BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

BMS
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT
Yelahanka, Bangalore- 560 064

Department of Civil Engineering

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
LAB

Faculty Incharge : Mrs Shimna Manoharan

Technical Incharge :Mr Anthony Raj

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 BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

BMS Institute of Technology & Management

Yelahanka, Bangalore - 560 064

Department of Civil Engineering

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY

(18CVL77)
Under Graduate Course
VII Semester, B E Civil Engineering

Laboratory Manual/Observation Book

Name of the Student : ……………………………………………………

Branch & Semester : Civil Engineering, VII Sem

University Seat No : ……………………………………………………

Batch : ……………………………………………………

Academic Year : ……………………………………………………

Prepared by Shimna Manoharan, Assistant Professor, Dept of Civil Engineering

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Contents
Vision, Mission, Pos 4
PEOs and PSOs 5
Cos 6
1. Experiment No. 1: Determination of specific gravity of soil 7
2. Experiment No. 2: Determination of water content of soil 10
3. Experiment No. 3: Grain size distribution 12
4. Experiment No. 4: Determination of In-situ density- Core 15
cutter method
5. Experiment No. 5: Determination of In-situ density- Sand 18
Replacement method
6. Experiment No. 6: Determination of consistency limits- 23
Liquid Limit by Casagrande Method
7. Experiment No. 7: Determination of consistency limits- 26
Liquid Limit by Cone Penetration Method
8. Experiment No. 8: Determination of consistency limits- 29
Plastic Limit
9. Experiment No. 9: Determination of consistency limits- 31
Shrinkage Limit
10. Experiment No. 10: IS Light Compaction test- Standard 35
Proctor Compaction Test
11. Experiment No. 11: IS Heavy Compaction test- Modified 39
Proctor Compaction Test
12. Experiment No. 12: Constant head permeability test 43
13. Experiment No. 13: Variable head permeability test 48
14. Experiment No. 14: Unconfined Compression Strength 53
15. Experiment No. 15: Direct Shear Test 57
16. Experiment No. 16: Undrained Triaxial Compression Test 62
17. Experiment No. 17: Consolidation Test 67
18. Experiment No. 18: Laboratory vane shear test 73

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 BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

BMS Institute of Technology & Management

Yelahanka, Bangalore - 560 064
Department of Civil Engineering

Vision of the BMSIT&M

To emerge as one of the finest technical institutions of higher learning to develop engineering
professionals who are technically competent, ethical and environment friendly for betterment of
society.

Mission of the BMSIT&M

Accomplish stimulating learning environment through high quality academic instruction,
innovation and industry-institute interface.

Vision of Department of Civil Engineering

To be an Exemplary Centre, disseminating quality education and developing technically
competent civil engineers with professional integrity for the betterment of society

Mission of Department of Civil Engineering

• To impart technical proficiency through state of art infrastructure and committed faculty
• To provide practical exposure through research, industry- interaction and motivate
entrepreneurship to cater societal needs.
• To inculcate leadership skills & professional ethics through curricular and co-curricular
activities

Program Outcomes are

1. Engineering knowledge: Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering
fundamentals, a n d an engineering specialization to the solution of complex engineering problems.
2. Problem analysis: Identify, formulate, review research literature, and analyze complex engineering
p r o b l e m s reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural
sciences, a n d engineering sciences.
3. Design/development of solutions: Design solutions for complex engineering problems and design
system components or processes that meet the specified needs with appropriate consideration for
the public health and safety, and the cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.
4. Conduct i n v e s t i g a t i o n s o f c o m p l e x p r o b l e m s : Use r e s e a r c h -based k n o w l e d g e and
research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis
of the information to provide valid conclusions.
5. Modern tool usage: Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern
engineering and IT tools including prediction and modeling to complex engineering activities with
an understanding of the limitations
6. The engineer and society: Apply reasoning informed by the contextual knowledge to assess
societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant
to the professional engineering practice.

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 BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
7. Environment and sustainability: Understand the impact of the professional engineering solutions
in s o c i e t a l and environmental contexts, and demonstrate the knowledge of, and need for
sustainable development.
8. Ethics: Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms
of t h e engineering practice.
9. Individual and team work: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader
in diverse teams, and in multidisciplinary settings.
10. Communication: Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the
engineering community and with society at large, such as, being able to comprehend and write
effective reports a n d design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive
clear instructions.
11. Project management and finance: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the engineering
and management principles and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a
team, to manage projects and in multidisciplinary environments.
12. Life-long learning: Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage in
independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change.

Program Educational Objectives of Department of Civil Engineering

• Lead a successful career by analyzing, designing and solving various problems in the
field of Civil Engineering.
• Execute projects through team building, communication and professionalism
• Excel through higher education and research for endured learning.
• Provide effective solution for sustainable environmental development.

Program Specific Outcomes: Students will be able to

1. Identify & address the challenges in transportation, sanitation, waste management, and
urban flooding in metropolitan cities.
2. Provide solutions related to civil engineering built environment through multidisciplinary
approach.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Course Outcomes of Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

The student will be able to:

CO1 Work as an individual or as a team and have thorough knowledge about the procedures
of laboratory tests used for the determination of physical, index and engineering
properties of soil
CO2 Analyse and interpret the results obtained from the experiments, classify soils based on
test results, interpret engineering behaviour and draft the complete report.
CO3 Communicate the significance of the experiments for the ethical and feasibility
components.

Instructions to students
Students shall
1. Be punctual and should attend the laboratory classes dressed in khakhee uniform and shoes.
Loose garments are not permitted in the laboratory from the safety point of view.
2. Every student should maintain an observation book. The specimen calculation should be
completed. The signature of the faculty member should be obtained in the observation book
before leaving the laboratory.
3. Be careful and patient while operating the hydraulic machines and equipment.
4. Avoid accidents with group members and damage to equipment while conducting
experiments.
5. Maintain discipline and optimum sound-levels during lab sessions
6. The Practical record should be submitted in the next class before commencing the next
experiment with neat sketches, procedures and results.
7. Inform the faculty in case of cuts, bruises, illness or accidents, who shall be given first aid.
In case of severe injuries or emergencies inform the faculty or institute members.
8. Student who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another
individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or
barred from attending future activities.
9. A student shall maintain a minimum percentage of 85% for the lab as per the VTU
regulations.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 1 Date:
Determination of specific gravity of soil
Learning Objective:
1. To understand the method of determination of specific gravity of coarse grained and fine
grained soil
2. To understand the importance of specific gravity in determining degree of saturation,
void ratio etc

AIM: To determine the specific gravity of soil fraction passing through 4.75 mm IS sieve and
retained in 4.75 mm IS sieve
APPARATUS:
1. Density bottle (Pycnometer for coarse grained soil)
2. Measuring device
3. Wash bottle with distilled water

THEORY
Specific Gravity
Apparent Specific Gravity, Ga -Ratio of the weight in air of a given volume of the impermeable
portion of a permeable material (that is, the solid matter including its impermeable pores or voids)
at a stated temperature, to the weight in air of an equal volume of distilled water at the stated
temperature.
Bulk Specific Gravity (specific Mass Gravity), Gm - Ratio of the weight in air of a given volume
of a permeable material (including both permeable and impermeable voids normal to the material)
at a stated temperature, to the weight in air of an equal volume of distilled water at the stated
temperature.
Specific Gravity of Solids, G - Ratio of the weight in air of given volume of soil solids at a stated
temperature, to the weight in air of an equal volume of distilled water
S
G= W = unit weight of water  S =unit weight of soil solids
W

dry mass of soil

G=
mass of water of equal volume

Specific gravity of soil grains gives the property of the formation of the soil mass and is
independent of the grain size. The property is important in calculating void ratio, porosity and
degree of saturation by knowing the water content

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
It also gives an idea about suitability of the soil as a construction material. Higher value of
specific gravity indicates more compactness and gives more strength for roads and foundations
Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 3 : Sec 1 : 1980 Methods of test for soils: Part 3 Determination of specific gravity
Section 1 fine grained soils
IS 2720 : Part III : Sec 2 : 1980 Test for Soils - Part III : Determination of Specific Gravity -
Section 2 : Fine, Medium and Coarse Grained Soils
PROCEDURE
1. Clean and dry the density bottle (Pycnometer – for coarse grained soil)
2. Weigh the empty bottle with stopper (M1)
3. Take about 10 to 20 gm of oven soil sample which is cooled in a desiccator. Transfer it to
the bottle. Find the weight of the bottle and soil (M2).
4. Put 10ml of distilled water in the bottle to allow the soil to soak completely. Leave it for
about 2 hours.
5. Again fill the bottle completely with distilled water put the stopper and keep the
bottle under constant temperature water bath
6. Take the bottle outside and wipe it clean and dry note. Now determine the weight of the
bottle and the contents (M3).
7. Now empty the bottle and thoroughly clean it. Fill the bottle with only distilled water and
weigh it. Let it be M4
8. Repeat the same process for 2 to 3 times, to take the average reading of it.
9. The specific gravity should be round off to 3 decimal places

Fig: Three Phase diagram

M 2− M 1
G=
( M 2 − M 1 ) − (M 3 − M 4 )

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

1. Fine grained soil

Project Location of Project
Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
Sl No Observations 1 2 3
1
Weight of density bottle (M1 g)
2 Mass of density bottle + dry soil (W2 g)
3 Mass of bottle + dry soil + water at temperature T x0 C
(W3 g)
4 Mass of bottle + water (W4 g) at temperature Tx0 C
5 Specific gravity G at Tx0 C
6 Average specific gravity at Tx0 C

2. Coarse grained soil

Project Location of Project
Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
Sl No Observations 1 2 3
1
Mass of density bottle (W1 g)
2 Mass of density bottle + dry soil (W2 g)
3 Mass of bottle + dry soil + water at temperature T x0 C
(W3 g)
4 Mass of bottle + water (W4 g) at temperature Tx0 C
5 Specific gravity G at Tx0 C
6 Average specific gravity at Tx0 C

RESULT
Average specific gravity of soil solids
1. Fine grained soil =
2. Coarse grained soil =

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 2 Date:
Determination of water content of soil
Learning Objective:
1. To understand the presence of natural moisture content in the soil
2. To estimate moisture content in soil and study the effect of the same

AIM

To determine the natural water content of the soil sample using oven drying method

APPARATUS
1. Non-corrodible air-tight container.
2. Electric oven, maintain the temperature between 1050 C to 1100 C.
3. Desiccator.
4. Balance of sufficient sensitivity.

THEORY
Soil mass is a three phase system, which comprises solid, liquid and gaseous matter. The soil
encloses water or air, wholly or partially. The open space between the solid particles is known as
voids or pores. These voids may be either filled with air for dry soil and in the case of saturated or
partially saturated soil; the voids may be filled with air or water. When the voids are completely
filled with water the soil is termed as fully saturated soil.
Moisture content also termed as water content is the ratio of weight of water to the weight of soil
solids denoted as w, and usually represented as percentage
weight of water WW 100
w= 100 =
weight of solids WS
Reference Code

IS 2720 : Part 2 : 1973 Methods of test for soils: Part 2 Determination of water content

PROCEDURE
1. Clean the containers with lid dry it and weigh it (W1).
2. Take a specimen of the sample in the container and weigh with lid (W2).
3. Keep the container in the oven with lid removed. Dry the specimen to constant weight
maintaining the temperature between 1050 C to 1100 C for a period varying with the type of soil
(usually 16 to 24 hours).
4. Record the final constant weight (W3) of the container with dried soil sample. Peat and other
organic soils are to be dried at lower temperature (say 600C ) possibly for a longer period.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Certain soils contain gypsum which on heating loses its water if crystallization. If it is suspected
that gypsum is present in the soil sample used for moisture content determination it shall be dried
at not more than 800 C and possibly for a longer time.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Project Location of Project

Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil

Sl no Observations 1 2 3

1 Mass of empty container (M1) gm

2 Mass of container and wet soil (M2)gms

3 Mass of container and dry soil (M3)gms

4 Mass of dry soil (Ms)

5 Mass of water (Mw) ,(M2-M3)gms

6 Water content (%)

7 Average water content (%)

RESULT

Water content of the given sample =

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 3 Date:
Grain size distribution
Learning Objective:
1. To classify the soil based on its particle size
2. To plot the particle size distribution curve and to determine the suitability of soil as
filters for earth dams , for road construction ,etc

AIM

To conduct sieve analysis for soil sample using IS standard sieves and hence classify the soil
based on particle size

APPARATUS
1. Balance-sensitive to the extent of 0.1% of total weight of sample taken
2. I.S. Sieves
3. Mechanical Sieve Shaker

THEORY

The soil is sieved through a set of sieves. The material retained on different sieves is determined.
The percentage of material retained on any sieve is given by
M
p = n 100,
n
M
Where Mn =mass of soil retained on sieve ‘n’
M = total mass of the sample
The cumulative percentage of the material retained
C= p1+p2+…….+pn
Where p1,p2 …..are the percentages retained on sieve ‘1’, ‘2’, etc. which are coarser than ‘n’. the
percentage finer than sieve ‘n’,
Nn = 100- Cn

Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 4 : 1985 Methods of Test for Soils - Part 4 : Grain Size Analysis

PROCEDURE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
1. The soil is oven dried and then all lumps are broken into small particle before they are
passed through the sieves
2. Weigh to 0.1 a specimen of approximately 500 g of oven-dried soil
3. Depending on the maximum size of material present in substantial quantities in the soil,
the mass of soil sample taken for analysis is based on IS code
4. The soil fractions retained on and passing 4.75 mm IS sieve shall be taken separately for
the analysis.
5. Sieve the soil through a nest of sieves by hand shaking. At least 10 minutes of hand
sieving is desirable for soils with small particles.
6. Weigh to 0.1 g each sieve and the pan with the soil retained on them.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

1. Sieve analysis for soil retained on 4.75mm sieve

Project Location of Project

Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
IS Sieve Weight retained in Percentage Cumulative % Percent Remarks
Size each sieve (gms) retained weight retained finer

1. D10 =
2. D30 =
3. D60 =
4. Uniformity Coefficient, Cu =

5. Coefficient of Curvature, Cc =

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
2. Sieve analysis for soil passing 4.75mm sieve

Project Location of Project

Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
IS Sieve Weight retained in Percentage Cumulative % Percent Remarks
Size each sieve (gms) retained weight retained finer

RESULT

1. The particle size distribution curve was plotted

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 4 Date:
Determination of In-situ density- Core cutter method
Learning Objective:
1. To understand the concept of density and in-situ density
2. To understand the importance of in-situ density in determination of bearing capacity,
slope stability, settlement due to structures etc.

AIM
To determine the in-situ density (in g/cm3 or kg/cm3) of natural or compacted soil using core
cutter method

APPARATUS
1. Cylindrical core cutter
2. Steel rammer
3. Steel dolly
4. Balance
5. Steel rule
6. Spade or pickaxe
7. Straight edge
8. Knife

THEORY

A cylindrical core cutter is a seamless steel tube. For determination of dry density of the soil, the
cutter is pressed into the soil mass so that it is filled with the soil. The cutter filled with the soil is
lifted up. The mass of the soil in the cutter is determined. The in-situ density is obtained as

M
= (g/cm3), where
V

M= mass of the soil in the cutter

V= internal volume of the cutter
Dry density is given by ,

d = (g/cm3), where
1 +w

w= water content
Reference Code
1. IS 2720 : Part 29 : 1975 Methods of Test for Soils - Part 29 : Determination of Dry
Density of Soils In-place by the Core-cutter Method

PROCEDURE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
1. Measure the height (h) and internal diameter (d) of the core cutter and apply grease to the
inside of the core cutter
2. Weigh the empty core cutter (M1)
3. Clean and level the place where density is to be determined.
4. Drive the core cutter, with a steel dolly on its top, into the soil to its full depth with the help
of a steel rammer.
5. Excavate the soil around the cutter with a crow bar and gently lift the cutter without
disturbing the soil in it.
6. Trim the top and bottom surfaces of the sample and clean the outside surface of the cutter.
7. Weigh the core cutter with soil (M2)
8. Remove the soil from the core cutter, using a sample ejector and take representative soil
sample from it to determine the moisture content.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Project Location of Project
Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil

1. Determination No 1 2

2. Mass of core cutter (M1), in g

3. Mass of core cutter +soil (M2),in g

4. Mass of wet soil (M= M2 - M1) ,in g

5. Inner diameter of core cutter d, in cm

6. Height of core cutter h, in cm

7. Volume of core cutter V , in cm3

M
8. Bulk density  = (g/cm ),
3

V
9. Water content container No

10 Mass of container with lid

11 Mass of container with lid and soil

12 Mass of container with lid and dry soil

13 Water content ,w in %

14 Dry density  d = (g/cm3),
1 +w

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

RESULT
1. In-situ density of the soil =
2. Dry density of the soil =

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 5 Date:
Determination of In-situ density- Sand Replacement method
Learning Objective:
1. To understand the concept of density and in-situ density
2. To understand the importance of in-situ density in determination of bearing capacity,
slope stability, settlement due to structures etc.

AIM

To determine the in-situ density (in g/cm3 or kg/cm3) of natural or compacted soil using sand
replacement method

APPARATUS
1. Sand pouring cylinder mounted above a pouring come and separated by a shutter cover plate
2. Tools for excavating holes; suitable tools such as scraper tool to make a level surface.
3. Cylindrical calibrating container.
4. Balance to weigh unto an accuracy of 1g
5. Metal containers to collect excavated soil.
6. Metal tray
7. Glass plate
8. Clean, uniformly graded natural sand passing through 1.00 mm I.S.sieve and retained on the
600micron I.S. sieve. It shall be free from organic matter and shall have been oven dried
9. Suitable non-corrodible airtight containers.
10. Oven to maintain the temperature between 1050C to 1100C.
THEORY
A hole of specified dimensions is excavated in the ground. The mass of the excavated soil is
determined.
The volume of the hole is determined by filling it with clean, uniform sand whose dry density (ρs)
determined separately by calibration. The volume of the hole is equal to the mass of the sand filled
in hole divided by its dry density.
The dry density of the excavated soil is given as
M
V (g/cm3) where,
d =
1 +w

M=mass of the excavated soil; V=Volume of the hole and w= water content

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 28 : 1974 Methods of test for soils: Part 28 Determination of dry density of soils
in place, by the sand replacement method
PROCEDURE
A. Calibration of apparatus
1. The pouring cylinder shall be filled with a given initial weight of sand ( M1). This weight
shall be maintained constant throughout the test for which the calibration is used
2. A volume of sand equivalent to that of the excavated hole in the soil (or equal to that of the
calibrating container) shall be allowed to run out or the pouring cylinder under gravity.
3. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall then be closed and the cylinder placed on the plane
surface.
4. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall be opened and sand is allowed to run out. When no
further movement of sand takes place in the cylinder the shutter shall be closed and the cylinder
removed carefully.
5. The sand that has filled the cone of the pouring cylinder shall be collected and weighed to the
nearest 0·1 percent of its total weight.
6. These measurements shall be repeated at least three times and mean weight of sand in cone(
W2) taken.
7. The internal volume ( Vc) in cm3 of the calibrating container shall be determined
8. The calibrating container should stand on a large tray during the procedure to collect the sand
overflowing from the cone when the cylinder is removed.
9. The pouring cylinder shall be placed concentrically on the top of the calibrating container
and filled with the constant weight of sand (W1) .
10. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall be closed during this operation. The shutter shall be
opened and the sand allowed to run out. When no further movement of the sand takes place in
the cylinder the shutter shall be closed.
11. The pouring cylinder shall be removed and the sand remaining in it weighed to the nearest
0.1 percent of its initial weight
12. These measurements shall be repeated at least three times, and the mean weight ( W3 ) taken
B. Determination of soil density
1. A flat area, approximately 60cm2, at the place at which the soil is to be tested shall be
exposed and trimmed down to a level surface.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
2. The metal tray with a central hole shall be laid on the prepared surface of the soil with the hole
over the portion of the soil to be tested. The hole in the soil shall then be excavated using the
hole in the tray as a pattern, to the depth of the layer to be tested up to a maximum of 250 mm
3. The excavated soil shall be carefully collected, leaving no loose material in the hole, and
weighed to the nearest gram (Wsoil.).The metal tray shall be removed before the pouring
cylinder is placed in position over the excavated hole.
4. A representative sample of the excavated soil shall be placed in an air-tight container and its
water content (w) determined
5. The pouring cylinder filled with the constant weight of sand ( W1 ) shall be placed so that the
base of the cylinder coven the hole concentrically. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall be
closed during this operation.
6. The shutter shall then be opened and sand allowed to run out. When no further movement of
the sand takes place the shutter shall be closed.
7. The cylinder shall be removed and the sand remaining in it weighed to the nearest 0·1 percent
of its initial weight ( W4. )

RESULT
1. In-situ density of the soil =
2. Dry density of the soil =
INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
1. Calibration
Project Location of Project
Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil

1. Determination No 1 2
Mass of sand pouring cylinder (M1), filled with
2.
sand in g
Mass of sand pouring cylinder after pouring sand
3.
into calibrating container and cone (M3), in g

4. Mass of sand in cone M2,in g

Mass of sand in calibrating container , Mc in
5.
g(M1- M3- M2)

6. Inner diameter of calibrating container , d in cm

7. Height of calibrating container , h in cm

8. Volume of calibrating container Vc , in cm3

M
9. Dry density of sand  = c (g/cm3),
d ( sand )
Vc
2. Determination of dry density of soil

1. Determination No 1 2

2. Mass of soil excavated from hole (Wsoil)

3. Mass of sand pouring cylinder (M1), filled with sand in g

Mass of sand pouring cylinder after pouring sand into
4.
excavated hole and cone (M4), in g

5. Mass of sand in cone M2,in g

6. Mass of sand in hole , Msand (= M1- M4- M2) in g

Msand
Volume of sand in hole, Vsoil (=
7. d(sand)
M soil
Bulk density of soil,  =
8. soil
Vsoil

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
9. Water content container No

10. Mass of container with lid

11. Mass of container with lid and soil

12. Mass of container with lid and dry soil

13. Water content ,w in %

 soil
14. Dry density  = (g/cm3),
1 +w
d

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 6 Date:
Determination of consistency limits-Liquid Limit by Casagrande Method
Learning Objective:
1. To estimate relationship between number of blows and water content
2. To estimate the basic property for cohesive soil in soil classification system

AIM
To determine the liquid limit of given soil using Casagrande method
APPARATUS
1. Balance
2. Casagrande apparatus
3. Grooving tool
4. 0.425mm IS sieve
5. Mixing dishes
6. Spatula
7. Weighing balance , accuracy 0.01g
8. Electrical Oven
THEORY
The behavior of all soils especially “clays” considerably differs in the presence of water. A clayey
soil depending upon its water content may be almost like a liquid, or it may be quite hard too.
Atterberg, a Swedish Scientist in 1911 gave an idea of the “consistency of cohesive soils” and
proposed a number of tests for defining their properties.
The liquid limit of a soil is the water content at which the soil behaves practically like a liquid but
has small shear strength. It flows to close the grove in just 25 blows in Casagrande liquid limit
device. As it is difficult to get exactly 25 blows in a test, 3 to 4 tests are conducted and the number
of blows (N) required in each test is determined. A semi-log plot is drawn between log N and the
water content (w). The liquid limit is the water content corresponding to N=25, as obtained from
the plot.
Reference Code
IS 2720: Part 5:1985 Method of Test for Soils - Part 5:Determination of Liquid and Plastic Limit

PROCEDURE

1. About 120 gm of air-dried soil from thoroughly mixed portion of material passing
425 micron I.S sieve is to be obtained.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
2. Distilled water is mixed to the soil thus obtained in a mixing disc to form uniform paste. The
paste shall have a consistency that would require 30 to 35 drops of cup to cause closer of
standard groove for sufficient length.
3. A portion of the paste is placed in the cup of liquid limit device and spread into portion with
few strokes of spatula.
4. Trim it to a depth of 1cm at the point of maximum thickness and return excess of soil to the
dish.
5. The soil in the cup shall be divided by the firm strokes of the grooving tool along the
diameter through the center line of the follower so that clean sharp groove of proper
dimension is formed.
6. Lift and drop the cup by turning crank at the rate of two revolutions per second until the two
halves of soil cake come in contact with each other for a length of about 1 cm by flow only.
7. The number of blows required to cause the groove close for about 1 cm shall be recorded.
8. A representative portion of soil is taken from the cup for water content determination.
9. Repeat the test with different moisture contents at least three more times for blows
between 10 and 40.
10. 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.
11. The moisture content corresponding to 25 drops (blows) as read from the represents liquid
limit. It is usually expressed to the nearest whole number.

RESULT
1. Liquid limit of the given soil =
2. Flow index of the soil =

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Project Location of Project
Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
Natural moisture content of soil =
1. Determination No 1 2 3
2. No of blows
3. Moisture Cup no
4. Weight of moisture cup
5. Weight of moisture cup + wet soil , gm
6. Weight of moisture cup + dry soil
7. Weight of water, gm
8. Weight of dry soil, gm
9. Water content(%)
10. Liquid limit (from graph)

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

Experiment No: 7 Date:

Determination of consistency limits-Liquid Limit by Cone Penetration Method
Learning Objective:
3. To estimate relationship between depth of penetration of cone and water content
4. To estimate the basic property for cohesive soil in soil classification system

AIM
To determine the liquid limit of given soil using Cone penetration method
APPARATUS
1. Balance
2. Cone penetrometer with cone of apex 30o and weight of 0.78N
3. Container to prepare soil pat
4. 0.425mm IS sieve
5. Mixing dishes
6. Spatula
7. Weighing balance , accuracy 0.01g
8. Electrical Oven
THEORY
The behavior of all soils especially “clays” considerably differs in the presence of water. A clayey
soil depending upon its water content may be almost like a liquid, or it may be quite hard too.
Atterberg, a Swedish Scientist in 1911 gave an idea of the “consistency of cohesive soils” and
proposed a number of tests for defining their properties.
The liquid limit of a soil is the water content at which the soil behaves practically like a liquid but
has small shear strength. Fall cone method or cone penetration test is popular in Europe and Asia
to determine liquid limit of soil. In this test liquid limit is defined as the moisture content at which
a standard cone of apex angle 30degree and weight of 0.78N will penetrate a distance d=20mm in
5 seconds when allowed to drop from a position of point contact with the soil surface. A semi-
logarithmic graph can then be plotted with moisture content (w) versus cone penetration d , the
moisture content corresponding to d=20mm is the liquid limit
Cone Penetrometer has been universally accepted since Casagrande’s apparatus have certain
shortcomings such as difficulty in groove cutting in soils of low plasticity and tendency of soils to
slip rather than flow.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Reference Code
IS 2720: Part 5:1985 Method of Test for Soils - Part 5:Determination of Liquid and Plastic Limit

PROCEDURE
1. About 150 gm of air-dried soil from thoroughly mixed portion of material passing
425 micron I.S sieve is to be obtained
2. Distilled water is mixed to the soil thus obtained in a mixing disc to form uniform paste.
3. Wet soil is then transferred to cylindrical cup of cone penetrometer and make it level
4. Place the cone gently over the top surface of soil .The initial reading is either adjusted to zero
or noted down as is shown on the graduated scale.
5. The vertical clamp is then released allowing the cone to penetrate into the soil paste under its
own weight. The penetration of the cone after 5 seconds shall be noted to the nearest
millimetre.
6. If the difference in penetration lies between 14 and 28 mm the test is repeated with suitable
adjustments to moisture either by addition of more water or exposure of the spread paste on a
glass plate for reduction in moisture content.
7. The test shall then be repeated at least to have four sets of values of penetration in the range
of 14 to 28 mm.
8. A graph representing water content on the y-axis and the cone penetration on the x-axis shall
be prepared. The best fitting straight line is then drawn.
9. The moisture content corresponding to cone penetration of 20 mm shall be taken as the liquid
limit of the soil and shall be expressed to the nearest first decimal place.

RESULT
1. Liquid limit of the given soil =
2.Flow index of the soil =
INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Project Location of Project
Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
Natural moisture content of soil =
1. Determination No 1 2 3
2. Recorded Penetration in mm
3. Moisture Cup no
4. Weight of moisture cup
5. Weight of moisture cup + wet soil , gm
6. Weight of moisture cup + dry soil
7. Weight of water, gm
8. Weight of dry soil, gm
11. Water content(%)
12. Liquid limit (from graph)

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 8 Date:
Determination of consistency limits-Plastic Limit
Learning Objective:
1. To understand plasticity property of the soil
2. To estimate the basic property for cohesive soil in soil classification system

AIM
To determine the plastic limit of the given soil

APPARATUS
1. Porcelain dish.
2. Glass plate for rolling the specimen.
3. Air tight containers to determine the moisture content.
4. Balance of capacity 200gm and sensitive to 0.01gm
5. Electrical oven.
THEORY
The plastic limit of a soil is the water content of the soil which it ceases to be plastic. It begins to
crumble when rolled into threads of 3mm diameter
Reference Code
IS 2720:Part 5:1985 Method of Test for Soils - Part 5 :Determination of Liquid and Plastic Limit

PROCEDURE
1. Take about 20gm of thoroughly mixed portion of the material passing through 425
micron I.S. sieve obtained in accordance with I.S. 2720 (part 1).
2. Mix it thoroughly with distilled water in the evaporating dish till the soil mass
becomes plastic enough to be easily moulded with fingers.
3. Allow it to season for sufficient time (for 24 hrs) to allow water to permeate throughout the
soil mass.
4. Take about 10gms of this plastic soil mass and roll it between fingers and glass plate with just
sufficient pressure to roll the mass into a threaded of uniform diameter throughout its length.
5. The rate of rolling shall be between 60 and 90 strokes per minute. Continue rolling till you get
a threaded of 3 mm diameter.
6. Kneed the soil together to a uniform mass and re-roll. Continue the process until the thread
crumbles when the diameter is 3 mm.
7. Collect the pieces of the crumbled thread in air tight container for moisture
content determination.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
8. Repeat the test to at least 3 times and take the average of the results calculated to the
nearest whole number.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Project Location of Project

Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
1. Determination No 1 2 3
2. Moisture Cup no
3. Weight of moisture cup
4. Weight of moisture cup + wet soil , gm
5. Weight of moisture cup + dry soil
6. Weight of water, gm
7. Weight of dry soil, gm
8. Plastic limit
9. Average Plastic limit

Plasticity index =

Toughness Index =

RESULT

Plastic Limit of the given soil =

Plasticity Index =
Toughness Index =

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 9 Date:
Determination of consistency limits-Shrinkage Limit
Learning Objective:
1. To understand concept of shrinkage limit
2. To estimate shrinkage ratio for the given soil

AIM
To determine the shrinkage limit and shrinkage ratio of the given soil
APPARATUS

1. Evaporating Dish. Porcelain, about 12cm diameter with flat bottom.

2. Spatula
3. Shrinkage Dish. Circular, porcelain or non-corroding metal dish (3 nos) having a
flat bottom and 45 mm in diameter and 15 mm in height internally.
4. Straight Edge. Steel, 15 cmm in length.
5. Glass cup. 50 to 55 mm in diameter and 25 mm in height , the top rim of which is
ground smooth and level.
6. Glass plates. Two, each 75×75 mm one plate shall be of plain glass and the other shall have
prongs.
7. Sieves-2mm and 425- micron IS sieves.
8. Oven-thermostatically controlled.
9. Graduate-Glass.
10. Balance-Sensitive to 0.01 g minimum.
11. Mercury. Clean, sufficient to fill the glass cup to over flowing.
12. Wash bottle containing distilled water.

THEORY
As the soil loses moisture, either in its natural environment , or by artificial means in laboratory it
changes from liquid state to plastic state from plastic state to semi solid state and then to solid
state.
The shrinkage limit is the water content of the soil when the water is just sufficient to fill all the
pores of the soil, and the soil is just saturated. The volume of the soil does not decrease when the
water content is reduced below the shrinkage limit. It can be determined from the relation
(M 1 − M s ) − (V1 − V2 ) w
ws= 100 , where
M
s

M1= initial wet mass, MS= dry mass, V1= initial volume , V2= volume after drying

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 6 : 1972 Methods of test for soils: Part 6 Determination of shrinkage factors

PROCEDURE
1. Take about 100 gm of soil sample from a thoroughly mixed portion of the material
passing through 425-micron I.S. sieve.
2. Place about 30 gm the above soil sample in the evaporating dish and thoroughly mixed with
distilled water and make a creamy paste
3. Use water content some where around the liquid limit.
4. Coat the inside of the shrinkage dish with a thin layer of grease to prevent the soil sticking to
the dish.
5. Fill the dish in three layers by placing approximately 1/3 rd of the amount of wet soil with the
help of spatula. Tap the dish gently on a firm base until the soil flows over the edges and no
apparent air bubbles exist.
6. Repeat this process for 2nd and 3rd layers also till the dish is completely filled with the wet soil.
Strike off the excess soil and make the top of the dish smooth. Wipe off all the soil adhering to
the outside of the dish.
7. Weigh immediately, the dish with wet soil and record the weight.
8. Air- dry the wet soil cake for 6 to 8hrs, until the colour of the pat turns from dark to light.
Then oven-dry to constant weight at 1050C to 1100C say about 12 to 16 hrs.
9. Remove the dried disk of the soil from oven. Cool it in a desiccator. Then obtain the weight of
the dish with dry sample.
10. Determine the weight of the empty dish and record.
11. Determine the volume of shrinkage dish which is evidently equal to volume of the wet soil as
follows. Place the shrinkage dish in an evaporating dish and fill the dish with mercury till it
overflows slightly. Press it with plain glass plate firmly on its top to remove excess mercury.
Pour the mercury from the shrinkage dish into a measuring jar and find the volume of the
shrinkage dish directly. Record this volume as the volume of the wet soil pat.
Volume of the Dry Soil Pat
12. Determine the volume of dry soil pat by removing the pat from the shrinkage dish and
immersing it in the glass cup full of mercury in the following manner.
13. Place the glass cup in a larger one and fill the glass cup to overflowing with mercury. Remove
the excess mercury by covering the cup with glass plate with prongs and pressing it. See that
no air bubbles are entrapped. Wipe out the outside of the glass cup to remove the adhering
mercury. Then, place it in another larger dish, which is, clean and empty carefully.
14. Place the dry soil pat on the mercury. It floats submerge it with the pronged glass plate which
is again made flush with top of the cup. The mercury spills over into the larger plate.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
15. Pour the mercury that is displayed by the soil pat into the measuring jar and find the volume
of the soil pat directly.

Fig: Three phase diagram for shrinkage test

RESULT
1. Shrinkage limit , Ws of the given soil =
2. Shrinkage ratio (R) of the given soil =

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Project Location of Project

Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil

1. Determination No 1 2 3
2. Mass of empty mercury dish
3. Mass of mercury dish , with mercury equal to
volume of shrinkage dish
4. Mass of mercury
5. Volume of shrinkage dish , V1 =
6. Mass of empty shrinkage dish
7. Mass of shrinkage dish +wet soil pat in g
8. Mass of wet soil pat, M1
9. Mass of shrinkage dish +dry soil pat in g
10. Mass of oven dry soil pat, Ms
11. Mass of mercury dish+ mercury equal in volume
of dry pat
12. Mass of mercury displaced by dry pat
13. Volume of dry soil pat , V2
14. Shrinkage limit , Ws
15. Shrinkage ratio (R)
16. Volumetric shrinkage

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 10 Date:

IS Light Compaction test- Standard Proctor Compaction Test

Learning Objective:
1. To understand the laboratory compaction test
2. To estimate the moisture-unit weight relationship for a given compactive effort on a
particular soil

AIM
To determine optimum moisture content and the corresponding dry density of the given soil
sample using Standard Proctor apparatus
APPARATUS
1. A cylindrical metal mould of 10cm and 12.73cm height with an internal volume of 1000cc
2. Detachable collar and base plate
3. Compaction rammer of weight 2.6kg with a height of fall of 31cm
4. Sample extruder
5. Large mixing pan and large spoon for dispensing soil
6. Soil mixing tools such as trowel, spoon, spatula
7. Moisture tins
13. Oven-thermostatically controlled.
14. Graduate-Glass.
15. Balance-Sensitive to 0.01 g minimum.
THEORY
Compaction is the densification of soil by removal of air which requires mechanical energy. The
degree of compaction of the soil is measured in terms of its unit weight. When water is added to
the soil during compaction, it acts as a softening agent on the soil particles. The soil particles slip
over to each other and move into densely packed position. The dry unit weight after compaction
first increases as the moisture content increases. Beyond certain moisture content any increase in
the moisture content tends to reduce the dry unit weight. This phenomenon occurs because the
water takes up the spaces that would have been occupied by the solid particles. The water content
at which the maximum dry unit weight is attained is generally referred to as the optimum moisture
content.
Standard Proctor test is a quantitative test which was developed by Proctor in the year 1933 during
the construction of an earth fill dam in California. If soil is properly missed with water and properly
compacted there is a marked improvement in the engineering properties of soil such

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
as increase in shear strength, density , decrease in permeability, seepage loss of water and
settlement of dams etc.
M
Bulk density,  = g / cc
V


Dry density, d = g / cc
1+ w

Gs  w
Dry Density for zero air voids line,  d max = g / cc , S=100% where
1 + wGs
M= mass of wet soil , in gm

V= Volume of the Proctor mould, in cc

W= water content
Gs= specific gravity of soil solids

Fig: compaction mould and water content vs dry density plot

Reference Code
IS 2720:Part VII:1980 Methods of Test for Soils- Part VII : Determination of Water Content-Dry
Density Relation Using Light Compaction
PROCEDURE
1. Take a representative air dry soil sample of about 3 kg.
2. Add sufficient water to the sample (about 7 % for sandy soils and 10 % for clay soils), which
will be less than the estimated optimum moisture content and mix it thoroughly.
3. Fix the mould to the base plate after cleaning its inside surface. Find the mass of the mould
with the base plate (M1).
4. Attach the extension collar to the mould.
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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
5. Place the soil in the mould, in three equal layers (approximately 6 cm). Each layer is compacted
by giving 25 blows by the rammer weighing 2.6 kg and dropping from a height of 31cm. The
compaction must be uniform over the whole area, and a spatula scratches each layer before
adding another layer. The filling must be such that the last layer projects into the collar by about
5 mm. After the completion of compaction, remove the collar and remove the excess soil with
the help of a straight edge.
6. Determine the mass of the mould with the base plate and the soil (M2).
7. Remove the soil from the mould and take a representative sample for water content
determination.
8. Break the sample and add 2 percent of water based on the original mass of 3kg. carefully remix
and repeat steps 3 through 7 until , based on wet masses , a peak value is followed by two
slightly lesser compacted masses.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

 No of blows  Weight of   Height of drop 

 per layer   (No of layer )  hammer   of hammer 

Compaction Energy, E =      
(Volume of mould )

RESULT
1.The plot between dry density and water content was plotted
2.Max dry density =
3.Optimum moisture content =
4.Compaction energy =

INFERENCE

37
Project Location of Project
Description of soil

BMS Institute of Technology & Management

Date of test
Blows/layers No of layers Mass of rammer
Mould dimensions: Dia Height Volume
Water content determination
1 Determination No
2 Moisture can No
3 Mass of cup
4 Mass of cup +wet soil,gm
5 Mass of cup+ dry soil,gm
6 Mass of water, gm
7 Mass of dry soil
8 Water content , w %
Density and unit weight of soil

Department of Civil Engineering

1 Assumed water content
2 Water content ,%
3 Volume of mould
4 Mass of mould, gm
5 Mass of soil +mould, gm
6 Mass of soil in mould
7 Bulk density , ρ, g/cc
8
Bulk unit weight ,γ, kN/m3
9
Dry unit weight ,γd, kN/m3
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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 11 Date:

IS Heavy Compaction test- Modified Proctor Compaction Test

Learning Objective:
3. To understand the laboratory heavy compaction test as per Indian standards
4. To estimate the moisture-unit weight relationship for a given compactive effort on a
particular soil

AIM
To determine optimum moisture content and the corresponding dry density of the given soil
sample using Modified Proctor apparatus
APPARATUS
1. A cylindrical metal mould of 10cm and 12.73cm height with an internal volume of 1000cc
2. Detachable collar and base plate
3. Compaction rammer of weight 4.89kg with a height of fall of 45cm
4. Sample extruder
5. Large mixing pan and large spoon for dispensing soil
6. Soil mixing tools such as trowel, spoon, spatula
7. Moisture tins
8. Oven-thermostatically controlled.
9. Graduate-Glass.
10. Balance-Sensitive to 0.01 g minimum.
THEORY
Compaction is the densification of soil by removal of air which requires mechanical energy. The
degree of compaction of the soil is measured in terms of its unit weight. When water is added to
the soil during compaction, it acts as a softening agent on the soil particles. The soil particles slip
over to each other and move into densely packed position. The dry unit weight after compaction
first increases as the moisture content increases. Beyond certain moisture content any increase in
the moisture content tends to reduce the dry unit weight. This phenomenon occurs because the
water takes up the spaces that would have been occupied by the solid particles. The water content
at which the maximum dry unit weight is attained is generally referred to as the optimum moisture
content.
Standard Proctor test is a quantitative test which was developed by Proctor in the year 1933 during
the construction of an earth fill dam in California. If soil is properly missed with water and properly
compacted there is a marked improvement in the engineering properties of soil such

39
BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
as increase in shear strength, density , decrease in permeability, seepage loss of water and
settlement of dams etc. With the development of heavy rollers and their use in field compaction,
the standard Proctor test was modified to better represent field conditions. The mould dimensions
remain the same but the rammer used is heavy. The weight of the hammer is 4.6kg with a height
of fall of 45cm compacted for five layers. Due to the change in rammer and no of layers the
compactive effort is more in modified Proctor test which results in maximum dry unit weight of
the soil. The increase in maximum dry unit weight of is accompanied by a decrease in the optimum
moisture content
M
Bulk density,  = g / cc
V


Dry density, d = g / cc
1+ w

Gs  w
Dry Density for zero air voids line,  d max = g / cc , S=100% where
1 + wGs
M= mass of wet soil , in gm

V= Volume of the Proctor mould, in cc

W= water content
Gs= specific gravity of soil solids
Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 8 : 1983 Methods of Test for Soils - Part 8 : Determination of Water Content-Dry
Density Relation Using Heavy Compaction
PROCEDURE
1. Take a representative air dry soil sample of about 3 kg.
2. Add sufficient water to the sample (about 7 % for sandy soils and 10 % for clay soils), which
will be less than the estimated optimum moisture content and mix it thoroughly.
3. Fix the mould to the base plate after cleaning its inside surface. Find the mass of the mould
with the base plate (M1).
4. Attach the extension collar to the mould.
5. Place the soil in the mould, in five equal layers (approximately 3 cm). Each layer is compacted
by giving 25 blows by the rammer weighing 2.6 kg and dropping from a height of 310 mm. The
compaction must be uniform over the whole area, and a spatula scratches each layer before
adding another layer. The filling must be such that the last layer projects into the

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
collar by about 5 mm. After the completion of compaction, remove the collar and remove the
excess soil with the help of a straight edge.
6. Determine the mass of the mould with the base plate and the soil (M2).
7. Remove the soil from the mould and take a representative sample for water content
determination.
8. Break the sample and add 2 percent of water based on the original mass of 3kg. Carefully remix
and repeat steps 3 through 7 until, based on wet masses , a peak value is followed by two slightly
lesser compacted masses.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

 No of blows  Weight of   Height of drop 

 per layer   (No of layer )  hammer   of hammer 

Compaction Energy, E =      
(Volume of mould )

RESULT
1. The plot between dry density and water content was plotted
2. Max dry density =
3. Optimum moisture content =
4. Compaction energy =
INFERENCE

41
Project Location of Project Description of soil
Date of test

BMS Institute of Technology & Management

Blows/layers No of layers Mass of rammer
Mould dimensions: Dia Height Volume

Water content determination

1 Determination No
2 Moisture can No
3 Mass of cup
4 Mass of cup +wet soil,gm
5 Mass of cup+ dry soil,gm
6 Mass of water, gm
7 Mass of dry soil
8 Water content , w %
Density and unit weight of soil

Department of Civil Engineering

1 Assumed water content
2 Water content ,%
3 Volume of mould
4 Mass of mould, gm
5 Mass of soil +mould, gm
6 Mass of soil in mould
7 Bulk density , ρ, g/cc
8 Bulk unit weight ,γ, kN/m3
9 Dry unit weight ,γd, kN/m3

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 12 Date:
Constant head permeability test
Learning Objective:
1. To understand concept of soil permeability and seepage
2. To estimate the permeability of cohesnionless(granular)soil for construction and stability
of earth dams and embankments, seepage in canals etc

AIM
To determine the co-efficient of permeability of a soil using constant head method
APPARATUS
1. Permeameter mould having a capacity of 1000ml with a detachable base and collar
2. Compacting rammer ( as per heavy compaction)
3. Porous stone
4. Constant head tank: A suitable water reservoir capable of supplying water to the permeameter
under constant head.
5. Beaker for collecting water
6. Graduated cylinder
7. Stop watch
THEORY
This property is necessary for the calculation of seepage through earth dams or under sheet pile
walls, the calculation of the seepage rate from waste storage facilities (landfills, ponds, etc.), and
the calculation of the rate of settlement of clayey soil deposits. The coefficient of permeability is
a constant of proportionality relating to the ease with which a fluid passes through a porous
medium. Two general methods are available for determining the coefficient of permeability of a
soil directly. These are constant head method and variable head method. Both method use Darcy’s
law given as :
v=ki
The corresponding flow rate (or quantity per unit time ) is
q=kiA where
q= quantity (cm3,m3) of fluid flow in a unit time ,s,h,day,year etc.
Q=q×t volume of the fluid collected
k= coefficient of permeability , or hydraulic conductivity , in vecity units (cm/s,
m/s, m/year etc)

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
i= hydraulic gradient=h/L= head loss across a flow path of length
L(dimensionless)
h= total head difference across the flow path of length L.
L=length of sample or flow path that produces the head difference (in units of) h
A= cross sectional area of soil mass through which flow q takes place in units
consistent with k
The constant head test is usually used for cohesion less materials (for k>10 -4 cm/s) since a large
amount of water is wasted into the overflow weir, which controls the constant head, unless the test
is of short duration. In this type of laboratory setup, the water supply at the inlet is adjusted in such
a way that the difference of head between the inlet and the outlet remains constant during the test
period. After a constant flow rate is established, water is collected in a graduated flask for a known
duration.
Coefficient of permeability for a constant head test is given by
QL
k =
tAh

Fig. Constant head permeability test

Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 17 : 1986 Methods of Test for Soils - Part 17 : Laboratory Determination of
Permeability

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
PROCEDURE
A. Preparation of specimen for testing
Undisturbed soil sample
1. Note down the sample number, bore hole number and its depth at which the sample was
taken.
2. Remove the protective cover (paraffin wax) from the sampling tube.
3. Place the sampling tube in the sample extraction frame, and push the plunger to get a
cylindrical form sample not longer than 35 mm in diameter and having height equal to that of
mould.
4. The specimen shall be placed centrally over the porous disc to the drainage base.
5. The angular space shall be filled with an impervious material such as cement slurry or wax, to
provide sealing between the soil specimen and the mould against leakage from the sides.
6. The drainage cap shall then be fixed over the top of the mould.
7. Now the specimen is ready for the test.
Disturbed soil sample
1. Determine the permeameter volume v in cc.
2. A 2.5 kg sample shall be taken from a thoroughly mixed air dried or oven dried material.
3. The initial moisture content of the 2.5 kg sample shall be determined. Then the soil shall be
placed in the air tight container.
4. Add required quantity of water to get the desired moisture content as per the density
requirement
5. Mix the soil thoroughly.
6. Weigh the empty permeameter mould.
7. Place one porous stone on the inner support ring in the base of the chamber then place a filter
paper on top of the porous stone
8. After greasing the inside slightly, clamp it between the compaction base plate and extension
collar.
9. Place the assembly on a solid base and fill it with sample and compact it.
10. After completion of a compaction the collar and excess soil are removed.Find the weight of
mould with sample.
11. Place the mould with sample in the permeameter, with drainage base and cap having discs
that are properly saturated.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
B. Test procedure
1. For the constant head arrangement, the specimen shall be connected through the top inlet to
the constant head reservoir.
2. Connect the water reservoir to the outlet at the base, and allow the water to flow upwards till
it has saturated the sample. Let the free water collect for a depth of about 100mm on top of
the sample
3. Disconnect the reservoir from the outlet at the bottom
4. Connect the constant head reservoir to the drainage cap inlet
5. Open the valve and allow the water to flow downward so that all air is removed.
6. Start the stopwatch and collect the water flowing out of the base in a measuring flask for
some convenient time interval
7. Repeat three times keeping the interval the same.
8. Measure the difference of head(h) in levels between the constant head reservoir

RESULT
1. Coefficient of permeability =
2. Void ratio =
3. Degree of saturation =

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Project Location of Project
Description of soil
Sample dimensions: Dia Area Volume
Specific gravity of soil Gs
Weight of wet specimen Weight of dry specimen
Constant height of water ,h
1. Determination No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Average
2. Time , t in sec
3. Volume of water
collected , Q in ml
4. Discharge , q in cc/sec
5. Temperature ,T in oC
6. Permeability
7. Average Permeability
QL
1. Coefficient of permeability k = =
tAh

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 13 Date:
Variable head permeability test
Learning Objective:
1. To understand concept of soil permeability and seepage
2. To estimate the permeability of cohesive(fine clayey)soil for construction and stability of
earth dams and embankments, seepage in canals etc

AIM
To determine the co-efficient of permeability of a soil using falling head method
APPARATUS
1. Permeameter mould having a capacity of 1000ml with a detachable base and collar
2. Compacting rammer ( as per heavy compaction)
3. Porous stone
4. Container head has an overflow valve
5. Stand pipe arrangements are done on a board with 2 or 3 glass pipes of different diameters
6. Beaker for collecting water
7. Graduated cylinder
8. Stop watch
THEORY
This property is necessary for the calculation of seepage through earth dams or under sheet pile
walls, the calculation of the seepage rate from waste storage facilities (landfills, ponds, etc.), and
the calculation of the rate of settlement of clayey soil deposits. The coefficient of permeability is
a constant of proportionality relating to the ease with which a fluid passes through a porous
medium. Two general methods are available for determining the coefficient of permeability of a
soil directly. These are constant head method and variable head method. Both method use Darcy’s
law given as :
v=ki
The corresponding flow rate (or quantity per unit time ) is
q=kiA where
q= quantity (cm3,m3) of fluid flow in a unit time ,s,h,day,year etc.
Q=q×t volume of the fluid collected
k= coefficient of permeability , or hydraulic conductivity , in vecity units (cm/s,
m/s, m/year etc)

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
i= hydraulic gradient=h/L= head loss across a flow path of length
L(dimensionless)
h= total head difference across the flow path of length L.
L=length of sample or flow path that produces the head difference (in units of) h
A= cross sectional area of soil mass through which flow q takes place in units
consistent with k
The falling head method of determining permeability is used for cohesive soil (k<10-4cm/s) with
slow discharge. For a falling head test arrangement the specimen shall be connected through the
top inlet to selected stand-pipe. The bottom outlet shall be opened and the time interval required
for the water level to fall from a known initial head to a known final head as measured above the
centre of the outlet shall be recorded.
Coefficient of permeability for a constant head test is given by
aL h
k= ln 1 where,

At h2
a= cross-sectional area of stand pipe, cm2
A= cross-sectional area of soil sample, cm2
h1= hydraulic head across sample at beginning of test (t=0)
h1= hydraulic head across sample at end of test (t=ttest)

Fig. Falling head permeability test

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Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 17 : 1986 Methods of Test for Soils - Part 17 : Laboratory Determination of
Permeability
PROCEDURE
A. Preparation of specimen for testing
Undisturbed sample: Refer experiment 12
The disturbed specimen can be prepared by static compaction or by dynamic compaction.
Preparation of statically Compacted (disturbed) specimen.
1. Take 800 to 1000 gms of representative soil and mix with water to O.M.C determined by I.S
Light Compaction test. Then leave the mix for 24 hours in an airtight container.
2. Find weight of soil mix for the given volume of the mould and hence find the dry
density  d for W =  d (1 + W )V

3. Now, assemble the permeameter for static compaction. Attach the 3 cm collar to the bottom end
of 0.3 liters mould and the 2 cm collar to the top end. Support the mould assembly over
2.5 cm end plug, with 2.5 cm collar resting on the split collar kept around the 2.5 cm- end
plug. The inside of the 0.3 lit. Mould is lightly greased.
4. Put the weighed soil into the mould. Insert the top 3 cm end plug into the top collar, tamping
the soil with hand.
5. Keep, now the entire assembly on a compressive machine and remove the split collar. Apply
the compressive force till the flange of both end plugs touch the corresponding collars. Maintain
this load for 1 mt and then release it.
6. Then remove the top 3 cm plug and collar place a filter paper on fine wire mesh on the top of
the specimen and fix the perforated base plate.
7. Turn the mould assembly upside down and remove the 2.5 cm end plug and collar. Place the
top perforated plate on the top of the soil specimen and fix the top cap on it, after inserting the
seating gasket.
8. Now the specimen is ready for test.
Preparation of Dynamically Compacted Disturbed sample:
1. Take 800 to 1000 gms of representative soil and mix it with water to get O.M.C, if necessary.
Have the mix in airtight container for 24 hours.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
2. Assemble the permeameter for dynamic compaction. Grease the inside of the mould and place
it upside down on the dynamic compaction base. Weigh the assembly correct to a gram (w).
Put the 3 cm collar to the other end.
3. Now, compact the wet soil in 2 layers with 15 blows to each layer with a 2.5 kg dynamic tool.
Remove the collar and then trim off the excess. Weigh the mould assembly with the soil (W2).
4. Place the filter paper or fine wore mesh on the top of the soil specimen and fix the perforated
base plate on it.
5. Turn the assembly upside down and remove the compaction plate. Insert the sealing gasket
and place the top perforated plate on the top of soil specimen. And fix the top cap.
6. Now, the specimen is ready for test.
B. Test procedure
1. Prepare the soil specimen as specified.
2. Saturate it. Deaired water is preferred.
3. Assemble the permeameter in the bottom tank and fill the tank with water.
4. Inlet nozzle of the mould is connected to the stand pipe. Allow some water to flow until
steady flow is obtained.
5. Note down the time interval t for a fall of head in the stand pipe h
6. Repeat step 5 three times to determine t for the same head.
RESULT
1. Coefficient of permeability =
2. Void ratio =
3. Degree of saturation =
INFERENCE

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OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Project Location of Project
Description of soil
Date of testing
Sample dimensions: Dia Area,A Volume
Specific gravity of soil Gs
Weight of wet specimen Weight of dry specimen
Qout
Area od stand pipe , a = =
h1 − h2

1. Determination No Average
2. Time , t in sec

3. Initial head h1 in cm
4. Final head h2 in cm
5. Temperature ,T in oC
6. Permeability
7. Average Permeability
aL h
1. Coefficient of permeability k = ln 1 =
At h2

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 14 Date:
Unconfined Compression Strength
Learning Objective:
1. To understand the procedure of determination of approximate shear strength of cohesive
soil
2. To conduct strength test on undisturbed soil sample

AIM
To determine shear parameters of cohesive soil
APPARATUS
1. Loading frame of capacity of 2 t, with constant rate of movement.
2. Proving ring of 0.01 kg sensitivity for soft soils; 0.05 kg for stiff soils.
3. Soil trimmer.
4. Frictionless end plates of 75 mm diameter (Perspex plate with silicon grease coating).
5. Evaporating dish (Aluminum container).
6. Soil sample of 75 mm length.
7. Dial gauge (0.01 mm accuracy).
8. Balance of capacity 200 g and sensitivity to weigh 0.01 g.
9. Oven, thermostatically controlled with interior of non-corroding material to maintain the
temperature at the desired level.
10. Sample extractor and split sampler.
11. Dial gauge (sensitivity 0.01mm).
12. Vernier calipers
THEORY
The unconfined compression test is a special type of unconsolidated –undrained test that is
commonly used for clay specimens. In this test, the confining pressure σ 3 is 0. An axial load is
rapidly applied to the specimen to cause failure. At failure , the total minor principal stress is zero
and the total major principal stress is σ1. Because the undrained shear strength is independent of
the confining pressure as long as the soil is fully saturated and fully drained,
1
 = =
qu
= cu Where
f
2 2

qu= unconfined compressive strength

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Fig: Unconfined compression testing

Reference Code
IS 2720:Part 10:1991 Methods of test for soils: Part 10 Determination of unconfined
compressive strength
PROCEDURE
A. Preparation of specimen for testing
Undisturbed specimen
1. Note down the sample number, bore hole number and the depth at which the sample was
taken.
2. Remove the protective cover (paraffin wax) from the sampling tube.
3. Place the sampling tube extractor and push the plunger till a small length of sample moves
out.
4. Trim the projected sample using a wire saw.
5. Again push the plunger of the extractor till a 75 mm long sample comes out.
6. Cutout this sample carefully and hold it on the split sampler so that it does not fall.
7. Take about 10 to 15 g of soil from the tube for water content determination.
8. Note the container number and take the net weight of the sample and the container.
9. Measure the diameter at the top, middle, and the bottom of the sample and find the average
and record the same.
10. Measure the length of the sample and record.

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11. Find the weight of the sample and record.

Moulded sample
1. For the desired water content and the dry density, calculate the weight of the dry soil Ws
required for preparing a specimen of 3.8 cm diameter and 7.5 cm long.
2. Add required quantity of water Ww to this soil.
3. Mix the soil thoroughly with water.
4. Place the wet soil in a tight thick polythene bag in a humidity chamber for 24 hours
5. After 24 hours take the soil from the humidity chamber and place the soil in a constant
volume mould, having an internal height of 7.5 cm and internal diameter of 3.8 cm.
6. Place the lubricated moulded with plungers in position in the load frame.
7. Apply the compressive load till the specimen is compacted to a height of 7.5 cm.
8. Eject the specimen from the constant volume mould.
9. Record the correct height, weight and diameter of the specimen.

B. Test procedure
1. Take two frictionless bearing plates of 75 mm diameter.
2. Place the specimen on the base plate of the load frame (sandwiched between the end plates).
3. Place a hardened steel ball on the bearing plate.
4. Adjust the center line of the specimen such that the proving ring and the steel ball are in the
same line.
5. Fix a dial gauge to measure the vertical compression of the specimen.
6. Adjust the gear position on the load frame to give suitable vertical displacement.
7. Start applying the load and record the readings of the proving ring dial and compression dial
for every 5 mm compression.
8. Continue loading till failure is complete.
9. Draw the sketch of the failure pattern in the specimen
RESULT
1. Unconfined compression strength of the soil , qu =
2. Shear strength of the soil =
3. Sensitivity =
INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Project Location of Project Date of testing
Description of soil
Sample dimensions: Dia Area,Ao Length Lo
Volume Mass Wet density
Water content Dry density Load ring constant
Specific gravity of soil Gs
Deformation Load Sample Unit Area Corrected Axial Compressive
dial reading dial deformation strain Correction area A′ = Load stress
reading ΔL L factor (1- Ao/(1- ε)
,ε
Lo ε)

Unconfined compression strength of the soil , qu =

Shear strength of the soil =

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 15 Date:
Direct Shear Test
Learning Objective:
1. To understand with the procedure for rapidly estimating the shear strength parameters(ϕ
and c) of a soil
2. To analyse the horizontal failure plane for the soil

AIM
To determine the shear strength properties of the soil using the direct shear apparatus.
APPARATUS

1. Direct shear box apparatus

2. Loading frame (motor attached).
3. Dial gauge.
4. Proving ring.
5. Tamper.
6. Straight edge.
7. Balance to weigh upto 200 mg.
8. Aluminum container.
9. Spatula.

THEORY
Shear strength of a soil is its maximum resistance to shearing stresses. The shear strength is
defined by Coulomb as
s = c +  tan   where

c= effective cohesion  = effective stress and  = effective angle of shearing resistance
The shear tests can be conducted under three different drainage conditions. The direct shear test is
generally conducted on sandy soils as a consolidated-drained test.
The direct shear test is the oldest and simplest form of shear test arrangement. The test equipment
consists of a metal shear box in which the soil specimen is placed. The box is split into two halves.
Normal force on the specimen is applied from the top of the shear box and shear force is applied
by moving one-half of the box relative to the other to cause failure on the specimen.

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Fig: Schematic representation of direct shear test

Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 13 : 1986 Methods of Test for Soils - Part 13 : Direct Shear Test
PROCEDURE

1. Measure the inner dimension of the shear box container and calculate the area and volume of
the box.
2. Put the parts of the shear box and place the alignment pin.
3. The mass of the soil is based on the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content that
is obtained for the soil, or based on the shear strength required for the given density
4. Place the soil in smooth layers (approximately 10 mm thick). If a dense sample is desired
tamp the soil.
5. Make the surface of the soil plane.
6. Put the upper grating on stone and loading block on top of soil.
7. Measure the thickness of soil specimen.
8. Apply the desired normal load.
9. Remove the shear pin.
10. Attach the dial gauge which measures the change of volume.
11. Record the initial reading of the dial gauge and calibration values.
12. Before proceeding to test check all adjustments to see that there is no connection between two
parts except sand/soil.
13. Start the motor. Take the reading of the shear force and record the reading.
14. Take volume change readings till failure.
15. Add 5 kg normal stress 0.5 kg/cm2 and continue the experiment till failure
16. Record carefully all the readings. Set the dial gauges zero, before starting the experiment

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Project Location of Project
Description of soil Date of testing
Shear Box dimensions: Width Length Depth
Volume Water content Dry density
Mass Wet density Specific gravity of soil Gs
Proving ring constant Loading rate
1. Normal stress =
Horizontal Vertical Proving Shear Vertical Horizontal Shear
dial gauge dial gauge ring deformation deformation shear force stress
reading reading reading

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60. Normal stress =
Horizontal Vertical Proving Shear Vertical Horizontal Shear
dial gauge dial gauge ring deformation deformation shear force stress
reading reading reading

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
3. Normal stress =
Horizontal Vertical Proving Shear Vertical Horizontal Shear
dial gauge dial gauge ring deformation deformation shear force stress
reading reading reading

1. The plot between shear stress and shear strain is to be plotted

2. The plot between shear stress and normal stress to obtain soil parameters is to be plotted.
The measured slope is angle of friction and y axis intercept is cohesion c
RESULT
1. The plot between shear stress and normal stress is been plotted
2. Angle of internal friction , ϕ=
3. Cohesion , c=
INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 16 Date:
Undrained Triaxial Compression Test
Learning Objective:
1. To understand the basic procedure for determining the ‘undrained’ soil shear strength
parameters
2. To understand practical and theoretical concepts in relation to shear strength properties
of the soil

AIM
To determine the shear strength properties of the soil by condcuting triaxial compression
APPARATUS
1. A loading frame in which the load is applied by a yoke acting through an elastic
dynamometer
2. A hydraulic pressure apparatus
3. A triaxial cell to take 3.8 cm dia and 7.6 cm long samples
4. 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) internal diameter 12.5 cm (5 inches) long sample tubes.
5. Rubber ring.
6. An open ended cylindrical section former, 3.8 cm inside dia, fitted with a small rubber
tube in its side.
7. Stop clock.
8. Moisture content test apparatus.
9. A balance of 250 gm capacity and accurate to 0.01 gm
THEORY
The triaxial test is carried out in a cell on a cylindrical soil sample having a length to diameter ratio
of 2. The usual sizes are 76 mm x 38 mm and 100 mm x 50 mm. Three principal stresses are
applied to the soil sample, out of which two are applied water pressure inside the confining cell
and are equal. The third principal stress is applied by a loading ram through the top of the cell and
is different to the other two principal stresses. The soil sample is placed inside a rubber sheath
which is sealed to a top cap and bottom pedestal by rubber O-rings. For tests with pore pressure
measurement, porous discs are placed at the bottom, and sometimes at the top of the specimen.
Filter paper drains may be provided around the outside of the specimen in order to speed up the
consolidation process. Pore pressure generated inside the specimen during testing can be measured
by means of pressure transducers.
The triaxial compression test consists of two stages:

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First stage: In this, a soil sample is set in the triaxial cell and confining pressure is then applied.
Second stage: In this, additional axial stress (also called deviator stress) is applied which induces
shear stresses in the sample. The axial stress is continuously increased until the sample fails.
During both the stages, the applied stresses, axial strain, and pore water pressure or change in
sample volume can be measured.
There are several test variations, and those used mostly in practice are:
a. UU (unconsolidated undrained) test: In this, cell pressure is applied without allowing drainage.
Then keeping cell pressure constant, deviator stress is increased to failure without drainage.
b. CU (consolidated undrained) test: In this, drainage is allowed during cell pressure application.
Then without allowing further drainage, deviator stress is increased keeping cell pressure
constant.
c. CD (consolidated drained) test: This is similar to CU test except that as deviator stress is
increased, drainage is permitted. The rate of loading must be slow enough to ensure no excess
pore water pressure develops.

In the UU test, if pore water pressure is measured, the test is designated by .

In the CU test, if pore water pressure is measured in the second stage, the test is symbolized

as
One of the primary purposes of this test is to determine the shear strength parameters of the soil.
These parameters are defined by Coulomb’s shear strength equation

s = c +  tan   where

c= effective cohesion = effective stress and  = effective angle of shearing resistance

Fig: Mohr Circle

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 BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

Fig: Triaxial Test Setup

Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 11 : 1993 Methods of test for soils: Part 11 Determination of the Shear Strength
Parameters of a specimen tested in unconsolidated, Undrained triaxial compression without the
measurement of pore water pressure
PROCEDURE
1. The sample is placed in the compression machine and a pressure plate is placed on the top. Care
must be taken to prevent any part of the machine or cell from jogging the sample while it is
being setup, for example, by knocking against this bottom of the loading piston.
2. The probable strength of the sample is estimated and a suitable proving ring selected and fitted
to the machine.
3. The cell must be properly set up and uniformly clamped down to prevent leakage of pressure
during the test, making sure first that the sample is properly sealed with its end caps and rings
(rubber) in position and that the sealing rings for the cell are also correctly placed.
4. When the sample is setup water is admitted and the cell is fitted under water escapes from the
bleed valve, at the top, which is closed.
5. If the sample is to be tested at zero lateral pressure water is not required.
6. The air pressure in the reservoir is then increased to raise the hydrostatic pressure in the required
amount.
7. The pressure gauge must be watched during the test and any necessary adjustments must be
made to keep the pressure constant.

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8. The handle wheel of the screw jack is rotated until the under side of the hemispherical seating
of the proving ring, through which the loading is applied, just touches the cell piston.
9. The piston is then removed down by handle until it is just in touch with the pressure plate on
the top of the sample, and the proving ring seating is again brought into contact for the beginning
of the test.
10.
RESULT
1. The plot between shear stress and normal stress is been plotted
2. The plot between shear strain and deviator stress is been plotted
3. Angle of internal friction , ϕ=
4. Cohesion , c=

INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Project Location of Project
Description of soil Date of testing
Sample Data : Area, Ao Length, Lo
Volume Water content Dry density
Mass Wet density Specific gravity of soil Gs
Proving ring constant Loading rate
Cell Pressure , σ3
Deformation Proving ΔL Vertical ε= ΔL 1- ε Corrected Deviator Principal
dial gauge ring Load /Lo Area A’ Stress Stress
reading reading σd= P/A’ σ1

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 17 Date:
Consolidation Test
Learning Objective:
1. To understand the basic procedure to conduct consolidation test in laboratory using
odometer
2. To predict the time rate and extent of settlement of structures founded on fine-grained
soils

AIM
To determine the the compressible properties of a saturated soil in determining the maginitude
and rate of settlement of structure
APPARATUS
1. Soil specimen with consolidation setup
2. Steel ball
3. Dial gauge (for displacement measurement)
4. Water reservoir (to keep soil specimen saturated)
5. Loads (for application of vertical stress)
6. Consolidation ring (used for extracting undisturbed soil sample)
THEORY
The gradual process which involves, simultaneously, a slow escape of water and a gradual
compression, due to a gradual pressure adjustment, is called consolidation. When a soil layer is
subjected to vertical stress, volume change can take place through rearrangement of soil grains,
and some amount of grain fracture may also take place. The volume of soil grains remains constant,
so change in total volume is due to change in volume of water. In saturated soils, this can happen
only if water is pushed out of the voids. The movement of water takes time and is controlled by
the permeability of the soil and the locations of free draining boundary surfaces.
It is necessary to determine both the magnitude of volume change (or the settlement) and the time
required for the volume change to occur. The magnitude of settlement is dependent on the
magnitude of applied stress, thickness of the soil layer, and the compressibility of the soil.
When soil is loaded undrained, the pore pressure increases. As the excess pore pressure dissipates
and water leaves the soil, settlement takes place. This process takes time, and the rate of settlement
decreases over time. In coarse soils (sands and gravels), volume change occurs immediately as
pore pressures are dissipated rapidly due to high permeability. In fine soils (silts and clays), slow
seepage occurs due to low permeability.

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The consolidation test is carried out using oedometer setup. The Oedometer setup consists of a
consolidation cell, i.e., loading device and cylindrical container. The soil sample is loaded in
increments of vertical stress. Under each stress increment, the sample is allowed to consolidate till
there is little or no further change in dial gauge reading.
Height of solids (HS)
HS = WS/(GS.γw.A)
Void ratio. Voids ratio at the end of various pressures
e = (H - HS)/HS
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; Casagrande Method)
ii. Cv = 0.848 d2t90 (Square fitting method; Taylor Method)
Compression Index. plot voids ratio (e) Vs log(t). The virgin compression curve would be a
straight line and the slope of this line would give the compression index Cc.
Coefficient of compressibility.
av = 0.435 Cc/(Avg. pressure) for the increment where Cc = Coefficient of compressibility
Or, av can be also obtained by using void ratio versus pressure curve, which will be a function of
pressure.
Coefficient of permeability. It is calculated as follows
k = Cv.av .γw /(1+eo).

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Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part XV : 1965 Methods of Test for Soils - Part XV : Determination of Consolidation
Properties
PROCEDURE
1. Saturate two porous stones either by boiling in distilled water about 15 minute 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.
4. Make sure that the porous stone and pressure pad are not touching the walls of mould on
their sides.
5. 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.
6. Fill the mould with water and apply an initial load to the assembly.
7. The magnitude of this load should be chosen by trial, such that there is no swelling. It should
be not less than 50 gm/cm2 for ordinary soils & 25 gm/cm2 for very soft soils.
8. 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.
9. Note the final dial reading under the initial load.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
10. 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.
11. The dial gauge readings are taken until 90% consolidation is reached. Primary consolidation
is gradually reached within 24 hrs.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. After the last loading is completed, reduce the load to 1/4 of the value of the last load and
allow it to stand for 24 hrs.
15. Reduce the load further in steps of 1/4 the previous intensity till an intensity of 0.1 kg/cm2 is
reached. Take the final reading of the dial gauge.
16. Reduce the load to the initial load, keep it for 24 hrs and note the final readings of the dial
gauge.
17. Quickly dismantle the specimen assembly and put the soil specimen in oven for 24 hours,
take its dry weight.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Project Location of Project
Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
Ring: Diameter Area, Ar Height
Sample Height Specific gravity of soil Gs
Mass of ring +wet sample at start of test
Mass of ring
Mass of wet soil solids
Final water content determination – end of test
Mass of dish+ ring+ wet soil cake =
Mass of dish+ ring + dry soil cake =
Mass of dish + ring =
Mass of oven dry soil cake =
Mass of water in soil cake =

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Final water content =

Pressure intensity 0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2 3

Elapsed Dial Dial Dial Dial Dial Dial
t
time,min readings readings readings readings readings readings
0.25 0.50
1.00 1.00
2.25 1.50
4.00 2.00
6.25 2.50
9.00 3.00
12.25 3.50
16.00 4.00
20.25 4.50
25.00 5.00
30.25 5.50
36.00 6.00
42.25 6.50
49.00 7.00
56.25 7.50
64.00 8.00
72.25 8.50
81.00 9.00
90.25 9.50
100.00 10.00
121.00 11.00
144.00 12.00
169.00 13.00
196.00 14.00
225.00 15.00
256.00 16.00
1440 (24
hours

Applied Final Change in Height of soil Initial height of Initial void

pressure dial sample solids voids ratio
reading height ,ΔH Hs = Hi- ΔH- Hvf

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
1.Height of
HS = MS/(GS.γw.A)initial water content
2.Void ratio.
e = (H - HS)/HS
3. Coefficient of consolidation.
i. Cv = 0.197 d2/t50 (Log fitting method; Casagrande Method)
ii. Cv = 0.848 d2t90 (Square fitting method; Taylor Method)
In the log fitting method, a plot is made between dial readings and logarithmic of time at
constant load, and 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 at constant load, and the time corresponding to 90% consolidation is determined.
The values of Cv are recorded .
4. Compression Index. plot voids ratio (e) vs log(σ). The virgin compression curve would be a
straight line and the slope of this line would give the compression index Cc.
5. Coefficient of compressibility.
av = 0.435 Cc/(Avg. pressure)
Or, av can be also obtained by using void ratio versus pressure curve, which will be a function
of pressure.
6. Coefficient of permeability.
k = Cv.av .γw /(1+eo).

RESULT

1. Height of solids =
2. Void ratio. =
3. Coefficient of consolidation =
4. Compression Index =
5. Coefficient of compressibility =
6. Coefficient of permeability =
INFERENCE

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
Experiment No: 18 Date:
Laboratory vane shear test
Learning Objective:
1. To understand the procedure for conducting laboratory vane shear test
2. To estimate the of shear strength of cohesive soils

AIM
To determine the shear strength of cohesive soils
APPARATUS
1. Vane shear apparatus (Laboratory)
2. Specimen inside the vane shear specimen container
3. Shear vanes with the torque rod
4. Torque applicator
5. Torque spring
THEORY
The structural strength of soil is basically a problem of shear strength. Vane
shear test is a useful method of measuring the shear strength of clay. It is a cheaper and quicker
method. The test can also be conducted in the 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 triaxial or unconfined tests cannot be performed. The test gives the
undrained strength of the soil. The undisturbed and remoulded strength obtained are useful for
evaluating the sensitivity of soil.
The vane shear test apparatus consists of four stainless steel blades fixed at right angle to each
other and firmly attached to a high tensile steel rod. The length of the vane is usually kept equal
to twice its overall width. The diameters and length of the stainless steel rod were limited to 2.5mm
and 60mm respectively.
T
Cu = where
2 H d
d  + 
 2 6

Cu= compressive strength , kg/cm2

T = applied torque , kg-cm
d= diameter of the vane ,cm
H= height of vane, cm

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering

Fig : Vane shear test

Reference Code
IS 2720 : Part 30 : 1980 Methods of test for soils: Part 30 Laboratory vane shear test
PROCEDURE
1. Prepare two or three specimens of the soil sample of dimensions of at least 37.5 mm diameter
and 75 mm length in specimen.(L/D ratio 2 or 3).
2. Mount the specimen container with the specimen on the base of the vane shear apparatus.
3. If the specimen container is closed at one end, it should be provided with a hole of about 1
mm diameter at the bottom.
4. Gently lower the shear vanes into the specimen to their full length without disturbing the soil
specimen.
5. The top of the vanes should be atleast 10 mm below the top of the specimen. Note the
readings of the angle of twist.
6. Rotate the vanes at a uniform rate say 0.1o/s by suitable operating the torque application
handle until the specimen fails.
7. Note the final reading of the angle of twist.
8. Find the value of blade height in cm.
9. Find the value of blade width in cm

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Department of Civil Engineering
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Project Location of Project
Location of project Date of testing
Description of soil
Vane blade dimensions: Dia ,d Height H
Spring constant Specific gravity of soil Gs
SL No Initial reading Final reading Difference in Torque(kg- Shear strength
(deg) (deg) reading (deg) cm) (kg/cm2)

RESULT
Shear strength of the soil =
INFERENCE

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