University of Perpetual Help System GMA

Brgy. San Gabriel GMA Cavite

College

Civil Engineering

CEE4133 – E4A

Geotechnical Engineering Lab. 1

Assignment No.1

Introduction to Geotechnical Lab 1

Taccad, Jerrycho V.
16-0147-240
Date Submitted: Aug. 23 2021

Engr. Jesus Ray Mansayon

Instructor
1. List down laboratory safety rule in soil mechanics (https://uwaterloo.ca/civil-
environmental-engineering/sites/ca.civil-environmental-
engineering/files/uploads/files/general_laboratory_safety-geotech.pdf )

 IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND - ASK!

 Determine potential hazards, safety precautions, remedial actions and waste disposal
techniques before starting any laboratory procedure.
 Obtain the proper training and read the associated documents/SOPs/manuals before
you use any new equipment, chemicals, biological material or techniques.
 Do NOT eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics in any laboratory.
 Do NOT wear contact lenses when performing laboratory work.
 Footwear must have enclosed toes and heals (no sandals).
 Wash hands with soap and water before leaving the work area – even if you wore
gloves.
 Report any and all accidents immediately to your supervisor.
 Use laboratory equipment only for its intended purpose.
 Do not perform unauthorized experiments.
 Use the correct personal protective equipment for your work (eg. safety goggles, gloves,
fume hood).
 Confine long hair, loose clothing or jewellery when in laboratory.
 Practice good housekeeping. Clean up spills immediately. Keep the workbench clear of
all but the required materials. Keep aisles free of obstruction.
 Know the location of fire exits, pull-stations, and extinguishers
 Avoid working alone at night or on weekends (use a buddy system with a friend, partner,
etc).
 Keep labs locked when unoccupied.
2. Laboratory equipment/apparatus used in the lab (https://www.globalgilson.com/proctor-
density-of-soils )

Mechanical Soil Compactors for Standard and Modified Proctor

compaction and preparation of California 216 samples. These
Mechanical Soil Compactors feature automatic counting of
hammer blows and shutoff upon reaching a preset number.
Indexing turntable positions the mold for the next hammer drop,
ensuring optimum distribution of compaction energy. These units
increase accuracy and repeatability and are easy to use, safe, and
reliable. Models accommodate 4in or 6in Soil Compaction Molds
for Standard or Modified Proctor tests.

Soil Compaction Molds are used with the California Bearing Ratio

(CBR) and Florida’s Limerock Bearing Ratio (LBR) tests, in addition to
soil Proctor Density tests. Molds are sold as complete assemblies or as
individual components for Density, CBR, and LBR testing.

Manual Compaction Hammers are available in 5.5 or 10lb masses

for use with Standard or Modified test methods. The Gilson Manual
Compaction Hammers feature advanced design and stainless steel
construction to compact soil specimens into soil molds.

Pocket Penetrometer is a handheld device used in the field or lab

for classifying cohesive soils. It provides instant estimates of
unconfined compressive strength. OSHA requires its use for trenching
and excavation inspections.

Proctor Penetrometer Set with components

used for measuring penetration resistance of fine-grained soils
during laboratory Proctor density testing. The Proctor Penetrometer
Set meets ASTM D1558 Standards. This unit is supplied with
interchangeable threaded penetration needles and a wooden storage
box with a carrying handle.
 Sample Ejectors are available in two styles, one for 4in molds
only and the other for both 4 and 6in molds. Gilson's Sample
Ejectors feature a 12,000lbf (53.4kN) capacity. Simple operation
easily extrudes compacted soil or asphalt specimens.

Relative Compaction Test Set with tamper is used to compact specimens

using the California 216 impact method. This test set is used for field and
laboratory determination of the maximum wet density of soils and
aggregates.

Hydraulic Sample Extruder offers one-stroke continuous

extrusion using a hydraulic drive system. Damage to sensitive
undisturbed soil samples is eliminated. It can be bolted to a
benchtop or mounted on the optional Extruder Stand.

Relative Density Apparatus with gauges, mold, and funnel sets and

vibrating tables are geared to determining the relative density of
granular soils that typically do not respond well to Proctor moisture-
density tests.

Proctor/Density Accessories include products

commonly used for performing lab and field tests on
moisture density of soils.
3. Define the following:
 In-situ - " In situ " is a latin word which means something exist in its natural state
or its original position. Like in situ soil means that soil exist its original position i.e.
found in natural state. In -Situ is a term used for Natural soil as it is
 Sample - Samples are normally taken from the field for laboratory tests to
characterize the physical and mechanical (strength and deformation) properties.
These parameters are used to design foundations and to determine the use of
soils as a construction material.
 Specimen - An accurate soil sample is composed of multiple, smaller samples
called cores. Individual cores include soil from the surface down to the depth at
which grasses or plants will draw most nutrients. Each final sample for an area
should combine at least 10 soil cores from random spots through the area
 Undisturbed
 Natural structure of the soil and material properties remain preserved.
 No change due to disturbance of the soil structure
 No change in ratio and water content
 Undisturbed samples such as from a thin-walled sampler are used for
both physical and mechanical properties.
 Intact - untouched especially by anything that harms or diminishes
 Remolded - has had its natural internal structure modified or disturbed by
manipulation so that it lacks shear strength and gains compressibility.
 Reconstituted - reconstituted sample is certainly different from the one in its
natural state, being independent from all depositional and post-depositional
events occurring in a natural soil deposit, properties associated to reconstituted
soils can be seen as basic or inherent properties
4. Different properties of soil which are measured in the laboratory
(https://slidetodoc.com/what-is-soil-1-soil-is-a-mixture/ )
 Color – soil can be described based on the color, such as yellow, brown, or red;
how dark or light and how intense the color
 Texture – the soil ranges from boulder sized pieces to very fine clay
 Structure – soil structure described the particles are held together and it can be
grainy, blocky and even prism shaped
 Consistency – the hardness or softness of s a soil is the measure of its
consistency. Consistency varies with the moisture
 Infiltration – describes how fast water enter a soil
 Soil moisture – the amount of water in soil pores is its moisture content
 Ph – soil have ph between 5.5 to 8.2. soil can be more acidic in humid
environment
 Fertility – is the measure of the ability of a soil to support plant growth.
 Temperature – soil temperature changes with daily cycles and the weather. Soil
temperature in lower layers changes less.