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KA21603 Geotechnical Engineering 1, Session 2013/2014

CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS COMPARISON BETWEEN THREE TYPES OF SOIL


SAMPLE COLLECTED AT THREE DIFFERENT LOCATION FOR CHOOSING THE
MOST SUITABLE SITE TO BUILD A PROCESSING PLANT BUILDING
ELDREN JAMEE
BK13110098
Abstract: The intension intended for this project to be a success is to conclude whether the suitability of the soil in
Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA), Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC) and Faculty of Medicine
and Health Science (FPSK). By conducting some related lab works and classified the soil sample chosen by using
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), Standard Classification System (BS), American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM), and Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). All of these
parameters was gathered to classify each of the soil. The Liquid Limit(LL), Plastic Limit(PL), Plasticity index(PI)
and the dry density of soil is gathered.
Keyword: USCS, BS, ASTM, AASTHO, Liquid Limit(LL), Plastic Limit(PL), Plasticity Index(PI), Dry Density

Introduction.
Soil is a natural body consisting the layers
that are primarily composed of minerals, mixed with
some organic matter, which differ from any parent
materials in their texture. structure, consistency,
colour, chemical, biological and more. Soil is from
particles of broken rock (parent materials) which has
been altered or disturbed by physical, chemical, and
biological processes that includes with weathering of
the material associated with erosion. Soil is created
from the alteration of parent material by the
interaction between the lithosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere, and biosphere. It is also to be considered
a mixture of mineral and organic materials in the
form of solids, gases and liquids. Engineers,
typically geotechnical engineers, classify soils
according to their engineering properties as they
relate to use to build a processing plant plant.

standards developers in the USA, and claims to be


the world's largest developer of standards.
The American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is a standards
setting body which publishes specifications,
test protocols and guidelines which
are
used
in highway design and construction throughout
the United States. Required parameters for
classification by AASHTO systems are grain sizeanalysis, liquid limit (LL), and plasticity index (PI).
The United
States
Department
of
Agriculture (USDA), also known as the Agriculture
Department, is the U.S. federal executive department
responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal
government policy on farming, agriculture, forestry,
and food. It aims to meet the needs of farmers and
ranchers, promote agricultural trade and production,
work to assure food safety, protect natural resources,
foster rural communities and end hunger.

Soil Classification System (USCS) is the


most common engineering classification system for
soils in North America. The USCS has three major
classification groups which is coarse-grained soils
(sands and gravels) fine-grained soils (silts and
clays); and highly organic soils. The USCS further
subdivides the three major soil classes for
clarification. The parameter that needed in USCS is
grain-size ASTM, founded in 1898 as the American
Section of the International Association for Testing
and Materials. ASTM has a dominant role among

The consistency limits initially proposed by


Atterberg in 1911 for agricultural purposes were later
adopted by Terzaghi for classificationof fine-grained
soils for engineering purposes. (Sridharan, Nagaraj
and Prasad 2000). The consistency limits are the
liquid limit (WL), plastic limit (WP) and shrinkage
limit(WS )(Sridharan, Nagaraj and Prasad 2000).
These limits of consistency namely liquid limit (W L)
and plastic limit (WP), well known as Atterberg limit
(Nagaraj, Sridharan and Malikkarjuna 2012). In most
attemps to develop the testing procedure to determine

BK13110098, eldren123@gmail.com, Civil Engineering Program, UNIVERSITY


MALAYSIA SABAH

KA21603 Geotechnical Engineering 1, Session 2013/2014

the liquid limit and plastic limit, researcher define


liquid limit and plastic limit as strength based water
content (Nagaraj, Sridharan and Malikkarjuna
2012).Atterberg defined liquid limit as the arbitrary
limiting water content at which the soil is liquid
enough to flow (Nagaraj, Sridharan and Malikkarjuna
2012). Though both the percussion cup method and
the cone method are basically strength test, the
undrained shear strengths at liquid limit water content
obtained by either of the two methods are quite
varied (Nagaraj, Sridharan and Malikkarjuna 2012).
A clear trend of decreasing shear strength with
increasing value of liquid limit (Nagaraj, Sridharan
and Malikkarjuna 2012). Although the strength at
liquid limit is essentially small, a big relative
difference is to be noted (Nagaraj, Sridharan and
Malikkarjuna 2012). In construction of highway
embankments, earth dams and many other
engineering structures, loose soils must be compacted
to improve their strength by increasing their unit
weight. This is for compaction test, where the
objectives are increasing the bearing capacity of
foundations, reduction in hydraulic conductivity and
more.The objective of these report is to classify the
soils using Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Unified Soil
Classification System (USCS), British Standard
Classification System (BS), American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM), and United States
Department of Agricultural (USDA), dry density of
soil, compare the classification of the soils, and
determine the suitability of the soils for a processing
plant. Thus, all of these classification system are to
ensure whether the site would meet the requirements
of a maximum dry density of 1600kg/m^2 or higher
and also for AASHTO should be A-2-4 or A-2-5,
USCS should be GM or GC, ASTM is GM, GM-GC
or GC, BS is gravel or sand and USDA is all except
silt or clay.
METHODOLOGY
Three sample of soil were taken at three
different areas which is from Faculty of Science and
Natural Resources (FSSA), Outdoor Development
Centre (ODEC) and Faculty of Medicine and Health
Science (FPSK). These soil was taken from random
areas within the area selected and these soil was free
organic soil. The amount of soil sample taken is

roughly around 10kg of each sample. The sample is


then taken to the lab for investigation purposes.
Sieving procedure
The samples pour into three different trays
which are from the three different areas. The sample
soil is broke into small particles using a shovel. After
all the impurities were remove from the sample, the
weight of each sample is taken. Before pouring the
samples into the trays, we firstly take the weight of
the entire tray that we use. Next, the weight of soil
samples with the trays taken and the weight of each
soil sample was recorded. After all three sample
weighed, the sieve analysis is conducted. Before start
sieving, each size of sieve tray are cleaned to make
sure there are no impurities that will affect the
sieving process. This is due to the weight of sample
that will be disturbed. The sieve opening size used
are 9.5mm, 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 2mm, 1.4mm, 0.6mm,
0.425mm, 0.3mm, 0.075mm and pan. Sieve of
different opening sizes are stacked, which is the
largest opening at the top and the smallest opening at
the bottom. Soil is poured in at the top and the soil
particles pass downward through the sieves until they
are retained on a particular sieve. The cover on the
top of the stack sieve placed. The stack of sieve is
mechanically agitated during the procedure. Lastly,
the soil particles retained on each sieve can be
weighed and the result presented graphically in the
form of a grain size distribution curve, normally
arithmetic scale (% passing, Y-axis) versus semi log
plot (grain size diameter, X-axis). The sieve analysis
data will be used to determine the distribution of
coarse (gravel, sand) and fine-grained (silt, clay).
Atterberg Limit
Thus, the next step is doing Atterberg Limit
Test which is Fall Cone Test. Some air-dried sample
which has been matured in an airtight container at
approximately the starting moisture content is
prepared. For the liquid limit (LL), the sufficient
amount of soil between 300-400g is prepared but the
plastic limit (PL), only few grams that should be set
aside to dry if it already plastic. The soil is mixed
thoroughly with little water on the glass plate to form
soil paste. The soil placed into a penetration cup by
using spatula and the sample pressed slightly to
remove air voids. The surface of the sample should
be approximately horizontal. The penetration cone is

BK13110098, eldren123@gmail.com, Civil Engineering Program, UNIVERSITY


MALAYSIA SABAH

KA21603 Geotechnical Engineering 1, Session 2013/2014

lowered slightly touching the surface of the soil


before setting the penetrometer gauge to zero. The
cone penetrometer is released and penetration depth
was taken. The steps repeated to get more accurate
result. All the steps repeated for 5 times at different
water content values. The readings are recorded and
the calculation is made.

of the USCS where soils are classified using grain


distribution and Atterberg limits. Lastly, USDA,
United State Department of Agriculture classification
classified the type of fined-grain soil which is sand,
silt and clay.

For the plastic limit (PL), a small quantity of


sample set from the Fall Cone Test is rolled on the
glass plate to form soil thread until it crumbles when
its diameter is about 3mm. sufficient amount of this
sample placed directly in the moisture content
container for water content determination.

Table 1 Result of Sieve Analysis

Compaction test
2kg of soil sample was taken is sieve by a
No. 4 sieve(4.75mm). Then the weight of the Proctor
mold without the base and collar (extension) ,where
the volume is 0.000987m3. Then, assemble the
compaction apparatus. The soil is mixed with water
150mm 3 .The soil is then placed in the mold in 3
layers and compacted using the 25 well distribution
blows of the Proctor hammer. Next is detaching the
collar without disturbing the soil inside the mold. The
base is removed and the weight of the mold and
compaction soil is determined. Then, the compaction
soil is removed from the mold and a sample is taken
about 20-30 grams of the soil to finds its moisture
content. Lastly, the remainder of the molded soil is
place into the pan, mixed it with water of 100mm3
and is done for 5 times.
To identify the type of soil is by using the
American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Official (AASHTO). It used as a guide
for the classification of soils and soil-aggregate
mixture for highway construction purposes. The
required parameters needed for the classification are
the grain soil-analysis, liquid limit (LL) and plastic
limit (PL). The grain soil-analysis is done by
calculating the percentage of passing in each sieve
size between range that standardized by AASHTO.
This method also used by USCS. AASHTO already
provide the table for referral of the class of soil.
British Standard (BS) is a system of classification
based on size, consistency and structure. Meanwhile,
ASTM stand for American Society for Testing and
Materials is basically similar to USCS. The variation

RESULT

Openin
g (mm)

% Finer
FSSA
98.494
84.502
59.326
57.47
49.346
13.288
9.681
8.979
3.468
0

9.5
4.75
2.36
2
1.4
0.6
0.425
0.3
0.075
Pan

ODEC
99.398
98.595
97.039
96.788
95.031
37.049
23.695
19.83
7.43
0

FPSK
96.743
76.903
63.025
61.322
56.262
43.186
35.621
31.763
14.237
0

Figure 1 Soil Classification curve


Table 2The result of the fall cone
penetration test for FSSA
Water
Content
(%)
Penetra
tion
(mm)

28.7
1

27.7
4

25.3
9

28.0
2

26.7
9

166.
67

217.
67

120.
67

190.
33

200.
33

BK13110098, eldren123@gmail.com, Civil Engineering Program, UNIVERSITY


MALAYSIA SABAH

KA21603 Geotechnical Engineering 1, Session 2013/2014

Figure 2 Moisture content at 20mm depth


penetration defines the liquid limit of soil
sample. For FSSA LL is 24.4%.

FPSK
76.903
14.237
27.5
4.62
SM

Table 6 Classify the soils by using AASHTO

Table 3The result of the fall cone


penetration test for FPSK
Water
Content
(%)
Penetra
tion
(mm)

Properties FSSA
ODEC
Passing
84.502 98.595
4.75 mm
Passing
3.468
7.43
0.075 mm
LL
24.4
NP
PI
2.11
C lassifica SM
SW-SX
tion
Note: NP means non-plastic.

28.5
9

30.6
9

31.7
5

31.3
8

34

220.
33

171.
67

212.
67

215.
67

23
9

Propertie
FSSA
ODEC
FPSK
s
Passing
57.49
96.788 61.322
2.000 mm
Passing
9.681
23.695 35.621
0.425 mm
Passing
3.468
7.43
14.237
0.075 mm
LL
24.4
NP
27.5
PL
22.24
22.88
PI
2.11
4.62
Classificat A-1-b
A-3
A-1-b
ion
Note:GI=(F-35)[0.2+0.005(LL-40)]+0.01(F15)(PI-10)
Table 7 Classify the soil samples by using
ASTM

Figure 3 Moisture content at 20mm depth penetration


defines the liquid limit of soil sample. For FPSK LL
is 27.5%.
Table 4 Classification of each soil sample
Propert FSSA
ODEC
FPSK
ies
D10
0.5
0.09
0.032
D30
0.9
0.56
0.3
D60
2.7
0.83
1.8
CU
5.4
9.22
56.25
CV
0.6
4.198
1.56
2
Note: Cu=D60/D10 ; Cc=(D30) /(D60D10)
Table 5 Classification of Soil by using USCS

Propertie
s
Passing
0.075 mm
Passing
4.75 mm
LL
PI
CV
CU
Classifica
tion

FSSA

ODEC

FPSK

3.468

7.43

14.237

84.502

98.595

76.903

24.4
2.11
0.6
5.3
SP

NP
4.198
9.22
SW

27.5
4.62
2.56
56.25
SW

Table 8 Classify the soil samples by using


USDA
Properties

FSSA

ODEC

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FPSK

KA21603 Geotechnical Engineering 1, Session 2013/2014

0.075<sand
<4.75
0.002<silt<
0.075
Clay<0.002
Classificatio
n

94.74

76.24

79.37

3.51

21.7

15.87

1.75
Sand

2.1
Loam
y
Sand

4.76
Sand
Loam

Table 9 Classify the soil samples by using


BS
Propertie
s
Passing
0.063
mm
Passing
2.000 mm
LL
Classificat
ion

FSSA

ODEC

FPSK

57.47

96.788

100

24.4
SPu

NP
-

27.5
SWM

Table 10 Compaction test for FPSK


Dry
den
sity
(Kg
/m3
)

1677
.588

Wat
er
Con
tent
(%)

0.19
4

1539
.889

0.22
3

1521
.393

0.23
8

1475
.461

0.25
8

1363
.977

0.26
5

Figure 4 The results of the compaction test for FPSK


DISCUSSION
Table 11 Analysis results of the soil
samples
Propert
ies
Coarsegrained
soil (%)
Finegrained
soil (%)
Gravel
(%)
Sand
(%)
Silt (%)
Clay
(%)
PL
LL
PI
AASHT
O
BS
USCS
ASTM
USDA

Soil
FSSA
96.532

ODEC
92.57

FPSK
85.263

3.468

7.43

14.237

43

37

54

89

49

2
1

5
2

12
2

22.24
24.4
2.11
A-1-b

NP
8.1
A-3

22.88
27.5
A-1-b

SPu
SM
SP
Sand

SWM
SW-SX
SM
SW
SW
Loamy
Sand
Sand
Loam
Note: The value of coarse and fine grained, gravel,
sand, silt and clay based on AASHTO.
Thus, why did soil from FPSK was chosen, it is
because it is the closest soil to pass all the
requirements from choosing a soil sample for
compaction test. It's AASHTO is A-1-b, USCS is SM,
ASTM is SW, BS is SWM and UDSA is sand loam.
Plus, after doing the compaction test on the soil from
FPSK, it is found that the dry density maximum was
only 1600kg/m3 and the maximum density for this
soil is 1677.588kg/m3. While for ODEC soil sample,
we did not do fall cone test since it clearly sandy and
does not have any plasticity. Thus, we could not get
it's LL or PL. Lastly, the soil sample from FSSA did

BK13110098, eldren123@gmail.com, Civil Engineering Program, UNIVERSITY


MALAYSIA SABAH

KA21603 Geotechnical Engineering 1, Session 2013/2014

not pass the requirements needed as soil sample from


FPSK.. So soil sample from FPSK is consider the
most suitable location to build the processing plant
building for the Australian earth mining company
since from table 11, FPSK percentage of fine-grained
soils is 14.237% . It is consider as sands with fines
because it has Cu has more than 6 and the Cv is more
than 1.Thus the soil of FPSK is well graded.

Reference
C.S. Chen & S.M. Tan, 2002 A case history of a
coastal
land
reclamation
project,SSP
GeotechnicsSdnBhd, Malaysia
H. B. Nagaraj, A. Sridharan, H.M. Mallikarjuna,
2012 Re-examination of undrained Strength at
Atterberg Limits Water Content

BK13110098, eldren123@gmail.com, Civil Engineering Program, UNIVERSITY


MALAYSIA SABAH

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