Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GEOTECHNICAL TESTING
FOR RAILWAY ENGINEERS
IMPACT
ABRASION
WATER ABSORPTION
BLANKET MATERIAL
CONSOLIDATION
COMPACTION
NUCLEAR
MOISTURE GAUGE
SOIL TESTS
TRIAXIAL SHEAR
RELATIVE DENSITY
DIFFERENTIAL SWELL
ATTERBERG LIMITS
CORE CUTTER
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P R E FA C E
Simple soil tests are required for assessing quality of earthwork on Railway
projects. These tests play an important role in maintaining quality of earthwork
and thereby the performance of Railway formation. However, in field, while
conducting stage inspections on zonal railways, it has been observed that the
testing procedures vary which affects the soil testing results thereby affecting
the quality of work done. Lack of knowledge and proper understanding of relevant specifications have also contributed to this situation.
In order to improve the situation, regular one week course on Quality
Control on Construction Projects have been started at Geotechnical Engineering Directorate of RDSO, where detailed procedures for various tests are explained. An abridged version of procedure of soil testing has been framed so
that it is easy for the field supervisors involved in earthwork projects, to understand and appreciate the testing methods. In abridging, we have tried to prepare
this compilation very brief. For details relevant IS code as referred for each test
needs to be gone through.
The tests in this booklet have been divided into four categories i.e. a)
Tests for soil, b) Tests for Ballast, c) Test for Blanket material and d) Field
tests.
Testing of blanket material for use on railway formation developed by
RDSO, which has been standardised, has also been included.
It is hoped that the booklet will prove useful for our field supervisors in
improving quality control of earthwork and ballast apart from designing slope
through slope stability analysis.
Suggestions for further improvement of this booklet may be sent to Geotechnical Engineering Directorate of RDSO.
RDSO
Lucknow
04/11/2004
Nand Kishore
Executive Director
Geotechnical Engineering Directorate
RDSO
Page 2
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 3
Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
Preface
Table of Contents
Liquid limit
Plastic limit
Shrinkage limit
9-10
10
Consolidation
11-12
Specific Gravity
13
Compaction
14
Relative Density
15
Permeability
16-17
18
Direct Shear
19
Triaxial
20
21
Water Absorption
22
Abrasion
23
24-25
26
27
28-29
30
by
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Page 4
The water content (w) of a soil sample is equal to the mass of water divided by the mass of solids.
w = [(M2 M3) / (M3 M1)] x100
Where
APPARATUS
1. Thermostatically controlled oven maintained at a temperature of 110 5C.
2. Weighing balance, with accuracy of 0.04% of the mass of the soil taken.
3. Airtight container made of non-corrodible material with lid.
4. Tongs.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
The soil specimen should be representative of the soil mass. The quantity of the specimen taken would depend upon the
gradation and the maximum size particles.
Size of particles more than 90 percent
passing IS Sieve
425 m
2.0 mm
50
4.75 mm
200
10 mm
300
20 mm
500
37.5 mm
1000
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Unit
OBSERVATIONS :
1.
Determination No.
I
A
II
B
2.
3.
4.
Container No.
Mass of empty container (M1)
Mass of container + Wet soil (M2)
Mass of container + Dry soil (M3)
CALCULATION :
g
g
g
20.12
44.12
41.18
5.
3.14
6.
21.06
7.
14.91
III
C
RESULT : Average of three determinations shall be taken. The water content of the sample = %
PRECAUTIONS
1.
2.
3.
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Page 5
Moisture content of soil is generally measured as a ratio of the weight of water to the weight of solids, expressed as a percentage. As soil behaviour depends on its moisture content, it is one of the basic parameters defining the soil condition.
To a control engineer, even a rapid moisture content check is extremely useful, as it gives an indication of
the existing characteristics of the soil, which enables him some extent to decide on the pattern of test programme.
For quality control of compacted earth fill, measurement of in-situ density is essential. All types of earthwork
construction like embankments, dams, roads, airfields and trenches need checking density for quality control. Equipment for quick checking of density as well as accurate determination is listed here.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Use 75 mm and 50 mm height ring with sharp cutting edge at the bottom and removable dolly at the top.
Orient soil stratum to loading direction similar to applied force in field.
Insert the density ring to ejected soil sample gradually by pressing with hands.
Carefully removed the ring with soil specimen.
The top and bottom surface should project above and below the edges of ring for final trimming.
Trim perfectly both sides of density ring.
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A volume of soil is taken out by pushing a density ring of known volume into the undisturbed soil sample collected. The spoil in the density ring should be perfectly trimmed on both sides before removing the soil specimen.
The wet soil specimen is kept in the oven for drying at the temperature of 105 -110 C for 24 hours. The dry
weight of the specimen is taken.
Natural dry density = W d / V g/cc
Natural water content = (W W d ) x100/ W d %
Average of at least two specimen test results i.e. one from top and the other from bottom of the sample should be
reported.
Unit
Container No.
Wt. of container + wet soil
W1
II
Top
Bottom
202.00
181.90
Wt. of container
96.26
W3
Wt. of water
( W 1 W2 )
20.10
( W2 W3 )
85.64
Volume of ring
cc
56.56
(W 1 W 2 )
Moisture content = -------------- x 100
(W 2 W 3)
24.47
g / cc
1.54
Dry density = ( W 2 W 3 ) / V
Average Dry density =
RESULT
Average of two determinations shall be taken.
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Page 6
There is large variation in types of soils from site to site. Accordingly, their behavior has also variation. To make understanding of soil in easy manner, their grouping has been done depending on size of soil
particles and their water absorption capacity. Ratio of soil of different sizes are worked out from sieve analysis and hydrometer/laser particle analyzer and capacity to absorb water is worked out from liquid limit, plastic limit tests. These test are used to classify the soils. Sieving is used for gravel as well as sand size particles and sedimentation procedures are used for finer soils. For soils containing coarse and fine soil particles
both, it is usual to employ both sieving and sedimentation procedures.
APPARATUS
1. Set of fine IS sieves 2 mm, 600, 425, 212, and 75
2. Set of coarse sieves 20 mm, 10 mm, and 4.75 mm.
3. Weighing balance, with accuracy of 0.1% of the mass of sample
4. Oven
5. Mechanical shaker
6. Mortar, with rubber pestle
7. Brushes
8. Trays
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1. Soil sample, as received from the field shall be dried in air or in
sun. In wet weather the drying apparatus may be used in which
case the temperature of the sample should not exceed 60 C.
The clod may be broken with wooden mallet to hasten drying .the
organic matter, like tree root and pieces of bark should be removed from the sample.
2. The big clods may be broken with the help of wooden mallet.
Care should be taken not to break up the individual soil particles.
3. A representative soil sample of required quantity (As per Table-3
of IS: 2720-I) is taken and dried in oven at 105 -120 C
PROCEDURE
1. The dried sample is taken in tray and soaked with water and
mixed 2 g of sodium hexametaphosphate of 2 g or sodium hydroxide of 1 g and sodium carbonate of 1 g per liter
of water added as dispersive agent. The soaking of soil continued for 10 -12 hours.
2. Sample is washed through 4.75 mm IS sieve with water till substantially clean water comes out. Retained sample
on 4.75 mm IS sieve shall be oven dried for 24 hours. This dried sample is sieved through 20 mm, 10 mm set of
IS sieves.
3. The portion of the passing 4.75 mm IS sieve shall be oven dried for 24 hours. This oven dried material is riffled
and is taken of about 200 g.
4. This sample of about 200 g is washed on 75 micron IS sieve with half litre distilled water till substantially clear water comes out.
5. The material retained on 75 IS sieve is collected and dried in oven at 105 - 120 C for 24 hours. The dried soil
sample is sieved through 2 mm, 600 , 425 , 212 IS sieves. Soil retained on each sieve is weighed.
6. If the soil passing 75 is 10% or more, hydrometer method is used to analysis soil particle size.
(B) Hydrometer Analysis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Particles passed through 75 IS sieve along with water is collected and put into a 1000 ml jar for hydrometer
analysis. More water if required is added to make the soil water suspension just 1000 ml. The suspension in the
jar is vigorously shaken horizontally by keeping the jar in between the palms of two hands. The jar is put on the
table.
A graduated hydrometer is carefully inserted in to the suspension with minimum disturbance.
At different time intervals, the density of the suspension at the c.g. of the hydrometer is noted by seeing the depth
of sinking of the stem. The temperature of suspension is noted for each recording of hydrometer reading.
Hydrometer reading is taken at a time of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 15.0, 45.0, 90.0, 180.0 minutes, 6 hrs, 24 / 48 hours.
By using the nomogram the diameter of the particles at different hydrometer reading is found out. (Ref. IS : 2720
(Part 4) 1985, page 30).
After completing mechanical analysis and hydrometer analysis the results are plotted on a semi log graph with particle
size as abscissa (log scale) and the percentage smaller than the specified diameter as ordinate. A typical graph of grain
size distribution is shown in Figure on page 25.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 7
The Liquid limit of fine-grained soil is the water content at which soil behaves practically like a liquid, bit has
small shear strength. It flow close the groove in just 25 blows in Casagrandes liquid limit device. It is one of
the Atterbergs limits. The Atterbergs limits consist of The Liquid limit, Plastic limit and Shrinkage limit.
As it difficult to get exactly 25 blows in theGtest.
3Hto
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N I C4
AL ENGINEERIN G
R E C TreORATE, R D S O
tests are conducted, and the number of blowsD I(N)
LUCKNOW-226011
quired in each test determined. A semi-log plot is
drawn between log N and the water content (w).
The Liquid limit is the water content corresponding to
N=25. This index property helps in classification.
APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1. Air dry the soil sample (in case drying) and break the clods. Remove the organic matter like tree roots, pieces of
bark etc.
2. About 100 g of the specimen passing 425 micron IS sieve is mixed thoroughly with distilled water in the evaporating dish and left for 24 hours for soaking.
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
A portion of the paste is placed in the cup of the Liquid limit device.
Level the mix so as to have a maximum depth of 1 cm.
Draw the grooving tool through the sample along the symmetrical axis of the cup, holding the tool perpendicular
to the cup.
4. For normal fine grained soil : The Casagrande tool is used which cuts a groove of width 2 mm at the bottom, 11
mm at the top and 8 mm deep.
5. For sandy soil : The ASTM tool is used which cuts a groove of width 2 mm at bottom, 13.6 mm at top and 10 mm
deep.
6. After the soil pat has been cut by proper grooving tool, the handle is rotated at the rate of about 2 revolutions per
second and the nos. of blows counted till the two parts of the soil sample come into contact for about 10 mm
length.
7. Take about 10 g of soil near the closed groove & find water content.
8. The soil of the cup is transferred to the dish containing the soil paste and mixed thoroughly after adding a little
more water. Repeat the test.
9. By altering the water content of the soil and repeating the foregoing operations, obtain at least 5 readings in the
range of 15 - 35 blows. Dont mix dry soil to change its consistency.
10. Liquid limit is determined by plotting a flow curve on semi-log graph between nos. of blows on logarithmic scale
and water content on arithmetical scale.
11. Generally these points lie in a straight line.
12. Water content corresponding to 25 blows is the value of Liquid limit.
RESULT : Read water content corresponding to 25 blows from the graph.
[ Sample graph is given on page-8.]
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 8
PLASTIC LIMIT
[ As per IS: 2720 (Part 5) - 1985 ]
The Plastic limit of a fine-grained soil is the water content of the soil below which it ceases to be
plastic. It begins to crumble when rolled in to threads of 3 mm diameter. It is the boundary between Liquid
and Plastic limit. It is one of the Atterbergs limits. The Atterbergs limits consist of The Liquid limit, Plastic
limit and Shrinkage limit.
APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
Take out 30 g of air dried soil from a thoroughly mixed sample of the soil passing 425 micron IS sieve, mix the soil with
distilled water in a evaporating dish and leave the soil mass for naturing. This period may be up to 24 hours.
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Take about 8 g of the soil and roll it with fingers on a glass plate. The rate of rolling shall be between 80 to 90
strokes per minutes to form a 3 mm diameter.
If the diameter of the threads becomes less than 3 mm without cracks, it shows that water content is more than its
plastic limit. Kneed the soil to reduce the water content and roll it again to thread.
Repeat the process of alternate rolling and kneading until the thread crumbles.
Collect the pieces of crumbled soil thread in a moisture content container.
Repeat the process at least twice more with fresh samples of plastic soil each time.
Unit
Liquid Limit
A
Nos. of Blow
Plastic Limit
C
35
28
20
15
17.68
17.11
18.29
19.72
21.10
19.71
18.20
14.81
14.26
15.02
16.10
19.80
18.33
16.96
Weight of Dish = W 3
6.25
6.22
6.25
7.01
11.71
9.93
9.28
Weight of Water = (W 1 W 2)
2.87
2.85
3.27
3.62
1.30
1.38
1.24
8.56
8.04
8.77
9.09
8.09
8.40
7.68
% Moisture = (W 1 W 2) / (W 2 W 3) x 100
33.53
35.45
37.29
39.82
16.07
16.43
16.15
Liquid limit %
Plasticity Index %
RESULT
41
Log. (Series1)
40
Moisture content
Plastic limit %
Series1
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
10
100
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 9
The Shrinkage limit is the water content of the soil when the water is just sufficient to fill all the pores of the soil and the
soil is just saturated. The volume of soil does not decrease when the water content is reduced below the Shrinkage limit.
It can be determined from the following relation W s = (M1 Ms) (V1 V2)w X 100
Ms
Where M1 = Initial wet mass, Ms = Dry mass
V1 = Initial volume, V2 = Volume after drying
APPARATUS
1.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 10
The clay and specially the black cotton soils have a tendency to swell in small or more proportion
when submerged in water. Free swell or differential free swell also termed as free swell index, is the increase in volume of soil with out any external constraint when subjected to submergence in water.
D FS (% )
APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
DEGREE OF EXPANSIVENESS
< 20
LOW
20 35
MODERATE
35 50
HIGH
>50
VERY HIGH
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Take two specimens of 10 g each of pulverised soil passing 425 micron IS sieve and oven dried.
Pour each soil specimen in 100 ml capacity graduate glass cylinder.
Pour distilled water in one and kerosene oil in other cylinder upto 100 ml mark.
Remove entrapped air by gentle shaking or stirring with glass rod.
Allow attainment of equilibrium state of volume of suspension (for not less than 24 hours).
Time start
Time elapsed
( in hours )
0
6
12
18
24
CALCULATION
Vd - Vk
Free swell index = x 100
Vk
Where Vd = volume of soil specimen read from the graduate cylinder containing distilled water.
Vk = volume of soil specimen read from the graduate cylinder containing kerosene.
Continued from page-9
Determination No
Container No.
Wt of container
Wt of container + wet soil pat
Wt of container + dry soil pat
wet weight of soil
wt of oven dry soil pat
Wt of water
Moisture content of soil in (%)
Volume of wet soil pat
Wt of mercury displaced by dry soil pat
Volume of dry soil pat
Density of mercury
Difference in volume
Shrinkage Limit
Unit
W1
W2
W3
W2 - W 1
W3 - W 1
W2 - W 3
g
g
g
g
g
g
%
cc
g
cc
g/c c
cc
%
RESULT
Shrinkage Limit ( average of three determinations ), W S = 13.78 %
I
3
7.98
32.87
25.99
24.89
18.01
6.88
38.20
12.69
113.97
8.38
13.6
4.31
14.27
II
4
7.37
31.42
24.78
24.05
17.41
6.64
38.14
12.52
113.02
8.31
13.6
4.21
13.96
III
5
7.04
32.39
25.43
25.35
18.39
6.96
37.85
12.97
114.51
8.42
13.6
4.55
13.10
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 11
CONSOLIDATION TEST
[ As per IS: 2720 (Part 15) - 1986 ]
Consolidation of a saturated soil occurs due to expulsion of water under static, sustained load. The consolidation characteristics of soil are required to predict the magnitude and the rate of settlement.
A structure (railway formation) constructed over
compressible soft saturated marshy soil settles
with expulsion of water. to work out total settlement and rate of settlement of structure, this
test is required. The following characteristics
are obtained from the consolidation test.
Co-efficient of compressibility = av
Co-efficient of volume change = mv
Compression index = Cc
Co-efficient of consolidation = Cv
APPARATUS
1. Consolidometer with loading device
2. Specimen ring, made of a non-corroding
material
3. Water reservoir to saturate the sample.
4. Porous stones
5. Soil trimming tool, like knife, spatula
6. Dial gauge, accuracy 0.002 mm
7. Pressure pad.
8. Weighing balance, accuracy 0.01g.
9. Oven
10. Ball.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
UNDISTURBED SOIL SPECIMEN :- Clean dry and then lubricate the consolidation ring from inside with silicon grease.
Push the sample directly into the consolidation ring and hold the ring firmly about 5 mm above the sample tube keeping
the cutting face down ward and eject the sample gently and steadily out of the tube by means of hydraulic jack so that it
intrudes into the ring. During this process, continue trimming the specimen care fully from outside the consolidation ring
to reduce friction. Trim and flush the soil sample with the ends of the consolidation ring.
REMOULDED SOIL SPECIMEN :- Prepare the soil sample by compaction method at the OMC and MDD. Place the consolidation ring on glass plate with cutting edge upward. Press the remoulded soil into the ring by suitable means. Flush
the soil specimen with the top end of the ring and weigh. Alternatively, the soil specimen may be intruded into the consolidation ring.
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
Clean and dry the metal ring. Measure its diameter and height. Take the mass of the empty ring.
Press the ring into the soil sample at the desired density and the water content. The ring is to be pressed with
hands. Any voids in the specimen due to the removal of large particles should be filled back by pressing the soil
lightly.
3. Trim the specimen flush with the top and bottom of the ring.
4. Saturate the porous stones by boiling them in distilled water for about 15 minutes.
5. Assemble the consolidometer. Place the bottom porous stone, bottom filter paper, specimen, top filter paper and
the top porous stone, one by one.
6. Position the loading block centrally on the top porous stone. Mount the mould assembly on the loading frame.
Centre it such that the load applied is axial in the lever-loading system.
7. Set the dial gauge in the position. Allow sufficient margin for the swelling of the soil.
8. Connect the mould assembly to the water reservoir having the water level at about the same level as the soil
specimen. Allow the water flow into the specimen till it is fully saturated.
9. Take the initial reading of the dial gauge.
10. Apply an initial setting load to give a pressure of 0.05 kg/cm2 to the assembly so that there is no swelling and allow the setting load to stand till there is no change in the dial gauge reading or for 24 hours. Take the final gauge
reading under the initial setting load.
11. Normal sequence of pressure to be applied is 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 and 16.0 kg /cm2 and take the dial
gauge reading after application of each load at a time sequence of 0.25, 1.0, 2.25, 4.0, 6.25, 12.25, 16, 20, 25,
36, 49, 64, 81, 100, 121, 144, 169, 196, 225, 289, 324, 361, 400, and finally 1440 minutes.
12. After the last load increment had been applied and the reading taken, decrease the load to of the last load and
allow it stand for 24 hours. Take the dial gauge reading after 24 hours. Further reduce the load to of the previous load and repeat the above procedure, likewise further reduce the load to of the previous and repeat the
procedure. Finally reduce the load to the initial setting load and keep out for 24 hours and take the final dial gauge
reading.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 12
13. Dismantle the assembly. Take out the ring with the specimen. Wipe out the excess surface water using bloating
paper and remove the filter paper both side the specimen.
14. Take weight of the ring with specimen.
15. Dry the specimen in oven for 24 hours and determine the dry weight of the specimen.
16. Determine the specific gravity of soil from the dried specimen.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION
Specific gravity of solid, G
Diameter of ring
Area of ring, A
Height of ring
Volume of ring
Initial height , Hi
Water content before test
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Mass of ring
=
Mass of ring + wet soil =
Mass of dry soil
=
Mass of water =
Degree of saturation, S =
Height of solid, Hs
=
Water content after test =
Change in
height
Height
H=Hi+ H
[ in cm ]
Height
of voids
(H-Hs)
[ in cm ]
e = H-Hs
H
Average height
[ in cm ]
Remarks
4.0
8.0
( kg / cm )
T
(Minutes)
0.00
0.25
1.00
2.25
..
..
1440
0.25
0.50
1.0
(R)
4760
4740
4720
dial gauge reading
2.0
4700
4680
4660
4640
4620
4600
4580
4560
0
10
12
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 13
Specific Gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a given volume of a material at a standard temperature to the weight in air of an equal volume of distilled water at the same stated temperature. The equipment mentioned below can be used to test a wide range of materials from clay to sand and gravel smaller
than 10 mm. The specific gravity of solid particles is the ratio of the mass density of solids to that of water. It
is determined in the laboratory using the relation.
Temperature Correction Temperature Correction
( M2 - M1 )
10.0
-0.004173
23.0
-0.001825
G =
10.5
-0.004095
23.5
-0.001700
(M2 M1) (M3 M4 )
11.0
-0.004015
24.0
-0.001584
where M1 = mass of empty bottle
M3 = mass of bottle + soil + water
only
APPARATUS
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1. Disturbed soil sample is enough for this test.
2. Take pulverized soil passed through 2 mm IS sieve.
Determination No.
Bottle no.
Temperature
Weight of bottle
Weight of oven dry soil
Weight bottle + soil
Weight of bottle + soil + water
Weight of bottle + water
CALCULATION
Specific gravity =
( M1 )
( M2 )
( M3 )
( M4 )
( M2 M1 ) ____
(M2 M1) (M3 M4 )
Unit
11.5
12.0
12.5
13.0
13.5
14.0
14.5
15.0
15.5
16.0
16.5
17.0
17.5
18.0
18.5
19.0
19.5
20.0
20.5
21.0
21.5
22.0
22.5
-0.003936
-0.003857
-0.003778
-0.003699
-0.003620
-0.003542
-0.003463
-0.003385
-0.003306
-0.003228
-0.003144
-0.003060
-0.002910
-0.002881
-0.002786
-0.002691
-0.002590
-0.002490
-0.002385
-0.002271
-0.002165
-0.002057
-0.001941
24.5
25.0
25.5
26.0
26.5
27.0
27.5
28.0
29.0
29.5
30.0
30.5
31.0
31.5
32.0
32.5
33.0
33.5
34.0
34.5
35.0
35.5
36.0
II
C
g
g
g
g
g
31
18.57
10
28.57
90.88
84.74
2.59
-0.001428
-0.001364
-0.001216
-0.001071
-0.000935
-0.000800
-0.000660
-0.000520
-0.000232
-0.000080
0.000066
0.000212
0.000373
0.000530
0.000688
0.000849
0.001011
0.001127
0.001343
0.001413
0.001675
0.001825
0.002077
III
C
31
31
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
Clean the bottle with distilled water, dry it in oven, cool in desiccator and weigh it with stopper.
Keep about 10-15 g of this soil in the bottle.
Cover the soil with air free distilled water from the glass wash bottle and leave for a period of 2 to 3 hours for
soaking. Add water to fill the bottle to about half.
4. Entrapped air can be removed by heating the density bottle on a water bath or a sand bath.
5. Keep the bottle without stopper in vacuum desiccator for about 1 to 2 hours until there is no further loss of air.
6. Gently stir the soil in the density bottle by a clean glass rod, wash off carefully adhering particles from the rod with
some drops of distilled water and see that no more soil particles are lost.
7. Repeat the process till no more air bubbles are observed in the soil water mixture.
8. Observe the temperature of the constant ( C ) in the bottle and record.
9. Insert the stopper in the density bottle, wipe and weigh.
10. Now make the bottle empty, clean thoroughly till the density bottle with distilled water at the same temperature.
Insert the stopper in the bottle, wipe dry from the out side and weigh.
11. Take at least two such observations for the same soil.
OBSERVATION & CALCULATION
0.995369
Specific gravity of water at ( Tt )
G ( at 27 C) = G ( at Tt ) x = 2.59 x = 2.587
Specific gravity of water at ( 27 C )
0.996542
RESULT : Average of three determinations shall be taken .
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 14
COMPACTION TEST
[ As per IS: 2720 (Part 8) 1983 ]
Dry density = M / V
1+
where M
= total mass of soil
V
= volume of soil
= water content
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERIN G
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
LUCKNOW-226011
Compaction is the process of densification of soil by reducing air voids. The degree of compaction of a given
soil is measured in terms of its dry density. The dry density is maximum at the optimum water content. A
curve is drawn between the water content and dry density to obtain
the maximum dry density and optimum water content.
1.900
1.800
1.700
0.00
5.00
APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.00
15.00
20.00
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1. A representative portion of air dried soil sample ( in case of oven
drying temp. < 60 0C) break the clods, remove the organic matter
like free roots , piece of bark etc.
2. Take about 6 kg - ( for soil is not susceptible to crushing during compaction)
15 kg - ( for soil is susceptible to crushing during compaction)
3. Sieve above material through 19 mm IS sieve and 4.75 mm IS sieve and % passing 4.75 mm IS sieve. Do not use
the soil retained on 20 mm sieve. Determine the ratio of fraction retained and that passing 4.75 mm sieve.
4. If % passing retained on 4.75 mm IS sieve is greater than 20 mm IS sieve, use the larger mould of 150 mm diameter.
5. Mix the soil sample retained on 4.75 mm sieve and that passing 4.75 mm sieve in the proportion determined.
6. Thoroughly mix water in
a) Sandy and gravely soil : 3 to 5 %
b) Cohesive soil : 12 to 16 % approx.
Store the soil sample in a sealed container for minimum period of 16 hours.
PROCEDURE
1. Clean and dry the mould and base plate. And apply a thin layer of grease on inside the mould.
2. Weigh the mould to the nearest 1 gram. Attach the collar to the mould and place on a solid base.
3. Compact the moist soil in to the mould in five layers of approximately equal mass, corri layer being given 25 blows
from 4.9 kg rammer dropped from the height of 450 mm above the soil. The blows should be distributed uniformly
over the surface of each layer.
4. Remove the collar and trim off the excess soil projecting above the mould by using straight edge. Take the weight
of mould with compacted soil in it.
5. Remove the 100 g compacted soil specimen for the water content determination.
6. Add water in increment of 1 to 2 % for sandy and gravely soils and 2 to 4 % for cohesive soils.
7. Above procedure will be repeated for each increment of water added. The total number of determination shall be
at least four and moisture content should be such that the OMC at which MDD occurs , is within that range.
PRECAUTION
1. Ramming should be done continuously taking of height of 450 mm free fall accurately.
2. The amount of soil taken for compaction should be in such a way that after compacting the last layer, the soil surface is not more than 5 mm above the top rim of the mould.
3. Weighing should be done accurately.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 15
Relative density relates the dry density of cohesion-less soil to the maximum and minimum densities. The degree of
compaction of cohesion-less soil can be stated in terms of Relative density. The test is used to determine the Relative
density of cohesion less free draining soils containing upto 5 % present by weight of the soil particles passing a 75 micron IS-sieve. It is also known as Density Index.
Relative Density
Consistency Term
( emax e )
max ( d - min )
0-15
Very
loose
Density Index = x 100 = x 100
15-35
Loose
( emax emin )
d ( max - min )
APPARATUS
35-65
Medium dense
65-85
Dense
85-100
Very dense
1.
Vibratory table : a steel table with cushioned steel vibrating deck about 75 x 75 cm. The vibrator shall have frequency of 3600 vibrations per minute.
2. Mould : Two cylindrical metal unit mass mould of 3000 cc and 15000 cc capacity.
3. Two guide sleeves.
4. Surcharges masses : as per IS: 10837-1984
5. Dial gauge : 50 mm travel with 0.025 mm graduation ( IS: 2092-1962)
6. Calibration bar : for computing the initial dial gauge reading calculating the volume of specimen.
7. Mixing pans : suitable size are 65 x 90 x 10 cm.
8. Weighing scale : portable platform weighing scale, 100 kg capacity.
9. Pouring devices : consisting of funnels 12 mm and 25 mm dia. and 15 cm long with cylindrical spouts.
10. Metal straight edge : about 40 cm long
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
A representative sample of soil should be taken. The mass of soil sample to be taken depends upon the maximum size
particle in the soil.
Maximum size of soil particles in mm
75
45
15000
37.5
12
3000
19
12
3000
9.5
12
3000
4.75
12
3000
The soil sample should be dried in oven at temperature of 105 to 110 C. The soil sample should be pulverized with out
breaking the individual soil particles and through required sieve.
PROCEDURE
A)
B)
Select pouring device and mould according to the maximum size of the particles.
Weigh the mould and record its weight. Oven dry soil should be used.
Soil containing particles smaller than 9.5 mm should placed as loosely as possible in the mould by pouring the
soil through spout in a steady stream.
The height of free fall of soil is always 25 mm. The mould should be filled approximately 25 mm above the top
and leveled with top by making one continuous pass with steel straight edge.
The mould and soil should be weighed and mass recorded.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 16
PERMEABILITY TEST
( by constant head parameter)
[ As per IS: 2720 (Part 17) - 1986 ]
The co-efficient of permeability is equal to the rate of flow of water through a unit cross sectional area under
a unit hydraulic gradient. In the constant head parameter, the head causing flow through the specimen remain constant throughout the test. The coefficient of permeability ( K ) is obtained from the relation.
K =ql /Ah = QL /Ah t
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERIN G
Where
q = discharge
h = head causing flow,
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Q = total volume of
water,
t = time period
LUCKNOW-226011
L = length of specimen,
A = cross sectional area
APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Permeameter mould : internal diameter =100 mm, effective height = 127.3 mm , capacity = 1000 cc.
Detachable collar : 100 mm diameter, 60 mm high.
Compaction equipment
Drainage base, having porous disc.
Drainage cap , having a porous disc with a spring attached to the top.
Constant head water supply reservoir.
Constant head collecting chamber.
Stop watch
Weighing balance
Thermometer
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
A) DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE
1. Measure the internal dimensions of the mould. Weight the mould to the nearest gram.
2. Apply a little grease on the inside to the mould. Clamp the mould between the base plate and the extension collar and place the assembly on a solid base.
3. Take about 2.5 kg of soil sample, from a thoroughly mixed wet soil in the mould. Compact the soil at the required
dry density, using a suitable compacting device.
4. After the compaction, remove the collar and base plate, trim off the surplus soil mass by means of straight edge
and weigh the mould with a compacted soil.
5. Saturate the stones. Place the filter paper at both the end of the soil specimen in the mould.
6. Attached this mould with the drainage base and cap having saturated porous stone.
B) UNDISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE
For testing the undisturbed soil sample, trim off the undisturbed specimen in the shape of a cylinder of about 85 mm
in dia and height equal to that of mould. Put the filter paper at the both the end of the specimen and place it centrally
over the bottom saturated porous stone of the drainage base fixed to the mould.
Fill the annular space between mould and soil specimen with an impervious material to avoid any leakage from the
sides. The impervious material may be cement slurry or a mixture of 10 % bentonite and 90 % fine sand by weight.
Fix the drainage cap over the top the mould.
PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the reservoir from the bottom out let.
2. Connect the constant head reservoir to the drainage cap inlet.
3. Open the stop cock and allow the water to flow downward so that all the air is removed.
4. Close the stop cock and allow the water to flow through the soil till a steady state is attained.
5. Start the stop watch, and collect the water flowing out of the base in a measuring flask for some convenient time
interval.
6. Repeat this thrice, keeping the interval the same. Check that quantity of water collected is approximately the
same each time.
7. Measure the difference of head ( h ) in levels between the constant head reservoir and the outlet in the base.
8. Repeat the test for at least two more different interval.
9. Stop the flow of water and disconnect all the part of assembly. Record the temperature of the water used in the
test.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION
Length of soil sample (L)
= 12.73 cm
Diameter of the soil sample (d) = 10.00 cm
(It is remoulded specimen)
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 17
S. No.
Observation
Unit
Determination No.
I
5110
7000
Hydraulic head ( h )
mm
150
Time interval ( t )
minutes
300
ml
ml
ml
Quality of flow ( Q )
a) First time in period ( t )
b) Second time in period ( t )
c) Third time in period ( t )
ml
mm
Average
II
1210
1205
1210
1215
= 1210 x 10
Calculation
6
Permeability ( K ) =QL / A h t
cm/sec
10-6
clays
10-3
silts
Fines
100
sands
Coarse
gravels
III
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 18
The unconfined compressive strength ( qu ) is the load per unit area at which the cylindrical specimen of a
cohesive soil fails in compression.
P
qu =
A
Where, P
= axial load at failure,
A
= corrected area = A o / ( 1- )
Ao
= initial area of the specimen
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 19
The Direct Shear test is carried out with an apparatus consisting of a square or circular box divided into two
halves. The specimen, contained in the box, is subjected to a constant normal load while an increasing horizontal force
is applied to one of the sections of the shear box. This force causes a shear failure along the juncture between the box
sections. The shear force and the normal load are measured directly. The rate of strain is adjusted by the speed of the
horizontal force applied. The loading unit has V-Strips on which the shear box housing rests. The pre-calibrated load
yoke helps counter balance the loading system. The load yoke with direct and through level system for applying normal
load upto 8 Kg/cm2 capacity. Fixtures for proving ring, brackets for holding consolidation and strain dial gauges are provided. The lead screw connected to the shear box housing helps application of shear stress.
Shear strength of the soil is its maximum resistance to
shearing stress. The shear strength is expressed as s = c + tan
Where c = effective cohesion
= effective stress
= effective angle
APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
A)
UNDISTURBED SAMPLE : Specimen is prepared by pushing a cutting ring of size 10 cm dia and 3 cm high , in
the undisturbed soil sample. The square specimen of size 6 cm x 6 cm x 2.4 cm is then cut from circular specimen.
B) DISTURBED SAMPLE :
(a) cohesive soil :- the soil may be compacted to required density and moisture content directly into the shear
box after fixing the two halves of the shear box together by mean of the fixing screw.
(b) cohesion less soil :- soil may be tamped in the shear box itself with base plate and grid plate or porous stone
as required in place at the bottom of the box.
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Measure the internal dimension of the shear box and average thickness of the grid plates
Fix the upper part of the box to the lower part using the locking screw. Attach the base to the lower part .
Place the grid plate in the shear box keeping the serrations of the grid at right angle to the direction of shear.
Place a porous stone over the grid plate.
Weight the shear box with base plate, grid plate and porous stone.
Place soil specimen in the box and weight the box.
Place inside the box container and the loading pad on the box. Mount the box container on the loading pad.
Bring the upper half of the box in contact with the proving ring. Check the contact by giving slight movement.
Fill the container with water and mount the loading yoke on the ball placed on loading pad.
Mount one dial gauge on the loading yoke to record the vertical displacement and another dial gauge on the container to record the horizontal displacement.
Place the weight on loading yoke to apply a normal stress.
Allow the sample to consolidate under the applied normal stress. Note reading of vertical displacement dial
gauge.
Remove the locking screws. Using the spacing screws, raise the upper part slightly above the lower part such as
that gap is slightly larger than the maximum particle size. Remove the spacing screws.
Adjust all dial gauges to read zero. The proving ring also read zero.
Apply the horizontal shear load at constant rate of strain.
Record reading of the proving ring, the vertical displacement dial gauge.
Continue the test, till the specimen fails or till a strain of 20 % is reached.
At the end of the test, remove the specimen from the box.
Repeat the test on identical specimens under the normal stress.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 20
TRIAXIAL TEST
[ As per IS: 2720 (Part 11)-1971 ]
Different types of soils show different characteristics on being subjected to loading. The test helps to
determine load supporting capacity of a particular soil under fully saturated condition. This test is required for
design of foundation for structure and analysis of slope stability. The test is used to determine the shear
strength parameter ( C and ) of soil by consolidated undrained triaxial test.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERIN G
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
LUCKNOW-226011
1. Saturate the soil sample from 24 to 48 hours, by opening drainage valve, which is connected with burette filled with water. Water level in burette is kept little more than the top of specimen.
2. After saturation triaxial cell is filled with water and all around cell pressure ( 3 ) is applied by mercury
controlled device. The pore water pressure is measured the sample is saturated until it satisfies B parameter of 1 ( not less than 90% of 3 ).
3. Four soil specimen of a sample are tested at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg / cm2 of lateral pressure ( 3 ).
For consolidated un-drained test ( CU ), the sample is to be placed for consolidation and B parameter
has to be checked. The drainage reading during consolidation in the burette is to be recorded in time
interval of 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36.....minutes up to 24 hrs .
4. On account of consolidation the length and diameter of specimen changed.
5. Changed length, cross sectional area and rate of strain on consolidated specimen have to be calculated.
6. Apply calculated rate of strain on consolidated specimen and note down the
Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion
deformation and corresponding load on
specimen un till the failure of specimen.
7. Four specimen has been tested at four
confining pressure ( 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2
c
_
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 21
Ballast (stone broken in specified range of size) transfers load from sleeper to formation soil. Ballast particles are subjected to high level of impact from sleepers and abrasion among each other due to vibrations.
Test results indicate suitability or otherwise of the ballast.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1. Take ballast sample which passes 12.5 mm IS sieve and is retained on a 10 mm IS sieve.
IMPACT
AGGREGATE
2. The sample shall be oven dried
for 4VALUE
hoursOF
at COARSE
a temperature
of 100-110 C and cooled.
[ As per IS: 2386 (Part 4) 1963 ]
3. The measure shall be filled about one third full with the prepared aggregate and tamped with 25
strokes of the tamping rod. A further similar quantity of aggregate shall be added and further tamping
of 25 strokes given.
4. The measure shall finally be filled to over flowing tamped 25 times and the surplus aggregate stuck
off, using the tamping rod as straight edge. The net weight of the aggregate in the measure shall be
determined to the nearest gm. ( weight A ).
PROCEDURE
1. The cup shall be fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of test sample
placed in it and compacted by a single tamping of 25 strokes of the tamping rod.
2. The 13.5 -14 kg hammer shall be raised until its lower face is 380 mm above the upper surface of the
aggregate in the cup and allowed to fall freely on to the aggregate. The test sample shall be subjected
to total of 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less than one second.
3. The crushed sample shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on the 2.36 mm IS
sieve.
4. The fraction passing through shall be weighed ( weight B ). The fraction retained on the sieve shall
also be weighed ( weight C ).
5. If the total weight ( B&C ) is less than the initial weight ( weight A ) by more than one gram the result
shall be discarded and a fresh test made.
6. Two tests shall be made.
CALCULATION
B
Aggregate impact value = x 100
A
OBSERVATION
S. No.
Weight of sample
taken before impact
(A)
( in g )
Impact value
B
x 100 %
A
308
56
252
18
310
57
253
18.38
RESULT
Average value of two results =
%.
Remark
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 22
APPARATUS
1. Wire basket, perforated, electroplated
coated,
with
wire hangers for suspending it from the
G E O T Eor
C Hplastic
NICAL EN
GINEERIN
G
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
balance.
LUCKNOW-226011
2. Water-tight container for suspending the basket.
3. Dry soft absorbent cloth 75 x 45 cm size (2 nos.)
4. Shallow tray of minimum 650 square cm area
5. Air-tight container of capacity similar to basket
6. Drying oven
7. Test sample
8. A sample of not less than 2000 g shall be used.
PROCEDURE
1. The sample shall be thoroughly washed to remove finer particle and dust, drained and then placed in
the wire basket and immersed in distilled water at a temperature between 22-32 C.
2. After immersion the entrapped air shall be removed by lifting the basket and allowing it to drop 25 seconds. The basket and sample shall remain immersed for a period of 24+ hours afterwards.
3. The basket and aggregate shall then be removed from the water, allowed to drain for few minutes, after which the aggregate shall be gently emptied from the basket on to one of dry clothes and gently
surface dried with the cloth, transferring it to second dry cloth when the first will remove no further
moisture. The stone aggregate shall be spread on the second cloth and exposed to atmosphere until it
appears to be completely surface dry. The aggregate then shall be weighed ( weight A ).
4. The aggregate shall then be placed in an oven at a temperature of 100 110 C for 24 hours. It shall
then be removed from oven, cooled and weighed ( weight B ).
(A-B)
x 100
B
Two such tests shall be made and individual and mean results shall be reported.
Water absorption =
Determination No.
Unit
II
III
2409
2380
2491
2404
2375
2486
A-B
Absorption % = - x 100
B
5/2404
=0.207
5/2375
= 0.210
5/ 2486
= 0.201
RESULT
Average value of I, II, & III = 0.206 %.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 23
This test covers the determining the abrasion value of coarse aggregate.
APPARATUS
1. Los Angeles Abrasion testing machine: Machine shall consist of hallow steel cylinder closed at both
ends, having an inside diameter 700 mm and inside length of 500 mm.
2. IS sieves : 50, 40, 2 5, 1.7 mm IS sieves having square hole.
3. Abrasion charge : Abrasion charge of 12 spheres weighing 5000 25 g shall be used.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1. The sample shall be consist of ballast :
Passing 50 mm IS Sieve and retained on 40 mm square IS Sieve = 5000 g
Passing 40 mm retained on 25 mm square IS Sieve
= 5000 g
Total = 10000 g
2. The sample shall be dried in oven at 100 -110 C to a constant weight and weighed (A).
PROCEDURE
1. The test sample and the abrasive charge shall be placed in the Los Angles Abrasion testing machine
and the machine started at a speed of 20 to 33 revolution / minute.
2. The abrasive charge shall consist of 12 nos. of cast iron or steel sphere approx. 48 mm dia and each
weighing between 395 to 445 g ensuring total weight of charge as 5000 25 g.
3. At the completion of test , the material shall be discharged and sieved through 1.7 mm IS Sieve.
4. The material coarser than 1.7 mm IS Sieve shall be washed, dried in oven at 100-110 C to a constant weight and weighed (B).
The difference between the original weight and the final weight of the test sample shall be expressed as a
percentage of the original weight of the test sample. This value shall be reported as,
A-B
Aggregate Abrasion Value = x 100
A
where
50
40
5000
40
25
5000
50
40
5000
40
25
5000
50
40
5000
40
25
5000
RESULT
Average value of 1, 2, & 3 =
%.
Category
No of
charges
12
12
12
13.5
Remarks
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 24
RDSO standard test procedure of blanket material has been evolved for the purpose to address to specific need of the
blanket material and to ascertain its suitability for use on Railway formation over sub-grade soil. This method covers the
determination of the particle size distribution of blanket material. This test procedure also covers determination of percentage of fraction ( finer than 75 micron ) by washing or wet sieving with the objective of accurate determination of fines
present in the material. Test procedure covers for the different type blanket materials either obtained from natural
sources such as river bed, hill sides, from quarry dust or manufactured through stone crusher plant using graded
screens.
This method is used primarily to determine the grading of material proposed for use as blanket material on railway formation. The results are to determine compliance of the particle size distribution and other parameters such as coefficient
of uniformity CU, coefficient of curvature CC to the specified values as per guidelines of earthwork in railway formation.
Material finer than 75 micron can be separated from larger particles much efficiently and completely by wet sieving than
through the use of dry sieving only. Therefore for accurate determination of fines particles, wet sieving through 75 micron is used on the samples prior to dry sieving of blanket material. In case of crusher / manufacturing plants, the particle size distribution and other parameters of the material will be helpful to control the production / manufacturing process
viz screen opening crusher & etc. adjustable amount of shaking to obtain final product as per specification and will be
useful for identification. Usually the percent fines through wet sieving is slightly greater than through dry sieving. If it is
large, efficiency of washing operation should be checked. It could also be an indication of degradation of material in
presence of water.
REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
SUMMARY OF METHOD
1. A oven dried sample of known weight is washed in prescribed manner and the decanted wash water containing
suspended and dissolved is passed through 75 micron IS sieve. The percentage reduction in weight of the original material by washing is then reported as percentage fines in the blanket material.
2. A oven dried sample of known weight is separated through a set of IS sieves of progressively smaller opening for
obtaining the percentage of the material passed through each sieve and determination of particle size distribution.
APPARATUS
1. Balance : A balance readable and accurate to 0.1 g for fines particles and to 0.5 g for coarse fraction or to 0.2 %
of the test load whichever is greater.
2. Sieves : IS sieves conforming to the requirement of IS: 460 (Part 1) - 1978 of following sizes 75 mm, 40 mm, 20
mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm, 2 mm, 1.36 mm, 425 micron, 75 micron.
Note :- The sieves should be periodically checked for aperture sizes and other defects such as clogging / torn
wire cloth or presence of one or big opening especially in case of 425 micron & 75 micron sieves.
3. Oven : thermostatically controlled oven of appropriate size to maintain temperature inside between 105 to 110 C
with interior of non-corroding material.
4. Mechanical sieve shaker.
5. Tray : two or more of size approximately 30 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm.
6. Brushes : Wire brushes / sieve brushes.
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
1. The weight of field sample should normally be four times approximately weight required for lab test, which is governed the maximum size of particles present in the material in substantial quantity. Following quantities are required for grain size analysis as per table below.
2. Quantity of soil required for laboratory test
Max. size of material present in
substantial quantities (in mm)
40
75
25
25
50
13
19
25
6.5
12.5
15
3.5
10
10
1.5
6.5
0.75
4.75
0.4
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 25
3.
4.
The representative sample shall be thoroughly mixed and spread on a flat surface. The spread sample shall be
divided into four quadrant and diagonally opposite quadrants are mixed. This process shall be repeated till the
desired quantity of sample is obtained.
The big clods if present, may be broken with the help of wooden mallet. Further pulverization if required may be
done in pestle and mortar. Care should be taken not to break-up the individual coarse size particles.
PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dry the test sample to constant weight in thermostatically controlled oven at temperature 105 to 110 C and weigh
it to the nearest 0.1 % of the weight of the sample. If large quantity of particle size greater than 4.75 mm is present that may be separated to avoid over loading of individual sieves by sieving during 4.75 mm IS sieve. Retained material on 4.75 mm IS sieve is kept separately.
After drying and weighting, place the test sample in the container and soak it with water. The soaking of soil continued for 10 -12 hours. No dispersing agent or other substance shall be added to the water.
Agitate the sample with sufficient vigour to result in complete separation of all particles finer than the 75 micron IS
sieve from the coarser particles, and bring the fine material into suspension.
Sample is washed through 4.75 mm IS sieve and 75 micron IS sieve with water till substantially clean water
comes out. The retained sample on sieves shall be oven dried at 105 to 110 C for 24 hours. Soil gleaned as
each sieves is weighed to the nearest 0.1% of the original weight of the sample.
Percentage of soil passing on each sieve is worked out and grain size distribution curve is drawn.
CALCULATION
1.
2.
Calculate percentages passing, total percentages retained or percentages in versus size fraction to the nearest
0.1% on the basis of the total weight of the initial dry sample.
Calculate the amount of material passing a 75 micron IS sieve by working as follows A = [ ( B - C ) / B ] x 100
Where A = percentage of material finer than a 75 micron IS sieve by washing.
B = original dry weight of sample g.
C = dry weight of sample after washing g.
REPORT
Report the percentage of material finer than the 75 micron IS sieve by washing to the nearest 0.1%.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 26
WATER CONTENT
BY CALCIUM CARBIDE METHOD
[ As per IS: 2720 (Part 2) - 1973 ]
An apparatus based on the principle that a gas is released when calcium carbide reacts with soil water from
the calibrated scale of the pressure gauge. The percentage of the water on total (wet) mass of soil is obtained and the same is converted to water content on dry mass of soil.
APPARATUS
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERIN G
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
LUCKNOW-226011
1. Metallic pressure vessel : with clamp for sealing cup and a gauge calibrated in percentage water content.
2. Counter poised balance : for weighing sample.
3. Scoop : for measuring absorbent (Calcium carbide)
4. Steel Balls : Three steel balls of about 12.5 mm dia and one steel ball of 25 mm diameter.
5. One bottle of the absorbent (Calcium carbide)
PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
Sand : No special preparation.
Coarse : It may be ground and pulverized.
Cohesive and Plastic soil : Material are tested with addition of steel ball in the pressure vessels.
This test requires about 6 gm of soil sample.
PROCEDURE
1. Set up the balance, place the sample in the pan till the mark on the balance arm mass lines up with
the index mark.
2. Check that cup and body are clean.
3. Hold the body horizontal and gently deposit are leveled scoop full of absorbent (Calcium carbide) inside the chamber.
4. Transfer the soil weighed out from the pan to the cup.
5. Holding cup and chamber horizontal, bring them together without disturbing sample & absorbent.
6. U - clamp sound & clamp the cup tightly into place, if the sample is bulky, reverse the above placement that is, put the sample in the chamber and the absorbent in the cup.
7. In case of clayey soils place the 3 smaller and one bigger steel balls in the body along with the absorbent.
8. Shake the unit up and down vigorously in this position for about 15 seconds.
9. Holding the unit horizontal, rotate it for ten second so that the balls rolled round the in side circumference of the body.
10. Rest for 20 seconds.
11. Repeat the above cycle until the gauge reading is constant & note the reading. (Usually the take 4 to 8
min.)
12. Finally release the pressure slowly by opening the clamp screw and taking the cup out, empty the contents and clean the instrument with brush.
CALCULATION
From the water content (m) obtained the wet mass basis.
The reading on the rapid moisture meter.
The water content (w) on the dry mass basis shall be calculated as follows:W = [ m / ( 100 - m ) ] x 100 Percent
PRECAUTION
The absorbent shall not be exposed to atmosphere.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 27
The method is widely used for the determination of the field density of fine-grained natural or compacted soil
free from aggregates. By measuring unit weight and moisture content and
using empirical relations, various strength,Gdeformation,
E O T E C H N I C A L Epermeability
N G I N E E R I N G and
D I R Ealso
C T O Rentails
A T E , R Dknowing
S O
consolidation parameters can be estimated. This
the
LUCKNOW-226011
composition of soil.
APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
PROCEDURE
1. Measure the inner dimension of the cutter and calculate its volume.
2. Clean and level the ground where field density of soil is required.
3. Put the cylindrical cutter into the soil its full depth by gently ramming it.
4. Lift the cutter up carefully with the help of trowel and trim the top
and bottom surface of soil in cutter carefully.
5. Determine the weight of cutter with soil and then without soil.
6. Take a small specimen from the centre portion of the soil and determine its water content.
S.
No.
Observation
Unit
Determination No.
I
II
Internal diameter
mm
100
Internal height
mm
129.75
Weight of cutter
1130
3120
Weight of soil
1990
Moisture content
Dry density
RESULT
Average value of I, II, & III =
%.
cm
1019.05
17.75
g / cm
1.66
III
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 28
A hole of specified dimension is excavated in the ground. The mass of the excavated soil is determined. The
volume of the hole is determined by filling it with clean, uniform sand whose dry density ( s ) is determined
separately by calibration. The volume of the hole is equal to the
mass of the sand filled in the hole divided Gby
its dry density.
EOTECHNICAL ENGINEERIN G
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
LUCKNOW-226011
The dry density of the excavated soil is determined
as
= M/V
1+
where M = mass of the excavated soil; V = volume of the hole and
= water content.
APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
PROCEDURE
PART- I CALIBRATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
PART-II
DRY DENSITY
Expose an area of about 450 mm2 on the surface of the soil mass. Trim the surface down to a level surface, using
a scraper tool.
2. Place the metal tray on the levelled surface .
3. Excavate the soil through the central hole of the tray, using the hole in the tray as a pattern. The depth of excavated hole should be about 150 mm.
4. Collect all the excavated soil in a metal container and determine the mass of soil ( M ).
5. Remove the metal tray from the excavated hole.
6. Fill the sand pouring cylinder within 10 mm of its top. Determine its mass ( M1 ).
7. Place the cylinder directly over the excavated hole. Allow the sand to run out of the cylinder by opening the shutter. Close the shutter when the hole is completely filled and no further movement of the sand is observed.
8. Remove the cylinder from the filled hole. Determine the mass of the cylinder ( M4 ).
9. Take a representative sample of the excavated soil. Determine its water content.
10. Determine the dry density of soil, as shown in the data sheet part-2.
1.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 29
Unit
Determination No.
I
II
1.
ml
980
2.
11040
3.
Mass of pouring cylinder after pouring sand into the vibrating container
and cone ( M3 )
9120
4.
450
5.
1470
6.
g/ml
III
1.5
S. No.
Unit
Determination No.
I
II
1.
2310
2.
11040
3.
Mass of pouring cylinder after pouring into the hole and cone ( M4 )
8840
4.
1750
5.
1166.67
6.
Bulk density = M / V
7.
Water content ( )
8.
Dry density = / 1+ = M / V
1+
g/ml
%
g/ml
Average Dry density =
RESULT
Average of three determinations shall be taken.
1.98
15
1.72
III
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 30
Depth
PR
Time xxx sec.
Current Proj. No.
xxx
Date : mm/dd/yy
New Project No. ?
SITE PREPARATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Place the scraper plate on the surface to be tested. The surface should be plane free from
all vegetation.
Put the drill rod through the extraction tool and then through one of the guide holes on the
plate.
Hammer the drill rod upto the desired depth, say 200 mm.
Remove the drill rod by pulling & rotating up straight.
Mark the outline around the scraper plate.
Pickup the scraper plate.
Put up the gauge on marked area.
Lower the source rod into the hole.
For selecting a Project Number, Press SHIFT and PROJECT for the display.
Press YES to enter new project number, Display shows
Input the new project number with the numeric keys and press ENTER.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Project Number
Input Number and
Press ENTER
% PR xxx
DD xxx
WD xxx
M = xxx % M =
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DIRECTORATE, R D S O
Page 31
PREPARED BY :
KAUSHAL KISHORE
DIRECTOR
CHECKED BY :
S. K. AWASTHI
ARE
CRA / GE LAB
DRAWINGS BY :
CDA
Y. R. TIRPUDE