Manual of Geotechnical Laboratory Soil Testing

✍ Scribed by Bashir Ahmed Mir

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2021
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 415
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Manual of Geotechnical Laboratory Soil Testing covers physical, index, and engineering properties of soils, including compaction characteristics (optimum moisture content), permeability (coefficient of hydraulic conductivity), compressibility characteristics, and shear strength (cohesion intercept and angle of internal friction). Further, this manual covers data collection, analysis, computations, additional considerations, sources of error, precautionary measures, and the presentation results along with well-defined illustrations for each of the listed tests. Each test is based on relevant standards with pertinent references, broadly aimed at geotechnical design applications.

FEATURES

• Provides fundamental coverage of elementary-level laboratory characterization of soils
• Describes objectives, basic concepts, general understanding, and appreciation of the geotechnical principles for determination of physical, index, and engineering properties of soil materials
• Presents the step-by-step procedures for various tests based on relevant standards
• Interprets soil analytical data and illustrates empirical relationship between various soil properties
• Includes observation data sheet and analysis, results and discussions, and applications of test results

This manual is aimed at undergraduates, senior undergraduates, and researchers in geotechnical and civil engineering.

Prof. (Dr.) Bashir Ahmed Mir is among the senior faculty of the Civil Engineering Department of the National Institute of Technology Srinagar and has more than two decades of teaching experience. Prof. Mir has published more than 100 research papers in international journals and conferences; chaired technical sessions in international conferences in India and throughout the world; and provided consultancy services to more than 150 projects of national importance to various government and private agencies.

✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Systems of Units: Units Conversion Factors/Tables
Glossary of Symbols
Preface
Acknowledgments
Overview and Main Goals of Manual Contents
Declaration
Guidelines for Conducting Soil Tests
Notes for Students
About the Author
1. Natural Water Content of a Soil Sample
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Introduction
1.2.1 Free Water Content or Moisture Content or Water Content
1.2.2 Adsorbed Water Content
1.2.3 Soil Water
1.2.4 Gravitational Water
1.2.5 Capillary Water
1.2.6 Hygroscopic Water
1.2.7 Interlayer Water
1.2.8 Saline Water
1.2.9 Typical Values of Natural Water Content of Soils
1.3 Determination of Moisture Content by Oven-Drying Method (on Gravimetric basis)
1.3.1 Definitions and Theory
1.3.2 Method of Testing
1.3.3 Soil Testing Material
1.3.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
1.3.5 Testing Program
1.3.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
1.3.7 Results and Discussions
1.4 Determination of Moisture Content by Pycnometer Method
1.4.1 Definitions and Theory
1.4.2 Method of Testing
1.4.3 Soil Testing Material
1.4.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
1.4.5 Testing Program
1.4.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
1.4.7 Results and Discussions
1.5 General Comments
1.6 Applications/Role of Natural Water Content in Soil Engineering
1.7 Sources of Error
1.8 Precautions
References
2. Field/In-Place Dry Density of a Soil Sample
2.1 Objectives
2.2 Introduction
2.3 Field/In-Place Dry Density of a Soil Sample by Core Cutter Method
2.3.1 Definitions and Theory
2.3.2 Method of Testing
2.3.3 Soil Testing Material
2.3.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
2.3.5 Testing Program
2.3.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
2.3.7 Results and Discussions
2.4 Field/In-situ Dry Density of Soil by Sand Replacement Method
2.4.1 Definitions and Theory
2.4.2 Method of Testing
2.4.3 Soil Testing Material (Sand)
2.4.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
2.4.5 Test Program, Data Sheet, and Analysis for the Sand Displacement Method
2.4.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
2.4.7 Results and Discussions
2.5 Field/In-situ Dry Density of a Soil Sample by Water Displacement Method
2.5.1 Definitions and Theory
2.5.2 Method of Testing
2.5.3 Soil Testing Material
2.5.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
2.5.5 Testing Program
2.5.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
2.5.7 Results and Discussions
2.6 General Comments
2.7 Applications/Role of Dry Density in Soil Engineering
2.8 Sources of Error
2.9 Precautions
References
3. Specific Gravity of Soil Solids
3.1 Objectives
3.2 Introduction
3.3 Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Density Bottle Method
3.3.1 Definitions and Theory
3.3.2 Method of Testing
3.3.3 Soil Testing Material
3.3.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
3.3.5 Testing Program
3.3.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
3.3.7 Results and Discussions: Based on Test Results, Specific Gravity of Solids at 24°C = 2.72
3.4 Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Pycnometer Method
3.4.1 Definitions and Theory
3.4.2 Method of Testing
3.4.3 Soil Testing Material
3.4.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
3.4.5 Testing Program
3.4.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
3.4.7 Results and Discussions
3.5 General Comments
3.6 Applications of Specific Gravity
3.7 Sources of Error
3.8 Precautions
References
4. Particle or Grain Size Distribution of Soils by Sieve Analysis
4.1 Objectives
4.2 Introduction
4.3 Definitions and Theory
4.4 Method of Testing
4.5 Soil Testing Material
4.6 Testing Equipment and Materials
4.7 Testing Program
4.8 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
4.9 Results and Discussions
4.10 General Comments
4.11 Applications/Role of Sieve Analysis in Soil Engineering
4.12 Sources of Error
4.13 Precautions
4.14 Limitations of Sieve Analysis
References
5. Particle Size Distribution Analysis by the Hydrometer Method
5.1 Objectives
5.2 Introduction
5.3 Definitions and Theory
5.4 Method of Testing
5.5 Soil Testing Material
5.6 Testing Equipments and Accessories
5.7 Testing Program
5.7.1 Calibration of Hydrometer and Sedimentation Jar
5.7.2 Effective Height (He) and Immersion Correction
5.7.3 Hydrometer Calibration Curves
5.7.4 Hydrometer Reading Corrections
5.7.4.1 Meniscus Correction (Cm)
5.7.4.2 Dispersing Agent Correction (Cd)
5.7.4.3 Temperature Correction (Ct)
5.7.4.4 Composite Correction (C)
5.7.5 Pre-Treatment of Soil
5.7.6 Preparation of Suspension with Dispersing Agent
5.7.7 Sedimentation Test
5.7.8 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
5.7.9 Results and Discussions
5.8 General Comments
5.9 Applications of Hydrometer Analysis
5.10 Sources of Error
5.11 Precautions
References
6. Atterberg Limits of a Fine-Grained Soil Sample
6.1 Objectives
6.2 Introduction
6.3 Definitions and Theory
6.3.1 Atterberg Limits
6.3.2 Soil Consistency
6.4 Method of Testing
6.5 Determination of Liquid Limit of a Remolded Fine-Grained Soil Sample by Casagrande's Method (IS: 2720-Part 5; ASTM D4318; BS 1377: Part 2)
6.5.1 Soil Testing Material
6.5.2 Testing Equipment and Accessories
6.5.3 Testing Program
6.5.4 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
6.5.5 Results and Discussions
6.5.6 Precautions
6.5.7 General Comments
6.5.8 Sources of Error
6.5.9 Limitations of Casagrande Method for Determination of Liquid Limit
6.6 Determination of Plastic limit of a Remolded Fine Grained Soil Sample (IS: 2720-Part 5; ASTM D4318; BS 1377: Part 2)
6.6.1 Objectives
6.6.2 Definitions and Theory
6.6.3 Soil Testing Material
6.6.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
6.6.5 Testing Program
6.6.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
6.6.7 Results and Discussions
6.6.8 General Comments
6.6.9 Sources of Error
6.6.10 Precautions
6.7 Determination of Shrinkage Limit of a Remolded Fine Grained Soil Sample References: IS: 2720 (Part 6); IS: 10077; ASTM D 427; BS 1377: Part 2 (1990)
6.7.1 Objectives
6.7.2 Definitions and Theory
6.7.3 Soil Testing Material
6.7.4 Testing Equipment and Allied Accessories
6.7.5 Testing Program
6.7.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
6.7.7 Results and Discussions
6.7.8 General Comments
6.7.9 Precautions
6.7.10 Determination of Shrinkage Limit from Known Value of Specific Gravity of a Soil Sample
6.7.11 Determination of Specific Gravity of a Soil Sample from Known Value of Shrinkage Limit
6.7.12 Applications/Role of Shrinkage Limit in Soil Engineering
6.8 To Determine Liquid Limit of a Remolded Soil Sample by Cone Penetrometer Method References: IS: 11196-1985; ASTM D 427; BS 1377: Part 2 (1990)
6.8.1 Objectives
6.8.2 Introduction
6.8.3 Soil Testing Material
6.8.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories (IS: 11196 - 1985)
6.8.5 Testing Program
6.8.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
6.8.7 Results and Discussions
6.8.8 Advantages of Cone Penetrometer Method
6.8.9 Precautions
Test 6.9. To Determine Liquid Limit of a Remolded Soil Sample by ONE POINT Method using Casagrande Apparatus
6.9.1 Objectives
6.9.2 Definitions and Theory
6.9.3 Soil Testing Material
6.9.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
6.9.5 Testing Program
6.9.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis/Results and Discussions
6.9.7 General Comments
6.9.8 Precautions
6.10 Derived Indices from Atterberg limits
6.10.1 Index Properties of Fine Grained Soils
6.10.2 Derived Indices from Atterberg limits
6.11 Significance/Applications of Atterberg Limits and Indices
6.11.1 Identification and Classification of Fine Grained Soils
6.11.2 Classification of Fine Grained Soil Mass Using Index Properties and Allied Indices
6.11.2.1 Identification of Constituents (e.g. silt and clay dominance) and Type of Clay Mineral
6.11.2.2 To Check the In Situ State of Soil
6.11.2.3 To Check the Water-Holding Capacity of Clays as Defined by "Activity"
6.11.3 Use of Consistency Limits and Indices as Indicative of Engineering Properties
6.11.4 Relationship between Consistency Limits and Derived Indices with Compaction Characteristics
6.11.5 Relationship between Consistency Limits and Derived Indices with Compressibility Characteristics
6.11.6 Relationship between Consistency Limits and Derived Indices with Strength Characteristics (undrained shear strength)
6.12 General Comments
References
7. Organic Matter in a Fine Grained Soil Sample
7.1 Objectives
7.2 Introduction
7.3 Definitions and Theory
7.4 Method of Testing
7.5 Soil Testing Material
7.6 Testing Equipment and Accessories
7.7 Testing Program Part A: Direct Method—Determination of Loss on Ignition
7.7.1 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
7.7.2 Results and Discussions
7.8 Testing Program-Part B: Indirect Method
7.9 Results and Discussions
7.10 General Comments
7.11 Precautions
References
8. Relative Density of a Soil Sample
8.1 Objectives
8.2 Introduction
8.3 Definitions and Theory
8.3.1 Maximum Density
8.3.2 Minimum Density
8.4 Method of Testing
8.5 Soil Testing Material
8.6 Testing Equipment and Accessories
8.7 Testing Program
8.8 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
8.9 Results and Discussions
8.10 General Comments
8.11 Applications/Role of Relative Density in Soil Engineering
8.12 Sources of Error
8.13 Precautions
References
9. Compaction Characteristics of a Soil Specimen
9.1 Objectives
9.2 Introduction
9.3 Definitions and Theory
9.3.1 Zero Air Curve and Theoretical Dry Density
9.4 Method of Testing
9.5 Soil Testing Material
9.6 Testing Equipment and Accessories
9.7 Testing Program
9.8 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
9.9 Results and Discussions
9.10 General Comments
9.10.1 Why (OMC) Against (MDD)?
9.10.2 Other Important Comments
9.11 Applications
9.12 Sources of Error
9.13 Precautions
References
10. Coefficient of Permeability or Hydraulic Conductivity of Soils
10.1 Objectives
10.2 Definitions and Theory
10.3 Method of Testing
10.4 Soil Testing Material—Preparation of Soil Specimen
10.4.1 Preparation of Undisturbed Soil Specimens
10.4.2 Preparation of Remolded Soil Specimens
10.4.3 Preparation of Reconstituted Soil Specimens
10.5 Testing Equipment and Accessories (for both test methods)
10.6 Testing Program
10.6.1 Coefficient of Permeability of Soil by Constant Head Test Method
10.6.1.1 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
10.6.1.2 Results and Discussions
10.6.2 Coefficient of Permeability of Soils by Falling Head Test Method
10.6.2.1 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
10.6.2.2 Results and Discussions
10.7 General Comments
10.7.1 Additional Comments
10.8 Applications
10.9 Sources of Error
10.10 Precautions
References
11. Consolidation Test of a Soil Sample
11.1 Objective
11.2 Definitions and Theory
11.2.1 Compression of Soils Due to Expulsion of Water: Volume Change Behavior in Soils
11.2.2 Consolidation: Time-Dependent Load-Deformation Process
11.2.3 Consolidation Parameters
11.2.3.1 Compression Index: Cc
11.2.3.2 Re-Compression/Swelling Index: Cr or Cs
11.2.3.3 Initial Void Ratio (eo)
11.2.3.4 Coefficient of Compressibility: av
11.2.3.5 Modulus of Volume Change: mv
11.2.3.6 Preconsolidation Pressure: p′c
11.2.3.7 Coefficient of Consolidation (1-D vertical): Cv or (radial: Ch or Cr)
11.2.3.8 Coefficient of Permeability: k
11.2.3.9 Settlement
11.2.3.10 Field Consolidation Curve
11.3 Method of Testing
11.3.1 Pre-Requisite for One-Dimensional Consolidation Test
11.3.2 Soil Testing Material
11.3.3 Size and Preparation of Soil Specimen
11.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
11.5 Testing Program
11.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
11.6.1 Compressibility Parameters (CC, e, pc) by Height of Solids Method
11.6.2 Determination of Void Ratio, Comp. Index, and Preconsolidation Pressure by Change in Void Ratio Method
11.6.3 Determination of Coeff. of Vertical Consolidation (Cv)
11.6.3.1 Taylor's Root of Time Fitting Method
11.6.3.2 Casagrande's Log Time Fitting Method
11.6.3.3 Rectangular Hyperbola Method (1987)
11.6.4 Determination of Coefficient of Permeability (k)
11.7 General Comments
11.8 Applications/Role of Consolidation Parameters in Soil Engineering
11.8.1 Types of Settlement—Based on Mode of Occurrence, Various Types of Settlements
11.9 Sources of Error
11.10 Precautions
References
12. Unconfined Compression Strength of Soils
12.1 Objectives
12.2 Definitions and Theory
12.2.1 Principle of "UCS" Test
12.3 Method of Testing
12.3.1 Pre-Requisite for Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) Test
12.3.2 Soil Testing Material
12.3.3 Size and Preparation of Soil Specimen
12.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
12.5 Testing Program
12.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
12.6.1 Determination of Water Content and Dry Unit Weight
12.6.2 Determination of Undrained Shear Strength by "UC" Test
12.7 General Comments
12.8 Applications/Role of "UCS" in Soil Engineering
12.9 Sources of Error
12.10 Precautions
References
13. Vane Shear Test for Cohesive Soils
13.1 Objective
13.2 Definitions and Theory
13.3 Method of Testing
13.3.1 Pre-Requisite for VST
13.3.2 Soil Testing Material
13.4 Testing Equipment and Material
13.5 Testing Program
13.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
13.7 General Comments
13.7.1 Other Allied Methods for Determining Undrained Shear Strength
13.8 Applications/Role of "VST" in Soil Engineering
13.9 Sources of Error
13.10 Precautions
References
14. Direct Shear Test (DST) for Soils
14.1 Objectives
14.2 Definitions and Theory
14.2.1 Drained and Undrained Conditions Soil Tests
14.2.2 Shear Strength in Undrained or Drained Condition?
14.2.3 Strain-Controlled Tests
14.2.4 Principle of the Direct Shear Test
14.3 Method of Testing
14.3.1 Pre-Requisite for Direct Shear Test (DST)
14.3.2 Soil Testing Material
14.3.3 Size of Specimen
14.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
€14.5 Testing Program
14.5.1 Sandy Soil or Cohesionless Soil
14.5.2 Cohesive Soil or Clayey Soil
14.6 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis
14.6.1 Determination of Water Content and Dry Unit Weight
14.6.2 Determination Undrained Shear Strength by "DST" Test
14.7 Results and Discussions
14.8 General Comments
14.9 Applications/Role of "DST" in Soil Engineering
14.10 Sources of Error
14.11 Precautions
References
15. Shear Strength of Soils by Triaxial Test
15.1 Objectives
15.2 Definitions and Theory
15.2.1 Why Conduct a Triaxial Test?
15.2.2 Basic Principle of a Triaxial Compression Test?
15.2.3 Drainage Boundary Conditions in Triaxial Compression Tests
15.2.4 Skempton's Pore Pressure Parameters
15.2.4.1 Pore Pressure Parameter: B-factor
15.2.4.2 Pore Pressure Parameter: A-factor
15.2.5 Loading Conditions in Triaxial Tests
15.3 Method of Testing
15.3.1 Pre-Requisite for Triaxial Compression Test
15.3.2 Size of Soil Particles in a Soil Specimen
15.3.3 Preparation of Soil Specimen
15.4 Testing Equipment and Accessories
15.5 Testing Program
15.5.1 Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) or Unconsolidated Quick (QU) Test without Pore Water Pressure Measurement
15.5.1.1 Preparation of Soil Specimen
15.5.1.2 Triaxial Saturation Stage for "UU" Test (application of cell pressure)
15.5.2 Triaxial Shearing Stage for "UU" Test (application of deviator stress)
15.5.2.1 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis for "UU" Triaxial Shear Test
15.5.3 Results and Discussions: UU Test
15.5.4 Applications/Role/Significance of and Use of "UU" Test
15.6 Consolidated Undrained (CU or Qc) Triaxial Test
15.6.1 Triaxial Saturation Stage in "CU" Test
15.6.2 Triaxial Consolidation Stage in "CU" Test
15.6.2.1 Observation Data Sheet and Analysis for "CU" Triaxial Consolidation Test
15.6.3 Shearing Stage for "CU" Test
15.6.3.1 Typical Results of CU Triaxial Tests
15.6.4 Applications/Role/Significance of and Use of "CU" Test
15.7 Consolidated Drained Test (CD or S) Triaxial Test
15.7.1 Triaxial Saturation Stage in "CD" Test
15.7.2 Triaxial Consolidation Stage in "CD" Test
15.7.3 Triaxial Shear Stage in "CD" Test
15.7.3.1 Typical Results of Triaxial "CD" Tests
15.7.4 Applications/Role/Significance of and Use of "CD" Test
15.8 General Comments
15.8.1 Some Comments on the Influence of the Type of Test
15.8.2 Effects of Accelerating Tests
15.9 Statement of Strength Principles
15.10 Sources of Error
15.11 Precautions
References
Index