. Now apply the normal stress which is generally 0.5 kg/cm2. Also apply the shear load at a
constant rate of strain.
14. Now the box starts reacting to loads applied and for every 30 seconds note down the
readings of proving ring and dial gauges.
15. If the proving ring reaches maximum and suddenly drops it, means the specimen is failed.
Note down the maximum value which is nothing but failure stress.
16. Finally remove the box and Repeat the same procedure for different normal stresses of
0.5,1 and 1.5 kg/cm2.
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
Diagram:

• Size of the box =
• Area of the box =
• Thickness of specimen =
• Volume of specimen =
• Maximum dry density of soil =
• Optimum moisture content of soil =
• Mass of soil = Density of soil * Volume of specimen
=
• Volume of water to be added =
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
Horizontal dial Proving ring reading under normal stress (kg/cm2)

gauge reading 0.5 1.0 1.5
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
.
.
Normal stress Proving ring reading Shear stress at failure

(kg/cm2) at failure (x) 𝒙 ∗ 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕
𝟑𝟔
0.5
1.0
1.5
Graph:
Shear stress (kg/cm )
2
2
Normal stress (kg/cm )
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
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SREYAS
Result:
The shear strength parameters of a given soil is c = _______ and ϕ = _________.
Inference:
Cohesion and Angle of internal friction values are used in the calculation of shear strength, bearing
capacity of soil. These values are also used in the case of stability of slopes.
Viva-Voce:
1. What is the significance of shear strength parameters?
2. What do you mean by shear strength?
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
40
SREYAS
EXPERIMENT No-8
FREE SWELL INDEX
[IS : 2720 ( Part 40) – 1977]
Aim: To determine the free swell index of a given soil.
Apparatus:
1. 425 µ IS sieve
2. Weighing balance
3. 2 – 100 ml measuring jars
4. Kerosene and water
Theory:
Free swell index is defined as the increase in volume of soil without any external constraint when
subjected to submergence in water.
𝑉𝑑−𝑉𝑘
Free Swell Index (%) = ∗ 100
𝑉𝑘
Where, Vd = Volume of soil in measuring jar containing distilled water

Vk = Volume of soil in measuring jar containing kerosene
Procedure:
1. 20 g of black cotton soil passing through 425 µ IS sieve is taken.
2. Pour 10 g of soil in each measuring jar.
3. Pour distilled water in one and kerosene in other jar upto 100 ml mark.
4. Entrapped air is removed by gentle shaking or stirring with a glass rod.
5. Measuring jars are allowed for suspension to attain the state of equilibrium (for 24 hours).
6. Final volume of soil in each of the cylinder is noted after 24 hours.
Observations:
Particulars Free swell index (%)
Volume of soil in water
Volume of soil in kerosene
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
41
SREYAS
Diagram:
Result:
The free swell index of a given soil is __________
Inference/ Comments:
The given soil is _______________ as the free swell index is ________
Viva-Voce:
1. Why kerosene is used in this test?
2. Which soil has the higher degree of swelling?
B. DIVYA JYOTHI
42

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SREYAS

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

1. A mechanical liquid limit apparatus (Casagrande type) with grooving tool

Casagrande grooving tool

Observations & Calculations:

Mass of container + dry soil (M3)

Water content (w) = ((M2-M3)/(M3-M1)) *100

Average Water content, w = (w1+w2+w3+w4) / 4

Flow index, If = (w1-w2)/ log10(N2/N1)

Liquid Limit Graph

From the graph drawn, Liquid Limit = __________%

(b) DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT OF SOIL

Observations & Calculations:

Average water content, w = (w1+w2+w3+w4)/4

Equation of A-Line: IP = 0.73(WL-20)

Plasticity Index Description

(c) DETERMINATION OF SHRINKAGE LIMIT OF SOIL

Observations and Calculations:

1 Mass of empty mercury dish, M1

The shrinkage limit Ws = ____________

Aim: To determine the field density of soil by Core cutter method.

where, ρb = Dry density in g/cm3,

ρb = Bulk density in g/cm3,

The Dry density of a soil is = ____________

b) DETERMINATION OF FIELD DENSITY BY SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD

1. Sand – pouring cylinder

3. Determination of Field Density:

Table 2 Observations and Calculations for Dry Density Test of Soil

1. Sand used in this test should be dry.

Aim: To determine the particle size distribution by sieve analysis.

opening sizes i.e., smaller numbers).

Observations and calculations:

Sieve Mass of Mass of Mass of % Soil Cumulative % Finer = 100

Grain size distribution curve

Cu > 4 & Cc = 1 to 3 } Well graded Gravel (GW)

Cu > 6 & Cc = 1 to 3 } Well graded Sand (SW)

Aim: To determine the specific gravity of soil solids by Pycnometer.

Observations and calculations:

B) Determination of specific gravity of fine-grained soil by Density bottle

Aim: To determine the specific gravity of soil solids by Density bottle.

Observations and calculations:

Aim: To determine the permeability of soil by constant-head method.

Constant head Permeameter

Observation & Calculations:

Volume of Head over the

Type of soil Value of permeability (cm/sec)

(b) FALLING HEAD PERMEABILITY TEST FOR FINE GRAINED SOILS

[IS 2720-17 (1986)]

Falling head permeameter

if the soil is clayey.

Compaction mould Rammer

Observations and Calculations:

where, c = cohesion (kPa)

Observations and Calculations:

Horizontal dial Proving ring reading under normal stress (kg/cm2)

Normal stress Proving ring reading Shear stress at failure

Where, Vd = Volume of soil in measuring jar containing distilled water

Volume of soil in water

Volume of soil in kerosene

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