Ce152l Geotechnical Engineering 2 Laboratory Manual

LABORATORY MANUAL
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2
(LABORATORY)
CE152L
College of Engineering and Architecture
Civil Engineering
TABLE OF CONTENTS
No. Laboratory Experiment Page
1 Standard Proctor Test 1

2 Modified Proctor Test 9
3 Sand Cone Method (Sand Density) 17
4 Direct Shear Test 23
5 Permeability Test 31
6 Consolidation Test of Cohesive Soil 37
7 Controlled Unconfined Compression Test 45
8 California Bearing Ratio 52
i
LABORATORY EXPERIMENT NO. 1
STANDARD PROCTOR TEST
CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB)

Laboratory Experiment No. 1
INTRODUCTION
Two types of compaction tests are routinely performed: (1) The Standard Proctor Test, and
(2) The Modified Proctor Test. Each of these tests can be performed in three different methods as
outlined in the attached Table 1. In the Standard Proctor Test, the soil is compacted by a 5.5 lb
hammer falling a distance of one foot into a soil filled mold. The mold is filled with three equal
layers of soil, and each layer is subjected to 25 drops of the hammer. The Modified Proctor Test
is identical to the Standard Proctor Test except it employs, a 10 lb hammer falling a distance of 18
inches, and uses five equal layers of soil instead of three. There are two types of compaction molds
used for testing. The smaller type is 4 inches in diameter and has a volume of about 1/30 ft3 (944
cm3), and the larger type is 6 inches in diameter and has a volume of about 1/13.333 ft3 (2123
cm3). If the larger mold is used each soil layer must receive 56 blows instead of 25 (See Table 1).
OBJECTIVES
1. To perform a laboratory compaction test using the standard effort dynamic hammer and
standard compaction mold.
2. To measure the variation of compacted dry density as a function of water content.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 698 – Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using
Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbs/ft3 (600 KN-m/m3))
CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 2

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Mechanical compaction is one of the most common and cost effective means of stabilizing
soils. An extremely important task of geotechnical engineers is the performance and analysis of
field control tests to assure that compacted fills are meeting the prescribed design specifications.
Design specifications usually state the required density (as a percentage of the “maximum” density
measured in a standard laboratory test), and the water content. In general, most engineering
properties, such as the strength, stiffness, resistance to shrinkage, and imperviousness of the soil,
will improve by increasing the soil density.
The optimum water content is the water content that results in the greatest density for a
specified compactive effort. Compacting at water contents higher than (wet of ) the optimum water
content results in a relatively dispersed soil structure (parallel particle orientations) that is weaker,
more ductile, less pervious, softer, more susceptible to shrinking, and less susceptible to swelling
than soil compacted dry of optimum to the same density. The soil compacted lower than (dry of)
the optimum water content typically results in a flocculated soil structure (random particle
orientations) that has the opposite characteristics of the
soil compacted wet of the optimum water content to the
same density.
APPARATUS (See figure A)
 Molds  Trowel
 Manual rammer  #4 sieve
 Extruder  Moisture cans
 Balance  Graduated cylinder
 Drying oven  Straight Edge
 Mixing pan
TEST SPECIMEN
Approximately 15 lbs of air-dried soil.
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Depending on the type of mold you are using obtain a sufficient quantity of air-dried soil in
large mixing pan. For the 4-inch mold take approximately 10 lbs, and for the 6-inch mold take
roughly 15 lbs. pulverize the soil and run it through the # 4 sieve.
2. Determine the weight of the soil sample as well as the weight of the compaction mold with its
base (without the collar) by using the balance and record the weights.
3. Compute the amount of initial water to add by the following method:
(a) Assume water content for the first test to be 8 percent.

(b) Compute water to add from the following equation:
(𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑠)8

𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑑𝑑 (𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙) =
100
Where “water to add” and the “soil mass” are in grams. Remember
that a gram of water is equal to approximately one milliliter of water.
4. Measure out the water, add it to the soil, and then mix it thoroughly into
the soil using the trowel until the soil gets a uniform color (See Photos B
and C).
5. Assemble the compaction mold to the base, place some soil in the mold
and compact the soil in the number of equal layers specified by the type
of compaction method employed (See Photos D and E). The number of
drops of the rammer per layer is also dependent upon the type of mold
used (See Table 1). The drops should be applied at a uniform rate not
exceeding around 1.5 seconds per drop, and the rammer should provide
uniform coverage of the specimen surface. Try to avoid rebound of the
rammer from the top of the guide sleeve.
6. The soil should completely fill the cylinder and the last compacted layer
must extend slightly above the collar joint. If the soil is below the collar
joint at the completion of the drops, the test point must be repeated. (Note:
For the last layer, watch carefully, and add more soil after about 10 drops
if it appears that the soil will be compacted below the collar joint.)
7. Carefully remove the collar and trim off the compacted soil so that it is
completely even with the top of the mold using the trowel. Replace small
bits of soil that may fall out during the trimming process (See Photo F).
8. Weigh the compacted soil while it’s in the mold and to the base, and
record the mass (See Photo G). Determine the wet mass of the soil by
subtracting the weight of the mold and base.
9. Remove the soil from the mold using a mechanical extruder (See Photo
H) and take soil moisture content samples from the top and bottom of the
specimen (See Photo I). Fill the moisture cans with soil and determine the
water content.
10. Place the soil specimen in the large tray and break up the soil until it
appears visually as if it will pass through the # 4 sieve, add 2 percent more
water based on the original sample mass, and re-mix as in step 4. Repeat
steps 5 through 9 until, based on wet mass, a peak value is reached
followed by two slightly lesser compacted soil masses.

ANALYSIS
1. Calculate the moisture content of each compacted soil specimen by

using the average of the two water contents.
2. Compute the wet density in grams per cm3 of the compacted soil
sample by dividing the wet mass by the volume of the mold used.
3. Compute the dry density using the wet density and the water content
determined in step 1. Use the following formula:
𝜌
𝜌𝑑 =
1+𝜔
where: w = moisture content in percent divided by 100
ρ = wet density in grams per cm3.
4. Plot the dry density values on the y-axis and the moisture contents on
the x-axis. Draw a smooth curve connecting the plotted points.
5. On the same graph draw a curve of complete saturation or “zero air

voids curve”. The values of dry density and corresponding moisture
contents for plotting the curve can be computed from the following
equation:
where:
ρd = dry density of soil grams per cm3
Gs = specific gravity of the soil being tested (assume 2.70 if not given)
ρw = density of water in grams per cm3 (approximately1 g/cm3)
wsat = moisture content in percent for complete saturation.
6. Identify and report the optimum moisture content and the maximum dry
density.
REPORT
Use the following tables to report the data and results.

Include all necessary computations after each table.

TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL

1 2 3 4 5
MC = Mass of empty, clean can (grams)
MCMS = Mass of can and moist soil (grams)
MCDS = Mass of can and dry soil (grams)
MS = Mass of soil solids (grams)
MW = Mass of pore water (grams)
w = water content, w%
Computation:
Trial No. _
 Mass of soil solids, MS

MS = MCDS – MC =
 Mass of pore water, MW

MW = MCMS – MCDS =
 Water content, w
Mw
𝐰= × 100% =
Ms
𝐰 = _____

1 2 3 4 5
w = Actual average water content, w%
Mass of compacted soil and mold (grams)
Mass of mold (grams)
Wet mass of soil in mold
Volume of mold
Wet density, ρ , (g/cm3)
Dry density, ρ𝑑 , (g/cm3)

Computation:
Trial No. _
 Wet density,
Mt
𝛒= =
V
𝛒 = _____
 Dry density, ρd
𝐰 𝛒
𝛒𝐝 = 𝟏+𝐰 =
𝛒𝐝 = ______
Plot of Dry Density vs Water Content:
DISCUSSION
CO1 1. What is soil compaction?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

CO1 2. What are the characteristics of the soil which can affect the compaction? Discuss
each.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO1 3. Explain the principle why the soil can be compacted.

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO1 4. What is the importance of determining the optimum water content? Explain
briefly.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
_________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

MODIFIED PROCTOR TEST
CE152L – GEOTHECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB)

INTRODUCTION
Two types of compaction tests are routinely performed: (1) The Standard Proctor Test, and
(2) The Modified Proctor Test. Each of these tests can be performed in three different methods as
outlined in the attached Table 1. In the Standard Proctor Test, the soil is compacted by a 5.5 lb
hammer falling a distance of one foot into a soil filled mold. The mold is filled with three equal
layers of soil, and each layer is subjected to 25 drops of the hammer. The Modified Proctor Test
is identical to the Standard Proctor Test except it employs, a 10 lb hammer falling a distance of 18
inches, and uses five equal layers of soil instead of three. There are two types of compaction molds
used for testing. The smaller type is 4 inches in diameter and has a volume of about 1/30 ft3 (944
cm3), and the larger type is 6 inches in diameter and has a volume of about 1/13.333 ft3 (2123
cm3). If the larger mold is used each soil layer must receive 56 blows instead of 25 (See Table 1).
OBJECTIVES
1. To perform a compaction test using modified effort for stimulation of larger field
equipment.
2. To determine the compaction characteristics of a soil.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 1557 – Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil
Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbs/ft3 (2,700 KN-m/m3))

Mechanical compaction is one of the most common and cost effective means of stabilizing
soils. An extremely important task of geotechnical engineers is the performance and analysis of
field control tests to assure that compacted fills are meeting the prescribed design specifications.
Design specifications usually state the required density (as a percentage of the “maximum” density
measured in a standard laboratory test), and the water content. In general, most engineering
properties, such as the strength, stiffness, resistance to shrinkage, and imperviousness of the soil,
will improve by increasing the soil density.
The optimum water content is the water content that results in the greatest density for a
specified compactive effort. Compacting at water contents higher than (wet of ) the optimum water
content results in a relatively dispersed soil structure (parallel particle orientations) that is weaker,
more ductile, less pervious, softer, more susceptible to shrinking, and less susceptible to swelling
than soil compacted dry of optimum to the same density. The soil compacted lower than (dry of)
the optimum water content typically results in a flocculated soil structure (random particle
orientations) that has the opposite characteristics of the
soil compacted wet of the optimum water content to the
same density.
APPARATUS (See figure A)
 Molds  Trowel
 Manual rammer  #4 sieve
 Extruder  Moisture cans
 Balance  Graduated cylinder
 Drying oven  Straight Edge
 Mixing pan
TEST SPECIMEN
Approximately 15 lbs of air-dried soil.
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Depending on the type of mold you are using obtain a sufficient quantity of air-dried soil in
large mixing pan. For the 4-inch mold take approximately 10 lbs, and for the 6-inch mold take
roughly 15 lbs. pulverize the soil and run it through the # 4 sieve.
2. Determine the weight of the soil sample as well as the weight of the compaction mold with its
base (without the collar) by using the balance and record the weights.
3. Compute the amount of initial water to add by the following method:
(a) Assume water content for the first test to be 8 percent.

(b) Compute water to add from the following equation:
(𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑠)8

𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑑𝑑 (𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑙) =
100
Where “water to add” and the “soil mass” are in grams. Remember
that a gram of water is equal to approximately one milliliter of water.
4. Measure out the water, add it to the soil, and then mix it thoroughly into
the soil using the trowel until the soil gets a uniform color (See Photos B
and C).
5. Assemble the compaction mold to the base, place some soil in the mold
and compact the soil in the number of equal layers specified by the type
of compaction method employed (See Photos D and E). The number of
drops of the rammer per layer is also dependent upon the type of mold
used (See Table 1). The drops should be applied at a uniform rate not
exceeding around 1.5 seconds per drop, and the rammer should provide
uniform coverage of the specimen surface. Try to avoid rebound of the
rammer from the top of the guide sleeve.
6. The soil should completely fill the cylinder and the last compacted layer
must extend slightly above the collar joint. If the soil is below the collar
joint at the completion of the drops, the test point must be repeated. (Note:
For the last layer, watch carefully, and add more soil after about 10 drops
if it appears that the soil will be compacted below the collar joint.)
7. Carefully remove the collar and trim off the compacted soil so that it is
completely even with the top of the mold using the trowel. Replace small
bits of soil that may fall out during the trimming process (See Photo F).
8. Weigh the compacted soil while it’s in the mold and to the base, and
record the mass (See Photo G). Determine the wet mass of the soil by
subtracting the weight of the mold and base.
9. Remove the soil from the mold using a mechanical extruder (See Photo
H) and take soil moisture content samples from the top and bottom of the
specimen (See Photo I). Fill the moisture cans with soil and determine the
water content.
10. Place the soil specimen in the large tray and break up the soil until it
appears visually as if it will pass through the # 4 sieve, add 2 percent more
water based on the original sample mass, and re-mix as in step 4. Repeat
steps 5 through 9 until, based on wet mass, a peak value is reached
followed by two slightly lesser compacted soil masses.

ANALYSIS
1. Calculate the moisture content of each compacted soil specimen by

using the average of the two water contents.
2. Compute the wet density in grams per cm3 of the compacted soil
sample by dividing the wet mass by the volume of the mold used.
3. Compute the dry density using the wet density and the water content
determined in step 1. Use the following formula:
𝜌
𝜌𝑑 =
1+𝜔
where: w = moisture content in percent divided by 100
ρ = wet density in grams per cm3.
4. Plot the dry density values on the y-axis and the moisture contents on
the x-axis. Draw a smooth curve connecting the plotted points.
5. On the same graph draw a curve of complete saturation or “zero air

voids curve”. The values of dry density and corresponding moisture
contents for plotting the curve can be computed from the following
equation:
where:
ρd = dry density of soil grams per cm3
Gs = specific gravity of the soil being tested (assume 2.70 if not given)
ρw = density of water in grams per cm3 (approximately1 g/cm3)
wsat = moisture content in percent for complete saturation.
6. Identify and report the optimum moisture content and the maximum dry
density.
REPORT
Use the following tables to report the data and results.

Include all necessary computations after each table.


1 2 3 4 5
MC = Mass of empty, clean can (grams)
MCMS = Mass of can and moist soil (grams)
MCDS = Mass of can and dry soil (grams)
MW = Mass of pore water (grams)
Computation:
Trial No. _

MS = MCDS – MC =

MW = MCMS – MCDS =
Mw
𝐰= × 100% =
Ms
𝐰 = _____

1 2 3 4 5
w = Actual average water content, w%
Mass of compacted soil and mold (grams)
Mass of mold (grams)
Wet mass of soil in mold
Volume of mold
Wet density, ρ , (g/cm3)
Dry density, ρ𝑑 , (g/cm3)

Computation:
Trial No. _
 Wet density,
Mt
𝛒= =
V
𝛒 = _____
 Dry density, ρd
𝐰 𝛒
𝛒𝐝 = 𝟏+𝐰 =
𝛒𝐝 = ______
Plot of Dry Density vs Water Content:
DISCUSSION
CO5 1. How would the modified effort of compaction (Modified Proctor Test) differ
from the standard one (Standard Proctor Test)?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

CO1 2. Discuss the relationship of dry density and water content of a soil.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO1 3. How the moisture content and density of the soil affects its properties such as
strength, stiffness, resistance to shrinkage, and imperviousness?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
_________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

FIELD DENSITY TEST
(SAND CONE METHOD)

FIELD DENSITY TEST (SAND CONE METHOD)
INTRODUCTION
The basic principle of sand replacement method is to measure the in-situ volume of hole from
which the material was excavated from the weight of sand with known density filling in the hole. Sand,
whose density is known, is filled into the pit. By measuring the weight of sand required to fill the pit and
knowing its density the volume of pit is calculated. Knowing the weight of soil excavated from the pit and
the volume of pit, the density of soil is calculated. The in-situ density of material is given by the weight of
the excavated material divided by the in-situ volume.
OBJECTIVES
1. To perform the sand cone method using sand replacement.
2. To determine the field unit weight or the in-situ density of natural or compacted soil.
STANDARD REFERENCE
AASHTO T 191 – 93 (Sand Cone) – Density of Soil In-Place by the Sand-Cone Method
ASTM D 1556 – 00 – Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil In-Place by the
Sand-Cone Method

This test method is used to determine the density of compacted soils placed during the
construction of earth embankments, road fill, and structural backfill. It often is used as a basis of
acceptance for soils compacted to a specified density or percentage of a maximum density
determined by a test method.
The use of this test method is generally limited to soil in an unsaturated condition. This test
method is not recommended for soils that are soft or friable (crumble easily) or in a moisture
condition such that water seeps into the hand excavated hole. The accuracy of the test may be
affected for soils that deform easily or that may undergo a volume change in the excavated hole
from vibration, or from standing or walking near the hole during the test.
APPARATUS
 Sand Cone  Mixing Pan
 Base Plate  Proctor Mold
 Weighing Balance  Plastic Bottle
 Trowel / Spoon  #4 Sieve

TEST SPECIMEN
The soil or other material being tested should have sufficient cohesion or particle attraction
to maintain stable sides on a small hole or excavation, and be firm enough to withstand the minor
pressures exerted in digging the hole and placing theapparatus over it, without deforming or
sloughing.
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Determine and record the weight of empty, clean and dry proctor mold, W1.
Recording the mass of mold Sieving of the dry sand Recording the mass of mold
sample with the sample sand
2. Obtain a sufficient quantity of dry sand and run it through the #4 or #200 sieve.
3. The dry sand should completely fill the proctor mold. Determine and record the weight of
proctor mold plus the dry sand, W2.
4. Determine the weight of sand by subtracting the weight of proctor mold from the weight of
proctor mold plus the dry sand.
Weight of sand, Wsand = W2 − W1
5. Determine the dry density of sand in kilograms per m3 of the sample by dividing the weight
of sand by the volume of the proctor mold used.
6. The dry sand sample should completely fill the plastic bottle. Fix the sand cone with the
plastic bottle. Determine and record the weight of sand cone plus plastic bottle (full of dry
sand), W3.
7. Pick a location or area to be tested. The surface of the location must be a level plane and
compacted. Remove all the loose material at the location to be tested.

Filling up the bottle with the Recording the mass of the Location of the plane
sand sample bottle with the sand sample surface
8. Place the base plate on the surface and carefully create a hole in the center. The depth of
the test hole should at least 10 – 15 cm deep. Practice extreme care in removing the wet soil
in the test hole and place it in the mixing pan.
9. Determine and record the weight of the wet soil that has been removed in the test hole by
subtracting the weight of mixing pan from the weight of mixing pan plus the wet soil.
Recording the mass of the Filling up the test hole with the Recording the mass of the
wet soil sand sample remaining sand sample
10. Carefully place and center the sand cone over the hole with the valve closed. Open the
valve until the sand completely fill the hole up to the sand cone and then close the valve.
11. Determine and record the weight of sand cone and the remaining dry sand after the test,
W5.
12. Determine the volume of the hole by dividing the weight of the sand filled the hole by the
dry density of sand.

ANALYSIS
1. Caculate the dry density of sand in kilograms per m3 of the sample by dividing the weight
of sand by the volume of the proctor mold used.
Wsand
ρd =
Vmold
2. Calculate the volume of the hole using the formula shown below:
W3 − W5 − WC
Vhole =
ρdry, sand
3
Where: Vhole = Volume of the hole in m
W3 = Weight of the sand cone + plastic bottle (full of sand) in kg
W5 = Weight of the sand cone assembly after test in kg
WC = Weight of coneful sand in kg
ρd = Calculated dry density of sand in kg/m3
3. Calculate the density and water content of the soil in the field usingthe formula shown
below:
W7 − W8
ρsoil =
Vhole
(W7 − W6 ) − (W8 − W6 )
w (%) = x 100%
W8 − W6
Where: W6 = Weight of mixing pan in kg
W7 = Weight of wet soil + mixing pan in kg
W8 = Weight of dry soil + mixing pan in kg
Vhole = Volume of the hole in m3
ρsoil = Density of soil in kg/m3
w (%) = Water content of soil in percent
REPORT
TRIAL 1
W1 = Weight of proctor mold (grams)
W2 = Weight of proctor mold + sand (grams)
Wsand = Weight of sand (grams)
Vmold = Volume of proctor mold (cm3)
ρd = Dry density of sand (g/cm3)
W3 = Weight of sand cone + plastic bottle (full of sand) (grams)

W4 = Weight of sand cone assembly less than one coneful sand (grams)
Wc = Weight of coneful sand (grams)
W5 = Weight of sand cone assembly after test (grams)
Vhole = Volume of hole (cm3)

W6 = Weight of mixing pan (grams)
W7 = Weight of mixing pan + wet soil (grams)
Ww = Weight of wet soil (grams)
Weight of Plastic Bottle (grams)
*Show all necessary computations.
DISCUSSION
CO5 1. What is the importance of the field density test?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO5 2. Cite another method which can be used in determining the in-situ density of soil.
Explain how this method should be carried out.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
__________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

DIRECT SHEAR TEST

DIRECT SHEAR TEST
INTRODUCTION
This test is performed to determine the consolidated-drained shear strength of a sandy to silty
soil. The shear strength is one of the most important engineering properties of a soil, because it is required
whenever a structure is dependent on the soil’s shearing resistance. The shear strength is needed for
engineering situations such as determining the stability of slopes or cuts, finding the bearing capacity for
foundations, and calculating the pressure exerted by a soil on a retaining wall.
OBJECTIVES
1. To perform the direct shear test using strain direct shear apparatus.
2. To determine the shear strength properties of soil cohesion and angle of internal friction.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 3080 - Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils Under Consolidated
Drained Conditions
The direct shear test is one of the oldest strength tests for soils. In this laboratory, a direct
shear device will be used to determine the shear strength of a cohesionless soil (i.e. angle of internal
friction (f)). From the plot of the shear stress versus the horizontal displacement, the maximum
shear stress is obtained for a specific vertical confining stress. After the experiment is run several
times for various vertical-confining stresses, a plot of the maxi mum shear stresses versus the
vertical (normal) confining stresses for each of the tests is produced. From the plot, a straight-line
approximation of the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope curve can be drawn, f may be determined,
and, for cohesionless soils (c = 0), the shear strength can be computed from the following equation:
s = s tanf
APPARATUS
Direct shear device Shear box Electronic weighing scale.
TEST SPECIMEN
Granular Soil (Sand)

DIRECT SHEAR TEST
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Weigh the initial mass of soil in the pan.
Recording the mass of the soil sample
2. Measure the diameter and height of the shear box. Compute 15% of the diameter in
millimeters.
Measuring the diameter of the shear box Measuring the height of the shear box
3. Place the sand into the shear box and level off the top. Place a filter paper, a porous stone,
and a top plate (with ball) on top of the sand
Filling up the shear box with Filter paper above the soil Place the porous stone
the soil sample sample above the filter paper

DIRECT SHEAR TEST
4. Carefully assemble the shear box and place it in the direct shear device. Then place a
porous stone and a filter paper in the shear box.
Assembled shear box placed in the direct shear device
5. Remove the large alignment screws from the shear box. Open the gap between the shear box
halves to approximately 0.025 in. using the gap screws, and then back out the gap screws.
6. Weigh the pan of soil again and compute the mass of soil used.
Recording the mass after the test
7. Complete the assembly of the direct shear device and initialize the three gauges (Horizontal
displacement gage, vertical displacement gage and shear load gage) to zero.
8. Set the vertical load (or pressure) to a predetermined value, and then close bleeder valve and
apply the load to the soil specimen by raising the toggle switch.
9. Start the motor with selected speed so that the rate of shearing is at a selected constant rate,
and take the horizontal displacement gauge, vertical displacement gage and shear load gage

DIRECT SHEAR TEST
readings. Record the readings on the data sheet. (Note: Record the vertical displacement gage
readings, if needed).
10. Continue taking readings until the horizontal shear load peaks and then falls, or the horizontal
displacement reaches 15% of the diameter.
ANALYSIS
1. Calculate the density of the soil sample from the mass of soil and volume of the shear box.
2. Convert the dial readings to the appropriate length and load units and enter the values on
the data sheet in the correct locations. Compute the sample area A, and the vertical
(Normal) stress sv.
𝑁𝑣
𝑆𝑣 =
𝐴
Where: Nv = normal vertical force, and sv = normal vertical stress
𝐹ℎ
3. Calculate shear stress (τ) using 𝜏 =
𝐴
Where Fh= shear stress (measured with shear load gage)
4. Plot the horizontal shear stress (τ) versus horizontal (lateral) displacement H.
5. Calculate the maximum shear stress for each test.
6. Plot the value of the maximum shear stress versus the corresponding vertical stress for each
test, and determine the angle of internal friction (f) from the slope of the approximated
Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope.
REPORT
Shear Box Inside Diameter: ___ cm
Area (A): ____ cm2 = ___ in2
Shear Box Height: __ cm
Soil Volume: _____ cm3
Mass of soil and pan: ___ g
Mass of soil: ___ g
Density of soil: ___ g/cm3

DIRECT SHEAR TEST
Normal Stress: psi
TIME HORIZONTAL HORIZONTAL SHEAR SHEAR

(s) DISPLACEMENT (mm) FORCE (N) STRESS (psi)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Normal Stress: psi

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45

DIRECT SHEAR TEST
Normal Stress: psi

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Sample plot of Horizontal Shear Stress vs. Horizontal Displacement

DIRECT SHEAR TEST
Sample plot of Shear Stress vs. Normal Stress
DISCUSSION
CO4 1. Define shear strength of soil.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO4 2. Explain the principle of direct shear test using the characteristics of the failure
plane and Mohr Circle.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO4 3. Draw the Mohr Circle Diagram using the results obtained above.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

PERMEABILITY TEST

PERMEABILITY TEST
INTRODUCTION
Permeability (or hydraulic conductivity) refers to the ease with which water can flow
through a soil. There are two general types of permeability test methods that are routinely
performed in the laboratory: (1) the constant head test method, and (2) the falling head test method.
The constant head test method is used for permeable soils (k>10-4 cm/s) and the falling head test
is mainly used for less permeable soils (k<10-4 cm/s).
OBJECTIVES
1. To perform the permeability test using constant head method.

2. To determine the permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of a sandy soil.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 2434 - Standard Test Method for Permeability of Granular Soils (Constant Head)
(Note: The Falling Head Test Method is not standardized)
Permeability (or hydraulic conductivity) 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.
APPARATUS
Permeameter, tamper, balance, scoop, 1000mL graduated cylinder, stopwatch, filter paper,
ruler, pan.
Permeameter
TEST SPECIMEN
Sandy soil

PERMEABILITY TEST
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Measure the initial mass of the pan along with the dry soil.
Recording of the dry soil with pan

2. Remove the cap and upper chamber of the permeameter by unscrewing the knurled cap
nuts and lifting them off the tie rods. Measure the inside diameter of upper and lower
chambers. Calculate the average inside diameter of the permeameter (D).
3. 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.
4. Mix the soil with a sufficient quantity of distilled water to prevent the segregation of
particle sizes during placement into the permeameter. Enough water should be added so
that the mixture may flow freely.
5. Using a scoop, pour the prepared soil into the lower chamber using a circular motion to
fill it to a depth of 1.5 cm. A uniform layer should be formed.
6. Replace the upper chamber section, and don’t forget the rubber gasket that goes between
the chamber sections. Be careful not to disturb the soil that has already been compacted.
Continue the placement operation until the level of the soil is about 2 cm. below the rim
of the upper chamber. Level the top surface of the soil and place a filter paper and then
the upper porous stone on it.
7. Measure the sample length at four locations around the circumference of the permeameter
and compute the average length. Record it as the sample length.
8. Adjust the level of the funnel to allow the constant water level in it to remain a few inches
above the top of the soil.

PERMEABILITY TEST
9. Connect the flexible tube from the tail of the funnel to the bottom outlet of the
permeameter and keep the valves on the top of the permeameter open.
10. Place tubing from the top outlet to the sink to collect any water that may come out.
11. Open the bottom outlet valve and raise the funnel to a convenient height to get a
reasonable steady flow of water.
Setting up the hose to have consistent Waiting for the flow of water to stabilize
flow of water
12. Allow adequate time for the flow pattern to stabilize
13. Measure the time it takes to fill a volume of 750 - 1000 mL using the graduated cylinder,
and then measure the temperature of the water. Repeat this process three times and
compute the average time, average volume, and average temperature. Record the values
as t, Q, and T, respectively.
14. Measure the vertical distance between the funnel head level and the chamber outflow
level, and record the distance as h.
ANALYSIS
1. Calculate the permeability, using the following equation:
𝑄𝐿
𝐾𝑇 =
𝐴𝑡ℎ
KT = coefficient of permeability at temperature T, cm/sec.
L = length of specimen in centimeters
t = time for discharge in seconds
Q = volume of discharge in cm3 (assume 1 mL = 1 cm3)
𝜋
A = cross-sectional area of permeameter (𝐴 = 4 𝑑 2 , d= inside diameter of the permeameter)
h = hydraulic head difference across length L, in cm of water; or it is equal to the vertical
distance between the constant funnel head level and the chamber overflow level.

PERMEABILITY TEST
2. The viscosity of the water changes with temperature. As temperature increases viscosity
decreases and the permeability increases. The coefficient of permeability is standardized at 20°C,
and the permeability at any temperature T is related to K20 by the following ratio:
Where:
ηT and η20 are the viscosities at the temperature T of the test and at 20°C, respectively. From
Table 1 obtain the viscosities and compute K20.
3. Compute the volume of soil used from: V = LA.
4. Compute the mass of dry soil used in permeameter (M) = initial mass - final mass:
M = M1-M2
5. Compute the dry density (ρd) of soil
𝑀
𝜌𝑑 =
𝑉
REPORT
Initial Dry Mass of Soil + Pan (M1) = __________________ g
Length of Soil Specimen, L = _________________ cm
Diameter of the Soil Specimen (Permeameter), D = _____________ cm
Final Dry Mass of Soil + Pan (M2) = _________________ g
Dry Mass of Soil Specimen (M) = _____________________ g
Volume of Soil Specimen (V) = ___________________ cm3
Dry Density of Soil (ρd) = __________________ g/cm3
Outflow Water
Constant Elapsed K20
Volume, Q Temp., T KT (cm/sec)
Head, H (cm) Time, t (s) (cm/sec)
(cm3) (°C)
*Show all necessary computations.
DISCUSSION
CO5 1. Differentiate the constant head test and falling head test method.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

PERMEABILITY TEST
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO1 2. What are the factors affecting the permeability of the soil.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO2 3. Do a research about the actual applications of determining permeability of soil.

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

CONSOLIDATION TEST OF
COHESIVE SOIL

CONSOLIDATION TEST OF COHESIVE SOIL
INTRODUCTION
According to The University of Toledo, all soils are compressible so deformation will
occur whenever stress is applied to soils. Soil minerals and water are both incompressible.
Therefore, when saturated soils are loaded, the load first acts on the pore water causing pore water
pressures that are in excess of the hydrostatic pressures. The excess pore water pressures are largest
near the application of load and decrease with distance from the loading.
The variations in excess pore water pressure cause total head gradients in the soil which,
according to Darcy’s Law, will induce water to flow from locations of high total head to low total
head. The excess pore water pressures dissipate as water flows from the soil and, to compensate
for the applied stress, the stress is transferred to the soil minerals resulting in higher effective soil
stress.
The flow of water from the soil also causes reductions in the soil volume and settlements
at the ground surface. Fine-grained soils have very low permeability so they can require substantial
periods of time before the excess pore water pressures fully dissipate. This process of time-
dependent settlement is referred to as consolidation.
OBJECTIVES
1. To perform consolidation test on cohesive materials that consolidate slowly enough

2. To determine the time rates of deformation on cohesive materials
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 2435 - Standard Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils.
The consolidation properties determined from the consolidation test are used to estimate
the magnitude and the rate of both primary and secondary consolidation settlement of a structure
or an earth fill. Estimates of this type are of key importance in the design of engineered structures
and the evaluation of their performance.
APPARATUS
Consolidation device (including ring, porous stones, water reservoir, and load plate), Dial gauge
(0.0001 inch = 1.0 on dial), Sample trimming device, glass plate, Metal straight edge, Clock,
Moisture can, Filter paper.

TEST SPECIMEN
Cohesive Soil
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Weigh the empty consolidation ring together with glass plate.
Recording the mass of the empty plate.

2. Measure the height (h) of the ring and its inside diameter (d).
3. Mix an appropriate amount of water to the soil sample to fill in the voids.
Mixing of the soil sample with appropriate amount of water

4. Weigh the specimen plus ring plus glass plate.

Recording the mass of the soil sample.
5. Center the porous stones that have been soaking, on the top and bottom surfaces of the
test specimen. Place the filter papers between porous stones and soil specimen. Press very
lightly to make sure that the stones adhere to the sample. Lower the assembly carefully
into the base of the water reservoir. Fill the water reservoir with water until the specimen
is completely covered and saturated.
Porous Stone Soil sample Assembly of the

with the wet filter paper placed on plate consolidation device
6. Being careful to prevent movement of the ring and porous stones, place the load plate
centrally on the upper porous stone and adjust the loading device.
Final set-up of the consolidation device.

7. Adjust the dial gauge to a zero reading.

8. With the toggle switch in the down (closed) position, set the pressure gauge dial (based
on calibration curve) to result in an applied pressure.
9. Simultaneously, open the valve (by quickly lifting the toggle switch to the up (open)
position) and start the timing clock.
10. Record the consolidation dial readings at the elapsed times given on the data sheet.
Recording the readings on the dial.

11. Repeat Steps 7 to 9 for different preselected pressures. Make 5 trials.
12. At the last elapsed time reading, record the final consolidation dial reading and time,
release the load, and quickly disassemble the consolidation device and remove the
specimen. Quickly but carefully blot the surfaces dry with paper toweling. (The specimen
will tend to absorb water after the load is released.)
13. Place the specimen and ring on the Saran-covered glass plate and, once again, weigh
them together.
Recording the mass of the final phase of the specimen

14. Weigh an empty large moisture can and lid.

15. Carefully remove the specimen from the consolidation ring, being sure not to lose too
much soil, and place the specimen in the previously weighed moisture can. Place the
moisture can that contains the specimen in the oven and let it dry for 12 to 18 hours.
16. Weigh the dry specimen in the moisture can.
Recording the mass of the dried soil sample
ANALYSIS AND REPORT

Before test
Mass of the ring + glass plate (grams)

Inside diameter of the ring (cm)
Height of the specimen, Hi (cm)
Area of specimen, A (cm2)
Mass of specimen + ring (grams)
Initial moisture content of specimen, wi(%)
Specific gravity of solids, Gs
After test
Mass of wet sample + ring + glass plate

Mass of can
Mass of can + wet soil
Mass of wet specimen
Mass of can + dry soil
Mass of dry specimen, Ms
Final moisture content of specimen, wf(%)

After test
MS = MCDS – MC
MW = MCMS – MCDS
Mw
𝐰= × 100%
Ms
𝐰= %
Mass of water in specimen before test, Mwi = wi x Ms
Mass of water in specimen after test, Mwf = wf x Ms
𝑠 𝑀
Height of solids, Hs = 𝐴𝑥𝐺 𝑥𝜌
𝑠 𝑤
𝑀
Height of water before test, Hwi = 𝐴𝑥𝜌𝑤𝑖
𝑤
𝑀𝑤𝑓
Height of water after test, Hwf = 𝐴𝑥𝜌
𝑤
Change in height of specimen after test, ΣΔH
Height of specimen after test, Hf = Hi – ΣΔH
𝐻𝑖 −𝐻𝑠
Void ratio before test, eo = 𝐻𝑠
𝐻𝑓 −𝐻𝑠
Void ratio after test, ef = 𝐻𝑠
𝑤𝑖 𝐻
Degree of saturation before test, Si= 𝐻 −𝐻
𝑖 𝑠
𝐻𝑤𝑓
Degree of saturation after test, Sf= 𝐻
𝑓 −𝐻𝑠
𝑠 𝑀
Dry density before test, ρd = 𝐻 𝑥𝐴
𝑖
Time – Settlement Data
TRIAL 1: LOADING = ____KG TRIAL #: LOADING =____KG
ELAPSED DIAL ELAPSED DIAL
TIME, min READING TIME, min READING
*Graph each trial: Dial reading (y-axis) versus time (x-axis)

DISCUSSION
CO3 1. What is consolidation? How is it differ from compaction?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO3 2. What is the major role of consolidation in settlement?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

CONTROLLED UNCONFINED
COMPRESSION TEST

CONTROLLED UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST
INTRODUCTION
According to the ASTM standard, the unconfined compressive strength (qu) is defined as
the compressive stress at which an unconfined cylindrical specimen of soil will fail in a simple
compression test. In addition, in this test method, the unconfined compressive strength is taken as
the maximum load attained per unit area, or the load per unit area at 15% axial strain, whichever
occurs first during the performance of a test.
The unconfined compression test is used to measure the shearing resistance of cohesive soils
which may be undisturbed or remolded specimens. An axial load is applied using either strain-
control or stress-control condition. The unconfined compressive strength is defined as the maximum
unit stress obtained within the first 20% strain (California State Transportation Agency, July 2014).
According to Chaoyang University of Technology, the unconfined compression test is by far
the most popular method of soil shear testing because it is one of the fastest and cheapest methods
of measuring shear strength. The primary purpose of the Unconfined Compression Test is to quickly
determine a measure of the unconfined compressive strength of rocks or fine-grained soils that
possess sufficient cohesion to permit testing in the unconfined state. This measure is then used to
calculate the unconsolidated undrained shear strength of the clay under unconfined conditions. In
general, The UCT can be conducted on rock samples or on undisturbed, reconstituted or compacted
cohesive soil sample.
OBJECTIVES
1. To perform unconfined compression test using the strain controlled unconfined compression
apparatus.
2. To determine the unconfined compressive strength and undrained shear strength of cohesive
soils.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D 2166 - Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil

For soils, the undrained shear strength (su) is necessary for the determination of the bearing
capacity of foundations, dams, etc. The undrained shear strength (su) of clays is commonly
determined from an unconfined compression test. The undrained shear strength (su) of a cohesive
soil is equal to one-half the unconfined compressive strength (qu) when the soil is under the f = 0
condition (f = the angle of internal friction). The most critical condition for the soil usually occurs
immediately after construction, which represents undrained conditions, when the undrained shear
strength is basically equal to the cohesion (c). Then, as time passes, the pore water in the soil
slowly dissipates, and the intergranular stress increases. These stresses must be determine for
superstructure design purposes.

APPARATUS
Compression device, Load and deformation dial gauges, Sample trimming equipment,
Balance, Moisture can
TEST SPECIMEN
Cohesive soil
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Extrude the soil sample from Shelby tube sampler. Cut a soil specimen so that the ratio (L/d)
is approximately between 2 and 2.5. Where L and d are the length and diameter of soil
specimen, respectively.
2. Measure the diameter and length of the specimen and record it on the data sheet.
Measuring the length of the specimen
3. Weigh the sample and record the mass on the data sheet.
Recording the mass of the specimen
4. Calculate the deformation (DL) corresponding to 15% strain (e).

Strain (e) =Δ L/Lo
Where Lo = Original specimen length (as measured in step 3).

5. Carefully place the specimen in the compression device and center it on the bottom plate.
Adjust the device so that the upper plate just makes contact with the specimen and set the
load and deformation dials to zero.
Specimen carefully placed under the compression device.
6. Apply the load so that the device produces an axial strain at a rate of 0.5% to 2.0% per minute,
and then record the load and deformation dial readings on the data sheet at every 20 to 50
divisions on deformation the dial.
7. Keep applying the load until (1) the load (load dial) decreases on the specimen significantly,
(2) the load holds constant for at least four deformation dial readings, or (3) the deformation
is significantly past the 15% strain that was determined in step 4.
Specimen was crushed after the test.
8. Draw a sketch to depict the sample failure.

9. Remove the sample from the compression device and obtain a sample for water content
determination. Determine the water content based on the related previous experiment.

ANALYSIS
1. Convert the dial readings to the appropriate load and length units, and enter these values on
the data sheet in the deformation and total load columns.
(Confirm that the conversion is done correctly, particularly proving dial gage readings
conversion into load)
𝜋
2. Compute the sample cross-sectional area (Ao) = 4 (𝑑 2 )
3. Compute the strain, (e) =Δ L/Lo

𝐴𝑜
4. Computed the corrected area. 𝐴′ = 1−𝑒
5. Using A’, compute the specimen stress. Sc = P/A’

(Be careful with unit conversions and use constant units.)
6. Compute the water content, w%.
7. Plot the stress versus strain. Show qu as the peak stress (or at 15% strain) of the test. Be sure
that the strain is plotted on the abscissa.
8. Draw Mohr’s circle using qu from the last step and show the undrained shear strength, su = c
(or cohesion) = qu/2.
REPORT
Sample Number: ______
Visual Classification: Brown silty clay, medium plasticity, moist CL
Diameter (d): _______
Length (Lo): _______
Mass: ______
TRIAL 1
Sample no.
Moisture can number – Lid number
MC= Mass of empty, clean can + lid(grams)
MCMS = Mass of can, lid and moist soil (grams)
MCDS = Mass of can, lid and dry soil (grams)
MW= Mass of pore water (grams)

Trial 1
MS = MCDS – MC
MW = MCMS – MCDS
Mw
𝐰= × 100%
Ms
𝐰= %
𝜋
 Area (Ao) = 4 (𝑑2 )
Area (Ao) = cm2

𝜋
 Volume = 4 (𝑑 2 )(𝐿𝑜 )
Volume = cm3
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠
 Wet Density = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Wet Density = g/cm3

𝑊𝑒𝑡 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
 Dry Density = 1+𝑤
Dry Density = g/cm3
Unconfined Compression Test Data (Deformation Dial: 1 unit = -----mm; Proving Ring N0:
-------; Load Dial: 1 unit = ------ lb)
Load Sample
Strain % Corrected Load Stress
Dial Deformation Load (KN)
(ε) Strain Area A' (lb) (kPa)
Reading ΔL (mm)

From the stress-strain curve and Mohr’s circle:

Unconfined compressive strength (qu) = KPa
Cohesion (c) = KPa
DISCUSSION
CO5 1. Differentiate the compressive strength and shear strength of soil using different
method namely unconfined and confined compression test.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO4 2. Why is it important to determine the compressive strength and shear strength of
the soil?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO

INTRODUCTION
According to Reddy, 2002, California Bearing Ratio is the ratio of force per unit area required
to penetrate a soil mass with standard circular piston at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. to that required for
the corresponding penetration of a standard material.
As said by Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, The California Bearing Ratio Test is
penetration test meant for the evaluation of subgrade strength of roads and pavements. The results
obtained by these tests are used with the empirical curves to determine the thickness of pavement
and its component layers. This is the most widely used method for the design of flexible pavement.
According to About Civil, Tests are carried out on natural or compacted soils in water soaked
or un-soaked conditions and the results so obtained are compared with the curves of standard test to
have an idea of the soil strength of the subgrade soil.
OBJECTIVES
1. To perform California Bearing ratio Test on cohesive soils to determine CBR and its
soaked index.
2. To evaluate the relative quality of subgrade, subbase, and base soils for pavements.
STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM D1883-14 (Standard test method for California Bearing Ratio of laboratory compacted
soils).

The results obtained by CBR test are used with the empirical curves to determine the
thickness of different layers of flexible pavement like subgrade, sub base, and base courses. This
is the most widely used method for the design of flexible pavement.
CBR value is used to quantify the response of the pavement foundation and subgrade to
loading. CBR does not provide any data regarding the properties of the soil except as to compare
its resistance to penetration to the base crushed rock’s resistance to penetration. Although CBR
test is empirical and has some limitations but it is still used around the world due to its low
equipment requirement, ease of performance prediction and history of use.
The two empirical methods for pavement design used now days are CBR method and
Group Index Method. In CBR method beside many other steps one step is to determine the CBR
value. This test allows the Engineer to design the Capping Layer and the sub-base layer by
determining the strength of the underlying soil.

APPARATUS
CBR Device, CBR Mold, Weighing
balance, Rammer, Spoon, Steel pan,
Extruder, Trimming device, Metal ruler,
Filter paper
TEST SPECIMEN
Moist soil
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Weigh and record the mass of the empty molder, slotted weight and annular weight.
Recording the mass of the empty molder
2. Place the spacer disc at the base plate, the side with a hole at the bottom. Attach the filter
paper above the spacer disc to prevent remains of the soil in the spacer disc. Apply lubricant
at the interior walls of the mold. Make sure the mold is well lubricated.
1
3. Fill the molder with soil,3 of the height of the main mold (without the upper collar), and
compact with rammer with 56 blows. Repeat 3 times until the height of the soil is in
between the main collar and upper collar.
1st Compaction with soil 1/3 of the height of the mold

4. Unscrew and remove the upper collar then carefully trim the excess soil until the surface
is level.
5. Separate the mold from the base plate and the spacer disc carefully. Remove the filter
paper. Invert the mold, the compacted soil at the bottom.
6. Weigh and record the mold with the soil inside.
Recording the mass of the Compacted trimmed soil sample with the molder
7. Put the annular weight inside of the mold, then the slotted weight. Assure that the
compacted soil at the bottom.
Annular weight placed inside the mold.

8. Put the mold in the loading device and record the data.
Mold placed in the molding Recording the

device for compaction result after the test

ANALYSIS and REPORT
Description Value
Height of soil, (cm)
Diameter of Soil, (cm)
Volume of Soil, (cm3)
Weight of Mold Proctor, (kg)
Weight of Mold Proctor + Soil, (kg)
Weight of Soil, (kg)
Unit Weight of Soil, (KN/m3)
Water Content, (%)
Dry Unit Weight, (KN/m3)
Weight of Surcharge, (kg)
Weight of Slotted, (kg)
Penetration depth, (mm)
Total Standard Load, Ps (kgf)
% California Bearing Ratio, (%)
Calculations
 Volume of Soil, V
𝜋
𝑉𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 = (𝑑𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 )2 (ℎ𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 ) 𝑽𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 = _________cm3
4
 Mass of Soil, M
𝑀𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 𝑀𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙+𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑑 - 𝑀𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑴𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 = _____ kg
 Unit weight of soil
𝑀𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝒌𝒈
𝜌𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 𝝆𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 =________𝒎𝟑
𝑉𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙
𝝆𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 𝒌𝑵
𝛾𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 = (𝛾𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 ) 𝜸𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 =_______ 𝒎𝟑
𝝆𝒘
 Dry unit weight of soil

𝛾𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝒌𝑵
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 = 𝜸𝒅𝒓𝒚 = _____ 𝒎𝟑
1+𝑤

Use Extrapolation.
𝑷𝒔 = _________ kgf 𝑷𝒔 =_______ N

𝑃
%CBR=𝑃𝑡 𝑥100% %CBR= ________%
𝑠
DISCUSSION
CO2 1. Based on the results of your experiment, could the soil be qualified as a good
material to be used in subbase and base layer (e.g. pavements)?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CO1 2. What are the factors affecting the California Bearing Ratio? Explain briefly.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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LABORATORY MANUAL

No. Laboratory Experiment Page

1 Standard Proctor Test 1

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB)

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 2

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

APPARATUS (See figure A)

Approximately 15 lbs of air-dried soil.

3. Compute the amount of initial water to add by the following method:

(a) Assume water content for the first test to be 8 percent.

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 3

(b) Compute water to add from the following equation:

(𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑠)8

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 4

1. Calculate the moisture content of each compacted soil specimen by

5. On the same graph draw a curve of complete saturation or “zero air

Use the following tables to report the data and results.

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 5

TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL

 Mass of soil solids, MS

 Mass of pore water, MW

TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 6

Plot of Dry Density vs Water Content:

CO1 1. What is soil compaction?

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CO1 3. Explain the principle why the soil can be compacted.

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CE152L – GEOTHECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB)

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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

APPARATUS (See figure A)

Approximately 15 lbs of air-dried soil.

3. Compute the amount of initial water to add by the following method:

(a) Assume water content for the first test to be 8 percent.

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 11

(b) Compute water to add from the following equation:

(𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑠)8

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 12

1. Calculate the moisture content of each compacted soil specimen by

5. On the same graph draw a curve of complete saturation or “zero air

Use the following tables to report the data and results.

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 13

TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL

 Mass of soil solids, MS

 Mass of pore water, MW

TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 14

Plot of Dry Density vs Water Content:

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 15

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 16

CE152L – GEOTHECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

CE152L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB) 18

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Vhole = Volume of hole (cm3)

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CE152L – GEOTHECHNICAL ENGINEERING 2 (LAB)

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Recording the mass of the soil sample

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Area (A): __ cm2 = _ in2