Constant Head Permeability Test of Sandy Soil Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine the permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of a sandy soil by the constant head test method. There are two general types of permeability test methods that are routinely performed in the laboratory: The constant head test method, and (2) the falling … Read more
In geotechnical engineering, hydrometer analysis is primarily used to know the grain size distribution of a fine grained soil. In this post I will share with you the following things. What is a hydrometer? Why hydrometer analysis is done? What is the theory behind hydrometer analysis of soil? How to perform hydrometer analysis of soil? … Read more
Laboratory Vane Shear Test of Soil Aim To determine shear strength of clay soil using laboratory vane shear apparatus. Theory In soil, shear strength is contributed by the two properties. Cohesion, and Angle of internal friction In pure clays the shear resistance due to internal friction is negligible. Hence, the complete shear strength in clays … Read more
In order to determine the suitability of a particular soil it is essential to know the proportion of each material in the soil and also whether the particular material possesses the properties required of it. For instance, a road soil that is 95 percent sand will not cohere, and clay that does not possess the … Read more
Measurement of Density of Soil in place by Nuclear Density Gauge Purpose This is a quick method of determining the in-situ density of soil which is based on the radiation. Equipment For this test special equipment which measures in place density using gamma radiation is used. Gauge usually contains a small gamma source (about 10 … Read more
Water Content Test of Soil by Alcohol Method Purpose It is a rapid method of determining the moisture content. Though less accurate, it is more suitable as a field test. The method shall not be used if the soil contains a large proportion of clay, gypsum, calcareous matter or organic matter. Apparatus Evaporating Dish– 10 … Read more
Moisture Content Determination Using Rapid Moisture Meter Purpose The purpose of this test is to determine the moisture content of soil quickly, without having to wait for the moisture to evaporate. Soil Specimen This test requires about 6 g of soil sample. Sand requires no special preparation. Coarse powders may be ground and pulverized. Cohesive … Read more
Soil Test to Find Organic Matter Content in Soil Purpose Deleterious contents of soil such as organic matter affect its characteristics and behavior adversely and must therefore be within 2%. Procedure Take an air dried sample of soil and determine its moisture content. Using another sample, produce about 100 g of soil passing the 10 … Read more
Determination of Soluble Sulphate Content Purpose Sodium sulphate is present in some soils. The salt is easily hydrated and dehydrated under the influence of climatic changes. There are enormous volume changes during this process of hydration and dehydration, which influence the engineering properties of soils. Procedure Take the soil sample in a state in which … Read more
Engineering Properties of Soil The following properties of soil are taken into consideration while dealing with soil as a construction material. Cohesion Angle of internal friction Capillarity Permeability Elasticity Compressibility 1. Cohesion It is the internal molecular attraction which resists the rupture or shear of a material. Cohesion is derived in the fine grained soils … Read more