Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

LAB MANUAL
SOIL MECHANICS
(2150609)
th
V Sem.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

SOIL MECHANICS
INDEX
Pract.
No.

Name of Practical

PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST

CBR TEST

CONSOLIDATION / OEDOMETER TEST

DIRECT SHEAR TEST

INCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST

DEMONSTRATION OF TRIAXIAL TEST

AUGER BORING / SAMPLING

FREE SWELL AND SWELL POTENTIAL

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

Date

Sign

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 1
PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST

DATE:

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT:

To determine the Optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of a soil by
standard proctor compaction test.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
a) Special:
I.
II.
III.
IV.

Proctor mould (capacity 1000.0 cc, internal diameter 100mm, and effective height
127.3 mm.
Rammer for light compaction (2.6Kg, with free drop of 310 mm).
Mould accessories including detachable base plate, removable Collar.
I.S. sieve 4.75 mm.

b) General:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.

Balance of capacity 10 kg, and sensitivity of 1 gm.

Balance of capacity 200 gms and sensitivity of 0.01 gm.
Drying oven.
Desiccators.
Containers for water content.
Graduated Jar.
Trimming knife.
Large mixing tray.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

THEORY:
Compaction is the process of densification of soil mass by reducing air voids. The
purpose of laboratory compaction test is so determine the proper amount of water at
which the weight of the soil grains in a unit volume of the compacted is maximum, the
amount of water is thus called the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC). In the laboratory
different values of moisture contents and the resulting dry densities, obtained after
compaction are plotted both to arithmetic scale, the former as abscissa and the latter as
ordinate. The points thus obtained are joined together as a curve. The maximum dry
density and the corresponding OMC are read from the curve.
For example

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

The standard equipment shown below,

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

The wet density of the compacted soil is calculated as below,

Where,

w1 = Weight of mould with moist compacted soil.

w2 = Weight of empty mould.
V = Volume of mould.

The dry density of the soil shall be calculated as follows,

Where,

t = wet density of the compacted soil.

w = moisture content

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

APPLICATION:
Compaction of soil increases the density, shear strength, bearing capacity, thus reducing
the voids, settlement and permeability. The results of this are useful in the stability of field
problems like earthen dams, embankments, roads and airfield. In such compacted in the
field is controlled by the value of the OMC determined by laboratory compaction test. The
compaction energy to be given by a compaction unit is also controlled by the maximum
dry density determined in the laboratory. In other words, the laboratory compaction tests
results are used to write the compaction specification for field compaction of the soil.

PROCEDURE:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.

VIII.
IX.
X.

Take about 20 kg of soil and sieve it through 20 mm and 4.75 mm.

A 100 mm diameter Proctor mould is to be used if the soil fraction that passes 4.75
mm sieve is greater than 80% by weight.
Take about 2.25 kg of the soil sample and add water to get the moisture content
round 8%. Leave the mix to mature for few minutes.
Clean and grease gently the inside surface of the mould, and the base plate.
Take the weight of empty mould with the base plate.
Fir the collar and place the mould on a solid base.
Place first batch of soil inside the mould and apply 25 blows of Standard rammer,
so that the compacted layer thickness is about one-third height of the mould
Scratch the top of the compacted soil before the second layer is placed Place the
second batch of wet soil and follow the same procedure In all the soil is compacted
in three layers, each given 25 blows of the standard rammer weighing 2.6 Kg and
having a drop of 310 mm.
Remove the collar, and trim of the excess soil with trimming knife. Clean the
mould, and weight the mould with the compacted soil and the base plate.
Take a representative sample from the mould and determine its water content.
Repeat the above procedure for water content values of 13%, 17%, 20%, 22% and
25%.

PRECAUTIONS:
I.
II.

Adequate period is allowed to mature the soil after it is mixed with water.
The rammer blows should be uniformly distributed over the surface with spatula
before next layer is placed.

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
III.
IV.

To avoid stratification each compacted layer should be scratched with spatula

before next layer is placed.
At the end of compaction test, the soil should not penetrate more than 5mm into
the collar.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION TABLE:

I.
II.
III.

Diameter of mould, D (cm): __ _ _ _ _ _ _

Height of mould, h (cm) : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Volume of mould, V (cc) : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Weight of empty mould
+ Base plate (w1) ,kg
Weight of compacted
soil + Base plate
(w2) ,kg
Bulk unit weight of
compacted
soil

(gm/cc)
Water content (w)
Dry unit weight
d = / (1 + w),
(gm/cc)

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT: 2

CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST

CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

OBJECTIVE
To determine the California bearing ratio by conducting a load penetration test in the
laboratory.

NEED AND SCOPE

The california bearing ratio test is penetration test meant for the evaluation of
subgrade strength of roads and pavements. The results obtained by these tests
are used with the empirical curves to determine the thickness of pavement and its
component layers. This is the most widely used method for the design of flexible
pavement.

This instruction sheet covers the laboratory method for the determination of C.B.R.
of undisturbed and remoulded /compacted soil specimens, both in soaked as well
as unsoaked state.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Cylindrical mould with inside dia 150 mm and height 175 mm, provided with a
detachable extension collar 50 mm height and a detachable perforated base
plate 10 mm thick.
2. Spacer disc 148 mm in dia and 47.7 mm in height along with handle.
3. Metal rammers. Weight 2.6 kg with a drop of 310 mm (or) weight 4.89 kg a drop
450 mm.
4. Weights. One annular metal weight and several slotted weights weighing 2.5 kg
each, 147 mm in dia, with a central hole 53 mm in diameter.
5. Loading machine. With a capacity of atleast 5000 kg and equipped with a
movable head or base that travels at an uniform rate of 1.25 mm/min. Complete
with load indicating device.
6. Metal penetration piston 50 mm dia and minimum of 100 mm in length.
7. Two dial gauges reading to 0.01 mm.
8. Sieves. 4.75 mm and 20 mm I.S. Sieves.
9. Miscellaneous apparatus, such as a mixing bowl, straight edge, scales soaking
tank or pan, drying oven, filter paper and containers.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

THEORY:
DEFINITION OF C.B.R.
It is the ratio of force per unit area required to penetrate a soil mass with standard
circular piston at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. to that required for the corresponding
penetration of a standard material.
C.B.R. = Test load/Standard load 100

The following table gives the standard loads adopted for different penetrations for
the standard material with a C.B.R. value of 100%
Penetration of plunger

(mm)

2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5

Standard load

(kg)

1370
2055
2630
3180
3600

The test may be performed on undisturbed specimens and on remoulded

specimens which may be compacted either statically or dynamically.

PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN

Undisturbed specimen

Attach the cutting edge to the mould and push it gently into the ground. Remove
the soil from the outside of the mould which is pushed in. When the mould is full of
soil, remove it from weighing the soil with the mould or by any field method near the
spot.

Determine the density

Remoulded specimen

Prepare the remoulded specimen at Proctors maximum dry density or any other
density at which C.B.R. is required. Maintain the specimen at optimum moisture
content or the field moisture as required. The material used should pass 20 mm I.S.
sieve but it should be retained on 4.75 mm I.S. sieve. Prepare the specimen either by
dynamic compaction or by static compaction.
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Dynamic Compaction
1. Take about 4.5 to 5.5 kg of soil and mix thoroughly with the required
water.
2. Fix the extension collar and the base plate to the mould. Insert the
spacer disc over the base. Place the filter paper on the top of the spacer
disc.
3. Compact the mix soil in the mould using either light compaction or heavy
compaction. For light compaction, compact the soil in 3 equal layers,
each layer being given 55 blows by the 2.6 kg rammer. For heavy
compaction compact the soil in 5 layers, 56 blows to each layer by the
4.89 kg rammer.
4. Remove the collar and trim off soil.
5. Turn the mould upside down and remove the base plate and the
displacer disc.
6. Weigh the mould with compacted soil and determine the bulk density
and dry density.
7. Put filter paper on the top of the compacted soil (collar side) and clamp
the perforated base plate on to it.

Static compaction

Calculate the weight of the wet soil at the required water content to give the
desired density when occupying the standard specimen volume in the mould from the
expression.
W =desired dry density * (1+w) V
Where.

W = Weight of the wet soil

w = desired water content
V = volume of the specimen in the mould = 2250 cm 3
(as per the mould available in laboratory)

1. Take the weight W (calculated as above) of the mix soil and place it in the
mould.
2. Place a filter paper and the displacer disc on the top of soil.
3. Keep the mould assembly in static loading frame and compact by pressing
the displacer disc till the level of disc reaches the top of the mould.
4. Keep the load for some time and then release the load. Remove the
displacer disc.
5. The test may be conducted for both soaked as well as unsoaked conditions.
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual
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- 13 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
6. If the sample is to be soaked, in both cases of compaction, put a filter paper
on the top of the soil and place the adjustable stem and perforated plate on
the top of filter paper.
7. Put annular weights to produce a surcharge equal to weight of base
material and pavement expected in actual construction. Each 2.5 kg weight
is equivalent to 7 cm construction. A minimum of two weights should be put.
8. Immerse the mould assembly and weights in a tank of water and soak it for
96 hours. Remove the mould from tank.
9. Note the consolidation of the specimen.
Procedure for Penetration Test
1. Place the mould assembly with the surcharge weights on the penetration test
machine.
2. Seat the penetration piston at the center of the specimen with the smallest
possible load, but in no case in excess of 4 kg so that full contact of the
piston on the sample is established.
3. Set the stress and strain dial gauge to read zero. Apply the load on the piston
so that the penetration rate is about 1.25 mm/min.
4. Record the load readings at penetrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0,
5.0, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 mm. Note the maximum load and corresponding
penetration if it occurs for a penetration less than 12.5 mm.
5. Detach the mould from the loading equipment. Take about 20 to 50 g of soil
from the top 3 cm layer and determine the moisture content.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Observation and Recording

For Dynamic Compaction

Optimum water content (%)
Weight of mould + compacted specimen g
Weight of empty mould g
Weight of compacted specimen g
Volume of specimen cm3
Bulk density g/cc
Dry density g/cc
For static compaction
Dry density g/cc
Moulding water content %
Wet weight of the compacted soil, (W)g
Period of soaking 96 hrs. (4days).

For penetration Test

Calibration factor of the proving ring
Surcharge weight used (kg)
Water content after penetration test %
Least count of penetration dial

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

1 Div. = 1.176 kg
2.0 kg per 6 cm construction
1 Div. = 0.01 mm
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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

If the initial portion of the curve is concave upwards, apply correction by drawing a
tangent to the curve at the point of greatest slope and shift the origin (Fig. 40). Find and
record the correct load reading corresponding to each penetration.
C.B.R. = PT /PS * 100
Where, PT = Corrected test load corresponding to the chosen penetration from the
load penetration curve.
PS = Standard load for the same penetration taken from the table I.

Penetration Dial

Load Dial
proving ring
reading

Readings

Corrected Load

Load (kg)

Penetration
(mm)

Interpretation and recording

C.B.R. of specimen at 2.5 mm penetration

C.B.R. of specimen at 5.0 mm penetration
C.B.R. of specimen at 2.5 mm penetration
The C.B.R. values are usually calculated for penetration of 2.5 mm and 5 mm.
Generally the C.B.R. value at 2.5 mm will be greater that at 5 mm and in such a case/the
former shall be taken as C.B.R. for design purpose. If C.B.R. for 5 mm exceeds that for
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
2.5 mm, the test should be repeated. If identical results follow, the C.B.R. corresponding
to 5 mm penetration should be taken for design.

EXPERIMENT: 3
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

CONSOLIDATION / OEDOMETER TEST

CONSOLIDATION TEST
DATE:

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT:

To determine the settlements due to primary consolidation of soil by conducting one
dimensional test to determine:
I.
Rate of consolidation under normal load.
II.
Degree of consolidation at any time.
III.
Pressure-void ratio relationship.
IV.
Coefficient of consolidation at various pressures.
V.
Compression index.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
1) Consolidometer consisting essentially;
a) A ring of diameter = 60mm and height = 20mm
b) Two porous plates or stones of silicon carbide, aluminium oxide or porous metal.
c) Guide ring.
d) Outer ring.
e) Water jacket with base.
f) Pressure pad.
g) Rubber basket.
2) Loading device consisting of frame, lever system, loading yoke dial gauge fixing
device and weights.
3) Dial gauge to read to an accuracy of 0.002mm.
4) Thermostatically controlled oven.
5) Stopwatch to read seconds.
6) Sample extractor.
7) Miscellaneous items like balance, soil trimming tools, spatula, filter papers, sample
containers.

THEORY:
When a compressive load is applied to soil mass, a decrease in its volume takes place,
the decrease in volume of soil mass under stress is known as compression and the
property of soil mass pertaining to its tendency to decrease in volume under pressure is
known as compressibility. In a saturated soil mass having its void filled with
incompressible water, decrease in volume or compression can take place when water is
expelled out of the voids. Such a compression resulting from a long time static load and
the consequent escape of pore water is termed as consolidation.
Then the load is applied on the saturated soil mass, the entire load is carried by pore
water in the beginning. As the water starts escaping from the voids, the hydrostatic
pressure in water gets gradually dissipated and the load is shifted to the soil solids which
increases effective on them, as a result the soil mass decrease in volume. The rate of
escape of water depends on the permeability of the soil.
Major problem in the soil is the soil subsidence caused by pressure or weight of
construction trucks on the surface, which may be divided into three categories.
1. Elastic Deformation
2. Primary Consolidation
3. Secondary Consolidation

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

The equipment arrangement is as fallows;

APPLICATION:
The test is conducted to determine the settlement due to primary consolidation. To
determine:
1) Rate of consolidation under normal load.
2) Degree of consolidation at any time.
3) Pressure-void ratio relationship.
4) Coefficient of consolidation at various pressures.
5) Compression index.

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
From the above information it will be possible for us to predict the time rate and extent of
settlement of structures founded on fine-grained soils. It is also helpful in analyzing the
stress history of soil. Since the settlement analysis of the foundation depends mainly on
the values determined by the test, this test is very important for foundation design.

PROCEDURE:
1) Preparation of the soil specimen:
A) From undisturbed soil sample:
From the sample tube, eject the sample into the consolidation ring. The sample
should project about one cm from outer ring. Trim the sample smooth and flush with top
and bottom of the ring by using a knife. Clean the ring from outside and keep it ready
from weighing.
B) From remoulded or disturb sample :
Choose the density and water content at which sample has to be compacted from
the moisture density relationship. Calculate the quantity of soil and water required to mix
and compact. Compact the specimen in compaction mould in three layers using
the standard rammers. Eject the specimen from the mould using the sample extractor.
2) Saturate two porous stones either by boiling in distilled water about 15 minute or by
keeping them submerged in the distilled water for 4 to 8 hrs. Wipe away excess water.
Fittings of the consolidometer which is to be enclosed shall be moistened.
3) Assemble the consolidometer, with the soil specimen and porous stones at top and
bottom of specimen, providing a filter paper between the soil specimen and porous
stone. Position the pressure pad centrally on the top porous stone.
4) Mount the mould assembly on the loading frame, and center it such that the load
applied is axial.
5) Position the dial gauge to measure the vertical compression of the specimen. The dial
gauge holder should be set so that the dial gauge is in the begging of its releases run,
allowing sufficient margin for the swelling of the soil, if any.
6) Connect the mould assembly to the water reservoir and the sample is allowed to
saturate. The level of the water in the reservoir should be at about the same level as
the soil specimen.
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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
7) Apply an initial load to the assembly. The magnitude of this load should be chosen by
trial, such that there is no swelling. It should be not less than 50 g/cm 2 (5 kN/m2) for
ordinary soils & 25 g/cm2 (2.5 kN/m2) for very soft soils. The load should be allowed to
stand until there is no change in dial gauge readings for two consecutive hours or for a
maximum of 24 hours.
8) Note the final dial reading under the initial load. Apply first load of intensity 0.1 kg/cm 2
(10 kN/m2) start the stop watch simultaneously. Record the dial gauge readings at
various time intervals (and fill in the table). The dial gauge readings are taken until
90% consolidation is reached. Primary consolidation is gradually reached within 24
hrs.
9) At the end of the period, specified above take the dial reading and time reading.
Double the load intensity and take the dial readings at various time intervals. Repeat
this procedure fir successive load increments.
10) The usual loading intensity are as follows: 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 kg/cm 2
11) After the last loading is completed, reduce the load to half (1/2) of the value of the last
load and allow it to stand for 24 hrs. Reduce the load further in steps of 1/4 th the
previous intensity till an intensity of 0.1 kg/cm 2 is reached. Take the final reading of the
dial gauge.
12) Reduce the load to the initial load, keep it for 24 hrs and note the final readings of the
dial gauge.
13) Quickly dismantle the specimen assembly and remove the excess water on the soil
specimen in oven, note the dry weight of it.

PRECAUTIONS:
1) While preparing the specimen, attempts has to be made to have the soil strata
orientated in the same direction in the consolidation apparatus.
2) During trimming care should be taken in handling the soil specimen with least
pressure.
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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
3) Smaller increments of sequential loading have to be adopted for soft soils.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION TABLE:

Empty weight of ring:
Diameter of ring
Dial gauge
Height of ring
PRESSURE INTENSITY
(KN/ m2)
Elapsed time

Area of ring
Volume of ring
Specific Gravity of soil
10

20

50

100

200

___

(min)

0
0.25
1
2.25
4
6.25
9
16
25
36
49
64
24 HRS.

0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
4
5
6
7
8

DIAL GAUGE READINGS

(102 mm)

OBSERVATION SHEET FOR CONSOLIDATION TEST: WATER

CONTENTS:
BEFORE TEST
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

AFTER TEST
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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

MASS OF RING + WET

SOIL
MASS OF RING + DRY
SOIL
MASS OF RING
MASS OF DRY SOIL
(Md)
MASS OF WATER
WATER CONTENT (w)
Degree of Saturation (S)
Height of Solids Hs = Md/GAw

OBSERVATION SHEET FOR CALCULATION OF VOIDS RATIO

BY HEIGHT OF SOLIDS METHOD
INITIAL HEIGHT OF SPECIMEN (H0)

S. GRAVITY (G)

C/S AREA OF SPECIMEN (A)

WATER CONTENT (w)

VOLUME OF CYLINDER (V)

DRY MASS (Md)

Applied
Pressure
2

(KN/m )

FINAL

DIAL

SECIMEN

DIAL

CHANGE

HEIGHT(H)

READING

H (mm)

= H1+ H

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

VOIDS
HEIGHT

RATIO

OF VOIDS

e = HHs

H -- Hs

Hs

REMARKS

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

CALCULATION OF VOIDS RATIO BY CHANGE IN VOIDS RATIO

METHOD:
INITIAL HEIGHT OF SPECIMEN (H0)

S. GRAVITY (G)

C/S AREA OF SPECIMEN (A)

WATER CONTENT (wf)

VOLUME OF CYLINDER (V)

FINAL HT. OF SECIMEN (Hf)

FINAL VOIDS RATIO (ef) = Wg

e = H + ef

Hf

Applied

Final dial

pressure

reading

Change in

Specimen

Change in

thickness

height H =

voids ratio

H(mm)

H1+ H

Voids ratio
e

CALCULATIONS:
1. Heights of solids (Hs) is calculated from the equation
Hs = Md / G x A x w
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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

2. Voids ratio is calculated from the equation

e = HHs
Hs
3. Co-efficient of consolidation The Coefficient of consolidation at each
pressures increment is calculated by using the following equations: It is
determined by the following 2 methods
(a)
square root of time fitting method
Cv = 0.848 d2/t9o
(b)
Logarithm of time fitting method.
Cv = 0.197 d2/t50 (Log fitting method)
In the log fitting method a plot is made between dial readings and logarithmic of
time. The time corresponding to 50% consolidation is determined.
In the square root fitting method a plot is made between dia1 readings and square
root of time and the time corresponding to 90% consolidation is determined. The values
of CV are recorded in table 1I
4. Compression index to determine the compression index, a plot of voids
ratio (e) Vs log t is made'. The initial compression curve would be a straight
line and the slope of this line would give the compression index C C.
5. Co-efficient of compressibility is calculated as follows
av =
0.435 CC
Average pressure for the increment
6. Co-efficient of permeability is calculated as follows
K = CV aV W
(1+e)

Graphs
(1) Dial gauge Vs log of time or dial reading Vs square root of time
(2) Voids ratio Vs log (avg. pressure for the increment)
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 4

DIRECT SHEAR TEST

DIRECT SHEAR TEST

DATE:

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT:

To determine the shearing strength of the soil using the direct shear apparatus.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
APPARATUS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Direct shear box apparatus

Loading frame (motor attached)
Dial gauge
Proving ring
Tamper
Straight edge
Balance to weigh upto 200 mg
Aluminum container

KNOWLEDGE OF EQUIPMENT:
Strain controlled direct shear machine consists of shear box, soil container, loading
unit, proving ring, dial gauge to measure shear deformation and volume changes. A
two piece square shear box is one type of soil container used.
A proving ring is used to indicate the shear load taken by the soil initiated in the
shearing plane..

THEORY:
Shear strength of a soil is the maximum resistance to shearing stress at failure on the
failure plane.
Shear strength is composed of:
1) Internal friction which is the resistance due to friction between individual particles at
their contact points and interlocking of particles. This interlocking strength is indicated
through parameter .
2) Cohesion which resistance due to inter-particle force which tend hold the particles
together in a soil mass. The indicative parameter is called Cohesion intercept (c).
Coulomb has represented the shear strength of soil by the equation:
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Where,

f = shear strength of soil = shear stress at failure.

C = Cohesion intercepts.
n = Total normal stress on the failure plane
= Angle of internal friction or shearing resistance

The graphical representation of the above equation gives a straight line called Failure
envelope.
The parameters c and are not constant for a given type of soil but depends in its degree
of saturation, drainage conditions and the condition of laboratory testing.
In direct shear test, the sample is sheared along the horizontal plane. This indicates that
the failure plane is horizontal. The normal stress, on this plane is the external vertical load
divided by the corrected area of the soil sample. The shear stress at failure is the external
lateral load divided by the corrected of soil sample.

APPLICATION:
The purpose of direct shear test is to get the ultimate shear resistance, peak shear
resistance, cohesion, angle of shearing resistance and stress-strain characteristics of the
soils.
Shear parameters are used in the design of earthen dams and embankments. These are
used in calculating the bearing capacity of soil-foundation systems. These parameter help
in estimating the earth pressures behind the retaining walls. The values of these
parameters are also used in checking the stability to natural slopes, cuts and fills.

PROCEDURE
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Check the inner dimension of the soil container.

Put the parts of the soil I container together.

Calculate the volume of the container. Weigh the container.

Place the soil in smooth layers (approximately 10 mm thick). If a dense sample is

desired tamp the soil.

Weighsoil container, the difference of these two is the weight of the soil. Calculate
the density of the soil.

Make the surface of the soil plane.

Put the upper grating on stone and loading block on top of the soil.

Measure the thickness of soil specimen.

Apply the desired normal load.

Remove the shear pin.

Attach the dial gauge which measures the change of volume.

Record the initial reading of the dial gauge and calibration values.

Before proceeding to the test check all the adjustments to see that there is no
connection between two parts except sand/ soils.

Start the motor. Take the reading of the shear force and record the
reading.

Take volume change readings till failure.

Add 5 kg normal stress 0.5 kg/cm2 and continue the experiment till failure

Record carefully all the readings. Set the dial gauges zero, before starting the
experiment.

PRECAUTIONS:

Before starting the test, the upper half of the box should be brought in
proper contact with the proving ring.

Before subjecting the specimen to shear, the fixing screws should

take out.

Spacing screws should also be removed before shearing the

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
specimen.

No vibrations should be transmitted to the specimen during the test.

Do not forget to add the self weight of the loading yoke in the vertical
loads.

DATA CALCULATION SHEET FOR DIRECT SHEAR TEST:

Normal stress 0.5 Kg/cm2
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

L.C. = __________

P.R.C = __________
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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Horizonta

Vertical

Proving Hori.

Shear

l gauge

dial

ring

Dial

deformation gauge

deformation reading

div.

reading

gauge

reading

gauge

col.(4) x

reading

= div. in

initial

col(8)xproving

reading least count

initial

col.6x L.C

reading

ring constant

Initial

reading

of dial

area of the

gauge

specimen

reading

of dial

Vertical

reading

Vertical

Proving Shear stress=

div.

Kg/cm2

gauge
1

0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
250
300
400
500
600
700
800
900

DATA CALCULATION SHEET FOR DIRECT SHEAR TEST:

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
Normal stress 1.0 Kg/cm2

L.C. = __________

Horizonta

Vertical

Proving Hori.

Shear

l gauge

dial

ring

Dial

deformation gauge

deformation reading

div.

reading

gauge

reading

gauge

col.(4) x

reading

= div. in

initial

col(8)xproving

reading least count

initial

col.6x L.C

reading

ring constant

Initial

reading

of dial

area of the

gauge

specimen

reading

of dial

Vertical

P.R.C = __________

reading

Vertical

Proving Shear stress=

div.

Kg/cm2

gauge
1

0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
250
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 34
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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
DATA CALCULATION SHEET FOR DIRECT SHEAR TEST:
Normal stress 1.5Kg/cm2

L.C. = __________

Horizonta

Vertical

Proving Hori.

Shear

l gauge

dial

ring

Dial

deformation gauge

deformation reading

div.

reading

gauge

reading

gauge

col.(4) x

reading

= div. in

initial

col(8)xproving

reading least count

initial

col.6x L.C

reading

ring constant

Initial

reading

of dial

area of the

gauge

specimen

reading

of dial

Vertical

P.R.C = __________

reading

Vertical

Proving Shear stress=

div.

Kg/cm2

gauge
1

0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
250
300
400
500
600
700
800
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
900

DATA CALCULATION SHEET FOR DIRECT SHEAR TEST:

Normal stress 2.0 Kg/cm2

L.C. = __________

Horizonta

Vertical

Proving Hori.

Shear

l gauge

dial

ring

Dial

deformation gauge

deformation reading

div.

reading

gauge

reading

gauge

col.(4) x

reading

= div. in

initial

col(8)xproving

reading least count

initial

col.6x L.C

reading

ring constant

Initial

reading

of dial

area of the

gauge

specimen

reading

of dial

Vertical

P.R.C = __________

reading

Vertical

Proving Shear stress=

div.

Kg/cm2

gauge
1

0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
250
300
400
500
600
700
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
800
900

OBSERVATION AND RECORDINGS

Proving ring constant

least count of dial-----------

Calibration factor
Leverage factor
Dimensions of shear box 60 x 60 mm
Empty weight of shear box
Least count of dial gauge
Volume change
Sr.no

Normal load Normal stress =

kg

load x leverage
area
kg/cm2

Shear stress =
Proving ring reading x calibration
Area of container
kg/cm2

1
2
3

GENERAL REMARKS
1. In the shear box test,-the specimen is not failing along its weakest plane but along
a predetermined or induced failure plane i.e. horizontal plane separating the two
halves of the shear box. This is the main draw back of this test. Moreover, during
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

2.

3.

4.

5.
6.

loading, the state of stress cannot be evaluated. It can be evaluated only at failure
condition i.e. Mohr's circle can be drawn at the failure condition only. Also failure is
progressive.
Direct shear test is simple and faster to operate. As thinner specimens are used in
shear box, they facilitate drainage of pore water from a saturated sample in less
time. This test is also useful to study friction between two materials - one material
in lower half of box and another material in the upper half of box.
The angle of' shearing resistance of sands depends on state of compaction,
coarseness of grains, particle shape and roughness of grain surface and grading.
It varies between 28"(uniformly graded sands with round grains in very loose state)
to 46 (well graded sand with angular grain~ in dense state).
The volume change in sandy soil is a complex phenomenon depending on
gradation, article shape, state and type of packing, orientation of principal planes,
principal stress ratio. Stress history, magnitude of minor principal stress, type of
apparatus, test procedure, method of preparing specimen etc. In general Loose
sands expand and dense sands contract in volume on shearing There is a void
ratio at which either expansion contraction in volume takes place. This void ratio is
called critical void ratio. Expansion or contraction can be inferred from the
movement of vertical dial gauge during shearing.
The friction between sand particles is due to sliding and rolling friction and
interlocking action.
The ultimate values of soil parameter for both loose sand and dense sand
approximately attain the same value so, if angle of friction value is calculated at
ultimate stage, slight disturbance in density during sampling and preparation of
test specimen will not have much effect.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

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Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave

Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 5

INCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 39 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

INCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST

OBJECTIVE
To determine shear parameters of cohesive soil

NEED AND SCOPE OF THE EXPERIMENT

It is not always possible to conduct the bearing capacity test in the field. Some
times it is cheaper to take the undisturbed soil sample and test its strength in the
laboratory. Also to choose the best material for the embankment, one has to
conduct strength tests on the samples selected. Under these conditions it is easy
to perform the unconfined compression test on undisturbed and remoulded soil
sample. Now we will investigate experimentally the strength of a given soil
sample.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Loading frame of capacity of 2 t, with constant rate of movement. What
is the least count of the dial gauge attached to the proving ring!
2. Proving ring of 0.01 kg sensitivity for soft soils; 0.05 kg for stiff soils.
3. Soil trimmer.
4. Frictionless end plates of 75 mm diameter (Perspex plate with silicon
grease coating).
5. Evaporating dish (Aluminum container).
6. Soil sample of 75 mm length.
7. Dial gauge (0.01 mm accuracy).
8. Balance of capacity 200 g and sensitivity to weigh 0.01 g.
9. Oven, thermostatically controlled with interior of non-corroding material
to maintain the temperature at the desired level. What is the range of
the temperature used for drying the soil !
10. Sample extractor and split sampler.
11. Dial gauge (sensitivity 0.01mm).
12. Vernier calipers

PROCEDURE (SPECIMEN)
In this test, a cylinder of soil without lateral support is tested to failure in
simple compression, at a constant rate of strain. The compressive load per unit
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual
- 40 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
area required to fail the specimen as called Unconfined compressive strength of
the soil.

A.

Preparation of specimen for testing

Undisturbed specimen:
1. Note down the sample number, bore hole number and the depth at
which the sample was taken.
2. Remove the protective cover (paraffin wax) from the sampling tube.
3. Place the sampling tube extractor and push the plunger till a small
length of sample moves out.
4. Trim the projected sample using a wire saw.
5. Again push the plunger of the extractor till a 75 mm long sample
comes out.
6. Cutout this sample carefully and hold it on the split sampler so that
it does not fall.
7. Take about 10 to 15 g of soil from the tube for water content
determination.
8. Note the container number and take the net weight of the sample
and the container.
9. Measure the diameter at the top, middle, and the bottom of the
sample and find the average and record the same.
10. Measure the length of the sample and record.
11. Find the weight of the sample and record.

B. Moulded sample
1. For the desired water content and the dry density, calculate the weight of
the dry soil Ws required for preparing a specimen of 3.8 cm diameter and
7.5 cm long.
2. Add required quantity of water Ww to this soil.
Ww = WS W/100 gm
3. Mix the soil thoroughly with water.
4. Place the wet soil in a tight thick polythene bag in a humidity chamber and
place the soil in a constant volume mould, having an internal height of 7.5
cm and internal diameter of 3.8 cm.
5. After 24 hours take the soil from the humidity chamber and place the soil
in a constant volume mould, having an internal height of 7.5 cm and
internal diameter of 3.8 cm.
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual
- 41 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
6. Place the lubricated moulded with plungers in position in the load frame.
7. Apply the compressive load till the specimen is compacted to a height of
7.5 cm.
8. Eject the specimen from the constant volume mould.
9. Record the correct height, weight and diameter of the specimen.

Test procedure

1. Take two frictionless bearing plates of 75 mm diameter.

2. Place the specimen on the base plate of the load frame (sandwiched
between the end plates).
3. Place a hardened steel ball on the bearing plate.
4. Adjust the center line of the specimen such that the proving ring and the
steel ball are in the same line.
5. Fix a dial gauge to measure the vertical compression of the specimen.
6. Adjust the gear position on the load frame to give suitable vertical
displacement.
7. Start applying the load and record the readings of the proving ring dial and
compression dial for every 5 mm compression.
8. Continue loading till failure is complete.
9. Draw the sketch of the failure pattern in the specimen.
Project :
Location :
Depth :

Tested by :
Boring No. :

Sample details
Type UD/R : soil description
Specific gravity (GS) 2.71
Bulk density
Water content
Degree of saturation .%
Diameter (Do) of the sample cm
Area of cross-section = cm2
Initial length (Lo) of the sample = 76 mm
Axial Compressive
Proving ring
Elapsed Compression
Strain
Area A
load (
stress
reading
time
dial reading
e=
Ao /(1-e)
kg)
(kg/cm2)
(Divns.)
(minutes) (L) (mm) L * 100/Lo (cm)2
(%)
5
1
2
3
4
6
7

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 42 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Interpretation and Reporting

Unconfined compression strength of the soil = qu =
Shear strength of the soil = qu/2 =
Sensitivity = (qu for undisturbed sample)/ (qu for remoulded sample).

GENERAL REMARKS
Minimum three samples should be tested, correlation can be made between
unconfined strength and field SPT value N. Up to 6% strain the readings may be
taken at every min (30 sec).

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 43 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 6

DEMONSTRATION OF TRIAXIAL TEST

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 44 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

DEMONSTRATION OF TRIAXIAL TEST

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT:
To find the shear of the soil by Undrained Triaxial Test.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1) Special:
i) A constant rate of strain compression machine of which the following is
a brief description of one is in common use.
A) A loading frame in which the load is applied by yoke acting through
an elastic dynamometer, more commonly called a proving ring
which used to measure the load. The frame is operated at a
constant rate by a geared screw jack. It is preferable for the
machine to be motor driven, by a small electric motor.
B) A hydraulic pressure apparatus including an air compressor and
water reservoir in which air under pressure acting on the water
raises it to the required pressure, together with the necessary
control valves and pressure dials.
ii) A triaxial cell to take 3.8 cm dia and 7.6 cm long samples, in which the
sample can be subjected to an all round hydrostatic pressure, together
with a vertical compression load acting through a piston. The vertical
load from the piston acts on a pressure cap. The cell is usually

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 45 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
designed with a non-ferrous metal top and base connected by tension
rods and with walls formed of Perspex.
2) General:
I)
3.8 cm (1.5 inch) internal diameter 12.5 cm (5 inches) long sample tubes.
II)
Rubber ring.
III)
An open ended cylindrical section former, 3.8 cm inside dia, fitted with a
small rubber tube in its side.
IV)
Stop clock.
V)
Moisture content test apparatus.
VI)
A balance of 250 gm capacity and accurate to 0.01 gm.

THEORY:
Triaxial test is more reliable because we can measure both drained and
untrained shear strength. Generally 1.4 diameter (3 tall) or 2.8 diameter (6 tall)
specimen is used. Specimen is encased by a thin rubber membrane and set into
a plastic cylindrical chamber. Cell pressure is applied in the chamber (which
represents 3) by pressurizing the cell fluid (generally water).

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 46 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Vertical stress is increased by loading the specimen (by raising the platen in
strain controlled test and by adding loads directly in stress controlled test, but
strain controlled test is more common) until shear failure occurs. Total vertical
stress, which is 1 is equal to the sum of 3 and deviator stress (d).
Measurement of d, axial deformation, pore pressure, and sample volume
change are recorded.
Depending on the nature of loading and drainage condition, triaxial tests are
conducted in three different ways.
i. UU Triaxial test
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual
- 47 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
ii. CU Triaxial test
iii. CD Triaxial test

APPLICATION:
UU triaxial test gives shear strength of soil at different confining stresses. Shear
strength is important in all types of geotechnical designs and analyses.

PROCEDURE:
I)

II)

III)

IV)

V)

VI)

The sample is placed in the compression machine and a pressure

plate is placed on the top. Care must be taken to prevent any part of
the machine or cell from jogging the sample while it is being setup, for
example, by knocking against this bottom of the loading piston. The
probable strength of the sample is estimated and a suitable proving
ring selected and fitted to the machine.
The cell must be properly set up and uniformly clamped down to
prevent leakage of pressure during the test, making sure first that the
sample is properly sealed with its end caps and rings (rubber) in
position and that the sealing rings for the cell are also correctly placed.
When the sample is setup water is admitted and the cell is fitted under
water escapes from the beed valve, at the top, which is closed. If the
sample is to be tested at zero lateral pressure water is not required.
The air pressure in the reservoir is then increased to raise the
hydrostatic pressure in the required amount. The pressure gauge must
be watched during the test and any necessary adjustments must be
made to keep the pressure constant.
The handle wheel of the screw jack is rotated until the underside of the
hemispherical seating of the proving ring, through which the loading is
applied, just touches the cell piston.
The piston is then removed down by handle until it is just in touch with
the pressure plate on the top of the sample, and the proving ring
seating is again brought into contact for the begging of the test.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 48 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
PRECAUTIONS:
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION TABLE:
The machine is set in motion (or if hand operated the hand wheel is turned at a
constant rate) to give a rate of strain 2% per minute. The strain dial gauge
reading is then taken and the corresponding proving ring reading is taken the
corresponding proving ring chart. The load applied is known. The experiment is
stopped at the strain dial gauge reading for 15% length of the sample or 15%
strain.
i. Size of specimen :
ii. Length :
iii. Proving ring constant :
iv. Diameter : 3.81 cm
v. Initial area L:
vi. Initial Volume :
vii. Strain dial least count (const) :

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 49 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 50 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
GENERAL REMARKS:
I)

It is assumed that the volume of the sample remains constant and that
the area of the sample increases uniformly as the length decreases.
The calculation of the stress is based on this new area at failure, by
direct calculation, using the proving ring constant and the new area of
the sample. By constructing a chart relating strains readings, from the
proving ring, directly to the corresponding stress.

II)

The strain and corresponding stress is plotted with stress abscissa and
curve is drawn. The maximum compressive stress at failure and the
corresponding strain and cell pressure are found out.

III)

The stress results of the series of triaxial tests at increasing cell

pressure are plotted on a mohr stress diagram. In this diagram a
semicircle is plotted with normal stress as abscissa shear stress as
ordinate.

IV)

The condition of the failure of the sample is generally approximated to

by a straight line drawn as a tangent to the circles, the equation of
which is t = C + a tan f. The value of cohesion C is read of the shear
stress axis, where it is cut by the tangent to the mohr circles, and the
angle of shearing resistance (f) is angle between the tangent and a line
parallel to the shear stress.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 51 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 7
AUGER BORING / SAMPLING

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 52 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

AUGER BORING / SAMPLING

Site investigations or subsurface explorations are done for obtaining the
information about subsurface conditions at the site of proposed construction. It
consists of determining the profile of the natural soil deposits at the site, taking
the soil samples and determining the engineering properties of the soils. It also
includes in-situ testing of the soils. Site investigations are generally done to
obtain the information that is useful for one or more of the following purposes:
1. To select the type and depth of foundation for a given structure
2. To determine the bearing capacity of the soil.
3. To estimate the probable maximum and differential settlements
4. To establish the ground water level and to determine the properties of
water
5. To predict the lateral earth pressure against retaining walls and
abutments
6. To predict and solve potential foundation problems
7. To ascertain the suitability of the soil as a construction material
8. To investigate the safety of the existing structure and to suggest the
remedial measures

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 53 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
The relevant information is available by drilling holes, taking the soil samples and
determining the index and engineering properties of the soil. In-situ tests are
conducted to determine the properties of the soil in natural conditions.

STAGES IN SUB-SURFACE INVESTIGATIONS:

Sub surface explorations are generally carried out in three stages:
Reconnaissance: site reconnaissance is the first step in a sub surface
exploration programme. It includes a visit to the site and to study the maps and
other relevant records. It helps in deciding future programme of site
investigations, scope of work, methods of exploration to be adopted, types of
samples to be taken and the laboratory testing and in-situ testing.

1)

Preliminary Explorations: To determine the depth, thickness,

extent and composition of each soil stratum at site preliminary
explorations are done. It is in the form of borings or test pits. Tests are
conducted with cone penetrometers.

2)

Detailed explorations: the purpose of detailed explorations is to

determine the engineering properties of soils in different strata. It
includes extensive boring programme, sampling and testing of the
sample in the laboratory.

BORINGS FOR EXPLORATION:

When the depth of exploration is large, borings are used for exploration. A
vertical bore hole is drilled in the ground to get the information about the

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 54 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
sub-soil strata. Samples are taken from the bore hole and tested in a
laboratory. The bore hole may be used for conducting in-situ tests and for
locating the water table.

Depending upon the type of soil and the purpose of boring , following
methods are used for drilling holes.

AUGER BORING

An auger is a boring tool similar to one used by a carpenter for boring

holes in wood.

It consists of a shank with a cross wise handles for turning and having
central tapered feed screw.

The augers can be operated manually as well mechanically.

The hand auger used for boring is about 15cm to 20cm in diameter. These
are suitable for advancing holes up to a depth of 3 to 6 m in soft soils.

Mechanical augers are driven by power and are used for hard strata.

For depths greater than 12m they become inconvenient.

Auger boring is generally used in soils which can stay open without
causing or drilling mud. Clay, silts and partially saturated sands can stand
un supported.

The investigations are done quite rapidly and economically by auger

boring.

The main disadvantage of the auger boring is that the soil samples are
highly disturbed.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 55 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Further, it becomes difficult to locate the exact changes in the soil strata.

AUGER BORING
WASH BORING

In wash boring the hole is drilled by first driving a casing about 2 to 3 m

long and then inserting into it a hollow drill rod with a chisel shaped
chopping bit at its lower end.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 56 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Water is pumped down the hollow drill rod which is known as wash pipe.
Water emerges as a strong jet through a small opening of the chopping
bit.

The hole is advanced by a combination of the chopping action and the

jetting action as the drilling bit and the accompanying water jet disintegrate
the soil.

The water and the chopped soil particles rise upward through the annular
space between the drill rod and the casing. The return water also known
as wash water is laden with the soil cuttings. It is collected in a tub through
a T- shaped pipe fixed at the top of the casing. The hole is further
advanced by alternately raising and dropping the chopping bit by a winch.

The process is continued even below the casing till the hole begins to
cave in. at that stage the bottom of the casing can be extended by
providing additional pieces at the top.

The wash boring is mainly used for advancing a hole in the ground.

The equipment used in wash boring is relatively light and in expansive.

The main disadvantage of the method is that it is slow in stiff soils and
coarse grained soils.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 57 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

WASH BORING
SPLIT SPOON SAMPLERS:

The most commonly used sampler for obtaining a disturbed sample of the
soil is the standard split spoon sampler.

It consists mainly of three parts ie; driving shoe made of tool steel, about
75mm long, steel tube about 450mm long, longitudinally in two halves and
coupling at the top of the tube about 150 mm long.

The inside diameter of the split spoon is 38mm and the outside dia. Is
50mm.

The coupling head may be provided with a check valve and 4 venting
ports of 10mm diameter to improve sample recovery.

This sampler is also used in conducting standard penetration test.

After the bore hole is made the sampler is attached to the drilling rod and
lowered into the hole

The sample is collected by jacking or forcing the sampler into the soil by
repeated blows of a drop hammer. The sampler is then withdrawn.

The split tube is separated after removing the shoe and the coupling and
the sample is taken out.

It is then placed in a container, sealed and transported to the laboratory.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 58 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 59 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

SPLIT SPOON SAMPLER

SCRAPER BUCKET SAMPLER:

If a sandy deposit contains pebbles it is not possible to obtain samples by

standard split spoon sampler. The pebbles come in between the springs
and prevent their closure. For such deposits a scraper bucket can be
used.

A scraper bucket sampler consists of a driving point which is attached to

its bottom end,

There is a vertical slit in the upper portion of the sampler.

As the sampler is rotated, the scrapings of the soil enter the sampler
through the slit. When the sampler is filled with the scrapings it is lifted.

Although the sample is quite disturbed it is still representative of the soil.

A scraper bucket sampler can also be used for obtaining the samples of
cohesion less soils below the water table.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 60 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 61 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

SCRAPER BUCKET SAMPLER

SHELBY TUBES AND THIN WALLED SAMPLERS:

Shelby tubes are thin wall tube samplers made of seamless steel. It is
used to obtain undisturbed sample of clay.

The outside diameter of the tube may be between 40mm to 125mm.

The commonly used samplers have the outside diameter of either 50.8mm
or 76.2mm. the bottom of the tube is sharpened and beveled which acts
as a cutting edge.

The area ratio is less than 15% and the inside clearance is in between
0.5% to 3%.

The length of the thin walled sampler tube is 5 to 10 times the diameter for
sandy soils and 10 to 15 times the diameter for clayey soils.

The diameter varies between 40 to 125mm and the thickness varies from
1.25 to 3.15mm.

The sampler tube is attached to the drilling rod and lowered to the bottom
of the bore hole. It is then pushed into the soil

After some time the tube is taken out and its ends are sealed before
transportation.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 62 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 63 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

SHELBY TUBES AND THIN WALLED SAMPLERS

PISTON SAMPLER:

A piston sampler consists of a thin walled tube with a piston inside.

The piston keeps the lower end of the sampling tube closed when the
sampler is lowered to the bottom of the hole.

After the sampler has been lowered to the desired depth the piston is
prevented from moving downward by a suitable arrangement which differs
in different types of piston.

Then thin tube sampler is pushed past the piston to obtain the sample.

The piston remains in close contact with the top of the sample.

The presence of the piston prevents rapid squeezing of the soft soils into
the tube and reduces the disturbance of the sample.

A vacuum is created at the top of the sample which helps in retaining the
sample.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 64 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

During withdrawal of the sampler, the piston provides protection against

the water pressure which otherwise would have occurred on the top of the
sample.

Piston samplers are used for getting undisturbed soil samples from soft
and sensitive clays.

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 65 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

PISTON SAMPLER
Soil Mechanics Lab Manual
- 66 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

BORE CHART
Project

location:

Ground surface level:

Bore No:

Type of boring

Soil sampler used:

Diameter of boring:

date of start:

Ground water table:

completion date:

Scale

Description

Depth

Depth of Depth

in mt.

of strata

from

disturbed

Depth of remark
of S.P.T

GL in sample

undisturbed

(m)in N

(m)

sample

Blows
for 300
mm

in(m)

in (m)

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 67 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 7

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 68 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering

FREE SWELL AND SWELL POTENTIAL

FREE SWELL AND SWELL POTENTIAL

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the free swell index and swelling characteristics of soil

PROCEDURE:
Two oven dry soil samples, 10 g each, passing a 425 micron sieve are
placed separately in two 100 ml gradated glass cylinders. Distilled water is filled
in one cylinder and kerosene (A non polar liquid) in the other cylinder upto the
100 ml mark. The final volume of soil read after 24 hours (or more).

OBSERVATION:
Final in 100 ml
After 24 hours or more
Soil Volume in Soil Volume in Soil Volume in Soil Volume in
Initial in 100 ml

Free swell
Index
(x-y/y)*100

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 69 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.

Parul Institute of Technology, Limda.

Department of Civil Engineering
water

Kerosene

water (x)

Kerosene(y)

SWELLING POTENTIAL:
Swelling potential can be defined as percentage swell of laterally confined
sample on soaking under 6.9 kpa surcharges after being compacted to maximum
dry density at optimum moisture content.

CALCULATIONS:
For natural soil having clay upto 8 to 65 %.
Swelling potential, Sp = 2.16 x 10-3 (Ip)2.44
Where Ip = Plasticity Index
For Black cotton soils,
Swelling potential, Sp = 1/63 (Is)1.17
Where Is= WL- Ws = Shrinkage Index

Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

- 70 Prepared By Nirali B. Hasilkar & Bhavita S. Dave
Assist. Prof., PIT, Limda.