UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

Centre for Diploma Studies

________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY

LABORATORY REPORT

DAC 22103 / GEOTECHNICAL

Code / Course Name
ENGINEERING
Experiment No / Title U01 LIQUID LIMIT TEST

Section 5

Group No. 6

Lecturer / Instructor’s CIK ANIS AYUNI BINTI SUIED

Name

Group Members Matric No.

1. NURSYAZWIY WAFIY BIN MOHD NOH
AA211232
2. MUHAMMAD MUHRIZ BIN MAZANI
AA212514

3. NUR AQILAH BINTI ADZMI AA212161

4. DENIEL NAJMUDDIN BIN NORHAIZAT AA211551

Date of
Experiment 23 MAY 2023

Date of
Submission

ULASAN COP DITERIMA/RECEIVED

PEMERIKSA/COMMENTS STAMP
 Experiment Title:
Lab Report Rubric DAC 22103 – GEOTECHNICAL
(Assessment Form) ENGINEERING
SC W R
Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 TSC
R T (%)
Theory, • Theory and • Theory and • Theory and other • Theory and other • Theory and other
objective, other other information information information regarding
procedure information information regarding the regarding the the laboratory are well
(10%) regarding the regarding the laboratory are laboratory are presented 2 0
laboratory are laboratory are partly presented presented with some
not presented presented mistakes
minimally
Analysis / • Trends / • Trends / • Trends / patterns • Trends / • Trends / patterns are
Result patterns patterns are are logically patterns are logically analyzed
(25%) are not not analyzed analyzed for the logically • Analysis is insightful
Cognitive
analyzed • • Analysis is most part analyzed • 5 0
Analysis is inconsistent • Analysis is general Analysis is
not thoughtful
relevant
Referen • Reference • Reference • Reference was • Reference was • Reference was
ce (5%) was not was minimally partly presented in presented in proper presented in proper
presented in presented in somewhat proper format and relevant format and relevant to
1 0
the report the report format and to the laboratory the laboratory work /
relevant to the work with some 4
laboratory work minor mistakes 0
Data • Data is not • Data lacks • Good • Accurate • Accurate
(25% represented or precision representation of representation of representation of the
) is not • Greater than the data using the data using data using tables
accurate 20% tables and/or tables and/or graphs and/or graphs •
difference graphs • Data is fairly Graphs and tables are
with accepted labeled and titled 5 0
• Less than 15% precise
Psycho values • Data is precise with
difference with • Less than 10%
motor less than 5%
accepted values • difference with
Precision is accepted values difference with
acceptable accepted values
Participatio • Student was • Participation • Did the job but • Used time pretty • Showed interest, used /
n hostile about was minimal did not appear to well. Stayed time very well, guide 1 0 3
participating be very interested. focused on the 0
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

(during Focus lost on experiment most of other students and very

experiment several occasion the time focused on experiment
)
(5%)
Question & • Questions are •Answers • Questions are • Questions are • Questions are
Discussion not answered to answered in answered in answered thoroughly
(15%) • No discussion questions complete sentences complete sentences and in complete
was are • A statement of the • Accurate statement
sentences
• Accurate statement of
included or incomplete results of the lab of the results of the
shows little • A indicates whether lab indicates the results of lab
effort and statement results support the whether results indicates whether 3 0
reflection on of the hypothesis support the results support
the lab results is hypothesis hypothesis
incomplete • Possible sources of
• Possible sources of
Affective with little error identified error and what was
reflection learned from the lab
on the lab discussed
Conclusion • Conclusion • Conclusion • Conclusion & • Conclusion & • Conclusion &
& & & recommendation recommendation recommendation was
Recommend recommendati recommendati was presented was presented presented accurately
ation (15%) on was not on was somewhat accurate accurately and and relevant to result
3 0
presented minimally and relevant to relevant to result obtain from the
presented result obtain from obtain from the laboratory work /
the laboratory laboratory work 3
work with minor mistakes 0
DAT
NAME OF LECTURER: SIGNATURE:
E:
Note: SCR = SCORE, WT = WEIGHTAGE, TSCR = TOTAL SCORE
 STUDENT CODE OF ETHIC
(SCE)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES

We, hereby confess that we have prepared this report on our own effort. We also admit
not to receive any help from any third party during the preparation of this report and
pledge that everything mentioned in the report is true.

_________________
Student Signature (Group Representative)

Name : …………………………………………

Matric No. : …………………………………………..

Date : …………………………………………
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The liquid limit test is one of the internationally used laboratory tests for differentiate group
land. Procedures for initiating liquid and plastic limit tests limit tests are the same, so in most
cases both tests are run at the same time. The liquid limit is the water content at which the
soil begins to behave as a liquid. Liquid limit can define as minimum water content at which
the soil is still in liquid state,but has a small shearing strength against flow. The liquid limit is
measured by placing a clay sample in a standard cup and making a separation (groove) using
a spatula. The cup is dropped until the separation disappears. Soil water content was obtained
from this sample.

1.2 OBJECTIVES
The goals of this experiment are to use cone penetrometers to determine the liquid limits of
soil.

1.3 THEORY

The properties of soils with fine grains depend significantly on their consistency, which is
related to how much moisture is present in a dry sample of such soil as it gradually
transforms from solid to semi-solid to plastic to liquid form. The "consistency limits" are the
arbitrary divisions between these phases, and the Atterberg limits offer a way to measure and
numerically characterise the plasticity range. Clay can be transformed into slurry that acts as
a viscous liquid, if enough water is added. The 'liquid' state is what is referred to as this.

When the moisture content of the clay is steadily reduced by allowing it to dry out slowly, it
ultimately begins to stick together and offer some resistance to distortion; this is the 'plastic'
condition. With more water loss, the clay shrinks and stiffens until there is little flexibility left
and the clay becomes brittle; this is called semi-solid' stage. As the clay dries, it shrinks in
proportion to the amount of water lost, until it reaches the smallest volume possible by this
process. Beyond that point, maintained drying results in no further volume decrease, and this
is referred to as the 'solid state' condition.
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

Figure 1: Relationship between Volume of soil and Moisture Content

1.4 APPARATUS

1. Penetrometer apparatus complying with the requirements of BS 1377: Part 2: 1990.

Figure 2
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

2. Cone for the penetrometer

Figure 3

3. Container

Figure 4

4. Spatula

Figure 5

5. Distilled Water

Figure 6
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

6. Laboratory Oven

Figure 7

7. 425 μm sieve

Figure 8

1.5 PROCEDURES

1. Placed a sample an about 300 gram soil passing 425 μm test sieve on the glass plate.

Figure 9
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

2. Water was added to the soil and started mixing it in the claypot with spatulas.

Figure 10

3. The mixture was placed into the cone.

4. The soil paste was pressed into the bottom of the cone to avoid trapping air.

5. The top surface is finally smoothed off using the spatulas.

Figure 11

6. The cone was placed on the penetrometer and adjusted before the penetration.

7. The tip of cone is within a few milimetres from the surface of the soil.

8. Measured the cone penetration by pressing the button.

 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

Figure 12 Figure 13

9. The data was recorded and weighed the empty moisture content container.

10. Weighed the wet sample from the area penetrated for about 10 g.

Figure 14

11. The steps were repeated for 4 samples.

12. The sample were placed into the oven for about 24 hours.

Figure 15

13. Weighed the dry sample.

 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

1.6 DATA
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

1.7 CALCULATION
UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

Liquid Limit = 53%

 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

1.8 QUESTION AND DISCUSSION

1. What are the definitions of liquid and plastic limit?

The liquid limit of a soil is the amount of water at which the soil transitions from a liquid to a
plastic state. It is the lower limit of the soil's plasticity range. The liquid limit is determined
by a laboratory test known as the Casagrande's liquid limit test. In this test, a soil sample is
repeatedly struck in a standard cup, and the liquid limit is determined by the water content at
which the soil flows together for a distance of 12.7 mm (0.5 inches).

The plastic limit of a soil is the water content at which the soil ceases to behave plastically
and begins to crumble when dried further. It represents the soil's upper limit.

The plastic limit of a soil is the water content at which the soil ceases to behave plastically
and begins to crumble when dried further. It denotes the maximum liquid state of the soil.
The plastic limit is determined by gradually reducing the water content of a soil sample rolled
into a thread of 3 mm (1/8 inch) diameter. The plastic limit is the water content at which the
thread crumbles.

2. A sample of wet clay and its container weigh 102g. After oven drying the sample
and the container weigh 60 g. What is the water content?

Water content = (Initial weight - Oven-dried weight) / Oven-dried weight * 100%

Given: Initial weight (wet clay + container) = 102 g

Oven-dried weight (dried clay + container) = 60g

Water content = (102 g- 60 g) / 60 g * 100% Water content = 42 g / 60 g * 100% Water

content ≈ 70%

Therefore, the water content of the wet clay sample is approximately 70%.

3. What are alternatives methods to define liquid limit and give brief explanation?

There are several methods for determining the liquid limit of soils. These methods are
intended to estimate the liquid limit without requiring the time-consuming Casagrande's
liquid limit test. There are two common alternatives:

Cone Penetration Test: A cone penetrometer is used to measure the soil's resistance to
penetration. The penetration depth is measured for various moisture contents, and the liquid
limit is calculated by comparing the penetration results to the moisture content.

The Fall Cone Test involves allowing a cone-shaped instrument to fall onto the soil surface
and measuring the depth of penetration. To determine the liquid limit, correlations are
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

established between penetration results and moisture content, similar to the cone penetration
test. These alternate methods are faster and more efficient.

Without the need for the Casagrande's liquid limit test, these alternative methods provide
faster and more convenient ways to estimate the liquid limit of soils in the field or laboratory.

4. Briefly explain why the reading is taken after 5 second?

For consistency and standardisation, the reading in the Casagrande's liquid limit test is taken
after 5 seconds. The 5-second duration is long enough for the soil sample to deform and flow,
but not so long that excessive drying occurs, which could alter the results.

Taking the reading every 5 seconds ensures that the test conditions are consistent across
samples and laboratories. It contributes to providing consistent and comparable results,
allowing for accurate characterization of the soil's liquid limit.

DISCUSSION

Soil Classification: The results of the liquid limit test can be used to classify soil using the
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) or other relevant classification systems. The soil
can be classified as silt, clay, or a combination of the two by combining the liquid limit value
and the plasticity index. This classification is critical for determining the engineering
behaviour of the soil and choosing appropriate construction techniques.

Engineering Properties: The liquid limit value is an important parameter for determining
the shear strength of the soil as well as its susceptibility to settlement and deformation.
Higher liquid limits soils have lower shear strength and are more likely to settle excessively
under load. As a result, the liquid limit test results provide valuable information to
geotechnical engineers when designing foundations, slopes, and other structures.

Moisture Control: The liquid limit test also aids in determining the moisture control
requirements of the soil during construction. Engineers can establish appropriate moisture
content limits for compaction and ensure that the soil is compacted to achieve optimal
engineering properties by establishing the liquid limit. It guides soil stabilisation techniques
and allows for effective soil moisture control strategies.

Comparisons and Correlations: The liquid limit test results from various soil samples can
be compared to identify differences in soil behaviour. The liquid limit can be correlated with
other geotechnical properties such as permeability, shear strength, and consolidation
characteristics. These correlations help predict soil behaviour under various conditions and
aid in geotechnical design and analysis.
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

1.9 CONCLUSION

The liquid limit, an empirically defined state when the change from a soft plastic to a liquid
state happens, is the subject of the study. Hence, once the soil reaches it, it starts to behave
like a liquid substance.

When determining the primary standard characteristics of the soil that serve as crucial
geotechnical parameters of the fine-grained soil for the investigation of the so-called first
geotechnical category, the measurement of the liquid limit is primarily used to find the
consistent condition.

In conclusion, before realizing the test, the sample is prepared for 24 hours for the purpose of
even moisture distribution. This test method is used as part of several engineering
classification systems to characterize the fine fraction of soil and to determine the fine
fraction of building materials. Liquid limit, plastic limit and soil plasticity index are also
widely used, either individually or together, with other soil properties to relate to engineering
behavior such as compressibility, permeability, compactness, shrinkage wells and shear
strength.

The importance of the liquid limit test is to classify the soil. Different soils have different
liquid limits. The liquid limit from this experiment we get is % of this liquid limit we get
after the graph plot.

2.0 REFERENCE

1. Liquid Limit Test | PDF | Materials | Civil Engineering

https://www.scribd.com/doc/173275190/Liquid-Limit-Test

2. 01 sc-liquid limit test - Advanced Geotechnic - UTHM

https://www.studocu.com/my/document/universiti-tun-hussein-onn-malaysia/advance
d-geotechnic/01-sc-liquid-limit-test/25691044
 UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Centre for Diploma Studies
Laboratory Instruction Manual

LIQUID LIMIT TEST

3. Ruwan Rajapakse PE, CCM, CCE, AVS, in Geotechnical Engineering Calculations

and Rules of Thumb (Second Edition), 2016

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/liquid-limit