RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This experiment is done in order to determine the absolute specific gravity of soils by

means of a pycnometer. Specific gravity is the ratio of the mass of unit volume of soil at a

stated temperature to the mass of the same volume of gas free distilled water at a stated

temperature. The specific gravity of a soil is used in the phase relationship of air, water, and

solids in a given volume of the soil

In order to determine the specific gravity of soils, there are two different container

used, one is pycnometer bottle which is used for coarse grained soils and the other one is a

50mL density bottle which is used for fine grained soils.

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS

1.) Define specific gravity of soil

-Specific gravity of a soils refers to the mass of solid matter of a given soil sample as

compared to an equal volume of water

2.) What are the typical values of the specific gravity of soils?

-The typical values usually range from 2.6-2.7

3.) What can you use to measure the specific gravity of material lighter than water?

-To be able to measure the specific gravity of material lighter than water, we can

make use of the material hydrometer, as well as westphal balance and lastly buoyancy

method

4.) Why do we use vacuum while determining the specific gravity of soils?

-The vacuum is used so that it will remove entrapped air inside the pycnometer with

soil

5.) What is the effect of water temperature on the determination of the specific gravity of

soils?

- The effect of this is that as the water temperature increases, its weight decreases and

reduces the specific gravity of soils. Therefore, we can say that water temperature is

indirectly proportional to the specific gravity of soil

6.) Why would a contractor be interested in knowing the specific gravity of a soil?

- Because it is important to know the physical property of soil since soil bare the

foundation of all buildings and bridges as well as roads.

CONCLUSION

From the data that we have gathered, the specific gravity of soil that we achieved is

1.67 which is less than the known range of 2.6 to 2.7. The reason for that was probably

because of the trouble and errors that we have been in the theoretical procedure. Another

possible source of error that leads us to specific gravity of 1.67 is the improper weighing of

the flask contained with water.