Civil Engineering Technician level 6
CON/OS/CET/CR/04/6/A
CARRY OUT ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKS
July/Aug. 2024
TVET CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION
COUNCIL (TVET CDACC)
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT 5
(Determination of Moisture Content Using the Alcohol Method)
Objectives:
1. To determine the moisture content of a soil sample using the alcohol method.
2. To understand the significance of moisture content in road construction.
3. To develop skills in conducting and interpreting the results of a moisture content test
using the alcohol method.
Equipment Required:
Soil sample
Balance (accurate to 0.1g)
Alcohol (preferably isopropyl alcohol)
Evaporating dish or metal container
Measuring cylinder
Heat source (e.g., Bunsen burner or portable stove)
Tongs
Protective gloves
Safety goggles
Notebook and pen
Safety Precautions
1. Wear protective gloves and safety goggles at all times.
2. Handle alcohol and heat sources with care to prevent accidents.
3. Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated to avoid inhalation of fumes.
Procedure
1. Sample Preparation
o Weigh an empty evaporating dish and record its mass (M1).
o Place a sample of soil in the evaporating dish. Weigh the dish with the soil and
record the total mass (M2).
o Calculate the mass of the soil sample by subtracting M1 from M2 (M_soil = M2 -
M1).
2. Alcohol Addition
o Add enough alcohol to the soil sample to cover it completely. Use the measuring
cylinder to measure the volume of alcohol used and record it.
3. Mixing and Heating
o Carefully mix the soil and alcohol until the mixture is uniform.
o Place the evaporating dish on the heat source. Heat the mixture slowly, ensuring
that it does not boil over.
o Stir the mixture continuously to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
o Continue heating until all the alcohol has evaporated and the soil appears dry.
4. Final Weighing
o Allow the evaporating dish to cool to room temperature.
o Weigh the evaporating dish with the dried soil and record the mass (M3).
5. Calculations
o Calculate the mass of the dried soil (M_dried = M3 - M1).
o Determine the mass of water lost during heating (M_water = M_soil - M_dried).
o Calculate the moisture content using the formula:
Moisture Content(%)=MwaterMsoil×100\text{Moisture Content} (\%) =
\frac{M_{\text{water}}}{M_{\text{soil}}} \times
100Moisture Content(%)=MsoilMwater×100
Evaluation Criteria
a) Preparation:
Correct preparation and handling of the soil sample.
b) Testing:
Accurate execution of the alcohol method procedure.
c) Measurement:
Precise measurement and recording of masses.
d) Interpretation:
Correct calculation and interpretation of moisture content.
e) Safety:
Adherence to safety protocols throughout the practical.
Observation Checklist
Items to be evaluated Marks Marks Comments
available obtained
1. Adhered to prescribed safety procedures 5
2. Properly prepared and mixed the soil sample 5
with alcohol
3. Accurately measured and recorded masses 5
before and after drying
4. Correctly calculated and interpreted the 5
moisture content
5. Ensured complete evaporation of alcohol 5
without overheating
Sub total 25
Product Checklist
Items to be evaluated Marks Marks Comments
available obtained
1. Use of personal protective equipment 5
(PPE)
2. Accurate use of balance and other 5
apparatus
3. Correct preparation and drying of soil 5
sample
4. Precise calculation of moisture content 5
5. Overall accuracy and consistency in 5
testing
Sub total 25
Grand Total 50
Assessment Outcomes
The candidate was found to be: (Please tick (√) as appropriate)
Competent
Not yet competent
(The candidate is competent if the candidate scores 50% and above)
Feedback from candidate:
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Feedback to candidate:
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Candidate’s signature:
Date: ………………….
Assessor’s signature:
Date: …………………..