GT Manual

JYOTHY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
TATAGUNI, BENGALURU – 560082
Department of Civil Engineering

Jyothy institute of technology
Tataguni, Bengaluru -560082
I
JYOTHY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Tataguni Bengaluru-560082
Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory Manual

Subject Code – 15CVL57
NAME: ………………………………………………………….
USN: …………………………………………………………….
BATCH: …………………………………………………………
Jyothy Institute of Technology, Bengaluru – 560082
Vision
To be a global centre of excellence in imparting quality education in all the frontiers of civil
engineering for the development of the society.
Mission
❖ To educate the students in the field of civil engineering by adopting best teaching-
learning process with state of the art facilities and infrastructure.
❖ To encourage the students to contribute to the development of the society by pursuing

a promising career in the industry by making them employable with the necessary soft
skills and leadership qualities.
❖ To encourage the students to pursue higher studies and carry out research and
development in various fields of civil engineering.
Programme Educational Objectives:
❖ The students should emerge as successful civil engineers in the industry, consulting
firms and the government sector.
❖ The students should demonstrate their expertise and skills by being successful
entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators which will enable societal growth and national
economic development.
❖ The students should demonstrate sustained learning and adapt themselves to the
constantly developing field of civil engineering and continue in the path of life-long
learning by research and self-study.
Programme Specific Outcomes:

❖ PSO1:(Knowledge / Skills:) Implement the basic knowledge of civil engineering for
designing of civil engineering structures
❖ PSO2:(Application/Analysis/Problem solving) Analyse problems related to the social
and environmental aspects and provide sustainable engineering solutions.
❖ PSO3:(Value) Adhere to the codal provisions and specifications for carrying out the
various construction practices.
❖ PSO4:(Attribute) Exhibit good communication skills and work as effective team
players.
COURSE DETAILS
Course Name : Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

Course Code : 15CVL57
Course prerequisite : Basic Knowledge on Geotechnical Engineering.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to:
1. To carry out laboratory tests and to identify soil as per IS codal procedures.
2. To perform laboratory tests to determine index properties of soil.
3. To perform tests to determine shear strength and consolidation characteristics of soil.
COURSE OUTCOMES
Students will be able to conduct appropriate laboratory/field experiments and
interpret the results to determine:
COs COURSE OUTCOMES
CO1 Determine the Physical and index properties of the soil.
CO2 Classify the soil based on index properties and field identification.
CO3 Compute OMC and MDD, plan and assess field compaction program.
CO4 Comprehend the Shear strength and consolidation parameters to assess strength
and deformation characteristics.
CO5 Recognise the In-situ shear strength characteristics (SPT- Demonstration)
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
PO Program outcome (PO) Graduate
Number Attribute (GA)
PO1 Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering Engineering
fundamentals, and an engineering specialization to the solution Knowledge
of complex engineering problems.
PO2 Identify, formulate, review research literature, and analyse Problem Analysis
complex engineering problems reaching substantiated
conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural
sciences, and engineering sciences.
PO3 Design solutions for complex engineering problems and design Design/development
system components or processes that meet the specified needs of solutions
with appropriate consideration for the public health and safety,
and the cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.
PO4 Use research-based knowledge and research methods including Conduct
design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and investigations of
synthesis of the information to provide valid conclusions. complex problems
PO5 Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and Modern tool usage
modern engineering and IT tools including prediction and
modelling to complex engineering activities with an
understanding of the limitations.
PO6 Apply reasoning informed by the contextual knowledge to assess The engineer and
societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the society
consequent responsibilities relevant to the professional
engineering practice.
PO7 Understand the impact of the professional engineering solutions Environment and
in societal and environmental contexts, and demonstrate the sustainability
knowledge of, and need for sustainable development.
PO8 Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and Ethics
responsibilities and norms of the engineering practice.
PO9 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader Individual and team
in diverse teams, and in multidisciplinary settings. work
PO10 Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with Communication
the engineering community and with society at large, such as,
being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design
documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive
clear instructions.
PO11 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the engineering and Project management
management principles and apply these to one’s own work, as a and finance
member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in
multidisciplinary environments.
PO12 Recognize the need for and have the preparation and ability to Life-long learning
engage in independent and life-long learning in the broadest
context of technological change.
CONTENTS
SL NO: NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT PAGE NO:

1 Determination of water content by oven drying method 01
2 Determination of specific gravity of soil 04-09
A) Pycnometer method 04
B) Density bottle method 07
3 Grain size analysis of soil sample 10-20
A) Sieve analysis 10
B) Hydrometer analysis 14
4 Determination of in-situ density of soil 21-30
A) Core cutter method 21
B) sand replacement method 25
5 Determination of liquid limit of soil 31-39
A) Casagrande’s method 31
B) Cone penetration method 36
6 Determination of plastic limit 40
7 Determination of shrinkage limit 43
8 Standard proctor compaction test 50
9 Modified proctor compaction test 52
10 Determination of coefficient of permeability 57-62
A) constant head method 57
B) Variable head method 60
11 Unconfined compression test 63
12 Direct shear test 67
13 Undrained triaxial compression test 73
14 Vane shear test 79
15 Consolidation test 83
16 Demonstration of Swell pressure test, Standard penetration test 90
and boring equipment
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE STUDENTS
1. Do not touch mercury with gold rings.
2. Never carry out unauthorized experiments. Come to the laboratory pre-pared. If you are
unsure about what to do, please ask the instructor.
3. Carelessness in personal conduct or in handling equipment may result in serious injury to

the individual or the equipment. Do not run near moving machinery. Always be on the alert for
strange sounds. Guard against entangling clothes in moving parts of machinery.
4. Students must follow the proper dress code inside the laboratory. To protect clothing from
dirt, wear a lab coat. Long hair should be tied back. Shoes covering the whole foot will have to
be worn.
5. Don’t forget to bring calculator, graph sheets and drawing accessories when you come to
laboratory to performing the experiments, please proceed carefully to minimize any water
spills, especially on the electric circuits and wire.
6. Make your workplace clean before leaving the laboratory. Maintain silence, order and
discipline inside the lab.
7. Don’t use cell phones inside the laboratory.
8. Any injury no matter how small must be reported to the instructor immediately.
9. Start writing your Laboratory records early; don’t wait till the day before the lab records are
due. Most experiments require a significant amount of analysis, which cannot be done properly
if you start one or two days before the due date. Start early and give yourself time to get help
in case you run into problems, we cannot help you if you wait till the last moment.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY MANUAL
EXPERIMENT – 01
DETERMINATION OF WATER CONTENT BY OVEN DRYING
METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the natural moisture content of the given soil sample in the laboratory using Oven-
drying method. (In accordance with IS-2720, PART-2-1973)
THEORY:
The natural water content also called the natural moisture content is the ratio of the weight of water
to the weight of the solids in a given mass of soil. This ratio is usually expressed as percentage.
𝑊𝑤
𝑤= X 100
𝑊𝑠
APPARATUS:
• Containers: Non-corrodible air-tight container.

• Oven: Thermostatically controlled, with interior of non-corroding material to maintain the
temperature at 105°C to 110°C.
• Desiccator: A desiccator with any suitable desiccating agent.
• Weighing Balance: of sufficient sensitivity to weigh the soil samples to an accuracy of 0.04
% of the weight of the soil taken for the test.
PROCEDURE:
1. Clean the container and find its mass along with lid (M1).
2. Take a specimen of the sample in the container and weigh with lid (M2).
3. Keep the container in the oven with lid removed. Dry the specimen to constant weight
maintaining the temperature between 105°C to 110°C for a period varying with the type of soil
but usually 16 to 24 hours.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page1

4. Record the final constant weight (M3) of the container with dried soil sample. Peat and other
organic soils are to be dried at lower temperature (say 60°C) possibly for a longer period.
5. Calculate the water content in percentage using the formula and repeat the trials for accurate
results.
NOTE: IS recommendation for minimum quantity of soil specimen for test.
Size of particles more than 90% Minimum quantity of soil specimen to be taken for
passing test (Mass in gm)
425-micron IS Sieve 25
2- mm IS Sieve 50
4.75- mm IS Sieve 200
10- mm IS Sieve 300
20- mm IS Sieve 500
40- mm IS Sieve 1000
OBSERVATIONS:
SI.No. Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3
1 Mass of empty container with

lid (M1) in gm
2 Mass of container with lid +
wet soil (M2) in gm
3 Mass of container with lid +dry
soil (M3) in gm
4 Water/Moisture content
𝑀2 − 𝑀3
𝑤= 𝑋100
𝑀3 − 𝑀1

RESULT:
Average Moisture Content, w = _________________ (%)
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. A container without lid can be used, when moist sample is weighed immediately after placing the
container and oven dried sample is weighed immediately after cooling in desiccators.
2. As dry soil absorbs moisture from wet soil, dried samples should be removed before placing the
wet samples in the oven.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ In almost all soil tests natural moisture content of the soil is to be determined. The knowledge of
the natural moisture content is essential in all studies of soil mechanics. To sight a few, natural
moisture content is used in determining the bearing capacity and settlement. The natural moisture
content will give an idea of the state of soil in the field.
✓ The consistency of a fine- grained soil largely depends on its water content. The water content is
also used in expressing the phase relationships of air, water and solids in a given volume of soil.

EXPERIMENT – 02
DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
A) PYCNOMETER METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the specific gravity of soil fraction passing 4.75 mm I.S sieve by using pycnometer. (In
accordance with IS- 2720, PART-3-1980)
THEORY:
Specific gravity G is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of soil solids at a given
temperature to the weight of an equal volume of water at that temperature, both weights being taken
in air.
The value of specific gravity depends upon temperature; hence its value is reported at standard
temperature of 27°C.
Specific Gravity = Dry weight of soil
Weight of water equal to volume of dried soil
APPARATUS:
• 900 ml Pycnometer with conical brass cap.

• Wash bottle with distilled water
• Glass rod
• 4.75 mm IS Sieve
• Weighing balance sensitive to 0.001 g

PROCEDURE:
1. Dry the specimens to constant mass in oven at 110°C.

2. Select a 900 ml pycnometer with top and record mass in gm (M1).
3. A sample of oven dried soil cooled in a desiccator, is put in pycnometer and record the mass
in gm (M2).
4. Fill the pycnometer to half its height with distilled water and mix it thoroughly with glass rod.
Add more water and stir it. Dry the pycnometer from outside, and find the mass in gm (M3).
5. Empty the pycnometer; clean it thoroughly and fill it with distilled water to the hole of the
conical cap and find its mass in gm (M4).
6. Repeat the steps for more trials and calculate the average specific gravity using the formula.
OBSERVATIONS:
SI.No Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3
1 Pycnometer number
2 Mass of empty pycnometer (M1) in gm
3 Mass of empty pycnometer + soil (M2) in gm
4 Mass of empty pycnometer + soil + water (M3) in gm
5 Mass of pycnometer + water (M4) in gm

6 Specific gravity G =
M2−M1
(M2−M1)−(M3−M4)

RESULT:
The specific gravity of the given soil sample using pycnometer is ‘G’ ___________
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. The specific gravity of the soil particles lies within 2.65 – 2.85
2. The soils containing organic matter and porous particles may have specific gravity values
below 2.
3. Soils having heavy substances may have values above 3.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ The knowledge of specific gravity is needed in calculation of soil properties like void ratio,
degree of saturation etc.
✓ Its value helps up to some extent in identification and classification of soils.
✓ It gives an idea about the suitability of the soil as a construction material; higher value of
specific gravity gives more strength for roads and foundations. It is used in computing the
soil particle size by means of hydrometer analysis.

EXPERIMENT – 02
DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOIL
B) DENSITY BOTTLE METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the specific gravity of soil fraction passing 75µ I.S sieve by using density bottle. (In
THEORY:
Specific gravity G is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of soil solids at a given
temperature to the weight of an equal volume of water at that temperature, both weights being taken
in air.
The value of specific gravity depends upon temperature; hence its value is reported at standard
temperature of 27°C.
Specific Gravity = Dry weight of soil
Weight of water equal to volume of dried soil
APPARATUS:
• Density bottle of 50 ml with stopper having capillary hole.

• Constant temperature Water bath
• Wash bottle with distilled water
• 4.75 mm IS Sieve
• Weighing balance sensitive to 0.001 g
• Alcohol
• Ether

PROCEDURE:
1. Dry the specimens to constant mass in oven at 110°C.

2. Select a 50 ml density bottle along with stopper, clean and dry the density bottle using distilled
water and allow it to drain. Rinse the bottle with alcohol to remove the water and drain the
alcohol. Then rinse the bottle with ether to remove the alcohol and drain the ether. Turn the
bottle upside down for a few minutes to permit the ether vapor to come out.
3. Find the mass of the empty cleaned bottle (M1) accurate to 0.001 g with its stopper.
4. A sample of about 20-30 grams oven dried soil cooled in a desiccator is put in density bottle
and record the mass in g (M2).
5. Fill the density bottle to half its height with distilled water, so that the soil is fully soaked.
Leave it for a period of 2 to 10 hours.
6. Fill the bottle completely with water put the stopper in place and keeps it in constant water
bath to completely remove the air voids. Determine the mass of the density bottle along with
its contents (M3).
7. Empty the density bottle; clean it thoroughly and fill it with distilled water and find its mass
in g (M4).
8. Repeat the steps for more trials and calculate the average specific gravity using the formula.
OBSERVATIONS:
SI.No Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3
1 Density bottle number
2 Mass of empty density bottle (M1) in g
3 Mass of density bottle + soil (M2) in g
4 Mass of density bottle + soil + water (M3) in g
5 Mass of density bottle + water (M4) in g
6 M2−M1
Specific gravity G =
(M2−M1)−(M3−M4)

RESULT:
The specific gravity of the given soil sample using density bottle is ‘G’_____________
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. The specific gravity of the soil particles lies within 2.65 – 2.85
2. The soils containing organic matter and porous particles may have specific gravity values below
2.
3. Soils having heavy substances may have values above 3.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ The knowledge of specific gravity is needed in calculation of soil properties like void ratio, degree
of saturation etc.
✓ Its value helps up to some extent in identification and classification of soils.
✓ It gives an idea about the suitability of the soil as a construction material; higher value of specific
gravity gives more strength for roads and foundations. It is used in computing the soil particle
size by means of hydrometer analysis.

EXPERIMENT – 03
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOIL SAMPLE
A) SIEVE ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the percentage of different grain sizes contained within a coarse-grained soil. The sieve
analysis is performed using a mechanical sieve shaker. (In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-4,
1985)
THEORY:
Soils having particles larger than 0.075mm size are termed as coarse-grained soils. In these soils
more than 50% of the total material by mass is larger than 75 micron. Coarse grained soil may have
boulder, cobble, gravel and sand.
Coarse grained soils may have rounded to angular bulky, hard, rock particles with the following sizes:
Boulder - more than 300 mm dia.
Cobble - smaller than 300 mm and larger than 80mm
Gravel (G) - smaller than 80mm and larger than 4.75mm.
Coarse gravel- 20mm to 4.75mm
Sand (S) - smaller than 4.75 mm and larger than 0.075mm
• Coarse: 4.75mm to 2mm

• Medium: 2.0mm to 425 micron
• Fine: 425 micron to 75 micron

APPARATUS:
• Weighing Balance: Sensitive to 0.1 percent of the weight of sample to be weighed.

• Set of sieves: 4.75mm IS sieve, 2.36mm IS sieve, 1.18mm IS sieve, 600-micron IS sieve,
425-micron IS sieve, 300 -micron IS sieve, 150- micron IS sieve, 75-micron IS sieve.
• Mechanical Sieve shaker
• Cleaning brush
• Thermostatically controlled oven-with interior on non-corroding material to maintain the
temperature between 105◦C to 110 ◦C
PROCEDURE:
1. The portion of the soil passing 4.75-mm IS Sieve obtained and shall be oven-dried at 105 to
110°C and weighed to 0.1 % of its total mass.
2. Use a known weight of dried soil with all the grains properly separated out. The maximum weight
of soil taken for analysis may not exceed 1000 g.
3. Set the sieves one over the other with an ascending order of sieve sizes from the bottom with a
pan attached to the lowest 75µ sieve and fit the nest to a mechanical sieve shaker.
4. Place the selected sample of soil on the top of 4.75 mm sieve and close with a cap.
5. The whole nest of sieves is fixed into sieve shaking machine and sieved for about 10 min.
6. The soil fraction retained on each sieve shall be carefully collected in containers and the mass of
each fraction is determined and recorded.

OBSERVATIONS:
SI.No Sieve size Weight of soil Cumulative % Cumulative % finer
retained on each weight weight retained ‘N’
sieve (g) Retained (g)
1 4.75mm
2 2.36mm
3 1.18mm
4 600 micron
5 425 micron
6 300 micron
7 212 micron
8 150 micron
9 75 micron
10 Pan
CALCULATION:
1. The percentage of soil retained on each sieve shall be calculated on the basis of total weight of soil
sample taken.
2. Cumulative percentage of soil retained on successive sieve is found.
Uniformity coefficient Cu = D60
D10
Coefficient of curvature Cc= D² (30)
D60 x D10

RESULT:
1. The Particle size distribution curve is plotted in semi-log graph.
2. Coefficient of Uniformity of soil CU =___________
3. Coefficient of curvature of soil CC = ____________
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. While drying the temperature of the oven should not be more than 105°C because higher
temperature may cause some permanent change in the -75 μ materials.
2. During shaking, sample soil should not be allowed to come out.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ The grain size distribution curve gives an idea regarding the gradation of the soil i.e. it is possible
to identify whether a soil is well graded or poorly graded.
✓ The distribution of different grain sizes affects the engineering properties of the soil. Grain size
analysis provides the grain size distribution, and it is required in classifying the soil.
✓ It is also used in the design of drainage filter.
✓ It is used to select fill materials of embankments, earth dams, road sub base material.

EXPERIMENT – 03
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOIL SAMPLE
B) HYDROMETER ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the percentage of different grain sizes contained within a fine-grained soil by
conducting Hydrometer analysis. (In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-4, 1985)
THEORY:
Soils having particles lesser than 0.075mm size are termed as fine-grained soils. In these soils more
than 50% of the total material by mass is lesser than 75 microns. Fine grained soil may have Silt and
clay.
Hydrometer analysis is based on Stokes law. According to this law, the velocity at which grains
settles out of suspension, all other factors being equal, is dependent upon the shape, weight and size
of the grain.
In case of soil, it is assumed that the soil particles are spherical and have the same specific gravity.
Therefore, we can say that in a soil water suspension the coarser particles will settle more quickly
than the finer ones.
If V is the terminal velocity of sinking of a spherical particle, it is given by;
V = 1/18 [(Gs - Gw)/ ɳ)] *D2
Where,
V = Terminal velocity of soil particle (cm/s)
D = Diameter of soil particle (cm)
Gs = Specific gravity of soil particle
Gw = specific gravity of water
ɳ = viscosity of water (g-s/cm)

APPARATUS:
• Hydrometer
• Mechanical stirrer with dispersion cup.
• Glass cylinders of 1000-ml capacity
• Deflocculating agent (33g of Sodium hexa metaphosphate and 7g of sodium carbonate in
distilled water to make one litre solution.)
• Stop watch
• Thermometer
• Balance sensitive to ± 0.01g
PROCEDURE:
1. Take about 50g in case of clayey soil and 100g in case of sandy soil and weigh it correctly to 0.1g.
2. In case the soil contains considerable amount of organic matter or calcium compounds, pre-
treatment of the soil with Hydrogen Peroxide or Hydrochloric acid may be necessary. In case of soils
containing less than 20 percent of the above substances pre-treatment shall be avoided.
3. To the soil thus treated, add 100 cc of sodium hexametaphosphate solution and warm it gently for
10 minutes and transfer the contents to the cup of the mechanical mixer using a jet of distilled water
to wash all the traces of the soil.
4. Stir the soil suspension for about 15 minutes.
5. Transfer the suspension to the Hydrometer jar and make up the volume exactly to 1000 cc by
adding distilled water.
6. Take another Hydrometer jar with 1000cc distilled water to store the hydrometer in between
consecutive readings of the soil suspension to be recorded. Note the specific gravity readings and the
temperature T0C of the water occasionally.
7. Mix the soil suspension roughly, by placing the palm of the right hand over the open end and
holding the bottom of the jar with the left hand turning the jar upside down and back. When the jar
is upside down be sure no soil is tuck to the base of the graduated jar. 8.Immediately after shaking,
place the Hydrometer jar on the table and start the stopwatch. Insert the Hydrometer into the
suspension carefully and take Hydrometer readings at the total elapsed times of ¼, ½, 1 and 2
minutes.

9. After 2 minutes reading, remove the Hydrometer and transfer it to the distilled water jar and repeat
step no-8. Normally a pair of the same readings should be obtained before proceeding further.
10. Take the subsequent hydrometer readings at elapsed timings of 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 60 minutes
and every one hour thereafter. Each time a reading is taken remove the hydrometer from the
suspension and keep it in the jar containing distilled water. Care should be taken when the
Hydrometer recorded to see that the Hydrometer is at rest without any movement. As time elapses,
because of the fall of the solid particles the density of the fluid suspension decreases reading, which
should be checked as a guard against possible error in readings of the Hydrometer.
11. Continue recording operation of the Hydrometer readings until the hydrometer reads 1.000
approximately.
CALIBRATION OF THE HYDROMETER

The hydrometer shall be calibrated to determine its true depth in terms of the hydrometer reading
(see Fig-1) in the following steps:
Fig-1. Hydrometer calibration

1. Determine the volume of the hydrometer bulb (Vh). This may be determined in following way:
By measuring the volume of water displaced. Fill a 1000-cc graduate with water to approximately
700 cc. Observe and record the reading of the water level. Insert the hydrometer and again observe
and record the reading. The difference in these two readings equals the volume of the bulb plus the
part of the stem that is submerged. The error due to inclusion of this latter quantity is so small that it
may be neglected for practical purposes.
2. Determine the area (A) of the graduate in which the hydrometer is to be used by measuring the
distance between two graduations. The area A is equal to the volume included between the
graduations divided by the measured distance.
3. Measure and record the distances from the lowest calibration mark on the stem of the hydrometer
to each of the other major calibration marks, R.
4. Measure and record the distance from the neck of the bulb to the lowest calibration mark. The
distance H corresponding to a reading R, equals the sum of the two distances measured in steps (3)
and (4).
5. Measure the distance from the neck to the tip of the bulb. Record this as the height of the bulb (h).
The distance, h/2, locates the centre of volume of a symmetrical bulb. If a non-symmetrical bulb is
used, the centre of volume can be determined with sufficient accuracy by projecting the shape of the
bulb on a sheet of paper and locating the centre of gravity of this projected area.
6. Compute the true distances, He corresponding to each of the major calibration marks, Rh, from the
formula:
He = H + ½ [h – (Vh /A)]
7. Plot the curve expressing the relation between He and Rh as shown in Figure 2. The relation is
essentially a straight line for hydrometers having a streamlined shape.

Fig-2. Typical hydrometer calibration chart
HYDROMETER CORRECTIONS
Meniscus Correction (Cm): Since the suspension is opaque, the readings will be taken at the top of
the meniscus while the actual should be from the bottom of the meniscus. It is constant for a
hydrometer (Always positive).
Temperature Correction (Ct): If the temperature is less than 270C, the correction is negative and
vice-versa. Temperature should be measured from starting till end of the tests at regular intervals and
are averaged. Then it is compared with the standard temperature (270C).
Dispersion Agent Correction (Cd): Addition of dispersing agent always increases the specific
gravity of the specimen. Hence, this correction is always negative.
ALTERNATIVE CORRECTIONS (COMBINED): Composite Correction for Dispersion Agent

and Temperature, (Ct – Cd): Insert the hydrometer in the comparison cylinder containing dispersant
solution in distilled water with the same concentration as used for making the soil suspension. The
Composite correction (Ct – Cd) is negative of the hydrometer reading corresponding to the top
meniscus. It has to be taken every 30 minutes throughout the test.

OBSERVATIONS:
1. Sample No: _____ 2. Soil’s specific gravity oil (Gs)=______ 3. Weight of oven dried soil _________ 4. Hydrometer No.= _______
5. Dispersing agent correction (Cd) = ___6. Temperature correction (Ct)= __7. Meniscus correction (Cm) =____8. Cross-sectional area of the jar= __
9. Weight of soil for sieve analysis (W)= ______ 10. Weight passing from 0.075 mm sieve (Wf)= ______ In suspension (WS) = _____
Actual Elapsed Hydrometer R’H / = R= R’H + He F Particle size Percent % Finer

time time ‘T’ Reading (RH + Cm) (Ct – Cd) Effective See Table √ He /T D=F√ He /T Finer N' on the
in IST (in min) (RH) Depth (in mm) % total wt.
[See N
Chart]
30 sec
1 min
2 min
5 min
10 min
15 min
30 min
1 hr.
2 hrs.
4 hrs.
8 hrs.
24 hrs.

CALCULATION:
1. Percentage Finer N' %
Where,
Gs= specific gravity of solids
R = corrected hydrometer reading,
Ws = mass of dry soil in 1000 ml suspension.
2. Percentage Finer on the total wt. N

Wf
N= 𝑋 𝑁′
W
Where, Wf = Weight of soil passing through 0.075 mm sieve
W= Weight of soil for sieve analysis
RESULT:
The amount of clay in the given soil sample =____________%
The amount of silt in the given soil sample = _____________%
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. In case the soil contains considerable amount of organic matter or calcium compounds, pre-
treatment of the soil with Hydrogen Peroxide or Hydrochloric acid may be necessary.
2. During shaking, sample soil should not be allowed to come out.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ Hydrometer test is used to determine what type of clay mineral is predominant in a given soil
sample (Example: kaolonite, illite, montmorillonite, etc).
✓ The distribution of different grain sizes affects the engineering properties of the soil. Grain size
analysis provides the grain size distribution, and it is required in classifying the soil.
✓ Used to predict the soil water movement although permeability tests are more generally used.
✓ Used in the design of filter for earth dams.
✓ To determine the suitability of soil for road construction, air field etc.

EXPERIMENT – 04
DETERMINATION OF INSITU DENSITY OF SOIL
A) CORE CUTTER METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the dry density and dry unit weight of soil in-place by core cutter method. (In
THEORY:
The moisture content is likely to vary from time to time and hence the field density also. So, it is
required to report the test result in terms of dry density. Density is defined as the mass per unit
volume of soil.
𝑀
𝜌= Where, M–Mass (g) & V–Volume (cc)
𝑉
Dry density of the soil is calculated by using equation
𝜌 d= 𝜌 t Where, 𝜌t – wet density of soil (g/cc)
1+w w – Water content
Void ratio, Porosity and Degree of saturation are inter-related with density of soil and they can be
computed by using the density of the soil.
𝐺 𝜌w
• 𝑒= −1
𝜌d
𝑒
• 𝑛=
1+ 𝑒
𝐺𝑤
• 𝑆=
𝑒
APPARATUS:
• Cylindrical core cutter, 100mm internal diameter and 130mm long
• Steel rammer, mass 9kg, overall length with the foot and staff about 900mm.
• Steel dolley, 25mm high and 100mm internal diameter
• Weighing balance, accuracy 1g.
• Palette knife.

• Straight edge, steel rule etc.

PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the internal diameter and height of the core cutter to the nearest 0.25mm.
2. Determine the empty mass of the core cutter (M1) to the nearest gram.
3. Expose a small area of the soil to be tested. Level the surface, about 300mm square in area.
4. Place the dolley over the top of the core cutter and press the core cutter into the soil mass using
the rammer. Stop the pressing when about 15mm of the dolley protrudes above the soil surface.
5. Excavate the soil around the cutter with a crow bar and gently lift the cutter without disturbing
the soil in it.
6. Remove the dolley. Trim the top and bottom surface of the core cutter carefully using a straight
edge.
7. Find the mass of core cutter along with soil (M2) to the nearest gram.
8. Remove the soil from the core cutter, using a sample ejector and take a representative soil sample
from it to determine the moisture content (w).
Fig.:1 Core cutter Apparatus

OBSERVATIONS:
1) Height of core cutter (h)________cm
2) Diameter of core cutter (d) _______cm
Volume of core cutter (VC)= (πd2/4) x h _______ cm3
S.I.NO Description Trial - 1 Trial - 2 Trial - 3

A Determination of Bulk density
1 Volume of core cutter (VC) in cc
2 Mass of core cutter (MC) in g
3 Mass of core cutter + Wet soil (MCS) in g
4 Mass of soil MS=(MCS-MC) in g
5 Bulk density ρb=MS g/cm3
VC
B Determination of Water Content
6 Mass of empty container with lid (M1) in g
7 Mass of container with lid + wet soil (M2) in g
8 Mass of container with lid +dry soil (M3) in g
9 Water/Moisture content in %
𝑀2 − 𝑀3
𝑤= 𝑋100
𝑀3 − 𝑀1
C Determination of Dry density
10 Dry density ρd= ρb g/cm3
1+w
D Determination of Void ratio, Porosity and
Degree of Saturation
11 𝐺 𝜌w
Void ratio,𝑒 = −1
𝜌d
𝑒
12 Porosity,𝑛 = 1+ 𝑒
13 𝐺𝑤
Degree of Saturation, 𝑆 = 𝑋 100
𝑒

RESULT:
1. Average Water content of the soil w = __________%
2. The dry density of in-situ soil by Core Cutter method is ρd = _________ g/cc
3. The dry unit weight of in-situ soil is ɣd= ρd X9.81 =___________ kN/m3
4. Void ratio of the soil sample e = ________
5. Porosity of the soil sample n = _________
6. Degree of saturation of the soil sample S = _________%
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. Steel dolley should be placed on the top of the cutter before ramming it down.
2. Core cutter should not be used in gravels and boulders.
3. Before lifting the cutter, soil should be removed round the cutter, to minimize the disturbances.
4. While lifting the cutter, no soil should drop down.
5. During pressing and lifting the cutter care should be taken that some soil is projected at both the
ends of the cutter.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ Density of soils is needed in calculation of soil properties like void ratio, porosity, degree of
saturation etc.
✓ Density is used in calculating the stress in the soil due to its overburden pressure.
✓ It is needed in estimating the bearing capacity of soil foundation system, settlement of footings,
earth pressures behind the retaining walls, dams, embankments. Stability of natural slopes, dams
and embankments checked with the help of density of these soils.
✓ Permeability of soils depends upon its density.
✓ Relative density of cohesion less soils is determined by knowing the dry density of that soil in
natural, loosest and densest states.

EXPERIMENT – 04
DETERMINATION OF INSITU DENSITY OF SOIL
B) SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the dry density and dry unit weight of soil in-place by sand replacement method. (In
THEORY:
The moisture content is likely to vary from time to time and hence the field density also. So it is
required to report the test result in terms of dry density. Density is defined as the mass per unit
volume of soil.
𝑀
𝜌= Where, M – Mass (g) & V – Volume (cc)
𝑉
Dry density of the soil is calculated by using equation
𝜌d = 𝜌t Where, 𝜌t – wet density of soil (g/cc)
1+w w – Water content
Void ratio, Porosity and Degree of saturation are inter-related with density of soil and they can be
computed by using the density of the soil.
𝐺 𝜌w
• 𝑒= −1
𝜌d
𝑒
• 𝑛=
1+ 𝑒
𝐺𝑤
• 𝑆=
𝑒
APPARATUS:
• Sand pouring cylinder - 3 litre/16.5 litre capacity, mounted above a pouring come and
separated by a shutter cover plate.
• Tools for excavating holes - suitable tools such as scraper tool to make a level surface.

• Cylindrical Calibrating Container-with an internal diameter of 100 mm and an internal depth

of 150 mm.
• Clean, uniformly graded natural sand passing through 1.00 mm I.S.sieve and retained on the
600micron I.S.sieve.
• Weighing balance, accuracy 1g.
• Plane Surface - Glass or Perspex Plate or Other Plane Surface -About 450 mm square and 9
mm thick or larger.
• Metal Containers -to collect excavated soil. A convenient size is one about 150 mm diameter
and 200 mm deep with a removable cover.
• Metal Tray with Hole - 300 mm square and 40 mm deep with a100 mm hole in the Centre.
PROCEDURE:
A) Calibration of Apparatus
1. Determine the internal volume of the calibrating container by measuring the internal dia and height
of the container.
2. Fill the pouring cylinder with sand within about 1.0 cm of the top and weight itand this weight
should be maintained constant throughout the test for which the calibration is used.
3. Place the pouring cylinder concentrically on the top the calibrating container.
4. Open the shutter to allow the sand to run out and fill calibrating cylinder.
5. When there is no further movement of sand in the pouring cylinder close the shutter.
6. Remove the pouring cylinder and weight it to the nearest gram.
7. Place the pouring cylinder on a plane surface such as the glass plate
8. Open the shutter and allow the sand to run out. When there is no movement of sand in the cylinder,
close the shutter.
9. Weigh the pouring cylinder with remaining sand.

B) Measurement of Soil Density
1. Clean and level the ground where the field density is required.
2. Fill the pouring cylinder with dry sand within about 1.0 cm of the top and weigh it.
3. Place the metal tray with the central hole over the portion of soil to be tested.
4. Excavate the soil approximately 10 cm dia and 15 cm deep with bent spoon. The hole in the tray
will guide the diameter of the hole to be made in the soil.
5. Collect the excavated soil in the metal tray; weigh it to the nearest gram.
6. Determine moisture content of the excavated soil.
7. Place the pouring cylinder over the hole so that base of the cylinder over concentrically.
8. Open the shutter and allow the sand to run out into the hole. When there is no Further movement
of sand, the shutter is closed. Remove the cylinder and weigh it.
Fig.1 Sand pouring cylinder and calibrating container

OBSERVATIONS:
Internal diameter of the calibrating container d= __________ cm
Internal Height of the calibrating container h= ____________cm
Volume of calibrating container Vc = πd2/4 x h = __________cm3
S.I. NO Description Trial - 1 Trial - 2 Trial - 3

A Calibration of the cylinder
1 Mass of SP cylinder + sand before pouring
(M1) in g
2 Mass of sand in cone portion (M2) in g
B Determination of Bulk density of sand
3 Volume of calibrating container (VC) in cc
4 Mass of SP cylinder + sand after pouring (M3)
in g
5 Mass of sand filling calibrating container
(M’)= M1 - M3 - M2 in g
6 Bulk density of std. sand (g/cc)
M′
ρs =
Vc
C Determination of Bulk density of soil
7 Mass of wet soil from the hole (MS) in g
8 Mass of SP cylinder + sand after filling the hole

(M4) in g
9 Mass of sand in the hole

M′′ =M1 - M4 - M2 (g)
10 M′′
Volume of the holeVh = cc
ρs
11 MS
Bulk density of Soil ρb = Vh g/cc

D Determination of Water Content

6 Mass of empty container with lid (M1) in g
7 Mass of container with lid + wet soil (M2) in g
8 Mass of container with lid +dry soil (M3) in g
9 Water/Moisture content in %
𝑀2 − 𝑀3
𝑤= 𝑋100
𝑀3 − 𝑀1
E Determination of Dry density
10 Dry density ρd = ρb g/cm3
1+w
F Determination of Void ratio, Porosity and
Degree of Saturation
11 𝐺 𝜌w
Void ratio, 𝑒= −1
𝜌d
𝑒
12 Porosity, 𝑛 = 1+ 𝑒
13 𝐺𝑤
Degree of Saturation, 𝑆 = 𝑋 100
𝑒
RESULT:
1. Average Water content of the soil w = ________ %
2. The dry density of in-situ soil by sand replacement method is ρd = _______ g/cc
3. The dry unit weight of in-situ soil is ɣd = ρd X 9.81 =___________ kN/m3
4. Void ratio of the soil sample e = ________
5. Porosity of the soil sample n = _________
6. Degree of saturation of the soil sample S = _______%
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. The excavated hole must be equal to the volume of the calibrating container.
2. Care should be taken in excavating the hole so that it is not enlarged by levering the dibber against
the side of the hole, as this will result in lower density being recorded.
3. No lose material should be left in the hole.

4. Initial height of sand in the pouring cylinder should be kept same during calibration and density
determinations.
5. There should be no vibrations during this test.
6. Since dry density of soils varies from point to point, it is necessary to repeat the test at several
points, it is necessary to repeat the test at several points and to average the result.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ Density of soils is needed in calculation of soil properties like void ratio, porosity, degree of
saturation etc.
✓ Density is used in calculating the stress in the soil due to its overburden pressure.
✓ It is needed in estimating the bearing capacity of soil foundation system, settlement of footings,
earth pressures behind the retaining walls, dams, embankments. Stability of natural slopes, dams
and embankments checked with the help of density of these soils.
✓ Permeability of soils depends upon its density.
✓ Relative density of cohesion less soils is determined by knowing the dry density of that soil in
natural, loosest and densest states.

EXPERIMENT – 05
DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT
A) CASAGRANDE METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Liquid limit of soil sample passing through425 micron I.S sieve by using
Casagrande’s apparatus. (In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-5-1985)
THEORY:
Soil consistency is defined as the relative ease with which a soil can be deformed use the terms of
soft, firm, or hard. Soil consistence provides a means of describing the degree and kind of cohesion
and adhesion between the soil particles as related to the resistance of the soil to deform or rupture.
Attterberg in 1911 proposed a series of tests for the determination of consistency properties of fine
grained soils these are known as Atterberg’s limits or Consistency limits.
Liquid Limit is the water content corresponding to arbitrary limit between liquid and plastic state of
consistency of a soil. It is defined as the minimum water content at which the soil is still in the liquid
state but has a small shearing strength against flowing which may be measured by standard available
means. With reference to the standard liquid limit device, it is defined as “the minimum water content
at which a part of soil cut by a groove of standard dimensions will flow together for a distance of 12
mm under an impact of 25 blows in the device”.

APPARATUS:
• Casagrande’s Liquid limit device.
• Grooving tool.
• 425μ IS sieve.
• Flat Glass Plate - 10 mm thick and about 45 cm square or larger.
• Spatula - flexible, with the blade about 8 cm long and 2 cm wide.
• Wash bottle containing distilled water.
• Weighing Balance: sensitive to 0.01 g.
PROCEDURE:
1. Adjust the cup of the liquid limit apparatus with the help of grooving tool gauge & the adjustment
plate to give a drop of exactly 1 cm on the point of contact on base.
2. Take about 120gm of an air-dried sample passing 425 micron IS sieve.
3. Mix it thoroughly with some distilled water to from a uniform paste.
4. Place a portion of the paste in the cup of the liquid limit device; smooth the surface with spatula
to a maximum depth of 1cm.
5. Draw the grooving tool through the sample along the symmetrical axis of the cup, holding the
tool perpendicular to the cup.
6. Turn the handle at a rate of 2 revolutions per second and count the number of blows until two
parts of the soil sample come into contact at the bottom of the groove along a distance of 12 mm.
7. Transfer about 15gm of the soil forming the edges of the groove that flowed together to a water
content tin and determine the water content by oven drying.
8. Transfer the remaining soil in the cup to the main soil sample in the basin and mix thoroughly
after adding a small amount of water.
9. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6. Obtain at least four sets of readings in the range of 10 to 40 blows.

Fig-1. Casagrande’s Liquid Limit apparatus
OBSERVATIONS:
SI.No. Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3 Trial-4 Trial-5
1 Container no
2 Number of blows
3 Empty mass of the
container (M1)
4 Mass of container + wet
soil (M2) in g
5 Mass of container + dry
soil(M3) in g
6 Mass of moisture(Mw) in g
7 Mass of dry soil(Md) in g
8 Water content
w= Mw/Md X 100 in %
CALCULATION:
1. Draw a graph showing the relationship between water content (on y-axis) and number of
blows (on x-axis) on semi-log graph. The curve obtained is called flow curve. The moisture
content corresponding to 25 drops (blows) represents the liquid limit.
2. Flow index If= (w2 – w1)/log10 (N1/N2)

Where w1 and w2 are the water contents corresponding to the number of blows N1 and
N2 and If is the slope of the flow curve, called the ‘flow index’.
RESULT:
1. The liquid limit of the soil sample using Casagrande’s method is wL = _______ %
2. Flow index If = __________ %
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. Use distilled water in order to minimize the possibility of iron exchange between the soil and
any impurities in the water.
2. Soil used for liquid and plastic limit determinations should not be oven dried prior to testing.
3. In liquid limit test, the groove should be closed by a flow of the soil and not by slippage
between the soil and the cup.
4. After mixing distilled water to the soil sample, sufficient time should be given to permeate the
water throughout the soil mass.
5. Wet soil taken in the container for moisture content determination should not be left open in the
air even for some time, the containers with soil samples should either be placed in desiccators
or immediately be weighed,
6. For each test, cup and grooving tool, should be clean.

SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ The value of liquid limit is used for classifying the fine grained cohesive soils according to Indian
Standard on soil classification.
✓ The values of these limits are also used in calculating the flow index, toughness index, and
relative plasticity index which are useful in giving an idea about the plasticity, cohesiveness,
compressibility, shear strength, permeability, consistency and state of cohesive soils.

EXPERIMENT – 05
DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT
B) CONE PENETRATION METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Liquid limit of soil sample passing through 425 micron I.S sieve by Cone
penetration method. (In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-5-1985)
THEORY:
Soil consistency is defined as the relative ease with which a soil can be deformed use the terms of
soft, firm, or hard. Soil consistence provides a means of describing the degree and kind of cohesion
and adhesion between the soil particles as related to the resistance of the soil to deform or rupture.
Attterberg in 1911 proposed a series of tests for the determination of consistency properties of fine
grained soils these are known as Atterberg’s limits or Consistency limits.
Liquid Limit is the water content corresponding to arbitrary limit between liquid and plastic state of
consistency of a soil. It is defined as the minimum water content at which the soil is still in the liquid
state but has a small shearing strength against flowing which may be measured by standard available
means. With reference to the standard cone penetrometer, the cone has a central angle of 31◦ and total
sliding mass of 80gm. The soil pat is kept in a cylindrical trough, 5cm in diameter and 5cm high,
below the cone. “The moisture content corresponding to cone penetration of 20 mm shall be taken as
the liquid limit of the soil”.
APPARATUS:
• Cone Penetrometer
• 425μ IS sieve
• Spatula - flexible, with the blade about 8 cm long and 2 cm wide


PROCEDURE:
1. Take about 150gm of an air-dried soil sample passing 425μ sieve.
2. Mix the soil thoroughly with some distilled water to form a uniform paste.
3. Lift the sliding mass of cone penetrometer and lock it.
4. Place a portion of the paste in the cup of the cone penetrometer; smoothen the surface with
spatula.
5. Release the sliding mass attached to the cone such that cone point should be touched to the
top of the paste. This point is treated as initial reading on graduated scale.
6. Suddenly release the sliding mass, then cone penetrates in to the soil paste to some depth.
This point is treated as final reading on graduated scale.
7. The difference in readings (initial and final) will give the depth of penetration in mm.
8. Repeat steps 4 – 7. Obtain at least three sets of readings of penetration in the range of 14 –
28mm.
9. The exact moisture content of each trial shall be determined.
10. Record the observations in the Table.
11. A graph is plotted between Water content and Cone penetration. The best fitting straight line
is then drawn.

Fig-1 Cone penetrometer apparatus
OBSERVATIONS:
SI. No. Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3 Trial-4 Trial-5
1 Container no
2 Penetration in mm
3 Empty mass of the
container (M1)
soil (M2) in g
5 Mass of container + dry
soil(M3) in g
8 Water content
w= Mw/Md x 100 in %
RESULT:
The liquid limit of the soil sample using Cone penetrometer method is wL = __________ %

GENERAL REMARKS:
3. After mixing distilled water to the soil sample, sufficient time should be given to permeate the
water throughout the soil mass.
or immediately be weighed,
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ The value of liquid limit is used for classifying the fine grained cohesive soils according to Indian
Standard on soil classification.
✓ The values of these limits are also used in calculating the flow index, toughness index, and
relative plasticity index which are useful in giving an idea about the plasticity, cohesiveness,
compressibility, shear strength, permeability, consistency and state of cohesive soils.

EXPERIMENT – 06
DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Plastic limit of soil sample passing through 425 micron I.S sieve.
(In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-5-1985)
THEORY:
‘Plastic Limit’ of Soil is defined as the lowest moisture content and expressed as a percentage of the
weight of the oven dried soil at which the soil can be rolled into threads one-eighth inch (or 3mm) in
diameter, without the soil breaking into pieces. This is also the moisture content of a solid at which
a soil changes from a plastic state to a semi-solid state.
APPARATUS:
• 425μ IS sieve
• Spatula - flexible, with the blade about 8 cm long and 2 cm wide
• 3mm diameter rod.
PROCEDURE:
1. Take about 30g of air dried soil sample passing through 425μ sieve.
2. Mix thoroughly with distilled water on the glass plate until it is plastic enough to be shaped into
a small ball.

3. Take about 10g of the plastic soil mass and roll it between the hand and the glass plate to form
the soil mass into a thread of as small diameter as possible. If the diameter of the thread becomes
less than 3 mm without cracks, it indicates that the water added to the soil is more than its plastic
limit; hence the soil is kneaded further and rolled into thread again.
4. Repeat this rolling and remoulding process until the thread start just crumbling at a diameter of
3mm.
5. If the soil sample start crumbling before the diameter of thread reaches 3mm in step 3, it shows
that water added in step 2 is less than the plastic limit of the soil. Hence, some more water should
be added and mixed to a uniform mass and rolled again, until the thread starts just crumbling at
a dia of 3mm.
6. Collect the piece of crumbled soil thread at 3mm diameter in an airtight container and determine
moisture content.
7. Repeat this procedure on the remaining masses of 10g.
8. Record the observations in Table and obtain the average value of plastic limit.
OBSERVATIONS:
SI. No. Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3 Trial-4 Trial-5

1 Container no
2 Empty mass of the

container (M1)
soil (M2) in g
4 Mass of container+ dry
soil(M3) in g
7 Water content
w= Mw/Mdx 100 in %

CALCULATION OF ATTERBERG INDICES

1. Plasticity index IP = wL- wP
2. Toughness Index IT = IP/If
RESULT:
The Plastic limit of the soil sample is wp= ____ %
Plasticity index IP = _______ %
Toughness Index IT = ______%
GENERAL REMARKS:
or immediately be weighed.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ Helps in the assessing the suitability of soil for making bricks, tiles and soil cement block and
also as a foundation for structure.
✓ The value of plastic limit helps in classification of fine grain soil.
✓ The values of plastic limit are required to calculate flow index, toughness index etc.

EXPERIMENT – 07
DETERMINATION OF SHRINKAGE LIMIT
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Shrinkage limit and shrinkage factors of soil sample passing through 425 micron
I.S sieve. (In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-6-1972)
THEORY:
Shrinkage limit is the maximum water content at which a reduction in water content does not cause
an appreciable decrease in volume of the soil mass. At shrinkage limit, on further reduction in water,
air starts to enter into the voids of the soil and keeps the volume of voids constant.
APPARATUS:
• Shrinkage dish (porcelain / stainless steel/brass with flat bottom about4.5 cm in dia and 1.5
cm high)
• Porcelain evaporated dish, about 12cm diameter with flat bottom.
• Glass cup, 50 to 55 mm in diameter and 25 mm in height, the top rim of which is ground
smooth and level.
• Glass plates. 2 nos., each measuring 75 x 75 mm, one plate shall be of plain glass and the
other shall have prongs.
• Mercury.
• 425 micron IS sieve.
• Spatula: flexible, with the blade about 8 cm long and 2 cm wide.
• Straight edge- steel, about 15 cm in length.
• Desiccator
• Balance (sensitivity 0.01 gm)

PROCEDURE:
1. Mix about 30gm of soil passing 425-micron sieve with distilled water. The water added
should be sufficient to make the soil paste enough to be readily worked into the shrinkage
dish without inclusion of air bubbles.
2. Coat the inside of the shrinkage dish with a thin layer of Vaseline to prevent the soil sticking
to the dish. Place the soil sample in the dish, by giving gentle taps. Strike off the top surface
with a straight edge.
3. Note the mass of shrinkage dish immediately with full of wet soil. Dry the dish fist in air and
then in an oven at 1050C to 1100C say about 12 to 16 hrs.
4. Note down the mass of shrinkage dish with dry soil pat.
5. Clean dry the shrinkage dish and determine its empty mass.
6. Also weigh an empty porcelain dish which will be used for weighing mercury. This dish will
be known as mercury weighing dish.
7. Keep the shrinkage dish in a large porcelain dish, fill it overflowing with mercury and remove
the excess by pressing the plain glass plate firmly over the top of the dish. Transfer the
contents of shrinkage dish to the mercury weighing dish and weigh it.
8. Place the glass cup in a large dish, fill it to over flowing with mercury, and remove the excess
by pressing glass plate with pre-prongs firmly over the top of the cup.
9. Wipe the outside of the glass cup to remove any adhering mercury, and then place it in another
large dish. Place the dry Soil pat on the surface of the mercury and submerge it under the
mercury by pressing with glass plate with prongs.
10. Transfers the mercury displaced by the dry soil pat to the mercury weighing dish and note
down its mass.
11. Repeat the test at least three times for each soil sample.

Fig-1. Apparatus for determining volume-change in the shrinkage limit test
OBSERVATIONS:
SI. Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3
No
A Determination of water content of wet soil pat.
1 Shrinkage dish no
2 Empty Mass of shrinkage dish (Ms)in g
3 Mass of shrinkage dish + wet soil pat(MSw)in g
4 Mass of shrinkage dish + dry soil pat ( MSd) in g
5 Mass of dry soil pat (Md) = Msd - Ms in g
6 Mass of water (Mw) =MSw - MSd in g

𝑀𝑤
7 Water content of soil pat (w)= 𝑋100
𝑀𝑑
B Determination of volume of wet soil pat

8 Empty Mass of shrinkage dish (Ms)in g
9 Mass of shrinkage dish + Mercury (Msm)in g
10 Mass of Mercury(Mm) = Msm – Msin g

11 Volume of wet soil pat(Vw) = Mm

13.6
C Determination of Volume of dry soil pat.
12 Mass of Porcelain bowl (Mp) in g
13 Mass of Porcelain bowl + displaced mercury (Mpm)
in g
14 Mass of displaced mercury(Mdm) in g
15 Volume of dry soil pat(Vd) = Mdm
13.6
D Shrinkage limit (ws)
16 (Vw − Vd)𝜌w
𝑤𝑠 = 𝑤 − 𝑋100
𝑀𝑑
E Shrinkage ratio (SR)
17 𝑀𝑑
𝑆𝑅 =
Vd𝜌w
F Volumetric Shrinkage (VS)
18 𝑉𝑆 = (𝑤 − 𝑤𝑠)𝑆𝑅
G Linear Shrinkage (Ls)
19 100
𝐿𝑠 = 100[1 − (𝑉𝑆+100)ˆ1/3]
RESULT:
(a) The Shrinkage Limit of the given soil sample is ws = _________
(b) Shrinkage ratio SR =______________
(c) Volumetric Shrinkage VS = ________
(d) Linear Shrinkage Ls = _____________

GENERAL REMARKS:
1. The water content of the soil taken in shrinkage dish should be above liquid limit but within 10%
from liquid limit.
2. To prevent the cake from adhering to the shrinkage dish and consequent cracking of the dry soil
pat, the inside of the shrinkage dish should be greased with Vaseline.
3. During filling the shrinkage dish with soil paste, sufficient tapping should be done to remove the
entrapped air.
4. The dry soil pat should be weighed soon after it has been removed from the air.
5. Test should be repeated at least three times for each soil sample and the average of the results
thus obtained reported. If any individual value varies from the average by ± 2%, it should be
discarded and test repeated.
6. No air should be entrapped under the dry soil pat when pressing by the glass with prongs is being
carried out.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ The value of shrinkage limit is used for understanding the swelling and shrinkage properties of
cohesive soils.
✓ It is used for calculating the shrinkage factors which helps in the design problem of the structures
made up of the soils or/and resting on soil. It gives an idea about the suitability of the soil as
construction material in foundations, roads, embankment & dams.
✓ It helps in knowing the state of the given soil.
✓ Approximate values of Specific gravity of soil grains may also be determined from the data of
shrinkage limit test.

EXPERIMENT – 08
STANDARD PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the optimum moisture content and corresponding maximum dry density of a soil by
light compaction test. (In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-7-1980)
THEORY:
Compaction is the process of densification of soil mass by reducing air voids. The degree of
compaction of a soil is measured in terms of its dry density. The degree of compaction mainly
depends upon its moisture content, compaction energy and type of soil. For a given compaction
energy every soil attains the maximum dry density at a particular water content. In the dry side, water
acts as a lubricant and helps in the closer packing of soil grains. In the wet side, water starts to occupy
the space of soil grains and hinders in the closer packing of grains.
APPARATUS:
• Cylindrical mould (capacity 1000cc, internal dia 100 mm. effective height 127.30mm) or
Cylindrical mould (capacity 2250cc, internal dia 150 mm. effective height 127.30mm)
• Rammer for light compaction (face diameter 50 mm mass of 2.6 kg free drop 310mm)
• Mould accessories (detachable base plate removable collar)
• I.S. sieve.
• Sample extruder (optional)
• Balance (capacity 10kg, sensitivity 1gm)
• Graduated measuring jars

• Straight edge
• Large mixing pan
• Spatula
PROCEDURE:
1. Take about 5 kg of air dried soil. Sieve the soil through 4.75mm sieve. Take the soil that
passes through the sieve for testing.
2. Take 3 kg of the soil and add water to it to bring its moisture content to about 4% in coarse
grained soils and 8% in case of fine grained soils
3. Clean, dry and grease the mould and base plate. Weigh the mould with base plate. Fit the
collar.
4. Compact the wet soil in 3 equal layers by the rammer with 25 evenly distributed blows in
each layer.
5. Remove the collar and trim off the soil flush with the top of the mould. While removing the
collar rotate it to break the bond between it and the soil before lifting it off the mould.
6. Clean the outside of the mould and weigh the mould with soil and base plate.
7. Remove the soil from the mould and obtain a representative soil sample from the bottom,
middle and top for water content determination.
8. Repeat the above procedure with 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 % of water contents for coarse
grained soil and 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 % for fine grained soil samples approximately. The
above moisture contents are given only for guidance. However, the moisture contents may be
selected based on experience so that, the dry density of soil shows the increase in moisture
content. Each trial should be performed on a fresh sample.
9. Enter all the observations in table and calculate the wet density.
10. Calculate the dry density by using the equations.
11. Plot the compaction curve for moisture content on X axis and dry density on Y axis.
12. Read the point of maximum dry density and corresponding water content from the
compaction curve.

Fig-1. Typical Compaction curve
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Height of mould “h”: _________ cm
2. Diameter of soil mould “d”: ________ cm
3. Volume of mould “V”: _________cm3
4. Number of Blows: 25
5. Number of layers: 3
SI. No Description
A Bulk density determination
1 Applied Water content (%)

2 Empty Mass of Mould (g)
3 Mass of Mould + wet soil (g)
4 Mass of wet soil M (g)
5 M
Bulk Density ρb = V g/cc
B Water content determination
6 Empty mass of the container (M1)

7 Mass of container + wet soil (M2) in g
8 Mass of container + dry soil (M3) in g
9 Mass of moisture Mw = M2-M3 in g
10 Mass of dry soil Md = M3-M1 in g

11 Water content in (%) w = Mw/Md X 100 in %

C Dry Density (g/cc) ρd= ρb
(1+w)
RESULT:
Maximum Dry Density (MDD) of the given soil sample is: ______________g/cc
Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of the given soil sample is: ___________ %
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. Initial water content to be added mainly depends on nature of soil under consideration i.e. for
coarse grained soils 4% and for fine grained soils 8% is added.
2. Adequate period is allowed for mixing the water with soil before compaction.
3. The blows should be uniformly distributed over the surface of each layer. If 150mm dia mould is
used then each layer is compacted with 55 no of blows.
4. Each layer of compacted soil is scoured with a spatula before placing the soil for the succeeding
layer.
5. The amount of soil used should be just sufficient to fill the mould i.e. at the last layer the Surface
of the soil should be slightly (5mm) above the top rim of the mould.
6. Mould should be placed on a solid foundation during compaction.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ Compaction of soils increases their density, shear strength, bearing capacity but reduces their
void ratio, porosity, permeability and settlements. The results of this test are useful in the stability
of field problems like earthen dams, embankments, roads and airfields.

EXPERIMENT – 09
MODIFIED PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the optimum moisture content and corresponding maximum dry density of a soil by
heavy compaction test. (In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-8-1983)
THEORY:
Compaction is the process of densification of soil mass by reducing air voids. The degree of
compaction of a soil is measured in terms of its dry density. The degree of compaction mainly
depends upon its moisture content, compaction energy and type of soil. For a given compaction
energy every soil attains the maximum dry density at a particular water content. In the dry side, water
acts as a lubricant and helps in the closer packing of soil grains. In the Wet side, water starts to occupy
the space of soil grains and hinders in the closer packing of grains.
APPARATUS:
• Cylindrical mould (capacity 1000cc, internal dia 100 mm. effective height 127.30 mm) or
Cylindrical mould (capacity 2250cc, internal dia 150 mm. effective height 127.30 mm)
• Rammer for heavy compaction (face diameter 50 mm mass of 4.89 kg free drop 450 mm).
• Mould accessories (detachable base plate removable collar)
• I.S. sieve.
• Sample extruder (optional)
• Balance (capacity 10kg, sensitivity 1gm)
• Graduated measuring jars

• Straight edge
• Large mixing pan
• Spatula
PROCEDURE:
1. Take about 5 kg of air dried soil.
2. Sieve the soil through 4.75mm sieve. Take the soil that passes through the sieve for testing.
3. Take 3 kg of the soil and add water to it to bring its moisture content to about 4% in coarse grained
soils and 8% in case of fine grained soils.
4. Clean, dry and grease the mould and base plate. Weigh the mould with base plate. Fit the collar.
5. By the help of rammer compact the wet soil in 5 equal layers, each layer is given with 25 evenly
distributed blows in each layer if 1000cc mould is used and 56 blows if the 2250cc mould is used.
6. Remove the collar and trim off the soil flush with the top of the mould. While removing the collar
rotate it to break the bond between it and the soil before lifting it off the mould.
7. Clean the outside of the mould and weigh the mould with soil and base plate.
8. Remove the soil from the mould and obtain a representative soil sample from the bottom, middle
and top for water content determination.
9. Repeat the above procedure with 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 % of water contents for coarse grained
soil and 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 % for fine grained soil samples approximately. The above moisture
contents are given only for guidance. However, the moisture contents may be selected based on
experience so that, the dry density of soil shows the increase in moisture content. Each trial should
be performed on a fresh sample.
10. Enter all the observations in table and calculate the wet density.
11. Calculate the dry density by using the equations.
12. Plot the compaction curve for moisture content on X axis and dry density on Y axis.
13. Read the point of maximum dry density and corresponding water content from the compaction
curve.

Fig-1. Typical compaction curve
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Height of mould “h”: _________ cm
2. Diameter of soil mould “d”: ________ cm
3. Volume of mould “V”: _________cm3
4. Number of Blows: 25
5. Number of layers: 5
SI. No Description 1 2 3 4 5
A Bulk density determination
1 Applied Water content (%)
2 Empty Mass of Mould (g)
3 Volume of Mould (cm3)
4 Mass of Mould + wet soil (g)
5 Mass of soil M (g)
6 M
Bulk Density of Soil ρb = V g/cc
B Water content determination
7 Empty mass of the container (M1)

8 Mass of container + wet soil (M2) in g
9 Mass of container + dry soil (M3) in g
10 Mass of moisture Mw = M2 - M3 in g
11 Mass of dry soil Md = M3 - M1 in g

12 Water content in(%) w = Mw/Md X 100 in %

C Dry Density (g/cc)
Dry density ρd= ρb g/cm3
1+w
RESULT:
Maximum Dry Density (MDD) of the given soil sample is: ______________g/cc
Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of the given soil sample is: ___________ %
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. Initial water content to be added mainly depends on nature of soil under consideration i.e. for
coarse grained soils 4% and for fine grained soils 8% is added.
2. Adequate period is allowed for mixing the water with soil before compaction
3. The blows should be uniformly distributed over the surface of each layer. If 150mm dia mould is
used then each layer is compacted with 55 no of blows.
4. Each layer of compacted soil is scoured with a spatula before placing the soil for the succeeding
layer.
5. The amount of soil used will be just sufficient to fill the mould i.e. at the last layer the
6. Surface of the soil should be slightly (5mm) above the top rim of the mould.
7. Mould should be placed on a solid foundation during compaction.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ Compaction of soils increases their density, shear strength bearing capacity but reduces their void
ratio, porosity, permeability and settlements. The results of this test are useful in the stability of
field problems like earthen dams, embankments, roads and airfields.

EXPERIMENT –10
DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY
A) CONSTANT HEAD METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Co-efficient of permeability of the given soil sample, using constant head method.
THEORY:
The property of the soils which permits water (fluids) to percolate through its continuously connected
voids is called its permeability.
The coefficient of permeability is equal to the rate of flow of water through a unit cross section area
under a unit hydraulic gradient. In the constant head permeameter, the head causing flow through the
specimen remains constant throughout the test. The coefficient of permeability (k) is obtained from
the relation
qL QL
𝑘 = [ ]i.e.𝑘 = [ ]
𝐴ℎ 𝐴ℎ𝑡
Where q= discharge, Q=total volume of water, t=time period, h=head causing flow, L= length of
specimen, A= cross-sectional area.
APPARATUS:
• Permeameter mould (internal dia = 100 mm. effective height = 127.3 mm.)
• Accessories of the permeameter (cover, base, detachable collar, porous stones, dummy plate)
• Round filter paper.
• Constant head reservoir
• Measuring jar
• De-aired Water
• Stop watch

PROCEDURE:
1. Compact the soil into the mould at a given dry density and moisture content by a suitable
device. Place the specimen centrally over the bottom porous disc and filter paper.
2. Place a filter paper, porous stone and washer on top of the soil sample and fix the top collar.
3. Connect the stand pipe to the inlet of the top plate. Fill the stand pipe with water.
4. Connect the reservoir with water to the outlet at the bottom of the mould and allow the water
to flow through and ensure complete saturation of the sample.
5. Open the air valve at the top and allow the water to flow out so that the air in the cylinder is
removed.
6. When steady flow is reached, collect the water in a measuring flask for a convenient time
interval by keeping the head constant. The constant head of flow is provided with the help of
constant head reservoir.
7. Repeat the same procedure for three more different time intervals.
Fig-1. Constant Head method

OBSERVATIONS:
1. Hydraulic head “h”: __________ cm
2. Length of soil sample “L”: _________ cm
3. Diameter of soil sample “d”: _________ cm
4. Cross sectional area of soil sample “A”: _________cm2
SI. No Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3

1 Discharge (Q) in cm3/sec
2 Time interval (t) in sec
3 Coefficient of permeability k= QL / Aht
4 Average k
CALCULATION:
Coefficient of permeability for a constant head test is given by,
k = QL / Aht
Where, k = coefficient of permeability in cm/sec
Q = Total volume of water in cm3
L = length of the specimen in cm
A = cross-sectional area in cm2
h = constant head in cm
RESULT:
Co-efficient of permeability of soil sample by constant head Method is k = ______________cm/sec
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. All the possibilities of leakage at the joints must be eliminated. All the joints and washer must be
thoroughly cleaned so that there are no soil particles between them.
2. Apply the grease liberally between mould, base plate and collar.
3. Porous stones must be saturated just before placing
4. De-aired and distilled water must be used to avoid the chocking of flow water.
5. Soil samples must be fully saturated before taking the observations.

6. In order to ensure laminar flow condition, cohesion less soil must be tested under low hydraulic
gradient.
7. Steady flow must be established before taking the observations.
8. In constant head method, quantity of water collected must be sufficient and measured very
accurately to eliminate large errors.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ To find the rate of settlement of a saturated compressible soil layer.
✓ To calculate seepage through the body of the earthen dams, and stability of slopes.
✓ Ground water flow towards wells and drainage of soil.
✓ Calculation of uplift pressure under hydraulic structure and their safety against piping

EXPERIMENT –10
DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY
B) VARIABLE HEAD METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Co-efficient of permeability of the given soil sample, using variable head method.
THEORY:
The property of the soils which permits water (fluids) to percolate through its continuously connected
voids is called its permeability.
The variable head permeameter is used to measure the permeability of relatively less pervious soils.
The coefficient of permeability is given by
aL ℎ1
𝑘 = 2.303 [ ] log( )
𝐴𝑡 ℎ2
Where, h1= initial head, h2= final head, t= time interval, a= cross-sectional area of the liquid
stand pipe, A=cross-sectional area of the specimen, L= length of specimen.
APPARATUS:
• Graduated glass stand pipe and the clamp
• Measuring jar,
• Water
• stop watch
• Permeability Mould
PROCEDURE:
1. Compact the soil into the mould at a given dry density and moisture content by a suitable device.
Place the specimen centrally over the bottom porous disc and filter paper.

2. Place a filter paper, porous stone and washer on top of the soil sample and fix the top collar.
3. Connect the stand pipe to the inlet of the top plate. Fill the stand pipe with water.
4. Connect the reservoir with water to the outlet at the bottom of the mould and allow the water to
flow through and ensure complete saturation of the sample.
5. Open the air valve at the top and allow the water to flow out so that the air in the cylinder is
removed.
6. Fix the height h1 and h2 on the pipe from the top of water level in the reservoir
7. When all the air has escaped, close the air valve and allow the water from the pipe to flow through
the soil and establish a steady flow.
8. Record the time required for the water head to fall from h1 to h2.
9. Change the height h1 and h2 and record the time required for the fall of head.
Fig-1. Variable Head method
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Length of soil sample “L” _________ cm
2. Diameter of soil sample “d” ________ cm
3. Cross sectional area of soil sample “A”_________cm2
4. Diameter of stand pipe “d1”: _______ cm
5. Area of stand pipe “a” _________ cm2
SI. No Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3

1 Initial head h1 in cm
2 Final head h2 in cm
3 Time interval (t) in sec
4 Coefficient of permeability (k) in cm/sec
aL ℎ1
𝑘 = 2.303 [ ] log( )
𝐴𝑡 ℎ2
5 Average k
RESULT:
Co-efficient of permeability of soil sample by variable head Method is k = ______________cm/sec
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. All the possibilities of leakage at the joints must be eliminated. All the joints and washer must be
thoroughly cleaned so that there are no soil particles between them.
2. Apply the grease liberally between mould, base plate and collar.
3. Rubber washer must be moisture with water before placing.
5. Desired and distilled water must be used to avoid the chocking of flow water.
6. Soil samples must be fully saturated before taking the observations.
7. In order to ensure laminar flow condition, cohesion less soil must be tested under low hydraulic
gradient.
8. Steady flow must be established before taking the observations.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ To find the rate of settlement of a saturated compressible soil layer.
✓ To calculate seepage through the body of the earthen dams, and stability of slopes.
✓ Ground water flow towards wells and drainage of soil.
✓ Calculation of uplift pressure under hydraulic structure and their safety against piping

EXPERIMENT –11
UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the unconfined compressive strength and shear parameters of a cohesive soil sample.
THEORY:
Unconfined compression test also known as uniaxial compression tests, is a special case of a triaxial
test, where confining pressure is zero. In this test, a cylindrical specimen of soil without lateral
support is tested to failure in simple compression, at a constant rate of strain. Compressive load per
unit area required to fail the specimen is called unconfined compressive strength of the soil.
APPARATUS:
• Loading frame with constant rate of movement
• Proving ring of 0.01 kg sensitivity for soft soils; 0.05 kg for stiff soils.
• Dial gauge (0.01 mm accuracy)
• Split mould of internal dia 38 mm and length 76mm
• Soil sample of required dimensions (diameter and height),
• Sample extractor
• Stop watch
• Grease or oil.
• Vernier Callipers
• Balance of capacity 200 g and sensitivity to weigh 0.01 g.
• Soil trimmer.

PROCEDURE:
(i) Sample preparation:
1. Undisturbed cylindrical specimen may be cut from the bigger undisturbed sample obtained from
the field. A wire saw may be used to trim the ends parallel to each other. A trimmer may be used to
trim the specimen to circular cross section. Alternatively, field sample may be obtained in a thin
sampling tube having the same internal diameter as the specimen to be tested. The split mould is
oiled lightly from inside and the sample is then pushed out of the tube in to the split mould. The split
mould is opened carefully and sample is taken out.
2. Remolded specimen may be prepared by compacting soil at the desired water content and dry
density in a bigger mould, and then cut by the sampling tube. Alternatively, remolded specimen is
prepared directly in the split mould.
In both the cases water content and dry density of the specimen is determined.
(ii) Compression test:

1. Measure the initial length and diameter of the specimen.
2. Put the specimen on the bottom plate of the loading device. Adjust the upper plate to make contact
with the specimen. Set the load dial gauge and strain dial gauge to zero.
3. Compress the specimen until cracks definitely developed or the stress strain curve is well past its
peak or until a vertical deformation of 20% is reached. Take the load dial readings approximately at
every 1mm deformation of the specimen.
4. Sketch the failure pattern, measure the angle between cracks and the horizontal, if possible, and if
the specimen is homogeneous
Fig-1. Unconfined compression test

OBSERVATIONS:
1. Initial length of the sample (l): ____________ cm
2. Initial diameter of the sample (d): ____________ cm
3. Initial cross-sectional area of the sample (Ao): ____________ cm2
4. Initial volume of the sample (V): ____________ cm3
5. Water content (w): ____________%
6. Proving Ring Constant (PRC): ___________ kg / div
7. Least count of strain Dial gauge (LC): ___________mm / div
Elapsed Compression strain Corrected Proving Axial Compressive

time dial reading ε =(L/LO) x Area Ac= ring load stress
(min) ‘L’ 100 in % A0/(1-ε) reading ‘P’ q = P/ AC
div mm in cm2 (div) in kg in kg/ cm2
0 0 0 11.34 0 0 0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
CALCULATIONS:
1. Axial stress = (Proving ring reading x Proving ring constant) / Ac
2. Ac= A0/ (1-ε); A0 is initial cross-sectional area of the soil specimen; ε is the axial strain at that
point of loading.
3. Maximum axial stress is obtained, which is also considered to be the failure point of the specimen.
4. Repeat the test 3 times. Find the average value of maximum axial stress obtained in all three UC
tests.
5. Unconfined compression strength of the soil, qu = average value of maximum axial stress of three
tests
6. Shear strength of the soil (cohesion, c) = qu/2

RESULT:
1. Unconfined compressive strength qu= ___________ kg/cm2
2. Angle of internal friction Φu = _____________
3. Cohesion Cu = _____________ kg/cm2
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. Unconfined Compressive test is recommended for cohesive soils, or which can stand without
lateral support.
2. Two ends of the specimen should be perpendicular to the long axis of the specimen.
3. The seating of the sample should be proper on the upper and lower plates.
4. The loading of the sample should be at constant rate.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ This is the simplest quickest test for determining cohesion and shear strength of cohesive
soils. These values are used for checking the short-term stability of foundation and slopes,
where rate of loading is fast but drainage is very slow Soil consistency can easily be known
from the value of unconfined compressive strength

EXPERIMENT –12
DIRECT SHEAR TEST
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the shear parameters of the given soil sample by direct shear test. (In accordance with
IS- 2720, PART-13-1986)
THEORY:
Shear strength of a soil has its maximum resistance to shearing stress at failure on the failure plane.
Shear strength is composed of
(i) Internal friction which is the resistance due to friction between individual particles at their contact
points and interlocking of particles.
(ii) Cohesion which is resistance due to inter particles forces which tend to hold the particles together
in a soil mass. Coulomb has represented the shear strength of soil by the equation:
f= c + n tan 
Where f= shear strength of soil
C = Cohesion
n = Total normal stress on the failure plane
 = Angle of internal (shearing) friction
APPARATUS:
• Shear box (Non- corrosive, size 60 mm X 60mm X 50mm)
• Container for shear box.
• Grid plates (two plain and two perforated, depth of serrations 1.5mm)
• Base plate (non-corrosive metal with cross-grooves on its top face)
• Porous stone (two, 6 mm thick).
• Tamper.
• Straight edge.
• Weighing Balance with accuracy of 0.01g.
• Spatula.
• Loading pad.
• Loading frame.
• Loading yoke.
• Proving ring with dial gauge (capacity 1.5-2.0M accuracy of dial gauge 0.002mm).
• Other accessories (two fixing screws, two spacing screws)
PROCEDURE:
1. The undisturbed specimen is prepared by pushing a cutting ring of size 10cm in diameter and 2cm
high, in the undisturbed soil sample obtained from the field. The square specimen of size 6cm x 6cm
is then cut from the circular specimen so obtained.
2. In order to obtain remolded specimen of cohesive soil, the soil may be compacted to the required
density and water content, inner separate bigger mould. The sample is then extracted and trimmed to
the required size. Alternatively, the soil may be compacted at the required density and water content
directly in to the shear box after fixing two halves of the shear box together by means, of the fixing
screws.
3. Non-cohesive soils may be tamped in the shear box itself with the base plate and grid plate or
porous stone as required in place at the bottom of the box.
In all the three cases mentioned above, water content and dry density of the soil compacted in the
shear box should be determined.
(ii) Undrained test:
1. The shear box with the specimen plain grid plate over the base plate and the bottom of the
specimen, and plain grid plate over the top of the specimen, should be fitted in to position. The
serrations of the grid plates should be placed at right angles to the direction of shear. As the porous
stones are not used in undrained tests, plain plates of equal thickness should be placed, one at the
bottom and the other at the top of the two grids, so as to maintain the shear plane in the sample in the
middle of its thickness. Place the loading pad on the top of the plain grid plate. Both the parts of the
box should be tightened together by the fixing screws.
2. Put water inside water jacket so that sample does not get dried during the test.
3. Mount the shear box assembly on the load frame (or shearing machine). Set the lower part of the
shear box to bear against the load jack and the upper part of the box to bear against the proving ring.
Set the dial of the proving ring to zero.

4. Put the loading yoke on the top of the loading pad and adjust the dial gauge to zero to measure the
vertical displacement in the soil sample. Put proper normal weight on the hanger of the loading yoke,
so that this weight plus the weight of the hanger equals the required the normal load. Note the reading
of the vertical displacement dial gauge.
5. Remove the locking screws so that the parts are free to move against each other. By turning the
spacing screws, raise the upper part slightly above the lower parts by about 1mm.
6. Conduct the test by applying horizontal shear load to failure or to 20% longitudinal displacement,
whichever occur first. The rate of strain may vary 1 to 2.5mm per minute. Take the readings of
proving ring dial gauge, longitudinal displacement gauge and vertical displacement gauge at regular
time intervals.
7. At the end of the test remove the specimen from the box and determine its final water content,
repeat the above steps on three or four identical specimens under varying normal loads.
Fig. 1 Schematic representation of direct shear test
OBSERVATIONS:
1) Size of the sample = 60 mm x 60 mm x 25 mm
2) Cross section of sample A: 6 x 6 = 36 cm2
3) Strain rate: _______________ mm/min
4) Least count of dial gauge= __________ mm
5) Proving ring constant (PRC) = __________ kg/div

Test No-1: Normal stress =0.5 kg/cm2
SI. no Horizontal dial strain Corrected Proving Shear shear stress

reading ε =(L/LO) x Area Ac= ring force q = P/ AC
‘L’ 100 in % A0/(1-ε) reading ‘P’ in kg/ cm2
div mm in cm2 (div) in kg
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2
3
4
5

1 0 0 0 0 0
2
3
4
5

1 0 0 0 0 0
2
3
4
5
Summary of results
Test no Normal stress in Shear stress at Angle of internal Cohesion ‘C’

kg/cm2 failure in kg/cm2 friction Φ
1 0.5
2 1
3 1.5

CALCULATIONS:
1. i. Shear Stress = (Proving ring reading x Proving ring constant)/Ac
ii. Horizontal displacement = Horizontal dial gauge reading x Least count of horizontal dial gauge
iii. Vertical displacement = Vertical dial gauge reading x Least count of vertical dial gauge
2. Shear stress at failure needs to be calculated for all three tests performed at three different normal
stresses to plot the failure envelope.
Fig. 2 Mohr’s circle representation of stress conditions in direct shear test
RESULT:
1. The angle of internal friction Φ= ___________ degrees
2. Cohesion C = _____________ kg/cm2
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. In the shear box test, the specimen is not failing along its weakest plane but along a pre-determined
or induced failure plane i.e. horizontal plane separating the two halves of the shear box. This is the
main drawback of this test. Moreover, during loading, the state of stress cannot be evaluated. It can
be evaluated only at failure condition i.e. Mohr’s circle can be drawn at the failure condition only.
Also, failure is progressive.
2. Direct shear test is simple and faster to operate. As thinner specimens are used in shear box, they
facilitate drainage of pore water from a saturated sample in less time. This test is also useful to study
friction between two materials – one material in lower half of box and another material in the upper
half of box.

3. The angle of shearing resistance of sands depends on state of compaction, coarseness of grains,
particle shape and roughness of grain surface and grading. It varies between 28o (uniformly graded
sands with round grains in very loose state) to 46o (well graded sand with angular grains in dense
state).
4. The friction between sand particle is due to sliding and rolling friction and interlocking action.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ The value of internal friction angle and cohesion of the soil are required for design of many
engineering problems. Direct shear test can predict these parameters quickly.
✓ Shear parameters are used in the design of earthen dams and embankments.
✓ These are used in calculating the bearing capacity of soil foundation systems. Parameters help in
estimating the earth pressures behind the retaining walls.
✓ The values of these parameters are also used in checking the stability of natural slopes, cuts and
fills.

EXPERIMENT –13
UNDRAINED TRIAXIAL COMPRESSION TEST
OBJECTIVE:
To determine shear strength parameter i.e. angle of shearing resistance and cohesion of a given soil
sample. (In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-11-1993)
THEORY:
The strength parameter namely the cohesion (c) and angle of shearing resistance (Ø) are determined
both by laboratory and field tests. In the laboratory, unconfined compression test, direct shear test,
vane shear test and Triaxial compression test are used. In the field, plate load test, large direct shear
test, large vane shear test and block shear test may be performed.
Selection of the suitable method will depend upon the type of soil and field condition. Triaxial tests
are superior where confining stress is to be applied and the plain of shear failure is not predetermined.
Refer experiments on direct shear test and unconfined compression tests for details. For determining
c and F Mohr’s circles are drawn, then strength envelope is obtained. Slope of this envelop will
represent the angle of shearing resistance and intersection with ordinate (y- Axis) will give the
cohesion.
APPARATUS:
• Triaxial test cell with base.
• fluid pressure apparatus
• Compression machine
• Proving ring and dial gauge.
• Weighing Balance of 250 gm capacity and accurate to 0.01 gm
• Rubber membranes
• rubber rings
• Membranes stretch
• An open ended cylindrical section former, 3.8 cm inside diameter fitted with a small rubber
tube on its side

• Split mould 3.8 cm dial and 7.6cm height.

• sample extruder, straight edge, Glass platens
PROCEDURE:
1. Undisturbed cylindrical specimen may be cut from the bigger undisturbed sample obtained from
the field. A wire saw may be used to trim the ends parallel to each other. A trimmer may be used to
trim the specimen to circular cross section. Alternatively, field sample may be obtained in a thin
sampling tube having the same internal diameter as the specimen to be tested. The split mould is
oiled lightly from inside and the sample is then pushed out of the tube in to the split mould. The split
mould is opened carefully and sample is taken out.
2. Remolded specimen may be prepared by compacting soil at the required water content and dry
density in a bigger mould, and then preparing cylindrical specimen of required dimensions by cut in
the sampling tube. Alternatively, remolded specimen is prepared directly in the split mould. In both
the cases water content and dry density of the specimen is determined.
3. The specimen is the placed on one of the end caps and the other end cap is put on the top of the
specimen. The rubber membrane is then placed around the specimen using the membrane stretcher.
The membrane is sealed to the end caps by means of rubber rings. The specimen is the ready to be
placed on the pedestal in the tri axial cell.
(ii) Undrained tri axial compression test:

1. Cover the pedestal in the tri axial cell with the solid end cap or keep drainage valve closed. Place
the specimen assembly centrally on the pedestal. Assemble the cell, with the loading ram initially
clear of the top of the specimen and place it in the loading machine.
2. Admit the operating fluid in the cell and raise its pressure to the desired value. Adjust the loading
machine to bring the loading ram a short distance away from the set on the top cap of the specimen.
Read the initial reading to the load measuring gauge; adjust the loading machine further so that the
loading ram comes just in contact with the seat on the top of the specimen. Note the initial reading
of the dial measuring axial compression.
3. Apply the compressive force at constant rate of axial compression, such that failure is proceed in
a period of approximately 5 to 15 minutes. Take the simultaneous reading of load and deformation
dials; define the stress-strain curve. Continue the test until the maximum value of truss as been passed
or until an axial strain of 20% as been passed.

4. Unload the specimen and drain off the cell fluid. Dismantle the cell and take out the specimen.
Remove the rubber membrane and note down the mode of failure. Weigh the specimen. Keep sample
for water content determination.
5. Repeat the test on three or more identical specimens under different cell pressure.
Fig. 1 Triaxial cell with accessories
Fig. 2 Principle and stress conditions of triaxial compression test

Fig. 3 Mohr’s circles for triaxial tests with different cell pressures and strength envelope
OBSERVATIONS:
Sample No _______
Length of specimen ________cm
Diameter of specimen _______cm
Initial area of specimen (A0) _____cm2
Initial Volume: Strain rate _______%/minute
Proving ring constant: ___________kg/div
Strains dial least count (const.) _____mm
Trial No – 1 Cell pressure = 0.5 kg/cm2
SI Compression strain Corrected Proving Axial Vertical Deviator

no dial reading ε =(L/LO) Area Ac= ring load stress stress
‘L’ x 100 in % A0/(1-ε) reading ‘P’ σ1 = P/ AC (σ1 - σ3)
1

Trial No –2 Cell pressure = 1.0 kg/cm2

1
Trial No –3 Cell pressure = 1.5 kg/cm2

1
Summary of Results
Test no Cell pressure Deviator stress Vertical stress Angle of Cohesion

σ3 at failure in at failure in internal friction ‘C’
kg/cm2 kg/cm2 Φ
1 0.5
2 1
3 1.5

RESULT:
1. The angle of internal friction Φ= ___________ degrees
2. Cohesion C = _____________ kg/cm2
GENERAL REMARKS:
1. It is an essential to maintain the same initial density of soil in all the test using different lateral
pressure. Small deference will result in appreciable errors the maximum failure stress.
2. The mould should be removed carefully; it should not give any jar on the sample
3. Friction due to end cap should be minimum
4. There should no leakage through the cell
5. During entire period of the test, confining pressure should be kept constant
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ In deep foundation, confining pressures play the significant role in changing the behavior of soils.
Similarly, in the high-rise earth dam the confining pressure are of very high magnitude. Triaxial
test is the only test to simulate these confining pressures. For short term stability of foundation,
dam and slopes, shear strength parameter for unconsolidated untrained or consolidated untrained
condition are used, while for long term stability shear parameter corresponding to consolidated
drained condition will give more reliable results. All such special condition can be achieved in
triaxial tests.

EXPERIMENT –14
VANE SHEAR TEST
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the undrained shear strength of cohesion soil by laboratory vane shear test.
THEORY:
This test is performed to find shear strength of a given (generally very soft) soil specimen. Vane shear
test is a useful method of measuring the shear strength of soft clay. It is a cheaper and quicker method.
The test can be conducted in field as well as in laboratory. The laboratory vane shear test for the
measurement of shear strength of cohesive soils is useful for soils of low shear strength (less than 0.3
kg/cm2) for which unconfined tests cannot be performed.
APPARATUS:
• Vane shear apparatus
• calibrated Torsion spring
• callipers
PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare a soil sample of dimension of at least 38 mm Dia and 76 mm length in specimen
containers. (L/D ratio of 2 or 3)
2. Mount the specimen container with the specimen on the base of the vane shear apparatus. If the
specimen container is closed at one end, it should be provided with a hole of about 1 mm diameter
at the bottom.
3. Gently lower the shear vanes into the specimen to their full length without disturbing the soil
specimen. The top of the vanes should be at least 10 mm below the top of the specimen. Note the
initial readings of the (upper and lower) needles of angle of twist before applying torque.
4. Both needles should essentially be at the same angle before starting the experiment.

5. Rotate the vanes at a uniform rate (say 0.1o per second) by suitably operating the torque
application handle until the lower needle of angle handle reverts back which signifies the failure
of soft soil specimen.
6. Note the final reading of the angle of twist by measuring the upper needle’s indicated angle.
7. Find the value of blade height in cm and find the value of blade diameter (total width) in cm.
8. The same procedure needs to be done by changing the springs of other stiffness/spring constant.
9. The repetition of tests for springs of different stiffness is mandatory for reporting the results.
10. Note down the value of spring constant.
11. Calculate the shear strength by using the formula.
Fig-1. Vane shear apparatus

OBSERVATIONS:
Description 1 2 3 4 5 6
Initial Reading(Deg)
Final Reading(Deg.)
Difference(Deg.)
Spring Constant(K) Kg-cm
T= (K/180°)x Difference in
degrees Kg-cm
S=TxG Kg/cm2
Average 'S' Kg/cm2
CALCULATIONS:
Shear strength S= T x G Kg/cm2
• Where S = Shear strength of the soil.

• T = Torque in kg –cm
• T= (K / 180°) X Difference in degrees Kg-cm
•
• H = Height of vane in cm
• D = Overall diameter of vane in cm
RESULT:
The shear strength of a given sample using vane shear apparatus is ________________kg/cm2

GENERAL REMARKS:
1. This test is useful when the soil is soft and its in-situ water content is nearer to liquid limit.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The test gives the undrained strength of the soil. The undisturbed and remolded strength obtained are
also useful for evaluating the sensitivity of soil. The data acquired from vane shear test can be used
to determine:
✓ Undrained shear strength
✓ Evaluate rapid loading strength for total stress analysis
✓ Sensitivity of soil to disturbance
✓ Analysis of stability problems with embankment on soft ground

EXPERIMENT –15
CONSOLIDATION TEST
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Coefficient of consolidation and compression index of the given sample of soil.
(In accordance with IS- 2720, PART-15-1986 - Reaffirmed-2002)
THEORY:
When a compressive load is applied to soil mass, a decrease in its volume takes place, the decrease
in volume of soil mass under stress is known as compression and the property of soil mass pertaining
to its tendency to decrease in volume under pressure is known as compressibility. When a load is
applied on a saturated soil, the load will initially be transferred to the water in pores of the soil. This
results in development of pressure in pore water which results in the escape of water from voids and
brings the soil particles together. The process of escape of water under applied load, leads to reduction
in volume of voids and hence the volume of soil. The process of reduction of volume of voids due to
expulsion of water under sustained static load is known as consolidation. The magnitude of
consolidation depends on the amount of void or void ratio of the soil. The rate of consolidation
depends on the permeability properties of soil.
The two important consolidation properties of soil are (i) co-efficient of consolidation (Cv) and (ii)
Compression index (Cc). The coefficient of consolidation reflects the behaviour of soil with respect
to time under a given load intensity. Compression index explains the behaviour of soils under
increased loads.
APPARATUS:
• Consolidometer consisting essentially;
a) A ring of diameter = 60mm and height = 20mm,
b) Two porous stones
c) Guide ring.
d) Outer ring.
e) Water jacket with base.
f) Pressure pad.
• Loading device consisting of frame, lever system, loading yoke dial gauge fixing device and
weights.
• Dial gauge (accuracy of 0.01 mm), Thermostatically controlled oven, Stopwatch, sample
extractor, balance, soil trimming tools, spatula, filter papers, sample containers.
PROCEDURE:
1. Saturate two porous stones either by boiling in distilled water about 15 minutes or by keeping them
submerged in the distilled water for 4 to 8 hrs. Fittings of the Consolidometer which is to be enclosed
shall be moistened.
2. Assemble the Consolidometer, with the soil specimen and porous stones at top and bottom of
specimen and providing a filter paper between the soil specimen and porous stone.
3. Position the pressure pad centrally on the top porous stone. Mount the mould assembly on the
loading frame, and center it such that the load applied is axial. Make sure that the porous stone and
pressure pad are not touching the walls of mould on their sides.
4. Position the dial gauge to measure the vertical compression of the specimen. The dial gauge holder
should be set so that the dial gauge is in the beginning of its releases run, and also allowing sufficient
margin for the swelling of the soil, if any.
5. Fill the mould with water and apply an initial load to the assembly. The magnitude of this load
should be chosen by trial, such that there is no swelling. It should be not less than 50 g/cm2 for
ordinary soils & 25 g/cm2 for very soft soils. The load should be allowed to stand until there is no
change in dial gauge readings for two consecutive hours or for a maximum of 24 hours.
6. Note the final dial reading under the initial load. Apply first load of intensity 0.1 kg/cm2(Approx.)
and start the stop watch simultaneously. Record the dial gauge readings at various time intervals. The
dial gauge readings are taken until 90% consolidation is reached. Primary consolidation is gradually
reached within 24 hrs.
7. At the end of the period, specified above take the dial reading and time reading. Double the load
intensity and take the dial readings at various time intervals. Repeat this procedure for successive
load increments. The usual loading intensity is as follows (Approx.): 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8
kg/cm2.
8. After the last loading is completed, reduce the load to ¼ of the value of the last load and allow it
to stand for 24 hrs. Reduce the load further in steps of ¼ the previous intensity till an intensity of 0.1
kg/cm2 is reached. Take the final reading of the dial gauge.

9. Reduce the load to the initial load, keep it for 24 hrs and note the final readings of the dial gauge.
10. Quickly dismantle the specimen assembly and remove the excess water on the soil specimen in
oven, note its dry weight.
Fig-1. Consolidation apparatus
OBSERVATIONS:
Ring Dimensions: Diameter (cm): _______
Area (cm2): ________________
Height (cm): ________________
Specimen Ht (cm). _____________________
Specific Gravity of Soil: _________________
Weight of wet soil + Ring (g): _______

Weight of Ring (g): ______
Bulk Density (g/cc): _______________

Table No-1.Time-Displacement Relationship

Pressure Intensity 0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2 4 8
(Kg/cm2)
Time (min)
0
0.25
1
2
4
8
15
30
1 hr
2 hrs
4 hrs
8 hrs
24 hrs
Table No.2 Observation and Reading (Unloading):

Removed Pressure Retained Pressure Dial Gauge reading
(kg/cm2) (kg/cm2)
0 8
4 4
2 2
1 1
0.5 0.5
0.3 0.2
0.1 0.1
0.1 0.05 (Seating pressure)
Water Content determination:

Weight of Saturated Sample + Ring (g):
Weight of oven dried soil +Ring (g):
Water Content (%):

Table No.3 Pressure-Voids Ratio
Final Change in Final Height Average Height Coefficient of

Applied Height Void Fitting
dial Specimen Specimen of during Consolidation,
Pressure of voids ratio Time,
reading Height Height solids Consolidation cv
t90
0
0.1
0.2
0.5
1.0
2.0
4.0
8.0
2.0
0.5
0.1
CALCULATIONS:
1. Height of solids (HS): Height of solids is calculated from the equation
HS = WS /(G.ɣw A)
2. Void ratio: Voids ratio at the end of various pressures are calculated from equation
e = (H - HS)/HS
3. Coefficient of consolidation: The Coefficient of consolidation at each pressures increment is

calculated by using the following equations:
i. Cv = 0.197 d2/t50 (Log fitting method)
ii. Cv = 0.848 d2/t90 (Square fitting method)
In the log fitting method, a plot is made between dial reading and logarithmic of time, the time
corresponding to 50% consolidation is determined.
In the square root fitting method, a plot is made between dial readings and square root of time and
the time corresponding to 90% consolidation is determined. The values of Cv are recorded in table
no-3.

4. Compression Index. To determine the compression index, a plot of voids ratio (e) V/S log(t) is
made. The initial compression curve would be a straight line and the slope of this line would give the
compression index Cc.
5. Coefficient of compressibility. It is calculated as follows
av = 0.435 Cc/Avg. pressure for the increment
where Cc = Coefficient of compressibility
6. Coefficient of permeability. It is calculated as follows
K = Cv.av.ɣw /(1+e).
GRAPHS:
1. Dial reading V/S log of time or

2. Dial reading V/S square root of time.
3. Void ratio V/S log σ ‘(average pressure for the increment).
RESULT:
The Co efficient of Consolidation of the given soil sample Cv = ____________
The Compression Index of the given soil sample Cc = ______________
GENERAL REMARKS:
1.While preparing the specimen, attempts has to be made to have the soil strata orientated in the
same direction in the consolidation apparatus.
2. During trimming care should be taken in handling the soil specimen with least pressure.
3. Smaller increments of sequential loading have to be adopted for soft soils.
SIGNIFICANCE:
✓ Consolidation properties are required in estimating the settlement of a foundation. They
provide the maximum amount of settlements under a given load and the time required for it
to occur.

✓ The consolidation properties determined from the consolidation test are used to estimate the
magnitude and the rate of both primary and secondary consolidation settlement of a structure
or an earth fill.

EXPERIMENT –16
DEMONSTRATION OF VARIOUS EQUIPMENTS
Boring Equipment’s: The boring methods are used for soil explorations at greater depths. These
provide both disturbed as well as undisturbed samples depending upon the method of boring.
Auger boring: Soil auger is a device that helps in advancing a bore-hole into the ground. These are
used in cohesive and other soft soil above water table. Hand operated augers are used up to a
maximum depth of 10 m and power driven augers are used for greater depths.
Fig-1. Post hole, Extension and Helical auger
Wash Boring: The advantage of this method is the use of inexpensive and easily portable handling
and drilling equipment’s. In wash boring process, a piece of casing with a diameter about 50 to 100
mm and to a depth of 1.5 m to 3.0 m is directly driven into the ground. The casing is provided with
a chopping bit fastened on the lower end of a wash pipe that is inserted inside the casing in order to
remove the soil inside the casing. At first water is forced through the wash pipe which emerges along
the chopping bit through a small opening with a high velocity. Due to the high velocity of water, the
soil is cut into fragments and soil water slurry comes up through the annular space between the wash
pipes and casing. This type of method of boring is suitable for all types of soil except gravels and
boulders. For clayey soil, casing is not required. Observing the slurry flowing out of the hole, we can
predict the type of soil. Similarly, the change of color in the wash water indicates the change in the
soil strata.

Fig-2. Wash Boring method.
Swell Index: To determine the free swell index of soil as per IS: 2720 (Part XL) – 1977. Free swell
or differential free swell, also termed as free swell index, is the increase in volume of soil without
any external constraint when subjected to submergence in water.
Fig-3. Swell index apparatus

Standard penetration test: Standard penetration test is conducted as per IS:2131-198. The
experimental setup consists of a Hammer of weight 63.5kg and driving assembly. The hammer is
dropped from a height of 75cm. The standard penetration number(N) is the total number of blows
required to penetrate the sampler to a depth of 30cm. Samplers are used to collect the soil samples
for testing. There are many types of samplers used during soil exploration Programme; some provide
only disturbed samples, while others can provide relatively undisturbed samples. Split spoon
samplers are mainly used for collecting disturbed samples and Shelby tube is used to collect
undisturbed sample.
Fig-4. Standard penetration setup
Fig-5. Split spoon sampler and Shelby tube

Jyothy Institute of Technology
(Affiliated to VTU, Belagavi)
Off Kanakapura Road, Tataguni,
Bengaluru—560082
DEPARTMENT VISION
To be a global Centre of excellence in imparting
quality education in all the frontiers of civil
engineering for the development of the society.
DEPARTMENT MISSION
M1: To educate the students in the field of civil
engineering by adopting best teaching-learning
Dr. BNV Subrahmanya
process with state of the art facilities and
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE infrastructure.
Jyothy Institute of Technology abbreviated as JIT, is M2: To encourage the students to contribute to
affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University and is the development of the society by pursuing a
approved by AICTE, New Delhi. JIT was established in the promising career in the industry by making them
year 2011 under the leadership of Karnataka Rajyothsava employable with the necessary soft skills and
Awardee, Dharmika Pravara, Dr. B.N.V Subrahmanya, a leadership qualities.
visionary par excellence. Since inception JIT has grown to M3: To encourage the students to pursue higher
be one of the reputed technical institutions in the city of studies and carry out research and development
Bengaluru. in various fields of civil engineering.
Jyothy Institute of Technology is promoted by the Jyothy
Charitable Trust headquartered at Bangalore. The Jyothy
PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Group represents a cluster of six vibrant establishments.
PEO1: The students should emerge as successful
Jyothy Institute of Technology is affiliated to the
civil engineers in the industry, consulting firms
Visvesvaraya Technological University and approved by
and the government sector.
AICTE.
PEO2: The students should demonstrate their
The Institution is located at Tataguni on the Bangalore-
expertise and skills by being successful
Kanakapura Road (near NICE road junction and before
entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators which
Art of Living) amidst hills and scenic sylvan surroundings
will enable societal growth and national
over a lush green campus. The institute offers courses
economic development.
spanning Computer Science & Engineering, Information
PEO3: The students should demonstrate
Science & Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics &
sustained learning and adapt themselves to the
Communication Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
constantly developing field of civil engineering
and has a state of the art multidisciplinary research
and continue in the path of life-long learning by
centre CIIRC addressing 14 domains of science and
research and self-study.
technology. The institute has close to 125 faculty (75
teaching and 50 research) with about 40 doctorates and
numerous sponsored projects by DST, DBT, DRDO, DOS, PROGRAM SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
DAE, VGST and others besides research collaborations PSO1:(Knowledge / Skills:) Implement the basic
both national and International. The faculty are alumni of knowledge of civil engineering for designing of
prestigious institutions like IISc, IIT, NIT, VTU and civil engineering structures
Universities from abroad with experience from both the PSO2:(Application/Analysis/Problem-solving)
academic and corporate world. Analyze problems related to the social and
environmental aspects and provide sustainable
engineering solutions.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
PSO3:(Value) Adhere to the codal provisions and
The department is committed to produce Civil Engineers
specifications for carrying out the various
which would usher India into a utopia of development.
construction practices.
The department has committed itself to the proclaimed
PSO4:(Attribute) Exhibit good communication
pledge of producing quality civil engineering
skills and work as effective team players.
professionals by the virtue of its very competent faculty
and state-of-the-art laboratories. The Civil engineering
department has dedicated itself towards the never-
ending quest for knowledge and contributing with vigour
in the development of Karnataka and country as a whole.

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JYOTHY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

TATAGUNI, BENGALURU – 560082

Department of Civil Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory Manual

Department of Civil Engineering

❖ To encourage the students to contribute to the development of the society by pursuing

Programme Specific Outcomes:

Course Name : Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

SL NO: NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT PAGE NO:

1. Do not touch mercury with gold rings.

3. Carelessness in personal conduct or in handling equipment may result in serious injury to

7. Don’t use cell phones inside the laboratory.

• Containers: Non-corrodible air-tight container.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page1

NOTE: IS recommendation for minimum quantity of soil specimen for test.

SI.No. Description Trial-1 Trial-2 Trial-3

1 Mass of empty container with

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page2

Average Moisture Content, w = _________________ (%)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page3

Specific Gravity = Dry weight of soil

Weight of water equal to volume of dried soil

• 900 ml Pycnometer with conical brass cap.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page4

1. Dry the specimens to constant mass in oven at 110°C.

5 Mass of pycnometer + water (M4) in gm

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page5

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page6

Specific Gravity = Dry weight of soil

Weight of water equal to volume of dried soil

• Density bottle of 50 ml with stopper having capillary hole.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page7

1. Dry the specimens to constant mass in oven at 110°C.

2 Mass of empty density bottle (M1) in g

3 Mass of density bottle + soil (M2) in g

4 Mass of density bottle + soil + water (M3) in g

5 Mass of density bottle + water (M4) in g

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page8

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page9

Boulder - more than 300 mm dia.

Cobble - smaller than 300 mm and larger than 80mm

Gravel (G) - smaller than 80mm and larger than 4.75mm.

Coarse gravel- 20mm to 4.75mm

Sand (S) - smaller than 4.75 mm and larger than 0.075mm

• Coarse: 4.75mm to 2mm

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page10

• Weighing Balance: Sensitive to 0.1 percent of the weight of sample to be weighed.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page11

2. Cumulative percentage of soil retained on successive sieve is found.

Uniformity coefficient Cu = D60

Coefficient of curvature Cc= D² (30)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page12

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page13

If V is the terminal velocity of sinking of a spherical particle, it is given by;

V = 1/18 [(Gs - Gw)/ ɳ)] *D2

V = Terminal velocity of soil particle (cm/s)

D = Diameter of soil particle (cm)

Gs = Specific gravity of soil particle

Gw = specific gravity of water

ɳ = viscosity of water (g-s/cm)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page14

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, JIT- BANGALORE-560082 Page15

CALIBRATION OF THE HYDROMETER