4 Unified Soil Classification System

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING II (CECE 4131)
Shinas College of Technology

Department of Engineering
Civil Engineering Section
Course Title: Geotechnical Engineering - 2

Course Code: CECE 4131
Level: Baccalaureate
Course Lecturer : Mr. Jayram
Laboratory Technician: Mr Boggarapu Srinivas
Experiment 4
UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Student Name
Student ID No.
Section No.
Group No.
Date of
Performance
Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 1

TEST NO. 4 (UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM)

Particle Size Analysis of Soil
4.1 Objective
This test will enable the student to determine the particle size distribution of soil (also called gradation
curve).
4.2 Need and Scope

The particle size distribution of soil (also called gradation curve) is primarily used for classification
purposes.
There are two methods in determining the size distribution of soil namely: sieve method (for particle
sizes larger than 0.063mm, and hydrometer method (for size particles less than 0.063mm, which are
considered as silt and clay).
4.3 Standard Reference

BS 1377 Part 2 Section 9.3 Determination of Particle Size Distribution using Dry Sieve Method
4.4 Equipments
4.4.1. BS Test Sieves: 75mm, 63mm, 50mm, 37.5mm, 28mm, 20mm, 14mm, 10mm, 6.3mm, 5mm,
4.35mm, 2mm, 1.18mm, 600m, 425m, 300m, 212m, 150m, 63m, receiver, and lid.
4.4.2 A Scale (electronic balance) readable to 1g.
4.4.3 A Scale (Electronic balance) readable to 0.1g.
4.4.4 Sample dividers (Riffle box)
4.4.5 Drying Oven at a temperature of 105C to 110C
4.4.6 Scoop
4.4.7 Tray
4.4.8 Sieve Brush
4.4.9 Mechanical Sieve Shaker

4.5 Test Specimen
Prepare the sample by riffling or quartering and shall be then oven dried at 105C to 110C to give a
minimum mass complying in the table 1 below.
Maximum size of material present Minimum mass of sample

Test Sieve (mm) kg
63 50
50 35
37.5 15
28 6
20 2
14 1
10 0.5
6.3 0.2
5 0.2
3.35 0.15
2 or smaller 0.1
Table 1: Mass of Soil Sample for Sieving

4.6 Procedure
4.6.1 Weigh the oven-dried test sample to 0.1g (m1).
4.6.2 Place the sample on a 20mm test sieve and brush any particles too coarse to pass through the test
sieve with a wire brush or similar stiff brush until the each particle are clean of any finer material.
4.6.3 Sieve the sample retained on the 20mm test sieve on the larger test sieves and weighs the amount
retained on each test sieve. If any test sieves becomes overloaded sieve the material on the test sieve in
parts.
4.6.4 Weigh the portion of the material passing 20mm test sieve to 0.1g (m2).
4.6.5 Riffle that portion until a mass of about 2kg is obtained. Weigh the fraction to 0.1g (m3).
4.6.6 Spread the riffled fraction in a large tray, or place it in a bucket, and cover with water. If the soil
is cohesive add sodium hexametaphosphate to the water first at a concentration of 2g/L.
4.6.7 Stir the mixture well to stand for at least 1 hour in this solution.
4.6.8 Wash the material a little at a time, through a 2mm test sieve and 63m test sieve at the bottom,
is virtually clear.

4.6.9 Transfer all the materials retained into a tray or evaporating dish and dry in an oven for 105C to
110C.
4.6.10 Weigh the dried fraction when cool to 0.1g (m4).
4.6.11 Sieve the dried fractions through the appropriate sieves down to the 6.3mm. Weigh the amount
retained on each sieve to 0.1g.
4.6.12 Weigh the sample passing 6.3mm to 0.1g (m5).
4.6.13 Riffle that fraction so that 100g to 150g shall be obtained (m6).
4.6.14 Sieve the fraction on the appropriate sieves down to and including 63m test sieve. Weigh the
amount retained on each sieve, and any fines passing 63m test sieve, mE to 0.1g.
4.7 Calculation
4.7.1 For samples containing particles larger than 20mm in size, calculate the sum of the masses
retained on each sieve together with the mass m2 passing the 20mm sieve.
4.7.2 Calculate the mass of material retained on each of the coarser sieves as a percentage of m1.
Example: % retained on 28mm sieve = (mass retained on 28mm / m1) x 100
4.7.3 Calculate the sum of masses retained on each sieve together with the mass m5 passing the 6.3mm
sieve.
4.7.4 Calculate the corrected mass of material retained on each of the sieves between 20mm and
6.3mm by multiplying by m2/ m3. Then calculate this mass as a percentage of m1.
Example: % retained on 10mm sieve = (mass retained on 10mm) (m2/ m3) (100/ m1)
4.7.5 Calculate the sum of the masses retained on each sieve together with the mass passing the mE
63m sieve.
4.7.6 Calculate the corrected mass of material retained on each of the sieves finer than the 6.3mm
sieve by multiplying by (m5/ m6) (m2/ m3) and then calculate this mass as a percentage of m1.
Example: % retained on 300m sieve = (mass retained on 300m) (m5/ m6) (m2/ m3) (100/ m1)
4.7.7 Calculate the cumulative percentages by mass of the sample passing each of the sieves from the
formula given below:
(% passing this sieve) = (% passing previous sieve) (% retained on this sieve)

4.7.8 Calculate the fraction passing the 63m test sieve by:
The mass of fines lost by washing = m3 - m4
The mass of fines mE, is increased in the ratio m5/ m6, and the % finer than 63m is calculated as
follows:
mE x m5
(m3- m4) +
m6 m2
The % finer than 63m = 100
m1
m3
4.7.9 Plot the result on a semi-logarithmic chart shown on page 13 Worksheet No.2. Percentage by
mass passing each sieve should be reported to the nearest 1%.

WORKSHEET FOR PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOIL (using SIEVING METHOD)

Soil Description Brownish Sand Sample No. 1
Initial dry
Date 2500 g
mass (m1)
Percentage Cumulative Cumulative
BS Test Sieve Mass retained, g retained Percentage percentage
retained (CPR) passing, %
actual Corrected, m (m/ m1) x 100 100- CPR
75mm 0 0 0 0 100
63mm 0 0 0 0 100
50mm 0 0 0 0 100
37.5mm 0 0 0 0 100
28mm 0 0 0 0 100
20mm 0.6
15 15 .06 99.4
Passing 20mm (m2) 2478

Total (check with m1) 2493
Riffled (m3) 1300
Riffled and washed (m4) 1300
Correction factor (m2/m3) 1.906
14mm 18 34.308 1.38 1.98 98.02
10mm 19 36.214 1.46 3.44 96.56
6.3mm 24 45.744 1.84 5.28 94.72
Passing 6.3mm (m5) 1238
Total (check with m4) 1299
Riffled (m6) 159
Correction factor (m2/m3) 1.906 X 7.756
(m5/ m6) = 14.84
5mm 1 14.84 0.59 5.87 94.13
3.35mm 1 14.84 0.59 6.46 93.54
2mm 2 29.68 1.19 7.65 92.35
1.18mm 2 29.68 1.19 8.84 91.16
600m 3 44.52 1.79 10.63 89.37
425m 4 59.36 2.39 13.02 86.98
300m 11 163.24 6.59 19.61 80.39
212m 31 460.04 18.57 38.18 61.82
150m 50 742.00 29.96 68.14 31.86
63m 44 652.96 26.37 94.51 5.44
Passing 63m (mE) 7 103.88 4.19 98.7 1.30
Total (check with m6) 156 (m1)2476.04
Worksheet No. 1: Particle Size Analysis of Soil using Sieving Method
PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION CHART

Worksheet No. 2: Particle Size Distribution Chart
Calculations :
The uniformity of a soil expressed qualitatively by a term known as uniformity coefficient, Cu,
is given by
Cu = D60 / D10
Where D60 = Particle size such that 60% of the soil is finer than this size,

Where D10 = Particle size such that 10% of the soil is finer than this size.
The general shape of the particle size distribution curve is described by another coefficient
known as coefficient of curvature (Cc) or the coefficient of graduation (Cg).
Cc = (D30)2 / D60 * D10
Where D30 is the particle size corresponding to 30% finer.
1. Find the Cc and Cu for the particle size analysis curve page no 7.
Uses of particle size distribution curve
1. Particle size distribution curve is used in the classification of coarse grained soils.
2. The coefficient of permeability of a coarse grained soil depends to a larger extent on the
size of the particles.
3. The particle size distribution curve is required for the design of drainage filters.
4. The particle size distribution curve provides an index to the shear strength of the soil.

(Generally, a well-graded, compacted sand has high strength).
5. The compressibility of a soil can also be judged from its particle size distribution curve.
A uniform soil is more compressible than a well-graded soil.
6. The particle size distribution curve is useful in soil stabilisation and for the design of
pavements.
7. The particle size distribution curve may indicate the mode of deposition of soil.
CONCLUSION :

QUESTIONS :
1. What do you understand about index properties? What is their importance.
2. How do you determine the percentage finer than different sieve sizes in the laboratory?

3. Differentiate between the dry sieve analysis and the wet sieve analysis. Why the wet sieve
analysis required?
4. What is particle distribution curve ? what its use in soil engineering?
5. What is the meaning of Cu and Cc ? Explain them clearly.
CALCULATIONS :
CU

CC





Determination of Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity of Soil by
Casagrande Method.
4.8 Objective
The student will be able to determine the Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity of Soil
which are used extensively to correlate with engineering behavior.
4.9 Need and Scope

This test defined four possible states of consistency of soils: Liquid, Plastic, Semi-solid, and
Solid. The liquid limit divides the plastic and liquid states and is defined as the moisture content
at which the soil flows. At this moisture content the soil has approximate shear strength of
2.5kPa. The plastic limit separates plastic and semi-solid states. At moisture contents below the
plastic limit the soil cannot be molded without cracking.
4.10 Standard Reference

BS 1377 Part 2 Section 4 & 5 Determination of the Liquid Limit, Plastic limit, and Plasticity
Index of Soil
4.11. Required Materials and Equipment

4.11.1 Test sieves of 425m, and 2mm with receiver
4.11.2 Container tins and evaporating dish
4.11.3 Spatula
4.11.4 Glass plate, flat, 10mm thick and 500 mm square
4.11.5 Wash bottle
4.11.6 Stirring Rod
4.11.7 Casagrande apparatus with groover
4.11.8 A scale (electronic balance), readable to 0.01g
4.11.9 Timer
4.11.10 A length of rod 3mm diameter and 100mm long
4.11.11 Airtight container

General Theory:
Liquid Limit :
Liquid Limit is the water content at which the soil has such shear strength that it flows to close a
groove of standard width for in (1.25 cm) length when jarred 25 times using the standard
liquid limit device. It is the water content at which the soil passes from plastic to liquid state.
Plastic Limit :
Plastic Limit is the water content at which the soil begins to crumble when rolled into threads of
3 mm diameter.
Shrinkage Limit :
Shrinkage limit is the water content that is just sufficient to fill the pores when the soil is the
minimum volume it will attain by drying.
Shrinkage limit is the maximum water content at which a reduction in water content doesnt
result in a decrease in the volume of the soil mass.
4.12.0 Determination of Liquid Limit
4.12.1 Test specimen
4.12.1.1 Take at least 500g passing 425m of natural soil specimen.
4.12.1.2 Transfer the soil to a flat glass plate and add distilled water and mix thoroughly with a
spatula until the mass becomes a thick paste.
4.12.1.3 Place the paste in an airtight container and allow standing for about 24 h or for long
enough to enable the water to permeate through the soil.
4.12.2 Casagrande Method

4.12.2.1Take the paste sample and place to a flat glass plate. Mix it using the spatula for 10mins..
4.12.2.2 Place a portion of the paste in the cup of liquid limit device, smooth the surface of to a
maximum depth of 1 cm. Draw the grooving tool through the sample along the symmetrical axis
of the cup holding the tool perpendicular to the cup at the point of contact.
4.12.2.3 . Turn the crank at the rate of about two revolutions per second and count the blows
necessary to close the groove in the soil for a distance or 1.25 cm length. The groove should be
closed by a flow of soil and not by slippage between the soil and the cup.
4.12.2.4 Mix the sample over the glass plate by drying with air drier and repeat the steps 3.5.2.2
& 3 measure the unit number of blows required to close the gap is substantially same.

4.12.2.5 when the consistent value in the range to 10 to 40 blows has been obtained, take
approximately 20 g to 40 g of soil sample from the closed groove for a water content
determination.
4.12.2.6 By altering the water content of soil and repeating the steps 3.5.2.2 to 3.5.2.5 obtain from
water content determination in the rage of 10 to 40 blows
4.12.2.7 Make a plot of water content against number of blows such as a Flow Curve is usually a
straight line. .
4.12.3 Calculation
4.12.3.1 Calculate the moisture content of each specimen in accordance with Test No. 1.
4.12.3.2 Plot the relationship between moisture content (as Y-axis), and Number of blows (as X-
axis) both on linear scales. Use the graph shown in Worksheet No.2, Page No. 6.
4.12.3.3 Draw the best straight line fitting the plotted points.
4.12.3.4 From the linear graph, read off the moisture content corresponding to a 25 number of
blows close to one decimal place.
4.12.3.5 Express this moisture content to the nearest whole number and report it as the liquid
limit (LL) of the soil sample.
4.13 Determination of Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index
4.13.1 Test specimen

4.13.1.1 Use the same remaining paste sample that was used after getting all the number of blows
readings and samples for moisture content.
4.13.2 Procedure
4.13.2.1 Allow the soil to dry partially on the plate until it becomes plastic enough to be shaped
into a ball. Blow dryer can be use in drying the sample.
4.13.2.2 Mould the ball of soil between the fingers and roll it between the palms of the hands
until the heat of the hands has dried the soil sufficiently for slight cracks to appear on its
surface. Divide this sample into sub-samples.
4.13.2.3 Mould the soil in the fingers and form the soil into a thread about 6mm diameter
between the first finger and thumb of each hand.
4.13.2.4 Roll the thread between the fingers, from fingertip to the second joint, of one hand and
the surface of the glass rolling plate. Use enough pressure to reduce the diameter of the thread of
about 3 mm.

4.13.2.5 Pick up the soil, mould it between the fingers to dry it further, form it into a thread and
roll it out again.
4.13.2.6 Repeat this until the thread shears or crack when it has been rolled to about 3mm
diameter as gauged by the length rod.
4.13.2.7 Gather together the portions of the crumbled soil thread; place it on a tin container for
moisture content.
4.13.3 Calculation
4.13.3.1 Calculate for the moisture content of the sample and express it to the nearest whole
number. This is the Plastic limit (PL).
4.13.3.2 Plasticity Index (PI) is calculated as follows:
PI = LL PL
Where:
LL Liquid limit, %
PL Plastic limit, %

WORKSHEET FOR LIQUID LIMIT, PLASTIC LIMIT, AND PLASTICITY INDEX
DETERMINATION OF SOIL
Soil Description Sample No
Date Depth
LIQUID LIMIT 1 2 3 4
Cone penetration in mm 8 28 37
Container no. 1 2 061C
Mass of container, g 33.02 32.11 33.23
Mass of wet soil + container, g 55.80 52.75 58.80
Mass of dry soil + container, g 51.85 48.96 53.83
Mass of moisture, g 3.95 3.79 4.97
Mass of dry soil, g 18.83 16.85 20.60
Moisture Content (%) 21 22.5 24.1
PLASTIC LIMIT 1 2
Container no. 061 062
Mass of container, g 32.29 32.24
Mass of wet soil + container, g 46.07 47.50
Mass of dry soil + container, g 43.90 45.20
Mass of moisture, g 2.17 2.30
Mass of dry soil, g 11.61 12.96
Moisture Content (%) 18.7 17.7
Average 18
Worksheet No. 1: Determination of Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soil

LINEAR GRAPH FOR LIQUID LIMIT DETERMINATION

MOISTURE CONTENT %
NUMBER OF BLOWS
Worksheet No. 2: Liquid Limit Linear Graph

4.14.1. Objective
This test will enable the student to classify coarse-grained and fine-grained soil.
4.14.2 Need and Scope

The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is based on the classification scheme developed by
Arthur Casagrande for the United States Army in the 1940s. In its simplest form, it consists in
assigning a two-or-four-letter group symbol to the soil sample. The results from the gradation curve,
Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index are needed for this test.
4.14.3 Definitions
Fines: soil particles passing No. 200 sieve (0.075mm)
Coarse: soil particles retained No. 200 sieve (0.075mm)
Coefficient of uniformity, Cu = D60/D10
where: D particle size diameter of soil
Coefficient of Curvature, Cc = (D30)2 / (D10 D60)
Plasticity Index, PI = LL-PL
14.4.4 Standard Reference

ASTM D2487 Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes Unified Soil
Classification System)

4.14.5 Initial Classification
4.14.5.1 Highly Organic Soils

Organic soils are recognized by:
large presence of organic materials
dark brown, dark gray, or black color;
organic odor, especially when wet
very soft consistency
In this case, the material is classified as peat, with symbol PT, and no further analysis is necessary.
4.14.5.2 Non Highly Organic Soils

1. Determine gradation curve by sieve analysis. Use only the material with size smaller than 3in.
(75mm) but report the percentage (by weight) of these large particles.
2. If the soil contains less than 5% fines a detailed sieve analysis is required to estimate the values of
coefficient of uniformity, Cu, and the coefficient of curvature, Cc.
3. If the soil contains more than 5 % and less than 12% fines, the liquid limit, and plastic limit of the
fines should be determined, in addition to the detailed gradation curve and Cu, Cc.
4. If the soil contains more than 12% fines the liquid limit and plastic limit of the fines should be
determined, but it is sufficient to estimate the percentage of soil in the sand and gravel range. The
gradation characteristic, Cu and Cc, are not required.
4.14.6 Procedure for Classification of Fine-Grained Soils

Follow this procedure if 50% or more by weight passes No. 200 sieve. This is equivalent to saying that
50% or more by weight has a nominal diameter smaller than 0.075mm.

Figure No. 1: Plasticity Chart (from ASTM Standard D2487)
4.14.6.1. Calculate the Plasticity Index (PI).

4.14.6.2. Compare with the Plasticity Chart:
LL>50 and PI> A line HIGH PLASTICITY CLAY (CH)
LL>50 and PI< A line HIGH PLASTICITY SILT (MH)
LL<50 and PI> A line LOW PLASTICITY CLAY (CL)
LL<50 and PI< A line LOW PLASTICITY SILT (ML)
In the shaded area with 16<LL<25-30 and 4<PI<7 above the A line SILTY CLAY (CL-
ML)
If the soil has organic content: refer to ASTM standard D2487 on the proper procedure. In
short, you need to oven dry the specimen to eliminate the organic material and calculate the LL
on the oven dried specimen. The classification is based on the difference between the LL
before and after oven drying.
4.14.6.3. You can add more information on the soil specimen classification after the main group
symbol.
If 15% to 30% of the soil had nominal diameter larger than 0.075mm, use with sand, or with
gravel, depending on which is predominant.
If 30% to 50% of the soil had nominal diameter larger than 0.075mm, use sandy, or with
gravelly, depending on which is dominant.

Figure No. 2: Flow Chart for Classifying Fine-Grained Soil (50% or more passes No. 200 sieve)
Figure No. 3: Flow Chart for Classifying Organic Fine-Grained Soil (50% or more passes No. 200 sieve)

4.14.7 Procedure for Classification of Coarse-Grained Soils

Follow this procedure if 50% or more by weight is retained on No. 200 sieve. This is equivalent to
saying that 50% or more by weight has a nominal diameter larger than 0.075mm.
4.14.7.1. >50% of the specimen is retained on the #4 sieve (nominal diameter larger than 4.75mm)
Gravel (G)
If <5% fines and Cu > 4 and 1 > Cc < 3 Well-graded gravel (GW)
If <5% fines and Cu < 4 and/or not 1 > Cc < 3 Poorly-graded gravel (GP)
If 5% < fines > 12% and the fines are clay Well-graded gravel with clay (GW-GC)
or Poorly-graded gravel with clay (GP-GC) based on Cu and Cc tests above
If 5% < fines > 12% and all fines are silt Well-graded gravel with silt (GW-GM) or
Poorly-graded gravel with silt (GP-GM) based on Cu and Cc tests above
If > 12% fines and fines are clay based on plasticity chart Clayey gravel (GC)
If > 12% fines and fines are silt based on plasticity chart Silty gravel (GM)
If > 12% fines and fines are CL-ML based on plasticity chart Silty clayey gravel
(GM-GC)
4.14.7.2. >50% of the specimen is retained between the #4 and the #200 sieves (nominal diameter
between 4.75mm and 0.075mm) Sand (S)
If <5% fines and Cu > 6 and 1 > Cc < 3 Well-graded sand (SW)
If <5% fines and Cu < 6 and/or not 1 > Cc < 3 Poorly-graded sand (SP)
If 5% < fines > 12% and the fines are clay Well-graded sand with clay (SW-SC) or Poorly-
graded gravel with clay (SP-SC) based on Cu and Cc tests above
If 5% < fines > 12% and all fines are silt Well-graded sand with silt (SW-SM) or Poorly-
graded gravel with silt (SP-SM) based on Cu and Cc tests above
If > 12% fines and fines are clay based on plasticity chart Clayey sand (SC)
If > 12% fines and fines are silt based on plasticity chart Silty sand (SM)
If > 12% fines and fines are CL-ML based on plasticity chart Silty clayey sand (SM-SC)

Figure No. 4: Flow Chart for Classifying Coarse-Grained Soils (more than 50% retained on No. 200
sieve)

4.14.8 Problem:
Using the results you have from Experiment (Particle Size Analysis of Soil), and Experiment
(Determination of Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index), classify the soil using USCS
Method:
a. Find out the Group Symbol
b. Determine the Group Name


4 Unified Soil Classification System

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GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING II (CECE 4131)

Shinas College of Technology

Course Title: Geotechnical Engineering - 2

UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 1

TEST NO. 4 (UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM)

4.2 Need and Scope

4.3 Standard Reference

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 2

Maximum size of material present Minimum mass of sample

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 3

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 4

Example: % retained on 28mm sieve = (mass retained on 28mm / m1) x 100

(% passing this sieve) = (% passing previous sieve) (% retained on this sieve)

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 5

The mass of fines lost by washing = m3 - m4

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 6

WORKSHEET FOR PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOIL (using SIEVING METHOD)

Passing 20mm (m2) 2478

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 7

Worksheet No. 2: Particle Size Distribution Chart

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 8

Cc = (D30)2 / D60 * D10

Where D30 is the particle size corresponding to 30% finer.

Uses of particle size distribution curve

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 9

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 10

1. What do you understand about index properties? What is their importance.

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 11

4. What is particle distribution curve ? what its use in soil engineering?

5. What is the meaning of Cu and Cc ? Explain them clearly.

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 12

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 13

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4.9 Need and Scope

4.10 Standard Reference

4.11. Required Materials and Equipment

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 18

4.12.2 Casagrande Method

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4.13 Determination of Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index

4.13.1 Test specimen

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Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 21

Soil Description Sample No

Container no. 1 2 061C

Mass of container, g 33.02 32.11 33.23

Mass of wet soil + container, g 55.80 52.75 58.80

Mass of dry soil + container, g 51.85 48.96 53.83

Mass of moisture, g 3.95 3.79 4.97

Mass of dry soil, g 18.83 16.85 20.60

Moisture Content (%) 21 22.5 24.1

Container no. 061 062

Mass of container, g 32.29 32.24

Mass of wet soil + container, g 46.07 47.50

Mass of dry soil + container, g 43.90 45.20

Mass of moisture, g 2.17 2.30

Mass of dry soil, g 11.61 12.96

Moisture Content (%) 18.7 17.7

Shinas College of Technology -Soil Mechanics Lab Semester I (2015-2016) Page 22