8/27/2014

CE 383
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING I
LAB #2 - RELATIVE DENSITY

ASTM Standards
2

ASTM D4253
Standard test methods for maximum index density
and unit weight of soils using a vibratory table
ASTM D4254
Standard test methods for minimum index density and
unit weight of soils and calculation of relative density

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Relative Density
3

It is a measure of how loose or dense a soil is in its natural

state
Void ratio can be defined as the ratio of volume of voids to
volume of solids in the soil

Vv
e
Vs

Voids (Air,
liquids)

Vv

Soil particles
(Solids)

Vs

Relative Density
4

Relative density DR is obtained from the maximum, minimum

and field void ratios

emax

Gs

d ,min

emin

Gs

d ,max

Vv V Vs V
V
VGs w
G

1 s 1
1 s w 1
Vs
Vs
Vs
Ws
Ws
d

DR (%)

emax e
emax emin

100

Gs 2.65 (Ottawa sand)

w

9.81kN / m3

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Relative Density
5

DR ranges from 0 to 100%

DR=0 % (corresponds to emax)
the

soil is in its loosest state while still retaining a fabric

that is not collapsible (unstable)

DR=100% (corresponds to emin)

the

soil is in its most densely packed state subject to the

constraint that this state has been reached without
significant particle crushing

Apparatus for DR Determination

6

Fig 1: Mold for maximum and minimum density determination

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Apparatus for Minimum Density

Determination

Drying oven

Standard mold with collar

Balance

Pouring devices (Funnel and Tube)

Mixing pan

Metal scoop

Dusting brush

Metal straight edge

Caliper

Procedure for Minimum Density

Determination
Measure the mass and dimensions of the mold
Oven dry the soil sample and mix it to get an
even distribution of particle sizes
Fill up the mold using two different methods:

Funnel

Method
Tube Method

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Procedure for Minimum Density

Determination

Funnel method
Pour

soil through the funnel into the mold

Keep the funnel in upright position and maintain
about inch of free fall height
Move the funnel in a spiral path

10

Procedure for Minimum Density

Determination

Tube method
Place

the tube vertically inside the mold

Put soil into the tube using a scoop and fill it within 3-6mm
of the top of the tube
Raise the tube quickly allowing the soil to overfill the mold
Make sure that there is at least 1 inch of soil above the
top of the mold
Remove the collar

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11

Procedure for Minimum Density

Determination

Tube method
Trim

off the excess soil by leveling with a straight edge

the top of the mold
Be very careful not to jar the mold during filling and
trimming operations
Measure the mass of the mold with soil

Purdue University Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight

Descrition

Unit

Specific gravity

na

Symbol

Value

Date

Gs

Field dry unit weight

kN/m

d,field

Field void ratio

na

Tested by

Group

Sample
Calculation for
Minimum Dry
Unit Weight

Mold dimensions
Unit

Symbol

Height

Internal diameter

Volume

Description

Unit

Symbol

Mass of mold without collar

kg

Mm

Mass of mold with dry soil

kg

Mms

Mass of dry soil

kg

Ms

Weight of dry soil

kN

Ws

Average

Trial-3

Trial-1

Tube method

Volume of mold

12

Trial-1

Trial-2

Funnel method
Trial-2

Trial-3

Vm

Minimum dry unit weight

kN/m

d min

Average minimum dry unit

weight

kN/m3

d min,avg

Maximum void ratio

na

emax

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13

Equipment for Maximum Density

Determination
Mold with collar
Surcharge weight
Vibratory table
Timing device
Rubber hammer

14

Vibratory Table for Maximum Density

Determination

Fig 2: Vibratory table

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15

Procedure for Maximum Density

Determination

16

Mix the oven-dried soil to obtain an even distribution

of particle sizes
Fill up the mold with collar with soil using a scoop
Strike the side of the mold with a rubber hammer a
few times to settle the soil

Procedure for Maximum Density

Determination

Make sure that the soil is at least 1 inch above the

top of the mold
Place the surcharge weight on the surface of soil
Vibrate the mold assembly for 8 min at 60 Hz
Remove the surcharge weight

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17

Procedure for Maximum Density

Determination

18

Detach the mold from the vibratory table

Remove the collar and trim off the excess soil by
leveling with a straight edge the top of the mold
Measure the mass of the mold with soil

Sample Calculation for Maximum Dry

Unit Weight
Purdue University Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory
Determination of maximum dry unit weight
Description

Unit

Symbol

Mass of mold without collar

kg

Mm

Mass of mold with dry soil

kg

Mms

Mass of dry soil

kg

Ms

Weight of dry soil

kN

Ws

Volume of soil

m3

Vm

Max. dry unit weight

kN/m3

d max

Average max. dry unit weight

kN/m3

d max , avg

Specific gravity

na

Minimum void ratio

na

Gs
emin

Relative density (%)

DR

Trial - 1

Vibratory table
Trial - 2 Trial - 3

Trial - 4