KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
SOIL AND ROCK MECHANICS (CE 260)
LAB REPORT

LABORATORY REPORT ON
 CONSOLIDATION TEST
 PERMEABILITY TEST (CONSTANT AND FALLING HEAD)

GROUP NUMBER: 8

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GROUP 8 MEMBERS
NAMES INDEX NUMBERS
1. Adomako-Mensah Yaw Owusu 6923621
2. Asiedu Emmanuel 6930221
3. Chikpah Joshua 6933821
4. Abdul-Rashid Marziah 6921221
5. Quist Stephen Junior 6946821
6. Heloo Emmanuel Yao 6938221
7. Braimah Jibril 6933321
8. Tetteh Emmanuella Naa Deide 6949021

9. Abdul Rahman Rauf 6921121

10. Osei Abeyie Raymond 6945221

11. Adu Dennis 6923721

2|CE 359
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. CONSOLIDATION TEST...................................................................................................................4
2. PERMEABILITY TESTS..................................................................................................................22
2.1 CONSTANT HEAD PERMEABILITY TEST.........................................................................................24
2.2 FALLING HEAD PERMEABLITY TEST...............................................................................................27

3|CE 359
 1. CONSOLIDATION TEST

INTRODUCTION
The consolidation test is a fundamental geotechnical laboratory experiment
aimed at assessing the consolidation behaviour of soils, particularly those with
low permeability. This test provides valuable insights into the soil's response to
applied loads and its subsequent settlement characteristics over time. By
subjecting a laterally confined soil specimen to incremental vertical loads,
parameters such as coefficients of volume compressibility and consolidation
can be determined. The test setup, typically guided by principles outlined by
Karl von Terzaghi, restricts deformation to one axis, allowing for precise
measurements and analysis. Understanding consolidation behaviour is crucial
for engineering applications, especially in designing structures like dams and
building foundations, where long-term settlement effects must be accurately
predicted and managed to ensure structural integrity and safety.

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT

The consolidation test is an essential tool for evaluating soil behavior under
load. It allows engineers to quantify the magnitude and rate of settlement
arising from both primary (water expulsion) and secondary (internal
rearrangement) consolidation mechanisms. The test results provide a valuable
tool for establishing the void ratio-pressure relationship (consolidation curve)
for the soil. This curve, along with derived parameters like the compression
index, recompression index, and pre-consolidation pressure, serves as a
foundation for informed decision-making during the construction planning
phase. By understanding these factors, engineers can select construction
methods that minimize excessive settlement and ensure structural stability .

APPARATUS
 Consolidation test unit (including rig, porous stones and load plate)
 Specimen trimming device (spatula)
 Filter paper
 Balance
 Stopwatch
 Moisture can

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  Oven
 Undisturbed sample

TEST PROCEDURE

1. We measured the consolidation ring and weighed it to record its dimensions

and mass.
2. The soil sample was carefully compacted into the ring under consistent
pressure. Any excess soil was trimmed from the top and bottom to ensure a
flat surface level with the ring.

3. We weighed the entire assembly (ring and compacted soil) to determine its
combined mass.

4. The consolidometer was assembled with the soil sample placed between two
pre-soaked porous stones, each separated by filter paper.

5|CE 359
5. A load plate was positioned on top of the upper porous stone, and the entire
mold was secured on the loading frame with adjustments made to the loading
device.
6. A small initial load (seating load) was applied. We then set the dial gauge to
zero to begin measuring any settlement. This load was maintained for at least
two hours, or up to 24 hours, until the dial gauge reading remained constant.
7. Finally, the mold was filled with water. Loads were then gradually applied to
the soil sample through the load plate, typically starting with a small load and
doubling it with each subsequent increment.
8. For all loads applied, the dial readings at the specified times were recorded on
the data sheet.

6|CE 359
 Consolidation Test Data Sheets
WATER CONTENT OF TRIMMINGS

Moisture content

17.93
W= =20.65 %
86.8

BEFORE START OF TEST

CONTAINER NUMBER SE 4
WET SOIL +CONTAINER ,gm 129.14
DRY SOIL+CONTAINER ,gm 113.58
WEIGHT OF CONTAINER ,gm 26.78
WEIGHT OF WATER ,gm 15.56
WEIGHT OF DRY SOIL ,gm 86.8
WATER CONTENT ,gm 17.93
HEIGHT OF SPECIMEN ,cm 0.76cm
DIAMETER OF SPECIMEN , cm 7.6cm

Weight of sample + Mass of the ring, gm 285.96

MASS OF RING gm 94.79

MASS OF WET SAMPLE gm 191.17
MASS OF DRY SAMPLE Ws gm 160.25

MASS OF WATER WW gm 31

VOLUME OF SOLIDS VS 60.47 cm ³

VOLUME OF VOIDS VV 19.05 cm³
WATER CONTENT mi 19.34%
INITIAL VOID RATIO ei 0.315
INITIAL DEGREE OF SATURATION% 61.29%

FINAL DEGREE OF SATURATION% 4.46%

RESULTS AT THE END OF TEST

7|CE 359
 CONTAINER NUMBER CONTAINER NUMBER
D1
MASS OF WET 298
SAMPLE+RING+CONTAINER
MASS OF DRY SAMPLE 275.77
+RING+CONTAINER
MASS OF CONTAINER g 10

MASS OF DRY SAMPLE 170.98

MASS OF WATER WW 22.23
VOLUME OF SOLIDS 60.47 cm ³
WATER CONTENT Wf 13%
FINAL VOID RATIO ef 0.0521
EQUIVALENT SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.65

DIAL GAUGE READNGS

SQUARE FLOODING LOADING

LOAD Ibf ROOT
OF
TIME
PRESURE 10 20 40 0
0 0 0.000 1928 1930 1834.5 1805 1765
15 .025 0.500 1845 1821.5 1880.2
30 0.5 0.707 1845 1821.5 1880.5
45 .75 0.866 1844 1820 1880
60 1 1.000 1844 1819 1878.3
2 2 1.414 1843 1817.5 1781.2
4 4 2.000 1842 1816 1774.8
.7
9 9 3.000 1841.3 1814 1772.5
16 16 4.000 1840.8 1813 1771.3
25 25 5.000 1839.8 1812 1770.5
49 49 7.000 1839 1811 1769.3
1HR 60 7.746 1838.5 1810.5 1769
2 120 10.954 1838 1810 1768.5
4 240 15.492 1836 1809 1766
24 1440 37.947 1930 1834.5 1805 1765 1898.8

CALCULATION
SPECIFIC dh=ho-hf dh in H=ho-dh
LOADINGS millimeters

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 meters
FIRST LOADING 1930-1834.5=95.5 0.955 0.018345

SECOND LOADING 1834.5-1805=29.5 0.295 0.01805

THIRD LOADING 1805-1765=85 0.85 0.0172

1000 X MO 1000∗191.17 −3
Bulk density =, ρ w ¿ = ρ= =5544.792 kgm
AO X HO 45.365∗0.76

2
π (7.6)
2
Area of Specimen = A=π r = =45.365 cm2
4

100 x 5544.792
Dry density =, ρd ¿ =4595.766 kgm−3
100+20.65

2.65
INITIAL VOID RATIO¿ −1,Gs particle density
ρd
2.65∗1000
eo= −1=−0.42338
4595.766
mass of solids 160.25
Height of solids= = =1.3cm
AREA XG s X ρW 45.365 x 2.65 x 1

ρs=2.65 x 1=2.65 g /cm³

mass of soil , ms 160.25
Volume of soil¿ = =60.47 cm ³
density of soilρs 2.65

2
π (7.6)
Total Volume of in ring containing soil¿ x 1.8=79.521cm ³
4

mass of solids 160.25

Volume of solids= = = 60.471 cm³
density of solids 2.65
Volume of voids before =19.05 cm³

9|CE 359
 initial height of ring 0.76
Height of solids= = =1.3cm
1+eo 1±0.423

dh change∈dial gauge readings

=de= =
Hs Hight of solids

VOLUME OF WATER before V W ¿ 31 cm2

Initial Degree of Saturation (Sr)
𝑆𝑟 =(𝑉𝑉/V𝑤)*100%
19.05
𝑆𝑟= =61 %
31
2
Volume of water after=22.23 m
Final Degree of Saturation (Srf)
19.05∗0.0521.
Sr= =4.46 %
22.23
TIME SQUA Chang de Change in De= Change in De=
R e in thickness(m Change∈thickness
thickness(mm) Change∈thickness
ROOT thickn m) within height of solids
within third height of solids
OF ess(m second specific loading
TIME m) specific
within loading
first
specifi
c
loadin
g
0 0.000 0 0 0 0 0 0
0.25 0.500 0.065 0.017 0.098
0.85
3 0.13 0.752
0.5 0.707 0.065 0.017 0.099
0
3 0 0.003
0.75 0.866 0.066 0.0191 0.1
0.01 1 0.015 0.005
1 1.000 0.066 0.02 0.1
0 1 0.01 0.017
2 1.414 0.01 0.069 0.015 0.022 0.971 0.23
4 2.000 0.003 0.067 0.015 0.024 0.064 0.238

10 | C E 3 5 9
 2
9 3.000 0.068 0.027 0.241
0.014 2 0.02 0.023
16 4.000 0.068 0.028 0.243
0.005 6 0.01 0.012
25 5.000 0.069 0.030 0.244
0.01 4 0.01 0.008
49 7.000 0.008 0.07 0.01 0.031 0.012 0.246
60 7.746 0.070 0.032 0.246
0.005 4 0.005 0.003
120 10.954 0.070 0.032 0.246
0.005 7 0.005 0.005
240 15.492 0.072 0.034 0.25
0.02 3 0.01 0.025
1440 37.947 0.073 0.039 0.25
0.015 4 0.04 0.01

Calculations for the specific loadings

FIRST LOADINGS
D100. =18.36mm
Let t1 = 1 minute
D1 =1845.2x 0.01=18.45mm
t2 will be 4t1 =4minutes
D2 =1842.8x 0.01=18.43mm
18.45mm-18.43mm=0.02mm
D0=(1845.2+6x0.4) x0.01=18.474mm
D0+ D100
D50= =d 50 =18.417mm
2
Time for 50% consolidation to occur T50 =11 minutes

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Coefficient of Consolidation Cv

SECOND LOADINGS

D100 =1807.4*0.01=18.074mm
Let t1 = 2 minutes
D1 =1818x 0.01=18.18mm
t2 will be 4t1 =8minutes
D2 =(1814+0.4x1.5 ) x0.01=18.14 mm
18.45mm-18.43mm=0.02mm
D0=(1820+1x0.4) x0.01) =18.474mm
D0+ D100
D50= =d 50 =1813.9=18.139mm
2
t 50=20 minutes
Time for 50% consolidation to occur T50 is 20 minutes
THIRD LOADINGS
D100 =1761.6=17.616mm
Let t1 = 1 minute
D1 =1880x 0.01=18.80mm
t2 will be 4t1 =4minutes
D2 =(1760+0.4x3.5 ) x0.01=17.614mm
18.80mm-17.614mm=1.19mm
D0=(1880+121.6)=2001.6 =20.016mm
D0+ D100 2001.6+1761.6
D50= =d 50 = =1881.6=18.81 mm
2 2
T50 =1 minute
Time for consolidation to occur is 1 minute
Height of drainage path is 0.38 cm

Volume of voids 19.05

INITIAL VOID RATIO eo¿ = =0.315
volume of solids 60.471
AT THE END OF FIRST SPECIFIC LOADING
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 CHANGE∈ DIAL GAUGE READINDS
FINAL VOID RATIO ef = eo−
HEIGHT OF SOLIDS
0.955 =0.189
ef =0.315−
0.76∗10
AT THE END OF SECOND SPECIFIC LOADING

0.295
ef =0.203− =0.164
0.76∗10
AT THE END OF THIRD SPECIFIC LOADING

0.85
ef =0.164− =0.0521
0.76∗10
Co efficient of volume compressibility mv for each load increment
H 1−H 2 1 OOO
Mv=( )( )
H1 P 2−P 1
Time factor Tv for 50% consolidation to is 0.197
0.76
Calculation for height of drainage Hdr= =0.38 cm
2
2
Tv H
CONSOLIDATION FACTORS AFTER EACH LOADING: Cv=
TMIN
Time factor Tv for 50% consolidation to is 0.197
0.76
Calculation for height of drainage Hdr= =0.38 cm
2

2
0.197 x 0.38
Cv= =0.00142
20 minutes

2
0.197 x 0.38
Cv= =0.00258
11minutes

13 | C E 3 5 9
 2
0.197 x 0.38
Cv= =0.0284
1minute
INTERPRETATION OF OF CONSOLDAION FACTORS:
 A higher consolidation factor indicates faster consolidation (i.e., quicker settlement).
 Conversely, a small consolidation factor implies slower consolidation (i.e., slower
settlement).

CALCULATING K=UNIT WEIGHT OF WATER x10−5 x CV

9.81x 0.0284x10−5 = 2.786x10−6

PRESSURES APPLIED COEFFICIENT OF COMPRESSIBILITY

mv
6.25 2.01
12.5 0.314
25 0.455

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 consolidation curve first specific loading
1846
CONSOLIDATION CURVE Second
Specific loading
1844

1825

1842

1820
1840
DIAL GAUGE READINGS

1838

1815

1836
GAUGE READINGS

1810
1834

1832

1805

1830

1828
1800
1 10 100 1000 10000

LOG OF TIME IN MINUTES

1795
1 10 100 1000 10000

LOG TME IN MINUTES 15 | C E 3 5 9

 CONSOLIDATION CURVE THIRD
SPECIFIC LOADING
1900

1880

1860

1840

1820
DIAL GAUGE READINGS

1800

1780

1760

1740

1720

1700
1 10 100 1000 10000

LOG TIME IN MINUTES

16 | C E 3 5 9
Time factor Tv for 50% consolidation to is 0.197
0.76
Calculation for height of drainage Hdr= =0.38 cm
2
2
Tv H
Cv=
TMIN

2
0.197 x 0.38
Cv= =0.00142
20 minutes

2
0.197 x 0.38
Cv= =0.00258
11minutes

2
0.197 x 0.38
Cv= =0.0284
1minute

CONSOLIDATION CURVE AGAINST

TIME Third Specific Loading
DIAL GAUGE READINGS

1900
1800
1700
1 10 100 1000 10000

LOG TIME IN MINUTES

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PRECAUTIONS TAKEN
 We ensured that the soil sample was adequately prepared and
compacted before the test was conducted.
 We ensured to flood the sample with water each time there was a drop
in the level of water.
 Parallax error was avoided when taking the dial gauge readings.

DISCUSSION

Consolidation tests are conducted to determine the settlement behaviour

of soils when subjected to different loads over time. This report discusses
the results obtained from a consolidation test conducted on a soil sample
and provides conclusions based on the findings.

1. Consolidation Curves: The consolidation curves obtained from the test

shows the relationship between applied pressure and settlement over
time. Initially, there is a rapid settlement, which gradually decreases
over time, indicating the soil's consolidation process. A typical
settlement vs. time curve consists of three distinct phases: initial
compression, primary consolidation, and secondary consolidation.
2. Initial Compression: During the initial compression phase, the soil
undergoes immediate settlement upon the application of load. This
phase is typically very rapid and can be caused by the rearrangement of
soil particles or the expulsion of air and water from the void spaces
3. Primary Consolidation: The primary consolidation phase is characterized
by a gradual decrease in settlement rate over time. This phase occurs as
water is gradually squeezed out of the soil pores due to the applied load.
The settlement vs. time curve during primary consolidation is usually
linear when plotted on a semi-logarithmic scale.

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4. Secondary Consolidation: After primary consolidation is complete, the
soil may continue to undergo further settlement, albeit at a much slower
rate. This phase is known as secondary consolidation and can last for an
extended period. The settlement vs. time curve during secondary
consolidation may exhibit a nonlinear behaviour.
From the curves, D0, D50 and D100 can be determined and also the time
it takes for 50% consolidation to take place can be determined(T50).
5. Coefficient of Consolidation (Cv): The coefficient of consolidation is a
measure of the rate at which soil consolidates under load. It was
determined from the slope of the straight portion of the consolidation
curve using appropriate equations. A higher coefficient of consolidation
indicates faster drainage and faster consolidation. So, a higher
consolidation constant Cv means that the soil consolidates more rapidly
under applied loads.
6. Time Rate of Consolidation: The time rate of consolidation indicates
how quickly the soil reaches a certain degree of consolidation under a
given load. It was calculated using the square of the time factor (T)
obtained from the test data.
7. Factors Affecting Consolidation: Various factors can influence the
consolidation behaviour of soils, including soil type, initial moisture
content, loading conditions, and stress history. Understanding these
factors is crucial for interpreting the results of consolidation tests
accurately.
8. Challenges: Despite its importance, consolidation testing can be time-
consuming and labour-intensive, especially in the case of clayey soils
that exhibit significant consolidation over long periods. Additionally,
interpreting the results of consolidation tests requires expertise and
careful consideration of various factors.

19 | C E 3 5 9
Conclusion:
The coefficient of consolidation obtained during the test decrease from
first loading to the last loading. Loading 10lbf, cv=0.00142, Loading
20lbf, cv=0.00258, Loading 40lbf, cv=0.0284. The higher the cv the faster
the consolidation and vice versa. That means the third loading(40lbf)
had a faster consolidation or settlement as compared to the other
loadings (10lbf and 20lbf).
The voids ratios also decrease after applying each load. initial void
ratio=0.315
And the void ratios after each loading (10lbf,20lbf and 40lbf) are
(0.189.0.164 and 0.0052)
The consolidation test provided valuable insights into the settlement
behaviour of the soil sample. The results obtained are essential for
geotechnical engineering applications, including foundation design,
slope stability analysis, and settlement prediction for various
construction projects.

20 | C E 3 5 9
 2. PERMEABILITY TESTS

PERMEABILITY
INTRODUCTION
Permeability is a measure of the ease with which water can flow through a soil.
The coefficient of permeability is dependent on:
 The viscosity of the flowing water.
 The size and continuity of the pore spaces through which water flows.
 The presence of discontinuities.
. It directly affects the following.

 Quantity of water that will flow toward an excavation.

 Design of cutoffs beneath dams on permeable foundations.
The degree of permeability is determined by applying a hydraulic pressure
difference across a sample of soil, which is fully saturated, and measuring the
consequent rate of flow of water.

Methods of determining Coefficient of Permeability

The coefficient of permeability of a soil can be determined by one of the
following methods:
1. Laboratory method
 Constant head permeability test
 Falling head permeability test
2. Field test
 Pumping out test
 Pumping in test
3. Indirect methods
 Consolidation test
Two major tests are conducted to determine the permeability of soils, constant
and falling head permeability tests. For fine grained soils falling head

21 | C E 3 5 9
permeability test is done, whereas constant head permeability test is done for
the coarse-grained soil.

Objective:
To determine the Coefficient of Permeability (k) of the soil.

Apparatus:
 The main equipment used is the permeameter.
The permeameter consists of a metallic mould, which is provided with a
drainage cap having an inlet valve and an air release valve. The drainage base
and cap have a fitting for clamping the mould.
 Tamper
 Balance
 Scoop
 Graduated jar
 Watch (or Stopwatch)
 Thermometer
 Filter paper

The figures show the set-up used. Fig. 1a is the constant head permeameter
and fig. 1b is the falling head permeameter.

22 | C E 3 5 9
Fig 1a. Constant head permeameter Fig 1b. Falling head
permeameter.

2.1 CONSTANT HEAD PERMEABILITY TEST

Objective
The objective is to determine the permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of a soil
by the constant head method.
Description
Constant head test is done by maintaining a constant level above the soil
sample.
The constant head permeability test involves flow of water through a column
of cylindrical soil sample under the constant pressure difference.
The test is carried out in the permeability cell or permeameter.

23 | C E 3 5 9
 The testing apparatus is equipped with an adjustable constant head reservoir
and an outlet reservoir which allows maintaining a constant head during the
test.

PROCEDURE
The following initial measurements were recorded on the data sheet,

 Inside diameter of the permeameter (D),

 Length of sample between nipple points(l)
 Depth measured at four symmetrically spaced points from the upper
surface of the top plate of the permeability cylinder to the top of the
upper porous stone or screen temporarily placed on the lower
porous plate or screen (Hi).

Steps
1. Apparatus was already setup, with soil sample connected to
permeameter.
2. Water reservoir was filed to the desired constant head level.
3. Water levels were taken note of in both right and left manometers.

24 | C E 3 5 9
4. Valve was opened and water was allowed to flow in soil sample. We
monitored the flow rate to see if there will be any change in water levels
in the manometers.
5. Water that passes through the soil sample was collected over a specific
time, both volume and time elapsed were recorded.
6. Volume and time were then used to calculate for discharge.
7. Darcy Law was then used to calculate for the permeability of the soil
sample based on flow rate, dimensions, and head difference.

25 | C E 3 5 9
2.2 FALLING HEAD PERMEABLITY TEST
Objective
This test is used to determine the drainage characteristics of relatively fine-
grained soils and is usually performed on undisturbed soil samples .

PROCEDURE

a. Prepare the specimen in the same way as for “Constant Head Test”. The
specimen shall be connected through the top inlet to selected stand-pipe.
The bottom outlet shall be opened, and the time interval required for the
water level to fall from a known initial head to a known final head as
measured above the center of the outlet shall be recorded.
The stand-pipe shall be refilled with water and the test repeated till
three successive observations give nearly same time interval; the time
intervals being recorded for the drop in head from the same initial to

a. The dimensions of specimen,

• Length Land diameter D are measured and recorded.
• Area ‘a’ of stand-pipe is recorded.
• The temperature T, of water is also measured and recorded.

b. During the test, observations are made of initial time

t1, final time tf,

 Initial head h1 and final head h2 in stand-pipe are

recorded.
 h1/h2 and log10 (h1/h2) are calculated and recorded.
 The permeability kT is calculated and recorded.

c. At the end of the test, the weight of wet soil specimen W t is measured
and recorded. Then the sample is dried in the oven for 24 hours and the dry

26 | C E 3 5 9
weight Ws is measured and recorded. The water content, W is computed
and noted. Void ratio, e, and degree of saturation S are calculated using
specific gravity G,

Permeability at
temperature (T) kT is
calculated by:

kT = 2.303 x [aL/A (tf – ti)] x log10

(h1/h2)

KT = (2.303 * a * L*log10
(h1/h2)) / (A*(tf - ti))

27 | C E 3 5 9
TEST RESULTS

Table for constant head permeability test

UNIT Test 1 Test 2 Test 3

Head of water in right

H1 Cm 10 9 10.7
manometer

Head of water in left

H2 Cm 24 14.9 31.9
manometer

Length of sample between

L Cm 10 10 10
nipple points(l)

Diameter of sample D Cm 76 76 76

Cross sectional area of

A Cm2 45.36 45.36 45.36
sample

Elapsed time T Sec 60 120 30

Volume of water discharge Q Cc 265 185 215
Discharge(q) Cc/sec 4.42 1.54 7.17
Head difference cm 14 5.9 20.3
Permeability Cm/sec 0.07 0.06 0.08
Average Permeability 0.07

Calculations
Q
Rate of flow through the soil q= t , where Q is the average volume of water
collected over a an average time period t.
221.6
q= =3.166 cm3/s
70
h
Hydraulic gradient i= L where h is the difference between the top and bottom
manometers and L is the difference between their corresponding gland levels
or length of the soil specimen. (Taking average of h and L)
h= h2-h1 =23.3 – 9.9 = 13.4 cm
L = 10cm

28 | C E 3 5 9
 13.4
i= =1.34
10
q
Permeability of the soil, K= A

3.166
q is the discharge and A is the cross-sectional area, K= 45.36 =0.07

Table for falling head permeability test.

FALLING HEAD PERMEABILITY

Diameter of Sample D cm 10
Diameter of Standpipe d cm 1
Area of Sample (A) A cm2 78.54
Area of Standpipe (a) a cm2 0.785
Length of Sample (l) l cm 11
Adjustment height ha cm 34

Test 1 2 3
Initial Water Level in the pipe hi cm 87.6 87.4 84.3
Final Water Level in the pipe hf cm 87.4 87.3 87.2
Time Elapsed (t) t sec 2700 4500 7200
Initial head Level in the pipe
ho+ha cm 121.6 121.4 121.3
(ho)
Final head Level in the pipe
hf+ha cm 121.4 121.3 121.2
(h1)
h0/h1 1.002 1.001 1.001
2.3Log (ho/h1) 1.64x10-3 8.23x10-4 8.24x10-4
Permeability (K) cm/sec 6.704x10-8 5.03x10-8 3.359x10-8
m/
Average Permeability (K) 1.5097x10-7
sec

Mistakes or errors which may have occurred in the test and their potential
impact on the results.
 Air could be trapped in the sample hence the sample would not be
100% saturated.
 The stopwatch may not be started or stopped at the correct point.
 The sample could settle during the test.

29 | C E 3 5 9
  Soil could be washed from the sample.
 Some of the head loss could occur in the apparatus rather than in the
sample.
 The sample could be disturbed by the flowing water at inlet.
 The soil sample represents a small fraction of the sample in the field.

Conclusions:
Permeability is necessary because it has the following uses:
 To calculate seepage through dams.
 To find out rate of consolidation and settlement of structures.
 To calculate the uplift pressure and piping.
 To plan methods of lowering the ground water pressure.

To avoid errors, the following precautions were taken,

 The sample should be fully saturated before the start of the
experiment.
 The porous discs and tubes are de-aired before the sample placed in.
 The porous disc should be more permeable than the soil sample.

30 | C E 3 5 9