UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA

College of Engineering and Architecture

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CIEN4130 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 1 (SOIL MECHANICS)

RUBRICS FOR LABORATORY REPORT
GROUP NUMBER : 4
GROUP MEMBERS : BAYRAN, JUSTINE
DONOSO, GYDON
RAMOS, RALPH ROLDAN
QUITORIO, HANNA

COURSE CODE : CEE 4130

SCHEDULE : F 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

1. GENERAL ( / 9)
❖ Format 0 1 2 3 4
❖ Over-all presentation of report 0 1 2 3 4 5

2. OBJECTIVES ( / 3)
❖ Objectives were clearly stated including the 0 1 2 3
theory and literature

3. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP ( / 3)
❖ Laboratory set-up was drawn properly (if no 0 1 2 3
set-up, materials were properly specified)

4. METHODOLOGY ( / 3)
❖ Methodology was written in a concise form 0 1 2 3

5. DATA AND RESULTS ( / 9)

❖ Raw data were complete 0 1 2 3 4
❖ Results were discussed properly 0 1 2 3 4 5
Computations were shown (if any)

6. CONCLUSIONS ( / 9)
❖ Ideas are highly logical 0 1 2 3 4 5
❖ Rely on data analysis in drawing conclusion 0 1 2 3 4

6. RECOMMENDATIONS ( / 4)
❖ Uses data to support recommendation 0 1 2 3 4

TOTAL POINTS / 40

Checked By:

ANGELITO JR A. MACALINAO .
Laboratory Instructor
 UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM LAGUNA
College of Engineering and Architecture
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

CIEN3111 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 1 (SOIL MECHANICS)

LABORATORY EXPERIMENT NO. 3

PLASTIC LIMIT TEST

DATE PERFORMED: NOVEMBER 17, 2023

DATE SUBMITTED: NOVEMBER 19, 2023

SUBMITTED BY:

BAYRAN, JUSTINE

17-1018-243/E4C

DONOSO, GYDON

16-2203-415/E4C

RAMOS, RALPH ROLDAN

17-0115-383/E4C

QUITORIO, HANNA

20-1512-580/E4C

SUBMITTED TO:
GRADE

ENGR. ANGELITO JR. A. MACALINAO

Laboratory Instructor
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

II. OBJECTIVES

III. THEORY AND LITERATURE

IV. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP

V. METHODOLOGY

VI. DATA AND RESULTS

VII. CONCLUSIONS

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS

IX. REFERENCES

ANNEXES:
ANNEX 1 : PLASTIC LIMIT DETERMINATION DATA SHEET

ANNEX 2 : PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

 I. INTRODUCTION
Soil characteristics hold significant importance in the field of
geotechnical engineering, providing essential insights into various
aspects of soil behavior. These include, but are not limited to,
parameters like moisture content, specific gravity, plasticity, grain size
analysis, strength properties, compressibility, and bearing capacity.1
The behavior and response of soils are influenced by their granular
composition and intrinsic characteristics, including non-linearity, non-
elasticity, porosity, and permeability.2 Grasping these characteristics
is crucial for precise forecasting and planning of civil engineering
structures, as they play a significant role in determining the stability
and effectiveness of foundations.3
The plastic limit test is significant for establishing the highest
load level that a structure can sustain without initiating a kinematic
mechanism.4 It is utilized for evaluating the ranges of strain and the
accumulated strains induced by cyclic loading, forming a foundation
for assessing the service life.5
The plastic limit denotes the maximum applied load that a
structure can withstand without initiating a kinematic mechanism. It is
ascertained through the application of the simplified theory of plastic
zones (STPZ), which incorporates considerations of strain ranges and
accumulated strains during the state of shakedown under cyclic
loading. Employing the STPZ necessitates accounting for kinematic
hardening and typically involves one to three linear elastic analyses
along with specific local calculations to determine the plastic limit load.
These analyses yield either the precise value or a reasonable
estimation of the plastic limit load, accompanied by the corresponding

1
Ashish, Pawar., Vaibhava, Singh. (2022). Geotechnical Site Characterization-A Review. Journal of Geotechnical studies, 7(2):1-4. doi:
10.46610/jogs.2022.v07i02.001
2
J., Carlos, Santamarina., Junghee, Park., M., Terzariol., Alejandro, Cardona., Gloria, M., Castro., Wonjun, Cha., Adrian, Garcia., Farizal,
Hakiki., Chuangxin, Lyu., Marisol, Salva., Yuanjie, Shen., Zhonghao, Sun., Song-Hun, Chong. (2019). Soil Properties: Physics Inspired, Data
Driven. 67-91. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-06249-1_3
3
Ning, Lu. (2019). Linking Soil Water Adsorption to Geotechnical Engineering Properties. 93-139. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-06249-1_4
4
Hartwig, Hübel. (2021). Plastic Limit Analysis Using the Simplified Theory of Plastic Zones. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology-
transactions of The Asme, 143(2) doi: 10.1115/1.4049643
5
Stuart, K., Haigh., Paul, J, Vardanega., Malcolm, D., Bolton. (2013). The plastic limit of clays. Geotechnique, 63(6):435-440. doi:
10.1680/GEOT.11.P.123
 stress and strain fields and displacements, aspects not encompassed
by traditional limit analysis.6
The examination of the plastic limit extends to the realm of
deformable solids and structures, where the determination of the limit
load relies on energy considerations and plasticity assumptions. The
load-carrying capacity of the system is deemed to be influenced by the
deforming geometry.7 In the field of geotechnical engineering, the
plastic limit of soils is ascertained through assessments like the thread-
rolling test, which gauges the undrained shear strength of soils when
they reach the plastic limit.8

II. OBJECTIVES
This laboratory is performed to determine the plastic of a fine-grained
soil. The plastic limit (PL) is the water content, in percent, at which a
soil can no longer be deformed by a rolling into 3.2mm (1/8 inches)
diameter threads without crumbling.

III. THEORY AND LITERATURE

Casagrande’s Plastic Limit Concept
Casagrande's Plastic Limit concept pertains to an approach
utilized for assessing the plastic limit of fine-grained soils. The plastic
limit, a crucial soil property connected to its behavior and other
characteristics, is determined through Casagrande's method. This
technique involves the gradual reduction of soil moisture content while
rolling a thread of soil between the fingers until it crumbles. Although
widely employed, Casagrande's method is susceptible to operator
judgment, potentially leading to inconsistent or unreliable results.9
Other techniques, like the fall cone test, can also be employed to
ascertain the plastic limit. This method presents advantages over the

6
Hartwig, Hübel. (2021). Plastic Limit Analysis Using the Simplified Theory of Plastic Zones. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology-
transactions of The Asme, 143(2) doi: 10.1115/1.4049643
7
Evgeny, Lomakin., Evgeny, Lomakin., B., N., Fedulov. (2021). Limit plastic state of notched solids with properties dependent on the type of
external forces. Procedia structural integrity, 33:809-817. doi: 10.1016/J.PROSTR.2021.10.090
8
Ioannis, Doltsinis. (2017). Plastic Limit of Structures and Energy Principles. Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 24(1):165-
187. doi: 10.1007/S11831-015-9162-Z
9
Fawad, S., Niazi., Aránzazu, Piñán-Llamas., Bilal, Sulaman. (2022). Revisiting the Liquid Limit Determinations Using Casagrande
Percussion Cup Method vs. Fall Cone Device. doi: 10.1061/9780784484036.016
 Casagrande approach, including its simplicity, diminished reliance on
the operator, and the capability to determine the liquid limit for soils
with low plasticity.10 Machine learning methods have been applied to
establish a correlation between the liquid limit derived from both
Casagrande's method and the fall cone test, demonstrating elevated
precision and robust performance metrics.11
The theoretical foundation of the plastic limit concept relies on
energy arguments, the virtual work principle, and Drucker's postulate
on plasticity.12 For deformable solids and structures, the capacity to
bear loads is impacted by the changing shape or deformation of the
system.13 Atterberg initially defined the plastic limit for soils, and it is
assessed using methods like the thread-rolling test. A paper outlines
a dependable apparatus for measuring the plastic limit of soils,
offering a reliable means of measurement.
Overview and Variations on plastic limit in soil
Numerous investigations have centered on the plastic limit in
soil. O'Kelly conducts an exhaustive examination of recent research
pertaining to soil consistency limits, encompassing evaluations such
as the liquid limit and plastic limit tests.14 Firincioglu and Bilsel suggest
a model that combines different soil characteristics to describe the
plasticity potential of soils, emphasizing the necessity for
improvements in the practical implementation of the plasticity index.15
Abdurakhmanov investigates the utilization of plastic waste as a
reinforcing material in soils. The study reveals that incorporating
plastic strips enhances shear strength; however, it does not result in
a substantial improvement in the California bearing ratio (CBR)
value.16 Verma and Kumar explore the determinants impacting the

10
Esteban, Díaz., J., L., Pastor., Álvaro, Rabat., Roberto, Tomás. (2021). Machine learning techniques for relating liquid limit obtained by
Casagrande cup and fall cone test in low-medium plasticity fine grained soils. Engineering Geology, 294:106381-. doi:
10.1016/J.ENGGEO.2021.106381
11
Preksha, Jain., Jennie, Gandhi., Sudhir, Trivedi., Rajesh, Prasad, Shukla. (2021). Comparison Between Casagrande Method and Cone
Penetrometer Method for Determination of Liquid Limit of Soil. 39-48. doi: 10.1007/978-981-33-6346-5_4
12
Hartwig, Hübel. (2021). Plastic Limit Analysis Using the Simplified Theory of Plastic Zones. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology-
transactions of The Asme, 143(2) doi: 10.1115/1.4049643
13
Lee, Byung, Suk., Lee, Jae, Yeol. (2018). Plastic limit measuring device.
14
(2023). Engineering Characteristics of Soils Reinforced with Shredded Plastic Waste. International journal of mechanical and civil
engineering, 6(1):17-25. doi: 10.52589/ijmce-hbq3bmwy
15
Bekir, Salih, Firincioglu., Huriye, Bilsel. (2023). Unified Plasticity Potential of Soils. Applied Sciences, 13(13):7889-7889. doi:
10.3390/app13137889
16
J., K., Abdurakhmanov. (2022). Soil Stabilization Using Waste Plastic. 289-297. doi: 10.1007/978-981-16-9921-4_21
 liquid and plastic limits of blends comprising fine-grained soils. Their
study reveals that the predominant factors governing these limits are
the clay content, with particle size exerting a minor influence.17

IV. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP

APPARATUS

Set-up of Apparatus

Figure 4.1 Weighing Scale Figure 4.2 Weighing pans

Figure 4.3 Bowls and Spatula Figure 4.4 Glass Plates

17
Brendan, C., O'Kelly. (2021). Review of Recent Developments and Understanding of Atterberg Limits Determinations. 1(1):59-75. doi:
10.3390/GEOTECHNICS1010004
V. METHODOLOGY

FLOWCHART

Weighing and Recording Empty

1. Cans

2. Prepare Soil Samples

Roll Soil Samples into

3. Thread

Kneading and Reforming Soil

4. Samples

Place Soil Sample into

5.
Can and Record Mass

Repeating Steps 3-5 Multiples

6. Times and Determining Water
Content

1) Weigh the remaining empty moisture cans with their lids and
record the respective weights and can numbers on the data
sheet.
2) Take the remaining ¼ of the original soil sample and add
distilled water until the soils at consistency where it can be
rolled without sticking to the hands.
3) Form the soil into an ellipsoidal mass. Roll the mass between
the palm or the fingers and the glass plate. Use sufficient
pressure to roll the mass into a thread of uniform diameter by
using about 90 strokes per minute. A stroke is one complete
motion of the hand forward and back to the starting position.
The thread shall be deformed so that its diameter reaches
3.2mm (1/8 in) taking no more than two minutes.
 4) When the diameter of the thread reaches the correct diameter,
break the thread into several pieces. Knead and reform the
pieces into ellipsoidal masses and re-roll them.
5) Gather the portions of the crumbled thread together and place
the soil into a moisture can, then cover it. If the can does not
contain at least 6 grams of soil, add soil to the can from the
next trial (See step 6). Immediately weigh the moisture can
containing the soil, record its mass, remove the lid, and place
the can into the oven. Leave the moisture can in the oven for
at least 16 hours.
6) Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 at least two more times. Determine
the water content from each trial by using the same method
used in the first laboratory. Remember to use same balance
for all weighing.

VI. DATA AND RESULTS

In this section, the results and calculations of the laboratory experiment
conducted are provided.
Table 6.1 Results for Plastic Limit Test
ITEM TEST NO.
1 2 3
Can No. 1 2 3
Mass of Can, W1 (g) 11 11 14
Mass of Can + Moist Soil, W2 (g) 20 21 21
Mass of Can + Dry Soil, W3 (g) 18 18 18
Mass of Water, W4 (g) 2 3 3
Mass of Soil Solids, W5 (g) 7 7 4
Moisture Content, w (%) 28.571% 42.857% 75.00%
Average Plastic Limit, PL (%) 48.809%

CALCULATIONS:
Table 6.2 Mass of Water, W4 (g)
Test No.
1 2 3
W4 = 20 – 18 = 2 W4 = 21 – 18 = 3 W4 = 21 – 18 = 3
 Table 6.3 Mass of Soil Solids W5 (g)
Test No.
1 2 3
W5 = 18 – 11 = 7 W5 = 18 – 11 = 7 W5 = 18 – 14 = 4

Table 6.3 Moisture Content (w)

Test No.
1 2 3
𝟐 𝟑 𝟑
w = (100) = 28.571% w = (100) = 42.857% w = (100) = 75.000%
𝟕 𝟕 𝟒

AVERAGE PLASTIC LIMIT, PL

𝟐𝟖. 𝟓𝟕𝟏 + 𝟒𝟐. 𝟖𝟓𝟕 + 𝟕𝟓. 𝟎𝟎𝟎

𝑷𝑳 = = 𝟒𝟖. 𝟖𝟎𝟗%
𝟑

VII. CONCLUSIONS
Following the completion of the experiment, it becomes
evident that the plastic limit holds a crucial role in the realm of
geotechnical engineering. This parameter serves as a key indicator
for assessing the consistency characteristics of fine-grained soils,
offering valuable insights into their engineering properties, including
compressibility and shear strength. While the plastic limit test is a
commonly employed method to quantify this parameter, concerns
have been raised regarding its accuracy, repeatability, and
reproducibility. In response to these challenges, alternative
approaches have been suggested, such as utilizing strength-based
fall cone-derived parameters to establish correlations between shear
strength variations and water content.
Moreover, the plastic limit plays a significant role in soil
classification systems, such as the Casagrande chart, contributing to
the categorization of fine-grained soils based on their plasticity. This
multifaceted importance underscores the need for a nuanced
understanding of the plastic limit, not only for comprehending the
behavior of fine-grained soils but also for the purpose of designing
robust geotechnical structures. The experiment sheds light on the
 critical role that the plastic limit plays in these aspects, emphasizing
its relevance and impact in geotechnical engineering practices.

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS
After conducting the experiment, it's evident that the plastic
limit in geotechnical engineering holds significant implications for
future research. The commonly used thread-rolling test has faced
criticism due to issues with accuracy, repeatability, and
reproducibility. In response to these concerns, alternative methods
have been suggested, such as utilizing bending soil threads to
calculate the plastic limit based on water content and bending
deformations. Another proposed alternative involves indirectly
determining the plastic limit by establishing a correlation between the
liquidity index and water content ratio. These alternative approaches
aim to enhance the accuracy and reliability of plastic limit
determination.
Moreover, recent studies indicate that the relationship
between undrained shear strength and water content can be linear in
a log-log plot. This discovery opens up the possibility of uniquely
connecting the water content at the liquid limit and plastic limit.
Further exploration of these alternative methods and an in-depth
investigation into the relationship between plastic limit and other
geotechnical properties can provide valuable insights into soil
behavior. This suggests an exciting avenue for future research to
advance our understanding of the plastic limit and its broader
implications in geotechnical engineering.

IX. REFERENCES
Bekir, Salih, Firincioglu. (2023). Unified Plasticity Potential of Soils.
Applied Sciences, 13(13):7889-7889. doi: 10.3390/app13137889
Carlos, Santamarina., Junghee, Park., M., Terzariol., Alejandro,
Cardona., Gloria, M., Castro., Wonjun, Cha., Adrian, Garcia., Farizal, Hakiki.,
Chuangxin, Lyu., Marisol, Salva., Yuanjie, Shen., Zhonghao, Sun., Song-Hun,
Chong. (2019). Soil Properties: Physics Inspired, Data Driven. 67-91. doi:
10.1007/978-3-030-06249-1_3
Esteban, Díaz., J., L., Pastor., Álvaro, Rabat., Roberto, Tomás. (2021).
Machine learning techniques for relating liquid limit obtained by Casagrande cup
and fall cone test in low-medium plasticity fine-grained soils. Engineering
Geology, 294:106381-.doi: 10.1016/J.ENGGEO.2021.106381
Evgeny, Lomakin., Evgeny, Lomakin., B., N., Fedulov. (2021). Limit
plastic state of notched solids with properties dependent on the type of external
forces. Procedia structural integrity, 33:809-817. doi:
10.1016/J.PROSTR.2021.10.090
Fawad, S., Niazi., Aránzazu, Piñán-Llamas., Bilal, Sulaman.(2022).
Revisiting the Liquid Limit Determinations Using Casagrande Percussion Cup
Method vs. Fall Cone Device. doi: 10.1061/9780784484036.016
Hartwig, Hübel. (2021). Plastic Limit Analysis Using the Simplified
Theory of Plastic Zones. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology-transactions of
The Asme, 143(2). doi: 10.1115/1.4049643
Ioannis, Doltsinis.(2017). Plastic Limit of Structures and Energy
Principles. Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 24(1):165-187.
doi: 10.1007/S11831-015-9162-Z
J., Carlos, Santamarina., Junghee, Park., M., Terzariol., Alejandro,
Cardona., Gloria, M., Castro., Wonjun, Cha., Adrian, Garcia., Farizal, Hakiki.,
Chuangxin, Lyu., Marisol, Salva., Yuanjie, Shen., Zhonghao, Sun., Song-Hun,
Chong. (2019). Soil Properties: Physics Inspired, Data Driven. 67-91. doi:
10.1007/978-3-030-06249-1_3
J., K., Abdurakhmanov. (2022). Soil Stabilization Using Waste Plastic.
289-297. doi: 10.1007/978-981-16-9921-4_21
Lee, Byung, Suk., Lee, Jae, Yeol. (2018). Plastic limit measuring
device.
Ning, Lu. (2019). Linking Soil Water Adsorption to Geotechnical
Engineering Properties. 93-139. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-06249-1_4
Preksha, Jain., Jennie, Gandhi., Sudhir, Trivedi., Rajesh, Prasad,
Shukla. (2021). Comparison Between Casagrande Method and Cone
Penetrometer Method for Determination of Liquid Limit of Soil. 39-48.doi:
10.1007/978-981-33-6346-5_4
Stuart, K., Haigh., Paul, J, Vardanega., Malcolm, D., Bolton.(2013). The
plastic limit of clays. Geotechnique, 63(6):435-440.doi: 10.1680/GEOT.11.P.123
 Vaibhava, Singh., Ashish, Pawar.(2022). Geotechnical Site
Characterization-A Review. Journal of Geotechnical studies, 7(2):1-4. doi:
10.46610/jogs.2022.v07i02.001
2023). Engineering Characteristics of Soils Reinforced with Shredded
Plastic Waste. International journal of mechanical and civil engineering, 6(1):17-
25.doi: 10.52589/ijmce-hbq3bmwy
Brendan, C., O'Kelly. (2021). Review of Recent Developments and
Understanding of Atterberg Limits Determinations.1(1):59-75.doi:
10.3390/GEOTECHNICS1010004
ANNEX
I. PLASTIC LIMIT DETERMINATION DATA SHEET
II. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION