Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Report #1
CE 3143

Submitted by
Jordan Collins
07/07/2015

Department of Civil Engineering

The University of Texas at Arlington

Table of Contents
Title
Page
1. Water Content
Determination3
2. Determination of Specific Gravity of Soil
Solids..5
3. Sieve Analysis
Test....8
i. Grain Size Distribution
Curve.10
4. Hydrometer
Analysis...12
i. Grain Size Distribution Curve.
14
5. Atterberg Limit Tests (LL&PL)
..15
i. Flow Curve.
17

Water Content Determination

Objective:

To determine the moisture content of a soil sample.

Definitions:

Moisture Content- Also known as water content is defined as the ratio of the
weight of the water to the weight of the solids in a given volume of soil.

Equations Used:

weight of water
100
weight of solids
xi
Mean= =
n
w(%)=

Standard Deviation =

Coefficient of Variation=

x
( i)

n1

Equipment Used:
1. Moisture Can
2. Drying Oven
3. Balance Scale
Test Procedure:

1. Obtain a clean container, weight it, and record this weight as W 1 .

2. Collect a sample of the soil (at least 30 grams) in the container, weight it,
and record this weight as W 2 .
3. Place the container in the electric oven for 16-24 hours. Maintain the
temperature of the oven between 105C and 110C.
4. Once dried, weigh the container and label this as W 3 .
5. With these values, compute the Water/Moisture content.

Test Results:
Step

Sample

Number
1

2
3
3

Can Name:
Weight of can, ( W 1 ):
Weight of can + wet soil, (

Test 1
Group 1
35.1 g
197.7 g

W 2 ):
Weight of can + dry soil, (
W 2 ):
Moisture Content
W(%)=[( W 2 - W 3 )/( W 3 W 1 )]*100%

4
5

184.3 g
8.98 %

Class Results:
Moisture Content (%)= 8.98, 8.77, 8.83, 9.76, 8.97, 8.75, 8.95, 9.47, 9.60,
9.16, 8.61, 9.22, 9.69, 8.67
Mean(%)= 9.10
Standard Deviation= .389
COV= 4.27%

Summary & Conclusion:

Based on the tests from the soil sample obtained the moisture content is
8.98%. The class, as a whole, had a mean of 9.10% with a standard deviation
of .389 and a COV of 4.27%.

References:
Das, Braja M. (2012). Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual, 8 th ed., Oxford University Press, New York,
N.Y.
Das Braja M. (2009). Principle of Geotechnical engineering, 7 th ed., Cengage Learning, Stanford, CT

Determination of Specific Gravity of Soil Solids

Objective:

To determine the specific gravity of a material

Equations Used:
To calculate the Specific Gravity: G s=

Ms
Ms
=
M w (M 1+ M s)M 2

Specific Gravity correction:

Gs ( at 20 C )=G s A , A= the temperature

correction factor from table.

M S = M 4M 3

Tables Used:

Temperature correction factor table:

Temperature(

Temperature(

C)
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

C)
1.0006
1.0004
1.0002
1.0000
.9998
.9996
.9993

24
25
26
27
28
29
30

.9991
.9988
.9986
.9983
.9980
.9977
.9974

Equipment Used:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Volumetric flask (500 mL)

Thermometer with .5 C division scale.
Balance scale
Distilled water
Vacuum pump
Measuring bowl
Spatula
Squeeze bottle
Drying oven

Test Procedures:

1. Fill a volumetric flask with de-aired, distilled water up the 500-mL mark.
2. Take the mass of the flask with the 500-mL water in it. Record as M 1
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

(grams).
Measure the temperature of the water. Record as T 1 (C).
Obtain 50g of soil into an evaporating dish.
Add water and mix to form a smooth paste.
Move the paste to a volumetric flask.
Fill volumetric flask, which contains the paste, 2/3 of the way with distilled

water.
8. With the air nozzle on the lab tables remove the air from the mixture in
step 7. (40-60 minutes).

9. After the flask is de-aired, add de-aired distilled water and fill to the 500mL mark.
10. Measure the mass of the flask + soil + water and record as M 2 .
11. Measure the mass of an empty measuring bowl and record as M 3 .
12. Pour the soil and water mixture onto the measuring bowl, be sure to
use a spray bottle to make sure all particles are added to the measuring
bowl.
13. Put the measuring bowl into the oven to dry.
14. Measure the mass of the bowl + dry soil and record as
15. Calculate M S

M4 .

Test Results:
M 1 = Mass of water + Mass of flask = 677.6 g
M2 =

M 1 + Mass of soil = 712.4 g

M 3 = Mass of measuring bowl= 166.4 g

M4 =
MS
T1

M 3 + Mass of dry soil = 216.1 g

= Mass of sand after drying =

M 4M 3 = 216.1 166.4 = 49.7 g

= 27 C

A= Correction factor = .9983

GS

GSCorrection

49.7
( 677.7 +49.7 )712.4
=

GS.9983

= 3.31

= 3.307

Summary & Conclusion:

From the conclusion of the test the specific gravity of the provided soil are
3.307. The class average was 2.65. The test shown above is off of the class
average, because the measuring bowl had holes in it, in which, the soil
escaped.

References:
Das, Braja M. (2012). Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual, 8 th ed., Oxford University Press, New York,
N.Y.
Das Braja M. (2009). Principle of Geotechnical engineering, 7 th ed., Cengage Learning, Stanford, CT

Sieve Analysis Test

Objective:

To determine the grain-size distribution within a soil greater than 75 microns.

Definitions:

Percent Finer- The amount of soil that is not retained in the sieve.

Equations Used:
Uniformity coefficient = Cu =

D60
D10

Coefficient of gradation or curvature =

Cc

Equipment Used:
1. Stack of sieve and cover (No. 4, 8,30,40,60,100,200)
2. Balance scale
3. Mechanical sieve shaker
Test Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

D230
D60D10

Collect 500g of the soil sample.

Prepare a stack of sieve (No. 4, 8,30,40,60,100,200).
Record the mass of each sieve including the bottom can.
Pour the soil collected in Step 1 into the stack of sieves.
Place the cover over the top.
Place the stack of sieve in the sieve shaker and run for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the sieve.
Weigh each sieve and the bottom can separately and record for

corresponding sieve..
9. Calculate the weight of the retained soil in each sieve. (Step 8- Step 3)
10. Calculate the values for the table below.

Test Results:
Sieve

Mass

Cumulative

% Mass

% Finer

Number
4
8
20
40
60
100
200
Base

Retained (g)
94.6
105.9
131.2
68.7
52.7
27.9
16.1
3

Mass (g)
94.6
200.5
331.7
400.4
453.1
481
497.1
500.1

Retained
18.9
40.1
66.3
80.1
90.6
96.2
99.4
100

81.1
59.9
33.7
19.9
9.4
3.8
.6
0

Sieve Analysis (Sieve Number)

Sieve Analysis (Particle Size)

90
80
70
60
50

% Finer

40
30
20
10
0

D 60

= 2.4

D 30

= .71 D 10 = .27

Summary & Conclusion:

Based on the completion of the sieve analysis test the value for
and the value for

Cc

= 8.89

= .778. The sieve analysis test is only used to test

sand and gravel particles.

Cu

References:
Das, Braja M. (2012). Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual, 8 th ed., Oxford University Press, New York,
N.Y.
Das Braja M. (2009). Principle of Geotechnical engineering, 7 th ed., Cengage Learning, Stanford, CT.

Hydrometer Analysis
Objective:
To determine the grain-size distribution within a soil less than 75 microns.

Equations Used:
a=

G s1.65
( Gs1 )2.65

% Finer=

aR CP
100
50

RCP =R+ F T F Z
RCL=R+ F M

10

L= Table 5.1
A= Table 5.2

Test Procedures:
1. Take 50g of the oven-dry soil passing through the No. 200 sieve.
2. Add 125 cm^3 of the deflocculating agent prepared by the TA to the soil
taken in step 1). Allow to soak for 8-12 hours. (TA has prepared this step).
3. Add 875 cm^3 of distilled water and 125 cm^3 of the deflocculating
agent into a 1000-cm^3 graduated cylinder. Then, mix the solution well.
4. Record the room temperature T(C).

Test Results:
Time(mi
n)

11

Hydromete
r
Reading R

Percent
Finer

Rcp

RcL

D(mm)

50.0

46.9

93.8

51.0

7.926

0.0132

0.037

46.5

43.4

86.8

47.5

8.5

0.0132

0.027

43.5

40.4

80.8

44.5

8.992

0.0132

0.020

39.5

36.4

72.8

40.5

9.648

0.0132

0.014

15

27.0

23.9

47.8

28.0

11.698

0.0132

0.012

30

9.5

6.4

12.8

10.5

14.568

0.0132

0.009

60

6.5

3.4

6.8

7.5

15.06

0.0132

0.007

120

6.0

2.9

5.8

7.0

15.142

0.0132

0.005

1440

5.0

1.9

3.8

6.0

15.306

0.0132

0.001

f t=.9
fz

=4

fm

=1

Summary & Conclusion:

The test found the % finer greater than the 200 sieve (.075 mm) and also the
% finer greater than .002 mm (clay particles)

12

References:
Das, Braja M. (2012). Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual, 8 th ed., Oxford University Press, New York,
N.Y.
Das Braja M. (2009). Principle of Geotechnical engineering, 7 th ed., Cengage Learning, Stanford, CT.

Atterberg Limits

Liquid Limit Test

Objective:
To obtain the liquid limit and plastic limit of a provided soil.

Definitions:
The liquid limit is defined as the moisture content at which soil begins to
behave as a liquid material and begins to flow.
The plastic limit is defined as the moisture content where the thread breaks
apart at a diameter of 3.2 mm (about 1/8 inch).

Approximate Values for number of blows:

N
30-40
22-30
17-22

Equations Used:

13

I = Flow Index =

PL=

W 2W 1
N
log ( 2 )
N1

mass of moisture M 2M 3
=
100
mass of dry soil M 3M 1

PI= LL-PL

Equipment Used:
1. Casagrande liquid limit device
2. Grooving tool
3. 3 moisture cans
4. Bowl
5. Evaporating Dish
6. Spatula
7. Drying Oven
8. Balance Scale
9. Plastic bottle
10. Paper towels

Test Results:
Item
Can No.
Mass of can, M1(g)
Mass of can + moist soil, M2(g)
Mass of can + dry soil, M3(g)
Moisture Content
w(%)= ((M2-M3)/(M3-M1))100
Number of Blows, N

14

Test No.
1
34.50
77.10
63.30

2
35.00
69.10
57.10

2
35.30
65.80
55.10

47.92
41.00

54.30
22.00

54.04
20.00

Liquid Limit
f(x) = - 0.31x + 60.64
R = 0.99

Plastic Limit Test

Test Procedure:
1. Put approximately 30 g of air-dry soil sample passed through sieve 40,
into an evaporating dish.
2. Add water to the soil and mix well.
3. Weigh 1 moisture cans (g) and label them as M 1 .
4. Obtain the soil and water mix from Step 3 and roll pieces into a thin
cylinder (similar to a 1/8 inch nail). Repeat this process until the pieces
break when you fold them.
5. Place at least 10 g of the nail shaped mixture into the moisture can. Then
measure the mass, M 2 .
6. Place the moisture can into the electric oven for 24-hours, then weigh the
can and label it

Test Results:

15

M3 .

Plastic Limit
Can No.

Mass of can, M1(g)

35.2

Mass of can + moist soil, M2(g)

45.4

Mass of can + dry soil, M3(g)

43.2

Moisture Content
w(%)= ((M2-M3)/(M3-M1))100

27.5

Summary & Conclusion:

The Atterberg tests were performed to find the liquid and plastic limits. At
the summary of these tests, it was found that the moisture content of the
Liquid Limit as, 47.92, 54.30, 54.04. For the Plastic limit the moisture content
is 27.5. The flow index is equal to 23.6. The liquid limit it 55 and the plastic
limit is 31.4.

References:
Das, Braja M. (2012). Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual, 8 th ed., Oxford University Press, New York,
N.Y.
Das Braja M. (2009). Principle of Geotechnical engineering, 7 th ed., Cengage Learning, Stanford, CT.

16

17