Laboratory Experiment No.

4
SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

LABORATORY EXPERIMENT NO. 4

SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

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 Laboratory Experiment No. 4
SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

INTRODUCTION

Specific gravity (𝐺𝑆 ) is a dimensionless measure that involves the density of the soil
particles (𝜌𝑠 ) to the density of water (𝜌𝑤 ). The material that is used for this experiment is
pycnometer also called as pyknometer or specific gravity bottle. Pycnometer is a laboratory
device used mainly for getting the density or more likely the volume of solids. It is originated
from the Greek word ‘puknos’ which means ‘density’. The test that was used is the ASTM D
854-00, the standard test for specific gravity of soil solids by water pycnometer. It covers the
specification of the specific gravity of soil solids that pass the No. 4 sieve (4.75-mm) by the
water pycnometer.

Specific gravity of soil is applied in the phase relationship of air, water and solids in a
given volume of the soil. The ratio of the mass of unit volume of soil at stated temperature to the
mass of the same volume of gas-free distilled water at stated temperature is called specific
gravity.

OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the specific gravity of soil by using a pycnometer.

STANDARD REFERENCE

ASTM D 854-00 – Standard Test for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer

TEST PROCEDURE

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 Laboratory Experiment No. 4
SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

DATA & COMPUTATIONS

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

ANALYSIS

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

GUIDE QUESTIONS

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

CONCLUSION

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 Laboratory Experiment No. 4
SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

REFERENCES:

https://mcl.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-309028-dt-content-rid-
23001858_1/courses/CE151L.C06.2T.18.19/CE151L%20GEOTECHNICAL%20ENGINEERIN
G%201%20LABORATORY%20MANUAL.pdf

https://www.scribd.com/doc/177194757/Determination-of-Specific-Gravity-by-Pcynometer-Test

GROUP # _:
Group members: (Alphabetical order, Surname must be written first.)
ABRIO, Rachelle Ann V.

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