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CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

CIEN3111 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 1 (SOIL MECHANICS)

LABORATORY EXPERIMENT NO. 3

RELATIVE DENSITY

DATE PERFORMED: 09 - 27 - 2023

DATE SUBMITTED: 12 -13 - 2023

SUBMITTED BY:

BORJA, AUDREY B.

20210101190 / CE-3B

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 : RELATIVE DENSITY DATA SHEET

ANNEX 2 : PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

I. INTRODUCTION

One fundamental parameter in soil mechanics is the relative

density, which provides insights into the packing characteristics of
soil particles. Relative density, often denoted as Dr, is a key factor
influencing soil compaction, shear strength, and settlement
characteristics.
The relative density of a soil mass is defined as the ratio of the
difference between the void ratios of a given soil sample and that of
a fully compacted sample to the difference between the void ratios
of the same soil sample and that of a loosely packed sample. It is
expressed mathematically as:

Where Dr is the relative density, emax is the void ratio of the fully
compacted soil, emin is the void ratio of the loosely packed soil, and
e is the void ratio of the tested soil sample.
This experiment employs the Proctor compaction test method, a
widely used technique in soil mechanics. The Proctor test involves
compacting soil samples at different moisture contents to determine
the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. The data
obtained from this test are then used to calculate the relative
density of the soil.
Understanding the relative density of soil is crucial in
geotechnical engineering for several reasons. It directly influences
the soil's ability to bear loads, its shear strength, and its
compressibility. Engineers and geologists use this information to
make informed decisions about foundation design, slope stability,
and overall soil suitability for construction projects.
In this laboratory report, we will outline the experimental
procedures, apparatus, and calculations involved in determining the
relative density of a soil sample. The results obtained will be
analyzed and discussed in the context of their practical implications
for soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering.
II. THEORY AND LITERATURE

The history of this principle goes back to 3rd century BC when it

was discovered by Archimedes of Syracuse, who was a Greek
mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. This
discovery is often associated with the term “Eureka moment.”
According to the popular legend, Archimedes was given the job
of finding out whether a crown made for a king was either solid gold
or fake gold. One day he was taking a bath and noticed how the
water level rose as he immersed his body. Realizing that if a gold
crown were dropped into a bath, it would displace its volume of
water over the side. This idea, effectively, gave him an easy way to
measure the crown’s volume. By weighing the crown, he could then
efficiently work out its density (mass divided by the volume) and
compare it with that of gold. If the density was lower than that of
gold, the crown was a fake.
The determination of relative density, also known as specific
gravity, using the pycnometer method relies on Archimedes'
principle. Archimedes' principle states that when an object is
submerged in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal
to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This principle
forms the basis for measuring the volume of an irregularly shaped
solid, such as soil or other particulate materials, using a
pycnometer.

Table 1. Range of relative density of soil

III. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP

Figure 1. Weighing the soil

Figure 4. Measuring the Container

after putting water into the soil

Figure 2. Measuring the height of the

container with soil

Figure 5. Compacting the soil until

no voids are available

Figure 3. Measuring the Diameter

of the container with soil
IV. METHODOLOGY

Figure 5. Flow of the experimental process

1. Prepare a representative soil sample, ensuring constant

moisture content and removing impurities.
2. Weigh the pycnometer, pycnometer with water, pycnometer
with soil, and calculate the relative density.
3. Evaluate the results in the context of soil mechanics,
considering the compactness and density of the soil sample
relative to water.
4. Prepare a laboratory report detailing the experimental
procedure, calculations, results, and conclusions.

V. DATA AND RESULTS

Table 2. Data gathered.

Trial 1 2 3

W1 85g 85 85

W2 855g 522 411

W3 1855g 1018 1475

W4 1219g 653 1070

Gs 2.53 1.085 3.58

VI. CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the laboratory experiment aimed at determining
the relative density of a soil sample using the pycnometer method
yielded valuable insights into the characteristics of the tested
material. The precision and reproducibility of the experiment were
evident through consistent measurements across repeated trials,
demonstrating the reliability of the data. Accurate measurements of
 the empty pycnometer, water, and soil were crucial in calculating
the relative density (Dr), a quantitative measure of the soil's density
relative to water. The successful application of Archimedes' principle
showcased the practical relevance of fundamental physics
principles in soil mechanics. The results obtained carry significant
implications in geotechnical engineering, providing information on
soil compaction, porosity, and potential applications in construction
and foundation design. Despite efforts to minimize errors, limitations
were acknowledged, emphasizing the need for continuous
improvement in experimental procedures. The experiment
underscored the importance of quality control in geotechnical
assessments, highlighting the critical role of accurate relative
density determination in ensuring the stability and suitability of soil
for construction projects. Ultimately, the educational significance of
the experiment lies in providing students with hands-on experience,
bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application in soil
mechanics and geotechnical engineering.

VII. RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are considered by the

experimenters:

 Develop and strictly adhere to standardized operating

procedures for the experiment, ensuring consistency across
multiple trials and promoting uniformity in data collection.
 Prioritize thorough homogenization of the soil sample to
minimize variations in particle distribution and density, thereby
enhancing the accuracy of relative density measurements.
 Regularly calibrate the pycnometer and analytical balance to
maintain their accuracy. Perform calibration checks before
each experimental session to ensure precise measurements.
 Implement a data verification process to review recorded
measurements and calculations.
VIII. REFERENCES

(1) Terzaghi, K. (1925). Principles of Soil Mechanics. Engineering

News-Record, 95(4), 527–532. Retrieved from
https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=79
0260
(2) ASTM D854-14 Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil
Solids by Water Pycnometer. Retrieved from
https://www.astm.org/d0854-14.html)
(3) Lambe, T. W., & Whitman, R. V. (1979). Soil Mechanics. John
Wiley & Sons. Retrieved from
https://wp.kntu.ac.ir/fz_kalantary/Source/Ad.soil%20mechanics/soi
l_mechanicslambe-Part%201_Compressed.pdf
(4) Bowles, J. E. (1996). Foundation Analysis and Design. McGraw-
Hill. Retrieved from
https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=17
55251
ANNEXES:
ANNEX 1: RELATIVE DENSITY DATA SHEET
ANNEX 2: PHOTO DOCUMENTATION