Technical Report Submitted for Problem Based Learning (KA21603

Geotechnical Engineering 1), Sem. II, Session 2016/2017

SELECTION OF LOCATION FOR SOIL CLASSIFICATION IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

Bartholomew Kwan1

ABSTRACT: A company of local developer is appointed by the government to build a Cruise Terminal at the propose
site of along the Jalan Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The company have chosen two locations within Sabah specifically
30km diameter from the propose site location. The first location is located at Kg Likas, Likas while the second place
was chosen at Bukit Bungul, Sepanggar. From this project, there were 6 tests conducted comprise of Sieve Analysis
Test, Plastic and Liquid Limit Test, Specific Gravity Test, Standard Procter Compaction Test and PH-Value Test. These
tests were performed for soil classification identification purpose to select the most suitable soil for the project
construction. At the end of this project, it is analyzed that the soil sample from the Kg. Likas fulfill the requirement set
by the developer.
Keywords: Test, soil classification, location, Bukit Bungul, Kampung Likas

INTRODUCTION i) Analyze the suitable sites for soil

For this project, two soil samples were recovered to
be analyzed in order to identify their soil properties.
Through this report, several tests has been done to
identify the characteristics of both of the soil sample,
like so observed their soil types of classification. This
project is consciously done for the construction of Cruise
Terminal that is targeted in Likas, Kota Kinabalu Sabah.
In general, soil classification is the argument of soil
into certain classes or groups each having similar
characteristics and potentially similar behavior. A
classification for engineering purposes should be based
mainly on mechanical properties, e.g. permeability,
stiffness, strength. The purpose of soil classification is to
make possible the estimation of soil properties by
association with soils of the same class whose properties
are known. In the context of engineering, it is not a
coherent solid material like steel and concrete, but is a
particulate material. Thus with consistent soil
classification it is important to comprehend the
significance of particle size, shape and composition, and
of a soil's internal structure or fabric.
Although a site investigation usually consists of
three stages, namely a desk study, a preliminary
reconnaissance and a site exploration, there must be a
degree of flexibility in the procedure, since no two are
the same. (Engineering Geology and Construction, Fred
G. Bell - 2004)
. In the context of soil classification, there are a few
methods commonly used to identify these types of these
soils based on the system used. There are some method
such as AASHTO, ASTM, USDA, USCS and BS.
All of these systems used different methods to
identify the soil identification and yet gives different
classifying style.
Within conducting this project, there are several
objectives aimed for the students to achieve. The
objectives are as below:
1
BK15160358, bartkwan@hotmail.com, Civil Engineering Program, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SABAH
classification project (Identify two different
locations, within 30km from proposed site).
ii) Study and get make analysis about the soil
classification system and identify the soil
samples based on the methods discussed
above.
iii) Determine the maximum unit dry density
(MDUW) and the optimum water content
(OPC) of the soil sample through the
Standard Procter Compaction Test.
iv) Identify which site gives the best soil
samples for the proposed project.
In the beginning, we were assigned in a group
of 5 for this project to conduct the steps from the soil
samples extraction from the site then to the test
conductions in the lab and finally to document our
findings. The report has to be made individually to
describe the processes of this project together with
the results obtained
METHODOLOGY
For this project, I had suggested and pick out
two different locations, that are located the nearest to the
propose site. The first location, Kg Likas, is an empty
land residential with the physical clay features
(prediction). The second location Bukit Bunggul,
Sepanggar is located beside the hillside resident that full
of small hills consist of decompose organic matter and
wheatear rock soil. However, these predictions cannot be
justified; the soil classification only can be finalized after
several test conducted.
The recovered soil samples collected from each
location to be tested are not more than 7kg. Firstly, sieve
analysis was conducted on both of the soil samples. This
is to determine the grain size distribution of soils to
classify the soils for engineering purposes. This analysis
was conducted by first placing the 2500 g of air-dried
soil sample into a stack of sieves on the mechanical sieve
shaker. The sieves were arranged from different size
opening that varies 4.75mm, 2mm, 0.6mm, 0.425mm,
0.3mm, 0.212mm, 0.15mm and 0.075mm. The sieves
were function for about 15 minutes and then it is done by
measuring the weight of soil retained on each sieve and
the bottom pan. With the data obtained, a graph of
cumulative passing (%) of soil retained against sieve size
(mm) was plotted on a semi logarithmic linear graph.
From the graph, the soil particles diameters with 10%,
30% and 60% passing was determined in order to
calculate the coefficients. Cu and Cv.
As for the second test, Liquid Limit and Plastic
Limit Test were conducted. The liquid limit (LL) of a
soil is the moisture value of soil that will pass from a
liquid state to a plastic state while the plastic limit (PL)
of a soil is the moisture content at which the soil changes
from a plastic to a semisolid state. These test were
classified as the Atterberg Limit Test.
This Atterberg test was conducted by two
different tests respectively. The sample soil used is the
soil that is extracted from the sieve analysis and
projected at the pan.
For the Plastic Limit test, the testing procedure
is conducted by rolling the soil sample that is mixed with
sufficient amount of water until it achieve the right
consistency. These samples are then rolled horizontally 3
on the table until it reaches the failure where the soil
became crumbly and break into pieces. The sample then
collected and being oven-dried for 24 hours. Five
samples were collected and the results from each
samples is calculated into average to get the value
required.
For the Liquid Limit test, we were given choice
to choose whether we would like to conduct the
Cassagrande Cup Test or Fall Cone test. Those tests were
using different apparatus and absolutely different
procedure. Ive selected the Fall ConeTest for my Liquid
Limit Test.
For this test, a soil sample from the pan is
mixed with amount of water until it reached well
consistency. The soil is then put on the Cassagrande Cup
and it is then blown for several times. As conditioned,
the blows must be the range of 25-35 to get the correct
reading.
In the test, a soil sample is placed in a 55 mm
diameter, 40 mm deep metal cup. A stainless steel cone
weighing 150g (including the shaft) and having a 30
angle is positioned so that its tip just touches the sample.
The cone is released for 5 seconds so that it may
penetrate the soil. The liquid limit is defined as the water
content of the soil which allows the cone to penetrate
exactly 20 mm during that period of time. The reading is
then recorded. This process was repeated several times
with the addition of amount of water time by time until
we obtained 5 reading of samples. The soil is then placed
into five different cans and to be oven-dried for also 24
hours.
After obtaining the Atterberg limits, the soil
can be classified accordingly using the AASHTO, USCS,
ASTM, BS and USDA soil classification systems.
Then, the third test was conducted. This test is
namely as Specific Gravity Test. This test is conducted to
get the value of Specific Gravity (Gs) of the soil sample
through several steps of procedure. This Gs value is
essential for the calculation in the next test. This test is
conducted by weighing the empty bottle to get the
weight. The bottle then is filled with pan soil sample and
then again weighed. The step was proceed with filling
the water for 2/3 and shakes the mixture of soil until the
bubble is cleared. The sample is then weighed again.
After that, the mixture is removed and filled with new
distilled water and weighed. From those steps, Specific
Gravity was determined through calculation. This steps
was repeated second times for each soil sample and
average value is recorded as the final value.
Fourthly, the test will be conducted is Standard
Procter Compaction Test. The purpose of the compaction
test is to determine the relationship between dry density
and water content of a given soil. The soil is then place
on the mold which has the volume of 0.001m3. The help
of metal rod is needed for the compaction. The soil is
first added with 175ml of water. The mix is then divided
into three portions to be placed in the compaction mold
layer by layer. Each layer is struck by a rammer for 27
blows before adding the water of 100ml for the next
compaction. The process of compaction is repeated until
there is decreasing value is obtained. The results
collected were used to plot the compaction curve of the
soil which is a graph of dry density versus water content.
By determining the maximum dry density on the graph,
the optimum water content can be obtained.
Lastly, the test of pH is conducted to obtain the
value of PH of the soil. For this test, a sample soil for
each location is stirred with the water in a beaker. After it
reaches the watery solution, the first temperature is
recorded. After 15 minutes, the solution is then stirred
once again and the temperature reading is recorded. This
step is repeated every 15 minutes, which is 15 minutes,
30 minutes, 45 minutes and 60 minutes. After one hour
and four readings of temperature were recorded, the PH-
value of the soil is analyzed by using the apparatus in the
lab. This value is to show the pH state of soil collected
from each location.
RESULT AND DISSUSSION
For this section, the results of the analysis are to
be discussed for each test has been conducted.
Table 1.1 Sieve analysis Bukit Gundul (Soil A) and
Kampung Likas (Soil B)
Sieve size Soil A (%) Soil B (%)
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 (mm) optimum water content (OWC) for each soil. Those
4.75 85.5441 87.5752 parameters are required to check the standard
2 74.2424 74.0282 requirement whether the soil sample from the site is
0.6 40.8507 25.5312 acceptable or not to be used for the project proposal. The
0.425 35.9920 22.4851 result for each sample is plotted separately to analyze the
0.3 22.9133 12.9059 value of MDUW and OWC easily. The results are shown
0.212 14.4863 8.7776 in the (Table 2.1 and Figure 2.0) soil A (Bukit Bunggul)
0.15 14.3258 5.5311 and soil B (Kampung Likas) for Compaction test.
0.075 3.1701 1.0822
pan 0 0 Table 2.1 compaction test soil A & soil B
Soil A
From the Table 1.1 above, a graph of Sieve Opening Dry Water
(mm) against Percentage Finer (%) is plotted. density Optimum
(kg/m3)
(%)
1511.9 21.43
1589.36 24.39
1448.62 28.95
1322.89 36.67
1214.91 47.83

Soil B
Dry Water
Density Optimum
(kg/m3) (%)
1611.45 5.54
1791.18 9.09
1721.64 18.18
1536.33 26.47
Figure 1.0 Graph of Percentage Finer against sieve 1416.38 34.78
opening for soil A and soil B.

From graph one, soil A the coarse-grained soils are

96.8299% and fine-grained soils is 3.1701%. However,
soils B have 98.9178% coarse-grained soils and fine-
grained soil is 1.0822%. The properties of granular soils
are affected by grain sizes, shapes and its grain size
distribution in accordance with its compactness. From
the graph above, we can determine the soil particles with
percentage passing 10%, 30% and 60% in order to
calculate the coefficients of uniformity and curvature.
The formula mention as shown below: -

(1)

Figure 2.0 Graph or Compaction

(2) From graph 2, soil A has 1595 kg/m3 maximum

dry density and ten (10) % of optimum water content.
Otherwise soil B has 1799 kg/m3 maximum dry density
The value of Cu must more than 4 and as for the value of
and twenty-four (24) % of optimum water content.
Cv must in between the range of 1 to 3. Using thegraph
From the requirement for selecting the borrow pit, we
from Figure 1.0, the value of Cu for soil A is 5.5 and Cv
can conclude that only Kampung Likas satisfy the
is 1.212. For soil B the value of Cu is 6.4 and Cv is 1.93.
requirement adequately. For the qualification of selecting
Both soil satisfied the requirement of the soil selection
the borrow pit, the optimum water content must achieve
for the location for borrow pit.
within the range five (5) to thirteen (13) percent.
Mechanical compaction is one of the common and cost
Standard Compaction Procter is conducted to
effective methods for stabilizing soils. Generally, most
find the maximum dry unit weight (MDUW) as well as
engineering properties, such as the strength, stiffness,

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resistance to shrinkage, and imperviousness of the soil,
will improve by increasing of the soil, will improve by
increasing the soil density with the optimum water
content.
The optimum water content is the water that results in
the greatest density for a specified compactivity effort.
Compacting at water contents higher than the optimum
water content will ultimately results in a relatively
dispersed soil structure parallel particle orientations
which are weaker, more amenable, less permeable,
softer, more affected to shrinking, and less affected to
swelling than soil compacted dry of optimum of the
same density.
Table 3.1 liquid limit test soil A
Penetration Moisture
(mm) content %
8 22.45
14.9 28.36
24.3 32.93
36.5 43.05
Table 4.1 Plastic Liquid Test soil A
Trial Moisture
content %
1 19.18
2 19.38
3 19.41
PL = ( 19.18 + 19.38 + 19.41 ) / 3
PL = 19.32
Table 4.2 Plastic Liquid Test Soil B
Trial Moisture
content %
1 18.47
2 21.21
3 17.54
PL = ( 18.47 + 21.21+ 17.54 ) / 3
PL = 19.07

Table 3.2 liquid limit test soil B From what can be obtain from table 4.1 and 4.2, the
Penetration Moisture plastic index (PI) can be calculated. The liquid limit,
(mm) content % plastic limit and plasticity index are useful guidelines in
7.4 13.56 classifying soils and finalizing choices as to their
19.3 23.66 applications.
29.7 25.49
33.1 25.80 Plastic Index

Soil A
PI = 31-19.31 = 11.96
Soil B
PI = 21- 19.07 = 1.93

Specific Gravity (SG) are also require for test there fore
a test has been taken place in the lab, the data is written
down in Table 5.1 for soil A and Table 5.2 for soil B.
Both soils have specific gravity higher than 2 that
statisfiy the requirement to be choose as location for
borrow pit.
From graph 3, liquid limit for soil A is 31% and soil B is
21% as stated in twenty (20) mm of penetration. Table5.1SpecificGravitytestforsoilA
The plastic limit is defined as the moisture No. specimen 1
content at which soil begins to behave as a plastic Wp= mass 32.4
material. Plastic material can be molded into a shape and empty (g) 82.4
the material will retain that shape. If the moisture Wps = mass empty + 147.1
content is below the plastic limit, it is considered to dry soil (g) 119.1
behave as a solid, or a non-plastic material. Wb = mass empty +
dry soil + water (g)
Wa = Mass empty + water (g)
Specific gravity Gs 2.2727

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Table 5.2 Specific Gravity test for soil B CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
No. specimen 1
Wp= mass empty (g) 25.7 As a conclusion, Kampung Likas (soil B) can
Wps = mass empty + dry soil (g) 85.7 be considered as a location to obtain borrow pit because
Wb = mass empty + dry soil + water (g) 142.4 it satisfy all the requirements set by the local developer
Wa = Mass empty + water (g) 107.7 to construct a Cruise Terminal. Soil B is classified as
Specific gravity Gs 3.2680 well graded soil and value of maximum dry density is
1799 kg/m3 with optimum water content is 10%.
Therefore, it is also follow the requirement as mentioned
for the maximum dry density must more than 1250
kg/m3 and optimum water content in between 5% to 13%
The pH test also has been conducted to and the specific gravity, it is more than 2 which is
determine the acidity of the soil. Only fine grained soil 3.2680. In addition, its location is near to the proposed
from both soil are used for this the experiment therefore, site of Cruise Terminal. This will further cut down
pH test is conducted and the result is obtained by using transportation cost and will reduce the total construction
the pH meter. The results are shown below. cost also.

Table 6: pH value for soil A and soil B REFERENCES

Sample Ph value
Experiment 6 Grain Size Analysis (Sieve and
Soil A 4.88 Hydrometer Analysis) (Online)
Soil B 4.27 http://www.uic.edu/classes/cemm/cemmlab/Ex periment
%206-Grain%20Size%20Analysis.pdf.
Soil pH is an important measurement to Retrieved on 15 March 2017.
determine potential possibility of beneficial nutrients or
harmful toxic elements. Therefore in order to qualify to Test Method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit and
become the location for borrow pit, both soil must be in Plasticity index (Online)
the range between 4 to 8.5 pH values to qualify. https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-
Finally, the classification of soils is completed services/technical-services-repository/GTM-7b.pdf.
by using the data from obtained from Sieve analysis, Retrieved on 15 March 2017.
Liquid limit and Plastic limit. The classification is done
for 5 different systems which are AASHTO, USCS, Moisture conten by the Oven-Dry method for
ASTM, BS and USDA. For full classification, the class Industrial Testingt (Online)
is recorded in table below. http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1
957/5190/Moisture_Content_ocr.pdf
Table 7: Classification for soil A and soil B. Retrieved on 17 March 2017.
Classification Bukit Kampung
system Gundul Likas Experiment 9 Moisture-Density Relation (Compaction)
(Soil A) (Soil B) Test (Online)
p://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/195
AASHTO A-2-6 A-1-B
7/5190/Moisture_Content_ocr.pdf
USCS SW SW Retrieved on 19 March 2017.
ASTM SW SW
BS SW SW 1.0 Experiment on Determination of pH (Online)
USDA N/A N/A http://nitttrc.ac.in/Four%20quadrant/eel/Quadrant%20-
%201/Exp1_pdf.pdf.
From table 7 we can determine that Soil A and Retrieved on 23 March 2017
Soil B are A-2-6 and A-1-B which is in the range of
excellent to good for construction for subgrade. For the
USCS, ASTM and BS, it is categorized as SW meaning
it is sand and well graded. Well-graded soil is considered
excellent because it contains all representative particle
sizes between the largest and the smallest. In conclusion,
both soil A and soil B are suitable as borrow pit
according to the soil classification.