DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

BELLVILLE CAMPUS

LABORATORY REPORT (OEDOMETER)

NAME : Ivo

SURNAME : Ngeama

STUDENT NO : 214272869

CLASS GROUP : S4A

LECTURE : MR PATRIC NEAL

TECHNITIAN : MR MINNIES

DUE DATE : 30 October 2016

1. Introduction
The standard oedometer test, also referred to as consolidation test or one-dimensional
compression test is a classical laboratory test that allows characterizing the soil stress-strain
behavior during one-dimensional compression or swelling. Carried out on saturated soil
specimens, this test can be used to determine consolidation and swelling parameters. The
standard oedometer test is one of the most commonly used tests in geotechnical laboratory
testing program.

2. Apparatus
 Graduated burette with manometer stand.
 Silicon tubing
 De-aired water
 Stop watch

3. Method
 A spatula is needed to cut the excess clay from the sample in the cutting ring so that the
sample is level. The excess clay can be used to determine the initial moisture content.
 The height and diameter of the sample should be known or determined before the test
begins.
 The porous disk must be completely saturated before the test begins.
 An equilibrium weight is checked and adjusted as necessary to ensure that the beam
and hanger is well assembled and balanced.
 The odometer cell is filled with ordinary tap water before the load is applied.
 The lever is ratio is determined.
 The dial gauge is adjusted to set the initial reading to 5 on the small gauge. This is done
as a result of expanding clay and the rebound is greater than the original height.
 On the first day of the oedometer the cell and sample are prepared and the apparatus is
set up.
 Results are recorded for at least one hour. The data sheet is left in the lab above the
apparatus.
 On second day the 24hr settlement is recorded and the additional loading is added.
 On third day the 48hour settlement is recorded and the additional loading is added.
 On fourth day the 72 hour settlement is recorded and the additional loading is added.
 On fifth day the rebound is recorded.
 The sample is removed from the cutting ring and the diameter and final moisture
content are determined
 Ensure that the cell is always filled with clean water every day and throughout the day.
3.

4. Discussion
4.1. What is the main aim of the Oedometer test?

 To determine the soil consolidation properties. This is a measurement of the amount the
soil will compress when loaded.

4.2. Where in Civil Engineering would you use the properties that you have
Described in you aim? Discuss in particular foundations for structures (7
Areas).

 Consolidation tests are carried out on specimens prepared from undisturbed samples
taken from considerable depths. Data obtained from these tests, together with
classification data and knowledge of the loading history of the clay, enables estimates to
be made of the behaviour of foundations.

 Variations in long term settlements between individual footings can be estimated.

Different settlements are usually more critical than overall settlement and must be kept
within limits to avoid structural damage.

 Non-uniform ground condition can cause differential settlements which results in tilting
of the structure as a whole and distortions within the structure analysis based on proper
investigation and testing and guard against occurrence. The most famous example of
tilting is the Campanile Tower in the Italian city of Pisa.

 The settlement of piled foundations due to the presence of a deep-seated stratum of

compressible clay can be estimated.

 The approximate rate of consolidation can be estimated, from which it can be seen
whether settlement will be substantially completed during the construction period or
whether appreciable settlement will continue.

 If long term settlements are indicated, a settlement time graph can be drawn to show
the duration of the significant part of the settlement which can be used, compared with
the economic life of the structure.
  From the settlement/time graph it can be ascertained whether unacceptable differential
settlements are likely to develop, either in the long term or at any time during or after
the construction period.

4.3. What are the advantages and b. disadvantages of this test? Name 5.

4.3.1. Advantages

 Procedures and calibrations have been standardised so that it’s straight forward.
 The test is applicable to a wide range of soil types.
 Testing time is not excessively long.
 Tests provide reasonable indication of the amount of settlement.
 Tests can be extended into long term if the secondary compression
characteristics are required.

4.3.2 .Disadvantages

 Small sizes of sample make it impractical to present many of the natural

features.
 There is no means of measuring excess pore water pressure.
 Rate of settlement often underestimated.

4.4What happens to (1) clay soil and (2) sandy soil, when a load is applied to
It? Name 3 OBSERVABLE facts

Clayey soil

 The water escape the soil very slowly.

 The load settles after a certain period of time
 When the load is removed, the swelling in the material takes places

Sandy soil

 The soil loses strength in response to the applied loads

 Water escapes very fast
 The load settles at a very early stage.
 When the load is removed the material does rebound very quickly

4.5 How do you describe normally consolidated clay?

Normally consolidated clay is clay at which in no time in history has been subjected to pressures
greater than the existing overburden pressure.
4.6. How do you describe over consolidated clay?

Over consolidated clay is clay which during its history, it has been subjected to pressures greater
than its existing over burden pressure.

4.7. State typical values for the coefficient of consolidation that you would find in
different types of clay. Indicate correct units.

Clay montmorillonite coefficient of consolidation (m2/year)

High plasticity 0.1-1

Medium plasticity 1-10
Low plasticity 10-100

Results and graphs

Sample
Dimensions

Height: 20.0 mm

Diameter: 64.0 mm

Sample mass 130.8mm

Area: 3216.991 mm2

Relative
Density: 2.68

Gauge
divisions: 0.002

Square Root of Load Gauge

Time (min) Time (kg) Reading Divisions Settlement Height
4.98 0.002 0 20
0.00 0.0 5
4.94 0.002 0.04 19.96
1.00 1.0 5
4.90 0.002 0.08 19.92
2.25 1.5 5
 4.85 0.002 0.13 19.87
4.00 2.0 5
4.81 0.002 0.17 19.83
6.25 2.5 5
4.77 0.002 0.21 19.79
9.00 3.0 5
4.72 0.002 0.26 19.74
12.25 3.5 5
4.69 0.002 0.29 19.71
16.00 4.0 5
4.67 0.002 0.31 19.69
20.00 4.5 5
4.65 0.002 0.33 19.67
25.00 5.0 5
4.64 0.002 0.34 19.66
30.25 5.5 5
4.63 0.002 0.35 19.65
36.00 6.0 5
4.62 0.002 0.36 19.64
42.25 6.5 5
4.61 0.002 0.37 19.63
49.00 7.0 5
4.60 0.002 0.38 19.62
64.00 8.0 5
4.60 0.002 0.38 19.62
100.00 10.0 5
4.59 0.002 0.39 19.61
121.00 11.0 5
4.59 0.002 0.39 19.61
144.00 12.0 5
4.59 0.002 0.39 19.61
169.00 13.0 5
4.11 0.002 0.87 19.13
1440.00 37.9 10
 settlement vs time
√𝑇𝐼𝑀𝐸
0 10 20 30 40
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4
Settlement

settlement
0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

From the graph “T” = (5.2)2 min = 27.04min

Final height = 19.13mm

h2

Cv  2
4t

Therefore, Cv= 2.794 m²/year

The sample is a clay of medium plasticity with a plasticity index range of less than 25 but more
than 5.
 Moisture content :Before

LOAD 1 2 3
Hours 24 48
Mass Kg 10 20
Lever arm ratio 01:10 01:10
Force kN 0.981 1.962
Pressure kN/ m² 304.943 609.887
Final void ratio 0.594 0.594
Height mm 18.966 18.359
Final height mm 18.387 18.334
Log pressure 2.30103 2.60206
void ratio 0.651 0.599
Cv m²/yr 1.92

log P vs e
0.66

0.65

0.64

0.63

0.62

0.61

0.6

0.59
2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3
 Tin No.1 Tin No.2

Mass of tin(g) 44.46 Mass of tin(g) 49.9

Mass of tin plus wet soil(g) 47.31 Mass of tin plus wet soil(g) 53.96

Mass of tin plus dry soil(g) 46.82 Mass of tin plus dry soil(g) 53.24

Mass of dry soil(g) 2.36 Mass of dry soil(g) 3.34

Mass of water(g) 0.49 Mass of water(g) 0.72

Moisture content (%) 21% Moisture content (%) 22%

Ave: 21%

Moisture content :After

Tin No.1 Tin No.2

Mass of tin(g) 44.46 Mass of tin(g) 49.9

Mass of tin plus wet soil(g) 47.45 Mass of tin plus wet soil(g) 52.93

Mass of tin plus dry soil(g) 46.89 Mass of tin plus dry soil(g) 52.35

Mass of dry soil(g) 2.43 Mass of dry soil(g) 2.45

Mass of water(g) 0.56 Mass of water(g) 0.58

Moisture content (%) 23% Moisture content (%) 24%

Ave: 23%
3.1 Analysis
𝜋 × ℎ2
𝐶𝑣 =
4×𝑡

𝜋×(16.95/2)2
= 4×42

3.53𝑚𝑚2/𝑚𝑖𝑛
=[ ] × (60 × 24 × 365)
1000 × 1000

= 1.85𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟