Investigation of North

Waziristan Soil
The soil in North Waziristan, Pakistan, is of great interest to
geotechnical engineers and soil scientists due to its unique
characteristics and the challenges it presents for construction and
infrastructure development. A comprehensive suite of laboratory tests
was conducted to thoroughly analyze the physical and engineering
properties of this soil, providing valuable insights for future projects in
the region.
Moisture Content by Oven Drying
Sample Preparation 1
The soil sample was carefully
collected from North Waziristan and
2 Moisture Content
prepared for the oven drying test
Calculation
The moisture content was then
according to ASTM D2216 standard
calculated as the ratio of the mass
procedures. This involved
of water to the mass of the dry soil,
measuring the initial mass of the
expressed as a percentage. The
sample and placing it in a calibrated
result showed that the North
oven at 105°C until a constant mass
Waziristan soil had a moisture
was achieved.
Significance 3 content of 12.778%.
The moisture content is a crucial
parameter in understanding the
behavior of the soil, as it can affect
its strength, compressibility, and
susceptibility to erosion. This
information is vital for designing
appropriate foundations, drainage
systems, and other geotechnical
infrastructure in the region.
Specific Gravity Determination
Test Procedure
The specific gravity of the
North Waziristan soil was
determined using the water
pycnometer method, as per
ASTM D854 standard. This
involved measuring the
mass of the soil sample, the
mass of the water-filled
pycnometer, and the mass
of the pycnometer filled with
the soil-water mixture.
Calculation and Result
The specific gravity (Gs) was
calculated using the formula
Gs = Ms / (Mw - Mm), where
Ms is the mass of the soil
sample, Mw is the mass of
the water-filled pycnometer,
and Mm is the mass of the
pycnometer filled with the
soil-water mixture. The
result showed that the
North Waziristan soil had a
specific gravity of 2.79.
Significance
The specific gravity of a soil
is a fundamental property
that is used in various
calculations, such as void
ratio, porosity, and degree
of saturation. It is also an
important parameter in the
design of soil structures, as
it affects the weight and
behavior of the soil.
Liquid Limit Determination
2 3 Result and
1 Test Apparatus Test Procedure
significance
The liquid limit of the The soil sample was The number of drops
North Waziristan soil mixed with water until required to close the
was determined using it reached a fluid groove was recorded,
the Casagrande consistency, and then and the liquid limit
apparatus, in placed in the was determined to be
accordance with Casagrande cup. The 22%. The liquid limit is
ASTM D4318 cup was then an important
standard. This device dropped repeatedly indicator of the soil's
consists of a brass until the soil sample behavior, as it helps
cup that is dropped closed a specified to distinguish
from a fixed height groove along the between different soil
onto a hard base, bottom of the cup. types and their
while the soil sample potential for
Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index
Plastic Limit
The plastic limit of the North Waziristan
soil was determined in accordance with
ASTM D4318 standard. This involved rolling
the soil sample into a thread until it
crumbled at a diameter of 3 mm. The
plastic limit was found to be 18.667%.
Significance
The plastic limit and plasticity index are
important parameters in classifying soils
and predicting their behavior. They can
help engineers determine the suitability of
the soil for various construction
applications, such as the design of
foundations, embankments, and pavement
structures.
Plasticity Index
The plasticity index (PI) was calculated as
the difference between the liquid limit and
the plastic limit. For the North Waziristan
soil, the PI was determined to be 3.333%.
The plasticity index is a measure of the
soil's ability to undergo plastic deformation
without cracking or breaking.
Implications
The low plasticity index of the North
Waziristan soil suggests that it may have
limited cohesive properties, which could
affect its ability to support structures and
withstand erosion. Further investigations
into the soil's shear strength and other
engineering properties would be necessary
to fully understand its behavior and
Particle Size Distribution
Sieve Analysis
The particle size distribution of the North Waziristan soil was determined
through a sieve analysis, in accordance with ASTM D6913 standard. This
involved passing the soil sample through a series of sieves with progressively
smaller openings and measuring the mass retained on each sieve.

Hydrometer Analysis
To further characterize the fine-grained fraction of the soil, a hydrometer
analysis was conducted in accordance with ASTM D422 standard. This method
uses the principle of sedimentation to measure the gradation of the soil
particles smaller than 0.075 mm.
Results and
Interpretation
The combined results from the sieve and hydrometer analyses provided a
detailed particle size distribution curve for the North Waziristan soil. This
information is crucial for understanding the soil's engineering properties, such
as permeability, compaction characteristics, and shear strength, which are
heavily influenced by the particle size distribution.
 Standard Proctor Compaction Test
1 Sample
Preparation
The North Waziristan soil sample was prepared for the Standard Proctor
compaction test in accordance with ASTM D698 standard. This involved dividing
the soil into several portions, each with a different moisture content, and
compacting them in a mold of known volume using a standard compactive effort.

2 Moisture-Density
Relationship
The dry density of the compacted soil was measured for each moisture content,
and the results were plotted to determine the maximum dry density and the
optimum moisture content. For the North Waziristan soil, the maximum dry
density was found to be 95 lb/ft³.
Significance and
3 Applications
The Standard Proctor compaction test provides essential information for the
design of earthworks, such as embankments, foundations, and pavement
subgrades. The optimum moisture content and maximum dry density can be
used to ensure proper compaction and stability of soil structures in the North
 Soil Permeability
Falling Head Test
The permeability of the North
Waziristan soil was
determined using the falling
head method, in accordance
with ASTM D2434 standard.
This involved measuring the
rate at which water flows
through a soil sample under a
decreasing hydraulic head.
Coefficient of
Permeability
The coefficient of
permeability (k) was
calculated based on the
observed flow rate and the
dimensions of the soil
sample. For the North
Waziristan soil, the coefficient
of permeability was found to
be 2.57 x 10^-6 cm/s.
Significance
The permeability of a soil is a
crucial factor in determining
its drainage characteristics
and susceptibility to water-
related issues, such as
erosion, slope instability, and
groundwater contamination.
The low permeability of the
North Waziristan soil may
require special considerations
in the design of drainage
systems and other
Soil Classification
Property Value Significance

Moisture Content 12.778% Affects soil behavior and

engineering properties

Specific Gravity 2.79 Fundamental parameter

for soil mechanics
calculations
Liquid Limit 22% Indicator of soil plasticity
and potential for
swelling/shrinkage

Plastic Limit 18.667% Boundary between plastic

and non-plastic behavior

Plasticity Index 3.333% Measure of soil

cohesiveness and
susceptibility to

Permeability 2.57 x 10^-6 cm/s deformation

Affects soil drainage and
potential for water-related
issues

Based on the comprehensive laboratory testing, the North Waziristan soil can
be classified as a low-plasticity, silty soil with relatively low permeability. This
information is crucial for understanding the soil's engineering behavior and
Conclusion
The detailed geotechnical analysis of the North Waziristan soil has
provided valuable insights into its physical and engineering properties.
The results from the various laboratory tests, including moisture
content, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, particle size distribution,
compaction characteristics, and permeability, have collectively painted
a comprehensive picture of the soil's behavior and potential
This information is critical for engineers and researchers working in
applications.
the North Waziristan region, as it will inform the design and
construction of foundations, roads, embankments, and other
infrastructure projects. By understanding the unique properties of the
local soil, professionals can develop tailored solutions that maximize
the performance and durability of these vital structures, while also
considering the potential environmental and geotechnical challenges
posed by the region's terrain and climate.