GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

JOB#01
Layout Plan of Geo-technology Lab:
Geotech Lab is divided into 3 halls. Each hall occupies machines for testing of soil or
related to that.

Purpose:
Purpose of studying layout plan is to make an understanding to the location and
purpose of placing that machine in Geotech Lab.

Illustration:
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

This illustration shows the ground floor of Civil engineering Dept. and Location of 3 halls
in department. Detailed Explanation is stated below

Hall 1:
Hall 1 contains 14 machines arranged as explained in the figure. Their Names are stated below.

1) Pulverizing Machine
2) Sand Cone apparatus
3) Constant Temperature Oven
4) 5 Ton Compressing Machine
5) Different 5 ton compressing machine
6) Relative density apparatus
7) Rock sample cutter
8) Consolidation Machine
9) Mechanical sieve shaker (A)
10) Mechanical sieve shaker (B)
11) Safety equipment
12) Sample extruder
13) Vibrating Compacting Machine
14) Afferberg’s Limit Apparatus

Hall 2:
Hall 2 contains 8 set up of apparatus as stated below

1) Speedy Moisture tester

2) Vane Shear Tester
3) 50 KN CBR testing Machine
4) Direcland Triaxial shear machine
5) Versa tester machine
6) 10 Ton Compression machine
7) Direct Shear Apparatus
8) Stone/Soil/aggregate Samples

This Hall contains area specified for MS students

and Introduction to machines inside that area
wasn’t given by the instructor/Lab attendant.

1) Speedy moisture Meter

The Speedy Moisture Meter with a Choice of Ranges can be used to measure the moisture
content of soils, aggregates, concrete, sand and powders. The Speedy Moisture Meters do not require
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

an external power source in order to function and have been designed to be portable. Their vessels have
been constructed from cast aluminum; this combined with their portability, practicality and the included
waterproof and shockproof carry case, makes the Large Speedy Moisture Meters ideal for use in the
field.

2) Vane Shear Tester

Vane shear test is used to determine the undrained shear
strength of soils especially soft clays. This test can be done in
laboratory or in the field directly on the ground. Vane shear test gives
accurate results for soils of low shear strength (less than 0.3 kg/cm2).

Vane shear apparatus consists high tensile steel rod to which

four steel blades (vanes) are fixed at right angles to each other at the
bottom of rod.

3) 50 KN CBR testing machine:

This machine is suitable for test of soils and mix
materials (the grain size of the soil is less than 40mm)
compacted with CBR mold so as to confirm the bearing
loading ability of pavement, roadbed sub crust as well as
material layer of the roadbed to be designed. It consists of a
twin column frame, proving ring, penetration bar, loading
plate, micrometer, measuring device for swell increment etc.
and easy to operate.

4) Triaxial shear testing Machine

The Shear Triaxial Test System provides automated triaxial
compression tests on cylindrical undisturbed and remolded soil samples. Unconsolidated undrained
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

(UU), consolidated drained (CD) and consolidated undrained (CU) compression tests can be
automatically run, controlled and reported using this apparatus.

Hall 3:
Layout of Hall 3 is shown below

1) Sample extruder
2) Auto Soil Compactor
3) Instruments
4) Variable Head permeability Test apparatus
5) Plate load test
6) Constant Head permeability test
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Job# 2

To determine the moisture content or water content of a given

sample

Objective:
 To explore various methods of moisture content determination
 To compare results Between
1) Using Oven Dry method
2) Using speedy moisture meter

1) Using oven dry method

Apparatus:
1) Containers with lid
2) Balance sensitive to 0.01gm
3) Oven with accurate temperate control at 110 +_ 5 degree centigrade

Related Theory

I. Moisture content
Moisture content is the ratio between the weight of water in a given
volume of soil to the weight of solid particles in that same volume.
𝑊𝑤
𝑤= 𝑊𝑠
× 100%

Note:
a) If gypsum is present in soil, Temperature should not exceed 80 degrees.
b) Containers with large surface areas should be used and particles should be broken into smaller
aggregates
c) The dried specimen should be removed before placing new wet samples

Procedure:
 Take marked empty containers
 Weight all the containers
 Take samples from the field
 Place the soil sample in the container
 Immediately weight the container containing wet soil sample.
 Place container with soil samples in in drying oven at constant temperature of 110 degrees for 1
DAY
 After one day, remove the sample from oven and measure weight.
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Results:
The moisture in the soil dried and we measured dry weight of soil to determine moisture
content

Comments:
It took a long time in determining moisture contents.

2) Using speedy moisture meter

Significance:
Speedy moisture-meter is used to determine the moisture content in field. Although, it
is not much accurate but with proper calibration we can increase the accuracy of speedy moisture-
meter up to a great extent.

This experiment is performed to know about the moisture content of the soil by a) oven
dry method b) speedy moisture-meter. After getting the moisture content from both above mentioned
methods, we will calibrate the speedy moisture-meter by plotting a graph with moisture content by
speedy moisture meter on X-axis and moisture obtained by oven dry method on Y-axis.

Apparatus:
1) Speedy Moisture meter
2) Two 1.25 in. Steel balls
3) Cleaning brush and cloth
4) Scoop for measuring calcium carbide reagent
5) Calcium carbide reagent

Related theory:

I. Calcium carbide:
The calcium carbide gas moisture tester provides a quick way to determine the moisture
content of soil. It is Economical and less time-consuming way and easily portable.

The free moisture in soil reacts with calcium carbide and and form acetylene Gas.

𝐶𝑎𝐶2 + 𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝐶𝑎𝑂 + 𝐶2 𝐻2
The Readings obtained by Speedy moisture meter are corrected by the following
Expression.
𝑤𝑠𝑝
𝑤=( ) × 100
1 − 𝑤𝑠𝑝

Procedure:
 Take 26 gm sample in cap of tester.
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

 Place three scoops (24 gm) of calcium carbide and two steel balls in moisture tester.
 Insert the cap in moisture vessel and tighten the clamp
 Shake the instrument vigorously to break all the lumps
 It should be shaken in rotatory method so that steel ball should not damage the instrument.
 Observe the needle while shaking
 When needle stops, take the readings
 Open the cap slowly and release the gas and examine the material for lumps
 The dial reading is the %age of moisture by wet mass and must be converted into dry mass

Results:
The %age moisture contents were found to be 11.42%

Comments:
The speedy moisture meter became hot while shaking because of reaction inside.

JOB#3

Determination of specific gravity of Soil in Laboratory

Apparatus:
 Volumetric Flask (250ml)
 Mechanical soil pulverize
 Weigh Balance
 Thermometer
 Beaker

Related Theory:

Specific Gravity:
Weight of Unit material divided by the unit weight of distilled water at 4 degree
centigrade.
𝛾𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙
S.G =
𝛾𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

While ɤ = W/V

For determination of specific gravity in Lab, same volumes of sand and water are taken.
𝑊𝑠
𝐺𝑠 = 𝑉
𝑊𝑤
𝑉
The volume of known weight of soil Grains is Obtained By using a Container of known volume.
The volume of Soil will be the volume of water displaced.
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Temperature Correction:
It is mandatory to keep temperature Constant. If temperature changes, the volume also
changes, and the above equation is only valid if Density remains Constant. However, to manage slight
Changes in density, temperature correction is made.
𝑊
𝐺𝑠 = (𝑊 𝑠 )*α
𝑊

Where α is coefficient of temperature correction.

Procedure:
1. Weigh the Volumetric flask as 𝑊1
2. Take 100gm of oven dried soil and put it in flask.
3. Weigh the Flask as 𝑊2
4. Add water in it to about two thirds. Gently Shake the flask to remove air entrapped
5. Add more water in the flask until the bottom of meniscus is exactly at volume mark.
6. Weigh the flask as 𝑊𝑤
7. Now empty the flask and wash it and then fill it completely with distilled water.
8. Weigh the flask and mark it as 𝑊4
9. Calculate specific gravity as
(𝑊2 − 𝑊1 )𝛼
𝐺𝑠 =
[(𝑊4 − 𝑊1 ) − (𝑊3 − 𝑊2 )]

Calculations:
Temperature = 17-degree C
Sr. No. Volume of W1 W2 W3 W4 Gs
flask (ml) (gm) (gm) (gm) (gm)
01. 50 22.005 45.255 87.23 72.735 2.62
02. 50 19.42 44.49 86.71 70.74 2.75
03. 50 19.49 43.64 89.06 73.75 2.73

Comments:
Temperature should be measured carefully, and weigh balance should be away from air.

JOB#4

To Carry Out Sieve Analysis of A given Soil Sample

Objective:
To provide Knowledge of the sizes of the solid particles comprising a certain soil and their
relative proportion in the soil Mass. To get information about particle sizes and their analysis
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Related Theory:

I. Sieve:
A wire mesh at Bottom of a Metal ring is known as sieve.

The sieve is given a number Corresponding to number of openings per inch.

II. Sieve Number:

Generally, sieve number 4,10,40,100,200 are used in lab.

III. Shaking of sieve:

Sieve should be shaken up to 10 minutes depending upon amount of sample.

IV. Removing Particles stuck in sieve holes.

Particles stuck in sieve should be removed using sieve brush.

Reference:
ASTM D422-63

Apparatus:
 Set of sieves
 Mechanical soil pulverizer
 Balance
 Mechanical sieve shaker

Procedure:
1) Take 500 gm of soil sample
2) Arrange a nest of sieves as 4, 10, 16, 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, Pan.
3) Place the nest in Mechanical sieve shaker and shake for 5- 10 miutes.
4) Remove the nest of sieves from shaker and obtain the weights of soil retained in each sieve.
5) Sum these weights and compare with actual weight. These must be equal but 2% of error cold
be possible.
6) Compute the percentage retained in each sieve.

Calculations:
Sample weight = 200 gm Group 1
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Wt. of soil Cumulative

Sieve Diameter %age Wt. %age
retained %age
No. (mm) Retained Passing
(gm.) Retained

3/4 19.05 0 0 0 100

4 4.75 10.67 5.3 5.337 94.7

16 2 2.25 1.12 6.42 93.58

40 0.425 51.93 25.96 32.38 67.62

100 0.15 117.7 58.85 91.23 8.77

200 0.075 10.92 5.46 96.69 3.31

Pan - 6.46 3.23 100 0

PSD Curve
300 mm 75 mm #4 #10 #40 #200 0.005mm
100 100
94.7 93.58
90
80
Percentage Passing (%)

70 67.62
60
50
40
30
20
10 8.77
0 3.31
1000 100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001

Average Grain Diameter (mm)

Sand
Boulder Cobbles Gravels Silt Clay
Coarse Medium Fine
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Group 2

Wt. of soil Cumulative

Sieve Dia % Wt. Percent
retained Percent
No. (mm) retained Passing
(gm) Retained

3/4 19.05 0 0 0 100

4 4.75 9.48 4.74 4.74 95.26

16 2 2.18 1.09 5.83 94.17

40 0.425 36.75 18.375 24.205 75.795

100 0.15 131.58 65.79 89.995 10.005

200 0.075 13.16 6.58 96.595 3.425

Pan - 6.93 3.465 100 0

GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Boulder Clay
Cobbles Gravels Coarse Medium Fine Silt

PSD Curve
300 mm 75 mm #4 #10 #40 #200 0.005mm
100 100
95.26 94.17
90
80
75.795
70
60
50
40
30
20
10 10.005
3.425
0
1000 100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001

Job #5

To obtain The approximate size of grains distribution of soils

whose appreciable quantity pass as sieve# 200.

Related Theory:

Hydrometer:
A hydrometer is an instrument used for measuring the relative density of liquids based on the concept
of buoyancy. They are typically calibrated and graduated with one or more scales such as specific
gravity.
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Structure of Hydrometer:
A hydrometer usually consists of a sealed hollow glass tube with a wider bottom portion for buoyancy, a
ballast such as lead or mercury for stability, and a narrow stem with graduations for measuring. The
liquid to test is poured into a tall container, often a graduated cylinder, and the hydrometer is gently
lowered into the liquid until it floats freely. The point at which the surface of the liquid touches the stem
of the hydrometer correlates to relative density. Hydrometers can contain any number of scales along
the stem corresponding to properties correlating to the density.

Calibration Of Hydrometer:
Hydrometers are calibrated for different uses, such as a lactometer for measuring the density
(creaminess) of milk, a saccharometer for measuring the density of sugar in a liquid, or an alcoholometer
for measuring higher levels of alcohol in spirits.

Principle:
The hydrometer makes use of Archimedes' principle: a solid suspended in a fluid is buoyed by a force
equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the submerged part of the suspended solid. The lower the
density of the fluid, the deeper a hydrometer of a given weight sinks; the stem is calibrated to give a
numerical reading.

WHY HYDROMETER IS USED FOR GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS OF FINE

GRAINED SOIL?
In case of fine grained soil, sieve analysis test does not give reliable test result. This because a fine
grained soil consist of different sizes of particles starting from 0.075 mm to 0.0002 mm. and it is not
practicable to design sieve having so smaller screen size. Also there is a chance of lost of sample during
sieving. Therefore hydrometer analysis is done for grain size analysis of fine grained soils.

Bases Of Hydrometer Analysis:

Hydrometer analysis is based on Stokes law. According to this law, the velocity at which grains
settles out of suspension, all other factors being equal, is dependent upon the shape, weight and size of
the grain.

n case of soil, it is assumed that the soil particles are spherical and have the same specific gravity.
Therefore we can say that in a soil water suspension the coarser particles will settle more quicjly than
the finer ones.

If V is the terminal velocity of sinking of a spherical particle, it is given by;

V = 1/9 [(2Gs-Gw)/n)]*(D/2)2

Where,

V = Terminal velocity of soil particle (cm/s)

D = Diameter of soil particle (cm)

GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

Gs = Specific gravity of soil particle

Gw = specific gravity of water

n = viscosity of water (g-s/cm2)

Apparatus:
We require the mentioned apparatus for performing the experiment.

 Hydrometer

 Dispersion cup with mechanical stirrer with complete accessories

 Two glass jar of 1 litre capacity

 Deflocculating agent (sodium Hexa metaphosphate solution prepared by dissolving 33g of

sodium Hexa metaphosphate and 7g of sodium carbonate in distilled water to make one litre
solution)

 Stop watch

 Thermometer

 Scale

Procedure:
1. Take about 50g in case of clayey soil and 100g in case of sandy soil and weigh it correctly to 0.1g.

2. In case the soil contains considerable amount of organic matter or calcium compounds, pre-
treatment of the soil with Hydrogen Peroxide or Hydrochloric acid may be necessary. In case of
soils containing less than 20 percent of the above substances pre-treatment shall be avoided.

3. Stir the soil suspension for about 15 minutes.

4. Transfer the suspension to the Hydrometer jar and make up the volume exactly to 1000 cc by
adding distilled water.

5. Take another Hydrometer jar with 1000cc distilled water to store the hydrometer in between
consecutive readings of the soil suspension to be recorded. Note the specific gravity readings
and the temperature T degree C of the water occasionally.

6. Mix the soil suspension roughly, by placing the palm of the right hand over the open end and
holding the bottom of the har with the left hand turning the jar upside down and back. When
the jar is upside down be sure no soil is tuck to the base of the graduated jar.

7. Immediately after shaking, place the Hydrometer jar on the table and start the stopwatch. Insert
the Hydrometer into the suspension carefully and take Hydrometer readings at the total elapsed
times of ¼, ½, 1 and 2 minutes.
GEOTECH LAB MANUAL

8. After 2 minutes reading, remove the Hydrometer and transfer it to the distilled water jar and
repeat step no-8. Normally a pair of the same readings should be obtained before proceeding
further.

9. Take the subsequent hydrometer readings at elapsed timings of 4, 8, 16, 25, 36, 49, 60 minutes
and every one hour thereafter. Each time a reading is taken remove the hydrometer from the
suspension and keep it in the jar containing distilled water. Care should be taken when the
Hydrometer recorded to see that the Hydrometer is at rest without any movement. As time
elapses, because of the fall of the solid particles the density of the fluid suspension decreases
reading, which should be checked as a guard against possible error in readings of the
Hydrometer.

10. Continue recording operation of the Hydrometer readings until the hydrometer reads 1000
approximately.

Calculations: