Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook

SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENTS
HANDBOOK
SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITAS INDONESIA
DEPOK 2017
Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia
PREFACE
This book is proposed for students as a guidebook for soil mechanics experiments.
This guidebook consists of 3 parts:
 Part 1: Consist of the experiments from Basic Soil Mechanics. The experiments in
this part have purposes in getting physical properties of soil, e.g. the liquid limit,
plastic limit, and shrinkage limit, specific gravity, particle-size distribution,
compaction and CBR laboratory test and coefficient of permeability of soil.
 Part 2: Consist of the experiments from Soil Mechanics. The experiments in this
part have purposes in getting mechanical properties of soil, e.g. the shear strength
parameters, consolidation parameters, and also field tests for getting undisturbed
sample and CPT.
 Part 3: Consist of the experiments from Advanced Geotechnical Investigation.
The experiments in this part have purposes in getting physical properties of soil
in advance, e.g. swelling test, field compaction and field CBR, and also other field
tests including DCP, plate bearing test, and field permeability test.
This handbook is the newest and the revised version so that the students can follow
it easily while experimenting, from the preparation of the sample until the calculation
of the data. We hope that, with the revised version of this guidebook, the student can
understand the soil mechanics experiments and can be applied in real workplace in
civil engineering.
Erly Bahsan, ST., M.Kom

Ahmad Syihan, ST.
©2015, Revision 1 2017
Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ............................................................................................................ i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
PART 1............................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER 1 ATTERBERG LIMITS ........................................................................... 2
A. LIQUID LIMIT.......................................................................................... 2
B. PLASTIC LIMIT ...................................................................................... 10
C. SHRINKAGE LIMIT ................................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 2 SPECIFIC GRAVITY .......................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 3 HYDROMETER ................................................................................. 29
CHAPTER 4 SIEVE ANALYISIS ............................................................................. 41
CHAPTER 5 COMPACTION .................................................................................. 46
CHAPTER 6 CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO ........................................................... 56
CHAPTER 7 PERMEABILITY ................................................................................ 64
APPENDIX PART 1 EXPERIMENTS DATA SHEET ................................................... 77
PART 2............................................................................................................. 86
CHAPTER 8 HAND BORING & SAMPLING ............................................................. 87
CHAPTER 9 CONE PENETRATION TEST (SONDIR) ............................................... 93
CHAPTER 10 TRIAXIAL UU (UNCONSOLIDATED-UNDRAINED) TEST ................... 104
CHAPTER 11 CONSOLIDATION TEST ................................................................ 120
CHAPTER 12 DIRECT SHEAR TEST .................................................................... 137
CHAPTER 13 UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST............................................... 145
PART 3.....................................................................................................159
CHAPTER 14 SWELLING TEST .......................................................................... 160
CHAPTER 15 SAND CONE TEST ........................................................................ 170
CHAPTER 16 FIELD - CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (FIELD - CBR) ..................... 176
CHAPTER 17 DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER (DCP) ........................................ 181
CHAPTER 18 PLATE BEARING TEST .................................................................. 185
CHAPTER 19 FIELD - PERMEABILITY (PERCOLATION TEST) ............................... 188
CHAPTER 20 FIELD - PERMEABILITY (FALLING HEAD TEST) .............................. 192
FORMAT OF SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT REPORT ........................................ 194
Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook ii

PART 1
Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 1

CHAPTER 1
ATTERBERG LIMITS
A. LIQUID LIMIT
1.1. References
ASTM D 4318 "Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
Plasticity Index of Soils"
AASHTO T 89 "Determining the Liquid Limit of Soils"
SNI 1967:2008 "Cara uji penentuan batas cair tanah"
1.2. Objectives
To determine the water content of soil sample at its liquid limit.
The result of this liquid limit test can be applied to determine the consistency
behavior of cohesive soils that depends on the value of liquid limit. Besides
that, the value of liquid limit can be used to determine the plasticity index of
soil.
1.3. Equipment and Materials

a. Equipment
 Cassagrande tool
 Standard grooving tool
 Cans
 Spatula
 Porcelain dish
 Oven
 Balance sensitive to 0.01 gram
 Spray/Plastic squeeze bottle
b. Materials
 Soil sample finer than sieve No. 40 ASTM ± 1 kg

 Distilled water
a b c d
Figure 1.1 Equipment of liquid limit: a) Cassagrande tool; b) Standard grooving tool; c)
cans; d) Spray/plastic squeeze bottle
1.4. General Discussion

In the laboratory, liquid limit is defined as water content where the soil sample
that has been put into the cassagrande tool is trimmed by standard grooving
tool then tapped with speed of 2 taps per seconds and fall height 10 mm, so
that at the 25th blow the soil sample moves closer by 0,5 inch along the
trimmed parts.
At this atterberg limits tests, we will determine the conditions mostly used in
soil mechanics, which is the liquid limit, the plastic limit, and the shrinkage
limit, or schematically can be seen in figure 1.2.
Liquid Plastic Semi Plastic Solid

Liquid Limit Plastic Limit Shrinkage Limit
Figure 1.2 Atterberg Limits Diagram

From the figure 1.2, we can infer that the more to the right state of soil, the
condition of soil will likely become solid and non-plastic. Internationally, the
liquid limit and plastic limits are used for soil identification and classification
and for strength correlation. Determination of liquid limit value can be done
by using equipment developed by Cassagrande, and the value of it determined
at the 25th blow.
𝑤 −𝑤
𝑊 = 𝑤1 −𝑤2 × 100% (1.1)
2 3
With:
W = water content (liquid limit state)
w1 = weight of wet soil + can
w2 = weight of dry soil + can
w3 = weight of can
1.5. General Procedures

1.5.1. Preparation
1. Prepare the soil sample finer than sieve No. 40 ASTM with open-air dry
condition.
2. Ensure the cleanliness of the equipment
3. Calibrate the balance
4. Prepare the plastic squeeze bottle and distilled water
5. Prepare cans if needed.
1.5.2. Testing Procedures

1. Put the soil sample into the porcelain dish and then pour it with distilled
water and mix it using spatula until the soil mixture become
homogeneous.
2. Put the mixture of homogeneous soil into the cassagrande tool (bowl)
layer by layer by using spatula and make sure no air void found. The width
of soil sample nearly 0,5 inch at the middle of the bowl.

3. Make a trim at the middle of cassagrande tool using standard grooving

tool at perpendicular with the bowl, and must be done carefully so that
there won’t be any cracks at the bottom (see figure 1.3)
Figure 1.3 Making a trim using grooving tool
4. Start the cassagrande tool by turning it to ON, with the constant speed of
2 taps per second and fall height of 1 cm, and this must be done until the
trimmed parts (left part and right part) move closer until about 0,5 inch
long. At that time, stop the machine by turning it OFF and write down the
N (number of blows). (see figure 1.4)
5. Weigh the can first, then put some soils from the cassagrande tool and
then put it into the can and weigh it again (can + soil) and finally put it
into the oven.
6. Repeat all the procedure for five more samples and with different blows
from 10 up to 50 blows. This can be done by pouring water or adding soil
to the the sample in the porcelain dish.

Figure 1.4 Soil which move closer about ½ inch long
7. After ± 18 hours in the oven, remove the can and then weigh it again
using the balance.
8. Calculate the water content.
1.5.3. Differences with ASTM

In the ASTM, the number of blows are ranging from 25 to 35, while in this
experiment the blows are ranging from 10 to 50 blows until the soil sample
along the trimmed parts is getting closer by 0,5 inch.

1.6. Computations
1.6.1. Data Results (Attached)
1.6.2. Data Calculations
I II III IV V
Number of Blows 1… 2… 3… 4… 5…
Weight of Wet Soil + can … … … … …
Weight of Dry Soil + can … … … … …
Weight of can … … … … …
Weight of Dry Soil … … … … …
Weight of water … … … … …
Water contents …% …% …% …% …%
Average Water contents …%
Determining the value of Liquid Limit

Method 1
Liquid limit value is determined by taking a vertical line at N = 25 (number of
blows) until it intersects with the graph of logarithmic regression between N
and W (water contents):
N(x) 1… 2… 3… 4… 5…
W(y) …% …% …% …% …%

82
81
80
79
W (%)
78
77
y = … Ln(x) + …
76
75
74
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Jumlah ketukan
Figure 1.5 The example of graph in determining liquid limit
From the graph, there will be curve equation: y = …Ln(x) + …

So that for N = 25 Liquid Limit = …Ln(25) + … = … %
Method 2
By equation:
𝑁 0.121
𝐿𝐿 = 𝑊𝑛 (25) (1.2)
Explanation:
LL = liquid limit
Wn = Water content at n-th blows
N = the total number of blows
LL1 =…%
LL2 =…%
LL3 =…%
LL4 =…%
LL5 =…%

No. Can Total of Blows Wn (%) LL (%)
1 1… …% …%
2 2… …% …%
3 3… …% …%
4 4… …% …%
5 5… …% …%
LLaverage = …%
LLmethod1  LLmethod2
Relative error =  100% = … %
LLmethod1
Determining the value of Flow Index (FI)

To determine the value of Flow Index (FI), is by taking a straight line until it
intersects with axis at the 10th blow and 100th blow.
Water contents for N = 10; W = … Ln(10) + … = … %
Water contents for N = 100; W = … Ln(100) + … = … %
FI = WN=100 – WN=10 (1.3)
=…

B. PLASTIC LIMIT
1.1. References
ASTM D 4318 "Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
Plasticity Index of Soils"
AASHTO T 90"Determining the Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils"
SNI 1966:2008 "Cara uji penentuan batas plastis dan indeks plastisitas
tanah"
1.2. Objectives
To determine the water content of soil sample at its plastic limit or to
determine the lowest limit of water content when soil sample reached plastic
state, and also to determine the Plasticity Index (PI) of soil sample.

a. Equipment
 Glass plate
 Container
 Spatula
 Porcelain dish
 Oven
b. Materials
 Soil Sample finer than Sieve No. 40 ASTM
 Distilled water
1.4. General Discussion:

In laboratory, plastic limit is defined as water content at which the soil sample
is rolled down in the glass plate until the diameter of the rolled-soil is nearly
1/8 inch (3.2 mm) and there are only several fine cracks found. From this
experiment, the Plasticity Index can be concluded with the equation 1.4 below.

IP = LL – PL (1.4)
The water content at its natural condition often occurs between the plastic limit
and the liquid limit. The formulation used is the same with 1.1:
𝑤1 − 𝑤2
𝑊= × 100%
𝑤2 − 𝑤3
Where:
W = water content
w1 = weight of wet soil + container
w2 = weight of dry soil + container
w3 = weight of container

1.5.1. Preparation
1. Clean all the equipment that are going to be used
2. Prepare the plastic sprayer bottle and distilled water
3. Prepare the soil sample finer than sieve No. 40 ASTM
4. Weigh two containers for keeping the soil sample

1. Put the soil sample into the porcelain dish and then pour it with distilled
water and mix it with spatula until the mixture is homogeneous.
2. Take a little part of the mixture and roll it down on the glass plate until
the diameter reaches 1/8 inch. If the water content is too high, when the
soil sample reach 1/8 inch, there won’t be any cracks, so that the
experiment must be repeated by adding more soil. And if the water
content is too low, the rolled-soil will have lots of cracks before reaching

1/8 inch diameter, so that it must be repeated by adding some water and
roll it again until the fine cracks found at 1/8 inch diameter. (figure 1.6)
Figure 1.6 Rolling the soil sample
3. Put the rolled-soil into the container which the weight has been recorded.
The weight of container and the rolled-soil must be more than 15 gram.
4. Quickly close the container in order to prevent the water content reducing
due to evaporation. After that, weigh the container again.
5. Put the container openly in the oven for about 18 hours.
6. After 18 hours, remove the container and weigh it to find the water
content.

 In this experiment, the rolling time is not specified, but in ASTM the limit
of the rolling time is about 2 minutes.
 In this experiment, after the soil is rolled and the cracks found, the soil is
then split by two same parts and the put in the container. In ASTM, the
rolled soil is crushed again until the soil is hard enough to be rolled again
before putting it into the container.

1.6. Computations

Can No. 1 2
Weight of wet soil + Container w1 (gr) … …

Weight of dry soil + Container w2 (gr) … …
Weight of container w3 (gr) … …
Weight of dry soil w2 – w3 (gr) … …
Weight of water w1 – w2 (gr) … …
w1  w2
Water content W= x100% …% …%
w2  w3
Average Water Content (plastic limit) …
Plastic Index (Equation 1.4)
IP = LL – PL
IP = …

C. SHRINKAGE LIMIT
1.1. References
ASTM D 427 "Standard Test Method for Shrinkage Factors of Soils by the
Mercury Method"
AASHTO T 92 "Standard Method of Test for Determining the Shrinkage
Factors of Soils"
SNI 3422:2008 "Cara uji penentuan batas susut tanah"
1.2. Objectives
To find the water content of soil sample at its shrinkage limit.
1.3. Equipment and Materials:

a. Equipment
 Balance sensitive to 0,01 gram
 Coated dish
 Shrinkage dish
b. Materials
 Mercury
 Soil sample finer than sieve No. 40 ASTM, oven-dry condition
 Vaseline
a c
Figure 1.7 Equipment of shrinkage limit: a) Shrinkage dish; b) Coated dish; c) Mercury

1.4. General Discussion:

Shrinkage limit is the water content at the semi-plastic and rigid form. In the
laboratory, shrinkage limit is define as the limit where no volume change
occurs in the soil mass, if the water content is removed completely. In this
stage, the soil will dry without any volume changes. The equation used is
shown in 1.6.
(𝑤𝑤 −𝑤𝑑 )−(𝑉𝑤 −𝑉𝑑 ) 𝜌𝑤

𝑆𝐿 = × 100% (1.6)
𝑤𝑑
Where:
ww = weight of wet soil
wd = weight of dry soil
Vw = volume of wet soil
Vd = volume of dry soil
ρw = unit weight of water = 1 gram/cm3
𝑤𝑑
𝑆𝑅 = × 100% (1.7)
𝑉𝑑

1.5.1. Preparation
1. Prepare soil sample finer than sieve No. 40 ASTM, air-dry
2. Prepare the distilled water and plastic squeeze bottle
3. Weigh coated dish or container that is needed

1. Put the soil sample in the porcelain dish and pour distilled water into it
and then mix it by spatula into become homogenous.
2. Treat that homogenous soil mixture just like from the liquid limit test,
make sure the soil mixture is getting closer by 0,5 inch when the 20-25
blows is reached.

3. Take the soil mixture from cassagrande tool and then put it into coated
dish which has been covered by Vaseline. Don’t forget to tap the coated
dish so that the soil mixture fill all the space and the surface is become
flat.
4. Weigh the soil mixture and the coated dish.
5. Repeat the steps twice.
6. Leave the coated dish and soil in open air for 18 hours to prevent cracks
because of sudden heating.
7. After 18 hours, put the coated dish and soil into the oven.
8. After 18-24 hours in the oven, remove the coated dish and the dry soil
from the oven. Weigh it again, and calculate the wet volume and the dry
volume.
* Calculating the wet volume of soil:

 Weigh the coated dish (w1).
 Put the mercury into the coated dish until full, then flatten its surface by
glass plate so that it is equal with the side of coated dish.
 Then weigh the coated dish with its contents (w2).
 The wet soil volume is:
𝑤𝐻𝑔 𝑤2 −𝑤1
𝑉𝑤 = = (1.8)
𝜌𝐻𝑔 𝜌𝐻𝑔
** Calculating the dry volume of soil:

 Put the mercury into the shrinkage dish until it’s full and flatten it with
glass plate.
 Weigh the shrinkage dish with its contents so that the weight of mercury
inside the dish is recorded (wHg+S)
 Dye the dry soil into the shrinkage dish which has been filled with mercury
by pushing it carefully with glass plate (that has three legs) so that its
surface is equal with mercury’s surface. Some of the mercury will spill over
it. This method is called submerging soil cake (figure 1.8)

Figure 1.8 Sub-merging soil cake process
 Remove the dry soil and weigh again the shrinkage dish + remaining
mercury (wHg)
 The dry volume of soil is:
𝑤𝐻𝑔+𝑠 − 𝑤𝐻𝑔
𝑉𝑤 = (1.9)
𝜌𝐻𝑔

 In this experiment, the coated dish that has been covered by Vaseline and
filled with water is tapped so that no air voids found. But according to
ASTM, the coated dish is only need to be shaken a little bit.
 In the ASTM method, the equipment used to contain the soil is porcelain
dish that has diameter of ±1.75 inch and height ±0.5 inch, but in this
experiment the equipment used is coated dish.

1.6. Computations
1.6.2. Calculations :
No. coated dish 1 2
Weight of soil + coated dish ww+c(gr) … …

Weight of coated dish wc (gr) … …
Weight of wet soil ww = ww+c - wc (gr) … …
Weigh of dry soil + coated dish wd+c (gr) … …
Weight of dry soil wd = wd+c - wc (gr) … …
Weight of mercury + coated dish wHg+c (gr) … …
Weight of mercury wHg (gr) … …
Wet Volume of soil ( Vw ) wHg/ 13.53 … …
Weight of mercury + shrinkage dish wHg+s (gr) … …
Weight of mercury + shrinkage dish (after … …
w’Hg+s (gr)
sub-merging soil cake)
Weight of removed mercury (wHg+s)–(w’Hg+s) … …
Dry volume of soil ( Vd ) (w’Hg) / 13.53 … …
Shrinkage Limit SL … …
Shrinkage Ratio SR … …
Information :
ww  wd   Vw  Vd w 100%
Shrinkage Limit (SL)dish 1 =
wd
...  ...  ...  ...1 100%

=
...
= …
wd
Shrinkage Ratio (SR)dish 1 =  100%
Vd
...
=  100%
...

= …
ww  wd   Vw  Vd w 100%
Shrinkage Limit (SL)dish 2 =
wd
...  ...  ...  ...1 100%

=
...
= …
wd
Shrinkage Ratio (SR)dish 2 =  100%
Vd
...
=  100%
...
= …
SLdish1  SLdish2
Shrinkage Limit (SL)average =
2
...  ...
=
2
= …
SRdish1  SRdish2
Shrinkage Ratio (SR)average =
2
...  ...
=
2
= …

CHAPTER 2
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
2.1. References
ASTM D 854 "Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
Water Pycnometer"
AASHTO T 100 "Specific Gravity of Soils"
SNI 1964:2008 "Cara Uji Berat Jenis Tanah"
2.2. Objectives
To determine the specific gravity value of soil, which defined as the ratio
between unit weight of soil and unit weight of distilled water at 20°C.
The specific gravity is used to calculate the soil phase’s relationship, like the
void ratio, degree of saturation, and soil density.

a. Equipment
 500 ml Pycnometer
 Balance sensitive to 0,01 gram
 Oven
 Electrical stove
 Thermometer
 Can
 Plastic sprayer bottle
b. Materials
 Soil sample finer than sieve No. 4 ASTM 500 grams, oven-dry condition
 Distilled water

d
b c
a e
Figure 2.1 Equipment of specific gravity: a) Thermometer; b) Can; c) Plastic squeeze

bottle; d) Pycnometer; e) electrical stove

Specific gravity of soil is defined as the ratio between unit weight of soil and
unit weight of distilled water at 20°C, with the equation below:
𝛾
𝐺𝑠 = 𝛾 𝑠 (2.1)
𝑤
Where:
Gs = Specific gravity
𝛾𝑠 = unit weight of soil
𝛾𝑤 = unit weight of water
For soil, its unit weight is defined as the ratio between the weight of soil and
the volume of it:
𝑤𝑠
𝛾𝑠 = (2.2)
𝑉𝑠
Where:
ws = weight of soil
Vs = volume of soil

For water, its unit weight is defined as below:

𝑤𝑤
𝛾𝑤 = (2.3)
𝑉𝑤
Where:
𝑤𝑤 = weight of water
𝑉𝑤 = volume of water
In this experiment, the soil volume (Vs) always have to be the same with water
volume (Vw), so that Vw = Vs and equation 2.1 will become:
𝑤𝑠
𝐺𝑠 = (2.4)
𝑤𝑤
This specific gravity experiment is occurred at T°C condition, so that its value
must be corrected by correction factor α, then the equation 2.4 will become:
𝒘
𝑮𝒔 = 𝜶 𝒘 𝒔 (2.5)
𝒘
Where:
𝑤𝑠 = weight of soil
𝑤𝑤 = weight of water
𝛼 = temperature correction factor at T°C which related to the room
temperature
This table (table 2.1) below is the temperature correction factor (𝛼) according
to SNI 1964:2008 standards.

Table 2.1 Relationships between relative density of water and temperature correction factor
Temperature
Temperature Relative water
No. correction
(°C) density
factor, α
1 18 0.9986244 1.0004
2 19 0.9984347 1.0002
3 20 0.9982343 1.0000
4 21 0.9980233 0.9998
5 22 0.9978019 0.9996
6 23 0.9975702 0.9993
7 24 0.9973286 0.9991
8 25 0.9970770 0.9989
9 26 0.9968156 0.9986
10 27 0.9965451 0.9983
11 28 0.9962652 0.9980
12 29 0.9959761 0.9977
13 30 0.9956780 0.9974
Source: SNI 1964:2008
Generally, the value of Gs is used to determine the type of soils as described

in table 2.2 below.
Tabel 2.2 The value of Gs of some soil types

TIPE TANAH GS
Sand 2.65 - 2.67
Silty sand 2.67 - 2.70
Non-organic clay 2.70 - 2.80
Soil with mica and ferrous 2.75 - 3.00
Organic soils 1.0+ - 2.60
Source: Bowles (2001)

2.5.1. Preparation
1. Prepare pycnometer which has been cleaned and dried.
2. For testing, prepare 500 grams of soil sample finer than sieve No. 4 ASTM
in oven-dry condition, which has been dried for ± 24 hours with 110° ±
5°C (230 ± 9° F) temperature.


1. Fill pycnometer with distilled water 500 ml and weigh it in balance so that
the weight of water and pycnometer is known (wbw).
2. Record the temperature of water inside the pycnometer with
thermometer.
3. Return the water inside the pycnometer into its first container, then make
sure that the pycnometer is cleaned and dried once more.
4. Put the soil sample approximately 100 grams into the pycnometer
carefully (make sure no soils attached to the pycnometer’s neck because
it will reduce the soil volume).
5. Fill the pycnometer with distilled water again until ± 2 3 of its volume.
6. Leave the soil sample submerged in distilled water inside the pycnometer
for about 24 hours,
7. Heat up the pycnometer to remove the air void that is trapped inside the
pycnometer by boiling it for ± 10 minutes (use the electrical stove).
8. Leave the pycnometer for ± 15 hours so that the water temperature is
the same with the first water temperature. After letting it out, fill the
pycnometer with distilled water until it reaches the pycnometer’s limit line.
9. Record the temperature again after being left for ± 15 hours with
thermometer. If the last water temperature is the same with the first
water temperature, weigh again the pycnometer that contains water and
soil to get the weight of pycnometer + soil + water (wbws).

The equipments and materials used by ASTM D 854-58:
 Pycnometer that is used can be flask with volume only 100 ml or stoppered
bottle with volume 50 ml.
 The soil sample used is only 25 grams for flask and 10 grams for stoppered
bottle.

The testing procedures by ASTM:

1. Pycnometer is cleaned and dried, then the weight is recorded.
2. Pycnometer is filled with distilled water (kerosene can be used) and the
temperature is recorded (wbw).
3. The table 2.1 is made for wbw at some desirable water temperatures.
4. Soil sample is then put into the pycnometer that has been filled with water.
5. The air void trapped can be removed by boiling it or by giving air pressure.
6. Pycnometer is then filled again with distilled water until full.
7. Weight of soil + water + pycnometer is then weighed and the temperature
is recorded.
In this experiment, the procedures can be concluded:

 The volume of pycnometer used is 500 ml.
 The soil sample used is 100 grams, finer than sieve No. 40 ASTM, and
oven-dry condition.
 The experiments are done not based on the desirable water temperature
but based on the number of desirable samples.

2.6. Computations
𝒘𝒘 = 𝒘𝒔 + 𝒘𝒃𝒘 − 𝒘bws (2.6)
Where:
Ww = weight of water
ws = weight of soil = 100 gram
wbw = weight of pycnometer + 500 ml water
wbws = weight pycnometer + water + soil after cooling process
𝑤𝑠
𝐺𝑠 = 𝛼
𝑤𝑤
Sample 1
Ww = ws = wbw - wbws
= ... + ... - ...
= ...
𝑤
Gs = 𝛼 𝑤𝑠
𝑤
…
= ... x …
= ...
Sample 2
= ... + ... - ...
= ...

𝑤
Gs = 𝛼 𝑤𝑠
𝑤
…
= ... x …
= ...
Sample 3
= ... + ... - ...
= ...
𝑤
Gs = 𝛼 𝑤𝑠
𝑤
…
= ... x …
= ...
Sample 4
= ... + ... - ...
= ...
𝑤
Gs = 𝛼 𝑤𝑠
𝑤
…
= ... x …
= ...
The value of average specific gravity

∑𝐺
̅̅̅
𝐺𝑠 = 𝑛 𝑠 = ⋯

Relative Errors
Sample 1
|𝐺𝑠1 −𝐺̅̅̅𝑠 |
𝑋1 = ̅̅̅
𝐺𝑠
𝑋1 = ⋯ %
Sample 2
|𝐺𝑠2 −𝐺 ̅̅̅𝑠 |
𝑋2 = ̅̅̅𝑠
𝐺
𝑋2 = ⋯ %
Sample 3
|𝐺𝑠3 −𝐺̅̅̅𝑠 |
𝑋3 = ̅̅̅
𝐺𝑠
𝑋3 = ⋯ %
Sample 4
|𝐺𝑠4 −𝐺̅̅̅𝑠 |
𝑋4 = ̅̅̅
𝐺𝑠
𝑋4 = ⋯ %
Average Relative Errors

𝑋 +𝑋 +𝑋 +𝑋
𝑋̅ = 1 2 4 3 4
𝑋̅ = ⋯ %

CHAPTER 3
HYDROMETER
3.1. References
ASTM D 421 "Standard Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for
Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Constants"
ASTM D 422 "Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils"
AASHTO T 88 "Standard method of test for particle size analysis of soils"
SNI 3423:2008 “Cara uji analisis ukuran butir tanah"
3.2. Objectives
Determining grain size distribution of soil with the diameter smaller than 0.074
mm (pass through No. 200 ASTM sieve) with hydrometer analysis.

a. Equipment
 Hydrometer (type 152 H)
 Hydrometer jar (1000 ml)
 Measuring cup
 Stopwatch
 Mechanical mixer
 Oven
 Thermometer
 Glass cup
 Sieve No. 200 ASTM
b. Materials
 Soil sample finer than Sieve No. 4 ASTM, 50 grams each for 3 sample
 Dispersion agent 4% (water glass)

b e
h
d
g i j
a f
Figure 3.1 The equipment of Hydrometer: a) Mixer cup; b) Hydrometer jar;

c) Thermometer; d) Stopwatch; e) Measuring cup; f) Hydrometer 152H; g) plastic sprayer
bottle, h) Waterglass; i) glass cup; j) Mixer

This experiment is based on the relationship between the falling speed of the
grains when dispersed in solution, the diameter of grains, unit weight of
grains, unit weight of the solution, and the sensitivity of the solution. The
relationship can be described based on Stokes’ law:
2𝛾𝑠 −𝛾𝑤 𝐷 2
𝜈= (2)
9𝜂
To become
9.𝜂.𝜈
𝐷 = 2√2𝛾 −𝛾 (3.1)
𝑠 𝑤
Where:

V = the falling speed of grains ( cm/s )

γS = unit weight of grains ( gr/cm3 )
γW = unit weight of solution ( gr/cm3 )
η = solution sensitivity ( dyne.s/cm2 )
D = diameter of grains ( cm )
The limitation of Stokes’ Law:

 This law can only be valid if 0.0002 mm < D < 0.2 mm.
 The grain-size bigger than 0.2 mm will cause turbulence in solution,, and
the grain-size smaller than 0.0002 mm will likely to move in accordance
to Brown’s movements (affected by particles’ forces).
 The quantity of sample used must be far less than the grains used (±5
%), this must be done so that no interference when the sedimentation
occurs. According to Bowles, Hydrometer type 152 H is calibrated for the
solution’s suspension that contains 60 grams in 1000 ml of water.
 The shape of grains is assumed as round, although this assumption isn’t
100% correct. The soil used must be dispersed by these agents:
 For soil that has base/acid contents, the agents used must be sodium
metaphosphate (NaPO3) or often called as Calgon.
 For soil that has acid contents, the agents used can be sodium silicate
(Na2SiO3) or often called as WaterGlass.
The speed of falling grain:

𝐿
𝜈=𝑡 (3.2)
𝐿 = 𝐿1 + 0.5 (𝐿2 − 𝑉𝑏 /A) (3.3)
where:
v = the speed of falling grain
L = height of fall
T = time

Vb = volume Bulb Hydrometer

A = section area of Hydrometer
L1 = can be seen in table 3.5 based on reading for type 152 H and corrected
by meniscus rule.
For corrected part:
𝑅𝐶 = 𝑅𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 + 𝑍𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + CT (3.4)
Where:
CT = correction for temperature, can be seen in table 3.3
For GS = 2.65 the equation used:
𝑅
% 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 = 𝑊𝐶 × 100% (3.5)
𝑠
And for Gs ≥ 2.65 :
𝑅𝐶 ×𝑎
% 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 = × 100% (3.6)
𝑊𝑠
𝐺 . 1.65
where: 𝑎 = (𝐺 𝑠−1) 2.65 (3.7)
𝑠
or the value of a can be seen in table 3.2
To simplify the equation:

30.𝜂 𝐿
𝐷=√
(𝐺𝑠−𝐺𝑤 )980 𝑡
Become

𝐿
𝐷 = 𝐾√ 𝑡 (3.8)
Information:
- The unit of L (cm) and t (minute)
- The coefficient of K can be seen in table 3.2
After % finer and D than that correlated each other is calculated, then it will
result in the grain-size distribution graph. From this graph, it can be known
the value of D10, D30 and D60.
 D10 = diameter that correspondence with the grain-size passing which is
about 10% (%finer = 10%)
So that the uniformity coefficient (CU) can be calculated by using this equation:
𝐷
𝐶𝑈 = 𝐷60 (3.9)
10
The definition of uniformity coefficient for some values:

CU = 1 , the soil that only has one similar grain size
2 < CU< 3 , the soil that has poor gradation of grain size
CU > 15 , the soil that has well gradation of grain size
Besides that, the coefficient of curvature (CC) can be calculated by using this
equation:

𝐷30 2
𝐶𝐶 = 𝐷 (3.10)
10 ×𝐷60
If 1 < CC < 3, it can be inferred that the soil’s grain size is wellgraded.
Here are the tables that are used in calculating the grain size distribution using
hydrometer analysis. All tables (3.1-3.5) based on “Engineering Properties of
Soil and Their Measurement” (Bowles, 2001).
Table 3.1 Properties of distilled Table 3. 2 Correction Table 3.3 Correction

water (η = absolute) factor α for Gs of soil factor for temperature, CT
Temp. Unit weight Viscosity Gs of soil Correction Temp. CT

(°C) of water, of water, solids factor α (°C)
g/cm3 poise*
4 1.00000 0.01567 2.85 0.96 15 1.10
16 0.99897 0.01111 2.80 0.97 16 -0.90
17 0.99880 0.01083 2.75 0.98 17 -0.70
18 0.99862 0.01056 2.70 0.99 18 -0.50
19 0.99844 0.01030 2.65 1.00 19 -0.30
20 0.99823 0.01005 2.60 1.01 20 0.00
21 0.99802 0.00981 2.55 1.02 21 +0.20
22 0.99780 0.00958 2.50 1.04 22 +0.40
23 0.99757 0.00936 23 +0.70
24 0.99733 0.00914 24 +1.00
25 0.99708 0.00894 25 +1.30
26 0.99682 0.00874 26 +1.65
27 0.99655 0.00855 27 +2.00
28 0.99627 0.00836 28 +2.50
29 0.99598 0.00818 29 +3.05
30 0.99568 0.00801 30 +3.80
Table 3.4 The value of K* for several Gs of soil and its temperature

Temp. (°C) Gs of Soil Solids

2.50 2.55 2.60 2.65 2.70 2.75 2.80 2.85
16 0.0151 0.0148 0.0146 0.0144 0.0141 0.0139 0.0137 0.0136
17 0.0149 0.0146 0.0144 0.0142 0.0140 0.0138 0.0136 0.0134
18 0.0148 0.0144 0.0142 0.0140 0.0138 0.0136 0.0134 0.0132
19 0.0145 0.0143 0.0140 0.0138 0.0136 0.0134 0.0132 0.0131
20 0.0143 0.0141 0.0139 0.0137 0.0134 0.0133 0.0131 0.0129
21 0.0141 0.0139 0.0137 0.0135 0.0133 0.0131 0.0129 0.0127
22 0.0140 0.0137 0.0135 0.0133 0.0131 0.0130 0.0128 0.0126
23 0.0138 0.0136 0.0134 0.0132 0.0130 0.0128 0.0126 0.0124
24 0.0137 0.0134 0.0132 0.0130 0.0128 0.0126 0.0125 0.0123
25 0.0135 0.0133 0.0131 0.0129 0.0127 0.0125 0.0123 0.0122
26 0.0133 0.0131 0.0129 0.0127 0.0125 0.0124 0.0122 0.0120
27 0.0132 0.0130 0.0128 0.0126 0.0124 0.0122 0.0120 0.0119
28 0.0130 0.0128 0.0126 0.0124 0.0123 0.0121 0.0119 0.0117
29 0.0129 0.0127 0.0125 0.0123 0.0121 0.012 0.0118 0.0116
30 0.0128 0.0126 0.0124 0.0122 0.0120 0.0118 0.0117 0.0115
Table 3.5 The value of L (effective depth) that is used in Stokes’ law for particle diameter in
hydrometer 152 H according to ASTM
Original Original Original

hydrometer hydrometer hydrometer
reading Effective reading Effective reading Effective
(corrected depth L, cm (corrected depth L, cm (corrected depth L, cm
for meniscus for meniscus for meniscus
only) only) only)
0 16.3 21 12.9 42 9.4
1 16.1 22 12.7 43 9.2
2 16.0 23 12.55 44 9.1
3 15.8 24 12.4 45 8.9
4 15.6 25 12.2 46 8.8
5 15.5 26 12.0 47 8.6
6 15.3 27 11.9 48 8.4
7 15.2 28 11.7 49 8.3
8 15.0 29 11.5 50 8.1
9 14.8 30 11.4 51 7.9
10 14.7 31 11.2 52 7.8
11 14.5 32 11.1 53 7.6
12 14.3 33 10.9 54 7.4
13 14.2 34 10.7 55 7.3
14 14.0 35 10.5 56 7.1
15 13.8 36 10.4 57 7.0
16 13.7 37 10.2 58 6.8
17 13.5 38 10.1 59 6.6
18 13.3 39 9.9 60 6.5
19 13.2 40 9.7
20 13.0 41 9.6


3.5.1. Preparation
1. Prepare 50 grams of soil sample in oven-dry condition.
2. Weigh 40 grams of waterglass as dispersion agent and pour the
waterglass into the hydrometer jar, then pour the distilled water until 1000
ml, mix it into become homogenous. This mixture then is called as
dispersion solution.
3. Pour this solution to 125 ml of glass cup that contains 50 grams of soil
and leave it out for ± 18 jam.
4. Prepare one measuring cup (1000 ml), then pour 125 ml of the dispersion
and add distilled water until 1000 ml into the measuring cup (tube), this
tube is used as control tube.

1. Check the meniscus correction and zero correction in hydrometer type 152
H by putting it into the control tube and record its readings.
2. Pour the solution of soil and dispersion solution that has been left out for
± 18 hours to the mixer cup and then add the distilled water so that it
reach 2/3 of the volume of mixer cup. Then mix it for ten minutes.
3. Move the mixture from the mixer cup into the hydrometer jar then add the
distilled water until 1000 ml.
4. Close the tube with rubber cover and shake it horizontally nearly in one
minute until become homogenous (figure 3.1).

Figure 3.2 Shaking process in hydrometer jar
5. Quickly after the tube is put, put the hydrometer type 152 H (do it carefully
like in figure 3.2). Read the hydrometer (R1) in the first one minute, then
in the second minute read it again (R2) then take it out.
Figure 3.3 How to put the hydrometer correctly (not putting it in hurry)
6. In the next 2,5 minute, put the hydrometer again and read the scale again
until fourth minute (R4).
7. Do it again for 8th minute, 15th minute, 30th, 60th, 120th, 240th, 480th, 960th,
1440th.

8. At every readings, the temperature in the control room must be recorded.

9. Repeat step 1 until 8 for several sample, and it’s better if the range
between the first minute for all sample is 10 minutes (e.g.: R 1 sample no.
1 is at 10.00, then for R1 sample no. 2 is at 10.10, etc).
10. After all sample has been recorded, pour all solution of every sample into
the sieve No. 200 ASTM (do not mix it). The grains that is retained in this
sieve then will be used in Sieve Analysis.

In the procedure by ASTM, the readings aren’t done in 120th, 240th, 480th, and
960th minute.

3.6. Computations

Sample No. 1
From Specific Gravity, it is known the Gs= ...
From table 3.2., a = ...
Weight of soil Ws = 50 gram
Zero correction = ...
Meniscus correction = ...
Example of calculation at first reading:

T = 29°C → CT from table 3.3 →...
Ra (Actual Hydrometer Reading) = R1 = ...
Rc (Correction Hydrometer Reading) = Ra – zero correction + CT
= ... - ... + ...
= ...
𝑅𝐶 ×𝑎 …×…
% 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 = × 100% = × 100%= ...
𝑊𝑠 …
Rc (Hydrometer Correction only for Reading) = Ra+ meniscus correction

= ... + ...
= ...
From table 3.5, with R = ... then it is known the L= ...

At first minute, t = 1, then L/t = .../1 = ...
From table 3.4, it can be inferred that the value of K= ...
𝐿 …
Finally, the value of 𝐷 = 𝐾√𝑡 = √…= ...
For the calculation of every data readings can be concluded into this table
below:

Actual Hyd.Corr.
Corr. Hyd.
Time of t Temp. Hyd. % only for L K
Date reading L/t D (mm)
Reading (minute-) (oC) Reading Finer Reading (Table 3.5) (Table 3.4)
(RC)
(Ra) (Rh)
15
30
60
120
240
480
1440

CHAPTER 4
SIEVE ANALYISIS
4.1. References
ASTM D 421"Standard Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for
Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Constants"
ASTM D 422 "Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils"
AASHTO T 88 "Standard method of test for particle size analysis of soils"
SNI 3423:2008 “Cara uji analisis ukuran butir tanah"
4.2. Objectives
To determine the grain size distribution that has diameter of 4,76 mm until
0,074 mm (passed sieve No. 4 ASTM and retained sieve No. 200) by
mechanical procedures.

a. Equipment
 One set of sieve ASTM No. 10, 18, 40, 100, 200, with Pan
 Disc cover
 Can
 Motorized Dynamic Sieve Shaker
 Brush
 Oven
b. Materials
 Soil sample from hydrometer experiment that is retained in sieve No.
200 ASTM

Figure 4.1 Equipment of sieve analysis: a) one set of sieve according to ASTM and pan; b)
Motorized dynamic sieve shaker

The soil generally contains three elements, the solid soil, water, and air. The
nature of the soil mostly depends on its size of grains. The grain size defines
the classification of the soil. The soil is first dried up and then sieved upon the
set of sieves which is arranged from bigger size (diameter hole) until the
smaller size. By that, the grains are separated into several sizes that has been
known. The equation for this sieve analysis is:
𝑊𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑
Percentage of retained soil (% retained) = × 100% (4.1)
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
Percentage of passing soil (% passing) = 100 % - % retained (4.2)

Wretained= wsoil – wsoil after sieving procedure
Relative error of weighing the soil sample before and after the sieving
procedure:

Wd −Wt
RE = × 100% * no more than 2%
Wd
where:
wd = weight of soil before sieving
wt = total weight of soil after sieving

4.5.1. Preparation
1. Clean the soil from hydrometer experiment by using sieve No.
200 ASTM so that it is clean from clay friction, silt, and other
colloids.
2. Put the cleaned soil into the can, and then put it into the oven
for  18 jam.

1. Remove soil from the oven and cool it down for a second, then
weigh its weight.
2. Arrange the sieves according its number: 4. 10, 18, 40, 100, 200
and the last is pan/
3. Put the soil that has been weighed to the top of sieve no. 4 ASTM.
4. Put the arrangement of sieve into the motorized dynamic sieve
shaker and close it down, then turn the machine for about 15
minutes.
5. Gather all the soil samples retained in each of the sieves and then
weigh it and record its weight.
6. Clean the sieves from dusts by using brush.


According to ASTM, the arrangement of sieves used is No. 4, 10, 18, 40, 60,
100, 200, and pan. But in this experiment, the arrangement is the same, but
without using No. 60 and No. 4.
4.6. Computations

Sample No. 1
Weight of soil sample in hydrometer experiment = 50 grams
Weight of sample after being dried in the oven (w1) = … grams
Weight of sample retained in the sieve:
No. 10 ASTM = … grams

Pan = … grams
Total (w2) = … grams
w1  w2
Percentage of Error =  100% = … %
w1

The result of this experiment can be concluded into the table below:
SIEVE DIAMETER W. RETAINED % %

NO. (mm) (gram) RETAINED PASSING
4 4.75 … … …
10 2 … … …
18 0.84 … … …
40 0.42 … … …
100 0.15 … … …
200 0.075 … … …
… …
PAN … … …

CHAPTER 5
COMPACTION
5.1. References
ASTM D 698 "Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort"
ASTM D 1557 "Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort"
AASHTO T 99 "The Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 2.5-kg (5.5-
lb) Rammer and a 305-mm (12-in) Drop"
AASHTO T 180 "The Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54-kg (10-
lb) Rammer and 457-mm (18-in) Drop"
SNI 03-2832-1992 "Metode pengujian untuk mendapatkan kepadatan
tanah maksimum dengan kadar air optimum"
5.2. Objectives
To determine the maximum dry density (γdry) on optimum water condition
(wopt) from a compacted soil sample.
The laboratory compaction test is conducted as a basic to determine the

percentage of water content and compaction percentage needed to reach
certain compaction condition on the field.
5.3. Equipment and Materials (Standard)

a. Equipment
 Mold, complete with collar and base plate
 Hammer weighing 5.5 lbs, with 12 inch fall height
 Hydraulic extruder
 Steel Plate Cutter
 Measuring Cup

 Container for mixing soil with water

 Steel plate/ruler to measuring soil’s height
 Scale
 Oven
 Vernier Calipers
b. Materials
 Soil sample sieve through no. 4 ASTM for minimum 5 bags @ 2kg
(better to use 6 bags)
d
c
b
Figure 5.1 Compaction equipment: a) Mold ; b) Hammer; c) Steel Plate/Ruler; d) Vernier

Calipers

Compaction is a process where soil pores are being reduced in size and water
content being forced out mechanically. A compaction is also an effort (energy)

that being conduct on a soil mass. A compaction (Compactive Effort = CE)

comes from the function of this variable:
𝑊.𝐻.𝐿.𝐵
𝐶𝐸 = (5.1)
𝑉
where:
CE = Compactive Effort (lb/ft2)
W = hammer weight (lb)
H = Fall height (inch)
L = layer’s amount
B = pound per-layer
V = Soil Volume (ft3)
Generally Compaction conducted in the laboratory is consists of two kinds,

which is:
1. Standard Proctor - AASHTO T 99 (ASTM D 698)
2. Modified Proctor - AASHTO T 180 (ASTM D 1557)
The differences between these two methods are summarized in the table
below:
Table 5.1. The differences between Modified Proctor and Standard Proctor
Standard Proctor Modified Proctor
Test Identification AASHTO T 99 AASHTO T 180
(ASTM D 698) (ASTM D 1557)
Mould Diameter (inch) 4 6 4 6
Hammer’s Weight (lbs) 5.5 5.5 10 10
Hammer’s Fall Height
12 12 18 18
(Inch)
Layer Amount 3 3 5 5
Pound Per-Layer 25 56 25 56
C.E (ft-lb/ft3) 12.400 12.400 56.000 56.000
Maximum Through
No.4 (3/4)" No.4 (3/4)" No.4 (3/4)" No.4 (3/4)"
Grain Size

Soil density depends on the water content. To make such correlations we make
several soil samples, minimum four, each with different water content with
less than 4% difference between the samples.
From the experiment we can make a graph showing the correlation between
density and water content, and from that graph we get maximum γdry on its
optimum water content. Therefore we can conclude that a compacted soil
sample with water content level more than Wopt will have smaller density than
γdry maximum.
Figure 5.2. The different graph between Modified Proctor and Standard Proctor compaction
Figure 5.2 shows the difference on the compaction force between each
standard and modified proctor method. The usage of modified proctor which
got 5 times of compaction energy compared to standard proctor gives higher
maximum γdry compared to standard proctor, but in the same time gives lower
optimum water content compared to standard proctor.

Water Content Determination

𝑤
𝑤𝑒𝑡
𝑤𝑑𝑟𝑦 = (1+𝑊) (5.2)
𝑤𝑤𝑒𝑡 = 𝑤𝑑𝑟𝑦 (1 + 𝑊) (5.3)
𝑤𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑊= × 100% (5.4)
𝑤𝑑𝑟𝑦
Where:
W = Water Content
wwater = weight of water (gram)
wdry = weight of Dry soil (gram)
wwet = weight of wet soil (gram)
Added Water Volume Determination
𝑊𝑋 −𝑊0
𝑉𝑎𝑑𝑑 = ×𝑤 (5.5)
1+𝑊0
Where:
Vadd = Added water volume
WX = planned water content
W0 = initial water content
w = soil sample weight (gram)
γwet and γdry Calculation
𝑤𝑤𝑒𝑡
γ𝑤𝑒𝑡 = (5.6)
V
𝑤𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑤 𝛾
γ𝑑𝑟𝑦 = 𝑤𝑒𝑡
= (1+W)V 𝑤𝑒𝑡
= (1+W) (5.7)
V

where:
γwet = wet soil density (gr/cm3)
wwet = wet soil weight (gr)
V = compacted soil sample volume (cm3)
γdry = dry soil density (gr/cm3)
wdry = dry soil weight (gr)
W = water content (%)
Zero Air Void Line value (ZAV-line) Calculation

ZAV-line is a line that shows correlation between dry bulk density with water
content on a 100% SR (degree of saturation) condition.
𝐺𝑠 . 𝛾𝑤
𝑍𝐴𝑉 = (5.8)
1+(W.Gs )/Sr
where:
GS =specific gravity value
γW = water specific gravity (gr/cm3)
W = water content (%)
Sr = degree of saturation
Compaction Effort Value (CE) Calculation

Look at equation (5.1)
𝑊.𝐻.𝐿.𝐵
𝐶𝐸 =
𝑉

5.5.1. Preparation
1. Prepare 6 bags of soil sample each weighing 2 kg, sieve through No. 4
ASTM.

2. Mix all the sample from the bag in one canister, water content value is
considered identical.
3. Take some part of the sample that considered representing the water
content value, and finding out that sample water content.
4. Put the sample back to its own bag.
5. Find out the water content on the next day, and then add some water on
each of the sample so that each one of them got different water content.
6. Put the sample back into the plastic bag and let it stand for 18-24 hour in
order to make the water content is spread evenly in each bag.

1. Prepare the mould, collar, and base plate.
2. Weigh the mould and measure the dimension to find out the volume of
compacted soil.
3. Put the soil sample into the mould, and then estimate the amount in such
way so that after the compaction, the height of the soil is reaching 1/3 of
the height of the mould (because the total layer for compaction is 3 layer).
4. Pound each layer 25 times using hammer weighing 5.5 lb with 12 inch fall
height (Standard Proctor ASTM).
5. On the third layer, put the collar and add the soil so it exceeding the mould
limit.
6. After finishing the third layer, open the collar and flatten the excessive soil
with cutter plate.
7. Weigh the soil and the mould.
8. Remove the soil sample from the mould using the extruder.
9. Pick some soil from the top, middle, and bottom part so we can check the
water content. In that way we gain average water content of the soil
sample after it being compacted.

5.6. Computations

Determine the correlation for W - γdry (example: sample I)
Mould dimension:
 d = … cm
 height = … cm
 weight = … gram
 volume = ¼.π.d2.height = … cm3
Determining the water content before compaction

wcan = … gr
w(c+w) = wcan + wwet = … gr
* After dried inside the oven

w(c+d) = wcan + wdry = … gr
wwater = w(c+w) - w(c+d) = … gr
wdry = w(c+d) - wcan = … gr
W0 = × 100% = ... %
𝑤𝑑𝑟𝑦
Water content for other sample can be summarized on the table below:
Sample wcan w(c+w) w(c+d) wwater wdry W0

I … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …%
II … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …%
III … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …%
IV … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …%
V … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …%

Calculation volume of water added for compaction (example: sample 1)

W0 =… %
Wx =… %
w =… gr
𝑊𝑥 −𝑊0
Vadd = ×𝑤 = ... ml
1+𝑊0
For water volume that needed to be added on other sample, can be

summarized on the table below:
Sample wcan w(c+w) w(c+d) wwater wdry W0 Wx Vadd

I … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …% …% … ml
II … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …% …% … ml
III … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …% …% … ml
IV … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …% …% … ml
V … gr … gr … gr … gr … gr …% …% … ml
Determining water content after compaction

On the experiment, we took some top, middle, and bottom part of the
compacted soil. We consider that this 3 sample has the same water content,
so it can be put in one can.
wcan = … gr
w(c+w) = wcan + wwet = … gr
* after being oven

w(c+d) = wcan + wdry = … gr
wwater = w(c+w) - w(c+d) = … gr
wdry = w(c+d) - wcan = … gr
W = × 100% = ... %
𝑤𝑑𝑟𝑦

Determining dry density γdry

W =…%
Wsoil+mould = … gr
Wmould = … gr
Wsoil = … gr
Vsoil = Vmould = … cm3
γwet = Wsoil / Vsoil = … cm3
𝛾
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑡
= (1+𝑊) = … gr/cm3
For W - γdry correlation on another sample can be summarized on a table like

this:
Sample W γdry
I … gr … gr/cm3
II … gr … gr/cm3
III … gr … gr/cm3
IV … gr … gr/cm3
V … gr … gr/cm3
Calculating “Zero Air Void” line (example: sample I)

Sr = 100%
GS =… (from specific gravity experiment)
γwater = 1 gr/cm3
𝐺𝑠 . 𝛾𝑤
ZAV =
1+(W.Gs )/Sr
Sample W Gs ZAV
I …% … …
II …% … …
III …% … …
IV …% … …
V …% … …

CHAPTER 6
CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO
6.1. References
ASTM D 1883 “Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Laboratory-Compacted Soils”
AASHTO T 193 “Standard Method of Test for the California Bearing Ratio”
SNI 1744:1989 “Metode Pengujian CBR Laboratorium”
6.2. Objectives
To determine the value of CBR (California Bearing Ratio), which defined as the
value on maximum water content condition or in certain water content from
the compaction test.
This CBR value is a method for quality and strength evaluation from subgrade,
sub base, and base soils layer on a pavement based on laboratory test.

a. Equipment
 Compaction Hammer (10 lbs)
 Mould (diameter 6”)
 Spoon for mixing soil
 Container to mix soil with water
 Water Sprayer Bottle
 Steel Knife (straight edge)
 Scale
 Oven
 Aluminum can
 Stopwatch
 Circle shaped load ( ± 10 lbs)

 Water Tub
 Perforated disk with swell measuring dial
 CBR test unit
b. Materials
 Soil sample sieve through no. 4 ASTM for 3 bags @ 5kg
a b c
Figure 5.1 Equipment of CBR: a) CBR Machine; b) Holed Plate with dial
c) Metal weight

CBR value is a comparison between soil sample strength (with certain density
and water content) and dense crushed stone strength as a standard material

with CRB value = 100. To determine CBR value, the equation below can be
used:
test unit load (psi)

CBR = standard unit load (psi) × 100% (6.1)
With Standard Unit Stress on penetration value:
Table 6.1 Standard Unit Stress for CBR test
PENETRATION STANDARD UNIT STRESS
mm Inch MPa psi

2.5 0.10 6.9 1000
5.0 0.20 10.3 1500
7.5 0.30 13.0 1900
10.0 0.40 16.0 2300
12.7 0.50 18.0 2600
Source: AASHTO T 193
The load can be determined from penetration dial reading that is correlated
with the Calibration Prooving Ring graph.
Test Unit Load (psi) = tension (σ)
𝑃 𝑀 (𝐿𝑅𝐶)
𝜎= = (6.2)
𝐴 𝐴
where:
A = Piston area
P = M. LRC
M = dial reading
LRC = Calibration Factor

CBR value is determined from the load ratio for 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) penetration.
But, if the CBR for 5.0 mm penetration is greater, the test needs to be
repeated. If the second test have a greater CBR value than the 5,0 mm
penetration, the CBR value can be used.
In CBR test, there are two test that will be done – unsoaked condition test and
soaked condition tests. The unsoaked condition test can be done right after
the soil sample is compacted. The soaked condition test is done after the soil
sample inside the mould is soaked for 96 hours while being loaded with
surcharge load corresponding to the pavement pressure. The swell reading is
also done for certain time interval.
The soaking is done to know the CBR value in soaked condition. The CBR value
for the soaked condition will give information about the soil expansion
occurrence under the pavement load when it is soaked, also give the indication
of soil strength weakening because of the soaking that happened. The CBR
values is used to know the soil quality, especially when it is used as base layer
and subgrade layer under the road pavement or airfield pavement. Below is
the CBR value and its classification according to The Asphalt Handbook (1970).
Table 6.2 CBR value of soil with is quality, purpose, and its classification system
CBR Classification System
Quality Purpose
value Unified AASHTO
0-3 Very low Subgrade OH, CH, MH, OL A5, A6, A7
3-7 Low to quite good Subgrade OH, CH, MH, OL A4, A5, A6, A7
7-20 Quite good Sub base OL, CL, ML, SC, A2, A4, A6, A7
SM, SP
20-50 Good Base or GM, GC, SW, A1b, A2-5, A-3,
Sub base SM, SP, GP A2-6
>50 Very good Base GW, GM A1a, A2-4, A3
Source: The Asphalt Handbook (1970)


6.5.1. Preparation
1. Prepare 3 soil sample plastic bags that sieves through No. 4 ASTM with
the weight of 5 kg.
2. Plan the water content for every plastic bags. This water content will vary
through -2% to -2.5% and +2 s/d +2.5% from the optimum compaction
water content. To make the desired water content, find the initial water
content first. Then add certain water volume (V) to attain the desired
water content for the soil, using this equation:
𝑊𝑋 −𝑊0
𝑉𝑎𝑑𝑑 = 1+𝑊0
× 𝑤 = … ml (5.5)
3. After the soil sample is mixed with water evenly, let it ripened for about
24 hours before the compaction process.

1. Compact the soil sample like the compaction experiment.
2. Penetrate the sample in unsoaked condition.
a. Weigh the soil and mould, then put it on the CBR machine and give
the ring load on top of the soil sample surface. The piston is then
located in the middle of ring load until it touches the soil surface.
b. Check and set load and dial to zero.
c. Do a constant penetration for 0.05“/minute.
d. Take note of the dial’s reading for these penetrations: 0.025”, 0.050”,
0.075”, 0.100”, 0.125”, 0.150”, 0.175”, 0.200”, 0.250”.
3. Penetrate the sample in soaked condition.

a. After the unsoaked condition experiment, soak the soil sample for
about 96 hours to know the CBR value in swelling condition.

b. Take note of the swelling for the first one hour and two hour after the
sample is laid inside the water tub. Take note of the readings for the
24th, 48th, 72nd, and 96th hour.
c. After about 96 hours, lift the mould and soil out form the water tub,
then penetrate the sample like in the unsoaked condition, but the
surface being test is the other side.
d. After it is finished, remove the soil sample and take some of the upper
layer, middle layer, and bottom layer of the soil to determine the water
content.

1. According to ASTM, dial reading is done for the first hour, second, third,
the second day, the third day, and fourth day. But for this experiment, the
reading is only done for the first two hours and then continued in the
second day, third day, and fourth day.
2. According to ASTM, the dial reading is done until the dial shows 0.3“, but
for this experiment, the dial reading is done until the dial shows 0.25“.

6.6. Computations

Determining the water volume added
W0 =…%
W1 =…%
𝑊𝑋 −𝑊0
𝑉𝑎𝑑𝑑 = × 𝑤 = … ml (5.5)
1+𝑊0
…− …
𝑉𝑎𝑑𝑑 = × … = … ml
1+ …
The graph and table for showing the correlation of soil penetration and
pressure/load
The comparison chart for all sample in unsoaked condition
The comparison chart for all sample in soaked condition
Determining the CBR value for penetration 0.1” and 0.2” in unsoaked and
soaked condition
Penetration of 0.1”
…×…
 Unsoaked : CBR = × 100% = … %
…
…×…
 Soaked : CBR = × 100% = … %
…
Penetration of 0.2”
…×…
 Unsoaked : CBR = × 100% = … %
…
…×…
 Soaked : CBR = × 100% = … %
…

CBR
Penetration (inch)
Unsoaked Soaked
0.1 ... ...
0.2 ... ...
Calculating Swelling Test Value

dial (96 hours × 2.54 × 0.001)
𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 = × 100%
mould height
Observation result can be summarized as the table below:
t (time) Dial Reading Swell (%)

0 hour
1 hour
2 hour
3 hour
4 hour

CHAPTER 7
PERMEABILITY
7.1. References
ASTM D 2434 "Standard Test Method for Permeability of Granular Soils
(Constant Head)"
AASHTO T 215 "Standard Method of Test for Permeability of Granular Soil
(Constant Head)"
7.2. Objectives
To determine permeability value (k) from a soil sample.

a. Equipment
 Mould permeability
 Measuring cup
 Ruler
 Vernier Calipers
 Stopwatch
 Scale with 0.1 gram accuracy
 Constant Head Test
 Tamper
b. Materials
 Soil sample finer than sieve No. 4 ASTM for ± 3 kg
 Sand sample finer than sieve No. 4 ASTM for ± 3 kg
 Water

d e f
Figure 7.1 Permeability experiment equipment: a) Constant head test unit; b) ruler; c)
Mould Permeability; d) Vernier calipers; e) Tamper; f) measuring cup

The water discharge (q) going through the soil for a cross-section area (A) is
proportional to a gradient (i) in the equation:
q
~i q=kiA (7.1)
A
The coefficient (k) is known as “permeability coefficient” Darcy or “coefficient

of permeability” or “soil permeability”. Because of that, permeability is known

as soil properties that represent the capability of the soil to pass water through
its particles.
Permeability is used to solve problems related to seepage under dams, water

dissipation because of loadings, and drainage for subgrade layer, dam, or
embankment. Other than that, the effective tension needed to calculate those
problems are also affected by permeability.
Permeability is depends on several factors. The main factors are below:

1. Grain size. Proportionally, the pore size is related to the soil particle’s size.
2. Pore flow properties. For water is its viscosity that will change as the
temperature changes.
3. Void ratio
4. The shape and arrangements of soil pores.
5. Degree of saturation. The increase in degree of saturation of soil can
increase the value of permeability.
At least there are four methods in the laboratory to search for the value of soil
permeability, those methods are Capillarity Head Test, correlation of
consolidation data to calculate permeability, Variable Head Test, and Constant
head test. The Constant Head Test is usually used in cohesionless soil than the
Variable Head test due to the simple instrument used.
Constant Head Test Method

This method is used only for high permeability soil. This is why, for this
experiment, the soil will be mixed with sand to modify the permeability of clay
soil which is very small. This experiment principal can be seen with the picture
below.

Figure 7.2 The arrangement of Constant Head Permeability Test
Determining the value of k can be done by measuring the drop of the water
level by certain period of time and when the water pressure is not constant so
that the Darcy equation can be used. For example, if the height of water (h),
decreasing (dh) will need time (dt), so that permeability coefficient can be
obtained by Dary equation as below:
q=kiA
h
i
L
qI
k (7.2)
A ht
where:
k = permeability coefficient
A = Soil sample area
t = Time interval
L = Height of soil sample

If the water that went through the soil sample is small like clay samples, where
the k is very small, this method is not effective anymore to measure the k
value. So, it will be better to use the second method that is Variable Head
method.
Variable Head Test Method
Figure 7.3 The arrangement of Variable Head Permeability Test

The volume of water that flows through the standpipe in some time is defined
as:
 dh
q  av  a
dt
where:
a = cross section area of standpipe
dh/dt = the lowering of water level
while the water discharge that seeps through soil in some time in permeameter
is defined as:
h
q  A k 
L
Then by equalizing the input discharge = the output discharge
qin  qout
dh h
  A.k.
dt L
A  k  dt
h1 h
1
dh
 h h h a  L

0 0
h0 A  k  t
 ln 
h1 aL
aL h
k  2.3 log10 0 (7.3)
At h1
where:
a = cross-section area of standpipe
L = the length of soil sample in permeameter
A = cross-section area of permeameter
t = total time that is measured
h0, h1 = height of head (look at Figure 7.2)

The coefficient of permeability at room temperature (ToC) is KT while for the

standard temperature (20oC) needs to be converted to become:
K20 = KT( ηT / η20 ) (7.4)
Where:
ηT = viscosity of fluid at temperature T°C.
η20 = viscocity of fluid at temperature 20°C.
The ratio of viscosity can be seen in graph 7.4 below (correction table of
viscosity of fluid).
Temperature
o
C
Figure 7.4 Graph ηT /η20 (data International Critical Tables, Vol. V)

According to Coefficient of Permeability Table BS 8004: 1986, the values of

permeability for several types of soil at standard temperature (20oC) is defined
below:
Table 7.1 Coefficient of permeability (m/s) (BS 8004: 1986)
1 10-1 10-2 10-3 10-4 10-5 10-6 10-7 10-8 10-9 10-10
Clean sand and sand- Fine sand, silt, and

Clean Impervious clay and silty
gravel clay-silt layered
gravel clay (>20% clay)
Clay that has been cured and pervious
According to Cassagrande in 1938, the values of permeability for different soil

types at standard temperature (20oC) is defined below:
Table 7.2 Coefficient of permeability according to Cassagrande
Soil Type k (m/s)

Gravel 1x10-2 – 1
Sand/Gravel-Sand 1 x10-5 - 1x10-2
Fine Sand, organic silt, sand-silt-clay 1x10-9 - 1x10-5
Solid clay 1x10-11 – 1x10-9
According to Wesley at standard temperature (20oC):
Table 7.3 Coefficient of permeability according to Wesley

Soil Type k (m/s)
Clayey sand, silty sand 5x10-5 - 1x10-4
Fine sand 1x10-5 - 5x10-5
Silty sand 1x10-6 - 2x10-5
Silt 1x10-7 - 5x10-6
Clay 1x10-11 – 1x10-8


7.5.1. Preparation
1. Prepare the dry soil finer than sieve No. 4 ASTM ±3 kg, and sand ±3 kg.
2. Prepare mould permeability, then record the diameter, height, and weight
of mould.
3. Mix the soil with sand with ratio (soil:sand = 1:1 / 1:2 / 2:1) so that there
are 3 sample mixture of soil and sand, then mix it until blended.
4. Then put the mixture of soil and sand for every ratio to the mould until it
compacted, then ensure the filter at the top and bottom of the mould so
that it is always installed.
5. Then close the mould and put it in the permeability test equipment.

1. The testing is constant head test, first flow the water through the hose,
then up to the reservoir then into the permeability mould until the soil is
fully saturated.
2. Remove the air that trapped in the permeability test until there is no air
left. This method can be done by loosening the bolt little by little.
3. Make sure to stabilize the height of water in the reservoir and keep it so
that there is no waves occurred.
4. Record the height of water level and the height of reservoir to mould (h).
5. Notice the output water from the mould until the output become constant.
6. After constant condition reached, fill the measuring cup with the runoff
water while the time is being recorded by using stopwatch
7. Record the volume of water that fills the measuring cup at the desired
time (V).
8. Repeat the experiment for 2nd sample and 3rd sample, then calculate the
average the coefficient of permeability among three samples.


This experiment is done according to the method provided in ASTM. There are
several differences between this experiment and the ASTM method, which are:
 ASTM uses a = 11.71 cm2 while in this experiment the value of a =
0.2123716 cm2
 ASTM uses reduction of height (dh) by 1, 4, 7 and 10 cm.
 The standard temperature of ASTM is 20°C, while the room temperature
in the laboratory is nearly 29°C.
 The compaction method in this experiment is completely different with
ASTM. Besides that, the standard provided by ASTM cannot be fulfilled
because the equipment in the laboratory is different. For example, there
is no pipe that has the same diameter with ASTM, and there is no
temperature control to keep the temperature in 20°C.

7.6. Computations
7.6.1. Data Results
Mold Dimension
Diameter (D) = ... mm = ... x 10-3 m
Sample 1 : Wsand = ... gr

Wsoil = ... gr
Height of sample (L)= ... cm = ... x 10-2 m
1
Area (A) = 4 𝜋𝐷2= ... m2
Height of constant head (h) = ... cm = ... x 10-2 m

Volume of deposit water (V) = ... ml = ... x 10-6 m3 (in ... seconds)

Wsoil = ... gr
1
Area(A) = 𝜋𝐷2 = ... m2
4


Wsoil = ... gr
1
Area(A) = 4
𝜋𝐷2 = ... m2


Coefficient of permeability at room temperature ( 29oC )
K29 = ( V. L ) / ( A . h . t )
So that for standard temperature (20oC)
K20 = K29 (η29 / η20) ; η29 / η20 = …

Information: V = volume of deposit water

L = height of sample
A = area of sample
h = height of constant
t = time
Sample 1
Height (L) =…m
ΔHeight (h) =…m
1
Area (A) = 4
𝜋𝐷2
=…x…
= … m2
Water Volume (V) = … m3 (in… seconds)
K29 = ( V . L ) / ( A . h . t )
=(….…)/(….….… )
= … m/s
K20 = K29 . ( η29 / η20 )

=….…
= … m/s
Sample 2
Height (L) =…m
ΔHeight (h) =…m
Area (A) = … m2
K29 = ( V . L ) / ( A . h . t )
= … m/s

K20 = K29 . ( η29 / η20 )

=….…
= … m/s
Sample 3
Height (L) =…m
ΔHeight (h) =…m
Area (A) = … m2
K29 = ( V . L ) / ( A . h . t)
= … m/s
K20 = K29 . ( η29 / η20 )

=….…
= … m/s
The values of k can be concluded in this table below:

No. Sample K29 (m/s) K20 (m/s)
1 … …
2 … …
3 … …

APPENDIX PART 1
EXPERIMENTS DATA SHEET









PART 2

CHAPTER 8
HAND BORING & SAMPLING
8.1. References
ASTM D 1452 “Standard Practice for Soil Investigation and Sampling by
Auger Borings”
ASTM D 1587 “Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils
for Geotechnical Purposes”
8.2. Objectives
To examine the soil characteristics visually by color, grain size, and type
of soil. Furthermore, this experiment aims to take undisturbed soil samples
that will be used as soil samples for the next experiments.

 Auger Iwan
 2 beams and 1 spin head
 Holder Beam
 Wrench
 Socket
 2 pieces of tubes
 Hammer
 Some plastic bags
 Wax
 Oil

In this experiment, there are two types of soil that will be taken. These soils
are disturbed soil sample and undisturbed soil sample.

Disturbed sample are soil samples that are taken without any effort made to
protect the original structure of the soil. Undisturbed sample are soil samples
that still represents the original properties of the soil. Samples that are
undisturbed ideally didn’t experience structural changes, water content, and
chemical structures. Soil samples that are completely original cannot be
obtained, but a good execution will be able to limit the damages for the sample
as small as possible.
Auger Boring
Auger boring is one of the simplest method in investigating the soil and taking
samples. The drilling can be done until certain depth depending on the
condition of the ground water table level, soil characteristics, and equipment
that are used.
Auger boring can be done manually by human hands (hand-operated auger)

and can be done mechanically by machines (machine-operated auger). In this
experiment, boring will be done manually using Iwan-type auger, which is a
bore with two tubular steel plates and two blades at the ends.
Figure 8.1 Types of auger for drilling
Undisturbed Soil Sampling

Sampling the undisturbed soil sample can be done using a thin steel tube
(ASTM D 1587). The conditions for this thin steel tube is meeting the

requirements for inside clearance ratio. Figure 8.2 describes about the type of
steel that will be used in sampling the undisturbed soil sample.
𝐷𝑖 − 𝐷𝑒
× 100% ≤ 1%
𝐷𝑒
Figure 8.2. Tubes used to take undisturbed samples
Boring Log
Boring log is a record of boring results used to identify the type of soil types.
The information in boring log usually consists of:
- Depth of soil layer.
- Elevation of surface bore point, soil layer, and groundwater level.
- Graphically soil types symbol.
- Soil description: soil type, color, consistency/density.
- Position and depth of sampling. Also mentioned about the condition
whether it is disturbed or undisturbed samples.
- General information such as name of project, location, date, and the name
of person in charge of the job.

Table 8.1. Symbols of some soil types used in boring log

SYMBOL SOIL TYPE SYMBOL SOIL TYPE
Clay Clayey-Silt
Silt Sandy-Silt
Sand Clayey Sand
Fill Material Silty-Sand
Silty-Clay Boulders
Sandy Clay Peat

8.5.1. Preparation
1. Set up the equipment needed.
2. Determine the point for boring and clean the soil surface from grass and
rocks.

1. Place the Iwan Auger to the bore beam and placed it on the boring point.
2. Spin the bore clockwise while being loaded. Try to keep the bore beam
upright through the process.

Figure 8.3 Process of making a hole with the auger
3. Insert the Iwan auger until about 30 cm deep, then take the disturbed
sample and put it inside plastic bags.
4. At a depth of 1 m, change the Iwan auger with socket and tube, then plug
the bat head and hit it with the hammer. Hitting with the load (hammer)
must be done by ensuring safety on the process.
Figure 8.4 Process of hitting the sampling tube
5. After the tube is full, pull up the tube, take it off from the socket, and then
close/isolate both of the tube’s surface with wax. This soil sample is
undisturbed soil sample.

6. Put the Iwan auger back and continue the boring until the bore reach the
depth of 2 m.
7. At the depth of 2 m, change the Iwan auger back with tube and socket to
take the second undisturbed soil sample.
8.6. Computations
From the sample taken before, boring log can be made with various soil types,
colors, and also visual description. Below is an example of boring log.
Figure 8.5. Example of Boring Log

CHAPTER 9
CONE PENETRATION TEST (SONDIR)
9.1. References
ASTM D 3441 “Standard Test Method for Mechanical Cone Penetration Tests
of Soil”
SNI 2827:2008 “Cara uji penetrasi lapangan dengan alat sondir”
9.2. Objectives
To know the end bearing and skin friction of soil at certain depth.
This test is one of the field test which results will be used to calculate soil’s
bearing capacity whenever there are any earthwork; such as excavation, and
also foundation work for the building structure.

 Hydraulic Dutch Penetrometer
 2 Manometers, with capacity of 0 – 60 kg/cm2 and 0 – 250 kg/cm2
 CPT pipe completed with its inner pipe
 Standard biconus with conus area of 10 cm2 and casing area of 150 cm2
 2 anchors completed with its fastener
 4 iron canals
 Wrench
 Oil, brush, cloth, and castrolie

Sondir Test, as known as Cone Penetration Test (CPT), is one of the types of
field test which is done by penetrating the rod with its conus to know the
bearing capacity of each soil layers. The bearing capacity that will be read in

this test is its end bearing and skin friction. Other than that, this test is also
for defining the hard soil’s depth.
The CPT test is done by penetrating the equipment, which consisted of

cylindrical rod with its tip is a conus. Usually, the conus used in this test is a
biconus, completed with its mantle to measure the soil’s adhesion barrier.
Figure 9.1 is the CPT equipment according to SNI 2827:2008.
Figure 9.1 Detail of biconus Begemann-type. Oppressed position (left); Stretched position
(right).
In doing the CPT’s penetration, there will be a series of hydraulic loading

equipment needed to be installed on the testing location point. This load need
to be clipped by two rod clamps which is anchored to the ground so that it
wouldn’t move when the testing is done. Other than that, there are two
manometers being used to read the hydraulic pressure that is happening when
the inner rod penetration, pipe thrust, and conus is done. Figure 9.2 shows

the series of equipment used in the conus penetration experiment that will be
done.
Figure 9.2 Series of conus penetration equipment (Dutch Sondir)
The result of this CPT is the soil’s end bearing that will be taken as the
penetration force per the sondir tip’s area, or qc and total end bearing, or qt.
This CPT is done until it reaches the hard soil or achieve the maximum capacity
of the tool, that is qc pressure = 250 kg/cm2. Below is the process of how the
biconus works when the penetration is done.

Figure 9.3 Biconus work mechanism when being penetrated by the sondir tool
After the bearing data of qc and qt is obtained, it will be calculated as the

value of friction occured to the biconus mantle (fs), adhesive barrier (HP),
amount of adhesive barrier (JHP), and also Friction Ratio (FR). The following
is the formula used in the calculation:
𝐹𝑡 × 𝑞𝑡 = 𝐹𝑐 × 𝑞𝑐 + 𝐹𝑚 × 𝑓
(𝐹𝑡×𝑞𝑡)+(𝐹𝑐×𝑞𝑐)
𝑓= (9.1)
𝐹𝑚
inserting the value of Fm, Ft, and Fc will get:

10𝑞𝑡−10𝑞𝑐
𝑓𝑠 =
150
𝑞𝑡−𝑞𝑐
𝑓𝑠 = (9.2)
15

where:
Ft = Fc = biconus sectional area (10 cm2)
qt = Total soil pressure read at the manometer because of the conus
pressure and friction (kg/cm2)
qc = conus pressure read at the manometer (kg/cm2)
Fm = biconus mantle area (150 cm2)
Adhesive Barrier (HP):
𝐻𝑃 = 𝑙 × 𝑓 (9.3)
where:
l = appendage length = 20 cm (sondir is pressed every 20 cm)
Total of Adhesive Barrier (JHP):
𝐽𝐻𝑃 = ∑ 𝑓𝑖 × 𝑙𝑖 (9.4)
Whereas the value of friction ratio can be calculated with this equation:
𝑞𝑐
𝐹𝑅 = × 100% (9.5)
𝑓𝑠
After calculating the fs, HP, JHP, and FR, a graphic will be made towards the
depth that will show that will show the soil’s various layer stratification for the
location. The value of conus bearing and the friction ratio value can be
correlated with various soil types and its behavior. Figure 9.4. Shows the
correlation between the values obtained from CPT with soil behaviors by
Robertson (1986).

Figure 9.4 Correlation between CPT results and soil types

9.5.1. Preparation
1. Make a square hole with a size of 30 cm for the sides and 20 cm deep or
until finding the depth where there are no more layer containing plant
roots.
2. Set the anchor to both sides where the CPT tool will be placed.
Figure 9.1 Process of installing the anchor
3. Place the CPT machine then connect the steel canal as a retainer so that
the tool won’t be upraised or loose.

4. Set both of the manometer to zero.

5. Check the conus, sondir pipe, and inner pipe and also apply oil to the
surface so that it will be easier to penetrate.

1. Connect the conus to the pipe series and its inner pipe, then place it to
the CPT (Sondir) tool.
Figure 9.2 Process of penetrating the sondir tool
2. Turn the sondir tool manually until it pushes the conus series and the pipe
pierces through the soil for 20 cm deep.
3. Lock the tool and read the manometer while turning it clockwise with the
conus penetration’s speed is about 1 cm/s to 2 cm/s. During suppression,
the rod thrust pipe must not go down with it, because it would disrupt the
reading.
4. If the reading has already achieve a value greater than 50 kg/cm2, read
the bigger manometer by locking the small manometer and opening the
big manometer, then read as before.
5. The reading will be stopped if the value of qc hits 250 kg/cm 2.

9.6. Computations
Examples of calculating the data:
• For h = 40 cm; qc = 15 kg/cm2; qt = 21 kg/cm2
𝑞𝑡−𝑞𝑐 21−15
𝑓𝑠 = = 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2 = 0,4 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
15 15
𝐻𝑃 = 𝑙 × 𝑓𝑠 = 20 × 0,4 = 8 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
𝐽𝐻𝑃 = 0 + 8 = 8 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
𝑓𝑠 0,4
𝐹𝑅 = (𝑞𝑐) × 100% = ( 15 ) × 100% = 2,67%
• For h = 60 cm; qc = 19 kg/cm2; qt = 31 kg/cm2

𝑞𝑡−𝑞𝑐 31−19
𝑓𝑠 = = 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2 = 0,8 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
15 15
𝐻𝑃 = 𝑙 × 𝑓𝑠 = 20 × 0,8 = 16 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
𝐽𝐻𝑃 = 8 + 16 = 24 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
𝑓𝑠 0,8
𝐹𝑅 = (𝑞𝑐) × 100% = ( 19 ) × 100% = 4,21%
After calculating the results, a tabulation calculation is made for fs, HP, JHP,
and FR values with the graph for qc to depth, fs to depth, and FR to depth.
The final result of this experiment is the soil’s stratification according to qc, fs,
HP, JHP, and FR values of the CPT location. Below is the example of the result
of sondir data processing.

Project : PRAKTIKUM MEKANIKA TANAH

Location : KAMPUS UI, DEPOK
Sondir : S1
Date of Testing : 9/15/2006
Diameter of Cone : 3,55 Cm
Area of Cone : 150 cm2
Ground Water
Level : M
Elevation : 0,000 M
Reading
Depth qc qt fs HP JHP FR
(m) (kg/cm2) (kg/cm2) (kg/cm2) (kg/cm2) (kg/cm) (%)
0,00 0 0 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-0,20 0 0 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-0,40 15 21 0,40 8,00 8,00 2,67
-0,60 19 31 0,80 16,00 24,00 4,21
-0,80 19 34 1,00 20,00 44,00 5,26
-1,00 17 24 0,47 9,33 53,33 2,75
-1,20 18 23 0,33 6,67 60,00 1,85
-1,40 17 24 0,47 9,33 69,33 2,75
-1,60 18 24 0,40 8,00 77,33 2,22
-1,80 18 27 0,60 12,00 89,33 3,33
-2,00 20 29 0,60 12,00 101,33 3,00
-2,20 16 28 0,80 16,00 117,33 5,00
-2,40 18 28 0,67 13,33 130,67 3,70
-2,60 16 23 0,47 9,33 140,00 2,92
-2,80 15 32 1,13 22,67 162,67 7,56
-3,00 14 32 1,20 24,00 186,67 8,57
-3,20 16 34 1,20 24,00 210,67 7,50
-3,40 18 33 1,00 20,00 230,67 5,56
-3,60 20 35 1,00 20,00 250,67 5,00
-3,80 20 36 1,07 21,33 272,00 5,33
-4,00 20 38 1,20 24,00 296,00 6,00
-4,20 23 38 1,00 20,00 316,00 4,35
-4,40 24 44 1,33 26,67 342,67 5,56
-4,60 24 37 0,87 17,33 360,00 3,61
-4,80 29 44 1,00 20,00 380,00 3,45
-5,00 27 38 0,73 14,67 394,67 2,72
-5,20 28 35 0,47 9,33 404,00 1,67
-5,40 28 37 0,60 12,00 416,00 2,14
-5,60 28 34 0,40 8,00 424,00 1,43
-5,80 20 34 0,93 18,67 442,67 4,67
-6,00 20 35 1,00 20,00 462,67 5,00

-6,20 18 24 0,40 8,00 470,67 2,22

-6,40 16 20 0,27 5,33 476,00 1,67
-6,60 15 18 0,20 4,00 480,00 1,33
-6,80 15 17 0,13 2,67 482,67 0,89
-7,00 12 16 0,27 5,33 488,00 2,22
-7,20 12 16 0,27 5,33 493,33 2,22
-7,40 12 17 0,33 6,67 500,00 2,78
-7,60 10 12 0,13 2,67 502,67 1,33
-7,80 10 13 0,20 4,00 506,67 2,00
-8,00 15 18 0,20 4,00 510,67 1,33
-8,20 18 26 0,53 10,67 521,33 2,96
-8,40 12 22 0,67 13,33 534,67 5,56
-8,60 26 29 0,20 4,00 538,67 0,77
-8,80 18 25 0,47 9,33 548,00 2,59
-9,00 18 28 0,67 13,33 561,33 3,70
-9,20 25 37 0,80 16,00 577,33 3,20
-9,40 39 59 1,33 26,67 604,00 3,42
-9,60 58 66 0,53 10,67 614,67 0,92
-9,80 21 50 1,93 38,67 653,33 9,21
-10,00 35 45 0,67 13,33 666,67 1,90
-10,20 30 46 1,07 21,33 688,00 3,56
-10,40 30 46 1,07 21,33 709,33 3,56
-10,60 60 68 0,53 10,67 720,00 0,89
-10,80 100 120 1,33 26,67 746,67 1,33
-11,00 75 90 1,00 20,00 766,67 1,33
-11,20 65 70 0,33 6,67 773,33 0,51
-11,40 130 145 1,00 20,00 793,33 0,77
-11,60 145 155 0,67 13,33 806,67 0,46
-11,80 95 105 0,67 13,33 820,00 0,70
-12,00 150

Figure 9.3 Graph examples from the processed data of Sondir. Graph of qc and JHP to
depth (left); graph of fs to depth (middle); graph of FR to depth (right)

CHAPTER 10
TRIAXIAL UU (UNCONSOLIDATED-UNDRAINED) TEST
10.1. References
ASTM D 2850 “Standard Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial
Compression Test on Cohesive Soils”
SNI 03-4813-1998 Rev. 2004 “Cara uji triaksial untuk tanah kohesif dalam
keadaan tidak terkonsolidasi dan tidak terdrainase (UU)”
10.2. Objectives
To determine the parameter of undrained shear strength, which is shear
angle () and cohesion value (c).

a. Equipment
 Triaxial Test machine unit
 Tool to install the rubber membrane for the soil sample
 Suction Pump
 Rubber membrane to wrap the soil sample
 Tissue paper
 Mould for soil sample
 Vernier Calipers with the accuracy of 0,01 mm
 Extruder
 Spatula
 Scale with the accuracy of 0,01 gr
 Can
 Oven
b. Materials
 Undisturbed soil sample


One of the objective of this experiment is to determine the shear strength
parameter. This parameter is defined by Coulomb’s equation:
𝜏 = 𝑐 + 𝜎𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜑 (10.1)
Where:
τ = Shear Strength (kPa, ksf, psi, etc)
c = soil cohesion or adhesion between particles (kPa, ksf, etc)
σn = normal stress (kPa, ksf, etc)
φ = inside angle shear (°)
Equation 10.1 is a shear strength parameter for total stress condition. When
the soil is given additional load, the pore water pressure, Δu, will increase. If
the pore water pressure is removed, the equation for the soil’s shear strength
becomes an equation for effective’s tress as given in the 10.2 equation below.
𝜏 = 𝑐 ′ + (𝜎𝑛 − ∆𝑢) 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜑′ (10.2)
The value of effective stress is the real value of shear strength.
There are three types of Triaxial Test:

1. Unconsolidated Undrained Test (UU)
In this experiment, water is not allowed to flow out of the soil sample. The
pore water pressure is usually not measured in this type of experiment.
This condition means that the “UNDRAINED” shear strength can be
measured.

2. Consolidated Undrained Test (CU)

In this experiment, the soil sample is given normal stress and the water
may flow outside the sample. The normal stress will work until the
consolidation finishes that is when there are no changes inside the soil
sample. Then, the water way of the sample will be closed and the sample
will be given shear stress in undrained condition. The normal stress still
works, but usually the pore water pressure is measure throughout the time
the shear stress is given.
3. Drained Test (CD)

In this experiment, the soil sample is given normal stress and the water
may flow outside the sample until the consolidation process is finished.
Then, the shear stress will be given, in other words, the shearing will be
done in drained condition. To maintain the pore water pressure as zero,
the speed of the experiment needs to be slow (the speed is according to
the permeability coefficient).
In the laboratory experiment, the Triaxial Test is the Unconsolidated-

Undrained (UU) type. The equation used in this experiment are:
𝒌.𝑴
𝝈𝟏 = + 𝝈𝟑
𝑨
𝒌.𝑴
∆𝝈 = = 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 (10.3)
𝑨
𝟎𝑨
𝑨 = 𝟏−𝜺
∆𝑳
𝜺=𝑳
𝟎
Where:
σ1 = Vertical Stress given
σ3 = Horizontal Stress
k = Proving Ring calibration

A0 = Initial soil sample area

∆L = Length change from initial sample
L0 = Initial sample length
M = Maximum proving ring reading
With Mohr diagram, the relation between soil shear angle, stress, and shear
force can be described as:
(𝝈𝟏 +𝝈𝟑 ) (𝝈𝟏 +𝝈𝟑 )

𝜎𝑛 = + cos 2𝜃 (10.4)
2 2
(𝝈𝟏 −𝝈𝟑 )
𝜎𝑛 = sin 2𝜃
2
Figure 9.1 Mohr diagram to search for cohesion value (c) and shear angle (φ).
From the Triaxial experiment, there are three types of soil collapse state, which
are:
1. General Shear Failure
Additional loading for the foundation is followed by the decreasing level of
that foundation itself. If the loading reaches qu, there will be a sudden
collapse, followed by the collapse expansion of the surface until the
subsurface.

Figure 9.2 Graph between q and settlement, there is a clear peak on the graph.
2. Local Shear Failure

In other condition, when the foundation can still bear the load after
reaching qu, even if there is sudden subsidence. In the q vs settlement
graph, there is no clear peak.
Figure 9.3 Graph of q vs settlement, no clear peak is seen
3. Punching Shear Failure

A foundation supported by a bit loose soil after it reaches qu, the q vs
settlement graph can be drawn almost as linear.

Figure 9.4 Graph of q vs settlement, almost linear

10.5.1. Preparation
1. Using the mechanical extruder, mould the undisturbed soil sample from
the tube into a cylindrical mould, then cut it with wire saw.
Figure 9.5 Undisturbed molding process
2. Smoothen the two ends of the soil sample inside the cylindrical mould with
a spatula. Then, remove the soil sample from the cylindrical mould with a
manual extruder.

Figure 9.6 Process of removing the soil sample from the cylindrical mould (left) and the
finished soil sample (right)
3. Measure the soil sample dimension (L = 2-3 D ).

4. Weigh the initial weight of the soil sample.

1. Attach the rubber membrane to the sample with an installer tool:
a. Attach the rubber membrane to the walls of the tool.
b. Air suction is done between the membrane and the tool’s wall with a
suction pump.
c. Insert the soil sample into the installer tool.
d. Remove the soil sample from the tool so that the sample is wrapped
by the membrane.
Figure 9.7 Soil sample wrapped by rubber membrane

2. Insert the soil sample to the Triaxial cell, then close it to make it denser.
Figure 9.8 Process of inserting the soil sample into the triaxial test tool
3. Place the triaxial cell to the Triaxial machine unit.

4. Set the decreasing speed to 1% of the sample height.
5. Fill the Triaxial cell with glycerin until full by giving pressure to the tube.
When the glycerin almost fill the tube, remove the air inside the tube so
that the glycerin can fill the cell perfectly. The function of this glycerin is
to keep the 3 pressure throughout the whole cell surface and its value
can be read on the manometer.
For this experiment, the given pressure value is:

 3 = 0.40 kg/cm2
 3 = 0.80 kg/cm2
 3 = 1.20 kg/cm2
with the soil sample’s depth = 1,0 s/d 1,5 meter.

Figure 9.9 Process of filling the triaxial cell with glycerin/water
6. Suppress the soil sample from above (vertical).

7. Read the load dial every time the deformation dial increases about 0.02
inch or 0.025 mm.
8. After the process is finished, put the test sample inside the oven to search
for the water content.
10.6. Computations
10.6.1. Data Results (attached)
10.6.2. Data Calculations (example)

Sample No.1 with the original soil depth of 1.0 m – 1.5 m :
Data :
σ31 = 0.4 kg/cm2
Sample height (L0)= 7.23 cm
Sample diameter (D) = 3.55 cm
A0 = ¼..D2 = 9.89 cm2
LRC = 0.15 kg/cm2 (example)
Calculation example:
 Deformation dial reading 0.025 mm

 Loading dial reading (M) = 21

 Unit strain (ε) = ∆L/L0 = (0.025)/(7.23) = 0.0034602
 Area correction factor = (1- ε) = 1-( 0.0034602) = 0.9965398 cm2
 Correct area :
𝐴0 9,89
𝐴′ = = = 9,9273131 𝑐𝑚2
1 − 𝜀 0,9965398
 From the Mohr diagram, we get:
σ1 = (σ1-σ3) + σ3
σ1 = σ + σ3
Take the maximum M value = 85.00, obtained c = 32,87, and  = 31,51o
so :
𝜑 31,51
𝜃 = 45 + = 45 + = 60,76°
2 2
 Search for n and n :
𝜎1 +𝜎3 𝜎1 −𝜎3
𝜎𝑛 = + cos 2𝜃
2 2
1,649 +0,40 1,649−0,40
𝜎𝑛 = + cos(121,52)
2 2
𝜎𝑛 = 0,6810 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
𝜎1−𝜎3
𝜏𝑛 = sin 2𝜃
2
1,649−0,4
𝜏𝑛 = sin(121,52)
2
𝜏𝑛 = 0,5324 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
Triaxial data calculation example (tabulation and graph)

Figure 9.10 Triaxial sample data

Figure 9.11 Triaxial Sample No.1 data processing




Figure 9.14 Mohr’s collapse graph and chart of Triaxial Test

CHAPTER 11
CONSOLIDATION TEST
11.1. References
ASTM D 2435 “Standard Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation
Properties of Soils”
SNI 03-2812-1992 “Metode pengujian konsolidasi tanah satu dimensi”
11.2. Objectives
 Determining the compression index (CC).
 Determining the pre-consolidated pressure (Pc), to know if the soil
condition is Normally Consolidated or Over Consolidated.
 Determining the consolidation coefficient (Cv), which explains the primary
compression level of the soil.
 Determining the secondary pressure coefficient (C) which explains the
creep coefficient of a soil.

a. Equipment
 Consolidation loading device
 Consolidation cell
 Consolidation Ring
 Loads (1; 2; 4; 8; 16; 32 kg)
 Vernier Calipers with 0,01 mm accuracy
 Wire saws and spatula
 Vaseline, porous paper, and porous stone,
 Drying oven
 Dial with the accuracy of 0,002 mm
 Stopwatch
 Extruder
 Scales with accuracy of 0,01 gr

 Can
b. Materials
 Undisturbed soil sample from the tube
Figure 11.1 Consolidation tool

Consolidation is the gradual reduction in volume a fully saturated soil of low
permeability due to drainage of some of the pore water. This process continues
until the excess pore water pressure set up by an increase in total stress has
completely dissipated.
Consolidation settlement is the vertical displacement of the surface

corresponding to the volume change at any stage of the consolidation process.
Consolidation settlement in field can be obtained by using a tool called
piezometer that will trace the pore water change by time to time.

The consolidation process time depends on these following factors:

- Degree of saturation
- Soil permeability coefficient
- Fluid cavity viscosity and compressibility
- Length of drainage lane
There are three different stages in the process of consolidation:

o Stage I : There is initial compression that happens because of the initial
loading.
o Stage II : Primary consolidation happens when the pore water pressure
slowly moves to the effective pressure. This happens because
water comes out from the soil pores.
o Stage III : Secondary consolidation happens when pore water pressure is
completely removed from the soil. The compression which
occurs in this stage is because of the plastic adjustment from
the soil particles.
Meanwhile, the sudden settlement, or what is called as immediate settlement,

is because of the elastic deformation that occurs to soil that are dry, wet, and
fully saturated without any changes in its water content.

11.5.1. Preparation
1. Measure the dimension of the consolidometer ring (D and h0) and its mass
(Wring) with vernier calipers and scale. Then, apply Vaseline throughout
the consolidometer rings inside surface.

Figure 11.2 Applying Vaseline throughout the cylindrical ring (left), measuring the
consolidation ring’s diameter (right), and the consolidation ring’s height (bottom)
2. Mould the soil sample to the ring with an extruder, then smoothen the
surface with spatula. After that, weigh the ring again but with the soil
inside the ring (Ww0).
Figure 11.3 The soil sample is extruded from the tube (left), process of smoothing the
soil’s surface inside the ring (right)


1. Stack the module inside the consolidation cell with this order:
 Porous stone
 Porous paper
 Soil sample inside the ring
 Porous paper
 Porous stone
 Copper cylinder that functions as distributing the load equally
 Holder with 3 bolts
Figure 11.4 Porous paper and porous stone (left) and soil sample inside the consolidation
ring (right)
Figure 11.5 Copper cylinder (left) and 3 bolts as holder (right)

2. Give water until the surface of the copper cylinder is submerged, then set
the dial to zero before the load is applied; while the loading arm is still
detained by the balancing bolt.
Figure 11.6 Providing water until the copper cylinder is submerged (left) and setting
the dial (right)
3. Give 1 kg constant loading and take note of the dial’s reading for time
interval 0”, 6”, 15”, 30”, 60”, 120”, 240”, 480”, and 24 hours.
4. Do the same step for 2; 4; 8; 16 and 32 kg loading with 24 hours’ time
interval. Take note of the dial’s reading for every loading.
5. Do unloading process by removing the load gradually from 32; 16; 8; 4;
2; and 1 kg. Take note of the dial’s reading before the load is removed.
Figure 11.7 Loading process (left) and dial reading for every time (right)

6. Take out the soil from the consolidometer cell and ring. Then, weigh
the soil sample with the ring. After that, put the ring and soil inside the
oven to have the dry soil sample’s weight (Wd) so that the water
content can be calculated.
11.6. Computations

a. Determining the value of t90
t x t (minute)
 According to Taylor
The t x value that is obtained is
then squared to get the value
of t90
x
1.15x
Settlement (cm)
Figure 11.8 Settlement vs square root time of settlement graph, to determine t90
Steps to determine t90:

1. Make the settlement vs root square time of settlement graph.
2. Pull a tangent line to the curve of the initial settlement area and search
for a point of intersection with the square root time axis. Then search
for 1,15 times axis from the first intersection point and connect it to
the intersection point between the last line extensions of the curve.
This is then known as the t90.

b. Determining the Consolidation Coefficient (CV)

The formula used is:
Initial
2 Condition H
0,848H
Cv 
t90
(11.1)
1 H  H
H  half averageload height   H ring  
2 2 
Shrink
c. Determining the pre-consolidation pressure (PC)
Pressure (kg/cm2) in log
Pc
Line 2
Line 1
0
Line 3
p
1
Line 5
2
16 e2
e1
32
Line 4
Void Ratio, e
Figure 11.9 Void ratio vs pressure graph, to search for Pc pressure
Steps to determine Pc:

1. Sketch the void ratio vs pressure graph.
2. Make a line from point 0 to point 32 (line 1).
3. Make a parallel line from line1 and tangent to the curve point (line2).
4. Make a horizontal line towards p point (line 3).
5. Make a line through point 16 and 32 (line 4).

6. Make a line that divides line 2 and 3 equally to have the same angle
(1=2) (line 5).
7. Make a straight line from the intersection point between line 4 and line
5 to have the value of Pc.
d. Determining the value of Compression Index (CC)

The formula used is:
e2  e1
Cc 
 log p1  log p2 
Information :
e1 , e2  void ratio  from pressure vs void ratio graph (11.2)
= take point 16 and 32 to simplify the calculation
p1 ,p 2 = pressure (kg/cm 2 )
e. Determining the value of Recompression Index (CR) :

 The same formula used as the formula for determining Cc, but the value
of e0 and ec is taken from point 0 and 2.

Initial Experiment data :
1. Ring diameter (D) ............................ Cm
2. Ring area (A) ............................ cm2
3. Height of Ring (Ht) ............................ Cm
4. Height of Sample (Hi) ............................ Cm
5. Specific Gravity Value (Gs) ............................
6. Initial weigh (soil + ring) ............................ Gr
7. Weight of Ring ............................ Gr
8. Weight of wet soil (Wt) (6) – (7) Gr

Weight of water
9. Initial water content (Wi) 100% %
Weight of dry soil
10. Weight of dry soil (Ws) ............................ Gr
11. Weight of oven-dry soil (Ws) ............................ Gr
12. Initial height of soil (H0) ............................ Cm
13. Height difference (Hv) Hi – H0 Cm

Wt  Ws
14. Degree of saturation (Si)
Hv  A
Hv
15. Void ratio (e0)
H0

Final Experiment Data :
16. Initial reading ............................ Cm
17. Final reading ............................ Cm
18. Difference of height (16) – (17) Cm
19. Final height of sample (Hvf) (13) – (18) Cm

Hvf
20. Final void ratio (ef)
H0
Weight of water
21. Final water content (Wf) 100% %
WS
Wt
H kg/c
22. Po
Hi  A m2
23. Height difference (H) ............................ Cm

H
24. Void ratio difference (e)
H0
25. Void ratio (e) e0 - e

Data Processing Consolidation Sample Example
Figure 11.10 Consolidation Sample Data

Figure 11.11 Consolidation reading data for every stages of loading
Figure 11.12 Calculation data for t90 for 1 kg loading



Figure 11.18 Calculation data to search for t90 and Cv

Figure 11.19 Consolidation graph to determine Pc

CHAPTER 12
DIRECT SHEAR TEST
12.1. References
ASTM D 3080 “Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils under
Consolidated Drained Conditions”
SNI 2813:2008 “Cara uji kuat geser langsung tanah terkonsolidasi dan
terdrainase”
12.2. Objectives
Determine the cohesion value (c) and shear angle (φ) of a soil sample.

a. Equipment
 Direct Shear Test tool and Shear Box
 Load for 5 – 25 kg.
 2 dial gauge for prooving dial and horizontal dial.
 Specimen cutter to cut the cohesive soil sample.
 Tamper to compact the cohensionless soil.
 Scale with 0,01 gram accuracy.
 Vernier calipers with 0,01 accuracy.
 Stopwatch.
 Can.
 Oven.
b. Materials
 Sand-type soil sample


Shear Strength can be calculated directly by giving constant vertical load
(normal) to the sample and slowly give exact constant shear strength to keep
the pore water pressure zero until the maximum shear strength is achieved.
The normal pressure is calculated by dividing the normal pressure given to the
shear surface area:
𝑃
𝜎𝑛 = 𝐴 (12.1)
While shear stress can be obtain by calculating shear force (G) obtained from
reading the maximum load ring dial, after being multiplied with the calibration
value of prooving ring (LRC):
𝐺
𝜏=𝐴
G = M x LRC (12.2)
LRC = 0,15 kg/div
The shear stress is taken from the Coulomb equation like the triaxial
experiment, where the effective stress parameter is:
𝜏 = 𝑐′ + (𝜎𝑛 − ∆𝑢) 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜑′ (12.3)
Where:
τ = Shear strength (kPa, ksf, psi, etc)
c’ = effective soil cohesion (kPa, ksf, etc)
σn = normal stress (kPa, ksf, etc)
φ’ = effective shear angle (°)
Δu = pore water pressure difference (kPa, ksf, etc)

Along with the increasing normal force, the resistance force that will be given
will also increase. This is because the contact point between particles will
increase because of the normal force. Hence, it can be concluded that the
shear strength is one of the function of normal load.
For loose soil (cohesionless – sand), the cohesion value should be 0, with the
shear angle (φ) of sand is around 28° - 48°.

12.5.1. Preparation
1. Measure the inside round diameter of the Shear Box.
2. Balance the counterweight system so that it can gives normal force to the
shear box.
3. Weigh the Shear box lid + ball + can.
4. Provide enough sand which have been cleaned from organic materials of
cobbles with the no. 18 sieve.
5. Take a little amount of sand, weigh it, and put it inside the oven to search
for its water content.

1. Insert the sand to the shear box until about ¾ full, then lock the shear
box so that it wouldn’t move.
2. Smoothen the sand’s surface with spatula, then close the shear box with
its lid and ball.
3. Give the 5 kg load, then remove the shear box’s lock.
4. Set the horizontal dial and load ring dial to zero.
5. Give shear force to the shear box with 1 mm/minute velocity.

Figure 12.1 Process of giving shear force to the shear box
6. Take note of the horizontal dial reading every 15 seconds until the dial
stops or turn backwards.
7. Repeat steps number 1 – 6 for 10, 15, 20, 25 kg load.
12.6. Computations

From the known data :
1. Weight of lid + ball ............................ Gr

2. Shear box diameter (d) ............................ Cm
3. Sand Surface Area (A) ¼  d2 cm2
4. LRC ............................ kg/div
5. 5 Kg load:
σ = P/A = (5 + (1))/(A) ............................ kg/cm2
τ= (LRC *M)/(A) ............................ kg/cm2
6. 10 Kg load:
σ = P/A = (10 + (1))/(A) ............................ kg/cm2
τ = (LRC * M)/(A) ............................ kg/cm2

And the same way to other loads so that we can make a graph to determine
the value of c and  using linear regression:
Y = (a)X + (b) (12.4)
where:
X = σ = P/A (12.5)
Y = τ = G/A
From those calculations above, it can be made into a table to make the direct
shear graph, as given below:
Load X (P/A) Y (G/A)

5 kg
10 kh
15 kg
20 kg
25 kg

Direct Shear data calculation examples (tabulation and graph)
Figure 12.2 Direct shear data table

Figure 12.3 Data table for Direct Shear experiment with different variation of loads

Figure 12.4 Direct Shear graph to determine the cohesion (c) and shear angle () of sand.

CHAPTER 13
UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST
13.1. References
ASTM D 2166 “Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength
of Cohesive Soil”
RSNI 3638 “Metode uji kuat tekan-bebas tanah kohesif”
13.2. Objectives
Determine the value of undrained shear strength from fine-grained soil
(cohesive), such as saturated clay and cemented soils.

a. Equipment
 Unconfined Compression Test machine unit
 Cylindrical mould for the soil sample
 Vernier Calipers with 0,01 mm accuracy
 Oil
 Manual and mechanic extruder
 Wire saw
 Spatula
 Scale with 0,01 gram accuracy
 Can
 Oven
 Hammer
b. Materials
c. Undisturbed soil sample from the tube


Unconfined compression test is a special case for unconsolidated undrained
triaxial test, where test don’t have any retaining pressure (horizontal axis
pressure) given (value of σ3=0). The axial pressure given to the specimen will
gradually increases until the specimen collapse. In the collapse stage, σ 3=0
so,
σ1= σ3+ Δσi= Δσi= qu (13.1)
with qu is the value of unconfined compression strength.
Figure 13.1 Unconfined compression strength
Unconfined compression strength, qu, can also be defined as vertical load

which makes the soil crack divided by corrected unit area (A). The value of qu
can also be obtained from the mohr circle:
Figure 13.2 Mohr graph to determine qu

Steps to calculate the soil sample area can be explained as:

 Initial soil sample volume
𝑉0 = 𝐿0 × 𝐴0
where:
𝑉0 = Initial sample’s content (volume)
𝐿0 = Initial sample’s length
𝐴0 = Initial sample’s surface area
 After the vertical load is given:

The length becomes L, the volume becomes V, and the area becomes A.
The equation can be written as:
𝐿 = 𝐿0 − ∆𝐿 and 𝑉 = 𝑉0 − ∆𝑉
(𝐿 and V is measure throughout the experiment)
Figure 13.3 Changes that happens to the sample when the experiment occurs
 From the above equation, we can get:
𝐴(𝐿0 − ∆𝐿) = 𝐴0 𝐿0 − ∆𝑉 (13.2)

𝐴0 𝐿0 −∆𝑉
𝐴= 𝐿0 −∆𝐿

 This unconfined compression test experiment is done in undrained

condition, whereas there are no water flow when loading take place so
that there is no volume change (∆𝑉 = 0), this makes the equation
becomes:
𝐴0 𝐿0 𝐴0 𝐴
𝐴=𝐿 = ∆𝐿
0
= 1−𝜀 (13.3)
0 −∆𝐿 1−
𝐿0
where 𝜀 = strain
In this experiment, the force that works can be known as:
𝑃 = 𝑀 × 𝐿𝑅𝐶 (13.4)
Where:
𝑃 = Force needed to be obtained
𝑀 = Dial reading
𝐿𝑅𝐶 = Tool calibration factor (0,186)
Meanwhile, the value of 𝑞𝑢 and c can be obtained by the equation:
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑞𝑢
𝑞𝑢 = dan 𝑐= (13.5)
𝐴 2
Where:
𝑞𝑢 = Unconfined compression strength
𝑐 = soil shear strength
In this experiment, the sample dimension have to qualify:
2𝐷 ≤ 𝐿 ≤ 3𝐷
where:
𝐷 = sample diameter
𝐿 = sample height

This is based if 𝐿 ≤ 2𝐷, the collapse field angle will overlap and if 𝐿 ≥ 3𝐷, the
soil sample will act as a column and will likely experience buckling. The ideal
ratio is𝐿 ∶ 𝐷 = 2 ∶ 1.
Undisturbed soil which experience remoulded (disturbed), will show

degradation of strength and the characteristic of this degradation character is
known as sensitivity, that is:
𝑞𝑢 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑
𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝑞𝑢 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑑
For clay soil, the classification according to its sensitivity value is presented by
this table below.
Table 13.1 Soil classification according to its sensitivity (Braja M.,436)


13.5.1. Preparation
1. Extrude the undisturbed soil sample from the tube to the cylindrical mould
using the mechanic extruder, then cut the soil with wire saw.
2. Smoothen the two ends of the soil sample inside the cylindrical mould with
spatula. Then extrude the sample from the cylindrical mould using the
manual extruder.
3. Measure the soil sample dimension (L = 2-3 D).
4. Weigh the initial weight of the soil sample.
5. Take the soil leftover to determine the water content.

1. Place the sample to the Unconfined Compression Test machine as soon
as possible to avoid losing the water content from the sample.
Figure 13.4 Unconfined testing in progress
2. Raise the under plate by spinning the knob until the upper end of the
sample touch the upper plate and the loading dial gauge. Lock the knob
so that the unconfined machine can operate.
3. Set the dial to zero and start the unconfined machine.

4. Take note of the load dial reading for every 0,02 inch increase of the
settlement dial or can also be read as 0.025 mm. The reading stops if the
load dial is stable or decreases for 3 times of reading.
5. Do the remoulded process, which is merging the soil sample being tested
earlier and compact it by pounding it constantly to the cylindrical mould.
The weight of the remolded sample have to be the same as the
undisturbed soil sample’s weight.
6. Repeat step 2-4.
13.6. Computations
13.6.1. Data Results
Example : Undisturbed sample
Sample’s water content data :
Wt of wet soil + cup = ..... gr
Wt of dry soil + cup = ..... gr
Wt of cup = ..... gr
Wt of water = ..... gr
Wt of dry soil = ..... gr
Water content, w = ..... %
Sample’s dimension :
Diameter = ...... cm
Height = ...... cm
Area = ...... cm2
Volume = ...... cm3
Weight = ...... gr

13.6.2. Calculations
From the data above, we have:
Density :
weight  wet
 wet   dry 
volume 1 w
where :
w= water content  not in percent
1. Density
2. Tool calibration (K) ............................ kg/div
3. P =KM ............................ Kg
4.  = L/L ............................
5. A = A0/(1-) ............................ cm2
6. qu = P/A ............................ kg/cm2
7. Cu = qu/2 ............................ kg/cm2
For remoulded :
8. qur = P/A kg/cm2
9. Cur = qu/2 kg/cm2
quu
Sensitivity value:
qur

Undisturbed data processing example
Figure 13.4 Undisturbed condition UCT sample data

Figure 13.5 Undisturbed condition UCT sample data calculation

Figure 13.6 Undisturbed UCT sample Graph

Remoulded UCT data calculation example
Figure 13.7 Remoulded UCT data sample

Figure 13.8 Remoulded sample UCT calculation

Figure 13.9 Remoulded UCT condition graph

PART 3

CHAPTER 14
SWELLING TEST
14.1. References
ASTM D 4546 “Standard Test Methods for One Dimensional Swell or
Settlement Potential of Cohesive Soils”
14.2. Objectives
To find swelling amount and characteristic from cohesive soil due to axial
pressure. Swelling characteristic include the percentage of swelling and
swelling pressure.

a. Equipment
 Consolidation loading device
 Consolidation cell
 Consolidometer Ring
 Load (1; 2 ;4 ;8 kg)
 Vernier calipers with 0,01 mm accuracy
 Wire Saw and spatula
 Vaseline
 Pore paper, porous stone, and copper cylinder
 Drying Oven
 Dial with 0,01 mm accuracy
 Stopwatch
 Mechanical Extruder
 Scale with 0,001 gr accuracy
 Can
b. Material
 Montmorillonite /expansive soil sample

Expansive soil is a soil that have big expansive characteristic. Expansive soil
expand during rainy season and shrink during dry season.
Swelling and shrinking process of soil most of the time is caused by capillarity
process or changes in water content in the soil. Soils that contain a lot of clay
experience changes of volume when the water content in the soil changes.
Reduced water contents followed by the increase of effective stress cause the
volume of the soil shrink, while increasing the water content will cause
swelling.
Figure 14.1 Capillarity event (Interaction between Clay Particle and Water)
Based on ASTM D 4546 – 96, Standard Test Methods For One Dimensional
Swell or Settlement Potential of Cohesive Soils, the purpose of swelling test is
to determine the value of swelling caused by vertical load to the ground, that
caused because water sink into soil pores filling the air cavity in the soil making
internal changes in the soil. Other than that, other test can also be done to
get soil swelling pressure value, which is a condition where the soil achieve
maximum swelling and given a gradual pressure until the pores number return
to its original state.

There are 3 methods in swelling pressure test, but in this experiment we use
method B to avoid possible volume and pressure changes that can happen on
the field.
METHOD A (ASTM-D-4546-90)
This method is often called Free Swell Pressure Test. Soil sample that have
already been prepared inside consolidometer ring with diameter of 6.2 cm and
2.54 cm in height is given a pressure as big as 1 kPa. Before being wetted,
the soil sample is given seating pressure minimal 1 kPa for 5 minutes and take
note of the dial seating pressure reading. After that, it is removed and the dial
need to be read for one more time. The soil sample sample with constant load
of 1 kPa pressure is then given water until it swells to for 72 hours while the
dial is being read again. The last condition is appointed as the maximum
swelling percentage happened. The next step is applying bigger loads to the
soil, which is 5kPa, 10 kPa, 20 kPa, 40 kPa, 80 kPa, 100 kPa, and so on until
it exceeds the initial pore water condition. For each conditions, the load time
is 12 hours.
METODE B (ASTM-D-4546-90)
This method is often called loaded swell test. The soil sample that is ready is
molded to the consolidometer ring with 6,20 cm diameter and 2,54 cm height
and given the pressure of minimum 1 kPa, then is given initial setting for 5
minutes before being wetted and the dial is read. The soil sample is given
water until it swells and take note of the dial reading until it reaches the swell
maximum limit within the time interval for reading standard. After reaching
the swell maximum limit, it is appointed as the maximum swelling percentage
that happened. The next step, the soil sample is given additional load
consecutively as big as minimum as the multiple of overburden, and so on
until it exceeds the initial pore water condition. For each conditions, the load
time is 24 hours.

METODE C (ASTM-D-4546-90)
This method is often called as Constant Volume test. The soil sample that is
ready inside the consolidometer have the same size as method A and method
B. The soil sample is first given seating pressure for 5 minutes and removed.
In this condition, the dial is read. Them the consolidometer is wetted with
water. To keep the soil from volume change while being wetted, the soil must
have the exact load to prevent swelling inside the system. The effort to keep
the volume must be done continuously for 48 hours. The next step is to give
the soil additional load of 40 kPa, 80 kPa, 100 kPa, 200 kPa, and so on. The
loading time is 12 hours each which then can make the void-ratio (e) vs
swelling pressure (P) graph. The swelling pressure is actually obtained after
the cassagrande correction is done.
The amount of swelling and swelling pressure acquired can shows the swelling
potential of the soil sample, in accordance with this table:
Table 14.1 Swelling percentage and its relationship with swelling level
Source: FH. Chen “Foundation on Expansive Soil”
Table 14.2 Expansive Soil Classification
Source: Holtz and Gibbs (1956) and Seed et al (1962)


14.5.1. Preparation
1. Prepare 2500 gram of monmorilonite soil sample
2. Add water to the soil sample until the water content reach 25%, while
stirring it until it mixed properly.
3. Compact the soil sample using standard proctor.
Figure 14.2 Soil compaction using the hammer
4. Measure the ring dimension (diameter and height) and the weight of the
consolidometer. Then rub the ring with Vaseline.
5. Put the soil sample into the consolidometer ring using mechanical
extruder.
6. Flatten the soil in the consolidometer ring using the spatula.

Figure 14.2 Soil sample inside the ring

1. Put the soil sample in the consolidometer in this order:
 Porous Stone
 Pore Paper
 Soil sample inside the ring
 Pore Paper
 Porous Stone
 Copper Cylinder
 Braces with 3 bolt
2. Set the dial in the consolidometer and add water until the copper cylinder
is submerged.
3. Give initial load as big as 150 or 300 gram.
4. Do dial readings for 0”, 6”, 15”, 30”, 60”, 2’, 4’, 8’, 15’, 30’, 60’, 120’, 180’,
240’, 480’, 1440’, 2880’, and 4320’.
Figure 14.3 Soil sample inside the ring
5. After 72 hours, change the load into 1 kg and do dial reading after 24
hours, and repeat the process for 2, 4, 8 kg, and 16 kg load.
6. Stop increasing the load if the dial already exceeded initial reading (minute
0).

14.6. Computations
D = ... cm
H = ... cm
Wring = ... gram
Wring + soil = ... gram
A = ... cm2
V = ... cm3
𝑊𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 … − …
𝛾𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 = = = … 𝑔𝑟/𝑐𝑚3 = … 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3
𝑉𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 …
𝑃𝑜 = 𝛾𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 × 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ = … × … = … 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚2
𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 = 𝑃𝑜 × 𝐴𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = … × … = … 𝑘𝑔
Gs = ...
Wdry = ... gr
Swelling experiment data table
Time Load Stress Dial

(minute) (kg) (kg/cm²) (10¯3 mm)
0
0,1
0,25
0,5
1
2
4
8
15
30
60
120
180
240
1440
2880
4320
5760 1
7200 2

8640 4
10080 8
11520 16

Determining the swelling to time:
𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 = 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑛 − 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡0
Figure 14.4 swelling graph towards time example
Figure 14.5 Swelling towards time in log graph example
𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔
% 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 = × 100%
𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Determining the swelling pressure:

𝐿𝑎𝑜𝑑 × 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑘𝑔
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 = ( 2)
𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑐𝑚
where:
Coefficient = 10 (effect of moment arm length)

Figure 14.6 Pressure vs swelling example graph
Void Ratio to Swelling

𝐺𝑠 = 2.7
𝑊𝑑𝑟𝑦 = … 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚
𝑊𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑥 𝐺𝑠
𝐻𝑜 = = … 𝑐𝑚
𝐴
𝐻𝑣 = 𝐻𝑖 − 𝐻𝑜 = … 𝑐𝑚
𝐻𝑣
𝑒= = …
𝐻𝑜
Figure 14.7 void ratio vs pressure example graph

CHAPTER 15
SAND CONE TEST
15.1. References
15.2. References
ASTM D 1556 “Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in
Place by the Sand-Cone Method”
SNI 03-2828-1992 “Metode Pengujian Kepadatan Lapangan dengan Alat
Konus Pasir”
15.3. Objectives
The objectives of the sand cone field test are:
 To determine the density of soil that already been compacted (compacted
soil). Usually this test is conducted during land filling work, road work, and
embankment work. From this test we acquire γdry field value that will be
compared to γdry laboratory value.
 To determine the in-situ density and specific gravity of natural soil,
aggregate, and soil mix using sand cone tool.

a. Equipment
 One set of sand cone test equipment
 Scale with 0,01 gram accuracy
 Glass bottle with volume ± 4000 cm
 Cone / big funnel
 Orifice pipe and valve that connected to glass bottle trough small
cone.
 Soil Spoon
 Digging tool
 Metal Plate

b. Materials
 Quartz sand with similar diameter and in dry condition
Figure 15.1 Sand cone Testing Equipment

Sand cone test is one of the test that conducted on the field to determine real
dry bulk density (soil density) or the result of compaction works (barrow) on
cohesive or non-cohesive soil. This experiment usually conducted to evaluate
the result of compaction works on the field stated on degree of compaction,
which is a ratio between field γdry (sand cone) with laboratory γdry value.
Figure 15.2 illustrating the principal of sand cone test. In the sand cone test,
soil sample is manually dug and weighted (W). The volume (V) of the soil dug

is determined from the sand volume needed to fill the dug hole. Specific
gravity γ and dry bulk weight γdry is determined using:
𝑊
𝛾= (15.1)
𝑉
𝜸
𝜸𝒅𝒓𝒚 = 𝟏+𝒘/𝟏𝟎𝟎 (15.2)
Where w is water content (%) which usually determined by the laboratory.

Volume of the sand is determined by measuring the weight, assuming that we
already know the specific gravity value of the sand.
Figure 15.2 Sand Cone Test Principle


15.6.1. Preparation
Refers to standard working module ASTM D1556 - 07
1. Weigh and take a note of the glass jar + cone +quartz sand inside the
glass jar.
2. Weigh and take a note of the sand cone weight.

1. Put the base plate above the ground on the location that about to be
tested.
2. Dig the soil in the base plate hole as deep as 10cm.
3. Put the soil from that digging process into a plastic bag, and then weigh
it and find out the water content.
4. Put the sand cone + glass jar that already been filled by quartz sand on
top of the base plate, and then opens the valve in such way so that the
quartz sand is coming out from the glass jar trough the cone and
eventually fill the dug hole.
5. Close the valve when the sand is stop coming out from the jar.
6. Weigh the glass jar + cone + the remains of the sand inside the glass jar.
7. Put the quartz sand outside the jar back into the glass jar.
8. Repeat process 1 to 7 in this experiment for soil sample no.2 in the
different location.

15.7. Computations
Water Contents (%)
Sample 1
Wcan : … g
W1 :…g
W2 :…g
𝑤2 −𝑤1 …− …
𝑤=𝑤 × 100% = …− … × 100% = … %
1 −𝑤𝑐𝑎𝑛
Sample 2
Wcan : … g
W1 :…g
W2 :…g
𝑤2 −𝑤1 …− …
𝑤=𝑤 × 100% = …− … × 100% = … %
γdry Field
Sample 1 Sample 2
W1 (gr)
W2 (gr)
W3 (gr)
W4 (gr)
w (%)
V (cm3)
𝑊1 = Weight of glass jar + weight of cone + weight of sand (when the

glass jar is full of sand)
𝑊2 = Weight of jar + weight of cone + weight of remaining sand inside
the jar
𝑊3 = Weight of sand cone
𝑊4 = Weight of excavated soil
𝑤 = Water content
𝑊1 −(𝑊2 +𝑊3 )
𝑉 = Soil volume = 𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑

Calculate this:
 Water Content
𝑤2 −𝑤1 …− …
𝑤=𝑤 × 100% = …− … × 100% = … %
 γdry Field
γdry field = dry density = (W4/V)/(1+W)
 Degree of density
Degree of density = (γdry-field / γdry-lab) × 100%

CHAPTER 16
FIELD - CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (FIELD - CBR)
16.1. References
ASTM D 4429 “Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Soils in Place”
SNI 1738:2011 “Cara uji CBR (California Bearing Ratio) lapangan”
16.2. Objectives
The objectives of this field CBR test is to determine the value of soil’s CBR
during original state in the field, the value of CBR mentioned is the value of
soil hardness on a certain density and water content.

 Mechanical CBR jack with 10 ton capacity, equipped with “swivel head”.
 Proving Ring with 1,5 ton (3000 lbs), 3 ton (6000 lbs), 5 ton (10.000 lbs)
capacity, or as needed.
 Penetration piston and link pipe
 Penetration dial to measure the penetration with the accuracy up to 0,01
mm (0,001”) equipped with supporting column made from propyl steel
with length +- 2.5 meter.
 Hollow Steel plate with 25 cm (10”) diameter with +/- 5 Kg (10 Pound)
weight and some additional load weighing 2,5 Kg (5 Pound) which can be
added when necessary.
 A truck that already been loaded as necessary or other heavy equipment
(vibro, Excavator, bulldozer, etc.) and below it, there can be a mechanic
CBR jack applied.
 Two truck jack, digging tools, pounding tools, flattener, water pass etc.

Figure 16.1 CBR field test equipment

Field – California Bearing Ratio is a hardness test for material on the field
compared with stone, specifically limestone which is really hard and located
in the valley in California. CBR test can be conducted in the laboratory or on
the field. The purpose of CBR is to get the CBR value, which is a value that
states the quality of base soil for acquiring certain load compared to standard
material in the form of crushed stone that have CBR value of 100%.
CBR value can also be defined as comparison between soil sample strength
with certain density and water content to the strength of tight-gradation
crushed stone as standard material with CBR value = 100, obtained during
compaction test. To find CBR value we use this formula:
test unit load (psi)

CBR = standard unit load (psi) × 100% (16.1)
with Standard Unit Stress on penetration value:

Table 16.1 Standard Unit Stress for CBR experiment
PENETRATION STANDARD UNIT STRESS
mm inch MPa Psi

2.5 0.10 6.9 1000
5.0 0.20 10.3 1500
7.5 0.30 13.0 1900
10.0 0.40 16.0 2300
12.7 0.50 18.0 2600
Source: AASHTO T 193
Load is gained from penetration deal reading which then correlated with
calibration proving ring graph.
Test Unit Load (psi) = Pressure (σ)
𝑃 𝑀 (𝐿𝑅𝐶)
𝜎= = (16.2)
𝐴 𝐴
with:
A = piston area = 3 inch2
P = M× LRC
M = Dial Reading
LRC = Calibration Factor= 10,4 lbs/div
If the field CBR is conducted in the purpose of evaluation or design without

considering the water content, the CBR field test should be conducted during
one of this following condition:
1. The degree of saturated soil (the percentage of void filled with water is
80% or more).
2. For coarse and non-plastic material which doesn’t have big influence when
there’s changes in the water content.

3. Unmodified soil due to construction activity for 2 years before the test
conducted. In reality, water content is not constant and changing during
short time period.

16.5.1. Preparation
Referring to SNI 1738: 2011
1. Determine the test location on field
2. Dig the soil until reaching the desired layer and flatten it (the area of
excavation is at least 60x60 cm) – must be flat and no tilt (check with
water pass).
3. Clean the testing area from debris and make sure the surface of the test
area is flat.
4. During equipment installation, maintain the moisture of the top surface so
it won’t change from initial condition, if necessary cover the ground with
plastic cover if the weather is very hot.
5. Start the test as fast as possible as soon as the equipment is ready.
6. If needed, check the water content and bulk density of local material.
7. In the procedure, loading is using heavy equipment, such as truck.
8. Put the truck/other heavy equipment, in such ways that the location of
the Mechanical CBR jack is directly on top of the inspection hole.
9. The rear axle of the truck must be parallel with the inspection location.
10. Jack the Truck/heavy equipment so it no longer supports its own weight
(suspension on the truck able to make the reading inaccurate, since the
suspension will hold some of the forces).
11. Assemble Mechanical CBR jack and other equipment, so penetration
piston is located 1 or 2 cm from the surface that about to be observe.
12. Set the proving ring so the piston is in vertical condition.
13. Make sure all the testing equipment is in stable, vertical, centrically and
sturdy in the right position.

14. Put the 25cm (10”) steel plate under the penetration piston so that the
penetration piston is entering the hole.
15. Penetration measurement dial is located on the penetration piston, in such
way so that the needle on the dial is sticking to the steel plate.

1. Lower the penetration so that the penetration piston is giving 5kg (10lbs)
of initial weight – if needed, additional load is allowable.
2. Set the proving ring and penetration dial so both pointed to number zero.
3. Increase the loading steadily, so that the penetration speed is reaching
steady speed of 1,25mm (0,05”) per minute – this increase loading
process is sometimes forgotten or not well executed in the terms of
consistency of the penetration speed every minute.
4. Take a note for dial reading on the penetration value (numbers behind =
numbers revised in SNI table):
 0,3128 mm (0,0125”) 0,32 mm [15 seconds]
 0,6200 mm (0,0250”) 0,64 mm [30 seconds]
 1,2500 mm (0,0500”) 1,27 mm [60 seconds / 1 minutes]
 1,8700 mm (0,0750”) 1,91 mm [1 minutes 30 seconds]
 2,5400 mm (0,1000”) 2,54 mm [2 minutes]
 3,7500 mm (0,1500”) 3,81 mm [3 minutes]
 5,0800 mm (0,2000”) 5,08 mm [4 minutes]
 7,5000 mm (0,3000”) 7,62 mm [6 minutes]
 10,1600 mm (0,4000”) 10,16 mm [8 minutes]
 12,5000 mm (0,5000”) 12,70 mm [10 minutes]

CHAPTER 17
DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER (DCP)
17.1. References
ASTM D 6951 “Standard Test Method for Use of the Dynamic Cone
Penetrometer in Shallow Pavement Applications”
Pedoman Cara uji CBR dengan Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP),
Departemen Pekerjaan Umum (2007)
17.2. Objectives
The objective of DCP test is to determine soil support strength (CBR) in the
original state in the field quickly, also to identify the thickness of subsoil, shear
strength of the subsoil, and material characteristic.

 Tools like hoe, shovel, crowbar etc. if there’s asphalt pavement layer in
this test.
 1 DCP Unit, consist of:
 Holder
 Upper rod with 16 mm diameter, fall height 575 mm
 Cylindrical hollow hammer weighing 8 kg
 Base plate for pounder made from steel
 Shock absorber ring
 Holder to protect the ruler for measuring the depth
 Lower rod, 90 cm length with 16 mm diameter
 Connecting rod, 40-50 cm length with 16 mm diameter
 Ruler with 1 meter scale
 Conus made from cone shaped steel in the tip with 20mm diameter
and 30 or 6o degree angle.
 Stiffener ring

Figure 17.1 DCP Testing Equipment

This DCP test is one of the measurement experiment to know the penetration
from the DCP conus tool when pulverization using 8 kg hammer to undisturbed
soil or compacted soil, or both. The value of penetration happened is
correlated with the field shear strength and can also be used to determine the
CBR value.
To correlate the DCP value with CBR value, we can use Log Model for some
of soil materials that already been tested in the previous test (table 17.1.)

Table 17.1 Standard Unit Stress for CBR tests

17.5.1. Preparation
Equipment preparation and test location, as follows:
1. Connect all the equipment segments and make sure that the connection
between upper rod and the base as well as lower rod and the steel cone
is connected properly.
2. Determine the point of test, take a note for Sta./Km., peel and flatten the
surface that about to be tested.
3. Make the test hole on asphalt pavement material, so that we can get the
base soil layer.
4. Measure the thickness of every pavement available and take a note for
every thickness.

1. Put the DCP unit on the testing spot above the layer that about to be
observed.
2. Hold the unit that already been in place in perpendicular way on a stable
flat surface, and then take the reading on the ruler measuring depth. DCP
test need 3 technician: 1 person hold the unit perpendicularly; 1 person
to carry and drop the pounder; 1 person to record the reading.
3. Lift the pounder on the top side carefully until reaching the holder limit.
4. Drop the pounder until it drop and get held by the base.
5. Do step 3) and 4) above, take a note of the number of pound and depth
in the form, according to this provisions:
a. For lower foundation layer or base layer that consist of non-hard
material, the reading of the dial is enough for every 1 or 2 pound.
b. For foundation layer made from hard material, the reading must be
conducted every 5 to 10 pound.
6. Stop the testing if the penetration speed is less than 1mm/3 pound. After
that do some drilling or digging on that spot until reaching some part that
can be tested again.
7. Testing per location is conducted twice (minimum) with 20 cm distance
from one test location to another test location.
8. Steps after the testing:
a. Prepare the unit so it can be lifted upwards.
b. Lift the pounder and hit it upwards until it reach the handle and the
lower grip is being raised to the surface.
c. Disconnect the parts carefully, clean the unit from all dirt and store it
where it is supposed to be.
d. Cover the hole after the test is conducted.

CHAPTER 18
PLATE BEARING TEST
18.1. References
ASTM D 1194 “Standard Test Method for Bearing Capacity of Soil for Static
Load and Spread Footings”
18.2. Objectives
Plate Bearing Test is used for calculate soil bearing capacity by doing some
loading in the field. Soil bearing capacity is not only depends on soil strength
parameters, but also depends on distribution and the amount of weight,
dimension, and loading plate geometry, and also the depth test. This soil
bearing capacity is used during foundation design process.

 H Beam for loading
 Hydraulic Jack with capacity of 50 ton
 Bearing Plate with 25 mm thickness and 305 mm diameter
 Decrease measurement dial with 0.01 mm accuracy
 Tools for hole test up to 2 meter depth
 Counterweight 40 ton

Figure 1. Plate Bearing Test Mechanism
18.5.1. Preparation
Equipment preparation and test location as follows:
1. Determine the test location according to the result of soil investigation
(borings) and according to structural design requirement. Plate bearing
test is to be adapted to the planned foundation depth.
2. Dig a hole with 2 x 2 meter size with depth referring to foundation design
to put the bearing plate, dial, and hydraulic jack.
3. Clean and flatten the soil surface that about to be tested.

1. Install the counterweight support and reaction beam
2. Install the bearing plate and hydraulic jack as seen in picture 1

3. Install reference beam and then install dial to see the decline that happens
4. Do some loading. The loading is conducted with increase interval of 500
or 1000 kg up to reaching 3000 kg in the 1st cycle and up to 4500 kg and
6000 kg in 2nd and 3rd cycle.
5. In every increase interval, take a note for every decline that happens on
the dial every 5 minutes and every 10 minutes in the peak loading of every
cycle.
6. Do some unloading with interval of 500 or 1000 kg from peak loading to
0 and take a note for maximum decrease that happens every 5 minutes
on every cycle.
7. Do some loading until reaching peak weight of 3000, 4500, and 6000 kg
for every cycle.

CHAPTER 19
FIELD - PERMEABILITY (PERCOLATION TEST)
19.1. References
New Jersey Stormwater BMP Manual Appendix E (2009)
19.2. Objectives
Percolation test shows how fast water can be absorb/flowed to the soil to
evaluate soil capability to absorb and channel water/fluid. Percolation test is
defined as how long it takes for water in the test hole to drop for 1 inch.

 Hand auger 4 s/d 8 inch
 Hoe/digger
 water
 Measuring device in the form of wood, ruler, and pencil/marker
 Stopwatch

1. Hole Excavation
Using hand auger, dig at least 3 or 4 holes with same distance in the
location that about to be observed. If the soil is varied, dig minimum 4
hole in the area. The hole is dug with the diameter 8 to 12 inch (10 to 30
cm). The average depth of each hole usually varied between 0,5 to 1
meter.
2. Wall and bottom coarsening process

Soil between the wall and the bottom of the hole must be coarsened so
the soil will not be compacted. This allows water to flow during soaking
process. After that the hole must be cleaned and then filled with gravel ¼
to ¾ inch as thick as 5-10cm.

Figure 19.1. Percolation test description
3. Soil Submersion (presoaking)

Fill the hole with clear water minimum 30cm above the gravel layer so
that the soil becomes saturated. In the percolation test, usually water
stays at minimum height of 30 cm for 4 to 8 hours, or overnight (for clay-
soil). For sandy soil, soaking is not mandatory, which after the hole filled
by water 30 cm in height twice, procedure 4c is conducted.
4. Percolation rate measurement

Percolation rate measurement is conducted 1 day after soaking process is
conducted. Condition in percolation rate measurement is as follows:
a. If there are still water after the test hole is soaked all night
(Clay soil)
- Fill the hole with water as high as 15 cm from the gravel layer.

- Observe and take a note for every decline that happens in the dial
for 30 minutes.
b. If there are no water in the test hole after being soaked all
night (clay soil)
- Fill the hole with water as high as 15 cm from the gravel layer.
- Observe and take a note for every decrease that happens on the
measuring rod for 5-30 minutes interval, depends on the soil
condition.
- After the first interval is finish, fill the hole with water until it reach
15cm height, and then observe and take a note for the decrease
that happens on the measuring rod.
- Do the same step for the second, third etc until the drop rate is
stable, which is where the decrease level is no more than 1 cm
after 3 times refilling. For 30 minutes interval, the dial reading is
conducted every 4 hour so we get 6 dial reading.
- The percolation rate is acquired on the last decrease in the last
interval.
c. If the water is absorbed by 15 cm high within 30 minutes of

presoaking or when the soil is soaked all night (sandy soil)
- Fill the hole with water 15 cm above the gravel surface.
- Observe and take a note for the time needed for a 15 cm
decrease. If it longer than 5 minutes, then do procedure B.
- If it took less than 5 minute, fill the hole again with 15 cm of
water, and observe and take a note for the time needed for 15
cm decrease.
- Do the same process for the third, fourth, and so on until we get
6 readings.
- The percolation rate is acquired on the last decrease in the last
interval.

- .
5. Percolation Rate Measurement

Percolation rate is the average time needed for a decrease of water 1 inch
in height. With the last decrease on the last interval, we get the
percolation rate which is the comparison between times needed for the
decrease to happen. Percolation rate is gained by averaging the
percolation rate in every hole. If there’s more than 20 mpi (minutes per
inch) variation, it means that the soil sample in the field is diverse, so the
percolation rate on the field can’t be acquired.
6. Permeability Coefficient Measurement

Permeability coefficient measurement can be used if the percolation rate
is less than 60 mpi (minutes per inch). The permeability coefficient is
acquired using this following formula:
where
pm = Percolation rate (minutes
per inch)
a = parameter on table 2 (New
Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection)

CHAPTER 20
FIELD - PERMEABILITY (FALLING HEAD TEST)
20.1. References
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation 2nd edition (1995),
“Ground Water Manual: A Water Resources Technical Publication”
Hydrology – An Environmental Approach
20.2. Objectives
-

 Hand auger 4 s/d 8 inch
 Wellbore drilling machine
 Pipe with diameter of 4-8 inch
 water
 Electric gauge
 Stopwatch

1. Wellbore manufacture
Wellbore is created with diameter if 2-6 inch until reaching surface
groundwater using drilling machine.
2. Casing Pipe Installation

Casing pipe is installed to prevent the wall of the well collapsing. The
casing pipe length is to be adapted according to the diameter of the well
and the depth of the drilling process. After installing the casing pipe,
gravel is poured inside the well 5-10 in thickness.
3. Water Decrease Measurement

The test is done one day after boring to achieve the stabilized ground
water condition. The depth of ground water level is noted after being
bored and one day after boring is done.
4. The test is conducted using Hvorslev method:

- Take a note for initial surface groundwater level from datum (h0).
- Fill the well with water until it reaches the height of the datum.
- Take a note for initial time record after the water in the well is
reaching the datum’s height.
- With 2-5 minutes interval, take a note for every changes that
happened on the well using electrical gauge.
- Do the time readings and also the decrease that happened on every
interval until the reading shows stable condition, or where it reach the
same depth as initial condition after 3 times reading.
5. Permeability coefficient measurement

Permeability coefficient is gained by using Hvorslev method. After
acquiring height differential and time interval data. From that data we use
Hvorslev graph to get height difference as big as 37%.

FORMAT OF SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT REPORT
NAME : (Student A) (NPM)

(Student B) (NPM)
(Student C) (NPM)
GROUP : (the group number)

DATE OF EXPERIMENT : (the date the experiment is done)
TITLE OF EXPERIMENT : (the title of experiment according to handbook title)
ASSISTANT : (the assistant of experiment)
INITIAL & GRADE : (date of approval, grade, and initial of the assistant)
I. PENDAHULUAN
A. References
Consist of the reference used in the experiment: ASTM, AASHTO, SNI, or other
references used when making this report.
B. Objectives
Consist of the objectives of the experiment based on the experiment
handbook. The objectives can also include the function/benefit of the
experiment according to experience or other references.
C. Equipment and Materials

Consist of the equipment and materials used according to experiment
handbook.
D. General Discussion
Consist of the theory and formulation used based on the handbook. The theory
and formulation can also come from other references but must be annotated
in References.

II. GENERAL PROCEDURES

A. Preparation
Consist of the preparation procedures. Written in reporting format (using
active words). The preparation must be the same with what is done in
laboratory.
B. Testing Procedures
Consist of the testing procedures. Written in reporting format (using active
words). The testing must be the same with what is done in laboratory.
III.DATA COMPUTATIONS
A. Data Results
Consist of data results from the experiments, can use the format attached in
the Appendix.
B. Data Calculations
Consist of the calculations for computing the data. The data is computed by
the direction of the assistant and from the handbook. Data calculations must
be assisted to the assistant until it is approved.
IV. ANALYSIS
A. Experimental Analysis
Consist of the analysis of preparation and testing procedures based on what
is done by the students. Experimental analysis must be assisted to the
assistant until it is approved.
B. Data and Results Analysis

Consist of the analysis of data and the result from the test. Data and results
analysis must be assisted to the assistant until it is approved.

C. Error Analysis
Consist of the analysis of errors from the test. Error analysis must be assisted
to the assistant until it is approved.
V. SUMMARY
Consist of the final summary from the experiment. It may include the answer for
the objectives. It must be written in points and must be assisted to the assistant
until it is approved.
VI. APPENDIX
Consist of the photos of materials and equipment of the experiment activity.
Students must take photos while doing the experiments and the photo must be
attached in the report.

Rules regarding experiment report format:

 The report must be written in Times New Roman font, 12 pt, spacing 1.5 on A4
paper.
 Margin format as Top = 3 cm; Bottom = 3 cm; Left = 4 cm; Right = 3 cm.
 The report does not need a front cover, but adjusted as the format told before.
 Figure and Tables must be made as Universitas Indonesia’s rule. Figure and Table
must be proportional with the experiment report page.
o Figure title is located under the figure, with times new roman font, 10 pt, and
must mention the source (if it is cited from other reference).
o Table title is located above the table, with time new roman font, 10 pt, and
must mention the source (if it is cited from other reference).
 Report must use the header and footer whereas the Header is the same as the
Soil Mechanics Experiment Handbook format (accompanied by UI logo, laboratory,
department, faculty, and university name) and the Footer contains the experiment
title reported.
Header example:
1.5 cm
Font times new roman, 12 pt, single spacing
1.5 cm
Footer Example:
Experiment title, font times new roman, 12 pt, single spacing Page Number
 Report is printed two-sided.

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Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook

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SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENTS

SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY

Erly Bahsan, ST., M.Kom

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook i

FORMAT OF SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT REPORT ........................................ 194

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook ii

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 1

1.3. Equipment and Materials

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 2

1.4. General Discussion

Liquid Plastic Semi Plastic Solid

Figure 1.2 Atterberg Limits Diagram

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 3

1.5. General Procedures

1.5.2. Testing Procedures

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 4

3. Make a trim at the middle of cassagrande tool using standard grooving

Figure 1.3 Making a trim using grooving tool

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 5

Figure 1.4 Soil which move closer about ½ inch long

1.5.3. Differences with ASTM

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 6

1.6.2. Data Calculations

Determining the value of Liquid Limit

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 7

Figure 1.5 The example of graph in determining liquid limit

From the graph, there will be curve equation: y = …Ln(x) + …

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 8

No. Can Total of Blows Wn (%) LL (%)

Determining the value of Flow Index (FI)

Water contents for N = 10; W = … Ln(10) + … = … %

Water contents for N = 100; W = … Ln(100) + … = … %

FI = WN=100 – WN=10 (1.3)

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 9

1.3. Equipment and Materials

1.4. General Discussion:

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 10

1.5. General Procedures

1.5.2. Testing Procedures

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 11

Figure 1.6 Rolling the soil sample

1.5.3. Differences with ASTM

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 12

1.6.2. Data Calculations

Weight of wet soil + Container w1 (gr) … …

Plastic Index (Equation 1.4)

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 13

1.3. Equipment and Materials:

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 14

1.4. General Discussion:

(𝑤𝑤 −𝑤𝑑 )−(𝑉𝑤 −𝑉𝑑 ) 𝜌𝑤

1.5. General Procedures

1.5.2. Testing Procedures

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 15

* Calculating the wet volume of soil:

** Calculating the dry volume of soil:

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 16

Figure 1.8 Sub-merging soil cake process

1.5.3. Differences with ASTM

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 17

No. coated dish 1 2

Weight of soil + coated dish ww+c(gr) … …

...  ...  ...  ...1 100%

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 18

...  ...  ...  ...1 100%

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook 19