VIRTUAL LAB
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LIST OF EXPERIMENTS :
1. Grain Size Distribution by Hydrometer Analysis
2. Determination of Coefficient of Consolidation
3. Laboratory Vane shear Test on Cohesive soils
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DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT OF CONSOLIDATION
(IS: 2720 – Part - 15 – 1986 – Reaffirmed 2002)
Aim:
To determine the consolidation properties of disturbed and
undisturbed soil by conducting one dimensional consolidation test using
either fixed ring or floating ring type consolidometer.
Apparatus:
1. Fixed ring type consolidometer
a) Specimen ring with highly polished interior surface, and top
edge beveled
b) Porous stones 2 no’s
c) Guide ring
d) Outer ring
e) Water jacket with base
f) Pressure pad
g) Steel ball
h) Rubber gasket
i) Bolts
2. Floating ring type consolidometer
a) Specimen ring
b) Porous stones 2 no’s
c) Guide rings 2 no’s
d) Pressure pad
e) Steel ball
f) Water trough
3. Suitable loading device for applying vertical loading to the soil
specimen
4. Dial gauge accurate to 0.002 mm
5. Balance sensitive to 0.01 gms
6. Thermostatically controlled oven
7. Containers for determining water content
8. Mixing basin
9. Spatula
10. Glass plate
11. Filter paper (Whatman no. 1 or equivalent)
12. Stop watch
13. Water reservoir
Procedure:
1. Preparation of the soil sample:
Preparation of specimen from undisturbed soil samples: The undisturbed
sample from the field may be circular (at least 10 cm in diameter) or a block
sample. Clean the specimen ring and weigh it empty. Cut off about 3 to 5 cm of
soil specimen from one end of the field sample. Gradually insert the specimen ring
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into the sample, by pressing with hands
and carefully removing the material around the ring. The soil specimen so
obtained should project about one centimeter from either side of the ring. Trim
the sample smooth and flush with the top and bottom of the ring by using glass
plates. Clean the ring from outside and weigh. Keep three specimens from the
soil trimmings, for water content determination.
Preparation of specimen from representative soil samples: If the consolidation
properties are to be determined from a disturbed soil sample, soil is compacted at
the desired water content and density in a separate large mould, and then the
specimen is cut as explained in above.
2. Preparation of mould assembly and sample saturation:
a) Saturate the porous stone either by boiling in distilled water for about
15 minutes or by keeping them submerged in distilled water for 4
to 8 hours. Wipe away excess water. Moisten all surfaces of the
consolidometer which are to be enclosed.
b) Assemble the consolidometer, with the soil specimen (in the ring)
and porous stone at top and bottom of the specimen, providing a filter
paper between the soil specimen and the porous stone. Position the
pressure pad centrally on the top porous stone.
c) Mount the mould assembly on the loading frame, and center it such
that the load applied is axial.
d) Position the dial gauge to measure the vertical compression of the
specimen. The dial gauge holder should be so set that the dial gauge
is near the beginning of its release run, allowing sufficient margin for
the swelling of the soil, if any.
e) Connect the mould assembly to the water reservoir, and the sample
is allowed to saturate. The level of water in the reservoir should be
about the same level as the soil specimen.
f) Apply an initial seating load to the assembly. The magnitude of this
load should be chosen by trail such that there is no swelling. It
should not less than 5 kN/m2 for ordinary soils (or 2.5 kN/m2 for
every soft soil). The load should be allowed to stand until there is no
change in dial gauge reading for two consecutive hours, or for
maximum of 24 hours.
3. Test Procedure:
1. Note the final dial reading under the initial seating load. Apply first load
of intensity 10 kN/m2, and start the stop watch simultaneously with
loading. Record the dial gauge readings at various time intervals. The dial
gauge readings are taken until 90% consolidation is reached. Primary
consolidation is generally reached within 24 hours.
2. At the end of the period, specified above, take the dial reading and time
reading. Double the load intensity and take dial readings at various time
intervals. Repeat this procedure for successive load increments. The usual
loading intensities are as follows: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800
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kN/m2.
3. After the last loading is completed, reduce the load to ½ of the value of the
last load and allow it to stand for 24 hours. Reduce the load further in
steps of 1/4th the previous intensity till an intensity of 10 kN/m2 is reached.
Take the final reading of the dial gauge.
4. Quickly dismantle the specimen assembly and remove the excess surface
water on the soil specimen by blotting. Weigh the ring with consolidation
specimen. Dry the soil specimen in oven and determine its dry weight.
Result:
Height of solids (Hs) = (Md) / (G.A.ρd) =
Voids ratio (e) = (H – Hs) / Hs =
Coefficient of consolidation (cv)= (0.197d2) / t50 =
cv = (0.848d2) / t90 =
Compression index (Cc) =
Coefficient of compressibility (av) = (0.435 Cc) / σ´ =
Coefficient of permeability (k) = ([Link].γw) / (1 + e) =
Observations and Calculations:
Empty weight of ring in ‘gms’ =
Diameter of ring in ‘cm’ =
Height of ring in ‘cm’ =
Area of ring in ‘cm ’
2 =
Volume of ring in ‘cm3’ =
Specific gravity of soil sample =
Pressure
Intensity in 10 20 50 100 200 400 800
kN/m2
Elapsed
Time in t1/2 Dial Gauge Readings
‘min’
0 0
0.25 0.5
1.00 1
2.25 1.5
4.00 2
6.25 2.5
9.00 3
12.25 3.5
16.00 4
20.25 4.5
25 6
5
36 6
49 7
64 8
81 9
100 10
121 11
144 12
169 13
196 14
225 15
256 16
289 17
324 18
361 19
400 20
500 22.4
600 24.5
1440 38
Water Content:
Description Before test After test
Mass of ring + wet soil in ‘gms’
Mass of ring + dry soil in ‘gms’
Mass of ring in ‘gms’
Mass of dry soil in ‘gms’
Mass of water in ‘gms’
Water Content (w)
Degree of Saturation (S = wG/e)
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VANE SHEAR TEST
(IS: 2720 – Part - 30 – 1980/2007)
Aim:
To find the shear strength of a given soil sample.
Apparatus:
1. Vane shear apparatus
2. Specimen
3. Specimen container
4. Calipers
Need and Scope:
The structural strength of is basically a problem of shear strength. Vane
shear test is a useful method of measuring the shear strength of clay. It is a
cheaper and quicker method. The test can also be conducted in the laboratory.
The laboratory vane shear test for the measurement of shear strength of
cohesive soils is useful for soils of low shear strength (less than 0.3 kg/cm2)
for which triaxial or unconfined tests cannot be performed. The test gives the
undrained strength of the soil. The undisturbed and remoulded strength
obtained are useful for evaluating the sensitivity of soil.
Procedure:
1. Prepare two or three specimens of the soil sample of dimensions of at least
37.5 mm diameter and 75 mm length in specimen containers. (L
/ D ratio of 2 or 3).
2. Mount the specimen container with the specimen on the base of the
vane shear apparatus. If the specimen container is closed at one end, it
should be provided with a hole of about 1 mm diameter at the bottom.
3. Gently lower the shear vanes into the specimen to their full length
without disturbing the soil specimen. The top of the vanes should be at
least 10 mm below the top of the specimen. Note the readings of the
angle of twist.
4. Rotate the vane at a uniform rate say 0.1° / sec by suitable operating
the torque application handle until the specimen fails.
5. Note the final reading of the angle of twist.
6. Find the value of blade height in cm.
7. Find the value of blade width in cm.
8. Note down the spring constant.
9. Calculate the shear strength by using the formula.
T
S=
D2. H D3
π. ( 2 + 6 )
Where,
S = shear strength of soil in kg/cm2
T = torque in cm-kg
D = overall diameter of vane in cm H =
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height of vane in cm
T= spring constant x diff. in degrees
1800
Observations:
Soil description:
S. Initial Final Difference T in Spring Shear Avg.
No Reading Reading in kg- constant Strength Shear
in in degrees cm S in Strength
degrees degrees kg/cm2 in kg/cm2
Result:
Average shear strength of the soil = kg/cm2
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GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS BY HYDROMETER
ANALYSIS
(IS: 2720 – Part - 4 – 1985 – Reaffirmed 2006)
Aim:
To determine the percentages of various soil grains (finer than 75
micron) by hydrometer analysis.
Theory:
The hydrometer analysis is based on Stock’s law which defines the
rate of free fall of a sphere through a liquid which is given as:
2γs − γl 2
v= .r
9η
Where
V = velocity of sphere (also known as terminal velocity) in cm/sec
γs= density (unit mass of sphere) in g/cc
γl = density of liquid in g/cc
r = radius of sphere in cm
η = viscosity of liquid in gms/sec.cm2
If the above equation is used for hydrometer analysis, γs is taken equal
to average specific gravity of soil grain assuming unit mass of water equal to
one and if viscosity is taken in [Link]/cm2, it becomes:
Gs − 1 2
v= .D
1800η
Where
Gs = average specific gravity of grains (solids)
D = equivalent diameter of grains in mm
Hence
1800η
D=√ .v
Gs − 1
If particles of diameter D travel through a distance h (cm) in time t minutes:
30ηh
D=√
(Gs − 1)t
h is determined by the equation
VH
h = h1 + (ho − )
2Aj
Where,
h1 = distance from the lowest graduation to the graduation mark (R) of the
stem at the top surface of soil water mixture.
ho = distance from the lowest graduation to the center of volume of the bulb.
VH = volume of the hydrometer
Aj = cross-sectional area of jar
A calibration table is prepared between h and the hydrometer reading on the
stem.
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At this time ‘t’ all particles greater than diameter ‘D’ would have settled
below the depth h. but the concentration of the particles of size smaller than
‘D’ remains the same at this depth. This concentration is measured by
hydrometer in terms of specific gravity of the suspension. If Wd is the mass of
soil particles finer than ‘D’ per unit volume of suspension at time ‘t’, it can be
calculated by the equation:
W = Rc2 ( Gs )
d 1000 Gs − 1
Where,
Rc2 = correct hydrometer reading = Rh + Cm ± Ct – Cd = Rh ± C
Rh = hydrometer reading
Cm = correction due to meniscus
Ct = correction due to temperature
Cd = correction due to dispersing agent
C = composite correction
If WD is the total mass of soil taken in the original 1000 cc of
suspension, the percentage finer than ‘D’ is obtained from equation:
Rc2 Gs
percentage finer, N = ( ) . 100
WD G s − 1
Applications:
In a given soil the percentage of different soil particles upto 75 micron
is determined by sieve analysis, but the percentage of various soil particles finer
than 75 microns is determined by hydrometer analysis. Hence the hydrometer is
useful in knowing the percentage of silt and clay. Activity of clays may also be
estimated if clay fraction is known.
plasticity index
Activity =
clay fraction
Activity helps in classifying the soils as follows:
Activity Classification
< 0.75 Inactive
0.75 – 1.25 Normal
> 1.25 Active
Apparatus:
1. Hydrometer (calibrated at 27ºC, range 0.995 to 1.030 g/cc)
2. Cylinders or jars (two, volume 1000 cc, graduated, diameter about 7 cm,
height 30 cm)
3. Dispersing agent solution (containing 33 gms of sodium hexa meta
phosphate and 7 gms of sodium carbonate in distilled water to make
one liter of solution)
4. Mechanical stirrer 9high speed > 5000rpm)
5. Balance (accuracy 0.01 gms)
6. Thermometer (accuracy 0.5ºC)
7. Stop watch
8. Sieve 75 microns
9. Centimeter scale
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10. Distilled water
11. Soil weighing dish
Procedure:
1. Take 50 gms of pretreated dry soil passing from 75-micron sieve.
2. Place the soil in an evaporating dish and cover it up with 100 cc of
dispersing solution and warm gently for about 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the sample to the cup of mechanical stirrer using distilled
water until the cup is three fourth full and operate the mixer for about
four minutes.
4. Meanwhile keep the clean hydrometer in a 1000 cc jar filled with distilled
water and 100 cc dispersing agent solutions.
5. After stirring, wash the specimen into a 1000 cc jar and enough water
to bring the level to 1000 cc.
6. Mix thoroughly the suspension in the jar by placing the palm of the hand
in the open end and turning the jar upside down and back.
7. Place the jar on the table and insert the hydrometer, Start the stop
watch simultaneously.
8. Read the top of the meniscus at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 minutes.
9. After 4 minutes reading, remove the hydrometer, clean the outside and
float it in the second jar containing distilled water and dispersing agent.
10. Record the temperature of the suspension.
11. Take further readings at 8, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24
hours after the start of the test. For each of these readings, insert the
hydrometer just before the reading.
12. For determining the corrections, read the top and bottom of the meniscus
formed on the stem of the hydrometer when it is floating in the second
jar containing the distilled water and dispersing agent only.
Calibration of hydrometer:
1. Measure the cross-sectional area of the jar for which measure the
distance between two graduations on the jar by the scale and record the
volume between the two.
2. For determining the volume of the hydrometer, take 1000 cc graduated
jar and fill about 700 cc of distilled water in it, record the exact reading.
Insert the hydrometer and read the graduation jar. Difference of readings
before and after insertion gives the volume of hydrometer.
3. Measure the center of the volume of the hydrometer from the lowest
graduation mark on the stem.
4. Measure the distances from the lowest graduation mark to the other marks
on the stem of the hydrometer.
Observations and Calculations:
1. Percentage of 75 micron passing (from sieve analysis) =
2. Mass of dry soil taken (75μ passing) WD in gms =
3. Specific gravity of soil grains Gs =
4. Top meniscus reading on hydrometer stem =
5. Bottom meniscus reading on hydrometer stem =
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6. Meniscus correction, Cm = + [5 – 4] =
7. Volume of hydrometer VH in cm3 =
8. Volume between any two graduations on jar in cm 3 =
9. Length between above two graduations on jar in cm =
10. Cross-sectional area of jar Aj = 8/9 in cm2 =
11. Distance between lowest graduation and neck in cm =
12. Distance between neck and center of volume of bulb in cm =
13. Distance between lowest graduation and center of the bulb ho (11 +
12) in cm =
VH
14. Constant K = (ho − ) =
2Aj
Distance Distance
from from
Effective Effective
Hydrometer lowest Hydrometer lowest
depth h depth h
reading graduation reading graduation
in cm in cm
to Rh h1 in to Rh h1 in
cm cm
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