ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering

CE413CL: Geotechnical Engineering 2 Laboratory

Laboratory Activity 3: Grain Size Distribution: Sieve Analysis

Submitted by:
Kyla Angela E.
Liberato 202110825

Submitted to:
Maria Cecilia Marcos

October 16, 2024

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Abstract

This experiment focuses on determining the Atterberg limits, specifically the liquid
limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index, of fine-grained soils. These limits are crucial in
assessing the soil's consistency and its behavior under various moisture conditions,
particularly in geotechnical engineering. The liquid limit marks the transition of soil from a
plastic to a liquid state and is measured using a liquid limit device. The plastic limit is the
lowest moisture content at which the soil remains plastic and can be rolled into thin threads
without breaking. Together, these two values define the plasticity index, which represents
the range of water content over which the soil remains plastic.

The experiment was conducted using standardized equipment, including a liquid limit
device and grooving tool, to assess soil samples prepared by sieving and mixing. The test
procedure involved mixing the soil with water, applying drops from a specified height, and
rolling soil threads to determine critical moisture points. The results from this test provide
important insights into soil properties, including workability and stability, which are essential
for applications such as foundation design and slope stability analysis. Ultimately, this
information helps in classifying soils and predicting their behavior in construction and other
engineering projects.

Introduction

Fine-grained soils, such as silts and clays, are highly sensitive to moisture content,
which significantly influences their consistency and behavior. The consistency of these soils
can change drastically from a liquid-like state when saturated with water to a rigid, solid
state when completely dry. To quantify these changes, Albert Atterberg, a Swedish chemist,
introduced a system for classifying the consistency of fine-grained soils into four distinct
states: liquid, plastic, semisolid, and solid. The transitions between these states occur at
specific moisture contents known as the Atterberg limits, which include the liquid limit,
plastic limit, and shrinkage limit. These limits are essential in geotechnical engineering
because they define the boundaries where the soil changes its properties and behavior.

The liquid limit (LL) is defined as the water content at which the soil transitions from a
plastic to a liquid state. In this state, the soil behaves as a viscous fluid, unable to retain its
shape under minimal stress. The liquid limit is determined in the laboratory using a standard
liquid limit device, where a soil sample is repeatedly impacted, and the number of blows
required to close a groove in the soil is recorded. The plastic limit (PL), on the other hand, is
the minimum water content at which the soil remains in a plastic state, meaning it can still be
molded without crumbling. This is determined by rolling a soil sample into thin threads until
the threads break apart when the water content reaches the plastic limit. The difference
between the liquid limit and plastic limit is called the plasticity index (PI), which indicates the
range of water content over which the soil exhibits plastic behavior.

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 Understanding the Atterberg limits is crucial in soil classification and predicting soil
performance in construction projects. For instance, soils with a high plasticity index tend to
expand and contract significantly with changes in moisture, posing challenges for foundations
and other structural elements. Soils with low plasticity, on the other hand, are more stable
and less prone to swelling or shrinking. By determining the Atterberg limits, engineers can
assess whether a soil is suitable for use in specific geotechnical applications, such as
earthworks, embankments, or foundation design.

In addition to classification, the Atterberg limits provide insight into the mechanical
properties of soils. The liquid limit correlates with soil compressibility, while the plastic limit
helps predict soil workability. These parameters are used to inform construction decisions,
particularly in projects where soil stability, strength, and deformation are of concern. This
experiment aims to determine the liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of a fine-
grained soil sample using standardized laboratory methods. The results will offer valuable
information about the soil's characteristics and its potential behavior in various engineering
scenarios.

Materials and Methods

Materials
1. Liquid limit device
2. Grooving tool
3. Balance (0.01 g accuracy)
4. Moisture cans
5. Sieve No. 40
6. Distilled water
7. Oven
8. Porcelain dish
9. Mortar and pestle

Procedure
1. Preparation of Test Specimen
 Obtain 150-200 g of soil passing through the No. 40 sieve. Dry the sample at room
temperature or in an oven not exceeding 60°C. Pulverize the material without breaking
individual particles, and sift the finer fraction through the No. 40 sieve.

2. Liquid Limit Determination

 Mix the soil sample with distilled water to form a uniform paste. Calibrate the liquid
limit device and place a portion of the paste in the cup. Using the grooving tool, create
a groove in the soil. Lift and drop the cup at a rate of 1.9-2.1 drops per second until the
groove closes over a distance of 13 mm. Record the number of drops and repeat the
test for different water contents, obtaining at least four sets of readings between 15
and 35 drops.

3. Plastic Limit Determination

 Take about 20 g of soil from the sample. Reduce its water content until it can be rolled
into threads without sticking to the hands. Roll a 1.5-2.0 g portion into a thread with a
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 diameter of 3.2 mm. When the thread crumbles under pressure, collect the crumbled
soil for moisture content determination. Repeat this process with another portion of
soil.

Calculation

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Results

Test ID 1 2 3
Mass of Container, 84 g 84 g 84 g
(M ¿¿ C)¿
Mass of moist soil + 196.70 g 212.3 g 218 g
container, (M ¿¿ 1)¿
Mass of dry soil + 122.9 g 134.5 g 163.1 g
container, (M ¿¿ 2)¿
Mass of moisture, (M W ) 112.7 g 128.3 g 134 g
Mass of dry soil, (M S ) 38.9 g 50.5 g 79.1 g
Moisture content, (W ¿ 189.72% 154.07% 69.41%
Number of cranks 35 17 96
Liquid Limit, (¿) 1.976 1.470 0.817

Discussion

Based on the liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit tests, the soil samples exhibited
significant differences in moisture content and behavior, providing important insights into
their properties. The liquid limit for the soil was calculated as **169.91%** using interpolation
between two test results. This high value suggests that the soil retains a large amount of
water before transitioning into a liquid state, a characteristic commonly associated with soils
that have a high clay or organic content. Soils with such high liquid limits are generally
unstable when wet, which can pose challenges for construction, particularly in foundation
design.

When comparing the three soil samples from the liquid limit test, noticeable differences in
their behavior were observed.

 Sample 1 with 35 blows, had the highest moisture content of 189.72%, indicating that
it absorbed the most water before reaching its liquid state. This suggests a higher clay
content or organic matter, making the soil more prone to instability when wet.
 Sample 2 had 17 blows and a moisture content of 154.07%, still a high value but lower
than Sample 1. This indicates that it reached its liquid state at a slightly lower moisture
content. The fewer number of blows required for Sample 2 suggests that it may have a
finer texture or slightly different composition from Sample 1, though both are sensitive
to water.
 Sample 3 with 96 blows, had the lowest moisture content of 69.41%. The significantly
higher number of blows required for this sample to liquefy indicates it is less sensitive
to moisture and more resistant to deformation. Its lower moisture content suggests
that it likely contains coarser particles or less clay, making it more stable compared to
the other samples.

In addition to these differences, the plastic limit test provided further insight into the

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behavior of the soil. The inability to form a 3 mm thread during the plastic limit test indicates
that the soil lacks plasticity, meaning it cannot be easily molded or shaped before breaking
apart. This brittle behavior suggests that the soil is likely composed of materials with poor
plastic characteristics, further confirming its limited suitability for applications requiring
flexibility or workability.

Overall, the data collected from the liquid limit and plastic limit tests highlight the varying
moisture retention and mechanical properties of the soil samples. Samples 1 and 2, with their
higher liquid limits, exhibit higher moisture sensitivity and reduced strength when wet,
making them less suitable for structural applications. Sample 3, with its lower liquid limit and
higher resistance to deformation, may be more suitable for construction purposes where
moisture stability is critical. However, the soil’s lack of plasticity, as observed in the plastic
limit test, indicates potential limitations in its use for projects requiring materials with good
ductility or moldability.

Conclusion

The liquid limit (LL) of the soil was found to be 169.91%, indicating a high moisture
content at which the soil begins to behave as a liquid. This result suggests that the soil can
absorb and retain a significant amount of water before reaching a flowable state, which
typically points to a high clay or organic content in the soil. Soils with high liquid limits are
generally less stable when wet and are more susceptible to deformation, swelling, or
shrinking, making them challenging materials for construction purposes, particularly in
foundational applications.

Additionally, the plastic limit test showed that the soil was unable to form a thread of 3
mm in diameter, as it consistently broke apart. This outcome suggests that the soil has
minimal or no plasticity, meaning that it cannot be molded or shaped when it reaches its
plastic limit. A lack of plasticity further implies that the soil behaves in a brittle manner and
may fracture under low deformation. In engineering applications, such soils are considered
weak under changing moisture conditions, as they cannot maintain their shape or cohesion
when subjected to stresses. These findings are crucial for soil classification, as they highlight
the soil’s poor mechanical behavior, particularly in wet environments, which could limit its use
in load-bearing construction projects.

The procedural error during the liquid limit test, where samples were not properly collected,
also affected the accuracy of the overall findings. This highlights the importance of careful
sample handling and data collection in obtaining reliable results. The inability to retain
plasticity and the high liquid limit together suggest that the soil may present challenges in
engineering applications, especially where strength and flexibility are required under varying
moisture conditions.

Recommendations

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 In future experiments, it is crucial to improve sample handling and data collection
practices, particularly during the liquid limit test. Ensuring that samples are properly
collected at each stage will prevent potential inaccuracies and allow for better validation of
results. For instance, in this test, failing to collect samples after the liquid limit test impacted
the precision of the final findings. Additionally, it is essential to carefully read and follow the
testing instructions thoroughly to avoid mistakes that can affect the outcomes. Adhering to
the proper procedures will help eliminate errors and ensure the reliability of the results.

Further testing is recommended to better understand the soil's characteristics.

Performing additional tests, such as particle size distribution and reattempting the plastic
limit test, can provide more comprehensive insights into the soil’s behavior under varying
moisture conditions. Retrying the plastic limit test with a wider range of moisture contents
will help confirm whether the observed lack of plasticity is an inherent characteristic of the
soil or related to the specific moisture content used in the test.

Moreover, given the brittleness observed in the plastic limit test, this soil may not be
suitable for applications requiring flexibility or deformation without cracking. Instead, it
might be better suited for non-structural uses or as fill material where minimal movement is
expected. By addressing these factors, more accurate results and better-informed decisions
can be made regarding the appropriate use of the soil in engineering projects.

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