Geotechnical & Foundation Engineering Lab Manual PDF

GEOTECHNICAL & FOUNDATION
ENGINEERING
LAB MANUAL
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING,

FAST-NU, LAHORE
Page | 1
Created by: Mr. Irfan khalid
Date: July, 2015
Last Updated by: Engr. Waqas Ajmal
Date: January, 2019
Approved by the HOD: Dr. Javaid Ahmad
Date: January, 2019
Page | 2
Table of Contents
Sr. No. Description Page No.
1 Experiment No. 1, Calibration of Speedy Moisture Meter(ASTM D4944) 5
Experiment No. 2, Determination of Relative Density of Granular

2 10
Soils(ASTM D4254 &D4253)
Experiment No. 3, Determination of Shear Strength Parameters of Soil by

3 15
Direct Shear Test(ASTM D3080)
Experiment No. 4, Determination of Shear Strength of Soil by Unconfined

4 24
Compression Test(ASTM D4767)
Experiment No. 5, Determination of Shear Strength Parameters of Soil by

5 31
Triaxial Compression Test(ASTM D4767)
Experiment No. 6, Determination of one Dimensional Consolidation

6 40
Properties of Soil(ASTM D2435-70)
Experiment No. 7, Determination of Properties Of Subsurface Soil by

7 46
Standard Penetration Test(ASTM D1586-67)
Experiment No. 8, Determination of Undrained Shear Strength of Soil by

8 49
Digital Penetrometer(ASTM D2573)
Experiment No. 9, Determination of Liquid Limit of Soil by Digital

9 53
Penetrometer(ASTM D4402)
10 Experiment No. 10, Ground Water Flow Analysis by Geo-Studio Software 56
Page | 3
List of Equipment
Sr. No. Description
1 Speedy Moisture Meter
2 Relative Density Apparatus
3 Direct Shear Machine
4 Triaxial Load Frame
5 Triaxial Load Frame
6 Oedometer
7 Standard Penetration Apparatus
8 Digital Penetrometer
9 Digital Penetrometer
10 Geo-Studio Software
Page | 4
Lab Manual of Geo-Technical & Foundation Engineering
EXPERIMENT NO. 1
CALIBRATION OF SPEEDY MOISTURE METER
SIGNIFICANCE:
The calibration means to standardize something. So by standardizing speedy moisture meter one can
take moisture meter of soil in the field accurately because by standardizing the chance in errors of final
readings reduces.
APPARATUS:
1. Speedy Moisture meter

2. Two 1.25” steel balls
3. Cleaning brush and cloth
4. Scoop for measuring Calcium Carbide reagent
5. Calcium Carbide reagent
6. Electronic Balance
7. Tin Cans & Oven
(Label the parts of this apparatus)

PROCEDURE:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 6
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Formula for Wsp =
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Note :
• If the percentage of moisture content in the sample is more then take 13 gm of soil sample
and after taking the reading from speedy moisture meter multiply it with 2 to adjust the reading.
• The values obtained by speedy moisture meter are commonly higher than the line of ideal
values.
PRECAUTIONS:
• Note down Zero error in the instrument before starting the experiment.
• Weight the sample carefully.
• Take the reading from dial after reaction is completed.
• Do not let the reaction to start until a complete seal is achieved.
Page | 7
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:
Table 1.1: Calibration of Speedy Moisture Meter
W1 = weight of empty can

W2 = weight of wet soil + empty can
W3 = weight of dry soil + empty can
Sr. Depth Can W1 W2 W3 w wsp

No No. (gm) (gm) (gm) %
%
Page | 8
COMMENTS & CONCLUSIONS:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 9
EXPERIMENT NO. 2
DETERMINATION OF RELATIVE DENSITY OF GRANULAR SOILS
SIGNIFICANCE:
The dry unit weight/density of cohesion less soil does not necessarily, by itself, reveal weather soil is loose
or dense. Only when viewed against the possible range of variation, in terms of relative density the dry
density can be related to the compaction effort used to place the soil in a compacted fill or indicate volume
change and stress-strain tendencies of soil when subjected to external loading.
REFERENCE:
ASTM D 4254- Standard Test Method for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of soils. ASTM D 4253-
Standard Test Method for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils using a vibratory table.
APPARATUS:
1. Standard moulds
2. Vibrating table
3. Surcharge weights
4. Surcharge base plate
5. Dial gauge
6. Weighing balance
7. Straight edge
Page | 10
RELATED THEORY:
Compaction in general is measured in terms of increase in dry density. In the field it is specified in
following two ways, depending on the type of material being compacted.
a) Relative compaction (or degree of compaction) for all types of soils:
Relative Compaction = Rc = (ɣdf / ɣdmax) x 100
b) Relative density (RD) (for free draining, granular materials only):
It is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the difference between the maximum index void ratio and
any given void ratio of a cohesion less, free-draining soil to the difference between its maximum and
minimum index void ratios.
Difference between Rc & Rd:
Relative compaction can be done for all types of soils but in this method we consider only coarse grained
soils. Relative density can only be done for free drained course grain soils. A free drained course grain soil
is that soil which contain less than 15% fines. Relative compaction method cannot be used for sand.
Why we compact soil:

Soil is compacted during the construction of a project due to following reasons.
• Soil should be more permeable for construction of a project.

• Compacted soil bears more weight.
• Soil should be stronger enough so that it can bear coming loads.
Figure 2.1: Relative Density Variation
For fine grained soils Rc between 95 to 100% is specified and for coarse grained soils Rc in order of 98 to
100% is specified. For free drained, coarse grained soils RD of 70 to 85% is specified.
Page | 11
Maximum index density/unit weight:
The reference dry density/unit weight of a soil is the densest state of compactness that can be attained using a
standard laboratory compaction procedure that minimizes particle segregation and breakdown.
Minimum index density/unit weight:
The reference dry density/unit weight of a soil is the loosest state of compactness at which it can be placed
using a standard laboratory procedure that prevents bulking and minimizes particle segregation.
PROCEDURE:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 12
PRECAUTIONS:
• Set the frequency of shaking table before starting it.

• Place the surcharge load on the mould calmly so that soil sample remains in its original loose state.
• Weight the soil sample carefully
Diameter of mould, d=
Height of mould, H=
Volume of mould, V1 =
Area of mould A =
Least Count of dial gauge =
emax = Gsɣw/ɣdmin-1 emin = Gsɣw/ɣdmax-1
Table 2.1 : Relative Density Determination
Initial Change in Weight Minimum Index Maximum

Final Dial Volume Density Index Density Maximum Minimum
Sample Dial height ΔH H' = H- of
Reading V2 (cm³) void ratio void ratio
No. Reading
(b)
(cm) ΔH (cm)
A xH'
sample ɣdmin = Ws/V1 ɣdmax = Ws/V2 emax emin
(a) (a-b)xL.C. Ws
Page | 13
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 14
EXPERIMENT NO. 3
DETERMINATION OF SHEAR STRENGTH PARAMETERS OF SOIL BY DIRECT
SHEAR TEST
SIGNIFICANCE:
In many engineering problems such as design of foundation, retaining walls, slab bridges, pipes, sheet
piling, the value of the angle of internal friction and cohesion of the soil involved are required for the
design. Direct shear test is used to predict these parameters quickly.
A direct shear test can be used to determine the shear strength of cohesive as well as cohesionless
soils. However we will confine ur self to the determination of the shear strength of cohesionless soils only.
REFERENCE:
ASTM D 3080
APPARATUS:
1. Direct shear box and shear box cast apparatus
2. Direct shear machine with Proving ring
3. Loading frame (motor attached).
4. Horizontal Dial gauge.
5. Tamper
6. Straight edge
7. Balance to weigh up to 200 mg
Page | 15
RELATED THEORY:
Shear Strength:
The maximum resisting stress offered by the soil particles to the deformation due to relative sliding of the
particles immediately prior to failure of soil mass is called as shearing stress.
Importance of Shear Strength in Soil:
Different soils have different shear strength. In loose state of a soil failure plane can develop easily so
soil is compacted to increase its shear strength. In many engineering problems such as design of
foundation, retaining walls, slab bridges, pipes, sheet piling, the value of shear strength is required for
the design of these structures. So shear strength has a great influence and important for any engineering
project.
Displacement Behavior of Specimen during Shearing:
If the soil below the footing is not capable to bear the coming loads on it then the shear failure will
occur. So the displacement behavior of the footing while shear failure is shown in figure:
Figure 3.1 : Displacement Behaviour of Footing
Page | 16
Methods to determine Shear Strength:
To determine shear strength mean we have to determine „c‟ and „Ø‟ values of soil. It can be
determined by
 Laboratory Tests
 Field Tests
Laboratory tests include:

Direct Shear Test: (ASTM D 3080)
It is used for both cohesive and non-cohesive soils.
Unconfined Compression Test: (ASTM D 2166) It is
used only for cohesive soils.
Triaxial Compression Test: (ASTM D 2850)
It is also used for both cohesive and non-cohesive soils.

Vane Shear Test: (ASTM D 2573)
It is suitable for soft clays particularly for sensitive clays.
And the Field tests include:
Standard Penetration Test (SPT) Vane

Shear Test
Pressure meter Test
Dutch Cone Penetration Test (CPT)

Dilatometer test
Shear Strength:
The strength of a soil depends on its resistance to shearing stresses. It is made up of

basically the following two components:
1. Frictional - due to friction between individual particles

2. Cohesive - due to adhesion between the soil particles
The above two components are combined in Coulomb‟s shear strength equation which is:
τf = c + σf tan ø
Page | 17
Where τf = Shearing resistance of soil at failure

c = Apparent cohesion of soil
σf = Total normal stress on failure plane
ø = Angle of shearing resistance of soil (angle of internal friction) The
above equation can also be written in terms of effective stresses
i.e. τf = c’ + σ’f tan ø’
Where c’ = apparent cohesion of soil in terms of effective stresses

σ’f = effective normal stress on failure plane
ø’ = angle of shearing resistance of soil in terms of effective
stresses
σ 'f = σf - Uf
U f = pore water pressure on failure plane
Required Measurements in the test:
Following measurements are taken in the test
• Dimension of shear box

• Weight of soil specimen
• Proving ring constant
• Proving ring readings
• Horizontal dial gauge reading
• Vertical load on sample
Page | 18
PROCEDURE:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PRECAUTIONS:
• Be careful about the arrangement of base plate, porous stone and gripper plate in the
shear box.
• Needle of deflection dial gauge should be at zero before starting direct shear machine
Page | 19
Size of shear box =
Area of shear box A=
Least count of horizontal dial gauge =
Proving Ring Constant (PRC) =

Table 3.1: Shear Strength Determination
Sample Normal Horizontal Horizontal Corrected Load Hz.Shear Shear

No. Stress D/R displacement Area Ring Force Stress
ΔH=Col3xL.C A’=A-bΔH D/R Col6xL.C Col7/Col5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Page | 20

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Page | 21

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Page | 22
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 23
EXPERIMENT # 4
DETERMINATION OF SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOIL BY UNCONFINED

COMPRESSION TEST
SIGNIFICANCE:
For soils, the undrained shear strength (su) is necessary for the determination of the bearing capacity of
foundations, dams, etc. The undrained shear strength (su) of clays is commonly determined from an
unconfined compression test. The undrained shear strength (su) of a cohesive soil is equal to one-half
the unconfined compressive strength (qu) when the soil is under the φ(the angle of internal friction)
is equal to zero condition. The most critical condition for the soil usually occurs immediately after
construction, which represents undrained conditions, when the undrained shear strength is basically
equal to the cohesion (c).
PURPOSE:
The primary purpose of this test is to determine the unconfined compressive strength, which is then
used to calculate the unconsolidated undrained shear strength of the clay under unconfined conditions.
According to the ASTM standard, the unconfined compressive strength (qu) is defined as the
compressive stress at which an unconfined cylindrical specimen of soil will fail in a simple compression
test. In addition, in this test method, the unconfined compressive strength is taken as the maximum
load attained per unit area, or the load per unit area at 15% axial strain, whichever occurs first
during the performance of a test.
REFERENCE:
ASTM D2166 - Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil
APPARATUS:
1. Unconfined compression device (Strain controlled)

2. Remolding device
3. Weighing balance
4. Proving ring
5. Deformation dial gauge
Page | 24
Page | 25
RELATED THEORY:
The factors which control shear strength of soil are

• Soil composition
• Initial state of soil
• Structure of soil
• Loading condition
Unconfined shear strength of soil is defined as “Load per unit area for cylindrical sample” or
“Maximum load per unit area at 20% axial strain”. It is a property of clay particles (cohesion less). And
it depends on
• Orientation of stresses
• Rate of shearing
• Volume of material
Strain Control Test:
This test is a strain control test. In this we apply strain on the sample in increments. Normally
0.5% to 2.0% strain per minute is applied.
Indications of Sample Failure:
Following are the indications which shows that the sample has failed
• Continuous four constant readings for load
• Decrease in load reading
• When 20% Axial strain is achieved
PROCEDURE:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 26
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Diameter of sample =
Area of sample Ao =
Height of sample Lo =
Volume of Sample V =
L.C. of Deformation Dial gauge =
Page | 27
Table 4.1: Shear strength Determination by unconfined compression test
Sample Deformation Load Deformation Unit Strain Corrected Total Load Stress
No. D/R D/R Col2 x L.C. ΔL/Lo = ε Area A = on sample Col7/Col6
Col3xPRC
Ao/ (1-ε) 9
1 2 3 4 5
7
6
Page | 28
Table 4.2: Shear strength Determination by unconfined compression test
Sample Deformation Load Deformation Unit Strain Corrected Total Load Stress
No. D/R D/R Col2 x L.C. ΔL/Lo = ε Area A = on sample Col7/Col6
Col3xPRC
Ao/ (1-ε) 9
1 2 3 4 5
7
6
Page | 29
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 30
EXPERIMENT # 5
DETERMINATION OF SHEAR STRENGTH PARAMETERS OF SOIL BY TRIAXIAL
COMPRESSION TEST
SIGNIFICANCE:
Triaxial compression test is more reliable to determine shear strength of c - Ø soils

because of following reasons:
• Sample is free to fail along the weakest plane.
• Stress distribution is relatively uniform.
• There is a proper control over drainage conditions and arrangement for the
measurement of pore pressure is provided.
• Any type of test can be performed on any soil type.
• Effective stress at various stages can be computed.
• Drained and undrained shear strength of soil can be measured.
REFERENCE:
ASTM D 2850
APPARATUS:
1. Triaxial compression device

2. Triaxial cell
3. Specimen mould
4. Rubber membrane
5. Membrane stretcher
6. O-Ring seals
7. Weight balance
RELATED THEORY:
Generally a cylindrical sample is prepared having 1.5” diameter (3” tall) or 3” diameter (6” tall). Then
the Specimen is encased by a thin rubber membrane and set into a plastic cylindrical chamber. And cell
pressure is applied in the chamber (which represents σ3) by pressurizing the cell fluid
(generally water). This pressure is uniform and it will also act on loading arm to bring it in contact.
This is called as Initial Stage of the test. Now Vertical stress is increased by loading the specimen
(by raising the platen in strain controlled test and by adding loads directly in stress controlled test, but
strain controlled test is more common) until shear failure occurs. Total vertical stress, which is σ1 is
equal to the sum of σ3 and deviator stress (ΔP).Measurement of pore pressure, axial deformation,
pore pressure, and sample volume change are recorded.
Page | 31
Page | 32
Combinations of conditions:
Depending on the nature of loading and drainage condition, triaxial tests are conducted in three
different ways:
1. CD Triaxial test
2. CU Triaxial test
3. UU Triaxial test
Consolidated Drained Triaxial Test:
In this condition bath the drainage and the consolidation of sample is allowed so this test takes many days
for its completion that is why it is also called as Slow test. In this there will be only effective stresses
because all the pressure will be taken by the soil and water will drain out.
Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Test:
As consolidation is allowed in this condition but drainage is not permitted so it is also called as
Consolidation Quick Test. In this Effective Stresses will be more than the total stresses so it shows that in
drainage form the angle of internal friction is more.
Page | 33
Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Test:

As drainage is not permitted and consolidation is not necessary that is why this test is very quick
so it is also called as Quick shear test. Pore pressure increases right after the application of σ3 as
well as after the application of ΔP. In this all the Mohr circles will be of same diameter so it will be
a friction less soil c-soil.
The application of UU triaxial testis that it gives shear strength of soil at different confining stresses. Shear
strength is important in all types of geotechnical designs and analysis.
PROCEDURE:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 34
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
OBSERVATON AND CALCULATIONS:
Diameter of sample =
Area of sample Ao =
Height of sample Lo =
L.C. of Deformation Dial gauge =
Page | 35
Table 5.1 : Shear Stress Determination for lateral pressure = 10psi
σ3 Deformation Load Deformation Unit Strain Corrected Total Load Stress

D/R D/R Col2 x L.C. ΔL/Lo = ε Area A = on sample Col7/Col6
Col3xPRC
Ao/ (1-ε)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
5
Psi
Page | 36

Col3xPRC
Ao/ (1-ε)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
10
Psi
Page | 37

Col3xPRC
Ao/ (1-ε)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
15
Psi
Page | 38
Table 5.4: Mohr Stress Circles
σ3 σ1 = σ3 + ΔP
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 39
EXPERIMENT NO. 6
DETERMINATION OF ONE DIMENSIONAL CONSOLIDATION PROPERTIES
OF SOIL
INTRODUCTION:
When a structure is built on a saturated soil, the load is generally initially carried by the incompressible
water within the soil. Because of the additional load on the soil, the water will tend to be extruded from
voids in soil, causing a reduction in void volume and settlement of the structure.
In highly permeable soils i.e. coarse grained soils this process is quick with the result that almost all of the
settlement has occurred by the time the construction is complete. However in soils of low permeability this
process is slow resulting in settlement occurring over a long period of time.
STANDARD REFERENCE:
ASTM D2435-70
AASHTO T216-66
SIGNIFICANCE:
Consolidation results in compression due to extrusion of water causing settlement. Thus it is important that
the amount of soil compression or consolidation be determined.
The rate of consolidation as well as the total consolidation and permeability of the soil can also be
determined from the consolidation test.
APPARATUS:
1. Consolidometer
2. Dial gauge
3. Loading device
4. Stop watch
5. Sample trimming equipment
6. Filter paper
Page | 40
PROCEDURE:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 41
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Initial data
Least count of dial gauge =
Diameter of ring =
Height of ring =
Area of ring =
Volume of ring
Specific gravity of soil Gs =
Weight of ring (W1) =
Weight of ring + soil (W2) =
Weight of soil (W3) =
Bulk density of soil ɣb (W3/V) =
Moisture content (w) =
Page | 42
Dry density of soil ɣd = ɣb / (1+w) =
Computed dry weight of soil (Ws) = ɣd x V =
Oven dry weight of soil (Ws) =
Height of solids Ho = (Ws/(Gs x A)) =
Initial height of voids Hvi = H – Ho =
Initial void ratio ei = Hvi / Ho =
Final data
Initial dial reading = hi =
Final dial reading = hf =
Change in sample height =Δh = (hi – hf) x L.C =
Final height of sample = Hf = H – Δh =
Final volume of sample = Vf = Hf x A =
Final void ratio = ef = (Vf – Vs)/ Vs =
Change in void ratio =Δe = (ei – ef ) =
Page | 43
Table 6.1: Consolidation Test Results
ELAPSED LOAD ( )
TIME
Unloading
readings
Page | 44
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 45
EXPERIMENT NO. 7
DETERMINATION OF PROPERTIES OF SUBSURFACE SOIL BY STANDARD
PENETRATION TEST
SIGNIFICANCE:
The Standard Penetration test (SPT) is a common in situ testing method used to determine the geotechnical
engineering properties of subsurface soils. It is a simple and inexpensive test to estimate the relative density
of soils and approximate shear strength parameters.
REFERENCE:
ASTM D 1586-67 Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel
Sampling of Soils
APPARATUS:
1. Split barrel sampler

2. Falling hammer
RELATED THEORY:
The test is used to obtain representative samples of soil for identification purposes and to obtain a measure
of resistance of the soil to penetration of the sampler.
The test is performed using a split barrel sampler having an external diameter of 50 mm, internal diameter
of 35 mm and 650 mm in length, connected to the end of boring rods. The sampler is driven into the soil at
the bottom of borehole by means of a 140lb (63.5kg) hammer falling freely through a height of 30 in
(0.76m) on the top of boring rods. A guiding assembly is used for the falling hammer and an anvil is used
to transmit the blow to the boring rods. The bore hole must be cleaned out to the required depth, care being
taken to ensure that the material to be tested is not disturbed.
Figure 7.1: Split Barrel Sampler
Page | 46
Tests are normally carried out at intervals of between 0.75m and 1.5m to a depth at least equal to the width
of the foundation. If the test is to carried out in gravelly soils the driving shoe is replaced by a solid 60⁰
cone.
The sampler is driven through 18 in depth, the first 6 in are ignored and the number of blows required for
a penetration of further 12in are recorded and termed as standard penetration number N. If 50 blows are
reached before a penetration of 12in (300mm) no further blows should be applied but the actual penetration
should be recorded.
When testing below the water table, care should be taken to avoid entry of water through the bottom of the
bore hole as this would tend to loosen the soil due to upward seepage pressure. Water should be added as
necessary to maintain the water table level in the bore hole. When the test is carried out in very fine sand
or silty sand below the water table the measured N value if greater than 15, should be corrected for the
increased resistance due to excess pore water pressure set up during driving and unable to dissipate
immediately. The corrected value is given by
N‟ = 15 + ½ (N-15)
PROCEDURE:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 47
Sr. # Depth (inch) SPT blows N Remarks
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 48
EXPERIMENT NO. 8
DETERMINATION OF UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOIL BY DIGITAL

PENETROMETER
SIGNIFICANCE:
Digital penetrometer is used for the determination of undrained shear strength of both undisturbed and
remoulded specimen of saturated cohesive soil. It can also be used for the determination of liquid limit i.e.
the moisture content at which a soil changes from liquid to plastic state.
APPARATUS:
1. Digital Penetrometer
2. Stop watch
3. Weighing balance
4. Penetration sampling cup
5. Penetration cone (30⁰ or 60⁰ tip)
Page | 49
PROCEDURE:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 50
Su = K x M / d²
Where Su = undrained shear strength

K = empirical factor, related to cone angle and sediment type
M = weight of cone (N)
d = penetration distance of cone (mm)
NOTE:
For remoulded specimens the test shall be repeated until two successive tests yield identical values of cone
penetration.
For undisturbed sample, at least three test shall be performed. If any value deviates more than 10% from
the average, an additional test shall be performed, and the most deviating value should be excluded from
the average.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. The part of the cone, which penetrates into the soil shall not in any point be closer to the
perimeter than 7mm.
2. The distance between the outer boundaries of the cone penetration in two test points shall be at
least 14mm.
OBSERAVTION AND CALCULATIONS:
Penetration cone angle =
Weight of cone =
Empirical factor K value =
Cone Penetration =
Undrained shear strength =
Page | 51
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 52
EXPERIMENT NO. 9
DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT OF SOIL BY DIGITAL PENETROMETER
SIGNIFICANCE:
Digital penetrometer is used for the determination of liquid limit of fine grained soil i.e. the moisture content
at which a soil changes from liquid to plastic state.
The Swedish soil scientist Albert Atterberg originally defined seven “limits of consistency” to classify fine-
grained soils, but in current engineering practice only two of the limits, the liquid and plastic limits, are
commonly used. (A third limit, called the shrinkage limit, is used occasionally.) The Atterberg limits are
based on the moisture content of the soil. The liquid limit is the moisture content that defines where the soil
changes from a plastic to a viscous fluid
state. The shrinkage limit is the moisture content that defines where the soil volume will not reduce further
if the moisture content is reduced. A wide variety of soil engineering properties have been correlated to the
liquid and plastic limits, and these Atterberg limits are also used to classify a fine-grained soil according to
the Unified Soil Classification system or AASHTO system.
APPARATUS:
1. Digital Penetrometer
2. Stop watch
3. Weighing balance
4. Penetration sampling cap
5. Penetration cone (30⁰ or 60⁰ tip)
Page | 53
PROCEDURE:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 54
PRECAUTIONS:
1. The part of the cone, which penetrates into the soil shall not in any point be closer to the
perimeter than 7mm.
2. The distance between the outer boundaries of the cone penetration in two test points shall be at
least 14mm.
OBSERAVTION AND CALCULATIONS:
Penetration cone angle =
Weight of cone =
Sr. No. Water Content (%) Penetration (mm)
Liquid Limit =
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 55
EXPERIMENT NO. 10
GROUND WATER FLOW ANALYSIS BY GEOSTUDIO SOFTAWARE
SIGNIFICANCE:
The Geo-Studio is a free product designed as an aid to learning geotechnical numerical modeling. It is an
ideal teaching tool for university professors both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The software
contains limited versions of all eight
products: SLOPE/W, SEEP/W,SIGMA/W, QUAKE/W, TEMP/W, CTRAN/W, AIR/W and VADOSE/W
KEY FEATURES:
• Combine Analyses in a Single, Integrated Project
• Multi-view Modeling Environment
• Define Geometry using Drawing Tools or by Importing CAD files
• Apply Materials to the Domain for each Analysis
• Define Soil and Rock Material Models using Flexible, Generalized Functions Automated Finite
Element Meshing of the Geometry
• Use the Keyboard to Enter Coordinates While Drawing Objects Integrate your own Code using
GeoStudio Add-Ins
• Efficient, Parallel Solving of the Project Analyses
• Interpret Results with Powerful Graphing, Visualization, and Data Management Display Legends
for Material Properties, Contour Plots, and Color Maps
• Add Notes, Labels, Pictures, and Dimensions on the Drawing Create a Printing Template in Page
Layout Mode
• Automate GeoStudio with the GeoCmd Command Line Interface
• Upgrade Files from Older GeoStudio Versions and Save to Older Formats Multi-language
GeoStudio Versions
• GeoStudio Licensing and Delivery
Page | 56
Groundwater flow analysis(SEEP/W):
SEEP/W is a powerful finite element software product for modeling groundwater flow in porous media.
SEEP/W can model simple saturated steady-state problems or sophisticated saturated / unsaturated transient
analyses with atmospheric coupling at the ground surface.
SEEP/W can be applied to the analysis and design of geotechnical, civil, hydrogeological, geo
environmental, and mining engineering projects.
Comprehensive Groundwater Flow Formulation
SEEP/W uses a finite element based formulation to analyze groundwater seepage and excess pore-water
pressure dissipation problems within porous materials such as soil and rock. Its comprehensive formulation
allows you to consider analyses ranging from simple, saturated steady-state problems to sophisticated,
saturated/unsaturated time-dependent problems. SEEP/W can be applied to the analysis and design of
geotechnical, civil, hydrogeological, geo environmental, and mining engineering projects.The hydraulic
conductivity of the soil is a function of the negative pore-water pressure in the unsaturated regions. The
rate of change in water content is dependent on the pore-water pressure during transient processes.
Hydraulic conductivity can be defined as anisotropic in two orthogonal directions.
Formulated for Saturated/Unsaturated Flow
SEEP/W is formulated for saturated and unsaturated groundwater flow, a feature that greatly broadens the
range of problems that can be analyzed. In addition to traditional steady-state saturated flow analysis, the
saturated/unsaturated formulation of SEEP/W makes it possible to analyze seepage as a function of time
and to consider such problems as regional groundwater flow systems, de-watering of aquifer systems, flow
through dams and levees, infiltration into deep unsaturated zones, or soil cover design.
Typical Applications
SEEP/W can model almost any groundwater problem including:
• Hydraulic response of a dam or levee to water level fluctuations
• Changes in pore-water pressure conditions within earth slopes due to infiltration
• Mounding of the groundwater table beneath water retention structures such as lagoons and tailings
ponds
• Drawdown of a water table due to pumping from an aquifer
• Dewatering design for seepage into excavations
• Infiltration, evaporation and transpiration from man-made or natural systems
Groundwater problems:
• Seepage Through an Earth
• Dam Modeling Drains
Page | 57
SEEP/W’S Modeling workflow:

1. Create a SEEP/W analysis and set up the problem workspace. Choose analysis type, including
steady-state or transient, and define initial pore-water pressure conditions, convergence criteria,
time duration and increments, and more.
2. Draw the regions in your domain using CAD-like drawing tools, including drawing polygon and
circular regions, coordinate import, copy-paste geometric items, length and angle feedback,
region splitting and merging, and direct keyboard entry of coordinates, lengths, and angles.
Alternatively, import AutoCAD DWG or DXF files directly into GeoStudio to create your
domain geometry.
Page | 58
3. Define the material properties for your analysis, assign them to regions on the domain, and then
define your initial pore-water pressure conditions. Select from Saturated/Unsaturated and Saturated
Only material models. Define hydraulic material functions using spline data point entry, Fredlund-
Xing or van Genuchten methods. Define the initial pore-water pressure conditions for transient
scenarios using results from other SEEP/W analyses, defined spatial functions or draw an initial
water table.
4. Define hydraulic boundary conditions to simulate total head, pressure head, pore-water pressure,
unit flux (q), total flux (Q) or climatic conditions. Time-varying conditions can also be modeled
using total head, pressure head, unit flux (q) or total flux (Q) vs. time functions. The total head vs.
volume function can also be used to simulate volume of water entering or exiting the domain via a
specified boundary.
Page | 59
5. Open Draw Mesh Properties to refine the mesh drawn on the entire domain, or along specific
geometric regions, lines or boundaries. Interface elements can also be created to simulate geo
synthetic or other thin materials.
6. When your problem is completely defined, start the analysis process in the Solver Manager
window. The Solver Manager displays the solution progress, allowing you to cancel or
stop/restart if necessary. While the solution is in progress, you can look at preliminary results in
the Results window.
7. When the Solver is finished, the Total Head contours are displayed, along with the location of
phreatic surface, or zero pressure isoline, and flux vectors. You can display other contours of
almost any parameter including pore-water pressure, material properties, water flow, and
gradients, using the Draw Contours window. Contour legends and properties can also be
modified. Labels can be added to contour lines for display in Results View. Flow paths can also
be drawn in steady-state analyses.
Page | 60
8. Interactively select any node or gauss region to view result information, including total head, pore-
water pressure, material properties, and more. Display plots of computed results over the x-or y-
direction or create time-varying plots of results in transient analyses, such as total head, water
flux, cumulative water volume, and more. Generate reports of the definition and results, and
export into other applications such as Microsoft Excel for further analysis.
Page | 61

Geotechnical & Foundation Engineering Lab Manual PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Geotechnical & Foundation Engineering Lab Manual PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Geotechnical & Foundation Engineering Lab Manual PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

GEOTECHNICAL & FOUNDATION

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING,

Date: July, 2015

Last Updated by: Engr. Waqas Ajmal

Date: January, 2019

Approved by the HOD: Dr. Javaid Ahmad

Date: January, 2019

1 Experiment No. 1, Calibration of Speedy Moisture Meter(ASTM D4944) 5

Experiment No. 2, Determination of Relative Density of Granular

Experiment No. 3, Determination of Shear Strength Parameters of Soil by

Experiment No. 4, Determination of Shear Strength of Soil by Unconfined

Experiment No. 5, Determination of Shear Strength Parameters of Soil by

Experiment No. 6, Determination of one Dimensional Consolidation

Experiment No. 7, Determination of Properties Of Subsurface Soil by

Experiment No. 8, Determination of Undrained Shear Strength of Soil by

Experiment No. 9, Determination of Liquid Limit of Soil by Digital

10 Experiment No. 10, Ground Water Flow Analysis by Geo-Studio Software 56

1 Speedy Moisture Meter

2 Relative Density Apparatus

3 Direct Shear Machine

4 Triaxial Load Frame

5 Triaxial Load Frame

7 Standard Penetration Apparatus

1. Speedy Moisture meter

(Label the parts of this apparatus)

(Label the parts of this apparatus)

Formula for Wsp =

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Table 1.1: Calibration of Speedy Moisture Meter

W1 = weight of empty can

Sr. Depth Can W1 W2 W3 w wsp

COMMENTS & CONCLUSIONS:

(Label the parts of this apparatus)

a) Relative compaction (or degree of compaction) for all types of soils:

Relative Compaction = Rc = (ɣdf / ɣdmax) x 100

b) Relative density (RD) (for free draining, granular materials only):

Difference between Rc & Rd:

Why we compact soil:

• Soil should be more permeable for construction of a project.

Figure 2.1: Relative Density Variation

Maximum index density/unit weight:

Minimum index density/unit weight:

• Set the frequency of shaking table before starting it.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Least Count of dial gauge =

emax = Gsɣw/ɣdmin-1 emin = Gsɣw/ɣdmax-1

Table 2.1 : Relative Density Determination

Initial Change in Weight Minimum Index Maximum

COMMENTS & CONCLUSIONS:

(Label the parts of this apparatus)

(Label the parts of this apparatus)

Importance of Shear Strength in Soil:

Figure 3.1 : Displacement Behaviour of Footing

Methods to determine Shear Strength:

Laboratory tests include:

It is used for both cohesive and non-cohesive soils.

Unconfined Compression Test: (ASTM D 2166) It is

used only for cohesive soils.

Triaxial Compression Test: (ASTM D 2850)