Experiment 1:

Guide Questions:

1. Why is it not recommended to leave an oven-dried sample in the open air for a long time before
measuring its dry weight?
- Reabsorbing moisture from a sample after it has been exposed to air may result in inaccurate
results. In experiments like this, accuracy and consistency are crucial.
2. Excluding oven drying, are there other methods to determine the water content of soils?
- Suction, the gravimetric method, the calcium carbide method, neutron scattering, capacitance
sensors, and other techniques can also be used. The method chosen will depend on the
requirements of the study.
3. Is it possible to measure the water content of sands?
- Yes, numerous methods are employed to determine the water content of sands. These
techniques include capacitance, volumetric, neutron scattering, and gravimetric sensors.
4. Why do we use a fixed temperature range to dry soils? What is the effect on soils of microwave
drying?
- It is crucial to dry soils within a set temperature range in order to maintain consistency,
reproducibility, and avoid causing soil damage. Microwave drying of soils can change the
properties of the soil and results in uneven drying.
5. What is the function of the container lid and desiccator when determining the water content of
soil?
- By reducing evaporation and preventing moisture gain, the lid safeguards the soil sample.
Desiccators maintain the sample's weight while reducing humidity because they can protect the
sample

Application to Engineering

- In the field of geotechnical engineering, a precise determination of the soil moisture content is
required to assess the stability of structures. The mechanical response to weight loading is
dependent on the moisture content at the time of construction, making it the most important
factor in civil engineering design. Engineers can predict how soil will behave under different
conditions by knowing the water content of the soil, ensuring that structures are made to
withstand the test of time and environmental factors.
 Engineers use data from soil moisture tests to determine the ideal moisture content for
each design. The data has an immediate impact on infrastructure quality and durability,
lowering maintenance costs, and ensuring worker safety for all construction projects.

Conclusion:

In the discipline of geotechnical engineering, determining the amount of water in the soil is a
fundamental and crucial task. When determining whether something is suitable for a particular
application, knowing the moisture content is essential. The amount of water in soil directly affects its
nutrient availability, permeability, and mechanical characteristics.

Tackling the gathered data in the experiment, it can be seen that two sieve types are used; and
for the four trials made, despite the weight difference in the containers used, the obtained moisture loss
was consistent with minimal discrepancy. Similar to this, the gathered water content (T1: 5.48, T2: 5.78,
T3: 5.65, T4: 5.78) values show that water amount for soil samples ranging 5Q – 85 grams will have a
diminutively difference.

In the end, the experiment provides a basis for comprehending fundamental soil dynamics.
Through engaging in practical tasks like these, experimenters will learn crucial information about the
significance of soil moisture.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/soil-water-content

https://www.jove.com/v/10011/determination-of-moisture-content-in-soil

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/soilmechanics/chapter/chapter-1/

https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/understanding-soil-water-content-and-thresholds-for-
irrigation-management.html

https://civiconcepts.com/blog/water-content-of-soil

https://www.metergroup.com/en/meter-environment/measurement-insights/what-is-soil-moisture-
science-behind-measurement
https://www.vanwalt.com/news/2015/04/08/why-do-we-need-to-know-the-soil-moisture-content-of-
soil/

https://civilwale.com/how-to-determine-the-water-content-of-soil/

https://www.astm.org/d2216-19.html

https://civilengineering.blog/2020/02/13/water-content-formula/
Experiment 2

Guide Questions:

1. Define the specific gravity of soil.

- - The density or mass of soil solids in relation to the density of water is characterized by the soil's
specific gravity. It is used to determine how dense or heavy soil particles are.
2. What are the typical values of specific gravity for solids?
- There are four types of soils with different ranges: Sands (2.6 to 2.7), Silt (2.65 to 2.80), Clays
(2.60 to 2.75), and organic soils (typically less than 2.0)
3. What can you use to measure specific gravity of material lighter than water?
- A hydrometer can be used, but the bottle method can also be utilized.
4. Why do we use vacuum while determining specific gravity of soil?
- The vacuum's functions include releasing trapped air from the soil-water mixture, measuring
solution weight more precisely, and avoiding errors in test results.
5. What is the effect of water temperature on the determination of the Gs of soils?
- Changes in water temperature have a significant impact on soil's Gs. The soil will have a higher
kinetic energy and occupy a larger volume at higher temperatures.

Application to Engineering:

A key factor in determining the composition of the soil and its suitability for various engineering
applications is its specific gravity. Engineers can divide soils into groups like sands, silts, and clays just by
looking at the specific gravity of the soil solids. For the purpose of designing foundations, retaining walls,
and other structures, this classification is crucial. Understanding a soil's specific gravity enables
engineers to make well-informed choices regarding soil compaction and stabilization techniques.
Different soils have different load bearing capacities and settlement behaviors.

This number is used by engineers to determine the ratios of soil solids, aggregate, and binders
required to produce construction materials with the desired strength and durability. Accurate data
ensures high-quality outcomes when designing building foundations or paving roads. Additionally, it
assists in estimating the volume changes that might be brought on by compaction in the soil, which is
essential for avoiding subsidence and preserving the structural integrity of buildings over time.

Conclusion:
 The primary objective of this experiment is to determine the specific gravity of a soil sample,
and identify what type of soil solid was used, based on the specific gravity.

The weight of the bottle plus the water has increased gradually and steadily, according to the
data in the Experimental Procedure table. This happened as a result of the bottle's applied temperature
rising. It is obvious that as the temperature rises, the amount of space that the water takes up also rises.
After calculating the specific gravity of each trial and concluding that trial 2 has a higher specific gravity
than trial 1, the experiment is complete. The experiment's findings show how crucial specific gravity is
for classifying different soil types and determining whether they are suitable for use in a range of
engineering and environmental applications. The measurements' consistency and accuracy suggest that
a trustworthy methodology was used in the experiment.

References:

https://www.geoengineer.org/education/laboratory-testing/measurement-of-specific-gravity-of-soils

https://www.globalgilson.com/blog/soil-specific-gravity-test

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/soilmechanics/chapter/55/

http://home.iitk.ac.in/~madhav/expt2.html

https://civiconcepts.com/blog/specific-gravity-of-soil

https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/specific-gravity-soil-pycnometer-procedure-calculations/2677/

https://dreamcivil.com/specific-gravity-of-soil/

https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/5-472/ch2part2.pdf

https://www.civil-engineering-calculators.com/Soil-Test/Specific-Gravity-Determination

https://testbook.com/civil-engineering/specific-gravity-of-soil-definition-and-range
Experiment 3A

Guide Questions:

1. What is the purpose of grain sieve analysis?

- This test is performed to determine the percentage of different grain sizes contained within a
soil.

2. What is a grading curve?

- soil grading curve A graph of grain size plotted on a horizontal logarithmic axis against
percentage on an arithmetical vertical axis.

3. Under what condition should you use wet sieving instead of dry sieving?
- Wet sieving can be used to remove fines of materials that may be difficult to sieve, prior to
drying and testing a sample normally.

4. On which basis do you select the number and opening of sieves for the sieve analysis of a given
soil?
- The choice of sieves usually depends on experience, judgement and the intended applications of
grain size analysis. It will depend on the soil to be tested. A good selection is to have a nest
composed of each sieve having an opening approximately one-half of the coarser sieve above it.

5. A mass of volcanic ashes with highly crushable grains is brought to the laboratory. What
precaution do you take to determine its grain size distribution?
- Ash samples should be dried in the oven first, then sieve at least one interval down to 63
micrometers.

6. On what range of particle size does the sieve analysis apply?

- The sieve analysis applies to the gradation of soil between 3 inches and #200 sieves.

7. Is it possible to carry out sieve analysis on a sample of clay?

- it is not possible to carry out sieve analysis on a sample of clay because it is fine grained. A
hydrometer should be used in analysing this type of soil.
Application To Engineering:

Sieve analysis of soil is a fundamental technique in geotechnical engineering for assessing the particle
size distribution of soil samples. This analysis involves collecting a representative soil sample from a site
of interest, carefully preparing it by removing moisture, and subjecting it to a series of standard sieves
with varying mesh sizes. After mechanical shaking, the retained soil fractions on each sieve are weighed,
allowing for the creation of a particle size distribution curve. This curve provides valuable insights into
the soil's characteristics, including its classification, permeability, compaction properties, shear strength,
and suitability for construction applications like foundation design and road construction. Engineers rely
on the results of sieve analysis to make informed decisions in the planning and execution of civil
engineering projects.

Conclusion:

References:

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/soilmechanics/chapter/sieve-analysis/#:~:text=Sieve%20analysis%20is%20a
%20method,size%20distribution%20of%20finer%20soil.

https://www.geoengineer.org/education/laboratory-testing/step-by-step-guide-for-grain-size-analysis

https://www.mt.com/ph/en/home/applications/Laboratory_weighing/sieve-analysis.html

https://www.qu.edu.qa/static_file/qu/colleges/engineering/civil/documents/Lab%20Manuals/
Geotechnical_Laboratory_Manual.pdf

https://www.iricen.gov.in/LAB/res/html/Test-01.html

https://home.iitk.ac.in/~madhav/expt4.html

https://www.civil-engineering-calculators.com/Soil-Test/Sieve-Analysis-of-Soil-Dry-Method

https://www.soilmanagementindia.com/soil-analysis/grain-size-analysis-of-soil/13402

https://www.aboutcivil.org/experiment-Sieve-Analysis.html

https://www.astm.org/d6913-04r09e01.html

Experiment 3B
Guide Questions:

1. What is the purpose of hydrometer analysis? On which physical principles is hydrometer analysis
is founded?
- The hydrometer analysis of soil, based on Stokes' law, calculates the size of soil particles from
the speed at which they settle out of suspension from a liquid. Results from the test show the
grain size distribution for soils finer than the No. 200 (75µm) sieve

2. Does hydrometer analysis determine the size of soil particles exactly?

- No, hydrometer analysis does not determine the size of soil particles exactly. It provides a
distribution of particle sizes, especially focusing on the finer particles, based on the rate of
settling in a liquid medium.

3. Why do you correct the distance of fall of particles during hydrometer analysis?
- The correction for the distance of fall is necessary because the hydrometer is calibrated for
specific conditions, including a known reference temperature and depth of suspension.
Correcting for variations in these conditions ensures the accuracy of the hydrometer reading.

4. What physical quantity is read on the steam of a 152H hydrometer? In what unit is this quantity
expressed?
- On the stem of a 152H hydrometer, you read the specific gravity of the suspension. It is
expressed as a dimensionless quantity.
5. What corrections are made on the hydrometer reading?
- Corrections made on the hydrometer reading typically include corrections for temperature,
meniscus, and the depth of the suspension

6. What modifications would be required if one wanted to carry out a hydrometer analysis in a
200-ml cylinder instead of 100-ml cylinder?
- Using a larger 200-ml cylinder would require adjusting the depth of the suspension to maintain
the same ratio of depth to diameter as in the standard 100-ml cylinder. This ensures that the
hydrometer operates under similar conditions for accurate readings.

7. Does the hydrometer go up or down during the sedimentation of soil particles?

- The hydrometer typically goes down during the sedimentation of soil particles. As the soil
particles settle and displace water, the hydrometer sinks deeper into the suspension

8. What is the purpose of the dispersing agent? Does its use require a correction?
- The dispersing agent is used to prevent clay particles from flocculating or sticking together,
allowing for more accurate analysis. The use of a dispersing agent may require a correction,
depending on the specific conditions and the type of agent used.
9. Is there a correction for the specific gravity of soil particles when one uses a 152H hydrometer?
- There is typically no correction for the specific gravity of soil particles when using a 152H
hydrometer because the specific gravity of soil particles is generally assumed to be close to 2.65,
which is the specific gravity of quartz particles. Corrections are primarily related to the
hydrometer's calibration and the conditions of the test.

10. What physical quantity does the hydrometer measure? At what location does it measure?
- The hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the suspension. It measures this at the location
where it is immersed in the suspension.

11. Why do you measure the water temperature during the hydrometer analysis?
- Water temperature affects the density and viscosity of the liquid medium, which, in turn,
influences the rate of particle settling. Measuring the water temperature allows for the
necessary corrections to be applied to ensure accurate hydrometer readings.

12. What is the purpose of the hydrometer calibration? What quantities does it relate?
- Hydrometer calibration ensures that the hydrometer accurately measures specific gravity. It
relates the specific gravity of the liquid to the hydrometer's calibration scale.
13. Why does the meniscus correction always have the same sign? What is this sign?
- The meniscus correction always has the same sign, which is negative (-), because the meniscus
typically forms an upward curve in the graduated stem of the hydrometer. This correction
accounts for the meniscus's effect on the apparent depth of immersion.

14. For what reason do you agitate the suspension at the beginning of the hydrometer test?
 - Agitating the suspension at the beginning of the test ensures that the soil particles are evenly
dispersed in the liquid medium and that they do not settle in layers, which could lead to
inaccurate results.
15. What is the usual duration of a hydrometer analysis? Why does the sedimentation part take so
much time?
- The duration of a hydrometer analysis can vary but often takes several hours to complete. The
sedimentation part takes time because fine particles settle slowly due to their small size and low
settling velocities. The analysis requires sufficient time for these particles to settle to a level
where accurate measurements can be made.

Application to Engineering:

Hydrometer analysis of soil is a valuable tool in geotechnical engineering, serving various critical
applications. This laboratory technique is particularly useful for assessing the finer particle size
distribution of soil, which includes particles smaller than 75 micrometers (μm). One of its primary
applications lies in soil classification, where it helps engineers categorize soils into clay, silt, or sand,
offering insights into their engineering properties and behavior under different conditions. Additionally,
hydrometer analysis aids in estimating the plasticity characteristics of soils, assisting in the assessment
of workability, settlement behavior, and potential volume changes, which are crucial aspects of
engineering design.

Conclusion:

References:

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/soilmechanics/chapter/hydrometer-analysis/

https://civilblog.org/2015/11/18/hydrometer-analysis-of-soil-what-why-how/

https://geo.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Soil_Science/
Principles_of_Soil_Science_Exercise_Manual_(Bowen)/01%3A_Hands-on_Exercises/
1.06%3A_New_Page

https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/particle-size-distribution-soil-hydrometer-method/2775/

https://www.iricen.gov.in/LAB/res/pdf/test-02.pdf
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hydrometer-method

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https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/3172/hydrometer-analysis-soil

https://www.astm.org/d7928-21e01.html