EXPERIMENT No.

: DATE :

KALASALINGAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

ANAND NAGAR, KRISHNAN KOIL – 626126
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CE8511- SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY

(Regulation 2017)
Prepared By
J.BALAJIPRAVEEN, M.E.,
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

NAME :................................................

REG NO :................................................

YEAR :........................ SEMESTER : .................

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

CE8511 SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY LTPC 0042

OBJECTIVE:
To develop skills to test the soils for their index and engineering properties and to
characterise the soil based on their properties.

EXERCISES:

1. DETERMINATION OF INDEX PROPERTIES 20

a. Specific gravity of soil solids
b. Grain size distribution – Sieve analysis
c. Grain size distribution - Hydrometer analysis
d. Liquid limit and Plastic limit tests
e. Shrinkage limit and Differential free swell tests

2. DETERMINATION OF INSITU DENSITY AND COMPACTION

CHARACTERISTICS 12
a. Field density Test ( Sand replacement method and core cutter method)
b. Determination of moisture – density relationship using standard Proctor compaction test.
c. Determination of relative density (Demonstration only)

3. DETERMINATION OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES 28

a. Permeability determination (constant head and falling head methods)

b. One dimensional consolidation test (Determination of Co-efficient of consolidation only)
c. Direct shear test in cohesionless soil
d. Unconfined compression test in cohesive soil
e. Laboratory vane shear test in cohesive soil
f. Tri-axial compression test in cohesionless soil (Demonstration only)
g. California Bearing Ratio Test

TOTAL: 60 PERIODS
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

CE8511 - SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY

CONTENTS TOTAL : 60 PERIODS
Sl. No.
LIST OF EXPERIMENTS .

1 Specific gravity of soil solids

2 Grain size distribution – Sieve analysis

3 Grain size distribution Hydrometer analysis

4 Liquid limit and Plastic limit tests

5 Shrinkage limit and Differential free swell tests

6 Field density Test (Sand replacement method)

7 Field density Test (Core cutter method)

8 Determination of moisture – density relationship using standard

Proctor compaction test.
9 Determination of relative density (Demonstration only)

10 Permeability determination (constant head method)

11 Permeability determination (Falling head method)

12 One dimensional consolidation test (Determination of co-efficient

of consolidation only)
13 Direct shear test in cohesionless soil

14 Unconfined compression test in cohesive soil

15 Laboratory vane Shear test in cohesive soil

16 Tri-axial compression test in cohesionless soil (Demonstration only)

17 California Bearing Ratio Test

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

1. SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL SOLIDS

Aim:
To determine the specific gravity of soil fraction passing 4.75 mm I.S sieve by density
bottle
Apparatus Required:
1. Pycnometer (either a Pycnometer jar with conical top or a stoppered bottle

having a capacity of at least 50ml)

2. 4.75mm sieve
3. Weighing balance
4. Oven
5. Glass rod
6. Distilled water

Theory:
Specific gravity G is defined as the ratio of the weight of an equal volume of soil
solids at a given temperature to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water at that
temperature, both weights being taken in air. The Indian Standard specifies 27oC as
the standard temperature for reporting the specific gravity.
Procedure:
1. Clean and dry the Pycnometer
2. Weigh the empty Pycnometer with its cap (W1)
3. Take about 200gmof oven dried soil passing through 4.75mm sieve into the
Pycnometer and
weigh again (W2)
4. Add sufficient de-aired water to cover the soil and screw on the cap
5. Shake the Pycnometer well and remove entrapped air if any
6. Fill the Pycnometer with water completely
7. Dry the Pycnometer from outside and weigh it (W3)
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

8. Clean the Pycnometer by washing thoroughly

9. Fill the cleaned Pycnometer completely with water up to its top with cap screw on
10. Weigh the Pycnometer after drying it on the outside thoroughly (W4)
11. Repeat the procedure for three samples and obtain the average value of specific
gravity.

Calculations:
Calculate the specific gravity of the soil, as follows,

Specific gravity = GS =

Where,
Weight of empty Pyconometer, W1 =
Weight of Pyconometer + soil sample, W2 =

Weight of Pyconometer + soil sample + water,

W3 =
Weight of Pyconometer + water, W4 =

Result:
The specific gravity of the test sample =

Outcome:
Gained knowledge related to various properties of soil (Specific gravity).
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - voce

1. What is meant by Soil?

2. What is soil mechanics?
3. What are main types of soils?
4. What is empirical correlation between PSD and permeability?
5. What is meant by degree of saturation?
6. What are the principles of direct shear test?
7. What is the effect of pore pressure on shear strength of soil?
8. How will you find the shear strength of cohesion less soil?
9. What are the types of shear tests based on drainage?
10.What is meant by shear strength and failure envelope?
11.What are the shear strength parameters?
12.What is cohesion and stress path?
13.What is angle of internal friction?
14.What are the various methods of determination of shear strength in the laboratory?
15.What is the differential equation of deflection of a bent beam?
16.What are the disadvantages of direct shear test?
17.What are the types of tri-axial test based on drainage conditions?
18.What is meant by plastic index, saturated mass density?
19.Distinguish between relative density, relative compaction.

Applications

1. It is used to classifying the soil.

2. To calculate the weight properties.
3. Used for calculation of Mix design.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

2. GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION – SIEVE ANALYSIS

Aim:
To determine the grain size distribution of the given soil sample using I.S sieves
Apparatus Required:
1. Balance (Sensitivity – 0.1%)
2. I.S sieves (I.S 460 – 1962) (4.75mm to 75 microns)
3. Mechanical seive shaker
Theory:
The grain size analysis is widely used in classification of soils. The data obtained
from grain size distribution curves is used in the design of filters for earth dams and to
determine suitability of soil for road construction, air field etc. Information obtained
from grain size analysis can be used to predict soil water movement although
permeability tests are more generally used. The grain size analysis is an attempt to
determine the relative proportions of different grain sizes which make up a given soil
mass

Procedure:
1. Take about 500g of soil sample.
2. Check all the sieves and remove any particles sticking to the sieve mesh.
3. Arrange sieves are in the descending order of their sizes with a pan at bottom.
4. To keep the sample moving continuously over the sieve surface
5. The soil particles shall not be turned or manipulated through the sieves by hand.
6. Sieving shall be continued until not more than 1 percent by mass of the
residue passes any sieve during 60 seconds.
7. Remove the sieves from the sieve shaker and carefully weigh the soil retained an each
sieve.
8. Remove the particles sticking to the sieve mesh and should be included to the weight
retained.
9. Tabulate the data and calculate the percentage passing as shown in the following mass
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

of the sample:
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Observation:

% retained Cumula
I.S sieve Mass retained = (mass tiv
size or in sieve retained / total Cumulative % e%
number (gm) mass)*100 retained fine
(mm) r
(N)
4.75
4.00
3.36
2.40
1.46
1.20
0.60
0.30
0.15
0.075
Pan

Graph:
Gradation curve is obtained by plotting percentage passing on y-axis and log of
sieve size on x-axis using a semi-log paper. Gradation curves are the best
representation of soil nature i.e. it is well graded uniformly graded or poorly graded
soil. Uniformity coefficient (CU) and Coefficient of gradation (Cg) can also give us an
idea of soil nature.
RESULT:
The gradation curve for the given soil sample is obtained.
Outcome
Understood the grain size distribution of the given soil sample using I.S sieves.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Where, D10, D30 and D60 are diameters for 10%, 30% and 60% passing
respectively.

Viva - voce

1. What is meant by void ratio

2. What is meant by specific gravity?
3. What is meant by water content?
4. What is meant by density?
5. What are the factors that affect hydraulic conductivity?
6. What are the classification systems of soil?
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
7. How to find dry density of soils?
8. What is meant by Soil mechanics?
9. What is meant by plastic index, saturated mass density?
10. Distinguish between relative density, relative compaction.
11. Distinguish between discharge velocity seepage velocities
12. Can liquid limit of any soil be more than 100% substance?
13. Differentiate b/w density and unit weight of soil.
14. What is meant by liquidity index of the soil?
15. What is meant by consistency index?
16. What do you understand by consistency test on soil?

Applications

It is used to classifying the

soil. Used for calculation
of Mix design.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
3.GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION – HYDROMETER ANALYSIS

Aim:
To determine the grain size distribution of the given soil sample by hydrometer test
Apparatus Required:
1. Density Hydrometer (Conforming to I.S 3104 – 1965)
2. Glass measuring cylinder (Two of 1000 ml capacity with ground glass or rubber

stoppers about 7 cm diameter and 33 cm high marked at 1000 ml volume

3. Thermometer (To cover the range 0 to 50OC with an accuracy of 0.5OC)
4. Water bath
5. Stirring apparatus
6. I.S sieves apparatus
7. Balance (accurate to

0.01 gm) 8. Oven (105 to

110)
9. Stop watch
10. Desiccators
11. Centimeter scale
12. Porcelain evaporating dish
13. Wide mouth conical flask or conical beaker of 1000 ml capacity
14. Thick funnel (about 10 cm in diameter)
15. Filter flask (to take the funnel)
16. Measuring cylinder100 ml capacity
17. Wash bottle (containing distilled water)
18. Filter papers
19. Glass rod (about 15 to 20 cm long and 4 to 5 mm in diameter)
20. Hydrogen peroxide (20 volume solution)
21. Hydrochloric acid N solution 89ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid (specific
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
gravity 1.18) diluted with distilled water one litre of solution
22. Sodium hexametaphosphate solution dissolve 33 g of sodium hexametaphosphate

and 7 gm of sodium carbonate in distilled water to make one litre of solution.

Theory:
For determining the grain size distribution of soil sample, usually mechanical
analysis (sieve analysis) is carried out in which the finer sieve used is 63 micron or
the nearer opening. If a soil contains appreciable quantities of fine fractions in (less
than 63 micron) wet analysis is done. One form of the analysis is hydrometer
analysis. It is very much helpful to classify the soil as per ISI classification. The
properties of the soil are very much influenced by the amount of clay and other
fractions.
Procedure:
Calibration of
hydrometer
Volume
1. Volume of water displaced: Approximately 800 ml of water shall be poured

in the 1000 ml measuring cylinder. The reading of the water level shall be
observed and recorded.
2. The hydrometer shall be immersed in the water and the level shall again be

observed and recorded as the volume of the hydrometer bulb in ml plus volume
of that part of the stem that is submerged. For practical purposes the error to
the inclusion of this stem volume may be neglected.
3. From the weight of the hydrometer: The hydrometer shall be weighed to the

nearest 0.1 gm. The weight in gm shall be recorded as the volume of the bulb
plus the volume of the stem below the 1000 ml graduation mark. For practical
purposes the error due to the inclusion of this stem may be neglected.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Calibration
1. The sectional area of the 1000 ml measuring cylinder in which the hydrometer
is to used shall be determined by measuring the distance between the
graduations. The sectional area is equal to the volume include between the two
graduations divided by the measured distance between them.
2. Place the hydrometer on the paper and sketch it. On the sketch note the lowest
and highest readings which are on the hydrometer and also mark the neck of
the bulb. Mark the center of the bulb which is half of the distance between
neck of the bulb and tip of the bulb.
3. The distance from the lowest reading to the center of the bulb is (Rh) shall be recorded
(Rh = HL + L/2).

4. The distance from the highest hydrometer reading to the center of the bulb shall be
measured and recorded.
5. Draw graph, hydrometer readings vs Hh and Rh. A straight line is obtained.
This calibration curve is used to calibrate the hydrometer readings which are
taken within 2 minutes.
6. From 4 minutes onwards the readings are to be taken by immersing the
hydrometer each time. This makes the soil solution to rise, there by rising
distance of free fall of the particle. So correction is applied to the hydrometer
readings.
7. Correction applied to the Rh and Hh
8. From these two corrected readings draw graph (straight line)
Test Procedure
1. Take 50 g of dry soil in an evaporating dish, add 100 ml of dispersing agent, and
prepare a suspension.
2. Transfer the suspension into the cup of a mechanical stirrer, add more distilled
water, and operate the stirrer for three minutes.
3. Wash the soil slurry into a cylinder, and add distilled water to bring up the level to the
1000 ml mark.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
4. Cover the open end of the cylinder with a stopper and hold it securely with
the palm of the hand. Then turn the cylinder upside down and back upright
repeatedly for one minute.
5. Place the cylinder down and remove the stopper. Insert a hydrometer and start
a stop-watch simultaneously. To minimize bobbing of the hydrometer, it
should be released close to the reading depth. This requires some amount of
rehearsal and practice.
6. Take hydrometer readings on the upper rim of the meniscus formed by the
suspension and the hydrometer stem after time intervals of periods of 0.5, 1, 2
and 4 minutes, .
7. After the 4 minutes reading, remove the hydrometer slowly, and float it in a
second cylinder containing 100 ml dispersing agent and distilled water up to
1000 ml mark.
8. Take further readings after elapsed time periods of 8, 15 and 30 minutes and
also after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours. Insert the hydrometer only just before the
reading and withdraw immediately after the reading.
9. Observe and keep recording the temperature of the soil suspension.
10. Shake the solution in the second cylinder thoroughly. Insert the hydrometer and
note the meniscus correction, which is the reading difference between the top of
the meniscus and the level of the solution in the cylinder when observed along
the hydrometer stem.
11. The composite correction is the difference between the top meniscus reading
and value of 1.000 corresponding to the usual hydrometer calibration
temperature of 27°C. This may be
positive or negative.
12. Calibrate the hydrometer to establish a relation between any reading and its
corresponding effective depth, and obtain a calibration plot. The effective depth
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
is the distance from the surface of the soil suspension to the level at which the
density of the suspension is being measured.
Observation:
Mass of dry soil taken (passing 75micron) W (g) :

Specific gravity of soil grains, GS :

Meniscus correction, Cm :

Correc Viscosity,
Elapsed Actu Tem ted Effec Η Fac Part RC Fact % % Finer
(gsec/cm 2=
time, t al p hydrom tive √h/ 2) tor, icle Rh or, Finer w.r.t.
(min) hydrom . T eter dept √t M siz ± C N w.r.t. total
eter (O reading, h, h e, mass mass
reading C) RC1 = (c D taken, F
, Rh Rh + m) (m
Cm m)

Calculations
For Liquid Limit: Calculation of Particle Size:
1. Enter hydrometer readings. Add meniscus correction and obtain corrected hydrometer
readings Rc1.
2. From calibration plot, obtain effective depth h corresponding to Rc1.
3. Calculate value of
4. Obtain viscosity value h corresponding to temperature T. Calculate factor
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
5. Calculate particle size D by multiplying M
Calculation of Percentage Finer:
1. Add the composite correction C to the hydrometer reading to get another corrected
hydrometer reading Rc2.
2. Calculate factor
3. Calculate percentage finer F by multiplying Rc2 and N.
4. Calculate percentage finer with respect to total mass of soil taken for sieve analysis

and hydrometer analysis. Total percent finer = F x fine-grained percent in the total soil
mass.

Result:
The graph represents the plotting particle size vs. percent finer on a semi-logarithmic
sheet.

Outcome:
Understood the grain size distribution of the given soil sample by hydrometer test.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - Voce

1. What are assumptions made to derive the equation governing two dimensional steady state
seepage?
2. What are the steps in the construction of a flow net? Steps in Drawing a Flow Net
3. What are the factors that affect the permeability of a soil mass?
4. What is immediate settlement?
5. What is primary consolidation settlement?
6. Distinguish between Residual and Transported soil.
7. What are the relation between γsat, G, γw and e?
8. What are all the Atterberg limits for soil and why it is necessary?
9. What is a zero air voids line? Draw a compaction curve and show the zero air voids line.
10. What is porosity of a given soil sample?
11. What is water content in given mass of soil?
12. What are the different types of soil water?
13. What are the methods of drawing flow net?
14. What is meant by total stress, neutral stress and effective stress?
15. What is meant by capillary rise in soil and how it affects the stress level in soils?
16. State and explain arcy’s law.
17. What is quick sand?
18. What is seepage velocity?
19. What is pore pressure?

Applications

1. It is used to classifying the soil at micron levels.

2. Used to find out different sizes in wet condition.
3. Used for calculation of Mix design.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

4.LIQUID LIMIT AND PLASTIC LIMIT TESTS

Aim:
To determine the liquid limit and plastic limit of the given soil sample
Apparatus Required:
1. Measuring balance
2. Liquid limit device (Casagrandes)
3. Grooving tool
4. 425 micron sieve
5. Glass plate
6. Spatula
7. Mixing bowl
8. Wash bottle
9. Mositure content bins
10. Drying oven
Theory:
Liquid limit is significant to know the stress history and general properties of the soil
met with construction. From the results of liquid limit the compression index may be
estimated. The compression index value will help us in settlement analysis. If the
natural moisture content of soil is closer to liquid limit, the soil can be considered as
soft if the moisture content is lesser than liquids limit, the soil can be considered as
soft if the moisture content is lesser than liquid limit. The soil is brittle and stiffer.The
liquid limit is the moisture content at which the groove, formed by a standard tool into
the sample of soil taken in the standard cup, closes for 10 mm on being given 25
blows in a standard manner. At this limit the soil possess low shear strength. The
moisture content expressed in percentage at which the soil has the smallest plasticity
is called the plastic limit. Just after plastic limit the soil displays the properties of a
semi solid For determination purposes the plastic limit it is defined as the water
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

content at which a soil just begins to crumble when rolled into a thread of 3mm in
diameter. The values of liquid limit and plastic limit are directly used for classifying
the fine grained soils. Once the soil is classified it helps in understanding the
behaviour of soils and selecting the suitable method of design construction and
maintenance of the structures made-up or and resting on soils.
Procedure for liquid limit:
1. About 120 gm of air dried soil from thoroughly mixed portion of material

passing 425 micron I.S sieve is to be obtained.

2. Distilled water is mixed to the soil thus obtained in a mixing disc to form

uniform paste. The paste shall have a consistency that would require 30 to 35
drops of cup to cause closer of standard groove for sufficient length.
3. A portion of the paste is placed in the cup of LIQUID LIMIT device and

spread into portion with few strokes of spatula.

4. Trim it to a depth of 1cm at the point of maximum thickness and return excess of soil
to the dish.
5. The soil in the cup shall be divided by the firm strokes of the grooving tool

along the diameter through the centre line of the follower so that clean sharp
groove of proper dimension is formed
6. Lift and drop the cup by turning crank at the rate of two revolutions per

second until the two halves of soil cake come in contact with each other for a
length of about 1 cm by flow only.
7. The number of blows required to cause the groove close for about 1 cm shall be
recorded.
8. A representative portion (15gm) of soil is taken from the cup for water

content determination by oven drying.

9. Repeat the test with different moisture contents at least three more times for blows
between 10 and 40.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Procedure for plastic limit:

1. Take about 20gm of thoroughly mixed portion of the material passing

through 425 micron I.S. sieve obtained in accordance with I.S. 2720 (part 1).
2. Mix it thoroughly with distilled water in the evaporating dish till the soil mass

becomes plastic enough to be easily molded with fingers.

3. Allow it to season for sufficient time (for 24 hrs) to allow water to permeate
throughout the soil mass
4. Take about 10gms of this plastic soil mass and roll it between fingers and glass

plate with just sufficient pressure to roll the mass into a threaded of uniform
diameter throughout its length. The rate of rolling shall be between 60 and 90
strokes per minute.
5. Continue rolling till you get a threaded of 3 mm diameter.
6. Kneed the soil together to a uniform mass and reroll.
7. Continue the process until the thread crumbles when the diameter is 3 mm.
8. Collect the pieces of the crumbled thread in air tight container for moisture content
determination.
9. Repeat the test to at least 3 times and take the average of the results calculated

to the nearest whole number.

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Observation for Liquid Limit:

Natural moisture content: Room temperature:

Sl.N Descrip Test 1 Test 2 Test 3

o tion
1 No of blows (N)
2 Container number
3 Weight of the container + wet soil
4 Weight of the container + dry soil
5 Weight of the water (3 – 4)
6 Weight of the container
7 Weight of the dry soil (4 – 6)
8 Moisture content (%), W = {(5 / 7)*100}

Calculations for Liquid Limit:

e moisture
1. Use the above table for recording number of blows and content.
calculating th
2. Use semi-log graph paper. Take number of blows on xis) and water
content on
log scale (X –A scale (Y – axis). Plot all the points. nominal
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

(Flow curve)
3. Read the water content at 25 blows which is the value of liquid limit.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Observation for Plastic Limit:

Sl.No Descrip Test 1 Test 2 Test 3

tion
1 Container number
2 Wt. container + Lid, W1
3 Wt. container + Lid + Wet sample, W2
4 Wt. container + Lid + Dry sample, W3
5 Wt. of dry sample = W3 – W1
6 Wt. of water in the soil = W3 – W2
Water content (%)
7 = [(W3 – W2) / (W3 – W1)] * 100

Calculations for Plastic Limit:

Collect the pieces of the crumbled thread in air tight container for moisture content
determination and record the result as the plastic limit.
Plastic Limit (PL) =
Plasticity Index (IP) = (LL – PL)
= Toughness Index = (IP / IF) =
1. From
graph,

Flow Index, IF = (W2 – W1) / log 10

(N2 – N1) = Liquid Limit (LL) =
Result:
Liquid Limit =
Plastic Limit =
Flow Index =
Plasticity Index =
Toughness Index =
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Outcome:
Gained the knowledge of the liquid limit and plastic limit of the soil.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Viva - voce

1. What is meant by permeability?

2. What is laminar flow?
3. What is meant by quick sand
4. What is Frost heave?
5. What are the assumptions of Allen Hazens Formula?
6. How can u explain effect of grain size on specific surface how the engineering behavior
of soil?
7. What are the different types of soil water?
8. What are The Importance of Effective Stress?
9. What are the uses of flow net?
10.What is surface tension?
11.What is capillary rise?
12.What are the Calculation of total flow?
13.Write down Boussinesque equation for finding out the vertical stress under a single
concentrated load.
14.What is meant by normally consolidated clays and over consolidated clays
15.Explain the method of estimating vertical stress usin Newark’s influence chart.
16.hat are the assumptions made in Terza hi’s one dimensional consolidation theory?
17.What is the use of influence chart in soil mechanics?
18.ifferentiate between ‘ ompaction’ and ‘ onsolidation’.
19.What are the uses of influence charts?

Applications
It is used to find out the index properties.
1. Used to find out moisture content of soil.
2. Used for determining plastic properties of soil.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

5.SHRINKAGE LIMIT AND

DIFFERENTIAL FREE SWELL TESTS

Aim:
To determine the shrinkage limit, shrinkage ratio and volumetric shrinkage for the given
soil
Apparatus Required:
1. Evaporating Dish (Porcelain, about 12cm diameter with flat bottom)
2. Spatula
3. Shrinkage Dish (Circular, porcelain or noncorroding metal dish (3 nos) having a

flat bottom and 45mm in diameter and 15 mm in height internally)

4. Straight Edge (Steel, 15 cm in length)
5. Glass cup (50 to 55 mm in diameter and 25 mm in height, the top rim of which is ground
smooth and level)
6. Glass plates (Two, each 75 mm one plate shall be of plain glass and the other shall have
prongs)
7. Sieves (2mm and 425micron IS sieves)
8. Oventhermostatically controlled
9. Graduate Glass (having a capacity of 25 ml and graduated to 0.2 ml and 100 cc one mark
flask)
10. Balance (Sensitive to 0.01 g minimum)
11. Mercury(Clean, sufficient to fill the glass cup to over flowing)
12. Wash bottle containing distilled water

Theory:
As the soil loses moisture, either in its natural environment, or by artificial
means in laboratory it changes from liquid state to plastic state, from plastic state to
semisolid state and then to solid state. Volume changes also occur with changes in
water content. But there is particular limit at which any moisture change does not
cause soil any volume change.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Procedure:
Preparation of soil paste
1. Take about 100 gm of soil sample from a thoroughly mixed portion of the material
passing through 425micron i.s. sieve.
2. Place about 30 gm the above soil sample in the evaporating dish and
thoroughly mixed with distilled water and make a creamy paste.
3. Use water content somewhere around the liquid limit.

Filling the shrinkage dish

1. Coat the inside of the shrinkage dish with a thin layer of Vaseline to prevent the soil
sticking to the dish.
2. Fill the dish in three layers by placing approximately 1/3 rd of the amount of
wet soil with the help of spatula. Tap the dish gently on a firm base until the
soil flows over the edges and no apparent air bubbles exist. Repeat this process
for 2nd and 3rd layers also till the dish is completely filled with the wet soil.
3. Strike off the excess soil and make the top of the dish smooth. Wipe off all the
soil adhering to the outside of the dish.
4. Weigh immediately, the dish with wet soil and record the weight.
5. Air-dry the wet soil cake for 6 to 8hrs, until the colour of the pat turns from
dark to light. Then oven dry them to constant weight at 1050C to 1100C say
about 12 to 16 hrs.
6. Remove the dried disk of the soil from oven. Cool it in a desiccators. Then
obtain the weight of the dish with dry sample.
7. Determine the weight of the empty dish and record.
8. Determine the volume of shrinkage dish which is evidently equal to volume of the wet
soil as follows.
9. Place the shrinkage dish in an evaporating dish and fill the dish with mercury till it
overflows slightly.
10. Press it with plain glass plate firmly on its top to remove excess mercury.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Volume of the Dry Soil Pat

1. Determine the volume of dry soil pat by removing the pat from the shrinkage
dish and immersing it in the glass cup full of mercury in the following
manner.
2. Place the glass cup in a larger one and fill the glass cup to overflowing with
mercury. Remove the excess mercury by covering the cup with glass plate with
prongs and pressing it. See that no air bubbles are entrapped. Wipe out the
outside of the glass cup to remove the adhering mercury. Then, place it in
another larger dish, which is, clean and empty carefully.
3. Place the dry soil pat on the mercury. It floats submerge it with the pronged
glass plate which is again made flush with top of the cup. The mercury spills
over into the larger plate. Pour the mercury that is displayed by the soil pat
into the measuring jar and find the volume of the soil pat directly.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Observation:

Sl.N Descrip Test 1 Test 2 Test 3

o tion
1 Wt of dish + wet soil pat (gm)

2 Wt of dish + dry soil pat (gm)

3 Wt of water present (R2 – R3)

4 Wt of shrinkage dish, empty (gm)

5 Wt of dry soil pat, Wd = (R2 – R4)

6 Initial water content, W= [(R4/R6)*100]

7 Wt of weighing dish, empty (gm)

8 Wt of weighing dish + Mercury

9 Wt of mercury (R8 – R7)

10 Volume of wet soil pat, V (R8/13.6) cm3

11 Wt of weighing dish + displaced mercury

12 Wt of mercury displaced (R11 – R7)

13 Volume of dry soil pat, VO (R8/13.6)

cm3
14 Shrinkage limit (WS)

15 Shrinkage ratio (SR)

16 Volumetric shrinkage (VS)

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Calculations:

Shrinkage limit,

Shrinkage Ratio,

Volumetric Shrinkage,

Result:
Shrinkage limit =
Shrinkage ratio =

Volumetric shrinkage=

Outcome:
Gained the knowledge about the shrinkage limit, shrinkage ratio and volumetric
shrinkage of the soil
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Viva - voce

1. hat is arcy’s law?

2. What is meant by seepage?
3. What are the assumptions made in the Laplace’s equation?
4. What are the approximate methods of determination of vertical stress under loaded areas?
5. What are isochrones?
6. When a soil mass is said to be homogeneous?
7. What are isobars?
8. Differentiate Consolidation and Compaction.
9. What are the components of settlement in soil?
10.What are the two theories explaining the stress distribution on soil?
11.What is odometer?
12.What is meant by hydrodynamic log?
13.What is meant by dynamic pressure?
14.What is meant by consolidation?
15.What is meant by consolidation?

Applications

1. It is used to find out the index properties.

2. Used to find out volume of soils in different conditions.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

6. FIELD DENSITY TEST - SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD

Aim:
To determine the in situ density of natural or compacted soils using sand pouring cylinders
Apparatus Required:
1. Sand pouring cylinder of 3 litre/16.5 litre capacity, mounted above a pouring come

and separated by a shutter cover plate.

2. Tools for excavatin holes; suitable tools such as scraper tool to make a level surface.
3. Cylindrical calibrating container with an internal diameter of 100 mm/200 mm and

an internal depth of 150 mm/250 mm fitted with a flange 50 mm/75 mm wide and
about 5 mm surrounding the open end.
4. Balance to weigh unto an accuracy of 1g.
5. Metal containers to collect excavated soil.
6. Metal tray with 300 mm/450 mm square and 40 mm/50 mm deep with a 100

mm/200 mm diameter hole in the centre.

7. Glass plate about 450 mm/600 mm square and 10mm thick.
8. Clean, uniformly graded natural sand passing through 1.00 mm I.S.sieve and

retained on the 600micron I.S.sieve. It shall be free from organic matter and shall
have been oven dried and exposed to atmospheric humidity.
9. Suitable noncorrodible airtight containers.
10. Thermostatically controlled oven with interior on noncorroding material to

maintain the temperature between 1050C to 1100C.

Theory:
In core cutter method the unit weight of soil obtained from direct measurement of
weight and volume of soil obtained from field. Particularly for sandy soils the core
cutter method is not possible. In such situations the sand replacement method is
employed to determine the unit weight. In sand replacement method a small
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

cylindrical pit is excavated and the weight of the soil excavated from the pit is
measured. Sand, whose density is known, is filled into the pit. By measuring the
weight of sand required to fill the pit and knowing the density of soil , volume of the
pit is calculated .Knowing the weight of soil excavated from the pit and the volume of
pit the density of soil is calculated. Therefore in this experiment there are two stages
(1) Calibration of sand density and (2) Measurement of soil density.
Procedure:
Calibration of the Cylinder
1. Fill the sand pouring cylinder with clean sand so that the level of the sand in the

cylinder is within about 10 mm from the top. Find out the initial weight of the
cylinder plus sand (W1) and this weight should be maintained constant throughout
the test for which the calibration is used.
2. Allow the sand of volume equal to that of the calibrating container to run out of the

cylinder by opening the shutter, close the shutter and place the cylinder on the glass
sand takes place in the cylinder close the shutter and remove the cylinder carefully.
Weigh the sand collected on the glass plate.
3. Its weight (W2) gives the weight of sand filling the cone portion of the sand pouring

cylinder. Repeat this step at least three times and take the mean weight (W 2) Put the
sand back into the sand pouring cylinder to have the same initial constant weight
(W1).

Determination of Bulk Density of Soil

1. Determine the volume (V) of the container be filling it with water to the brim.

2. Place the sand poring cylinder centrally on the container making sure that weight (W1) is
maintained.
3. Open the shutter and permit the sand to run into the container.
4. When no further movement of sand is seen close the shutter, remove the cylinder and find
its weight (W3).
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Determination of Dry Density of Soil in Place

1. Approximately 60 cm2 of area of soil to be tested should be trimmed down to a level

surface, approximately of the size of the container. Keep the metal tray on the level
surface and excavate a circular hole of volume equal to that of the calibrating
container. Collect all the excavated soil in the tray and find out the weight of the
excavated soil (Ww).
2. Remove the tray, and place the sand pouring cylinder filled to constant weight so that

the base of the cylinder covers the hole concentrically. Open the shutter and permit
the sand to run into the hole. Close the shutter when no further movement of the sand
is seen. Remove the cylinder and determine its weight (W3).
3. Keep a representative sample of the excavated sample of the soil for water content
determination.
Observation

Sl.N Descrip Test 1 Test

o tion 2
(a) Determination of mass of sand in the cone

1 Weight of sand + cylinder before pouring (W1) (g)

2 Mean weight of sand in cone (W2) (g)

(b) Determination of bulk density of sand

3 Volume of calibrating container (V) cc

4 Weight of sand + cylinder after pouring (W3) (g)

5
Weight of sand to fill
calibrating containers, Wa =
(W1 – W3 – W2) (g)
6 Bulk density of sand, ρS (5/ ) ( /cc)
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

(c) Bulk density and unit weight of soil

7 Weight of wet soil from the hole (WW) (g)

8 Weight of sand + cylinder after

pouring in the hole (W4) (g)

9 Weight of sand in
the hole, Wh = (W1
– W4 – W2) (g)
10 Bulk density of soil, ρ ( / h)* ρS ( /cm )

11 Bulk unit wei ht of soil, γ 9.8 * ρ (kN/m )

(d) Water content determination

12 Container Number

13 Weight of container + wet soil (g)

14 Weight of container + dry soil (g)

15 Weight of container (g)

16 Weight of dry soil (g)

17 Weight of water (g)

18 Water content, W = (R17/R16)*100 (%)

Calculations:
Dry density,
( ) (g/cm3)
Dry unit
weight,
) (kN/m3)
(
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Result:
Dry density =

Dry unit weight =

Outcome:

The in situ density of natural or compacted soils using sand pouring cylinders is
understood.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Viva - Voce
1. What are the reasons for compression of the soil?
2. What are the stages of consolidation?
3. What is a principal plane?
4. hat are the limitations of coulomb’s theory?
5. Explain oulomb’s shear stren th equation.
6. What are the factors affecting the time factors and hence the degree of consolidation?
7. What are the hydrodynamic equations of one-dimensional consolidation?
8. What is meant by Pre consolidation Stress?
9. What are the assumptions of Mohr’s-Coulomb failure envelope equation?
10.Why tri-axial shear test is considered better than direct shear test?
11.What are different types of tri-axial compression tests based on drainage conditions?
12.Explain the Mohr–Coulomb failure theory.
13.What are the principles of direct shear test?
14.What is the effect of pore pressure on shear strength of soil?
15.How will you find the shear strength of cohesion less soil?
16.What are the types of shear tests based on drainage?
17.What is shear strength of soil?
18.How will you find the shear strength of cohesive soil?
19.What are the advantages of tri-axial Compression Test?

Applications

1. It is used to find out the densities of soils at field condition.

2. It is alos used for determining moisture content of soil.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

8. DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE – DENSITY

RELATIONSHIP USING STANDARD PROCTOR
COMPACTION TEST
Aim:
To determine Optimum Moisture Content and Maximum dry density for a soil by
conducting standard proctor compaction test

Apparatus Required:
1. Proctor mould having a capacity of 1000 cc with an internal diameter of 100 mm

and a height of 127.3 mm. The mould shall have a detachable collar assembly and
a detachable base plate.
2. Rammer: A mechanical operated metal rammer having a 5.08 cm diameter face

and a weight of 2.5 kg. The rammer shall be equipped with a suitable arrangement
to control the height of drop to a free fall of 30 cm.
3. Sample extruder.
4. A balance of 15 kg capacity.
5. Sensitive balance.
6. Straight edge.
7. Graduated cylinder.
8. Mixing tools such as mixing pan, spoon, towel, spatula etc.
9. Moisture tins.
Theory:
Compaction is the process of densification of soil mass, by reducing air voids under
dynamic loading. On the other hand though consolidation is also a process of
densification of soil mass but it is due to the expulsion of water under the action of
continuously acting static load over a long period. The degree of compaction of a soil is
measured in terms of its dry density. The degree of compaction mainly depends upon
its moisture content during compaction, compaction energy and the type of soil. For a
given compaction energy, every soil attains the maximum dry density at a particular
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

water content which is known as optimum moisture content (OMC).Compaction of soil

increases its dry density, shear strength and bearing capacity. The compaction of soil
decreases its void ratio permeability and settlements. The results of this test are useful
in studying the stability earthen structures like earthen dams, embankments roads and
airfields. In such constructions the soils are compacted. Themoisture content at which
the soils are to be compacted in the field is estimated by the value of optimum moisture
content determined by the Proctor compaction test.
Procedure:
1. Take about 3 kg of air dried soil
2. Sieve the soil through 20mm sieve.Take the soil that passes through the sieve for testing.
3. Take 2.5 kg of the soil and add water to ti to bring its moisture content to about 4%
in coarse grained soils and 8% in case of fine grained soils.
4. Clean , dry and grease the mould and base plate .Weigh the mould with base plate. Fit the
collar.
5. Compact the wet soil in three equal layers by the rammer with 25 evenly distributed
blows in each layer.
6. Remove the collar and trim off the soil flush with the top of the mould. In
removing the collar rotate it to break the bond between it and the soil before lifting
it off the mould.
7. Clean the outside of the mould and weigh the mould with soil and base plate.
8. Remove the soil from the mould and obtain a representative soil sample from the
bottom, middle and top for water content determination
9. Repeat the above procedure with 8,12,16 and 210 % of water contents for coarse grained
soil and 14,18,22 and 26 % for fine grained soil samples approximately.

10. The above moisture contents are given only for guidance. However, the moisture
contents may be selected based on experience so that, the dry density of soil shows
the increase in moisture content. Each trial should be performed on a fresh sample.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Moisture-Density relationship:
1. The dry density of the soil shall be plotted as ordinates and the corresponding moisture
content as abscissas.
2. The moisture content corresponding to the peak of the moisture-density curve is termed
the “Optimum Moisture
ontent” of the soil.
3. The dry density of the soil at optimum moisture content is termed as “Maximum
ensity”.

Observation
Dia. of the mould, D (cm) =

Vol. of the mould, V (cm3) =

Ht. of the mould, H (cm) =

Wt. of the mould, W1 (g) =
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Sl.N Descrip Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4

o tion
(a) Density

1 Weight of the mould + compacted soil

(W2) (g)
2 Weight of mould (W1) (g)

3 Weight of compacted soil, W (W2 – W1)

(g)
4 Bulk density (g/cm3)

5 Dry density (g/cm3)

(b) Water content

6 Container number

7 Empty weight of container (g)

8 Weight of container + wet soil (g)

9 Weight of container + dry soil (g)

10 Weight of dry soil (R8 – R7) (g)

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Calculations:
1. Enter all the observations in Table and calculate the wet density.
2. Calculate the dry density by using the equation
3. Plot the moisture content on X axis and dry density on Y axis .Draw a smooth

curvepassing through the points called compaction curve.

4. Read the point of maximum dry density and corresponding water content from
thecompaction curve.

Dry density,
( ) (g/cm3)
Dry unit weight,
[ ] (kN/m3)

Result:
Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) % =

Maximum dry density (g/cc) =

Outcome:

Understoodoptimum moisture content and maximum dry density for a soil by

conducting standard proctor compaction test.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - voce

1. What is unconsolidated undrained condition?

2. What is consolidated undrained condition?
3. What is the main cause of slope failure?
4. What are the factors affecting permeability tests?
5. What is meant by effective stress?
6. What is meant by angle of repose of soil?
7. Explain coulomb’s law.
8. What are the merits and demerits of direct shear test?
9. What are the different types of failure of a triaxial compression test specimen?
10.What do you mean by stress‐ path?
11.What is peak shear strength? West out the factors it depends on?
12.hat is Rohr’s circle? what are the characteristics of Rohr’s circle?
13.What are the type of triaxial test?
14.What are the advantages of triaxial test?
15.What is compaction of the soil?
16.What is the Relationship between the Dry Density - Water Content?
17.What is meant by voids line?
18.How to differentiate finite slope and infinite slope?
19.How do u explain factor of safety of an infinite slope in case of cohesion less soil?

Applications

1. Used to find out moisture content of soils in different conditions.

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

10. PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION (CONSTANT HEAD METHOD)

Aim:
To determine the coefficient of permeability of the soil by conducting constant head method
Apparatus Required:
1. Permeameter mould of non corrodible material having a capacity of 1000 ml, with

an internal diameter of 100 mm and internal effective height of 127.3 mm.

2. The mould shall be fitted with a detachable base plate and removable extension counter.
3. Compacting equipment: 50 mm diameter circular face, weight 2.76 kg and height

of fall 310 mm as specified in I.S 2720 part VII 1965.

4. Drainage bade: A bade with a porous disc, 12 mm thick which has the

permeability 10 times the expected permeability of soil.

5. Drainage cap: A porous disc of 12 mm thick having a fitting for connection to water inlet
or outlet.
6. Constant head tank: A suitable water reservoir capable of supplying water to the

permeameter under constant head.

7. Graduated glass cylinder to receive the discharge.
8. Stop watch to note the time.
9. A meter scale to measure the head differences and length of specimen.
Theory:
The rate of flow under laminar flow conditions through a unit cross sectional are of
porous medium under unit hydraulic gradient is defined as coefficient of
permeability.The property of the soil which permits water to percolate through its
continuously connected voids is called its permeability. Water flowing through the
soil exerts considerable seepage forces which has direct effect on the safety of
hydraulic structures. The quantity of water escaping through and beneath and earthen
dam depends on the permeability of the embankment and the foundation soil
respectively. The rate of settlement of foundation depends on the permeability
properties of the foundation soil.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Procedure:
Preparation of specimen for testing undisturbed soil sample
1. Note down the sample number, bore hole number and it depth at which the sample was
taken
2. Remove the protective cover (paraffin wax) from the sampling tube.
3. Place the sampling tube in the sample extraction frame, and push the plunger to

get a cylindrical form sample not longer than 35 mm in diameter and having
height equal to that of mould.
4. Place the specimen shall be centrally over the porous disc to the drainage base.
5. Fill the angular space shall be with an impervious material such as cement slurry

or wax, to provide sealing between the soil specimen and the mould against
leakage from the sides.
6. Fix the drainage cap over the top of the mould.
7. Now the specimen is ready for the test.

Disturbed Soil Sample

1. A 2.5 kg sample shall be taken from a thoroughly mixed air dried or oven dried material.
2. The initial moisture content of the 2.5 kg sample shall be determined. Then the

soil shall be placed in the air tight container.

3. Add required quantity of water to get the desired moisture content.
4. Mix the soil thoroughly. Weigh the empty permeameter mould.
5. After greasing the inside slightly, clamp it between the compaction base plate and
extension collar.
6. Place the assembly on a solid base and fill it with sample and compact it.
7. After completion of a compaction the collar and excess soil are removed.
8. Find the weight of mould with sample.
9. Place the mould with sample in the permeameter, with drainage base and cap

having discs that are properly saturated.

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Test Procedure
1. Connect the specimen through the top inlet to the constant head reservoir.
2. Open the bottom outlet.
3. Establish steady flow of water.
4. Collect the quantity of flow for a convenient time interval.
5. Repeat three times for the same interval.

Observation:
The coefficient of permeability is reported in cm/sec at 27OC. The dry density, the
void ratio and the degree of saturation shall be reported.

Dia. of the specimen, D (cm) : Specific gravity of soil, G :

Volume of the specimen, V (cm3) : Weight of the dry specimen,

WS (g) :

: Moisture content, (%) :

S.N Descrip Test 1 Test 2 Test 3

o tion
1 Length of the specimen, L (cm)

2 Area of the specimen, A (cm2)

3 Time, t (sec)

4 Discharge (Qty. of water collected), Q (ml)

5 Hydraulic head, h (cm)

6 Test temperature (OC)

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Calculations:
The flow is very low at the beginning, gradually increases and then stands constant.
Constant head permeability test is suitable for cohesionless soils. For cohesive soils
falling head method is suitable.
Coefficient of permeability for a constant head test is given by,
Permeability at 27OC is calculated by the formula,
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Void ratio is given by,

G*γw γd
e
γd
d
γd

Where,
V = volume of the
specimen in cm3 G =
specific gravity of the
specimen Wd = weight
of dry specimen
γw = unit weight of water
γd = dry unit weight of soil sample

Degree of Saturation is given by,

wG
S
e

Wher
e, S = degree of
saturation w =
moisture content
e = void ratio

Result:
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec), K =
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Permeability at 27OC (cm/sec), K27 =
Void ratio, e =
Degree of saturation (%), S =

Outcome:

Understood properties of soil(coefficient of permeability) by conducting constant head

method.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - voce
1. What is meant by water content and compaction
2. What are the laboratory methods of determination of water content?
3. What is meant by degree of saturation and shrinkage ratio
4. What is meant by specific gravity and density index
5. What do understand from grain size distribution?
6. What are consistency limits of soil?
7. Explain any two slope protection methods.
8. What do you mean by Tension crack?
9. What do you meant by critical surface of failure.
10. What are different factors of safety used in the stability of slopes?
11. What is a stability number? What are the uses of stability charts?
12. What are the two basic types of failure occurring in finite slopes.
13. What is a slide?
14. What are the different types of Slope failure?
15. What do you mean by slide?
16. Why does a slope be analyzed?
17. What is meant stability number?
18. What is the Factor of safety used in stability Analysis of slopes?
19. How do you calculate factor of safety with respect to cohesion?
20. How do you calculate factor of safety with respect to friction?

Applications

1. It is used to find out the void ratios.

2. It is used to determine the permeability nature of soil.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

11. PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION ( FALLING HEAD METHOD)

Aim:
To determine the coefficient of permeability of the soil by conducting falling head method
Apparatus Required:
1. Permeameter mould of noncorrodible material having a capacity of 1000 ml, with

an internal diameter of 100 mm and internal effective height of 127.3 mm.

2. The mould shall be fitted with a detachable base plate and removable extension counter.
3. Compacting equipment: 50 mm diameter circular face, weight 2.76 kg and height

of fall 310 mm as specified in I.S 2720 part VII 1965.

4. Drainage bade: A bade with a porous disc, 12 mm thick which has the permeability

10 times the expected permeability of soil.

5. Drainage cap: A porous disc of 12 mm thick having a fitting for connection to water inlet
or outlet.
6. Constant head tank: A suitable water reservoir capable of supplying water to the

permeameter under constant head.

7. Graduated glass cylinder to receive the discharge.
8. Stop watch to note the time.
9. A meter scale to measure the head differences and length of specimen.
Theory:
The property of the soil which permits water to percolate through its continuously
connected voids is called its permeability. Water flowing through the soil exerts
considerable seepage forces which has direct effect on the safety of hydraulic structures.
The quantity of water escaping through and beneath and earthen dam depends on the
permeability of the embankment and the foundation soil respectively. The rate of
settlement of foundation depends on the permeability properties of the foundation soil.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Procedure:
1. Compact the soil into the mould at a given dry density and moisture content by a suitable
device.
2. Place the specimen centrally over the bottom porous disc and filter paper.
3. Place a filter paper, porous stone and washer on top of the soil sample and fix the top
collar.
4. Connect the stand pipe to the inlet of the top plate. Fill the stand pipe with water.
5. Connect the reservoir with water to the outlet at the bottom of the mould and allow
the water to flow through and ensure complete saturation of the sample.
6. Open the air valve at the top and allow the water to flow out so that the air in the cylinder
is removed.
7. Fix the height h1 and h2 on the pipe from the top of water level in the reservoir.
8. When all the air has escaped, close the air valve and allow the water from the pipe
to flow through the soil and establish a steady flow.
9. Record the time required for the water head to fall from h1 to h2.
10. Change the height h1 and h2 and record the time required for the fall of head.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Observation:
The coefficient of permeability is reported in cm/sec at 27OC. The test result
should be tabulated as below:

Sl. No. Description Test 1 Test 2 Test 3

1 Length of the sample, L (cm)

2 Area of the stand pipe, a (cm2)

3 C/s area of the soil sample, A (cm2)

EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

4 Initial head, h1 (cm)

5 Final head, h2 (cm)

6 Time interval, t (sec)

7 Coefficient of permeability at test temp

(cm/sec)
8 Test temperature (OC)

9 Permeability at 27OC (cm/sec)

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Calculations:
For cohesive soils falling head method is suitable.

Coefficient of permeability for a falling head test is given by,

aL h
. lo
t h

Permeability at 27OC is calculated by the formual,

t* t

Where,
K27 = coefficient of permeability at 27OC

Kt = coefficient of permability at tOC

Vt = coefficient of viscosity at tOC
V27 = coefficient of viscosity at 27OC

Result:
Coefficient of permeability (cm/sec),
K=

Permeability at 27OC (cm/sec), K27=

Outcome:

Gained the knowledge about properties of soil (coefficient of permeability) by

conducting falling head method.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - voce

1. What is meant by degree of saturation and shrinkage ratio?

2. What is meant by gravity and density index?
3. What do understand from grain size distribution?
4. What are consistency limits of soil?
5. How do you explain plasticity index, flow index and liquidity index?
6. What are the methods available for determination of in-situ density?
7. What is the function of A-line Chart in soil classification?
8. What are the soil classifications as per Indian Standard Classification System?
9. What are the types of slopes in soil?
10. What is meant by stability number?
11. What are the three forces acting in circular failure while analysis through friction circles
method?
12. What do you mean by slide?
13. What do you meant by slope failure factors?
14. What is meant by slope stability analyses
15. What is infinite slope analysis?
16. What is meant by brush layering?

Applications

1. It is used to find out the void ratios.

2. It is used to determine the permeability nature of soil.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

12. ONE DIMENSIONAL CONSOLIDATION TEST

(DETERMINATION OF CO-EFFICIENT OF CONSOLIDATION ONLY)

Aim:
To determine the settlements due to primary consolidation of soil by conducting one
dimensional test
Apparatus Required:
1. Consolidometer consisting essentially
2. A ring of diameter = 60mm and height = 20 mm
3. Two porous plates or stones of silicon carbide, aluminum oxide or porous metal
4. Guide ring
5. Outer ring
6. Water jacket with base
7. Pressure pad
8. Rubber basket
9. Loading device consisting of frame, lever system, loading yoke dial gauge fixing device
and weights
10. Dial gauge to read to an accuracy of 0.002mm
11. Thermostatically controlled oven
12. Stopwatch to read seconds
13. Sample extractor
14. Miscellaneous items like balance, soil trimming tools, spatula, filter papers, sample
containers.
Theory:
When a load is applied on a saturated soil, the load will initially be transferred to the water
in pores of the soil
.This results in development of pressure in pore water which results in the escape of
water from voids and brings the soil particles together. The process of escape of water
under applied load, leads to reduction in volume of voids and hence the volume of soil.
The process of reduction of volume of voids due to expulsion of water under sustained
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

static load is known as consolidation. The magnitude of consolidation depends on the

amount of voids or void ratio of the soil. The rate of consolidation depends on the
permeability properties of soil. The two important consolidation properties of soil are
(i) co-efficient of consolidation (Cv) and (ii) Compression index (Cc). The coefficient
of consolidation reflects the behaviour of soil with respect to time under a given load
intensity. Compression index explains the behaviour of soils under increased loads.
Consolidation properties are required in estimating the settlement of a foundation. They
provide the maximum amount of settlements under a given load and the time required
for it to occur. Many times the design of foundations is carried out based on the
limiting settlements. The amount of consolidation will be more in clay soils. Further
due to low permeability, the rate of settlement in clay soil is very low. That means the
time required for the total settlement in clay soils is very high. Hence the study of
consolidation properties is important for foundation resting on clay soil.

Procedure:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

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.
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/cm3 for
ordinary soils & 25 g/cm2 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/cm2 start the stop watch simultaneously. Record the dial gauge readings at
various time intervals. 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. The usual loading intensity
are as follows: a. 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 kg/cm2.
10. After the last loading is completed, reduce the load to the value of the last load and

allow it to stand for 24 hrs. Reduce the load further in steps of the previous
intensity till an intensity of 0.1kg/cm2 is reached. Take the final reading of the dial
gauge.
11. Reduce the load to the initial load, keep it for 24 hrs and note the final readings of the dial
gauge.

12. Quickly dismantle the specimen assembly and remove the excess water on the soil

specimen in oven, note the dry weight of it.

13. In the log fitting method, a plot is made between dial readings and logarithmic of

time, the time corresponding to 50% consolidation is determined.

 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

14. In the square root fitting method, a plot is made between dial readings and square

root of time and the time corresponding to 90% consolidation is determined. The
values of Cv are recorded in table.2

Observation:
For consolidation test
Depth of the sample (m) : Description of soil :
Empty weight of ring (g) : Area of ring (cm2) :
Diameter of ring (cm) : Volume of ring (cm3) :
Height of ring (cm) : Specific gravity of soil sa

(Table 1: Pressure, Compression and Time)

Pressure intensity 1 20 50 10 20 40 800

(kN/m2) 0 0 0 0
Elapsed √t Dial gauge
time readings
(min)
0 0
0.25 0.5
1 1
2.25 1.5
4 2
6.25 2.5
9 3
12.25 3.5
1 4
6
20.25 4.5
2 5
5
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

3 6
6
9 7
64 8
81 9
100 1
0
121 1
1
144 1
2

(Table 2: Coefficient of consolidation)

Applie Final Dial Speci Drainage path Fitting CV (cm2/min)

d dial chan men d = 0.25 (H1 time
pressur readi ge height + H)
∆H H H + ∆H t50 t90 0.197*d2/ 0.848*d2/t
e σ’ ng t50 90
(kN/m )
10
20
50
10
0
20
0
40
0
80
0
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Calculations:
The Coefficient of consolidation at each pressures increment is calculated by using the
following equations:
a. Cv = 0.197*d2/t50 (Log fitting method)

b. Cv = 0.848*d2/t90 (Square fitting method)

Result:
Coefficient of consolidation of the given soil sample, Cv =
Outcome:
Gained knowledge about the settlements due to primary consolidation of soil by
conducting one dimensional test.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Viva - voce

1. How do you define shear.

2. What is creep?
3. What is meant by plastic limit?
4. What is meant by Liquid limit?
5. What are methods available for determination of k for a soil sample?
6. Why tri-axial shear test is considered better than direct shear test?
7. What are different types of tri-axial compression tests based on drainage conditions?
8. Explain the Mohr–Coulomb failure theory.
9. State the principles of direct shear test.
10. What is the effect of pore pressure on shear strength of soil?
11. How will you find the shear strength of cohesion less soil?
12. What are the types of shear tests based on drainage?
13. What are the different types of soil water
14. What are the methods of drawing flow net?
15. What is meant by total stress, neutral stress and effective stress?
16. What is meant by capillary rise in soil and how it affects the stress level in soils?
17. Write any two engineering classification system of soil.

18. What is meant by plasticity index, flow index and liquidity index?
19. Differentiate standard proctor from modified proctor test.
20. What is capillary rise?

Applications

1. It is used to find out the void ratios.

2. It is used to determine the settlement of soil.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

13. DIRECT SHEAR TEST IN COHESIONLESS SOIL

Aim:
To determine the shearing strength of the soil using the direct shear apparatus.
Apparatus Required:
1. Direct shear box apparatus
2. Loading frame (motor attached)
3. Dial gauge
4. Proving ring
5. Tamper
6. Straight edge
7. Balance to weigh upto 200 mg
8. Aluminum container
9. Spatula
Theory:
Shear strength of a soil is its maximum resistance to shearing stresses. It is equal to
the shear stress at failure on the failure plane. Shear strength is composed of (i) internal
frictions, which is the resistance due to the friction between the individual particles at
their contact points and inter locking of particles. (ii) cohesion which is the resistance
due to inter particle forces which tend to hold the particles together in a soil mass.
Coulomb has represented the shear strength of the soil by the equation :
τf + σ tan φ
τf = shear strength of
the soil C = Cohesion
σ normal stress on the failure
plane φ Angle of internal
friction
Shear parameters are used in the design of earthen dams and embankments. The
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

stability of the failure wed es depends on the shear resistance of the soil alon the failure
plane. The stren th parameters and φ are used in calculating the bearing capacity of soil
foundation systems. Further shear parameters help in estimating the earth pressures
behind the retaining walls.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Procedure:
1. Check the inner dimension of the soil container.
2. Put the parts of the soil container together.
3. Calculate the volume of the container. Weigh the container.
4. Place the soil in smooth layers (approximately 10 mm thick). If a dense sample is
desired tamp the soil.
5. Weigh the soil container, the difference of these two is the weight of the soil. Calculate
the density of the soil.
6. Make the surface of the soil plane.
7. Put the upper grating on stone and loading block on top of soil.
8. Measure the thickness of soil specimen.
9. Apply the desired normal load.
10. Remove the shear pin.
11. Attach the dial gauge which measures the change of volume.
12. Record the initial reading of the dial gauge and calibration values.
13. Before proceeding to test check all adjustments to see that there is no connection
between two parts except sand/soil.
14. Start the motor. Take the reading of the shear force and record the reading.
15. Take volume change readings till failure.
16. Add 5 kg normal stress 0.5 kg/cm2 and continue the experiment till failure.
17. Record carefully all the readings. Set the dial gauges zero, before starting the
experiment.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

(Table 2: Normal stress 1.0 kg/cm2)

Hor.
Shear Vertic Vertical Shear stress
Dial Provin
Vertical Proving deformation col. al deformati = div. Col.
Horizonta gauge g
dial ring (4) X Least gauge on = div. In (8) X
l Gauge reading reading
gauge reading count of dial readin col. (6) X Proving
reading Initial Initial
reading (3) (5) g L.C of dial ring
(1) reading reading
(2) Initial gauge (7) constant
div. (8)
readin area of the
Gaug
g (6) specimen
e (4)
(kg/cm2)
(9)
0
2
5
5
0
7
5
1
0
0
1
2
5
1
5
0
1
7
5
2
0
0
2
5
0
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Observation: for Direct Shear Test
Least count of the dial : Proving ring constant :

Shear stress (kg/cm2)

Normal stress (Proving Ring reading *
S.No Normal load (kg) (kg/cm2) (Load * calibration / Area of container)
Leverage / Load)
1
2
3
4

Results:
The shear strength parameters of the given
soil sample, τf
C=
σ
φ

Outcome:
Student were gained the knowledge about the shearing strength of the soil.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Viva - Voce
1. What are the different types of soil water?
2. What are the methods of drawing flow net?
3. What is meant by total stress, neutral stress and effective stress?
4. What is meant by capillary rise in soil and how it affects the stress level in soils?
5. State and explain arcy’s law.
6. Explain plasticity index, flow index and liquidity index
7. What are the methods available for determination of in-situ density?
8. What is the function of A-line Chart in soil classification?
9. What are the major soil classifications as per Indian Standard Classification System?
10. Explain any two slope protection measures.

Applications

1. It is used to find out the shear values of soils.

2. It is determine the void ratios.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

14. UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST IN COHESIVE SOIL

Aim:
To determine the shearing strength of the cohesive soil.
Apparatus Required:
1. Loading frame of capacity of 2 t, with constant rate of movement.
2. Provin rin of . k sensitivity for soft soils; . 5 k 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. Sample extractor and split sampler
10. Dial gauge (sensitivity 0.01mm)
11. Vernier calipers
Theory:
The unconfined compression test is a special case of triaxial compression test in which σ2 σ3 = 0.
The cell pressure in the triaxial cell is also called the confining pressure. Due to the
absence of such a confining pressure, the uniaxial test is called the unconfined
compression test. The cylindrical specimen of soi is subjected to major principal stress
σ1 till the specimen fails due to shearing along a critical plane of failure.

Procedure:
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 area required to
fail the specimen as called Unconfined compressive strength of the soil.
Preparation of specimen for testing Undisturbed specimen
1. Note down the sample number, bore hole number and the depth at which the sample was
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

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.

Moulded sample
1. Calculate the weight of the dry soil Ws required for preparing a specimen of 3.8 cm dia
and 7.5 cm long.
2. Add required quantity of water Ww to this soil.
3. Ww = WS * W/100 gm
4. Mix the soil thoroughly with water.
5. Place the wet soil in a tight thick polythene bag in a humidity chamber
6. place the soil in a constant volume mould, having an internal height of 7.5 cm and
internal dia of 3.8 cm.
7. After 24 hours take the soil from the humidity chamber and place the soil in a constant
volume mould,
8. Place the lubricated moulded with plungers in position in the load frame.
9. Apply the compressive load till the specimen is compacted to a height of 7.5 cm.
10. Eject the specimen from the constant volume mould.
11. 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
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

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.
Observation:
For UCC test
Specific gravity, G : Bulk density (Initial) :
Initial water content : Degree of saturation :
Initial diameter of the specimen (DO) cm :
Initial Length of the specimen (LO) mm :
Initial area of cross section (AO) cm2 :

Elapse Axial Compressio Compressive

Sl.No. d time load, P n dial Strain, ϵ Area, A stress, σ (k
(min) (kg) reading, (%) (cm2) /cm )
∆L (mm)
1
2
3
4

Calculations:
The axial strain, ϵ is determined by,
ϵ (∆L/LO)*
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

The average c/s area, A at particular strain is

determined by, A = (AO/[1-ϵ])
Compressive stress, σ is determine by,
σ (P/ )

plot is made between σ and ϵ. The maximum stress from this curve gives the values of
the unconfined compressive strength qu. Where no maximum occurs, the unconfined
compressive strength is taken as the stress at 20% axial strain.

Sensitivity = (qu for undisturbed sample) / (qu for remoulded sample)

Results:
Unconfined compression strength of the soil, qu =
Shear strength of the soil, qu/2 =
Sensitivity =

Outcome:
Gained the knowledge about the shearing strength of the cohesive soil.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - Voce

1. What is capillary rise?

2. What is surface tension?
3. What are the different forms of soil water?
4. Write down the uses of flow net?
5. What is meant by neutral stress?
6. What is seepage?
7. What is meant byseepage velocity?
8. What are the classification of types of soil water?
9. What is meant by capillarity and permeability
10. What is surface tension?
11. What is meant by capillary siphoning?
12. How do you define soil mechanics?
13. What is the function of A-line Chart in soil classification?
14. What are the major soil classifications as per Indian Standard Classification System?
15. Differentiate standard proctor from modified proctor test.

Applications

1. It is used to find out the compression values of soils.

2. It is determine the void ratios.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

15. LABORATORY VANE SHEAR TEST IN COHESIVE SOIL

Aim:
To determine the undrained shear strength of the cohesive soil using vane shear.
Apparatus Required:
1. Vane shear apparatus
A typical laboratory vane is 20mm high and 12mm in diameter with blade
thickness from 0.5mm to 1mm (the blades being made of high tensile steel).The
field shear vane is from 10cm to 20cm in height and from 5cm to 10cm in
diameter, with blade thickness of about 2.5mm
2. Specimen
3. Specimen container
4. Callipers

Theory:
Vane shear test is a quick test, used either in the laboratory or in the field, to
detremine the undrained shear strength of cohesive soil. The vane shear tester consists
of four thin steel plates, called vanes, welded orthogonally to a steel rod. A torque
measuring arrangement, such as a calibrated torsion spring, is attached to the rod which
is rotated by a worm gear and worm wheel arrangement, After pushing the vanes gently
into the soil, the torque rod is rotated at a uniform speed (usually at 1O per minute).
The rotation of the vane shears the soil along a cylindrical surface. The rotation of the
spring in degrees is indicated by a pointer moving on a graduated dial attached to the
worm wheel shaft. The torque T is the calculated by multiplying the dial reading with
the spring constant.
Procedure:
1. Prepare two or three specimens of the soil sample of dimensions of at least 37.5
mm diameter and 75 mm length in specimen.(L/D ratio 2 or 3).
2. Mount the specimen container with the specimen on the base of the vane shear
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

apparatus. If the specimen container is closed at one end, it should be provided

with a hole of about 1 mm diameter at the bottom.
3. Gently lower the shear vanes into the specimen to their full length without disturbing the
soil specimen.
4. The top of the vanes should be atleast 10 mm below the top of the specimen. Note the
readings of the angle of twist.
5. Rotate the vanes at an uniform rate say 0.1O/s by suitable operating the torque
application handle until the specimen fails.
6. Note the final reading of the angle of twist.
7. Find the value of blade height in cm.
8. Find the value of blade width in cm.

Observation:
For VS test

Spring T = (Spring Shear

Sl.No. Initial Final Differe constant constant/180) strenth, τf (kg-
reading reading nce X Difference cm2)
(kg – cm) (kg – cm)
(Deg) (Deg) (Deg)
1
2
3
4
5
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Calculations:
The shear strength of the soil sample using vane apparatus is given by formula,
T
τ
f
d [ H + d]

Results:
Un drained Shear strength of the given cohesive soil sample =

Outcome:
Understood the undrained shear strength of the cohesive soil and usage of vane shear
apparatus.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - voce

1. What are the different forms of soil water?

2. What is meant by neutral stress?

3. What is surface tension?

4. What are methods of determination of permeability in the field?
5. What is the function of A-line Chart in soil classification?
6. What are the major soil classifications as per Indian Standard Classification System.
7. Differentiate standard proctor from modified proctor test.
8. Explain sieve analysis and sedimentation analysis and what is the necessity of these
two analyses?
9. What are the main types of soils?
10. Can you explain empirical correlation between PSD and permeability?
11. What is meant by degree of saturation?
12. State the principles of direct shear test.
13. What is the effect of pore pressure on shear strength of soil?
14. How will you find the shear strength of cohesion less soil?
15. What are the types of shear tests based on drainage?
16. How do you explain shear strength and failure envelope?

Applications

1. Strength of different materials Steel Concrete Soil Tensile strength Compressive

strength Shear strength.
2. Failure surface Mobilized shear resistance
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

16.TRI-AXIAL COMPRESSION TEST IN COHESIONLESS SOIL

(DEMONSTATION ONLY)
Aim:
To determine the undrained shear strength of the cohesive soil using vane shear.
Apparatus Required:
Knowledge of Equipment
1. A constant rate of strain compression machine of which the following is a brief

description of one is in common use.

2. A loading frame in which the load is applied by a 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
3. 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
4. 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 designed with a nonferrous metal top and base
connected by tension rods and with walls formed of perspex

Apparatus for preparation of the sample:

1. Internal diameter - 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) long sample tubes - 12.5 cm (5 inches)
2. Rubber ring.
3. An open ended cylindrical section former, 3.8 cm inside dia, fitted with a small rubber
tube in its side.
4. Stop clock.
5. Moisture content test apparatus.
6. A balance of 250 gm capacity and accurate to 0.01 gm.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Theory:
The strength test more commonly used in a research laboratory today is the triaxial
compression test, first introduced in the U.S.A. by A. Casagrande and Karl Terzaghi in
1936 – 37. The soil specimen, cylindrical in shape, is subjected to direct stresses acting
in three mututally perpendicular directions. In the common solid cylindrical specimen
test, the major principal stress σ1 is applied in the vertical direction, and the other two
principal stresses σ2 and σ3 (σ2 σ3) are applied in the horizontal direction by the fluid
pressure round the specimen.
Procedure:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The handle wheel of the screw jack is rotated until the under side of the
hemispherical seating of the proving ring, through which the loading is applied,
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

just touches the cell piston.

6. 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.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Observation:
The machine is set in motion 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.
Height : Area :
Volume : Diameter :
Initial mass : Initial water content :
Final mass : Final water content :
pressure (σ3) kg/cm2 :

Load Strain Proving Load on Corrected Vertical Deviator

gauge ring sample area (cm2) stress (σ ) stress (σd)
reading reading (kg) (R4/ (R6 – σ
2 5 R5) 6 )7
1 3 4

Calculations:
The shear parameters are obtained from a plot of Mohr circles for which purpose
peak value of principal stress difference (σ – σ ) or principal stress-ratio (σ /σ ) or the ultimate
value as desired may be used.
Results:
Shear parameter of the given soil sample =
Outcome:
Understood the characterIstics of the cohesive soil using vane shear.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - Voce

1. What is the use of influence chart in soil mechanics?

2. Differentiate between ‘ Compaction’ and ‘ Consolidation’.
3. Can you discuss the use of influence charts?
4. What are isochrones?
5. When a soil mass is said to be homogeneous?
6. What are isobars?
7. Differentiate Consolidation and Compaction.
8. What are the components of settlement in soil?
9. What are the two theories explaining the stress distribution on soil?
10. What is geostatic stress and pre-consolidation pressure?
11. What are the applications of Boussinesque equation?
12. What is meant by seepage pressure and flow net?
13. What is quick sand condition?
14. What are the different forms of soil water?
15. What is meant by neutral stress?

16. What is surface tension?

17. What are methods of determination of permeability in the field?

Applications

1. Fundamental material parameters about the sample.

2. To predict how the material will behave in a larger-scale engineering application.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

17. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST

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

Theory:
This method was originally devised by O.J.Porter, the of the California State
Highway Department, but it has since been developed and modified by other
authorities in U.S.A., notably the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The method combines a
load penetration test perfomed in the laboratory or in-situ with the empirical design
charts to determine the thickness of pavement and of its constituent layers.This is
probably the most widely used method for the design of flexible pavement. The
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

thickness of the different elements comprising a pavement is determine by CBR

values. The CBR test is a small scale penetration test in which a cylindrical plunger
of 3in2 c/s area is penetrated into a soil mass at the rate of 0.05 in. per minute
(1.25mm/min).The CBR is defined as the ratio of the test load to the standard load,
expressed as percentage, for a given penetration of the plunger.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Load penetration:
Plot the load penetrating curve. 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. Find and record the correct load reading corresponding to
each penetration.
Corresponding to the penetration value at which the C.B.R. is desired, correct load
values are found from the curve and C.B.R. is calculated as follows;
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 below.
CBR = (Test load/Standard load)*100
The test may be performed on undisturbed specimens and on remoulded
specimens which may be compacted either statically or dynamically.

Penetration of plunger (mm) Standard load (kg)

2.5 1370
5.0 2055
7.5 2630
10.0 3180
12.5 3600

Procedure:
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,
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

remove it from weighing the soil with the mould or by any field method near the spot.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Determine the density: Remoulded specimen
Prepare the remoulded specimen at Proctor’s maximum dry density or any other density at which
.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.
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.
4. For heavy compaction compact the soil in 5 layers, 56 blows to each layer by the 4.89 kg
rammer.
5. Remove the collar and trim off soil.
6. Turn the mould upside down and remove the base plate and the displacer disc.
7. Weigh the mould with compacted soil and determine the bulk density and dry density.
8. Put filter paper on the top of the compacted soil (collar side) and clamp the perforated
base plate on to it.
Static compaction
1. 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 w = desired water
content
V = volume of the specimen in the mould = 2250 cm3 (as per the mould available in
laboratory)
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
2. Take the weight W (calculated as above) of the mix soil and place it in the mould.
3. Place a filter paper and the displacer disc on the top of soil.
4. Keep the mould assembly in static loading frame and compact by pressing the displacer
disc
5. Keep the load for some time and then release the load. Remove the displacer disc.
6. The test may be conducted for both soaked as well as unsoaked conditions.
7. If the sample is to be soaked, in both cases of compaction, put a filter paper on the top of
the soil
8. place the adjustable stem and perforated plate on the top of filter paper.
9. 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.
10. Immerse the mould assembly and weights in a tank of water and soak it for 96
hours. Remove the mould from tank.
11. 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.
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
Observation:
1. Compaction characteristics :
(a)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) :
(b)Static compaction:
Dry density (g/cc) : Moulding water content (%) :
Wet weight of compacted specimen, W (g) :
2. Penetration test:
Surcharge weight used (g) : Water content after penetration test :
Penetration Load dial
dial Corrected
load
Readings Penetration Readings Load (kg) (kg)
(mm)
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
4.0
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Calculations:
1. Expansion ratio:
The expansion ratio may be calculated as follows,
Expansion ratio = {(df –
di)/h}*100 df = final dial
gauge reading (mm) di =
initial gauge reading (mm)
h = initial height of specimen (mm)

Results:
C.B.R. of specimen at 2.5 mm penetration
C.B.R. of specimen at 5.0 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
for 5 mm exceeds that for 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.

Outcome:
After completing the experiment,student were capable to calculate California bearing
ratio by conducting a load penetration test.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :

Viva - Voce
1. What is meant by shear strength and failure envelope
2. What are the shear strength parameters?
3. How do you explain cohesion and stress path.
4. What is angle of internal friction?
5. What are the various methods of determination of shear strength in the
laboratory?
6. Write the differential equation of deflection of a bent beam?
7. What are the disadvantages of direct shear test?
8. What are the types of tri-axial test based on drainage conditions?
9. Can you define plastic index, saturated mass density?
10. Distinguish between relative density, relative compaction.
11. Distinguish between discharge velocity seepage velocities
12. Can liquid limit of any soil be more than 100%substance?
13. Why tri-axial shear test is considered better than direct shear test?
14. What are different types of tri-axial compression tests based on drainage
conditions?
15. Explain the Mohr–Coulomb failure theory.

Applications
For the evaluation of subgrade strength of roads and pavements.
1. To determine the thickness of pavement and its component layers.
LIST OF EQUIPMENTS FOR A BATCH OF 30 STUDENTS
Sl.No. Description of Equipment Quantity
1. Sieves 2 sets
2. Hydrometer 2 sets
3. Liquid and Plastic limit apparatus 2 sets
4. Shrinkage limit apparatus 3 sets
5. Proctor Compaction apparatus 2 sets
6. UTM of minimum of 20kN capacity 1
7. Direct Shear apparatus 1
8. Thermometer 2
9. Sand replacement method accessories and core cutter 2
method accessories
10. Tri-axial Shear apparatus 1
11. Three Gang Consolidation test device 1
12. Relative Density apparatus 1
13. Van Shear apparatus 1
14. Weighing machine – 20kg capacity 1 No
15. Weighing machine – 1kg capacity 3 No
 EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :
CE8511 SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY LTPC 0042

OBJECTIVE:
To develop skills to test the soils for their index and engineering properties and to
characterise the soil based on their properties.
EXERCISES:
4. DETERMINATION OF INDEX PROPERTIES 20
a. Specific gravity of soil solids
b. Grain size distribution – Sieve analysis
c. Grain size distribution - Hydrometer analysis
d. Liquid limit and Plastic limit tests
e. Shrinkage limit and Differential free swell tests
5. DETERMINATION OF INSITU DENSITY AND COMPACTION CHARACTERISTICS 12
a. Field density Test ( Sand replacement method and core cutter method)
b. Determination of moisture – density relationship using standard Proctor compaction test.
c. Determination of relative density (Demonstration only)
6. DETERMINATION OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES 28
a. Permeability determination (constant head and falling head methods)
b. One dimensional consolidation test (Determination of Co-efficient of consolidation only)
c. Direct shear test in cohesionless soil
d. Unconfined compression test in cohesive soil
e. Laboratory vane shear test in cohesive soil
f. Tri-axial compression test in cohesionless soil (Demonstration only)
g. California Bearing Ratio Test
TOTAL: 60
PERIODS
OUTCOME:
 Students are able to conduct tests to determine both the index and engineering
properties of soils and to characterize the soil based on their properties.

REFERENCES:
1. “Soil Engineering Laboratory Instruction Manual” published by Engineering College
Cooperative Society, Anna University, Chennai, 2010.
2. Lambe T.W., “Soil Testing for Engineers”, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1951.
Digitized 2008.
3. Saibaba Reddy, E.Ramasastri, K. “Measurement of Engineering Properties of Soils”
New age International (P) Limited Publishers, New Delhi, 2002.
4. IS Code of Practice (2720) Relevant Parts, as amended from time to time, Bureau of
Indian Standards, New Delhi.
EXPERIMENT No. : DATE :