CE 412

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING I

LABORATORY REPORT NO.4: Moisture Content Test, Specific

Gravity, Unit Weight & Degree of Saturation of the Soil

LAB DATE: September 20, 2018

REPORT DATE: October 4, 2018

T.A.: Engr. Marcelo R. Tenoso Jr.

LAB GROUP: Group 1

LAB PARTNERS: Beltran, Joyce Ann C.

Cueto, Meidior D.

Gonzales, Resheena B.

Goyo, Jazzy M.

Mande, Alexander Sol H.

Mendoza, Janine Micah B.

Morcilla, Glaizel Nicole A.

Niverca, Janissaries M.

Valencia, Arni Allyson E.

Abstract

For Moisture Content

Water Content or moisture content is the amount of water present in a material, such

as soil also known as soil moisture, rock, ceramics, crops or wood. Moisture content test is

done to determine the water content present in the soil sample used. Determining the soil’s

moisture may help in identifying the nature of the soil used in the experiment. Chunk of

undisturbed soil sample is used in the test. Three trials were performed in determining the soil

moisture content test with different mass and different water content.

The soil samples used in performing the experiment is from Pinagtung-Ulan, San

Jose, Batangas. When the soil is already dug up, it is immediately covered with cling wrap to

keep the soil’s moisture. Three tests were performed from the soil chunks that are chopped

off from the whole undisturbed soil sample. Oven drying method is used in performing the

moisture content test. It took 5 hours to completely dry the specimens.

For Specific Gravity

This specific gravity is used to define the weight or density of a liquid as compared to

the density of an equal volume of water at a specified temperature. To perform this task, the

group prepared volumetric flask (500mL), balance, distilled water, metal canister and spatula.

There are three trials performed by the group to determine the specific gravity of the soil

sample. The objective for this activity is to determine the specific gravity of soil. The specific

gravity of soil solids is determined by either (a) density bottle (b) Specific gravity flask like

volumetric flask or (c) pycnometer. In this experiment, the group used the volumetric flask.

The soil sample used was cultivated from Pinagtung-Ulan, San Jose, Batangas.

The average specific gravity of soil was 2.487

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 For Unit Weight

This laboratory report is to present the unit weight of the soil sample from

Pinagtungulan, San Jose, Batangas. The unit weight, represented by greek letter gamma, is

the ratio of the weight of the soil and its volume. In this experiment, the step by step

procedure will be discussed together with its corresponding computation. The soil samples to

be used are disturbed and undisturbed soil. The disturbed soil sample was compacted in a

container and its weight was recorded together with the volume of the container. For the

undisturbed soil sample, the soil sample are covered with wax and submerged with water to

get its volume. On the other hand, the weight of soil was being recorded to get the unit weight

of the undisturbed soil sample.

For Degree of Saturation

Degree of Saturation is defined as the ratio of the volume of water to the volume of

voids. The degree of saturation is commonly expressed as a percentage. It is equal to zero

when the soil is absolutely dry and 100% when the soil is fully saturated. This laboratory

report is to present the degree of saturation of soil sample from Pinagtung-Ulan, Sa Jose,

Batangas. In this experiment, the data from the previous experiment will be use to get the

value of degree of saturation. Degree of saturation test is performed to determine the

saturation percent of the soil for the field quality purposes.

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Table of Contents

1. Abstract

a. Moisture Content i

b. Specific Gravity i

c. Unit Weight ii

d. Degree of Saturation ii

2. Table of Contents iii

3. Moisture Content

I. Objectives 1

II. Theoretical Background 1

III. Materials & Equipments 2

IV. Experimental Procedure 2

V. Analysis of Data 3

VI. Discussion of Result 5

Specific Gravity

I. Objectives 6

II. Theoretical Background 6

III. Materials & Equipments 7

IV. Experimental Procedures 7

V. Analysis of Data 8

VI. Discussion of Result 9

4. Unit Weight

I. Objectives 10

II. Theoretical Background 10

III. Materials & Equipments 11

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 IV. Experimental Procedures 11

V. Analysis of Data 12

VI. Discussion of Result 14

5. Degree of Saturation

I. Objective 15

II. Theoretical Background 15

III. Experimental Procedure 15

IV. Analysis of Data 16

V. Discussion of Result 17

6. Conclusion & Recommendation 18

7. References 20

8. Appendices

A. Moisture Content 21

B. Specific Gravity 22

C. Unit Weight 24

List of Table(s)

1. Table 4 - 1 Minimum Size of Moist Soil Samples to

Determine Water Content 2

2. Table 4 -2 Time Table of Drying Soil Sample 3

3. Table 4 - 3 Moisture Content Test Result 4

4. Table 4 - 4 General Ranges of Specific Gravity for various soils 7

5. Table 4 - 5 Specific Gravity of Soil Data Sheet 8

6. Table 4 - 6 Unit Weight of the Disturbed Soil Sample 12

7. Table 4 - 7 Unit Weight of the Undisturbed Soil Sample 13

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 MOISTURE CONTENT

Objectives

The purpose of performing this experiment is to determine the moisture content of

soil by oven drying method.

Theoretical Background

Water content is the quantity of water contained in a material, such as soil (called soil

moisture). This is used in a wide range of scientific and technical areas and is expressed as a

ratio, which can range from 0 (completely dry) to the value of the materials’ porosity at

saturation. Soils normally contain a finite amount of water, which can be expressed as the

“soil moisture content.” This moisture exists within the pore spaces in between soil

aggregates (inter-aggregate pore space) and within soil aggregates (intra-aggregate pore

space). Normally this pore space is occupied by air and/or water. If all the pores are occupied

by air, the soil is completely dry. If all the pores are filled with water, the soil is said to be

saturated.

Soil moisture is a key variable in controlling the exchange of water and heat energy

between the land surface and the atmosphere through evaporation and plant transpiration. As

a result, soil moisture plays an important role in the development of weather patterns and the

production of precipitation.

To compute for the moisture content, the formula below will be used.

Weigh t of Water
Moisture Content ( % )= ×100 %
Weig h t of Dry Soil

Water Content is expressed in percent.

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 For better results, the minimum size of the moist soil specimen should be

approximately as given in Table 4.1. These values are consistent with ASTM Test

Designation D-2216.

Table 4 – 1 Minimum Size of Moist Soil Samples to Determine Water Content

Maximum Particle Size in U.S Sieve No. Minimum Mass of Soil

the Soil (mm) Sample (g)

0.425 40 20
2.0 10 50
4.75 4 100
9.5 3/8 in 500
19.0 3/4 in 2500

Materials & Equipments

Oven

Digital Weighing Scale

Drying Pans

Experimental Procedure

To perform the experiment, the materials needed must be prepared. From the chunk of

the undisturbed soil, chop off a smaller chunk weighing 15-30 grams. After getting the

sample needed, place it in the pan and insert in the oven for drying. Check the soil sample

and weigh it from time to time to check if its weight changes. If the weight is already

constant, the soil is considered to be completely dry.

Analysis of Data

Three trials were performed with different mass of soil, written on the list is the time

interval of drying the soil samples.

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 Table 4-2 Time Table of Drying Soil Sample

Time Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

10:05 pm 35.7 34.8 26.9
10:30 pm 34.6 33.8 25.9
10:55 pm 33.4 32.8 24.8
11:20 pm 32.2 32.0 24.1
11:45 pm 31.5 31.3 23.5
12:10 pm 30.9 30.7 23.2
12:35 pm 30.3 30.2 22.9
1:00 pm 29.9 29.8 22.6
1:25 pm 29.6 29.5 22.5
1:50 pm 29.3 29.1 22.4
2:15 pm 29.2 29.0 22.4
2:40 pm 29.1 28.8 22.3
3:05 pm 29.1 28.8 22.3

To final and computed values are listed on table 4-3.

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 Table 4-3 Moisture Content Test Result

Item Test No.

1 2 3
Can No. 1 2 3
Mass of Can 10 10 10

W1 (g)
Mass of Can + Wet Soil 35.7 34.8 26.9

W2 (g)
Mass of Can + Dry Soil 29.1 28.8 22.3

W3 (g)
Mass of Moisture 6.6 6 4.6

W2-W3 (g)
Mass of Dry Soil 19.1 18.8 12.3

W3- W1 (g)
Moisture Content 34.555% 31.915% 37.398%

W 2−W 3
¿ ×100 %
W 3−W 1
Average Moisture Content : 34.623%

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Discussion of Result

It takes time before the experiment is done to get the moisture content of the samples.

The results obtain are presented through tables. Even if the soil chunks were from the same

undisturbed soil, it shows different results given that it also has different mass and different

time of drying. The results are obtained by using the formula for getting the soil’s moisture

content. The soil samples are weighed from time to time to determine if it is dried already and

computed afterwards.

The mass of each container were obtained by weighing them individually. Can no. 1,

2 & 3 have 10 grams of mass. As for the mass of the containers with wet soil, the individual

masses were obtained by weighing the container containing the representative undisturbed

soil sample. Can no.1 is 35.7g, can no.2 is 34.8g, and 26.9g for can no.3. The mass of

containers with dry soil were obtained by weighing the containers containing the soil sample

after the change in mass becomes constant. So, for the can no.1 the mass is 29.1g, 28.8g for

can no.2 and 22.3g for can no.3. The mass of moisture was obtained by subtracting the mass

of the containers containing wet soil by mass of the containers containing the dry soil. The

mass of can no.1 is 6.6g, 6g for ca no.2 and 4.6g for can no.3. Substituting the values to the

formula, the group obtained the moisture content of the soil samples. For can no.1 the

moisture content is 34.555%, 31.915% and 37.398% for can no.2 and 3 respectively. The

average moisture content of the three test is 34.623%. The drying time for the test is 3hours.

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 SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Objectives

This lab is performed to determine the specific gravity of soil by using a pycnometer

or volumetric flask (500mL). This specific gravity is useful for determining weight-volume

relationships.

Theoretical Background

The specific gravity of a substance, designated as Gs, is defined as the ratio of the

density of that substance to the density of distilled water as a specified temperature. Since it

is a ratio, the value of Gs, does not depend on the system of units used and is a numerical

value having no units. In soil mechanics, the specific gravity of soil solids is an important

parameter and is a factor in many equations involving weight-volume relationships.

Remember that the specific gravity of soil solids refers only to the phase of the three-phase

soil system, it does not include the water and air phases present in the void space.

The formula below is used to compute for the specific gravity of soil:

(W 2−W 1 )
SpecificGravity=
( W 3 −W 1 )−(W 4 −W 2 )

Where:

W 1=¿ Weight of the flask

W 2 =¿ Weight of the flask + dry soil

W 3 =¿ Weight of the flask + water

W 4=¿ Weight of the flask + water + dry soil

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 Table 4-4 General Ranges of Specific Gravity for various soils

Soil Type Range of

Specific
Gravity
Sand 2.63 – 2.67
Silts 2.65 – 2.7
Clay and Silty 2.67 – 2.9
Clay
Organic Soil Less than 2
Soil 2.6 – 2.9
Materials and Equipments

Volumetric Flask (500mL)

Balance

Distilled Water

Metal canister

Spatula

Experimental Procedures

Prepare a dry and clean flask and determine its mass. Carefully fill it with distilled

water until it reaches two thirds of 500cc mark. Get any amount of soil sample then carefully

transfer it in the flask. After this, fill the rest of the 500cc flask. Remove the air from the

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soil/sand-water mixture. To do this, roll the flask in an inclined position until all bubbles

dispersed. Record the mass of the mixture. Repeat the steps above to perform more trials.

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Analysis of Data

Source: Pinagtung-Ulan, San Jose, Batangas

Table 4-5 Specific Gravity of Soil Data Sheet

Item Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Weight of the Volumetric 190.1 190.1 190.1

Flask (W 1 ¿
Weight of the flask + dry 210.1 215.1 220.1

soil (W 2 )
Weight of the flask + water 686.5 686.2 686.5

(W 3 )
Weight of the flask + water 697.7 700.6 700.9

+ dry soil (W 4)
(W 2−W 1 ) 2.723 2.358 2.381
Specific Gravity=
( W 3 −W 1 )−(W 4 −W 2 )
Average Specific Gravity : 2.487

Computation

(W 2−W 1 )
Formula: SpecificGravity=
( W 3 −W 1 )−(W 4 −W 2 )

Trial 1

( 210.1−190.1)
SpecificGravity= =2. 723
(686.5−190.1)−(697.7−210.1)

Trial 2

(215.1−190.1)
SpecificGravity= =2 .358
( 686.2−190.1 )−(700.6−215.1)

Trial 3

(220.1−190.1)
SpecificGravity= =2 . 381
( 686.5−190.1 ) −(703.9−220.1)

Average Specific Gravity of Soil

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 2.723+2.358+2.381
Average Specific Gravity= =¿2.487
3

Discussion of Result

Specific Gravity (Gs) is the 2nd most important parameter in soil mechanics. It is the

ratio of the unit weight (or density) of soil solids to the unit weight (or density) of water. The

specific gravity is required in calculation of various soil properties such as void ratio, degree

of saturation and weight-volume relationships.

The specific gravity of the soil for trial 1, trial 2 & trial 3 were 2.723, 2.358 & 2.381

respectively. The average specific gravity was 2.487. In the table 4-4, it is stated that the

specific gravity of soil should reached within a range of 2.6 – 2.9. However, if the result is

less than 2 it may be classified as organic soil. In the case of this experiment, the soil sample

used was cultivated from Pinagtung-Ulan, San Jose, Batangas. The chosen location is

surrounded by a vast of land grasses. Therefore, the soil sample can be considered organic

soil because it consist of plants residues at various stages of decomposition, celss and tissues

of soil organisms and substances synthesized by soil organisms and since its value is close to

the specific gravity of organic soil type.

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 UNIT WEIGHT
Objectives

This lab is performed to determine the unit weight of disturbed soil sample by getting

the weight and the volume and the unit weight of undisturbed soil sample by putting three

waxed undisturbed cube soil samples into a 700 ml distilled water.

Theoretical Background

In this experiment, unit weight of soil with a defined mass and volume is calculated. Unit

weight tests are performed on the soil to determine the undisturbed or in-place soil properties

for field quality-control purposes to determine whether an earth or rock fill has been

compacted to the desired or specified density or unit weight. These tests are also conducted

for making comparisons and calculations related to volume and weight relationships such as

void ratio or degree of saturation. For design purposes, the tests are often conducted to

provide information for calculating soil loads or stresses within a soil mass or exerted by a

soil mass. Another important reason for these test procedures is to assist in the control and

management of the borrow area by providing information for calculating volume differences

between excavated volume and the volume of the compacted fill areas.

The following are equations to be used in the unit weight test:

1. To calculate the unit weight of the nth sample for disturbed soil
W
Unit weight=
V
2. To calculate the unit weight of the nth sample for undisturbed soil

mn g
 n
Vd n  Vwn

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Materials and Equipments

Distilled water

Labaratory Balance

Beaker (1000mL)

Candle/Wax

Aluminium container

Ruler

Pestle

Experimental Procedures

For disturbed soil sample, determine the mass, height and diameter of the three

aluminium containers. Filled it will disturbed soil sample and compact it. After compacting

the soil, weigh each aluminium container and gathered all the data.

Prepare the undisturbed soil sample from laboratory experiment number 1. Make

three chunks of soil with different mass. After this, melt the wax in oven, this will be used to

cover the soil sample to make sure that it will not absorb water. Pour 700cc of water in a

1000cc beaker then drop each chunk of soil (waxed) and record the new volume of water.

Subtract the new volume of water to 700cc to get the volume of the soil sample.

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Analysis of Data

FOR DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE

Table 4 - 6 Unit Weight of the Disturbed Soil Sample

SampleDisturbed Soil

weight (kN/m3)Unit
Mass of aluminium

Mass of compacted
container with soil

Mass of aluminum

soil sample (kg)

container (kg)
Diameter (m)

sample (kg)
Height (m)

Volume (m3)

Weight (kN)
1 0.08 0.04 2.011x10 -4 0.3097 0.0128 0.2969 2.913x10 -3 14.485
2 0.08 0.04 2.011x10 -4 0.3385 0.0126 0.3259 3.197x10 -3 15.899
3 0.077 0.035 1.630x10 -4 0.2866 0.0116 0.2750 2.698x10 -3 16.552
Average Unit Weight of Soil : 15.645

Computation

W
Formula: Unit weight=
V

Trial 1

2.913 ×10−3
Unit weight= =14 . 485
2.011 × 10−4

Trial 2

3.197 ×10−3
Unit weight= =15.899
2.011 × 10−4

Trial 3

2.698 × 10−3
Unit weight= =16 . 552
1.630 ×10−4

Average Unit Weight for Disturbed Soil Sample

14.485+15.899+16.552
Average Unit Weig ht= =15 .645
3

FOR UNDISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE

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 Table 4 - 7 Unit Weight of the Undisturbed Soil Sample

Undisturbed Mass of Mass of Coated Volum Volume of

Soil Sample Undisturbed Undisturbed e of water after Unit
Sample in kg Sample in kg Water the soil is Weight
(mspecimen) (mspecimen+wax) in L dropped (Vd) in
(Vwater) in L kN/m3
1 0.055 0.072 0.700 0.748 11.241
2 0.082 0.101 0.700 0.770 11.492
3 0.037 0.048 0.700 0.735 10.371
Average Unit Weight of Soil : 11.035

Computation

mg
Formula: Unit weight=
V d −V water

Trial 1

0.055 ×9.81
Unit weight= =11.241
(0.748−0.700) ×

Trial 2

0.082× 9.81
Unit weight= =11. 492
(0.770−0.700)

Trial 3

0.037× 9.81
Unit weight= =10.371
(0.735−0.700)

Average Unit Weight for Undisturbed Soil Sample

11.241+11.492+10.371
Average Unit Weig ht= =11.035
3

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Discussion of Result

Unit weight is the product of density and gravity acceleration. It is the gravitational

force caused by the mass of material within a unit volume (density) in the unit of Newtons

per cubic meter in SI system. The unit weight is required in calculation of various soil

properties such as degree of saturation and weight-volume relationships.

The unit weight for disturbed soil sample for trial 1 was 14.485, 15.899 and 16.552

for trial 2 and 3. The average unit weight for disturbed soil sample was 15.645. For the

undisturbed soil sample, the unit weight is 11.241, 11.492, 10.371 for trial1, 2 and 3

respectively and the average unit weight is 11.035.

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 DEGREE OF SATURATION
Objectives

To determine the degree of saturation of soil by using the data from the three

experiments: moisture content, specific gravity and unit weight.

Theoretical Background

The degree of saturation is the ratio of the volume of water to the volume of voids. It

is denoted by 'S'. The degree of saturation generally expressed as a percentage. It is equal to

zero when the soil is absolutely dry and 100% when the soil is fully saturated. In the

experiment, degree of saturation defines as the ratio of the volume of water to the volume of

voids. Degree of saturation test is performed to determine the saturation percent of the soil for

field quality control purposes. These tests are also conducted for making comparisons and

calculations related to weight-volume relationship.

Experimental Procedures

Using the data gathered from the three experiments (moisture content, specific gravity

G s γ w (w+ 1)
& unit weight) get the void ratio(e) using the formula: γ = . After this, use the
1+ e

formula w G s=Se to solve the degree of saturation.

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Analysis of Data

For Disturbed Soil Sample

G s γ w ( w+1 )
γ disturbed =
1+e

kN 34.623

15.645
kN
=
2.487× 9.81 (
m3 100
+1 )
m3 1+e

e=1.099

w G s=Se

34.623
x 2.487
100
Degree of Saturation ( S )= x 100=78.351%
1.099

For Undisturbed Soil Sample

G s γ w ( w+1 )
γ undisturbed =
1+ e

kN 34.623

11.035
kN
=
2.487 ×9.81 (
m 3 100
+1 )
m3 1+ e

e=1.976

w G s=Se

34.623
x 2.487
100
Degree of Saturation ( S )= x 100=43.577 %
1.976

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Discussion of Result

Degree of saturation is the ratio of the volume of water to the volume of voids. It is

equal to zero when the soil is absolutely dry and 100% when the soil is fully saturated. These

tests are also conducted for making comparisons and calculations related to weight-volume

relationship. The degree of saturation for disturbed soil is 78.351% and 43.577% for the

undisturbed soil.

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Conclusion & Recommendation

For moisture content test, concluding based on the experiment results, the soil chunk

of undisturbed sample does not have the same moisture content all throughout because some

parts are partially dry while the other parts have more moisture present. The soil articles of

the other parts may be loose that’s why air can pass through the spaces and can cause

partially drying that certain part of the soil while the other part is more compact that results to

preservation of its moisture. The group recommends spending more time in drying the soil

sample to ensure that the water content in a sample will completely dry. The soil sample

should fully covered with melted paraffin wax or cling wrap to preserve is moisture content.

The representative soil sample to be used must be cultivated before sunrise.

The specific gravity of the soil, 2.487 were close to the value of organic soil type

based from Table 4-4. Therefore, it can be considered that the soil used was organic soil since

the location of the soil sample used was surrounded by a vast land of grasses. The group

recommends that in order to achieve more accurate result, it is much better to apply vacuum

by a vacuum pump or aspirator to remove all entrapped air. In fact, this is an extremely

important step. Most of the errors in the results of this test are due to entrapped air which is

not removed. It is also needed to check the temperature for the correction error. The group

also suggests to perform the density bottle method to check if the result is much accurate than

using volumetric flask.

The laboratory for unit weight or density is successfully conducted by the group. The

value of unit weight for undisturbed soil is greatly influenced by how well the candle wax

coated the soil sample and the value of unit weight for disturbed soil is influenced by how the

soil is compacted in the aluminium container. In this laboratory it is presented on how easily

to identify the unit weight. In conclusion, the value of unit weight depends on the volume and

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how well the coating done in the soil sample. The group recommend that in preparing the

three sample chunks of undisturbed soil, carefully handle it to produce the efficient amount

needed in the experiment. The soil sample should be fully covered with paraffin wax before

submerging it to water to prevent the absorption of moisture. And in reading the

measurement of water on the beaker make sure it is on proper eye level of the reader.

The laboratory for degree of saturation is influenced by the previous laboratory

experiments. The value gathered from moisture content, specific gravity and unit weight will

be use to determine the percentage of degree of saturation. In conclusion, the percentage of

degree of saturation was depend on how successfully performed the previous experiment.

The group recommendation is to minimize the error for the preceding experiment to

maximize or to effectively get the percentage of degree of saturation.

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References

 http://users.rowan.edu/~sukumaran/geotechnical/notes/Experiment%204-

Specific%20Gravity.pdf

 https://www.scribd.com/doc/177194757/Determinatio-of-Specific-Gravity-by-

Pycnometer-Test

 http://www.dynamixinc.com/specific-gravity

 https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/definitions-geotechnical-soil-

engineering/1234/

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_content#Degree_of_saturation

 https://www.jove.com/science-education/10011/determination-of-moisture-

content-in-soil

 https://geotechnicalsoftware.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/geotechnical-

engineering-the-difference-of-disturbed-and-undisturbed-soil-sampling

 http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/dsafi/files/2015/02/Soil-Laboratory-Manual-Das.pdf

 https://elibrary.asabe.org/data/pdf/7/sd2009/chap3_cdfiles/Guidelines_for_sprea

dsheets.pdf

 http://www.engr.uconn.edu/~lanbo/CE240LectW022weightvolume.pdf

 http://www.civilengineeringx.com/geotechnical-engineering/unit-weight-of-soil/

 Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics (Philippine Edition)

Author: Braja M. Das

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Appendices

A. Moisture Content

Making chunks of soil samples with different mass.

Oven drying of the soil sample for every 25 mins.

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B. SPECIFIC GRAVITY

Weighing of Volumetric Flask.

Filling the flask with distilled water and weighing it.

Transferring of soil in the Volumetric Flask

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 Weighing of the mixture of soil and distilled water.

Weighing of soil sample after oven drying for 25 minutes.

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C. UNIT WEIGHT

Making chunks of soil sample.

Weighing the small chunks of soil.

Waxing of soil to avoid the absorption of water.

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700cc of water and the three chunks of soil sample.

Dropping the chunks of soil in 700cc of water.

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