Section 1 - Preliminary / Index Tests

1.1 Natural Moisture Content (Oven-dry method)

1.1.1 Aim

To determine the natural moisture content of the soil sample using the oven-dry
method (ASTM D2216).

1.1.2 Theory

Moisture content (w) is defined as the mass of water per unit mass of dry soil,
expressed as a percentage. It is determined by drying the sample to a constant mass
and computing the mass loss due to water.
𝑀𝑤
𝑤= 𝑥100
𝑀𝑠

For many soils, the water content may be an extremely important index used for
establishing the relationship between the way a soil behaves and its properties. The
consistency of a fine-grained soil largely depends on its water content. The water
content is also used in expressing the phase relationships of air, water, and solids in
a given volume of soil.

1.1.3 Apparatus

➢ Oven (105–110 °C).

➢ Weighing Balance (±0.01 g).
➢ Moisture Cans.
➢ Desiccator.
➢ Spatula.

1.1.4 Procedure
❖ Moisture cans were cleaned, dried and weighed; the mass of each empty can
was recorded as M3.
❖ Representative portions of the field sample were placed in moisture cans and
the mass of can + wet soil was recorded as M1.
❖ Cans were placed in an oven at 105–110 °C and maintained until constant
mass was achieved (typically 24 hours).
❖ Cans were removed, cooled in a desiccator, and the mass of can + dry soil was
recorded as M2.
❖ Moisture content was calculated for each trial using
w = (M1 − M2) / (M2 − M3) × 100 and the average was reported.

1.1.5 Results and Table of Values

Can No. Mass of Mass of Mass of Mass of Moisture

Can (g) Can + Wet Can + Dry Moisture Content
Soil (g) Soil (g) (g) (%)

10 9.0 173.0 161.0 12 7.89

13 9.0 167.0 155.0 12 8.22

14 9.0 174.0 161.0 13 8.55

Average - - - - 8.22

1.1.6 Sample calculation for Can 13

M1 = 167.0 g; M2 = 155.0 g; M3 = 9.0 g.

𝑀𝑤
𝑤= 𝑥100
𝑀𝑠

Mass of moisture, Mw = M1 − M2 = 167.0 – 155.0 = 12 g.

Mass of dry soil, Ms = M2 − M3 = 155.0 − 9.0 = 146.0 g.

w = (12 / 146) × 100 = 0.08219 × 100 = 8.22 % (note: individual sample percentage
yields the average reported 8.22% for the prepared test portion).

1.1.7 Discussion

The average natural moisture content was recorded as 8.22%. This relatively low
value indicates that the field sample was drier than typical plastic limits for clayey
soils and was in a semi-solid to stiff condition at sampling. The moisture content
affects compaction, shear strength and volumetric response under loading; thus, this
parameter will be used in liquidity index calculations to assess in-situ consistency.

1.1.8 Sources of Experimental Error

➢ Incomplete oven drying (if oven temperature varied or drying time was
insufficient).
➢ Loss of fine particles during sample transfer, and balance accuracy.

To minimize error, samples were dried to constant mass, handled with care, and
weighed with an accurate balance.

1.1.9 Conclusion

The natural moisture content of the tested soil sample was determined to be 8.22%
(average of three trials). This relatively low value indicates that the soil, at the time
of sampling, was in a stiff to semi-solid state, drier than its plastic limit. Such a
condition suggests that the soil possesses higher shear strength and lower
compressibility compared to wetter states, making it more stable under loading.

The result will be useful for subsequent calculations such as liquidity index (LI),
consistency index (CI), and for assessing the in-situ behavior of the soil in
geotechnical applications.
Section 2 - Particle Size Distribution, PSD (Sieve Analysis; BS and ASTM and
Hydrometer Test).

2.1 Determination of the Particle Size Distribution Using BS and ASTM

Standards.

2.1.1 Aim

To determine the particle-size distribution of the soil sample using BS sieves and
ASTM sieves.

2.1.2 Theory

The sieve analysis test is one of the oldest and most widely used methods for
determining the particle size distribution of coarse - and fine-grained soils. It is a
simple mechanical process in which soil particles are separated by passing them
through a stack of sieves with progressively smaller openings. The mass of soil
retained on each sieve is measured and expressed as a percentage of the total mass
of soil. From these values, the cumulative percent retained and percent passing are
calculated, which are then plotted to obtain the gradation curve.

The gradation curve provides information about the distribution of particle sizes
in the soil, which is crucial for understanding engineering properties such as:

• Shear strength (well-graded soils interlock better and develop higher

strength).

• Permeability (coarse soils allow water to pass more easily).

• Compressibility and compaction behavior (well-graded soils compact more

efficiently than uniformly graded soils).

The procedure is standardized by both British Standards (BS 1377) and American
Standards (ASTM D422), but the sieve designations differ.

➢ In BS sieves, the opening size is specified directly in millimeters (mm).

➢ In ASTM sieves, the designation is given as a sieve number, which
corresponds to the number of openings per linear inch. For coarse sieves,
openings are sometimes expressed in inches.
Both standards cover approximately the same range of sieve sizes and can be
correlated.

2.1.2.1 Correspondence Between BS and ASTM Sieves

2.1.5 Results and Tables of Values

2.1.5.1 BS Sieves results
Sieve Size Mass % Retained Cumulative % Passing
(mm) Retained (g) % Retained

20.00 0 0.0 0.0 100.0

14.00 0 0.0 0.0 100.0

10.00 1 0.1 0.1 99.9

6.30 35 3.5 3.6 96.4

5.00 43 4.3 7.9 92.1

3.35 96 9.6 17.5 82.5

2.00 142 14.2 31.7 68.3

1.18 74 7.4 39.1 60.9

0.60 50 5.0 44.1 55.9

0.425 16 1.6 45.7 54.3

0.300 16 1.6 47.3 52.7

0.212 18 1.8 49.1 50.9

0.150 10 1.0 50.1 49.9

0.063 6 0.6 50.7 49.3

Pan 0 0.0 50.7 49.3