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Experiment 3-Unit Weight

This document describes procedures for determining the density of undisturbed soil samples using a drive cylinder method. The test involves measuring the mass, length, and diameter of a soil specimen to calculate its bulk density and dry density. Bulk density is the ratio of the mass of moist soil to its volume. Dry density is calculated by adjusting the bulk density based on the sample's moisture content. This test provides important information about soil properties and is used to evaluate compacted fills and embankments.

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kauskaki
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702 views7 pages

Experiment 3-Unit Weight

This document describes procedures for determining the density of undisturbed soil samples using a drive cylinder method. The test involves measuring the mass, length, and diameter of a soil specimen to calculate its bulk density and dry density. Bulk density is the ratio of the mass of moist soil to its volume. Dry density is calculated by adjusting the bulk density based on the sample's moisture content. This test provides important information about soil properties and is used to evaluate compacted fills and embankments.

Uploaded by

kauskaki
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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20

EXPERIMENT 3 DENSITY (UNIT WEIGHT) DETERMINATIOM


Purpose: This lab is performed to determine the in-place density of undisturbed soil obtained by pushing or drilling a thin-walled cylinder. The bulk density is the ratio of mass of moist soil to the volume of the soil sample, and the dry density is the ratio of the mass of the dry soil to the volume the soil sample. Standard Reference: ASTM D 2937-00 Standard Test for Density of Soil in Place by the DriveCylinder Method Significance: This test is used to determine the in-place density of soils. This test can also be used to determine density of compacted soils used in the construction of structural fills, highway embankments, or earth dams. This method is not recommended for organic or friable soils. Equipment: Straightedge, Balance, Moisture can, Drying oven, Vernier caliper

Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC

21

Test Procedure: (1) Extrude the soil sample from the cylinder using the extruder. (2) Cut a representative soil specimen from the extruded sample. (3) Determine and record the length (L), diameter (D) and mass (Mt) of the soil specimen. (4) Determine and record the moisture content of the soil (w). (See Experiment 1)
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC

22 (Note: If the soil is sandy or loose, weigh the cylinder and soil sample together. Measure dimensions of the soil sample within the cylinder. Extrude and weigh the soil sample and determine moisture content) Data Analysis: (1) (2) Determine the moisture content as in Experiment 1 Determine the volume of the soil sample
D 2L V= cm3 4

(3)

Calculate bulk density (t) of soil


M = t t V g cm3

or unit weight t = t g (4) Calculate dry density (d) of soil


d = t 1+ w g cm 3

or dry unit weight

= g d

Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC

23

EXAMPLE DATA

Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC

24 DENSITY (UNIT WEIGHT) DETERMINATION DATA SHEET Sample number: B-1, ST-1, 10-12 Soil description: Gray silty clay Mass of the soil sample (Mt): 125.20 grams Length of the soil sample (L): 7.26 cm Diameter of the soil sample (D): 3.41 cm Moisture content determination: Specimen number Moisture can and lid number MC = Mass of empty, clean can + lid (grams) MCMS = Mass of can, lid, and moist soil (grams) MCDS = Mass of can, lid, and dry soil (grams) MS = Mass of soil solids (grams) MW = Mass of pore water (grams) w = Water content, w% 1 15 7.83 13.43 12.69 4.86 0.74 15. 2 Date Tested: September 10, 2002

Example calculations: w=15.2%, Mt=125.2g, L=7.26cm, D=3.41cm


V= (3.41 )2 ( 7.26 ) = 66.28 cm 3 4

t =
d =

g 125.20 = 1.89 66.28 cm 3

or = 1.89 62.4 = 118 t

Ib ft 3
Ib ft 3

1.89 g = 1.64 15.20 cm 3 1+ 100

or = 1.64 62.4 = 102.3 d

(Note: 62.4 is the conversion factor to convert density in g/cm3 to unit weight in lb/ft3)

Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC

25

BLANK DATA SHEETS

Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC

26

DENSITY (UNIT WEIGHT) DETERMINATION DATA SHEET Sample number: Soil description: Mass of the soil sample (Mt): Length of the soil sample (L): Diameter of the soil sample (D): Moisture content determination: Specimen number Moisture can and lid number MC = Mass of empty, clean can + lid (grams) MCMS = Mass of can, lid, and moist soil (grams) MCDS = Mass of can, lid, and dry soil (grams) MS = Mass of soil solids (grams) MW = Mass of pore water (grams) w = Water content, w% Calculations: Date Tested:

Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC

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