Table content

Introduction……………………….. I
1. Experiment 1……………………. (1)
2. Experiment 2……………………. (4)
3. Experiment 3…………………….. (8)
4. Experiment 4……………………. (16)
5. Experiment 5…………………….. (19)
6. Experiment 6 ……………………. (22)
7. Experiment 7…………………….. (24)

Introduction

Soils are natural resources. They are necessary for our existence.

1
 They provide food, shelter, construction materials, and gems.
They protect the environment and provide support for our buildings.
Soils are the oldest and most complex engineering materials.
It has different meaning in different disciplines.
Soil Mechanics is one of the disciplines of Civil Engineering involving the
study of soil, its behavior and application as an engineering material.
‘‘Soil mechanics’’ is the study of the engineering behavior of soil when it is
used either as a construction material or as a foundation material.
Soil Mechanics: discipline that makes use of principles of mechanics &
hydraulics to solve engineering problems of soils Stability, Settlement and
Seepage

Experiment 1
TITLE : Water content determination

2
Scope

To determine the moisture content of the given soil sample.

To determine the amount of water present in a soil expressed as a percentage of the mass of dry soil. This 
is termed the moisture content of the soil.

Theory

The natural water content also called the natural moisture content is the ratio of the weight of

water to the weight of the solids in a given mass of soil.

This ratio is usually expressed as percentege.

Apparatus:-

Balance Dray oven

Moisture can Bucklet

BUCKLET

Procedure:

3
1.Record the moisture can and number. Determine and record the mass of an empty, clean, and
dry moisture can (MC)

2.,Place the moist soil in the moisture can and secure the can. Determine and record the mass of
the moisture can (now containing the moist soil) (MCMS).

3.,Remove the lid and place the moisture can (containing the moist soil) in the drying oven that
is set at 105 -110°C. Leave it in 24hrs the oven over night.

4. Remove the moisture can after 24hrs Carefully but securely, replace on the moisture can
using gloves but not use, and allow it to cool to room temperature. Determine and record the
mass of the moisture can and (containing the dry soil) (MCDS).

5.,Empty the moisture can and clean the can.

NO. 1 2 3
1 Weight of can W1gm 17.5 17 11.5
2 Weight of  moisture can +wet soil W2gm 82 81 84.5
3 Weight of can+drysoil W3 gm 70 68.5 70.5
4 Weight of drysoil W4 gm.( W4= W3 -W1) 52.5 51.5 59
5 Weight of water W5 gm.( W5= W2- W3) 12 12.5 14
6 Water/Moisture content.W%=(W% =  22.9% 24.3% 23.73%
W5/W4 *100)
7 AVERAGE %W =23.6%

 Calculation and Result:

 Calculate Water content determination
 WhereW1= Weight of moisture can
 W2= Weight of moisture can +wet soil
 W3= Weight of moisture can +dry soil
 W 4= Weight of dry soil
 W5= Weight of Poor water
 W%= Water/Moisture content.

Trial -1

%w =(ww/ws)*100 Trial-2
=(12/52.5)*100 =(12.5/21.5)*100

4
=22.9% =24.3%

Trial 3 average%w =24.3+23.73+22.9/3=23.6

%w=(14/59)*100 =23.73

Discussion:-Report

The test report shall include the following:

a) Type of material and sample identification

b) Reference to this procedure

c) Test results, individual values and average value

d) The final moisture content (w) is reported to two significant figures

Conclusion:-

 -To determine the amount of water present in a soil expressed as a percentage of the mass
of dry soil.
 This is termed the moisture content of th

Experiment - 2
TITLE : Determination of Field dry Density of Soil by Sand Replacement Method Calibration
for Bulk Density

5
Scope
To determine the mass density of soils by Sand replacement method
To determine the field or in-situ density or unit weight of soil by Sand replacement  method.
Theory
The density of a soil (ρ) or insitu density of soil deposit(ground)isdefinedas:-
ρ=M/V = water in a given volume V of the soil
Total volume of soil V
The unit wt. of soil (r) is given as: r =ρ.g
The unit wt. which is based on total mass and total volume of a wet soil is also known as bulk
unit wt. or wet unit wt. or total unit wt, or simply as unit wt. or the soil, and may be represented
by r or rt. The value of wt wt. of a soil deposit is used to compute the value of its dry unit wt
rd = ( r)/1+W where W: - is the water content
Apparatus
 Cylindrica calibratio  contener (height = 15 cm, 14.9 internal diameter cm )
 Balance sensitive to 1 g. mater Steel rammer
 Tools for excavating a hole in the ground
 Clean, uniformly graded sand ranging from #20 to #30 sieve such as Ottawa Sand
Oven with temperature kept at about 105-110°c

6
Procedure:
 Measure the weight of mold,
 Measure the weight of mold +Sand, (before use))
 Open the valve, sand flows from to the cone, after the flow stops close the valve and
take tray. Measure the weight of mold +Sand, (after use)
 Weight of mold+Sand, W5 (before use)
 Go to the field where the soil's unit weight is to be measured, place the metal tray and
fasten the 4 screws
 Dig up a 10 to 15 cm deep hole.
As you are digging the hole put the retrieved soil into the plastic bag in order that the soil does
not lose moisture. All of the soil including the soft soil at the bottom of the hole is poured into
the bag as well.
Having the valve closed turn the mold upside down and place the cone in the center hole of tray
and open the valve so that sand flows down to the hole.

7
After flow of sand stops close the valve and pick the assembly up, the sand in the cone will be
poured into the tray. This sand will be left there in the field. (Notice, Unlike this picture, the
plastic bag should be kept closed while transferring to the lab to avoid moisture loss and
consequently weight of the soil) Measure the weight of mold+Sand, (after use) Measure the
weigh the evaporating dish, Measure the weigh the evaporating dish + wet soil from the
field,Put the evaporating dish + wet soil in the oven and after 24hrs weigh it agai Having the
information you got so far in the table, Calculations can be carried out easily
Observations and recording :-

Determination of Field dry Density of Soil by Sand Replacement Method Calibration for Bulk
Density

Date Tested: 17\09\2011

Tested By: Group 2 Project Name: lab

 A.Calibration

1 Volume of calibrating container (Va cum) 2615.5 2615.5 2615.5cm

2 Weigh of  cylinder+sand in cone( before ) 8.321 8.228 8.366
3 Weigh of  cylinder + sand in cone ( after pouring) 3.92 3.921 3.851
4 Weight of sand pouring cylinder (wa) 0.66 0.674 0.676
5 Weight of sand filling calibrating  cone Ws= ( W1- 3.741 3.633 3.839
W2-W3)
6 Bulk density of sand Ys= ( Ws/Va) 0.001 0.001 0.001

 Volume of calibrating B, Bulk density of So

Calculate Bulk density of sand( Ys) Va =Volume of calibrating container

W1=Weigh of cylinder+ sand in cone( before pouring)

W2= Weigh of cylinder + sand in cone ( after pouring)

wa=Weight of sand pouring cylinder

W4=Weight of sand filling calibrating cone

Ys= Bulk density of sand

Calculate Moisture content soil (W%)

Where

W1=Weight of empty Container

W2=weight Wet soi from the hole l+ Container

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W3=Weigh Dry soil + Container

W4=Weight of dry soil

W5=Weight of poor water

W%=Moisture content of excavated soil

Calculate dry   density of  soil  ( Yd)

Where
WW=Weight of wet soil from hole
W1=Weigh of cylinder+ sand in cone( before pouring)
W4=Weigh of cylinder + sand in cone ( after pouring)
Web=Weight of sand in the excavated hole
V =Volume of sand filling the excavated hole
Yb=Bulk density
Yd=Yb/1+w =(26.386/1+0.226)=21.522
Discussion:-Report
Report, as a minimum, the following information:
Test location,
Test location elevation,
Test hole volume, m3,
In-place wet density, mg/m3,
In-place dry unit weight kN /m3
In-place water content of the soil expressed as a percentage of dry mass,
Water (moisture) content of the soil expressed as a percentage of dry mass,
Conclusion:-In documenting field compaction, it is necessary to determine the moisture content
of each sample in addition to in place unit weigh of the soil. The mixture content is needed to
compute the dry

9
 Experiment -3
TITLE:- Atterberg limits

scope:-

This lab is performed to determine the plastic and liquid limits of a fine-
grained soil. The liquid limit (LL) is arbitrarily defined as the water content, in
percent, at which a pat of soil in a standard cup and cut by a groove of standard
dimensions will flow together at the base of the groove for a distance of 13 mm (1/2
in.) when subjected to 25 shocks from the cup being dropped 10 mm in a standard
liquid limit apparatus operated at a rate of two shocks per second. The plastic limit
(PL) is the water content, in percent, at which a soil can no longer be deformed by
rolling into 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) diameter threads without crumbling.

Standard Reference:

ASTM D 4318 - Standard Test Method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and

Plasticity Index of Soils

Thory

The Swedish soil scientist Albert Atterberg originally defined seven “limits of
consistency” to classify fine-grained soils, but in current engineering practice only two
of the limits, the liquid and plastic limits, are commonly used. (A third limit, called
the shrinkage limit, is used occasionally.) The Atterberg limits are based on the
moisture content of the soil. The plastic limit is the moisture content that defines
where the soil changes from a semi-solid to a plastic (flexible) state.

The liquid limit is the moisture content that defines where the soil changes from a
plastic to a viscous fluid state. The shrinkage limit is the moisture content that defines
where the soil volume will not reduce further if the moisture content is reduced. A
wide variety of soil engineering properties have been correlated to the liquid and plastic
limits, and these Atterberg limits are also used to classify a fine-grained soil according
to the Unified Soil Classification system or AASHTO system.

Equipment:

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Liquid limit device, Porcelain (evaporating) dish, Flat grooving tool with gage,

Eight moisture cans, Balance, Glass plate, Spatula, Wash bottle filled with distilled
water,Drying oven set at 105°C.

BALANCE

Test Procedure:

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Liquid Limit:
(1) Take roughly 3/4 of the soil and place it into the porcelain dish.
Assume that the soil was previously passed though a No. 40 sieve,
air-dried, and then pulverized. Thoroughly mix the soil with a small
amount of distilled water until it appears as a smooth uniform paste.
Cover the dish with cellophane to prevent moisture from escaping.
(2) Weigh four of the empty moisture cans with their lids, and record the
respective weights and can numbers on the data sheet.
(3) Adjust the liquid limit apparatus by checking the height of drop of the
cup. The point on the cup that comes in contact with the base should
rise to a height of 10 mm. The block on the end of the grooving tool is
10 mm high and should be used as a gage. Practice using the cup
and determine the correct rate to rotate the crank so that the cup
drops approximately two times per second.
(4) Place a portion of the previously mixed soil into the cup of the liquid
limit apparatus at the point where the cup rests on the base. Squeeze
the soil down to eliminate air pockets and spread it into the cup to a
depth of about 10 mm at its deepest point. The soil pat should form
an approximately horizontal surface (See Photo B).
(5) Use the grooving tool carefully cut a clean straight groove down the
center of the cup. The tool should remain perpendicular to the surface
of the cup as groove is being made. Use extreme care to prevent
sliding the soil relative to the surface of the cup (See Photo C).
(6) Make sure that the base of the apparatus below the cup and the
underside of the cup is clean of soil. Turn the crank of the apparatus
at a rate of approximately two drops per second and count the number
of drops, N, it takes to make the two halves of the soil pat come into

12
 contact at the bottom of the groove along a distance of 13 mm (1/2 in.)
(See Photo D). If the number of drops exceeds 50, then go directly to
step eight and do not record the number of drops, otherwise, record
the number of drops on the data sheet.
(7) Take a sample, using the spatula, from edge to edge of the soil pat.
The sample should include the soil on both sides of where the groove
came into contact. Place the soil into a moisture can cover it.
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. Place these oil
remaining in the cup into the porcelain dish. Clean and dry the cup on the apparatus
and the grooving tool.
(8) Remix the entire soil specimen in the porcelain dish. Add a small
amount of distilled water to increase the water content so that the
number of drops required to close the groove decrease.
(9) Repeat steps six, seven, and eight for at least two additional trials
producing successively lower numbers of drops to close the groove.
One of the trials shall be for a closure requiring 25 to 35 drops, one for
closure between 20 and 30 drops, and one trial for a closure requiring
15 to 25 drops. Determine the water content from each trial by using
the same method used in the first laboratory. Remember to use the
same balance for all weighing.

Plastic Limit:

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 (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 1/4 of the original soil sample and add distilled
water until the soil is at a consistency where it can be rolled without
sticking to the hands.
(3) Form the soil into an ellipsoidal mass (See Photo F). Roll the mass
between the palm or the fingers and the glass plate (See Photo G).
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 3.2 mm (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. Continue this alternate rolling,
gathering together, kneading and re-rolling until the thread crumbles
under the pressure required for rolling and can no longer be rolled into
a 3.2 mm diameter thread (See Photo H).
(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 three, four, and five 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 the same balance for allweighing.

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 Analysis:
Liquid Limit:
(1) Calculate the water content of each of the liquid limit moisture cans
after they have been in the oven for at least 16 hours.
(2) Plot the number of drops, N, (on the log scale) versus the water
content (w). Draw the best-fit straight line through the plotted points
and determine the liquid limit (LL) as the water content at 25 drops.
Plastic Limit:
(1) Calculate the water content of each of the plastic limit moisture cans
after they have been in the oven for at least 16 hours.
(2) Compute the average of the water contents to determine the plastic
limit, PL. Check to see if the difference between the water contents is
greater than the acceptable range of two results (2.6 %).
(3) Calcula te the plasticity index, PI=LL-PL.
Report the liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index to the nearest
whole number, omitting the percent designate

15
 ATTERBERG LIMITS DATA SHEETS :

Date Tested: 23\09\2011

Tested By: Group -2

Project Name: Labratory

Elvation =2755.51m

Location,x=557447.74m,Y=1067586.76m

Liquid Limit Determination

S.No 1 2 3
1 Number of blows 40 25 15
2 Moisture can 18 17 11.5
3 Weight of the can+wet soil W1gm 63 73 77
4 Weight of can + Dry soil W3gm 46 51 50
5 Weigh of the water Ww= ( W2-W3)gm 17 22 27
6 Weight of the Dry soil Wd= ( W3-W1)gm 28 34 38.5
7 Moisture content  W%=((Ww)/(Wd))*100 60.71 64.71 70.13
8 Average %w 65.18

Plastic limit

S.No Determination Number 1 2 3
1 Moisture can 15.5 11.5 11.5
2 Weight of the can+wet soil W1gm 21 17 16

4 Weight of the Dry soil Wd= ( W3-W1)gm 4.5 35 3.5

5 Weigh of the water Ww= ( W2-W3)gm 1 2 1
6 Moisture content  W%=((Ww)/(Wd))*100 22.22 57.14 28.571
7

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 Experiment - 4
Specific gravity determination
Scope
The knowledge of specific gravity is needed in calculation of soil properties like void ratio,degree
 of saturation etc.
Theory
Specific gravity G is defined as the ratio of the weight of an equal volume of distilled water att
hat temperature both weights taken in air.
Apparatus
Density bottle of 50ml or 100ml
Pycnometer,
Balance
Vacuum pump
Funnel
Spoon.

17
18
 Procedure:
(1) Determine and record the weight of the empty clean and drypycnometer, WP.
(2) Place 10g of a dry soil sample (passed through the sieve No. 10)in the pycnometer.
Determine and record the weight of thepycnometer containing the dry soil, WPS.
(3) Add distilled water to fill about half to three-fourth of thepycnometer. Soak the sample for 10
minutes.
(4) Apply a partial vacuum to the contents for 10 minutes, to removethe entrapped air.
(5) Stop the vacuum and carefully remove the vacuum line frompycnometer.
(6) Fill the pycnometer with distilled (water to the mark), clean theexterior surface of the
pycnometer with a clean, dry cloth.Determine the weight of the pycnometer and contents, WB.
(7) Empty the pycnometer and clean it. Then fill it with distilled wateronly (to the mark). Clean
the exterior surface of the pycnometerwith a clean, dry cloth. Determine the weight of the
pycnometerand distilled water, WA.
(8) Empty the pycnometer and clean it Observations and recording :
Specific gravity determination data sheet
Date Tested: 23\09\2011
Tested By: Group- 2

Project Name: Lab

Specimen number 1 2 3
Pycnometer bottle number 100mm 100mm 100mm
WP = weight of empty, clean pycnometer (grams) 42 41.5 44.5
WPS = weight of empty pycnometer + dry soil 82 81.5 84.5
(grams)
WB = weight of pycnometer + dry soil + water 167 164.5 170
(grams)
WA = Mass of pycnometer + pure water (grams) 143 140 146.5
Specific Gravity (GS) 2.5 2.581 2.424

Remark:-
Tested by:- Group 2 Checkedby:- ELIYAS

19
 Calculation and Result:-
Where
Calculate Specific Gravity (GS)
WP = Mass of empty, clean pycnometer (grams)
WPS = Mass of empty pycnometer + dry soil (grams
WB = Mass of pycnometer + dry soil + water (grams)

WA = Mass of pycnometer + water (grams)

GS= Specific Gravity
Discussion:-
This lab is performed to determine the specific gravity of soil by using a pycnometer. Specific
gravity is the ratio of the mass of unit volume of soil at a stated temperature to the mass of the
same volume of gas-free distilled water at a stated temperature.
Conclusion:-Determine the specific gravity of soil fraction passing 4.75 mm I.S sieve by density 
bottle.

S.No Soil Type Specific Gravity

1 Gravel 2.65 – 2.68

2 Sand 2.65 – 2.68
3 Silty sands 2.66 – 2.70
4 Silt 2.66 – 2.70
5 Inorganic clays 2.68 – 2.80
6 Organic soils Variable, may fall below 2.00

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 Experiment - 5
Determination of Particle Size distribution
Scope
A particle size distribution analysis is a necessary classification test forsoils, especially coarse soils, in t
hat it presents the relative portions ofdifferent sizes of particles. From this it is possible to determine whet
herthe soil consists of predominantly gravel, sand, silt or clay sizes and, to alimited extent, which of thes
e sizeranges is likely to control the enginee-ring properties of the soil.
Theory

 The distribution of different grain sizes affects the engineering properties of soil.
 Grain size analysis provides the grain size distribution, and it is required in classifying the
soil.
Apparatus

21
 Dray oven Balance SET OF SIVE

Procedure:
(1)Write down the weight of each sieve as well as the bottom pan to beused in the analysis.
(2) Record the weight of the given dry soil sample.
(3) Make sure that all the sieves are clean, and assemble them intheascending order of sieve
numbers (#4 sieve at top and #200 sieve a
bottom). Place the pan below #200 sieve. Carefully pour thesoilsample into the top sieve and place
the cap over it.
(4) Place the sieve stack in the mechanical shaker and shake for10minutes.
(5) Remove the stack from the shaker and carefully weigh and record the
weight of each sieve with its retained soil. In addition,remember to
weigh and record the weight of the bottom pan with its retained finesoil.

Observations and recording

Grain Size Analysis DATA SHEETS

Date Tested: 25\09\2011

Tested By: Group -2
Project Name: Lab
Weight of soil sample Befor shaking -1974gram

22
 Weight of Weight of Weight of % %
Sieve SIVE empty Retained empty Sieve Retained Passing Cumulative
NO. SIZE Sieve Soil W2 + Retained
(mm) W1 Soil (g)
4 4.75 320 393.5 713.5 19.954 80.046 19.954
8 2.36 304.5 424 6.06 93.94 26.014 26.014
16 1.8 263.5 214.5 478 10.877 89.123 36.891
32 600 267 558.5 825.8 28.322 71.678 65.213
100 150 249.5 615.5 865 31.212 68.788 96.425
200 0.075 243.5 45.5 289 2.307 97.693 98.732
Pan ---- 208 25 233 1.268 98.732 100

After for shaking -1972gram

Weight
Weight of
Weight
SIVE of empty % %
Sieve of Cumulative
SIZE Retained Sieve + Retained Passing
empty
Soil W2 Retained
Soil (g)
4 4.75 320 393.5 713.5 19.954 80.046 19.954
8 2.36 304.5 119.5 424 6.06 73.986 26.014
16 1.8 263.5 214.5 478 10.877 63.109 36.891
32 0.6 267 558.5 825.8 28.322 34.787 65.213
100 0.15 249.5 615.5 865 31.212 3.575 96.425
200 0.075 243.5 45.5 289 2.307 1.268 98.732
Pan ---- 208 25 233 1.268 -8E-15 100
               

23
 90

80

70

60

50
FINE

40

30

20

10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

-10

PARTICLE SIZE

24
Calculation and Result:-
Calculat MassofEmpty Sieve + Soil Retained for each sive
Calculat Percent Retanied for each sive
Calculat Percent Passing for each sive
Calculat cumulative
Where
W1 =MassofEmpty Sieve
W2=MassSoil Retained
W3=MassofEmpty Sieve + Soil Retained
%R=Percent Retained
%P=Percent Passing
Mt=total Mass
Mr= Mass Retained
Calculat Percent Retanied& Percent Passingfor each sive
%Rtaned =(Mr/M)*100
(393.5/1972)*100=19.95
Discussion:-
The procedure given involves preparation of the sample by wet sieving toremove silt and clay sized parti
cles. Followed by dry sieving of theremaining coarse material.
This method covers the quantitative determination of particle sizedistribution in an essentially cohesionless 
soil, down to fine sand size. Thecombined silt clay can be obtained by difference. If the soil does notcont
ain particles retained on a 2 mm test sieve in significant quantity, thehydrometer method shall be used.

25
Conclusion:-From Grain Size Distribution Curve:
Gravel=     D10= 4.8   Cu= 0.646
Fine=     D30= 4.8      
Sand=     D60= 3.1   Cc= 0.281

Experiment -6
TITLE :  Shrinkage limits
Scope
Shrinkage due to drying is significant in clays, but less so in silts andsands. If the drying process 
is prolonged after the plastic limit has beenreached, the soil will continue to decrease in volume, 
which is also relevant to the converse condition of expansion due to wetting.
Apparatus
 A flat glass plate
 Two palette knives or spatulas
 A drying oven capable of maintaining temperature of 105 °C - 110 °C
 Clean water
 Varner calipers or steel rule with accuracy 0.5 mm

Procedure:
1:Clean the mould thoroughly and apply a thin film of siliconegrease or petroleum jelly to its
inner faces to prevent the soiladhering to the mould.
2:Take the sample soil paste at approximately the LiquidLimit.
3:Place the soil/water mixture in the mould such that it is slightlyproud of the sides of the mould. Gently 
jar the mould, orcarefully tap the mould against a firm surface, to remove any airpockets in the mixture.

26
 4:Level the soil along the top of the mould with the palette knifeand remove all soil adhering to the rim 
of the mould by wipingwith a damp cloth.
5:Then complete the drying at 105 °C to 110 °C.
6:Cool the mould and measure the mean length of the soil bar bypressing it against the end of the mod wh
ere there is a better fit,while measuring the distance between the opposite side of themould and the soil bar.

Observations and recording :

Date Tested: 25\09\2011
Tested By: Group -2

Project Name: Lab

S.No Determination Number 1 2 3
Weight of soil sample 40 40 40
Initial length (before)=W1 14 14 14
Oven-dreid length ( Afater)=W2 13.5 13.5 13.45
Water=for used PL w% 14.4 14.4 14.4
Shrinkagelimits(S.L)%= W2\W1*100 96.429 96.429 96.071
LinearShrinkageL.S%=100*(1- 3.571 3.571 3.929
W2\W1)

Calculation and Result:-

Shrinkagelimits(S.L)%= W2\W1*100
Trial -1
1. (S.L) % = (13.5/14)*100
=96.429
2. (S.L) % = (13.5/14)*100
=96.429
3. (S.L) % = (13.45/14)*100=96.071
AVERAGE SHIRNKAGE =(3.571+3.571+3.929)/3=3.69
LinearShrinkageL.S%=(1-W2\W1)*100

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=(1-13.5/14)*100 =3.571
=(1-13.5/14)*100 =3.571=(1-13.45/14)*100 =3.929
Water=for used PL w%

1.WATER=(40/100)*36
2.WATER=(40/100)*36
3.WATER=(40/100)*
Discussion:-Report
The test report shall include the following:
a) Type of material and sample identification
b) Reference to this procedure
c) Test result, i.e. the Linear Shrinkage of the soil sample
d) Whether the material was tested in the natural state or after sieving
Conclusion:-
Linear Shrinkage method covers the determination of the shrinkage from linear measurements on
a bar of soil of the fraction of asoilsample passing a 425 m test sieve, originally having the
moisturecontent ofthe Liquid Limit.

Experiment -7
TITLE:- Moisture-density relation (compaction) test

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SCOPE:
This laboratory test is performed to determine the relationship between the moisture
content and the dry density of a soil for a specified compactive effort. The
compactive effort is the amount of mechanical energy that is applied to the soil mass.
THEORY:
Two types of compaction tests are routinely performed:
(1) The Standard Proctor Test, and (2)
(2) The Modified Proctor Test. Each of these tests can be performed in
three different methods as outlined in the attached Table 1. In the
Standard Proctor Test, the soil is compacted by a2.5KG hammer falling
a distance of one foot into a soil filled mold. The mold is filled with
three equal layers of soil, and each layer is subjected to 25 drops of the
hammer.
The Modified Proctor Test is identical to the Standard Proctor Test except it
employs, a 5KG hammer falling a distance of 18 inches, and uses five equal layers of
soil instead of three. There are two types of compaction molds used for testing.

APPARATUSS
Molds, Manual rammer, Extruder, Balance, Drying oven, Mixing pan,
Trowel, #4 sieve, Moisture cans, Graduated cylinder, Straight

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Test Procedure:
(1) Depending on the type of mold you are using obtain a sufficient
quantity of air-dried soil in large mixing pan. For the 4-inch mold
take approximately 10 lbs, and for the 6-inch mold take roughly 15
lbs. Pulverize the soil and run it through the # 4 sieve.
(2) Determine the weight of the soil sample as well as the weight of the
compaction mold with its base (without the collar) by using the
balance and record the weights.
(3) Compute the amount of initial water to add by the following method:
(a) Assume water content for the first test to be 8 percent.
(b) Compute water to add from the following equation:
(soil massin grams) 8/100
water to add (inml) =

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Where “water to add” and the “soil mass” are in grams. Remember
that a gram of water is equal to approximately one milliliter of water.
(4) Measure out the water, add it to the soil, and then mix it thoroughly
into the soil using the trowel until the soil gets a uniform color (See
Photos B and C).
(5) Assemble the compaction mold to the base, place some soil in the
mold and compact the soil in the number of equal layers specified by
the type of compaction method employed (See Photos D and E).
The number of drops of the rammer per layer is also dependent
upon the type of mold used (See Table 1). The drops should be
applied at a uniform rate not exceeding around 1.5 seconds per
drop, and the rammer should provide uniform coverage of the
specimen surface. Try to avoid rebound of the rammer from the top
of the guide sleeve.
(6).The soil should completely fill the cylinder and the last compacted
layer must extend slightly above the collar joint. If the soil is below
the collar joint at the completion of the drops, the test point must be
repeated. (Note: For the last layer, watch carefully, and add more
soil after about 10 drops if it appears that the soil will be compacted
below the collar joint.)
(7). Carefully remove the collar and trim off the compacted soil so that it
is completely even with the top of the mold using the trowel. Replace
small bits of soil that may fall out during the trimming process (See
Photo F).
(8). Weigh the compacted soil while it’s in the mold and to the base, and
record the mass (See Photo G). Determine the wet mass of the soil
by subtracting the weight of the mold and base.

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(9). Remove the soil from the mold using a mechanical extruder (SeePhoto H) and take soil
moisture content samples from the top andottom of the specimen (See Photo I). Fill the moisture
cans withsoil and determine the water content.
(10). Place the soil specimen in the large tray and break up the soil until it
appears visually as if it will pass through the # 4 sieve, add 2 percent
more water based on the original sample mass, and re-mix as in
step 4. Repeat steps 5 through 9 until, based on wet mass, a peak
value is reached followed by two slightly lesser compacted soilmasses
Calculate the moisture content of each compacted soil specimen by using the average
of the two water contents.
Compute the wet density in grams per cm3 of the compacted soil
sample by dividing the wet mass by the volume of the mold used.
Compute the dry density using the wet density and the water content
determined in step 1. Use the following formula:

ρd = (ρ )/1+ w
where: w = moisture content in percent divided by 100, and ρ = wet density in grams per cm3
2. Plot the dry density values on the y-axis and the moisture contents
on the x-axis. Draw a smooth curve connecting the plotted points.
On the same graph draw a curve of complete saturation or “zero air voids curve”.
The values of dry density and corresponding moisture

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 Observations and recording :-

Moisture-Density (Compaction) Test

Standard Proctor, Method

Data Sheets Date

Tested: 10\10\2011

Tested By: Group 2

Project Name: Lab

Classification of Soil: silty,clay,cilty

Water Content Determination:

Compacted Soil - Sample no. 1 2 3 4 5 10

Weight of empty, can(W1) 16 17.5 18 11 11 11
Weight of empty, can and moist 56 58 69 56 56 95
soil(W2)
Weight of empty, can and dry 50 51 60 48 46 70
soil(W3)
Weight of soil solids (Wd)=W3-W1 34 33.5 42 37 35 59
Weight of pore water(Ww)=W2-W3 6 7 9 8 10 25
Water content, w%=Ww\Wd*100 17.647 20.896 21.429 21.622 28.57 42.371
1

Density Determination

Mold Volume=947.8cm3

Compacted Soil - Sample no 1 2 3 4 5 6

Weight of compacted soil and mold(W1) 3253g 3269g 3254g 3388g 3528g 3593g
Weight of mold(W2) 2060g 2060g 2060g 2060g 2060g 2060g
Weight of soil in mold 1193g 1209g 1194 1328 1468 1533
(W3)=W1-W2

1.259 1.276 1.26 1.401 1.549 1.617

Wet density(ρ)=W3\Va

dry density 1.032 1.046 1.033 1.148 1.27 1.325

(ρd)= ρ\W+1

Calculation and Result:-

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 dry density
(ρd)= ρ\W+1
=1.259/1.22=1.032

=1.276/1.22=1.046

Discussion:-

Mechanical compaction is one of the most common and cost effective

means of stabilizing soils. An extremely important task of geotechnical
engineers is the performance and analysis of field control tests to assure that
compacted fills are meeting the prescribed design specifications. Design
specifications usually state the required density (as a percentage of the
“maximum” density measured in a standard laboratory test), and the water
content. In general, most engineering properties, such as the strength, stiffness,
resistance to shrinkage, and imperviousness of the soil, will improve by
increasing the soil density.

Conclusion:-

The optimum water content is the water content that results in the greatest density for a
specified compactive effort.

Determine Result

 Optimum Moisture Content

 Maximum Dry Density

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