School of Professional Education and Executive Development

(SPEED)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

SEHS4593

Geotechnical & Foundation Engineering

Semester 2, 2020/21

Lecturer: Cheung Yuk

Tutorial Group: 202

Laboratory Report

Submission Date: 24thApril, 2021

Name Student ID

Chak Wai Wing 19035048S

Hon Tik 19029400S

Chan Tsz Hin 19017100S

Cheng Tin Ngo 18029683S

Laboratory Report#2

Direct Shear Test

Table of Content

1.Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2

3.Test Specimens .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

4.Test Setup and instrumentation ............................................................................................................................. 7

5. Test Results ..................................................................................................................................................................10

6. Discussion of test results ........................................................................................................................................16

7. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................................18

8. Reference.......................................................................................................................................................................18
1.Introduction

When we need to know the shear strength of the soil to determine certain engineering
conditions, such as the stability of the slope, the bearing capacity of the foundation, and the
calculation of the pressure on the retaining wall from the soil. Therefore, the purpose of
Direct Shear Test is to determine the consolidated-drained shear strength of the sample
(such as soil, rock and mineral)(Geoengineer, 2021).
In this experiment report, the sample of our experiment is dry sand. In this experiment,
three types of force will be applied to the sample, namely 50kPa, 100kPa and 200kPa. After
that, the three different results will be discussed and analyzed.

Theory:

1
2. Apparatus

Apparatus Photo Special attention items

1. A sample box
(60mmx60mmx20
mm)

2. Uniform sand

2. Weight scales

2
3. Funnel

Spatula

Rammer

3
Brush

A shear box

Porous plates Pay attention to the orientation

4
Direction Shear
machine

Dial gauges

Point Load Hangers

4. A stop watch

5
3.Test Specimens

In this test, we use uniform sand as the sample. The Length of the sample is 60mm, the
Width is 60mm, and the height of the sample is 20mm.

(The scale of the sample box is 60mmX60mmX20mm)

We know that the weight of the container is 178.3g through the weight scale. Therefore, we
can simply calculate the weight of the uniform sand.

(The weight of the sample box is 178.3g)

Results:

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For stage 1 with 50kPa normal stress, the weight of the uniform sand was 111.8g
(290.1g - 178.3g)

For stage 2 with 100kPa normal stress, the weight of the uniform sand was 114g
(292.3g - 178.3g)

For stage 3 with 200kPa normal stress, thel weight of the uniform sand was 113.4g
(291.7g - 178.3g)

4.Test Setup and instrumentation

This experiment uses a sample box with a volume of 60mm*60mm*20mm as a container.

Next, you need to measure the weight of the container and write down the weight of the
container with paper. Secondly, use a funnel to pour sand into the container, during which
time it is necessary to fill all the space of the box and use Spatula to make the surface
smooth. And measure the weight again and subtract the weight of the container from this
weight to get the net weight of the sand.

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We need to pour the sand into the shear box, during which we need to use Rammer to
compact the sand and make a layer. This action can increase the density of the sample. After
that, we should use a brush to clean the edges of the box, then place the porous plate on
top of the sand, and finally put the lid on the porous plate to cover the entire box.

First, we need to put the prepared shear box into the direct shear machine. The machine
sets the vertical dial gauge. For this gauge, 1 unit = 0.002mm. For the horizontal dial gauge,
1unit = 0.01mm. Next, we need to rotate the wheel, After losing two bolts from the shear
box.

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First adjust all readings to zero, and then apply normal stress with point load hangers
according to the required weight. Then change the scroll wheel from manual setting to
automatic setting.The wheel will be fixed

We need to take out the top screw, and then check to make sure that everything is ready for
testing. At the same time, take out the time stop to prepare for timing. Data is recorded
every 30 seconds after the start of the experiment. This test uses three different normal
stresses, namely 50kpa, 100kPa and 200kpa. Repeat the above process for different weights.

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5. Test Results

Stage 1:

10
Maximum Shear Stress is 51.14

11
Stage2:

12
Maximum Shear Stress is 104.46

13
Stage3:

14
Maximum Shear Stress is 219.24

15
6. Discussion of test results

16
y = 1.12x – 6.25
c = - 6.25
∅ = tan-1 (1.12)
∅ = 48.24o

In the actual working environment, we must understand the shear strength of the soil and
sand on site, because insufficient shear strength may cause the soil to collapse immediately.
Therefore, in order to avoid this type of accident, the accuracy of the test needs to be
improved. For example, make sure to fill the entire shear box.
I made three graphs based on the results of the experiment. Figure 1 shows the relationship
between shear stress and horizontal Displacement in this experiment. Figure 2 shows the
relationship between Vertical displacement and horizontal displacement. Figure 3 shows the
relationship between shear stress and normal stress. In Figure 3, we can find the value of C
and find ∅ through this value.
For the experimental results, we found that the highest shear stress of these three stages
usually occurs in three to four minutes.

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7. Conclusion

Through this experiment, the quality of the sand sample can be determined. Therefore,
through this experiment, the shear strength of the sand can be confirmed, and the
insufficient knowledge of the shear strength of the soil can be avoided. In this experiment C
= -6.25, ∅ = 48.24°

8. Reference

Direct Shear Test. (2021). Retrieved 23 April 2021, from

https://www.geoengineer.org/education/laboratory-testing/direct-shear-test

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Laboratory Report#2

Permeability Test

Table of Content

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................20

2. Apparatus ......................................................................................................................................................................21

3. Test Setup and instrumentation ..........................................................................................................................22

4 Test results ....................................................................................................................................................................25

4.1 Constand Head Test...........................................................................................................................................25

4.2 Falling Head Test ................................................................................................................................................26

5. Discussion of test results ........................................................................................................................................28

6. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................................29

7. Reference.......................................................................................................................................................................29

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1. Introduction

Permeability indicates how easily water could flow over a soil volume. It is important to
measure the amount of groundwater flow under different hydraulic factors, in order to
investigate the water drainage for groundwater construction. Moreover, it can render
stability analysis of earth reservoirs and earth sustaining frameworks subject to flowing
forces. Hydraulic conductivity, also identified as the coefficient of permeability, is also one
of the main physical variables of a soil that governs the level of seepage into it.

This is one of the most important geotechnical parameters. It can adjust a large amount of
stress and displacement in the soil. It obviously affects the below:

1. Quantity of water flowing into an excavation

2. Cut-off nature on conductive bases
3. Conception of the clay layer

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2. Apparatus

Apparatus Photo

1.
A constant head permeability
apparatus

2.
A coarse-grained sample pre
packed in a Perspex cylinder

3. A fall-head permeability
apparatus

4. A measuring cylinder of
capacity 1 litre

5. Stopwatch & Thermometer

21
3. Test Setup and instrumentation

The procedure of the test:

Fill the water into the container and start the stopwatch

22
Stop the stopwatch when the water reaches the 1L on the container.

Measure the water temperature.

Start the stopwatch when the water level reaches the specific tall,.

23
Record the reading when the water pass every 10cm of the pie

The water from pie will go through the sample and move to the container

Measure water temperature again

24
4 Test results
4.1 Constand Head Test

Mould dimension

Diameter (cm) = 7.6 Area (cm2) = 45.36

Difference between tapping points L (cm) = 7

Temperature (oC) = 17 (According to the following table)

Answer : 6.48 cm/s

where : QL/Aht

Given:
Sample type : Uniform Sand (0.3- 0.6mm)
L = 70mm between two outlets
Q = 1000cm3

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4.2 Falling Head Test

Standpipe cross-sectional area a(cm2) : 0.07

Sample cross-sectional area A(cm2) : 78.54

The distance between the end of the

rule to the surface of the water (cm) : 42

Sample Length L(cm) = 13

Temperature (oC) = 17

Length of the Time Water level in log10 water Gradient

ruler t the standpipe level (x)
(cm) (sec) (cm) (cm) k(cm/s)

0 0 142 2.15 0

10 27.61 132 2.12 2.761

20 59.64 122 2.09 3.203

30 95.49 112 2.05 3.585

40 136.96 102 2.01 4.147

50 184.83 92 1.96 4.787

60 241.3 82 1.91 5.647

70 309.43 72 1.86 6.813

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 80 396.11 62 1.79 8.668

90 508.74 52 1.72 11.263

100 661.36 42 1.62 15.262

Average Gradient = 6.6135

kt (cm/s) = 0.174
kt (m/s) = 0.002
k20o(m/s) = 0.002

Where gradient (m)= log10(H1/H2)/(t2-t1)

kt= a x L x 2.3 x gradient / A

Given:
L = 130mm
Pipe Diameter = 1.5mm

27
5. Discussion of test results

As usual, the in-situ k value and the k number obtained from laboratory tests will be
different. Since it is difficult to accomplish a consistent measurement of k through
laboratory testing methods, the main reasons for calculating the variance of k are as follows:

1) Boundary conditions. (The mold with such a smooth wall provides an improved flow path
in the laboratory.)
2) Same soil status is difficult to have. For example soil density, composition and
saturation...etc
3) The impact of the hydraulic gradient implemented in the research lab (typically bigger
than the field).
4) The influence of sample size (usually the area of k is much larger than that of the
laboratory.) The shape and size of the soil particles. In round and spherical particles, K in
both corner particles is greater than k. K increases with increasing particle size.
5) The pore fluid's viscosity depends entirely on the kind and pore fluid temperature.
If temperature rises, fluid diminishes, and k rises. (In fact, temperature changes of 4℃
consist in a rise of about 10 percent by k).
6) The void ratio of the soil

28
6. Conclusion

The coefficient of permeability is 6.48 cm/s at 17oC in the test. According to the above table, it can
be seen that the soil should be gravel and the degree of permeability is very high.

7. Reference

B.M. DAS, C. Liu and J. Evett (2020). Permeability Test Laboratory

https://www.academia.edu/31935917/Permeability_Test_laboratory

Indian Railway Institute of Civil Engineering(2020).PERMEABILITY TEST

http://www.iricen.gov.in/LAB/res/pdf/test-13.pdf

Peter Gawen, (2018). An introduction to Direct Shear Testing

https://www.vjtech.co.uk/blog/an-introduction-to-direct-shear-testing

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