Soil Mechanics Laboratory

TPCT’s
College of Engineering
Solapur Road, Osmanabad
Department of CIVIL ENGINEERING

Laboratory Manual
Of

Soil Mechanics

For

T.Y. B.Yech (Sem-v) Year

Manual Prepared by

Prof.S.B.Anantwad

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Mission of the Department:

• To provide quality education, research and consultancy for industrial and societal needs.
• To accommodate emerging technologies in the field of civil engineering.
• To develop graduates to compete at the global level.
• To promote innovation of engineers to face the challenges of future and to contribute in
the growth of country.
• To implement soft skills, leadership qualities and professional ethics among the graduates
to handle projects independently.
• To establish centres of excellence in emerging areas of research.
• To encourage students to pursue higher education and take competitive exams and
various career enhancing courses.

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

OBJECTIVE

Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs):

1. A graduate shall demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the basic sciences,

mathematics and engineering concepts by applying them to engineering problems..
2. A graduate shall analyses, formulate and solve problems in the field of Civil
Engineering with the effective use of necessary tools.
3. Graduates will be motivated for continuous self-learning practice and pursue
research in advanced areas of Civil Engineering in order to offer engineering services.
4. To produce competent young and dynamic Civil Engineers who are ready to
contribute effectively to the advancement of Civil Engineering and to pursue higher
education.
5. A graduate will be trained for playing role of competent Civil Engineer in multi-
disciplinary projects.

Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs):

1. Graduates will be able to plan, analyze, design and estimate for residential,
commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects. They will be able to work on site
for supervision of various construction activities.
2. Graduates will be able to use different software related to Civil Engineering for
developing skills required by the industry.

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

College of Engineering

Technical Document

This technical document is a series of Laboratory manuals of CIVIL Department and is a certified
document of College of Engineering, Osmanabad. The care has been taken to make the document error-
free. But still if any error is found. Kindly bring it to the notice of subject teacher and HOD.

Recommended by,

HOD

Approved by,

Principal

Copies:

Departmental Library
Laboratory
HOD
Principal

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

FOREWORD

It is my great pleasure to present this laboratory manual for T.Y.B.Tech (SEM –V) year

Soil Mechanics keeping in view the vast coverage required for visualization
Students for the subject of
of concepts of Soil Mechanics.

As a student, many of you may be wondering with some of the questions in your mind regarding the
subject and exactly what has been tried is to answer through this manual.

This is core subject to study and understand the properties of concrete and its ingredient
materials.This lab manual helps the student the mix design of concrete and compressive strength of
concrete.

H.O.D.

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

LABORATORY MANUAL CONTENTS

This manual is intended for the Second Year students of CIVIL branches in the subject of Soil
Mechanics this manual typically contains practical/ Lab Sessions related to Soil Mechanics
covering various aspects related to the subject for enhanced understanding.

Students are advised to thoroughly go through this manual rather than only topics mentioned in
the syllabus as practical aspects are the key to understanding and conceptual visualization of
theoretical aspects covered in the books.

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Course Objectives:
This course will enable students to

Determine the type and properties of the soil.

Determine the compaction strength of the soil.

Determine the strength characteristics of the soil.

Determine the permeability of the soils.

Determine the amount of consolidation occuring the soil.

Course outcomes:

After a successful completion of the course, the students will be able to

ii) Draw the particle size distribution curve and to find the particle size.

iii) To find the MDD and OMC.

iv) To find the CBR of the soil.

v) To find the SBC of the soil.

vi) To find the consistency limits of the soil.

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

DO’S AND DON’T’S

Do’s
[B] Bring observation note books, lab manuals and other necessary things for the class.
[C] Use tools for mixing concrete and water
[D] Check the instruments for proper working conditions while taking and returning the same.
[E] Thoroughly clean your laboratory work space at the end of the laboratory session.
[F] Maintain silence and clean environment in the lab

Don’ts
Do not operate the machines without the permission of the staff
Do not put hands or head while equipment is in running condition.
Do not fix or remove the test specimen while the main is switch on.
Do not spill the concrete and aggregates on the floor.

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List of Experiments

Page
SL.No Title of the Experiment
From To

1.A Determination of Specific gravity of soil solids by Pycnometer method 11 12

1.B Determination of Specific gravity of soil solids by Density bottle 13 14

2.0 Determination of particle size distribution by sieving (Grain size analysis) 15 16

3.A Determination of liquid limit of fine soil by Casagrande apparatus 17 1 9

3.B Determination of Plastic limit of the soil 20 22

3.C Determination of Shrinkage limit of the soil 23 24

4.A Determination of co-efficient of permeability by Constant head 25 27

4.B Determination of co-efficient of permeability by variable head method 28 29

5.A Determination of in-situ density by Core cutter method 30 31

5.B Determination of in-situ density by Sand replacement method 32 34

6.0 Determination of shear parameters by Direct shear test of soil 35 37

7.0 Determination of maximum dry density and optimum moisture content by 38 43

Standard Proctor compaction method
8.0 Tri-axial Test 44 47

9.0 Determination of unconfined compressive strength of soil 48 50

10.0 Determine the consolidation Test properties of given soil. 51 54

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Terna Public Charitable Trust’s

College of Engineering, Osmanabad
Dept. of Civil Engineering

Class: - T.Y.B Tech (Sem-v) Sub: - Soil Mechanics

INDEX
Sr Name of Experiment Page DOP DOS Marks Sign Remark
No. (any seven experiments) No. (10)
01 Specific Gravity
Determination Of Coarse
And Fine Grained Soil
02 Particle Size Distribution-
Mechanical Sieve Analysis,
Wet Sieve Analysis
03 Determination Of
Attergerg’ S Consistency
Limit
04 Permeability-
Determination Of
Coefficient Of
Permeability
05 Field Density
Determination
06 Direct Shear Box Test
07 Procter Compaction Test
08 Tri-Axial Test
09 Unconfined Compression
Test
10 One Dimensional
Consolidation Test

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

1. SPECIFIC GRAVITY

[A] Aim: To determine the specific gravity of a coarse grained soil sample by
Pycnometer method.

Theory: Specific gravity - true specific gravity, apparent specific gravity;

significance and uses.

Apparatus
Pycnometer with a conical cap screwed at its top
Balance, sensitive to 0.2 g
Wash bottle with deaired, distilled water
Glass rod, about 150 mm and 3 mm diameter
Thermometer with 0 - 50oC range and accurate to 1oC.
Thermostatically controlled oven.

Procedure
Clean the Pycnometer, and dry it. Find the mass of the Pycnometer with its cap
and washer, accurate to 1.0 g (Ml).
Introduce about 400 g of oven dried coarse grained soil in to the Pycnometer.
Record the mass of the Pycnometer with its cap and washer along with the soil
(M2).
Fill the Pycnometer with distilled water to half its height, and mix it thoroughly
with the soil using the glass rod. Keep the entire system aside for about 4 hrs. At
the end of this period, fill the Pycnometer with water up to the top of the conical
cap. Dry the Pycnometer from outside and record its mass (M3).
Clean the Pycnometer thoroughly. Fill it with distilled water up to the top of
conical cap. Dry the Pycnometer from outside and record its mass to the nearest
0.2 g (M4).
Repeat the steps (2) and (3) thrice.
Calculate the specific gravity of the soil at the room temperature as well as at 27oC.

Results and discussions:

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Contd......

Observations and Calculations

Soil type: Lab. Temp. = T0C =

Determination
No. 1 2 3
1. Pycnometer No.
2. Mass of Pycnometer (M1) g
3. Mass of (Pycnometer + soil) (M2) g
Mass of (Pycnometer + soil + water)
4. (M3) g
5. Mass of (Pycnometer + water) (M4) g
6. Specific gravity
Average specific gravity at lab temperature
7. (GT)
8. Average specific gravity at 270C (G27)

Note: Calculate the average of the three determinations and report it to the nearest 0.01.
If the results differ by more than 0.03 from the average value, repeat the test.

Specimen calculations
(M 2 - M1)

i)
= GT =
(M2 - M1) - (M3 - M4)

G water T
vii) Average specific gravity at 270C = G27 = GT
G
 
water 27

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 2720 (Part 3 / Sec. 1) – 1980 (Reaffirmed 1987).

Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

B) Aim: To determine the specific gravity of a fine-grained soil sample

by density bottle method.

Apparatus
  Density bottle of approximately 50 ml capacity with stopper.
  A vacuum pump
  A vacuum desiccator
  A balance, sensitive to 0.001 g
  Wash bottle with deaired, distilled water
  Rubber tubing to connect the vacuum pump and the desiccator
o o
 A thermometer with 0 - 50 C range and accurate to 1 C.
  A desiccator containing anhydrous silica gel.
 Thermostatically controlled oven.

Procedure
o o
 Clean and dry the density bottle with stopper at 105 C to 110 C. Cool it in a
 desiccator and determine its mass to the nearest 0.001 g (M1).
 Take about 10 g of oven dried fine-grained soil and transfer it to the density bottle
directly from the desiccator in which it has been cooled. Record the mass of the
 density bottle with stopper and the soil to the nearest 0.001 g (M2).
 Add de-aired, distilled water to the density bottle such that the soil is just covered
with water. Place the bottle containing the soil and water without stopper in a
vacuum desiccator and evacuate gradually. Allow the bottle to remain in the
 desiccator for at least 1 hour until no further loss of air is apparent.
 Release the vacuum. Take the bottle out of desiccator and fill it up to the calibrated
 mark with de-aired, distilled water.
 Wipe dry the outside of the bottle. Record the mass of the stoppered bottle
 containing the soil and water to the nearest 0.001 g (M3).
 Clean the bottle thoroughly. Fill it with de-aired, distilled water up to the calibrated
mark. Wipe dry the outside of the bottle. Record the mass of the stoppered bottle
 with water to the nearest 0.001 g (M4).
  Repeat the steps (2) to (5) twice.
o
 Calculate the specific gravity of the soil sample at the room temperature and at 27 C.

Note: If any liquid other than de-aired, distilled water is used to conduct the test, then
calculate the specific gravity of the soil with respect to distilled water using the
following equation.
(M 2 - M1)
GT = GL ----- (3)
(M2 - M1) -(M3 - M4)

where GL = Specific gravity of the liquid used at lab temperature.

Contd......

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Results and discussions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Observations and Calculations

0 Liquid used in the test:

Soil type Lab. Temp. = T C =

Determination No. 1 2 3
Density bottle No.
Mass of Density bottle (M1) g
Mass of (Density bottle + soil) (M2) g
Mass of (Density bottle + soil + liquid) (M3) g
Mass of (Density bottle +liquid) (M4) g
Specific gravity with respect to test liquid (G l)
Average specific gravity with respect to test
liquid at lab temperature (Gl)av
Average specific gravity with respect to water at
lab temperature (Gav)T
0
Average specific gravity at 27 C (G27)

Note: Calculate the average of the two determinations and report it to the nearest 0.01.
If the two results differ by more than 0.03, repeat the tests.

Specimen calculations
(M 2 - M1)
i) GTL = =

(M2 - M1) -(M3 - M4)

ii) Specific gravity with respect to water at room temperature = GT = GTL x

Specific gravity of test liquid = G 
0
iii) Average specific gravity at 27 C = G27 = G water T =

T
G water 27

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 2720 (Part 3 / Sec. 1) – 1980 (Reaffirmed 1987)

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

2. SIEVE ANALYSIS

Aim: To determine the grain size distribution of the given soil by dry sieving.

Theory: Particle size classification of soils: IS system, MIT system, Differentiation:

clay size fraction and clays; particle size distribution curves, characteristic sizes, well
graded and poorly graded soils; gradation characteristics.

Apparatus
1. Set of IS sieves: 4.75mm, 2mm, 1mm, 600 micron, 425 micron, 300 micron, 212
micron, 150 micron, 106 micron, 75 micron.
2. Brushes to clean the sieves
3. Mechanical sieve shaker
4. Balance
5. Trays
6. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven

Procedure
1. Oven dry the given soil sample passing 4.75 mm IS sieve.
2. Take 200 g of oven dried soil sample. Mix the sample with distilled water to form
slurry and allow it for soaking.
3. Wash the soaked soil sample through 75 micron sieve until the water passing
through the sieve is substantially clear.
4. Dry the fraction of the soil retained on 75 micron sieve in oven.
5. Arrange the remaining sieves one above the other such that 2mm sieve is at the top
and 75 micron sieve is at the bottom. Place a cover at the top and receiver at the
bottom.
6. Fix the set of sieves to the mechanical sieve shaker. Operate the sieve shaker for a
minimum of 10 minutes.
7. Carefully collect and record the mass of the soil fraction retained on each sieve and
also in the receiver.
8. Calculate the cumulative mass of soil fraction retained on each sieve. Calculate the
percentage finer.
9. Plot a graph of percentage finer (along y-axis) Vs equivalent particle diameter in mm
(along x-axis in log scale). Draw a smooth curve encompassing the plotted points.
10. Record the values of percentage sand, percentage silt and percentage clay size
fractions from the graph.
11. Record D10, D30 and D60 from the graph.
12. Calculate coefficient of curvature (CC) and coefficient of uniformity (CU).
13. Classify the soil based on gradation.

Results and Discussions: .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contd......

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Observation and Calculations

Total mass of soil taken for analysis = M = --------------------------- g.

Practical Mass Corrected mass % Cumulative

IS Sieve size retained retained % finer (N)
retained % retained
D, mm m′, g m, g
4.75mm 4.75mm
2mm 2 mm
1mm 1mm
600 micron 0.6mm
425 micron 0.425mm
300 micron 0.3mm
212 micron 0.212mm
150 micron 0.15mm
106 micron 0.106mm
75 micron 0.075mm
Receiver 0.075mm
M′ =

Specimen Calculations
Corrected mass retained = m = m′ x M =
M 

From the graph

1) The given soil is ___________________ grained.
2) (i) % sand = (ii) % silt = (iii) % clay size =
3) (i) D10 = (ii) D30 = (iii) D60 =
4) (i) Coefficient of uniformity = CU = D60 / D10 = ____________________
2
(D )
(ii) Coefficient of curvature = CC = D x30D = ____________________
10 60

5) Particle size and gradation classification of the given soil: ____________________

(reason: ____________________________________________________________)

Relevant BIS Code:

IS 2720-Part 4, 1985

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

3. ATTERBERG LIMITS OF FINE-GRAINED SOIL

A) Aim: To determine the liquid limit of the soil using Casagrande liquid limit
apparatus with soft base.

Theory: Definitions: Liquid limit, Plastic limit, Shrinkage limit, Plasticity index,
Consistency index, Liquidity index, Toughness index, Flow index; Applications of
Atterberg limits.

Apparatus
1. Casagrande liquid limit apparatus
2. Casagrande grooving tool of standard dimensions (Type A)
3. Glass plate, 10 mm thick and about 45 cm square
4. Spatula
5. Balance, sensitive to 0.01 g
6. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven
7. Airtight and non-corrodible containers for moisture content determination.
8. Wash bottle containing distilled water.
9. 425 micron IS sieve.

Procedure
1. Using the gauge on the handle of the grooving tool or a separate gauge, adjust the height
through which the cup of the Casagrande apparatus is lifted and dropped so that the
point on the cup which comes in content with the base falls through exactly one
centimeter for one revolution of the handle. Then, tighten the adjustment screws.
2. Take about 120 g of soil sample passing through 425 micron IS sieve and mix it
thoroughly with distilled water on the glass plate to form uniform paste. Allow
sufficient time to ensure uniform moisture distribution throughout the soil mass.
3. Remix the soil thoroughly. Take a portion of the soil paste with the spatula and place
it in the central portion of the cup and spread it into position with the spatula so that
the soil surface is parallel to the rubber base with the maximum depth of the soil as
1.0 cm at the centre.
4. With the help of the grooving tool, divide the soil paste in the cup along the
diameter of the cup (through the centre line of the cam follower) to get a clean,
sharp groove of proper dimensions.
5. Turn the handle of the apparatus at a rate of 2 revolutions per second until the two
parts of the soil paste come in contact at the bottom of the groove for a distance of
about 12 mm and record the number of revolutions to achieve this.
6. Collect a representative sample of the soil by moving the spatula normal to the
groove, width wise from the portion of the groove where the soil flowed together
and put it in a container and determine its water content by oven drying method.

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

7. Transfer the remaining soil in the cup back on to the glass plate. Dry the soil by
kneading the wet soil using spatula.
8. Repeat the steps 3 to 6 to get a minimum of 5 trials. The trials are conducted such
that the number of blows is in the range 25 ± 10.
9. Plot a "flow curve" on a semi-log sheet with water content on y-axis (arithmetic
scale) and number of blows on x-axis (log scale). Draw a well defined straight line
through the points. Record the moisture content corresponding to 25 blows and
round off to the nearest whole number and report it as the liquid limit of the soil.
Measure the slope of the line, which represents the flow index (If).

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Observations and Calculations

Soil: Period of soaking before the test:

Determination No. 1 2 3 4 5
Number of blows
Container No.
Mass of the (container +
wet soil) g
Mass of the (container +
dry soil) g
Mass of water g
Mass of container g
Mass to dry soil g
Moisture content (w) %

From the flow curve:

i) Liquid limit of the soil = wL = ________________
w 2  w1 
ii) Flow index = If = N 2  = ________________
log10  
 N
1 

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 2720, Part-5, 1985 Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

B) Aim: To determine the plastic limit of the soil sample and to calculate plasticity
index, Toughness index of fine-grained soil.

Apparatus
1. Flat glass plate, 10 mm thick and about 45 cm square.
2. Spatula
3. Balance, sensitive to 0.01 g
4. Thermostatically controlled oven
5. Airtight and non-corrodible containers for moisture content determination.
6. Wash bottle containing distilled water
7. 425 mircon IS sieve
8. 3 mm diameter rod of about 10 cm length.

Procedure
1. Take about 20 g of soil sample, passing 425 micron IS sieve. Mix it on the glass
plate with sufficient distilled water to make it plastic enough to be shaped into a
ball. Allow the soil to stand for sufficient time to ensure uniform distribution of
moisture throughout the soil mass.
2. With about 8 g of soil so prepared, make a ball and roll it on the glass plate with
hand, with pressure just sufficient to roll the soil mass into a thread of uniform
diameter throughout its length. When the diameter of the thread reaches 3 mm,
kneed the soil together to a uniform mass and once again roll it. Continue the
process until the soil thread just crumbles at 3mm diameter.
3. Collect the crumbled soil threads in a container and determine the corresponding
water content by oven drying method.
4. Repeat the test to have three trials.
5. Report the average water content rounded off to the nearest whole number as the
plastic limit of the soil.

Observations and Calculations

Determination No. 1 2 3
Container No.
Mass of (container + wet soil) g
Mass of (container + dry soil) g
Mass of water g
Mass of container g
Mass of dry soil g
Water content (w) %
Plastic limit (wp) %

Calculations
Plasticity index = Ip = wL - wp
Toughness index = IT = Ip / If =
Soil classification:

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Relevant IS Code:
IS: 2720, Part-5, 1985

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

C) Aim: To determine the shrinkage characteristics of fine-grained soil.

Apparatus
1. Evaporating dish of porcelain, about 12 cm in dia with a pour out and flat bottom.
2. Shrinkage dish with a flat bottom, 45 mm in dia and 15 mm height internally.
3. Glass cup of 50 mm dia and 24 mm height.
4. Plain glass plate of dimensions 75 mm x 75 mm x 3 mm.
5. Pronged glass plate of dimensions 75 mm x 75 mm x 3 mm with three prongs fixed
0
to the plate at 120 from each other and spacing of 30 mm center to center.
6. spatula
7. straight edge
8. 425 micron IS sieve
9. Balance, sensitive to 0.1 g to 0.01 g.
10. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven
11. Wash bottle containing distilled water
12. Desiccator
13. Mercury
Note: Instead of glass instruments, instruments made of Perspex may be used to avoid
damage to the glass instruments.

Procedure
1. Determine the mass of the clean, empty shrinkage dish. Fill the shrinkage dish to
overflowing with mercury. Remove the excess by pressing the plain glass plate
firmly over the top of the dish. Record the mass of the mercury in the shrinkage
dish. This mass when divided by the unit mass of mercury gives the volume of the
dish which itself represents the volume of the wet soil mass to be placed in the
shrinkage dish.
2. Take about 100 gm of soil sample passing 425 micron IS sieve.
3. Place about 30 g of soil in evaporating dish and mix it thoroughly with distilled water
such that all the soil voids are completely filled and the soil becomes pasty enough to be
readily worked into the shrinkage dish without entrapping air bubbles. The water
content of the soil paste shall be approximately equal to the liquid limit of the soil.
4. Coat the inside surface of the shrinkage dish with a thin layer of silicon grease to
prevent the adhesion of the soil to the dish. Fill the shrinkage dish by well mixed
soil paste to one third its volume and tap it on a firm cushioned surface. Place some
more soil and repeat this process until the paste is thoroughly compacted and all
included air has been removed. When the dish is completely filled up, strike off the
excess soil paste with a straight edge and wipe off all the soil paste adhering to the
outside surface of the shrinkage dish.
Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

5. Record the mass of the shrinkage dish with the wet soil mass in it. Allow the soil pat
to dry in air until the colour of the pat turns from dark to light, which may take one
day to about a week depending upon the type of soil. Then, dry the pat in an oven to
constant mass. Cool it in a desiccator and record the mass of the shrinkage dish with
the dry soil pat immediately.
6. Fill the glass cup to overflowing with mercury and remove the excess by pressing
the glass with three prongs. Place the cup with mercury in the evaporating dish
without spilling any mercury from the cup. Place the oven dried soil pat on the
surface of the mercury in the cup. Then, carefully force the pat into the mercury by
means of glas plate with prongs. Collect the displaced mercury and record its mass.
Determine its volume, which itself represents the volume of the dry soil pat.
7. Conduct three trials for each soil and report the average value of the shrinkage limit.
If any individual value varies from the average by ± 2 %, discarded the test results
and repeat the test.

Results and Discussions

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soil:
Liquid Plastic Plasticity Flow Toughness Shrinkage Shrinkage Volumetric
Limit limit index index index limit ratio shrinkage
(wL) (wp) (Ip) (If) (IT) (ws) (R) (Vs)

Observations and Calculations:

Soil:
Determination No. 1 2
(a) Determination of water content of wet soil pat:
1. Shrinkage dish number
2. Mass of Shrinkage dish g
3. Mass of (Shrinkage dish + wet soil pat) g
4. Mass of (Shrinkage dish + dry soil pat) g
5. Mass of dry soil pat (Md) g
6. Mass of water (Mw) g
7. Water content of the soil (w) Ratio

Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

(b) Determination of volume of wet soil pat:

1. Glass cup number
Mass of glass cup with the mercury filling the
2.
shrinkage dish g
3. Mass of the glass cup g
Mass of the mercury filling the shrinkage
4.
dish (M1) g
5. 3
Volume of the wet soil mass (V) cm
(c) Determination of volume of the dry soil pat:
Mass of the glass cup with mercury displaced by
1.
the dry soil pat. g
Mass of mercury displaced by the dry soil
2.
pat (M2) g
3. Volume of dry soil pat (Vd) 3
cm
(d) Results:
1. Shrinkage limit (ws) %
2. 3
Shrinkage ratio (R) g/cm
3. Volumetric shrinkage (Vs)

Calculations
i) Water content of the soil = w = Mass of water =M w = ________________
Mass of dry soil pat Md
Mass of the mercury filling the shrinkage dish M
ii) Volume of wet soil mass = V =  1 
13.6 13.6
Mass of the mercury displaced by dry soil pat M
iii) Volume of dry soil mass = Vd =  2 
13.6 13.6
 VV  
  d  w 
w   100

M
iv) Shrinkage limit = ws =

  d  
Md
v) Shrinkage ratio = R = 
Vd
vi) Volumetric shrinkage = Vs = (w – ws)R =

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 2720, Part-6, 1972 (Reaffirmed 1978).

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

4. PERMEABILITY TESTS

A) Aim: To determine the coefficient of permeability of the given soil sample by

constant head permeability test.

Theory: Permeability; Darcy’s law; Coefficient of permeability; Laboratory methods of

determining the coefficient of permeability – merits and limitations; Practical
applications of coefficient of permeability.

Apparatus
1. Permeameter with all accessories
2. De-aired water
3. Balance, sensitive to l g.
4. Mixing pan
5. Stop watch
6. Graduated measuring cylinder
o o o
7. Thermometer with 0 – 50 C range and accurate to 1 C.
8. Trimming knife
9. 4.75mm and 2mm IS sieves.

Procedure
1. Measure the inner diameter (D) and inner height (H) of the permeameter.
2. Note down the temperature of water.
3. Place the permeameter assembly containing the soil specimen in the bottom tank,
and fill the tank with water up to its outlet.
4. Connect the outlet tube of constant head tank to the inlet nozzle of the permeameter.
Remove the air-bubbles in the system, if any.
5. Maintain a constant water head in the constant head tank. Allow the water to flow
through the soil sample till a steady state of flow is reached.
6. Once the discharge through the permeameter becomes steady, collect the discharge
for a convenient time interval and measure the quantity of water collected.
7. Repeat the test thrice, with the same constant head and time interval.
o o
8. Calculate and report the value of coefficient of permeability at T C and 27 C.

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Observations and Calculations

Types of Soil: __________________________________________

1. Constant hydraulic head (H) =----------------------cm

2. Length of the specimen (L) =----------------------cm
3. Hydraulic gradient (i) = H/L =----------------------
4. Diameter of the specimen (D) =----------------------cm
2
5. Cross sectional area of the specimen (A) = ----------------------cm
6. Time interval (t) =----------------------s
7. Quantity of flow (V): -------------- ml (Trial 1)
(in time interval t) -------------- ml (Trial 2)
-------------- ml (Trial 3)

Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Vav = -------------- ml.

0
8. Test temperature (T) = -------------- C.
9. Coefficient of permeability (K27) = -------------- cm/s.

Calculations
Vav L
i) Coefficient of permeability at test temperature (kT) = = --------------------cm/s
HAt
mm/s

= --------------------

T = --------------------
o 
ii) Coefficient of permeability at 27 C (k27) = kT 27 mm/s
where, T = Viscosity of water at test temperature
0
27 = Viscosity of water at 27 C

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 3720, Part-17, 1986

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

B) Aim: To determine the coefficient of permeability of the given soil sample by

Variable head permeability test.

Procedure
1. Measure the inner diameter (D) and inner height (H) of the permeameter.
2. Measure the area of cross section of the stand pipe.
3. Note down the temperature of water.
4. Place the permeameter assembly in the bottom tank, and fill the tank with water upto
its outlet.
5. Connect the water inlet nozzle of the mould to the stand pipe filled with water.
Allow the water to flow through the soil sample for some time till a steady state of
flow is reached.
6. With the help of stop watch, note the time interval required for the water level in the
stand pipe to fall from a convenient initial head (h1) to a convenient final head (h2).
7. Repeat the test thrice with the same initial and final heads.
o o
8. Calculate and report the value of coefficient of permeability at T C and at 27 C.

Results and Discussions .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Observations and Calculations

Types of Soil: __________________________________________

1. Diameter of the stand pipe (d) = ----------------------cm

2
2. Area of cross section of the stand pipe (a) = ----------------------cm
3. Diameter of the soil specimen (D) = ----------------------cm
4. Length of the soil specimen (L) = ----------------------cm
2
5. Area of cross section of the soil specimen (A) = ---------------------- cm
6. Initial Head (h1) = ----------------------cm
7. Final Head (h2) = ----------------------cm
8. Time interval (t): -------------- s (Trial 1)
-------------- s (Trial 2)
-------------- s (Trial 3)
Average time interval = tav = ------------ s
9. Test Temperature (T) = ---------------------- oC
2
10. Coefficient of permeability at test temperature (k T) = ----------------------cm
11. Coefficient of permeability (k27) = ----------------------cm/s

Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Specimen Calculations
aL  h 1 
i) Coefficient of permeability at test temperature (kT) = log  
 
e

Atav h 2 
= --------------------- cm/s
= --------------------- mm/s

T = --------------------

o 
ii) Coefficient of permeability at 27 C (k27) = kT 27 mm/s
where, T = Viscosity of water at test temperature
0
27 = Viscosity of water at 27 C

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 3720, Part-17, 1986

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

5. In situ DRY DENSITY

A) Aim: To determine the dry density of the soil in-situ by core cutter method.

Theory: Field dry density and field moisture content – practical significance; methods
of determining them. Core cutter method – practical significance.

Apparatus
1. Cylindrical core cutter of steel, 127.4 mm long and 100 mm internal diameter with a
wall thickness of 3 mm, bevelled at one end.
2. Steel dolly, 25 mm high and 100 mm internal diameter with a wall thickness of 7.5
mm, with a lip to enable it to be fitted on the top of the core-cutter.
3. Steel rammer
4. Knife
5. Grafting tool or pickaxe or spade
6. Straight edge
7. Balance accurate to 1g
8. Containers for water content determination.
9. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven.

Procedure
1. Measure the inner dimensions of the core cutter and calculate its volume. Determine
the mass of the core cutter (without dolly) accurate to 1 g. Oil the inside surfaces of
the core cutter and the dolly.
2. Level the area where the in-situ density of the soil is required to be measured. Keep the
dolly on the top of the core cutter and drive the assembly in to the soil with the help of
the rammer until the top of the dolly protrudes about 1.5 cm above the surface.
3. Dig out the core cutter along with the dolly from the surrounding soil such that some
soil projects from the lower end of the core cutter. Take out the dolly, and trim the
soil mass at both the ends of the core cutter.
4. Determine the mass of the core cutter with the soil.
5. Determine the water content of the soil by oven drying method.
6. Repeat the test at two or three locations nearby for the average result.

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Observations and Calculations

(a) Determination of in-situ bulk density of the soil:
Determination No.
1. Inside diameter of the core cutter (d) cm
2. Inside height of the core cutter (h) cm
3
3. Volume of the core cutter (V) cm
4. Mass of the core cutter g
5. Mass of the (core cutter + wet soil) g
6. Mass of the wet soil (M) g
3
7. Bulk density of the soil (b) g/cm

(b) Determination of filed water content:

1. Container No.
2. Mass of the container g
3. Mass of the (container + wet soil) g
4. Mass of the (container + dry soil) g
5. Mass of the dry soil (Md) g
6. Mass of water (Mw) g
7. Water content (w) (Ratio)

(c) Determination of in-situ dry density of the soil:

3
1. Dry density (d) g/cm
3
2. Average dry density (d)av g/cm

Specimen Calculations
 2
1. Volume of the core cutter = V = d h=
4
2. In-situ bulk density of the soil = b = M / V
3. In-situ water content of the soil = w = Mw / Md =
ρb
4. In-situ dry density = d = 1  w  =
Relevant BIS Code:
IS: 2720-Part 27, 1975

Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

B) Aim: To determine the dry density of the soil in-situ by sand replacement method:

Theory: Sand replacement method of determining in situ dry density - practical

significance.

Apparatus
1. Sand pouring cylinder with a pouring cone at its bottom separated from it by a shutter.
2. Cylindrical calibrating container, 100 mm internal diameter and 150 mm internal
depth, with a flange.
3. Glass plate, about 45cm square and 1cm thick.
4. Metal tray with a central circular hole of diameter equal to the diameter of the sand
pouring cone at its outlet.
5. Tools for excavating the hole.
6. Balance accurate to 1g.
7. Containers for water content determination.
8. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven.
9. Clean, uniformly graded natural sand passing the 600 micron IS sieve and retained
on the 300 micron IS sieve.

Procedure
(a) Determination of the Bulk density of the sand:
1. Fill the sand in the sand pouring cylinder up to a height 1cm below the top.
Determine the total initial mass of the cylinder with the sand (M1), which is to be
maintained constant throughout the test.
2. Keep the cylinder on a glass plate. Open the shutter and allow the sand to run out.
Close the shutter when no movement of sand is observed. Remove the cylinder and
record the mass of the sand collected on the glass plate (M2). This represents the
mass of the sand filling the cone portion of the sand pouring cylinder. Place the sand
back into the cylinder to maintain the constant mass M1.
3. Measure the inner diameter and height of the calibrating container and hence,
determine the volume of the calibrating container.
4. Place the cylinder with sand concentrically on the top of the container. Open the
shutter, and allow the sand to the run into the container. Close the shutter when no
further movement of sand is observed. Remove the cylinder and record its mass
along with the remaining sand (M3). Put the sand back into the container to maintain
the constant mass M1.
5. Calculate the density of sand in the cylinder.

Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

(b) Determination of the dry density of the soil in-situ:

1. Level the surface where the in-situ density of the soil is required to be determined.
Keep the metal tray on the level surface and excavate a circular hole of about 15 cm
deep. Collect the excavated soil in the tray. Immediately record the mass of the
excavated soil (M), and keep some soil for moisture content determination.
2. Remove the tray and place the cylinder with sand on the excavated hole. Open the
shutter, and allow the sand to run into the hole. When the no further movement of
the sand is seen, close the shutter. Determine the mass of the cylinder with the
remaining sand in it (M4).
3. Determine the bulk density, field water content and field dry density of the soil.

Results and Discussions .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Observations and Calculations

(a) Determination of the bulk density of sand:
1. Inside diameter of the calibrating container (d) cm =
2. Inside height of the calibrating container (h) cm =
3
3. Volume of the calibrating container (Vc) cm =
4. Mass of the (sand + cylinder) before pouring (M1) g. =
5. Mass of the sand in the cone (M2) g. =
6. Mass of the (sand + cylinder), after pouring into
the calibrating container (M3) g. =
7. Mass of the sand, filling the calibrating container
(Msand) = (M1 – M3 – M2) g. =
3
8. Bulk density of the sand (s) = (Msand / Vc) g/cm =

(b) Determination of the bulk density of the soil in-situ:

1. Mass of the wet soil excavated from the hole (M) g. =
2. Mass of (sand + cylinder) after pouring into
the hole (M4) g. =
3. Mass of sand in the hole (Mh) = (M1- M4 - M2) g. =
3
4. Volume of the hole (V) cm =
3
5. Bulk density of the soil in-situ (b) g/cm =

Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

(c) Determination of the field water content and in-situ dry density of the soil:
1. Container No.
2. Mass of the container g
3. Mass of the (container + wet soil) g
4. Mass of the (container + dry soil) g
5. Mass of the dry soil (Md) g
6. Mass of water (Mw) g
7. Water content (w) (Ratio)
3
8. Dry density (d) g/cm

Specimen Calculations
M sand
1. Bulk density of sand = sand = =
V
C

2. Volume of the hole = V = Mass ofρthe sand in the hole =

sand

3. Bulk density of soil in-situ = b = M / V =

4. Water content = w = Mw / Md =
ρb
5. In-situ dry density of the soil = d = 1  w  =
Relevant BIS Code:
IS: 2720-Part 28, 1974

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

6. DIRECT SHEAR TEST

Aim: To determine the shear strength parameters of a soil (i.e. Cohesion intercept and
angle of internal friction) by direct shear test.

Theory: Direct shear test – description, merits and limitations.

Apparatus
1. Shear box assembly consisting of
o Upper and lower parts of shear box coupled together with two pins or
clamping screws.
o Container for shear box
o Grid plates – two pairs
o Base plate with cross grooves on its top face to fit into the shear box.
o Loading pad with a steel ball on its top which distributes the load over the
specimen, normal to the shear plane.
2. Loading frame
3. Calibrated weights
4. Proving ring with dial gauge to measure shear force
5. Balance with weights.
6. Dial gauge
7. Spatula, straight edge, sample trimmer.

Preparation of the specimen

Remoulded specimens: Cohesive soils may be compacted to the required density and
moisture content in a separate mould. The sample is extracted and trimmed to the
required size.
OR
The soil may be compacted to the required density and moisture content directly
into the shear box after fixing the two halves of the shear box together by means of
fixing screws.
* Non Cohesive soils may be tamped in the shear box for required density with the base
plate and the grid plate at the bottom of the box.

Procedure: (Undrained Test)

1. Assemble the shear box with the base plate at the bottom and a grid plate over it, the
two halves of the box being connected by the locking screws. The serrations of the
grid plate should be at right angles to the direction of shear.
2. Place the specimen over the bottom grid plate. Place another grid plate at the top of
the specimen such that the serrations of the plate or in contact with the specimen and
at right angles to the direction of shear. Place the loading pad on the top of the grid
plate.
Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

3. Place the shear box inside the container of the shear box. The container can move
over roller supports at its bottom.
4. Set the lower part of the shear box to bear against the load jack, the upper part of the
box against the proving ring. Set the gauge of the proving ring to read zero.
5. Apply the required normal stress on the specimen inside the shear box through a
lever arrangement.
6. Remove the locking screws or pins so that both the parts of the shear box are free to
move relative to each other.
7. Conduct the test by applying a horizontal shear load to failure or to 20% longitudinal
displacement, whichever occurs first. Take the proving ring dial readings
corresponding to known displacement dial readings.
8. At the end of the test, remove the specimen from the box and determine its final
water content (for cohesive soil only).
2
9. Repeat the test on identical specimens, under different normal stresses (0.25 kgf/cm ,
2 2 2 2 2
0.5 kgf/cm , 1 kgf/cm , 1.5 kgf/cm , 2 kgf/cm , and 2.5 kgf/cm etc.). A minimum of
three (preferably four) tests shall be made on separate specimens of the same density.

Results and Discussions: .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Observations and Calculations

1. Type of soil:
2
2. Are of the specimen (Ao) = ---------------------------------------- cm
3
3. Volume of the specimen (V) = ---------------------------------------- cm
3
4. Bulk density (b) = ---------------------------------------- g/cm
5. Moisture content (w) = ---------------------------------------- %
6. Rate of strain = ----------------------------------------
7. Proving ring constant = ----------------------------------------
8.
Normal Displacement Displacement Corrected Proving Shear Shear
Trial stress dial reading () Area ring force Stress
No. () Div. cm (A) reading (P) ()
2 2
kgf/cm Div. kgf kgf/cm
1.

Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Specimen Calculation
2
Corrected area = A = Ao x (1 –  / 3) = ---------------------------------------- cm
Shear load = P = Proving ring reading x Proving ring constant = --------------------- kgf
Shear stress =  = P/A = ----------------------------------------

* Conduct the test for different normal stresses (at least four normal stresses). For each
test, plot shear stress vs displacement curve to obtain maximum shear stress at failure.
9.
Trial No.
2
Normal stress () kg/cm
2
Shear stress at failure (f) kgf/cm

Plot the graph of normal stress (x – axis) vs. maximum shear stress (y-axis). Adopt same
scale to plot both normal stress and maximum shear stress.


i) Cohesion intercept = c = ………… kgf/cm2


ii) Angle of shearing resistance =  = c

O 

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 2720, Part-13, 1986

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

7. COMPACTION TESTS

A) Aim: To determine the water content – dry density relationship for a given soil by
Indian Standard light compaction test and hence, to obtain optimum moisture content
and maximum dry density for the given soil.

Theory: Definition of compaction; necessity of compacting the soil in the field;

standard Proctor and modified Proctor compaction tests (and their Indian Standard
versions); compaction curves; optimum moisture content and maximum dry density;
zero air voids line; line of optimum; factors affecting compaction.

Apparatus
3
1. A cylindrical metal mould of capacity 1000 cm , with an internal diameter of 100
mm and an internal affective height of 127.3 mm. The mould is fitted with a
detachable base plate and a removable extension collar approximately 60 mm high.
2. A metal rammer of 50 mm diameter with a circular face and mass 2.6 kg with a free
fall of 310 mm.
3. A steel straight edge about 30 cm in length and with one beveled edge.
4. 4.75 mm I.S. sieve
5. Balance – (a) with a capacity of 10 kg and accuracy of 1 g
(b) with a capacity of 200 g and accuracy of 0.01 g
6. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven.
7. Airtight and non-corrodible containers for water content determination
8. Mixing tools like tray, trowel and spatula.

Procedure
1. Measure the inner diameter and inner height of the cylindrical mould and hence,
calculate the volume of the mould. Compare them with standard values.
2. Take about 3 kg of air dried soil passing 4.75mm IS sieve and mix it with a suitable
amount of water depending on the soil type (For sandy and gravelly soils, an initial
moisture content of 4 to 6% and for cohesive soils, an initial moisture content of (w p-
10)% to (wp-8)% would be suitable, where wp is the plastic limit of the soil). Keep the
soil in a sealed container for saturation for a minimum period of about 16 hrs.
3. Clean the mould with the base plate and record its mass. Attach the collar to the
mould. Place it on a solid base such as concrete floor.
Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

4. Remix the soil thoroughly. Compact the moist soil in to the mould, with the collar
attached, in three equal layers, each layer being given 25 blows from a 2.6 kg
rammer dropped from a height to 310mm above the soil surface. The blows should
be uniformly distributed over the surface of each layer. The surface of each layer of
the compacted soil shall be roughened with a spatula before laying the next layers.
The final layer shall project not more than 6 mm above the top of the mould after the
collar is removed.
5. Remove the collar and level off the compacted soil surface to the top of the mould
carefully. Then, record the mass of the mould with the base plate and compacted soil.
6. Remove the compacted soil specimen from the mould and place it on the mixing tray.
Keep a representative soil sample of the specimen for water content determination.
7. Mix the remaining soil with the reminder of the originally mixed soil in the tray.
Add water in suitable increments to the soil sample and mix the soil thoroughly and
repeat the above procedure.
8. Conduct a minimum of 5 determinations such that the optimum moisture content
lies within this range.
9. Plot the Indian Standard light compaction curve (w % along x-axis and d along y-
axis). Obtain OMC and d max from the plotted curve. Plot also the ZAV line.

Results and Discussions .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Observations and Calculations

1. Type of soil:
2. Specific gravity of the soil:
3. Diameter of the mould (D) = ---------------------------------------- cm
4. Height of the mould (H) = ---------------------------------------- cm
5. Volume of the mould (V) = ---------------------------------------- cm
6. Mass of the rammer = 2.6 kg
7. Free fall of the rammer = 310 mm
Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

TABLE - I
Determination No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(a) Determination of Bulk Density:
1. Mass of the (mould +
Compacted soil) g
2. Mass of mould g
3. Mass of compacted soil (M) g
3
4. Bulk density (b) g/cm

(b) Determination of water content and dry density of the soil:

1. Container No.
2. Mass of (container + wet soil)g
3. Mass of (container + dry soil) g
4. Mass of water g
5. Mass of container g
6. Mass of the dry soil g
7. Water content (w) Ratio
3
8. Dry density (d) g/cm
Specimen Calculations
3
1. Bulk density = b = Mass of compacted wet soil M = ---------------------------- g/cm
Volume of the mould V
Mass of water
= ------------------------------------
2. Water content = w = %
Mass of dry soil

b 3
= -------------------------------
3. Dry density = d = 1  w ---- g/cm
To plot ZAV line
(w)ZAV Ratio
3
(d)ZAV g/cm
Specimen Calculation
G

w

(d)ZAV = 1  wZAV G = ----------------------------------- g/cm
3

Relevant BIS Code:

  IS: 2720, Part-7, 1980 (Reaffirmed 1987)
 IS: 9198, 1979 (Reaffirmed 1987)
 IS: 10074, 1982 Contd......

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

B) Aim: To determine the water content – dry density relationship for a given soil by
Indian Standard heavy compaction test and hence, to obtain optimum moisture content
and maximum dry density for the given soil.

Apparatus
3
1. A cylindrical metal mould of capacity 1000 cm , with an internal diameter of 100
mm and an internal affective height of 127.3 mm. The mould is fitted with a
detachable base plate and a removable extension collar approximately 60 mm high.
2. A metal rammer of 50 mm diameter with a circular face and mass 4.9 kg with a free
fall of 450 mm.
3. Steel straight edge about 30 cm in length and with one beveled edge.
4. 4.75 mm I.S. sieve
5. Balance – (a) with a capacity of 10 kg and accuracy of 1 g
(b) with a capacity of 200 g and accuracy of 0.01 g
6. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven.
7. Airtight and non-corrodible containers for water content determination
8. Mixing tools like tray, trowel and spatula.

Procedure
1. Measure the inner diameter and inner height of the cylindrical mould and hence,
calculate the volume of the mould. Compare them with standard values.
2. Take about 3 kg of air dried soil passing 4.75mm IS sieve and mix it with a suitable
amount of water depending on the soil type (For sandy and gravelly soils, an initial
moisture content of 4 to 6% and for cohesive soils, an initial moisture content of (wp-
10)% to (wp-8)% would be suitable, where wp is the plastic limit of the soil). Keep the
soil in a sealed container for saturation for a minimum period of about 16 hrs.
3. Clean the mould with the base plate and record its mass. Attach the collar to the
mould. Place it on a solid base such as concrete floor.
4. Remix the soil thoroughly. Compact the moist soil in to the mould, with the collar
attached, in five equal layers, each layer being given 25 blows from a 4.9 kg rammer
dropped from a height to 450 mm above the soil surface. The blows should be
uniformly distributed over the surface of each layer. The surface of each layer of the
compacted soil shall be roughened with a spatula before laying the next layers. The
final layer shall project not more than 6 mm above the top of the mould after the
collar is removed.
5. Remove the collar and level off the compacted soil surface to the top of the mould
carefully. Then, record the mass of the mould with the base plate and compacted soil.
6. Remove the compacted soil specimen from the mould and place it on the mixing tray.
Keep a representative soil sample of the specimen for water content determination.
7. Mix the remaining soil with the reminder of the originally mixed soil in the tray.
Add water in suitable increments to the soil sample and mix the soil thoroughly and
repeat the above procedure.
Contd…..

[TPCT’s Osmanabad] Page 41

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

8. Conduct a minimum of 5 determinations such that the optimum moisture content

lies within this range.
9. Plot Indian Standard heavy compaction curve (w % along x-axis and d along y-
axis). Obtain OMC and d max from the plotted curve. Plot also the ZAV line.

Results and Discussions .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Observations and Calculations

1. Type of soil:
2. Specific gravity of the soil:
3. Diameter of the mould (D) = ---------------------------------------- cm
4. Height of the mould (H) = ---------------------------------------- cm
5. Volume of the mould (V) = ---------------------------------------- cm
6. Mass of the rammer = 4.9 kg
7. Free fall of the rammer = 450 mm

TABLE - I
Determination No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(a) Determination of Bulk Density:
1. Mass of the (mould +
Compacted soil) g
2. Mass of mould g
3. Mass of compacted soil (M) g
3
4. Bulk density (b) g/cm

(b) Determination of water content and dry density of the soil:

1. Container No.
2. Mass of (container + wet soil)g
3. Mass of (container + dry soil) g
4. Mass of water g
5. Mass of container g
6. Mass of the dry soil g
7. Water content (w) Ratio
3
8. Dry density (d) g/cm

Contd….

[TPCT’s Osmanabad] Page 42

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Specimen Calculations

3
1. Bulk density = b = Mass of compacted wet soil M = ---------------------------- g/cm
Volume of the mould V
2. Water content = w = Mass of water  ---------------------------- %
Mass of dry soil
b
= ----------------------------
= d = 1  w 
3
3. Dry density = g/cm

To plot ZAV line

(w)ZAV Ratio
3
(d)ZAV g/cm

Specimen Calculation
G

(d)ZAV = 1  w ZAV
w G g/cm
3

Relevant BIS Code:

  IS: 2720, Part-8, 1983
  IS: 9198, 1979 (Reaffirmed 1987)
 IS: 10074, 1982

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

8. UNCONSOLIDATED, UNDRAINED TRIAXIAL

COMPRESSION TEST

Aim: To determine the shear strength parameters of soil by unconsolidated, undrained

triaxial compression test without the measurement of pore water pressure.

Theory: Shear strength of soil; Components of shear strength; Total stress, Pore water
pressure and Effective stress; Types of shear tests; Total and effective stress shear
strength parameters; Conventional failure envelope; Modified failure envelope;
Significance of shear strength of soils.

Apparatus
1. Triaxial cell with transparent chamber, capable of with-standing internal fluid
2
pressure up to 10 kgf/cm (i.e., 100 kPa), with all accessories.
2. Apparatus for applying and maintaining the desired fluid pressure within the cell, to
2
an accuracy of 0.1 kgf/cm (i.e., 10 kPa).
3. Compression machine capable of applying axial compression on the specimen at
convenient speeds.
4. Dial gauge to measure axial compression.
5. Proving ring to measure the additional axial load
6. Seamless rubber membranes.
7. Membrane stretcher
8. Rubber rings.
9. Air tight, non-corrodible containers for moisture content determination.
10. Balance with weights.
11. Apparatus for sample preparation such as split mould, trimming knife, wire saw,
metal straight edge, metal scale etc.
12. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven.

Sample Preparation
The specimens shall be in the form of right cylinders of nominal diameters 38 mm with
a height to diameter ratio two.
(a) Undisturbed Specimens
The undisturbed sample in a thin walled tube having the same internal diameter as that
of the specimen required for testing shall be extruded out of the tube with the help of a
sample extruder and pushed into a split mould. The ends of the specimen shall be
trimmed flat and normal to its axis. Then, the specimen shall be taken out of the split
mould.
Contd......

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(b) Remoulded Specimens

The remoulded specimens may be obtained by compacting the soil at required dry
density and water content in a big size mould and then, may be extracted with the help
of sampling tubes.

Procedure
1. Measure the length, diameter and the mass of the specimen accurately.
2. Cover the pedestal of the triaxial cell with a solid end cap or keep the drainage valve
closed. Place the specimen on the solid end cap, on the pedestal of the triaxial cell
and place the other end cap on the top of the specimen. Place a rubber membrane
around the specimen using membrane stretcher and seal the membrane to the end
caps by means of rubber rings.
3. Assemble the cell with the loading ram initially clear of the top of the specimen and
place it on the loading machine.
4. Admit the operating fluid into the cell and bring its pressure to the desired value.
5. Adjust the loading machine such that the loading ram comes just in contact with the
seat on the top of the specimen. Note the initial reading on the dial measuring axial
compression (or adjust it to read zero). Also, adjust the proving ring dial reading to
zero.
6. Apply an axial compressive force at a constant rate such that the failure occurs within a
period of approximately 5 to 15 minutes. Note down the proving ring readings
corresponding to known compression gauge readings. Continue the loading until the
maximum value of the stress has passed (i.e. until the failure of the specimen is
observed) or an axial strain of 20% has been reached, whichever occurs first.
7. Unload the specimen and drain off the cell fluid. Dismantle the cell and take out the
specimen. Remove the rubber membrane and note down the mode of failure. Weigh
the specimen and keep it for moisture content determination.
8. Repeat the test on three or more identical specimens under different cell pressures.

Results and Discussions: .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Observations and Calculations

1. Type of soil:
2. Specimen preparation procedure: Undisturbed / remoulded / compacted
= ……………………………… cm
3. Initial length of the specimen (L0) 4. Initial diameter of the specimen (D0) =
……………………………….
5. Area of cross section (A0) = .……………………………….. cm2
6. Volume of specimen (V0) = ………………………………... cm3
7. Proving ring constant = …………………………………
8. Rate of strain = ……………………………………

Contd......

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9. Water content determination (initial)

Container No. 1 2
Mass of (container + wet soil) g
Mass of (container + dry soil) g
Mass of dry soil g
Mass of container g
Mass of water g
Water content (wi) %

10.
Specimen Initial mass (m), 3 3
b, g/cm (wi), % d, g/cm
No. g
1.
2.
3.

11. Cell pressure:

Axial
Proving Axial Axial Corrected Deviator
Compression compression of
ring load Strain area stress
dial reading the specimen
reading (P) () (A) (d)
(L)
2 2
div cm div kgf Ratio cm kgf/cm

* Conduct tests on three identical specimens with different cell pressures.

12. After the test:

Specimen No. Failure Pattern Sketch of the failed specimen
1.
2.
3.

13. Water content determination (final)

Container No. 1 2 3
Mass of (container + wet soil) g
Mass of (container + dry soil) g
Mass of dry soil g
Mass of container g
Mass of water g
Water content %
Contd......

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14. Plot a graph of deviator stress vs axial strain to get deviator stress at failure.

Specimen Calculations
o Axial load (P) = Proving ring constant x proving ring reading = …………. kgf
o Axial strain () = L/Lo= ………………………………………
2
o Corrected area (A) = Ao/(1 - ) = ……………………………………… cm
2
o Axial stress () = P/A= ………………………………………kgf/cm

15.
Cell pressure Deviator stress at failure
Test 1
No. (3) (d)f = (1 - 3) kgf/cm
2
2 2
kgf/cm kgf/cm
1.
2.
3.

16. Plot (a) Conventional failure envelope (by drawing Mohr’s circles) and obtain the
shear strength parameters.

i) Cohesion intercept = c = …… kgf/cm2
 
ii) Angle of shearing resistance =  =

c
0 
(b) Modified failure envelope and calculate shear strength parameters.

½( 1 - 3)
i) Sin  = tan 
  = ………………………………..
d ii) c = d = ………………… kgf/cm 2
Cos

O½( 1+3) 

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 2720, Part-11, 1971 (Reaffirmed 1978).

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

9. UNCONFIED COMPRESSION TEST

Aim: To determine the unconfined compressive strength of clayey soil.

Theory: Unconfined compressive strength; UCC test and its limitations.

Apparatus
1. Compression device of suitable type
2. Sample ejector
3. Deformation measuring dial gauge
4. Remoulding apparatus – for specimen preparation
5. Thermostatically controlled oven
6. Balance with weights
7. Vernier callipers.
8. Air tight, non-corrodible containers for water content determination.

Preparation of the Specimen

The specimen for the test shall have a minimum diameter of 38 mm and a height to
diameter ratio of 2. The largest particle contained within the test specimen should be
th
smaller than 1/8 the specimen diameter.

The remoulded specimen may be prepared by compacting the soil at the considered water
content and dry density in a bigger mould, and then extracted using sampling tube.
OR
The remoulded specimen may be prepared directly using a split mould.

Procedure
1. Measure the initial length, diameter and mass of the specimen.
2. Place the specimen on the bottom plate of the loading device. Adjust the upper plate
to make contact with the specimen. Set the load dial gauge (i.e. proving ring dial)
and the compression dial gauge to zero.
3. Apply axial compressive load so as to produce axial strain at a rate of 0.5 to 2
percent per minute. Take the proving ring dial readings corresponding to
compression dial readings at suitable intervals.
4. Compress the specimen until failure surfaces have definitely developed or the stress-
strain curve is well past its peak or until an axial strain of 20% is reached, whichever
occurs first.
5. Stop loading; Remove the failed specimen; Sketch the failure pattern; Keep the soil
sample taken from the failure zone for moisture content determination.

Results and Discussions: .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contd......

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Observations and Calculations

1. Type of soil:
2. Specimen preparation procedure: Undisturbed / remoulded / compacted
3. Initial dia of the specimen (D0) = …………………………………… cm.
4. Initial length of the specimen (L0) = …………………………………… cm
5. Initial area of the cross section of the specimen
(A0) = …………………………………… cm2
6. Rate of strain = ……………………………………
7. Water content determination (initial)
Container No. 1 2
Mass of (container + wet soil) g
Mass of (container + dry soil) g
Mass of dry soil g
Mass of container g
Mass of water g
Water content (wi) %

8.
Specimen Initial mass (m), 3 3
b, g/cm (wi), % d, g/cm
No. g
1.
2.
3.

9.
Specimen No.:
Axial
Proving Axial Axial Corrected Axial
Compression compression of
ring load strain area stress Remarks
dial reading the specimen
reading (P) () (A) ()
(L)
2 2
div Cm div kgf Ratio cm kgf/cm

* Conduct tests on three identical specimens. Contd......

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10. After the test:

Specimen No. Failure Pattern Sketch of the failed specimen
1.
2.
3.

11. Water content determination (final)

Container No. 1 2 3
Mass of (container + wet soil) g
Mass of (container + dry soil) g
Mass of dry soil g
Mass of container g
Mass of water g
Water content %

12. Plot the graph of axial stress Vs. Axial strain.

From the graph:
2
Unconfined compressive strength = qu =……………………………….. kgf/cm

SPECIMEN CALCUALTIONS;
o Axial load (P)= Proving ring constant x proving ring reading = …….. kgf
o Axial strain () = L/Lo = ………………………………………
2
o Corrected area (A) = Ao/(1 - ) = ……………………………………… cm
2
o Axial stress () = P/A = ………………………………………kgf/cm

Relevant BIS Code:

IS: 2720, Part-10, 1973

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory

10. CONSOLIDATION TEST

Aim: To determine the consolidation properties of given soil.

Theory: Definition of the terms consolidation, compression index, coefficient of

volume change; pre-consolidated, normally consolidated and under-consolidated
sediments; pre-consolidation pressure and its determination; over-consolidation ratio;
fixed ring and floating ring type consolidometers; drainage path; listing of methods to
determine the coefficient of consolidation.

Apparatus
1. Fixed ring type consolidometer cell assembly consisting of specimen ring of height
not less than 20 mm with a height to diameter ratio of about 3, two porous stones,
guide ring, outer ring, pressure pad, steel ball, rubber gasket.
2. Loading frame
3. Dial gauge with an accuracy of 0.002 mm.
4. Balance
5. Thermostatically controlled hot air oven
6. Containers for moisture content determination
7. Mixing basin
8. Soil trimming tools
9. Spatula
10. Ground glass plate/ plate made of Perspex material
11. Whatman No.54 filter papers
12. Stop watch
13. Water reservoir
14. Flexible rubber tube

Procedure
1. Saturate the porous stones either by boiling the porous stones in distilled water for
15 minutes or by submerging them in distilled water for about 5-6 hours. Wipe away
the excess water.
2. Assemble the consolidometer cell with one porous stone at the base and one at the top
of the specimen ring containing the specimen (undisturbed or remoulded). Provide the
filter papers between the porous stones and the specimen.
Note: i) For testing the over consolidated soil or soils sensitive to moisture content,
porous stones shall be placed dry. ii) For testing normally consolidated soils, porous
stones shall be wet. iii) For testing stiffer soils and moisture sensitive soils, no filter
papers shall be used.
3. Place the consolidometer cell assembly in position on the loading frame and suitably
adjust its position.
Contd….

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4. Clamp the dial gauge in position to measure the vertical deformation of the
specimen such that it has a sufficient margin to measure the swell, if any. Note
down the initial reading of the dial gauge.
2
5. Apply a seating stress of 0.05 kgf / cm on the specimen.
6. Fill the consolidation cell with distilled water and connect the cell to the water reservoir
such that the level of water in the reservoir and that in the cell are the same.
7. Allow the specimen to reach equilibrium for 24 h.
8. Note down the final dial gauge reading under the seating stress.
9. Apply the next load of intensity such that the stress increment ratio is unity and start
the stop watch simultaneously. Record the dial gauge reading at various time
intervals.
2 2
Note: i) The recommended loading sequence is 0.05 kgf / cm , 0.1 kgf / cm , 0.2 kgf /
2 2 2 2 2
cm , 0.4 kgf / cm , 0.8 kgf / cm , 1.6 kgf / cm , 3.2 kgf / cm etc.,. However, a loading
2 2 2 2 2
sequence of 0.05 kgf / cm , 0.1 kgf / cm , 0.2 kgf / cm , 0.5 kgf / cm , 1 kgf / cm , 2
2 2
kgf / cm , 4 kgf / cm etc., may also be used. ii) The time sequence for taking the dial
gauge readings is such as to facilitate the plotting of time – compression curve
10. After reaching a near equilibrium state ( which can be judged by the changes in the
dial gauge readings), note down the final dial gauge reading corresponding to the
existing stress on the specimen, increment the stress on the specimen to its next
value. Note: Normal equilibrium loading period is 24 h. For some soils, it may be more
than 24 h. However, same equilibrium loading period shall be used for all stress
increments during the test.
11. On completion of the final loading stage, start unloading the sample by reducing the
stress by following a stress decrement ratio of 0.25. Allow sufficient time between
2
successive load decrements and reach the seating stress of 0.05 kgf / cm .
12. Maintain the stress for 24 h.
13. After recording the final dial gauge reading, siphon out the water from the cell.
Quickly dismantle the specimen from the cell assembly. Remove the excess water
on the specimen by using blotting paper.
14. Record the final mass and height of the specimen.
15. Determine the final water content of the specimen by oven drying method.
16. From the equilibrium dial gauge readings recorded under each effective
consolidation stress on the specimen, calculate the equilibrium void ratios
corresponding to each effective consolidation stress by either the height of solids
method or change in void ratio method.
17. Draw void ratio (e) versus log ' curve and calculate the values of pre-consolidation
stress (') (if the tested soil is over consolidated) by either Casagrande’s method or
log-log method, coefficient of volume change (mv) and compression index (Cc).
18. Calculate the value of coefficient of consolidation (c v) for each stress range by any
of the methods such as square root of time fitting method (Taylor’s method),
logarithm of time fitting method (Casagrande’s method), rectangular hyperbola
method and one point method.
Contd….

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Results and Discussions: .

Observations and Calculations

1. Soil: ……………………………………………
2. Specific gravity of soil (GS) = ………………………………………
3. Specimen preparation: Undisturbed / remoulded / compacted
4. Height of the consolidation ring = ……………………………………… cm
5. Diameter of the consolidation ring = ……………………………………… cm
2
6. Area of cross section of consolidation ring (A) = ……………………………cm
7. Stress – void ratio data:

Applied stress (’),

2
kgf/cm
Final dial reading, div.
Calculation of equilibrium void ratio:

8. Height of solids method:

Applied Final dial Change in Specimen Void ratio
Remarks
stress (’), reading, dial (H) height (H) €
2
kgf/cm div div. mm mm ratio
0.0

0.05

0.1

OR
Change in void ratio method:
Specimen Change in
Applied Final dial Change in Void
height void ratio Remarks
stress (’), reading, dial (H) ratio €
(H) (e)
2
kgf/cm div div. mm mm ratio ratio
0.0

0.05

0.1

Contd….

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 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
9. Time – compression
data: Stress range:
Elapsed time, minutes
Dial reading, div.
Note: For each of the stress range, the above table shall be recorded, and corresponding
values of coefficient of consolidation shall be calculated.

Specimen Calculations
  Effective consolidation stress range: ……………………………
 Average effective drainage path = dav = ……………………………cm
1. Square root of time fitting method
 δi = …………………… div
 t90 = …………………… minutes
0.848 (d / 2)2
 (cv)90 = t
av = …………………… cm2/min
90

2. Logarithm of time fitting method

 δi = …………………… div 
δ100 = …………………… div 
δ50 = …………………… div
 t50 = …………………… minutes
0.196 (d / 2)2
 (cv)50 = t
av = …………………… cm2/min
50
3. Rectangular hyperbola method
 m = ……………….
 c = ……………….
0.24 m (d / 2)2
 cv = av = …………………… cm2/min c
4. One point method
  δf = …………………… div
  δ50 = …………………… div
  t50 = …………………… minutes
0.196 (d / 2)2
  (cv)50 = t
av = …………………… cm2/min
50

Results
 Coefficient of consolidation:
2
a) From square root of time fitting method: (cv)90 = …………… cm /min
2
b) From log time fitting method: (cv)50 = …………… cm /min
2
c) From rectangular hyperbola method: cv = ……………….. cm /min
2
d) From one point method: (cv)50 = …………… cm /min
Relevant BIS Code:
IS: 2720, Part-15, 1986
~*~*~*~

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 Soil Mechanics
Laboratory

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