With 

Application 
  C.D.

USING SOME OF MICROSOFT OFFICE

EXCEL FUNCTIONS TO COMPUTE SOIL
ENGINEERING PARAMETERS BASED ON
LABORATORY AND FIELD RAW DATA

Azhar Sadiq Yasun 

Lecturer in Civil Engineering Department 
College of Engineering, 
Al-Nahrain University 
Iraq-Baghdad 
 0
 
Using Some Of Microsoft Office Excel Functions To Compute Soil Engineering
Parameters Based On Laboratory And Field Raw Data

Azhar Sadiq Yasun

Lecturer in Civil Engineering Department
College of Engineering,
Al-Nahrain University
Iraq-Baghdad

First Edition 2019,

1000 copies,
78 pages

2019 ‫ ﻟﺴﻨﺔ‬4277 ‫رﻗﻢ اﻻﻳﺪاع ﻓﻲ دار اﻟﻜﺘﺐ واﻟﻮﺛﺎﺋﻖ ﺑﺒﻐﺪاد‬

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Introduction

The main aim of this book is to computerized or programmed most soil engineering
properties and compute them automatically using many excel functions based on raw soil test
experimental data, but not represent soil mechanic or engineering soil laboratory manual
book, the user should have enough background about engineering soil properties laboratory
experiments calculation.

In each sector there were some descriptions about new excel functions which will be used in
the sector, the reader should study these functions to make the process of applying them to
compute the certain soil parameter.

This excel copy depends (;) to separate between logical expressions but for some another
program versions the symbol (,) used instead of it.

For program step check; the trainer can input cell with the same distribution and copy the
forms directly from the programmed cell ( ) or use the original excel attached files.

For understanding how most of the programmed tools and excel sheets works the reader
should know basic concepts of the certain soil parameter test and experimental steps and also
the guidelines of the theory that depends to compute it.

The book regarded the reader has an interest in using Microsoft Excel program and has a
knowledge of how to draw (x, y) charts within many types.

If any of Figures not clear enough, the user can try to open the attached original excel files
with carful way not change any of programmed cells expressions, or make a spare copy
before opening files or the user can build his files by himself using the excel expressions
12
written in this text within the processed form of ( ).

This text as any human activity may contain some of unwilling mistakes or errors; it's my
pleasure to receive any notes about these issues on the email listed below.

Email:[email protected] 
 

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  List of Contents

Chapter Subject page

Chapter one Water content. 3
Chapter Two Liquid limit (L.L.), plastic limit (P.L.) and plasticity index (P.I.). 5
Chapter Three Activity and liquidity index. 12
Chapter Four Specific gravity. 13
Chapter Five Sieve and hydrometer analysis. 16
Chapter Six Unified soil classification system (USCS). 27
Chapter Seven AASHTO soil classification. 45
Chapter Eight Optimum moisture content and maximum dry density 49
determination (Compaction test).
Chapter Nine Permeability tests (constant and falling head). 55
Chapter Ten Ultimate unconfined compression stress and cohesion 58
(unconfined compression test).
Chapter Eleven Angle of internal friction and apparent cohesion determination 63
(Direct shear test).
Chapter Twelve Consolidation Test (Computations of Compressibility Index Cc 69
and Swelling Index Cs).
 

   

 2
 
 Chapter one
Water Content
A. Theory
This sector contains the method to construct your own normal math equation in excel
worksheet program and also construct a graph to view the computed data.
The water content (ω), or moisture content, is the ratio of the mass of water (Mw) to the
mass of solids in the soil(Ms), i.e.(Craig,2007).

. (1)

B. Laboratory work: contains provide of drying of wet soils (Mw) samples and writing
the dry weight (Md) and also recording tin (can) (metal container) weight or
mass(We).
C. Computations detail based on laboratory and field data.

. (2)

D. Excel program sheet view explanation

For all this excel and all followed worksheet the gray cells and black text color refers to title
cells which not contain any equation or math expression, and also the blue cells within whited
text refers to input values necessary to complete next mathematical programmed expression
progressing step.
The last cells type as seen in the above view represent the final step to compute the moisture
or water content by math expression for the same input cells distribution above written as
equation (2):
=(100*(E6-F6))/(F6-D6)
Then the programmed step is done by move mouse pointer to the right bottom of the cell
(G6) till pointer shape converted to the blacked plus sign ( ), after this happened the mouse
pointer with continued mouse left click slide down for retained two cells below to complete
the water content computations for last two soil samples or double click on this sign directly.
Note: all steps above deals with only using three weights (masses) for water content
calculation if the steps not contain recording empty can (tin) mass the data recoded should be

 3
 
tare with empty can weight (mass) or weighted the soil mass only then the calculation excel
expression for the same example above became:

And the math expression used to compute the water content parameter with respect to cell
distribution above can be written as below:
=(100*(E14-F14))/F14
E. Chart explanation
To study the data computed for different input data the soil simples above the scatter
chart can be conducted as Figure (1) below:

Figure (1)

 4
 
 Chapter Two
Liquid limit (L.L.), plastic limit (P.L.) and plasticity index
(P.I.)
This sector contains a method to use logical functions (TREND, IF, VLOOKUP,
AND and AVERAGE), also adding a linear trend line to the curved relations in excel
worksheet program.
A. Theory

Liquid limit (LL): represent moisture content in percent at which the soil changes from a
semiliquid to a plastic state.
Plastic limit (PL): represent moisture content, in percent, at which the soil changes from a
plastic to a semisolid state and from a semisolid to a solid-state.
Plasticity index (PI): represent the difference between the liquid limit and the plastic limit
of a soil (Das, 2016).
B. The (LL) computed using laboratory effort

Even by Casegrandi liquid limit machine (preferred by ASTM) or by cone penetrometer

kit (preferred by B.S.), in the first test technique, the (LL) can be determined by
simulating the log.no. blows-water content points with straight trend line, then intersect
the 25 blows vertical line within straight drawn trend line, then extend the point of
intersection using horizontal line to pointed the (LL) value on vertical water content axis,
on the other hand the (LL) computed using fall cone device after collected results than
passing the vertical line through (20mm) penetration on the constructed trend line which
drawn to relate the cone penetration of points reading ( x-axis) with the percent water
content for y-axis, after that within intersected location the horizontal line extended to
vertical axis to read the (LL) value.

C. Computation detail based on laboratory data

According to the information above for using Casegrandi liquid limit machine the data
consists from an empty mass (We), can with wet soil mass(Ww), can with dry mass(Wd),
number of blows (N) for each test trial. For using the fall cone device the data consists of
additional results for cone penetration in (mm) instead of a number of blows. The water
content computed as the previous experiment part shows.
D. Excel program sheet view explanation

Figure (2)
The first five columns are computed as sector (1) item (D), the test procedure also
continue to record number of blows required to close the soil grove made by grooving
tool using Casegrandi liquid limit machine; therefore this column data regarding as

 5
 
input number, to complete computation by taking logarithm function of blows
number to build the scatter relation between the log. number of blows in x-axis with
respect of percent water content in the y-axis, as pervious item, refer to compute the
(LL) after the draw the log number of blows –water content relation Figure(3).
60

50

Water content %
40

Series1
30

20

10

0
1 10 100
No. blows
Figure (3)
The Figure (3) will contain also drawing best fitted straight line for the drawn points
located on the chart, the line would conduct by using add trend line order after select
data series points by left mouse click then pressing right mouse click to view the Add
Trend line bottom Figure (4) then the format tend line windows appears Figure (5),
the linear choice should be bolded then select close, this black line constructed as
Figure (6) preparing step for the next computation step.
 

 
Figure (4)
 

 6
 
 Figure (5)

60

50
Water content %

40

30
Series1

20
Linear
(Series1) 10

0
1 10 100
No. blows
Figure (6)
The final computing (LL) value will depend on (trend ) logical excel function, this function
returns values along a linear trend and also fits a straight line (using the method of least
squares) to the arrays known-y's and known-x's then it Returns the y-values along that line for
the array of new-x's that user specify)(TREND(known-y's, [known-x's], [new-x's], [const.]));
the using of excel expression for computing (LL) depends on excel data cell distribution
shown in Figure (2) was as expression below:
=TREND(G6:G9;I6:I9;I3;FALSE
The detail of this function can be shown as series 2 in Figure (7).
Figure (7) refers to computation liquid limit using Casegrandi liquid limit computation, the
excel equation depends on the water content data for all test trails as (known-y's) input data
and log. The number of blows for each trail used as (known-x's) then the (log25=1.397)
regarding as (new-x's) input values, the last part of expression written as (false) for omitting
the constant (b) at the last of linear mathematical equation expression.

 7
 
For one trail liquid limit determination using the equation below for Casegrandi liquid limit
method:
.
. (3)
For that purpose the cell identified as (K6) in Figure (2), and the excel expression designed
according to the equation (3) can be written as:
=G7*(H7/25)^0.121

60

50
Water content %

40
Series1
30
Series2
Linear (Series1)
20
Linear (Series1)
10

0
1 10 100
No. blows

Figure (7)
Another concept was done for converting the drawing steps to determine (LL) based on
penetration –percent water content relation using fall cone penetration device, the first two
steps to building linear straight trend line for points located on the graph as Figure (8) refers:
35

30
Penetration(mm)

25
water content
20 Series2
Linear (water content)
15

10
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Water content%

Figure (8)
The drawing used the table with data as shown in Figure (9).

 8
 
 Figure (9)
For the purpose of computing (LL) again using the trend function expression below:
=TREND(G17:G20;H17:H20;20;TRUE)
Figure (9) refers to computation liquid limit using falling cone liquid limit computation, the
excel equation depends the water content data for all test trails as (known-y's) input data and
penetration number (mm) for each trail used as (known-x's) then the (penetration=20)
regarding as (new-x's) input values, the last part of expression written as (true) for regarding
value of the constant (b) at the last of linear mathematical equation expression (y = mx + b).
For one trail liquid limit determination using the equation below for fall cone liquid limit
method:
∗ (4)
For that purpose the cell identified as (AA2), and the excel expression designed according to
the table of correlation factor (BS 1377 part-2) shown below:

Preparing to compute the liquid limit the user should input the penetration (mm) and water
content in percent first, then the excel expression for liquid limit corrected factor
determination written as below and also as seen in cell identified as(Z2):
=IF(AND(Y2>35;Y2<50);VLOOKUP(X2;$X$6:$AA$16;3);IF(Y2<35;VLOOKUP(X2;$X$6:$AA
$16;2);VLOOKUP(X2;$X$6:$AA$16;4)))
The IF function returns one value if a condition you specify evaluates to TRUE, and another
value if that condition evaluates to FALSE, also the AND function returns TRUE if all its
arguments evaluate to TRUE; returns FALSE if one or more arguments evaluate to FALSE.
Finally, the VLOOKUP function used to search the first column of a range (range: Two or
more cells on a sheet. The cells in a range can be adjacent or nonadjacent) of cells, and then
return a value from any cell on the same row of the range.

 9
 
Then the liquid limit value was easy to compute with respect to equation (4) with excel
expression below:
=Y2*Z2
Plastic limit (PL)
The plastic limit computation represents by calculating the average water content for trail
soil plastic limit samples if soil consistency allows finger forming with 3mm diameter;
therefore the Figure (10) contains excel sheet table to compute the value of (PL).

Figure (10)
Figure (10) refers to plastic limit computation using the average soil samples water content,
the excel equation below refers to detailed excel expression using input excel cells
distribution data:
=AVERAGE(G31:G34)
Plasticity index (P.I.)
From the steps of the final computation above the plasticity index can be calculated using
theory equation:
. . (5)
The plasticity index determined using excel sheet as Figure (11).
 
 

Figure (11)
And to complete above step the excel equation expression below used to compute plasticity
index according to equation (5) of the soil with respect to the above excel sheet cell
distribution.
= (IF(C48>0;B48-C48;"N.P."))
The excel equation expression above designed to explore both normal plastic soil and no
plastic soil, this matter treated by using logical function (IF); the IF function returns one value
if a condition specify evaluates to TRUE, and another value if that condition evaluates to

  10
 
FALSE. For example, the formula =IF(A1>10,"Over 10","10 or less") returns "Over 10" if
A1 is greater than 10, and "10 or less" if A1 is less than or equal to 10, therefore general (IF)
function general form can be written as (IF(logical-test, [value-if-true], [value-if-false]), to apply
these information and rules on our matter the excel expression used to check the first
condition which relates to the soil plastic limit value if its greater than (0) the process
completed by computing the plasticity value as (LL-PL); if the first condition not achieved
then the program automatically printed the (N.P.) (value if false), noting that the user of this
expression should be input (0) value for no plastic soil in plastic limit cell identified as (C49)
in our example or let this cell empty.

  11
 
 Chapter Three
Activity and liquidity index
A. Theory
Activity (A), the degree of plasticity of the clay-size fraction of a soil is expressed by the ratio
of the plasticity index to the percentage of clay-size particles in the soil (Craig, 2007).
. . . .
. (6)
. %

Liquidity Index (IL), the natural water content (w) of a soil (adjusted to an equivalent water
content of the fraction passing the 425-mm sieve) relative to the liquid and plastic limits
(Craig, 2007).

(7)
. .

B. Excel program sheet view explanation

Figure (12)

The math expression for the same input cells distribution above written as equation (6) for
activity (A) below:
=C55/D55
And for liquidity index (I.L) using equation (7), the excel expression can be written as:
=(B55-C55)/A55

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 Chapter Four
Specific Gravity
A. Theory
Specific gravity (Gs), the ratio of the mass of a unit volume of soil solids to the mass
of the same volume of gas-free distilled water at 20°C (ASTM D854).
B. Laboratory work :the (Gs) computed using laboratory effort by weighting (compute
mass) of dry soil sample(Ms)and weighting of bottle filling with de-aired water
(Mbw)also finally determination of bottle with soil and de-aired water
(Mbws).Computations detail based on laboratory and field data.

(8)
, ,
Note: the equation above used only for soils has particles size finer the (4.75mm)
C. Excel program sheet view
 

Figure (13)
The math expression for the same input cells distribution above written according to equation
(8) for specific gravity of solids (Gs) below:
=A62/(C62-(B62-A62))

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 Chapter Five
Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis
This sector contains a method to use logical functions: TEXT, ROUND, HLOOKUP,
SUM, MATCH, INDEX, SQRT and SIGN, in the excel worksheet program.
A. Theory
Sieve analysis is a method used to determine the grain-size distribution of soils.

Hydrometer analysis is the procedure generally adopted for determination of the

particle-size distribution in the soil for the fraction that is finer than No. 200 sieve
size (0.075 mm) (das soil lab).
B. Laboratory work: The sieve analysis computed using laboratory effort by collecting
graduated sieves has different meshes openings, the collecting done within the
vertical direction.
The hydrometer test contain analyzing soil fraction finer than (0.075mm) by mixing
that part of soil with a certain amount of water then let the soil solution to settle in
(1000ml) cylinder, finally the observation of the solution density was done to
calculate the graduation of this soil part to find the approximate clay and silt percent.
C. Computations detail based on laboratory and field data.
To complete the grain size distribution of soil sample for soil fraction has a particles
coarser than (0.075mm), the computing of retained soil weight above each sieve size
used in the grain or particle size distribution, then the calculation continue to find the
finer percentage for each particle size, finally the graph conducted to relate grain or
particle size or diameter with respect to soil finer fraction percent.
M total: the mass of total soil sample.
M1 retained: soil mass retained on the first sieve.
: (9)

M finer2: M finer1- M2 retained (for second sieve in the set).. And so on for each
sieve in the set.

% % (10)

For hydrometer analysis all computation steps based on modified Stock's law
equation below:

(11)

Furthermore the simplified equation:

(12)
For hydrometer analysis all computation steps based on modified Stoke's law
equation below:
(13)

% (14)
(15)
There are five tables listed in the appendix (A) will be used to correct and adopt many
necessary parameters to accomplish calculation steps.

  14
 
 D. Excel program sheet view explanation
 

Figure (13)
There are three excel equations used in the table shown in Figure (13), the first equation was
computation of total dry mass soil used in sieve set this equation, The math expression for the
same input cells distribution above written as an equation for total mass below:
=SUM(B67:B72)
The number was (280 gm), also to compute the mass of finer particles for each sieve by
equation (9) using math expression for the same input cells distribution above written as
equation below:
=100*C67/$B$72
The ($) sign can be done after selecting (B72) cell then pressing (F4) button, this operation
done to make the equation adopt same number (M total) using to divide the (M finer) for each
sieve, after computing (Finer%) for first (2.36mm) sieve move the mouse pointer to the
bottom-right edge side of cell (D67) till the pointer shape converted to ( ) then click and
slide the mouse downward till it reaches the cell(D70).
Figures (14) and (15) below for the same hydrometer results the first difference was in the
clearance and second that the Figure (14) contains a cell identification number for verifying
next logical excel equations expression at excel sheet view detail explanation.
The first three input rows contain hydrometer (Hyd.) zero correction reading (the program
designed to conduct the experiment with preparing water bath cylinder, meniscus represent
the difference between top curved water surface which adhered on Hyd. stim reading and
horizontal water surface reading on the stim, (Ws) represent the total initial dry soil passing
sieve no. (200) (opening size 0.075mm) used in the test, (Gs) specific gravity of soil solids,
therefore, its necessary to compute (Gs) before conducting the hydrometer test, (a) was the
correction factor for unit weight of solids used to finer percent computation in next steps.
The (Date) column should be input with same manner and format as shown Figures (14) and
(15), this date represents the first day of test commencement but it does not use in
computation detail written just for gaudiness.
The first input column titled as (Time of reading) the data should be input with same manner
and format as shown Figures (14) and (15) this format consists of date of test then space then
time value then space and period of time recording (AM or PM), therefore the details format
example was (15/7/2017 3:01 PM).

  15
 
  
Figure (14)

  16
 
Hydrometer type (152H)
Zero correct. 1 Gs 2.7 a 0.9889
Meniscus 0.5
Ws 50
Gs Temp
Elapsed Actual Temp Correct.
Date Time of reading Temp. CT Rc finer% L col. row K D
time(min) reading used Meniscus No. No.
only
2017/07/17 15/7/2017 2:57 PM 0
15/7/2017 2:59 PM 02 25.5 37 26 1.65 37.65 74.464262 37.5 10.1 4 11 0.0125 0.02809
15/7/2017 3:01 PM 04 25.5 35 26 1.65 35.65 70.508657 35.5 10.4 4 11 0.0125 0.020156
15/7/2017 3:05 PM 08 25.5 34 26 1.65 34.65 68.530855 34.5 10.5 4 11 0.0125 0.014321
15/7/2017 3:13 PM 16 25.2 33 25 1.3 33.3 65.860821 33.5 10.7 4 10 0.0126 0.010304
15/7/2017 3:27 PM 30 25.6 31 26 1.65 31.65 62.597447 31.5 11.1 4 11 0.0125 0.007603
15/7/2017 3:57 PM 60 25.5 29 26 1.65 29.65 58.641842 29.5 11.4 4 11 0.0125 0.005449
15/7/2017 4:57 PM 120 25.1 26 25 1.3 26.3 52.016204 26.5 11.9 4 10 0.0126 0.003968
15/7/2017 6:00 PM 183 25.6 24 26 1.65 24.65 48.75283 24.5 12.2 4 11 0.0125 0.003227
16/7/2017 4:56 PM 1559 25.7 17 26 1.65 17.65 34.908213 17.5 13.3 4 11 0.0125 0.001155
22/7/2017 1:38 PM 10001 32.2 15 30 3.8 17.8 35.204883 15.5 13.7 4 15 0.012 0.000444
Figure (15)

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Note: If the program shows the input data with another format even the input the data was in
right way check after right click on cell and select the format cells option then move the
mouse pointer to the date in category column and select the form of (14/6/2001 1:30 PM) for
type column.
The elapsed time column data computed the total time of sedimentation (test) starts from first
time data recording and ended the time recording process when the test was ends, the math
expression for the same input cells distribution above written as equation for computing time
for each test reading below:
=TEXT(B99-$B$98;"[mm]")
This equation for the first time period lies between first and second readings, the TEXT
function converts a numeric value to text and lets you specify the display formatting by using
special format strings. This function is useful in situations where you want to display numbers
in a more readable format, or you want to combine numbers with text or symbols. This
function used to compute the accumulated time between each reading, the ($) sign used to
hold subtraction initial recorded time process from each next Hyd. To reads the recorded time.
The next two columns titled as (Temp.) and (Actual reading) they came from recording test
data observation for each Hyd. reading.
For using the next Hyd. tables and data array the computation needs to approximate actual
temperature values recoded (column titled Temp used) for the nearest integer number, the
math expression for the same input cells distribution above in Figure (14) written as an
equation for approximating temperature for each test reading below:
=ROUND(D99;0)
As seen above the (D99) represents the actual recoded temperature, the ROUND function
rounds a number to a specified number of digits.
The (CT) column represents the temperature correction factor needs to compute corrected
Hyd. reading (Rc), the math expression for the same input cells distribution above in Figure
(14) written as an equation for determination temperature correction factor for each test
reading below:
=VLOOKUP(F99;$A$112:$B$127;2;0)
This equation written based on two columns array adopting from table (6-3) in appendix (A)
as Figure (16) shows, in the excel sheet view for the first looking temperature value equal to
(260C) the function searched for the (CT) value versus the (26) which was equal to (1.65).
The (Rc) column represents the corrected Hyd. readings, the math expression for the same
input cells distribution above in Figure (14) written as an equation for determination
corrected Hyd. readings (Rc) for each test reading below:
=E99-$B$93+G99
The above equation was built with respect to equation (13) listed in part no. (C).
The (finer%) column represent the mass finer percent ratio with respect to total dry mass (Ws)
used in the test, the math expression for the same input cells distribution above in Figure (14)
written as equation for determination mass finer percent ratio with respect to total dry mass
(finer%) for each test reading below:
=100*H99*$F$93/$B$95
The above equation was built with respect to equation (14) listed in part no. (C).
The corrected Hyd. reading for meniscus only column was computed to as:
Correct. Hyd. reading for Meniscus only=Actual Hyd. reading + meniscus difference
The math expression for the same input cells distribution above in Figure (14) written as the
equation for the corrected Hyd. reading for meniscus only to the test each reading below:
=E99+$B$94

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 Where cell (B94) represent meniscus reading value.

Figure (16)
The (L) column represent the effective depth will be used to compute (D) (diameter particle
size for each computed (finer%) value within equation no.(15), the math expression for the
same input cells distribution above in Figure (14) written as equation for determination
effective depth (L) for each test based on Correct. Hyd. reading for Meniscus only below:
=VLOOKUP(ROUND(J99;0);$D$113:$E$173;2;0)
The two-column array starts from cell number (D113) and ended within the cell (E173) as
seen in part of it in Figure (17), these data adopted directly from table no.5 in an appendix
(A).
Finally for computing the constant (K) which represent Function of (T, Gs, ), to compute the
values of (K) the user should input two soil parameters specific gravity of soil solids and soil
solution temperature into table number (5) in appendix (A) manually, but for programming
this step using excel sheet logical function there were two main preparation steps represented
by numbered all rows and columns as shown in table at Figure (18).
To distinguish the column number which relates with the (Gs) value the column titled (Gs col.
No.) designed to select table column number for the same input cells distribution above in
Figure (14) written as equation below:
=HLOOKUP($D$93;$H$112:$O$113;2;0)
The logical function (HLOOKUP) Searches for a value in the top row of a table or an
array (array: Used to build single formulas that produce multiple results or that operate on a
group of arguments that are arranged in rows and columns. An array range shares a common
formula; an array constant is a group of constants used as an argument) of values, and then
returns a value in the same column from a row you specify in the table or array.

  19
 
 Figure (17)
 

 
Figure (18)
The second step was done to select the row number in the table shown in Figure (18) using
the soil-water solution temperature, for the same input cells distribution above in Figure (14)
written as equation below to find the row number:
=VLOOKUP(F99;$G$114:$P$128;10;0)

  20
 
Therefore and after distinguishing the column and row numbers now the programmed new
logical function (index) can be used to compute the (K) values and for the same input cells
distribution above in Figure (14) written as equation below to find the (K) value as:
=INDEX($G$113:$P$128;M99;L99)
The (INDEX) function Returns the value of an element in a table or an array, selected by the
row and column number indexes.
The last column titled (D) means the soil particle size (mm) for each (finer %) value which
already determined for all Hyd. reading.
The excel expression will conduct based on equation number (12) in part (C), if the same
input cells distribution above in Figure (14) written as equation below to find the (D) value
as:
=N99*SQRT(K99/C99)
The SQRT function Returns a positive square root. for viewing and study soil size particles
distribution Figure (20) for the results listed in Figure(13), the hydrometer results are also
shown in Figure (21), if considering that soil has Hyd. readings analysis the curve can
equivalent and complete the soil size distribution for soil fraction finer than (0.075mm);
therefore: The method can be summarized in the following steps:
1. Computation of silt and clay ratios from the fraction finer than (0.075mm), this step
needs some of the arithmetical secondary equation preparing to expect final results
needs to record (clay and silt ratio).
2. To comply the step above first should use final hydrometer analysis results, the finer
% as (y-axis data) and D (mm) as (x-axis data), additional (X-axis data) used as linear
straight vertical line (D=0.002, represent the clay particle size) intersect hydrometer
analysis distribution curve to compute the silt and clay ratio; for that purpose the table
excel sheet view Figure(19) below designed to compute the clay and silt percent for
the soil fraction particles finer (0.075mm).

 
Figure (19)

  21
 
 ` Silt Sand Gravel
Clay
Fine Meduim Coarse Fine Meduim Coarse Fine Meduim Coarse
120

100

80
Finer%

60

40

20

0
0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Diameter, mm
Figure (20)

  22
 
 80

70

60
50

Finer%
40
Series2
30
Series1
20

10
0
0 0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03
D (mm)
 
Figure (21)

3. The first three columns represent input data came from hydrometer analysis table (D
and finer% columns), the all next steps designed based on regarding arithmetical
work consists by intersecting vertical line has the equation of (X=0.002mm) with
Hdy. Analysis curve and compute the (y) value of intersection point which represent
(finer%) meets the D=0.002mm meaning that it equals to (clay%), column titled as y-
y computed by subtracting the value in (X) column from value in (X1), if the same
input cells distribution above in Figure (19) written as equation below to find the
(X1-X) value as:
=A179-B179
4. This next step was designed to check the sign of consecutive column (X1-X) values;
because if the sign changed that means the intersection point between line and curve
was located if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (19) written as
equation below to find the (intersection column) value as:
=IF(SIGN(D179*D180)=1;0;1)
5. From the equation above it seems clear that the output value for the equation was (0)
if the sign of difference value is (-) otherwise the output value became (1), the sign
function Determines the sign of a number. Returns 1 if the number is positive zero (0)
if the number is 0 and -1 if the number is negative.
6. The column titled Crossed line designed to compute the row number lies in last
computed column (X1-X) if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (19)
written as equation below to find the (Cross line) value as:
=MATCH(1;E179:E188;0)
The MATCH function searches for a specified item in a range (range: Two or more
cells on a sheet. The cells in a range can be adjacent or nonadjacent.) Of cells, and
then returns the relative position of that item in the range. This function used to refer
to the row cell consequence that contained a number (1).
7. To explain the final part for the second table lies below first table data in Figure (19)
was conducted after zoomed the intersection point as shown in Figure (22).

  23
 
 Hyd. curve
X=0.002
 
Y‐axis

Y3
Y1=?
Y2

X‐axis
X2
X1
X3

Figure (22)
8. After observed and the point which represents an intersection point between the
vertical line(X=0.002) and Hyd. Analysis curve, to comply the process should
nominate two points coordinates on curve, the first points were lied before
intersection point the coordinates of this point according to table in Figure(19) were
(X2, Y2) means the values adopted were(0.001155, 34.90821), also the second point
located after the intersection point on curve there coordinates according to Figure
(22) (X3, Y3) means the values adopted were (0.003227, 48.75283), the intersection
point has the coordinates (X1, Y1) according to Figure(22).
As shown above, all coordinates are known except (Y1), therefore the below equation
represent the simple arithmetic solution to compute the value of (Y1):
(16)
The value of (X2) represents the first point x-coordination if the same input cells
distribution above in Figure (19) written as equation below to find the (X2) value as:
=INDEX(B179:B188;F179+1)
The value of (Y 2) represents the first point y-coordinate of the same input cells
distribution above in Figure (19) written as equation below to find the (Y2) value as:
=INDEX(C179:C188;F179+1)
The value of (X3) represents the second point x-coordinate, if the same input cells
distribution above in Figure (19) written as equation below to find the (X3) value as:
=INDEX(B179:B188;F179)
The value of (Y3) represents the second point y-coordination if the same input cells
distribution above in Figure (19) written as equation below to find the (Y3) value as:
=INDEX(C179:C188;F179)
For computing, the (Y1) value using equation (16), if the same input cells distribution
above in Figure (19) written as equation below to find the (Y1) value as:
=((B192*(C192-E192))+(D192*(E192-A192)))/(C192-A192)
After computing (Y1) value that means the programing work complete the clay and
silt percent, if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (19) written as
equation below to find the (Silt%) value as:

  24
 
=100-F192
Figure (21) refers to drawing the clay percent location on Hyd. Curve for this
purpose the liner two straight lines (Series 2) drawn using the data shown in table (1)
below:
X Y
0.002 0
0.002 40.55475991
0 40.55475991

8. For completing the grain size distribution according to all data above, assuming
that the same soil used in sieve and hydrometer analysis.
The first step to complete the requirement above was preparing grain size distribution
table which contains diameter sizes (0.075 and 0.002).
The computation starts from passing mass of (0.075) no.200 sieve, the finer percent
was equal according to Figure (13) data was (44.705%) and Retained was (110gm)
and passing mass (190gm), to compute the clay and silt ratio for the passing part its
clearly that if for (50gm) the clay ratio was (40.5%) for (45gm) the clay finer ratio
was (45*40.55/50), means that the clay particle percent (36.5%), according to above
computations the grain size distribution became as Figure (23) reveals and the curve
completes can be drawn as Figure(24) refers.

Figure (23)

  25
 
 ` Silt Sand Gravel
Clay
Fine Meduim Coarse Fine Meduim Coarse Fine Meduim Coarse
120

100

80
Finer%

60

40

20

0
0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Diameter, mm
 
Figure (24)

  26
 
 Chapter Six
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
This sector contains a method to use logical functions: SLOPE, INTERCEPT, (IF)
used within (AND) sub-function, in the excel worksheet program.
A. Theory
The Unified Soil Classification System was originally proposed by A. Casagrande in
1942 and was later revised and adopted by the United States Bureau of Reclamation
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The system is currently used in practically all
geotechnical work. In the Unified System; the following symbols are used for
identification (Das, 2016):

The plasticity chart (Figure 25) and flow chart in appendix B summarized the
procedure for determining the group symbols for various types of soil. When
classifying a soil be sure to provide the group name that generally describes the soil,
along with the group symbol.

Figure (25)
For the unified system detail steps you can check and study the flow chart in any reliable
reference because the details is out scope of this text, but the excel program in separate
file designed based on converting the classification steps details using series of logical
excel function steps, therefore one of classification detail steps will explain then the excel
explanation process will reveal, finally the total logical steps for all classification works

  27
 
 will be list, the general view on excel sheet will make to recognize the all cells type and
the designed excel sheet cells user instructions, also there were some of additional
required necessary details like peat classification (Pt) and organic soils, all steps
surmised in appendix (B).
B. Soils classification examples: To explore how to main program design steps, the
classification for soil type examples (CL), (OH), (SW), (GP-GM) and (PT) shows:
according to table (2) below:
Table-2-
Condition-1 Condition-2 Condition-3 Condition-4
Soil Checking sieves Check LL, PL and Check values of 1. Primarily organic matter,
classification Passing% Sieve#200 P.I. location on Cu and Cc dark in color.
symbol Sieve#4. plasticity chart, according to 2. Primarily organic matter
organic. sieves finer%. and organic odor.
CL Pass.#200%=55%>50% LL=44%, P.I. =22,
No organic matter
observed.
OH Pass.#200%=60%>50% LL=66%,
P.I.=44,Organic
matter observed
SW Pass.#200<5%, Cu>6
Pass.#4>50% 1≤Cc≤3
GP-GM 5≤Pass.#200≤12 LL=52>50%, Cu>4
Pass.#4<50% 4<P.I.<7, 1≤Cc≤3
P.I. below A line
PT Pass.#200=-1%* Organic matter, dark color
and organic odor observed.
*This number not logic but used only for computerizing the logic conditions and distinguishing special peat soil
description.

C. Excel program sheet view explanation

First the excel file designed to classify all soils type within three excel main sheets
(input, process and output sheet), Figures (26), (27) and (28), refers to these sheets,
Figure (26) contains input classification data in addition there is an instruction text
table refers to type of cells with different colors according to their types.

  28
 
  

 
Figure (26)

Figure (27-A-B-C-D and E) refers to many parts that sheet process contents as
follow:
1. Main logical (IF), (AND) and (OR) functions detail steps distributed within soil
classification groups and also the plasticity chart plate as shown in Figure (27-A).
2. Input plasticity table data to drawing the plasticity chart and viewing fine soils located
on chart to clarify the outputted fine soils classification (27-B).

  29
 
3. There were also four similar vertical listed tables relates to manner of computing the
values of (D10), (D30) and (D60) from the sieve analysis data (D (mm)-finer%
relation), these tables titled as: example, D10, D30 and D60 Figure (27-C and D).
4. Sieve distribution curve and horizontal straight lines represent (D10, D30, and D60)
Figure (27-D).
5. Sieve opening size with respect to sieve number Figure (27-E).
6. Automatic tabulated data depends on input sieves finer% for coarse soils and sieve
opening size (mm) Figure (27-E).

 B

  30
 
  C

  31
 
  E

Figure (27)
The last sheet titled as output contains the final soil classification symbol cell and plasticity
chart with point indicated the LL and P.I. values for x and y respectively, Figure (28).
To apply the soil classification logical steps for the examples in the table (2), the explanation
below can be conducted for soil type (CL):
The equation used to compute the A-line values was (0.73*(LL-20)), therefore the excel
expression used to compute these values as:

  32
 
 =0.73*(B6-20)
First, the input sheet view as Figure (29) refers, for testing and analyzing input data and
conclude the USCS symbol according logical steps the simple excel expression designed as
previewed in process excel sheet as below:

USCS(conditions) Excel expression if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (29) written as
equation below to classify the tested soil as :
Pass.#200%=60%>50% input!B4>50
LL=44% input!B6<50
P.I.=22, check P.I. with input!B8>input!B13
respect to A-line value
no organic matter input!B12="no"
observed
Check P.I. not in CL- input!B8>7
ML zone
Pass.%=55%>50%, =IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6<50;input!B12="no";input!B8>input!B13;input!B8>7);"CL";
LL=44%, P.I.=22, No "need more steps")
organic matter
observed.
Using the(AND) function after (IF) to test many conditions for soil type in one (IF) function,
the (IF) function here was used to connect more than one classification soil type and collected
in one cell by adding another soil condition in the place of phrase "need more steps";
because of that the fill (L) soils classification group excel expression written as (if the same
input cells distribution above in Figure (29) written as equation below to classify the fine
tested soil ):
=IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6<50;input!B12="yes");"OL";IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6<50
;input!B12="no";input!B8>input!B13;input!B8>7);"CL";IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6<50;in
put!B12="no";input!B8<input!B13);"ML";"need more steps")))

Figure (28)
The phrase "need more steps" continued to connect this soil classification expression with the
soils types' expression.
After completion, the written final excel expression above the program ready to classify all
soils can be classified within (L) group.
Figure (28) shows the final USCS result symbol and also point location on the plasticity chart for
classified fine soil type (CL).

  33
 
For the second tested soil type (OH), Figure (30) refers to excel sheet input data which represent the
first step of classification.
For this example there were some of the differences between this fine soil input and first example (CL),
the main difference was in filling the organic cell (B12) within the (yes) text and so on.

  B4= pass.#200%

  B5=Pass.#4%

B6=L.L. %

  B7=P.L.

  B8=P.I.

  B12=organic ma er

Figure (29)

  34
 
   B4= pass.#200%

  B5=Pass.#4%

B6=L.L. %

  B7=P.L.

B8=P.I.

B12=organic ma er

 
Figure (30)
The USCS symbol according logical steps the simple excel expression designed as previewed
in process excel sheet as below:
USCS(conditions) Excel expression if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (30) written as
equation below to classify the tested soil as below:
Pass.#200%=60%>50% input!B4>50
LL=66% input!B6<50
Organic matter input!B12="yes"
observed
Check P.I. not in CL- input!B8>7
ML zone
Pass.%=60%>50%, =IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6>50;input!B12="yes");"OH";"need more steps")
LL=66%, P.I.=44 check
P.I. with respect to A
line value, organic
matter observed
As seen in (CL) explanation paragraph related to excel expressions, the general excel sheet
expression for all fine soil (H) group can be written if the same input cell distribution in
Figure (30) written as equation below to classify the fine tested soil:
=IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6>50;input!B12="yes");"OH";IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6>5
0;input!B12="no";input!B8>input!B13);"CH";IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6>50;input!B12="
no";input!B8<input!B13);"MH";"need more steps")))

  35
 
Figure (31) refers to the final excel output sheet and also soil location on the plasticity chart.

 
Figure (31)
For third tested soil type (SW), Figure (32) refers to excel sheet input data which represent
the first step of classification.
This example solution depends on the input sieve US number with finer or pass.% this
represents the first step of classification.

  36
 
   B4= pass.#200%

  B5=Pass.#4%

A28:A34=Sieve No.

  B28:B34=Pass%

B14=Cc

  B15=Cu

 
Figure (32)
The USCS symbol according to logical steps the simple excel expression designed as
previewed in process excel sheet as below:
USCS(conditions) Excel expression if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (32) written
as equation below to classify the tested soil as below:
Pass.#200%=4%<50% input!B4<50
LL=66% input!B5>50
1<Cc<3 input!B14>1;input!B14<3
Cu>6 input!B15>6
Pass.%=4<5% input!B4<5
Pass.#200<5%, =IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B5>50;input!B14>1;input!B14<3;input!B15>6;input!B4<
Pass.#4>50%, Cu>6, 5);"SW";"need more steps")
1≤Cc≤3
The input sheet for this soil type differs than other previous input example data because of
sieve size (mm) and finer percent for each sieve size.
The computation is done to determine the D10, D30, and D60, after computing these
parameters the values of (Cc and Cu) to use them in the next classification steps.
The detail of method used to compute the D10, D30 and D60 depends on arithmetical solution
for straight-line intersection with 2nd degree curve as shown in Figure (27-C-D), the first
table refers to general solution and titled as example, the first matter to solve was the (X, Y)

  37
 
coordinates for intersection point between straight line and curve, the arithmetical solution
was based on the equations below as Figure (33) refers:

  Slope2 Slope1

(X1, Y1)
(X, Y)

  Intercept (1)
(X2, Y2)

  Intercept (2)

Figure (33)

∗ ∗
(17)

(18)

The technique used contains list the (X, Y) points for both curve and straight line (both of
them have same (X) values; it's necessary to note here that the solution depends on known
equations for both the straight line and curve certainly. For the example above the linear
straight line equation was (y1=2X+5) and for the curve (y2=X2+1).
Now according to Figure (27-C-D), the selected domain data in X column with (-, 0, +)
numbers to view symmetry of curve, the column titled (y=5X+1) computed within Excel
expression if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (27-C) written as equation
below to find (y) values as below:
=2*O36+5
Also, the column title (y2=X2+1) computed within Excel expression if the same input cells
distribution above in Figure (27-C) written as equation below to find (y) values as below:
=O36^2+1
For column titled (Y1-Y2) represents the difference between two (y) values for straight line
and curve for each point, this step conducted to explore if there is any intersection between
straight line and curve; because the change of sign of difference number means that next point
exceeding intersection zone, if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (27-C)
written as equation below to find (Y1-Y2) values as below:
=P36-Q36
For holding the intersection zone the column titled (intersection) used (IF) within (sign)
logical functions if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (27-C) written as
equation below to find (intersection) values as below:
=IF(SIGN(R36*R37)=1;0;1)
The sign function determines the sign of a number. It Returns 1 if the number is positive zero
(0) if the number is 0 and 1 if the number is negative, therefore the output cell will be zero if
the product consecutive vertical cell has a positive sign and also equals to number (1) for the
negative product value.
Therefore these two points represent Neighbored points of intersection zone if the column cell
value equals to (1), after that the next column titled as (crossed line) was designed to select
the cell point has the product value equal to (1) using (MATCH) logical function, if the same
input cells distribution above in Figure (27-C) written as equation below to find (crossed line)
value as below:

  38
 
=MATCH(1;S36:S45;0)
In previous sieve analysis the match function explained with detail and its work here to adopt
the row number which the product of column tilted as (intersection) has (1) value, in this
example the first-row number was (3).
The (X) column has two rows designed to depends the (x) coordinates for the point that
intersection happened and also the next point coordinates if the same input cells distribution
above in Figure (27-C) written as equation below to find (X) value as below:
First point X coordinate =INDEX(O36:O45;T36)
Next point X coordinate =INDEX(O36:O45;T36+1)
The y1 and y2 columns represent the y coordinate values for the two-point above, if the same
input cells distribution above in Figure (27-C) written as equation below to find (y1) values
as below:
First point y1coordinate =INDEX(P36:P45;T36)
Next point y1coordinate =INDEX(P36:P45;T36+1)
Also for y2 coordinate value
First point y2coordinate =INDEX(Q36:Q45;T36)
Next point y2coordinate =INDEX(Q36:Q45;T36+1)
Y1 represents the value for point on straight line and y2 represent the value for point on
curve, according to the Figure (33) and equations (17) and (18) required to compute the slope
and interception value for each two lines has points coordinates as fallow line-1(between
(X,Y) and (x1,y1)) and also line-2(between (X,Y) and (x2,y2) to compute these parameters
the slope determined for each line in row titled slope as shown in Figure(27) (cell V39 and
W39) if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (27-C) the excel expression written
as below:
For line-1 =SLOPE(V36:V37;U36:U37)
For line-2 =SLOPE(W36:W37;U36:U37)
The slope function Returns the slope of the linear regression line through data points in
known y's and known-x. The slope is the vertical distance divided by the horizontal distance
between any two points on the line, which is the rate of change along the regression line.
Secondly to compute the intercept value for each line with y-axis determined in the row titled
intercept cells (V40 and W40) if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (27-C) the
excel expression written as below:
For line-1 =INTERCEPT(V36:V37;U36:U37)
For line-2 =INTERCEPT(W36:W37;U36:U37)
The intercept function calculates the point at which a line will intersect the y-axis by using
existing x-values and y-values. The intercept point is based on a best-fit regression line
plotted through the known x-values and known y-values.
Finally to predict the coordinates for first intersection point (X, Y) for cells titled y and x at
cells (V43 and V44) respectively, if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (27-C) :
Y =(W39*V40-V39*W40)/(W39-V39)
x =(V43-W40)/W39
All these steps done for the explanation the excel procedure, this example will be used to
determine D10, D30 and D60 after replaced the liner straight line y values by (y=10, 30 and
60) and also replaced curve y values by finer% and depending the sieve opening size(mm) as
X-axis values for each line and curve relationship. When the above steps are done for each D
determination the final output (X) value will represent the value of D10, D30 and D60 as
shown in Figure (27-C-D), after these steps completed the coefficient of uniformity (Cu) and
coefficient of curvature (Cc) will be computed based on equations below:

  39
 
 (19)

(20)
Therefore the equation using excel's expression below if the same cells in input excel sheet
Figure (32):
Cc =(B10*B10)/(B11*B9)
Cu =B11/B9
The cell (B10) represent (D30) and the (B11) cell is (D10) also (B9) was (D60), therefore the
input cells for the above cells as below if the input cell in excel sheet in Figure (27):
Cell identification D Excel expression
B9 D60 =VLOOKUP(A9;process!$S$29:$T$31;2;FALSE)
B10 D30 =VLOOKUP(A10;process!$S$29:$T$31;2;FALSE)
B11 D10 =VLOOKUP(A11;process!$S$29:$T$31;2;FALSE)
It's clear that in center of Figure (27-C) contains the summarized table for final computed
values for D10, D30, and D60, after computing these values the soil classification can
computed as the steps above refer.
For the fourth tested soil type (GP-GM), Figure (34) refers to excel sheet input data which
represent the first step of classification.
This example solution depends on the input sieve US number with finer or pass.% this
represents the first step of classification.
The USCS symbol according to logical steps the simple excel expression designed as
previewed in process excel sheet as below:

  40
 
 Figure (34)
USCS(conditions) Excel expression if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (34) written as
equation below to classify the tested soil as below:
Pass.#4%=49%<50% input!B5<50
5 Pass.#200≤12 input!B4<=12;input!B4>=5
1<Cc<3 input!B14>1;input!B14<3
Cu>4 input!B15<4
P.I.=19>7 input!B8>7
P.I=19<A-line=23.6 input!B8<input!B13
Pass.#4%=49%<50% =IF(AND(input!B4<=12;input!B4>=5;input!B5<50;input!B8>7;input!B8<i
, 5 Pass.#200≤12, nput!B13;input!B15<4);"GP-GM";"need more steps"
1<Cc<3, Cu>4,
P.I.=19>7, P.I=19<A-
line=23.6
The final expression above refers to only one probable issue to cover all (GP-GM) issues that
may give the same soil classification, the full excel expression can be written as below:

  41
 
=IF(AND(input!B4<=12;input!B4>=5;input!B5<50;input!B8>7;input!B8<input!B13;input!B15<4);"GP-
GM";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5<50;input!B8>7;input!B8<input!B13;input!B14>3);
"GP-
GM";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5<50;input!B8>7;input!B8<input!B13;input!B14<1);
"GP-GM";"need more steps")))
For the fifth tested soil type (PT), Figure (35) refers to excel sheet input data screen shoot
which represents the first step of classification.
This example solution designed first depends on the input yes word in front of two input
cells (B17) and (B26) this represents the first step of classification, these two cells contains
the two conditions as two question first one was: Primarily organic matter, dark in color?, and
the second was: Primarily organic matter organic odor?, the next classification step
represented by order comment to put the (-1) in front of passing #200, this order comment
using excel expression below if the same input cells distribution in Figure (35).
=IF(AND(B17="yes";B26="yes");"input passing #200 equal to -1";"check input
values")
This step done needs to input yes words in cells (B17) and (B26) and also the value of
pass#200 equals to (-1) because of the final classification excel expression used for this
purpose in proceeding sheet cell (Q14) if the same cell input distribution is written as below :

IF(AND(input!B17="yes";input!B26="yes";input!B4=-1);"PT";"need more steps"

The USCS symbol according to logical steps the simple excel expression designed as
previewed in process excel sheet as below:

  42
 
 Figure (35)
The final example explanation was for peat soil within a symbol of (PT) from its two
conditions; the simple excel expression can be conducted as the fallow table shown:

USCS(conditions) Excel expression if the same input cells distribution above in Figure (35) written as
equation below to classify the tested soil as below:
Pass.#200%=-1 input!B4=-1
Primarily organic input!B17="yes"
matter, dark in color?
Primarily organic input!B26="yes"
matter organic odor?
Pass.#200%=-1, IF(AND(input!B17="yes";input!B26="yes";input!B4=-1);"PT";"need
Primarily organic more steps"
matter, dark in
color?, organic odor?
For other classifications soil types within same manner already needs to depends same
explained steps, after completed to design excel expression for all soil types in (USCS), the
collection of these steps for each soil type should be conducted by copy the single full soil
type excel expression and pasts it instead of "need more steps" phrase at the end of previous
excel expression, the program make this work by three main stages (fine soils group (C, M,
O) , sandy soil group(S) and gravel soil group(G)).
According to item above it important here to view the final soil classifications excel
expression as:
=IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4<5;input!B5<50;input!B14>1;input!B14<3;input!B15>=
4;input!B4>0);"GW";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4<5;input!B5<50;input!B14>=1;inp
ut!B14<=3;input!B15<4;input!B4>0);"GP";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4<5;input!B5
<50;input!14:20<1;input!B4>0);"GP";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4<5;input!B5<50;i
nput!B14>3;input!B4>0);"GP";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5<50;input
!B14>1;input!B14<3;input!B15>4;input!B8>7;input!B8>input!B13);"GW-
GC";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5<50;input!B14>=1;input!B14<=3;in
put!B15>4;input!B8<input!B13;input!B8>7);"GW-
GM";IF(AND(input!B4<=12;input!B4>=5;input!B5<50;input!B14<1;input!B8>7;input!
B8>input!B13);"GP-
GC";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5<50;input!B8>7;input!B8>input!B13
;input!B14>3);"GP-
GC";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5<50;input!B8>input!B13;input!B8>7
;input!B15<4);"GP-
GC";IF(AND(input!B4<=12;input!B4>=5;input!B5<50;input!B8>7;input!B8<input!B13
;input!B15<4);"GP-
GM";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5<50;input!B8>7;input!B8<input!B1
3;input!B14>3);"GP-
GM";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5<50;input!B8>7;input!B8<input!B1
3;input!B14<1);"GP-
GM";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4>12;input!B5<50;input!B8>input!B13;input!B8>7;
input!B6>29);"GC";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4>12;input!B5<50;input!B8<input!B
13;input!B8>7);"GM";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4>12;input!B8>=4;input!B8<=7;in
put!B5<50);"GC-
GM";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B5>50;input!B14>1;input!B14<3;input!B15>6;input!
B4<5);"SW";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4<5;input!B5>50;input!B14>1;input!B14<3;
input!B15<6);"SP";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B5>50;input!B4<5;input!B15>6;input!
B14>1;input!B14>3);"SP";IF(AND(input!B4<5;input!B5>50;input!B14<1);"SP";IF(A
ND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5>50;input!B14>3;input!B15>6;input!B8<input

  43
 
!B13);"SP-
SM";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4>12;input!B5>50;input!B8>input!B13;input!B6>29
);"SC";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4>12;input!B8<input!B13;input!B8>7;input!B5>5
0);"SM";IF(AND(input!B4<50;input!B4>12;input!B8>=4;input!B8<=7;input!B5>50;in
put!B6<29);"SC-
SM";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5>50;input!B14>=1;input!B14<=3;in
put!B15>6;input!B8>input!B13);"SW-
SC";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5>50;input!B14>=1;input!B14<=3;inp
ut!B15>6;input!B8<input!B13);"SW-
SM";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5>50;input!B14>=1;input!B14<=3;in
put!B15<6;input!B8<input!B13);"SP-
SM";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5>50;input!B14<1;input!B15>6;input
!B8>input!B13);"SP-
SC";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5>50;input!B14<1;input!B15>6;input!
B8<input!B13);"SP-
SM";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5>50;input!B14>1;input!B15<6;input
!B8>input!B13);"SP-
SC";IF(AND(input!B4>=5;input!B4<=12;input!B5>50;input!B14>3;input!B15>6;input!
B8>input!B13);"SP-
SC";IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6<50;input!B12="yes");"OL";IF(AND(input!B4>50;
input!B6<50;input!B12="no";input!B8>input!B13;input!B8>7);"CL";IF(AND(input!B
4>50;input!B6<50;input!B12="no";input!B8<input!B13);"ML";IF(AND(input!B4>50;i
nput!B6<50;input!B12="no";input!B8>4;input!B8<7;input!B6>4;input!B6<29);"CL-
ML";IF(AND(input!B4>50;input!B6>50;input!B12="yes");"OH";IF(AND(input!B4>5
0;input!B6>50;input!B12="no";input!B8>input!B13);"CH";IF(AND(input!B4>50;inpu
t!B6>50;input!B12="no";input!B8<input!B13);"MH";IF(AND(input!B17="yes";input!
B26="yes";input!B4=-1);"PT";"need more steps"))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
After finished this steps the summarized excel sheet named output contains the cell (E11) will
shows the output soil classification symbol using the excel expression as:
=process!Q14
It's clear that the program can be improved to give the full soil classification system with
more logical function the author will adopt in next book editions if god well.

  44
 
 Chapter Seven
Soil Classification AASHTO System
This sector contains a method to use logical functions (IF and OR sub-function).
A. Theory
Soil classification systems divide soils into groups and subgroups based on common
engineering properties such as the grain-size distribution, liquid limit, and plastic
limit. The two major classification systems presently in use are (1) the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) System and
(2) the Unified Soil Classification System (also ASTM). The AASHTO system is used
mainly for the classification of highway subgrades. It is not used in foundation
construction, Das, (2014).
Figure (36) represent the main AASHTO conditions to classify most soil types used
in highway subgrade.

  45
 
  
Figure (36)
The equation used to compute the group index based on computing all type except types of
(A-2-6) and (A-2-7) as:
. . . (21)
But for both (A-2-6) and (A-2-7) the equation was
. (22)
B. Excel sheet view explanation
Excel sheet designed like the USCS the excel sheet view in the separated file named
AASHTO in Figure (37) refers t programmed sheet contains main soil classification
conditions.

  46
 
 Figure (37)
The excel expression designed within two main logical functions (IF) and (AND) also for
computing group index the function (OR).
According to the excel cells input distribution previewed in Figure (37) the general excel
expression designed as cell below:
=IF(AND(B2<=50;B3<=30;B4<=15;B6<=6);"A-1-a";IF(AND(B3<=50;B4<=25;B6<=6);"A-
1-b";IF(AND(B3>=51;B4<=10;B6="non plastic fine sand");"A-
3";IF(AND(B4<=35;B5<=40;B6<=10);"A-2-4";IF(AND(B4<=35;B5>=41;B6<=10);"A-2-
5";IF(AND(B4<=35;B5<=40;B6>=11);"A-2-6";IF(AND(B4<=35;B5>=41;B6>=11);"A-2-
7";IF(AND(B4>=36;B5<=40;B6<=10);"A-4";IF(AND(B4>=36;B5>=41;B6<=10);"A-
5";IF(AND(B4>=36;B5<=40;B6>=11);"A-6";IF(AND(B4>=36;B5>=41;B6>=11;B6<=(B5-
30));"A-7-5";IF(AND(B4>=36;B5>=41;B6>=11;B6>(B5-30));"A-7-6";"need more
steps"))))))))))))
In additions, the G.I. cell designed to compute group index number According to the excel
cells input distribution previewed in Figure (37) and also equations (21) and (22) therefore
the excel expression used as below:
=IF(OR(B9="A-2-6";B9="A-2-7");(0.01*(B4-15)*(B6-10));((B4-35)*(0.2+0.005*(B5-
40)))+(0.01*(B4-15)*(B6-10)))

  47
 
The (OR) function Returns TRUE if any argument is TRUE; returns FALSE if all arguments
are FALSE, this issue done to make the equation of (GI) equals to the equation number (20)
for soils type A-2-6 or type A-2-7.

  48
 
 Chapter Eight
Optimum Moisture Content and Maximum Dry Density
Determination (Compaction Test)
This sector contains a method to use the new logical function: (ROUND), in the excel
worksheet program.
A. Theory:
If a small amount of water is added to a soil that is then compacted, the soil will have
certain unit weight. If the moisture content of the same soil is gradually increased and
the energy of compaction is the same, the dry unit weight of the soil will gradually
increase. The reason is that water acts as a lubricant between the soil particles, and
under compaction it helps rearrange the solid particles into a denser state. The
increase in dry unit weight with an increase of moisture content for soil will reach a
limiting value beyond which the further addition of water to the soil will result in a
reduction in dry unit weight. The moisture content at which the maximum dry unit
weight is obtained is referred to as the optimum moisture content (Das, 2014).
B. Optimum moisture content methods depends in the text:
There were three main ways used in this part, first one was the manual manner that
used the freehand straight line for maximum smoothed curve highest point to read the
maximum dry density and optimum moisture content (standard method)(ASTM
D698).
Second way will depend to compute the optimum moisture content as the average
value for all test trials and regard it as optimum moisture content (Yasun, 2018).
The final or third method was to depend on arithmetical solution, the main concept
for this method was to explore the 2nd simulated curve for test compaction
relationship, then manual differentiate this relation to compute the curve slope for
each x values, therefore the x values will adopted after selecting minimum and
maximum values for x and then depart the distance between them with about (10000)
graduated part, after that the slope (tangent curve line) for each these (10000) part
was computed, the comparing of sign for each slope and select the point which the
slope value became very closed to (zero value), this last selected point will regards
has the optimum moisture content and also the dry density.
C. Excel program sheet view explanation
The excel sheet can be previewed in the main seven parts as follows:
Figure(38) viewed the first step of calculation by sorting the laboratory standard
compaction data for two soil samples, these data include the empty compaction mold
mass, and the mass of soil with mold after completing the compaction work, also the
detail masses of the small soil selecting for moisture content observations; therefore
the four columns represents as input columns as can number, empty can mass, can
with wet soil mass and can with dry soil samples, after that column titled (ω) used to
predict the moisture content percent like item number 1 in the text, According the
excel cells input distribution previewed in Figure (38) and also equation (2) therefore
the excel expression used for first soil sample as below:
=100*(C6-D6)/(D6-B6)

  49
 
 Also, this step is done for all compaction trails with both two soils tested, next
column designed to calculate the soil density(gm/cc), According to the excel cells
input distribution previewed in Figure (38) and also equation (23) therefore the excel
expression used for first soil sample as below:
(23)
∗

=(B4-$B$1)/(((22*$D$2*$D$2/28)*$C$2)*0.001)
When above step finished already the dry density computed using equation(24)
below:
(24)
According to the excel cells input distribution previewed in Figure (38) and also
equation (24) therefore the excel expression used for first soil sample trail can be
written as below:
=F6/(1+0.01*AVERAGE(E6:E8))

 
Figure (38)
It's clearly that the moisture content used in equation (24) represents the average moisture
content for each certain trail, this average value will depend also used to draw the

  50
 
moisture content percent-dry density relationship, this value can be shown in next column
titled as (AVG(ω)).
According the excel cells input distribution previewed in Figure (38) therefore the excel
expression used for first soil sample trail can be written as below:
=AVERAGE(E6:E8)
After completed all the described computations above steps, the two curves drawn as
previewed in Figure (39).
The first two methods of computing optimum moisture content and maximum dry density
will briefly be described at the last of this part, in the detail of arithmetical steps related to
the third method of optimum moisture content computation and also maximum dry
density can be summarized into next points as Figure (40) shows for soil type (2):
1. Specifying the (Xmin)(represented by first water content compaction trail) and
the (Xmax) in another hand already equals to the last water content trail value.
2. To make smoothed new known equation represent compaction curve the distance
between (Xmax) and (Xmin) divided with about (10000) subdivision parts,
therefore, the excel expression used as below inside cell titled (diff):
=(F43-F42)/10000
The result will be convert to the next approximate right number using the round
function as cell titled as round therefore the excel expression used as below inside
cell titled (round):
=ROUND(H42;4)
3. Next step was to select the (Xmin) value as first point curve then addition the
number in front of the round cell to this value until reached to the (Xmax) value
or near of it, this matter treated by the excel expression below:
=E46+$H$43
After first next row in column (x) determined this cell can slide down for next
about new 10000 rows until reach to the (Xmax) value or near of it, when the row
value has the (Xmax) value the user or program operator should notice the final
last cell row identification number in the left of excel sheet view, for our example
this number was (9912).

  51
 
 2.5

2
ρ(gm/cc)

1.5

2.5% S.B.R.
1 0% S.B.R.

0.5

0
0 5 10 15 20

ω%
Figure (39)
4. To continue the simulation process the adding of the trend line with the suitable
degree to get (R2) value as (1), for that purpose, the second-degree curve
constructed as Figure (40) refers within black line color one, the equation of this
curve as seen in Figure (40) was :
. . . (25)

5. So the column y constructed using the all domain of (x) values in column x by
applied into equation (25) above, the excel expression for first y value can be
written as below:
=-1*0.0119*E46^2+0.3534*E46-0.6148
To continue with the other cells it seen as miserable act to slide all cells in x
domain, therefore the author introduces to select the first computed y cell then
move mouse pointer to right bottom cell until the mouse pointer shape changed
to the new form like ( ) then directly double click, the excel program will
automatically fallow the computation process to the last cell has identified index
of (G9912).
6. For the purpose of computing the slope of the new constructed curve for each
(x) value in domain, the manual derivate the equation (25) necessary to predict
the slope or inclination value (y'), the new gotten equation was:
∗ . . (26)
The excel expression used can be written as below:

=(-1*0.0119*2*E46)+0.3534
After substitute, the x value for the first row in the column titled (y') into
equation (26), the same steps in point (5) explained to make the program continue
to compute the remained (y') cells values.

  52
 
7. To observe the sign of slope value and selected value near or closet one to the
(zero) slope value, the column titled (sign) use the (IF) and (SIGN) functions
within excel expression below:
=IF(SIGN(G46*G47)=1;0;1)
8. For next column titled (match) designed to identify the row number witch the
sign of slope value changed (that means at that point the slope was equaled to or
near the (zero) value); the excel expression used for this purpose-written as:
=MATCH(1;H46:H9912;0)
9. To depend on the value of optimum moisture content and the maximum dry
density which has the determined serial row number from the above item the
INDEX function was used for that purpose within excel expression below:
For optimum moisture content =INDEX(E46:H9912-1;I46;1)
Form maximum dry density =INDEX(F46:G9912;I46-1;1)
That step represents the final stage of arithmetical solution, the same steps done
for soil type (1) as previewed in Figure (41).

 
Figure (40)

  53
 
  
Figure (41)
The table (3) summarized the standard manual method, average method and the
arithmetical simulated method

ωopt.1 ρdry max ωopt.2

standard Standard* ωopt.3

using ρdry max
soil ρdry excel math using excel
type ρ(gm/cc) (gm/cc) (ω) manual manual Avg.** solution** math sol.***
1 1.771456092 1.642533 7.849034
2.030266033 1.798531 12.88469

1.993145882 1.699869 17.25288 12.88 1.79 12.6622 13.0770339 1.798335505

2 1.248680633 1.168671 6.846188

1.959119077 1.738724 12.67565
1.978710268 1.695356 16.71357 14.4 2.01 12.07847 13.8481 2.008972237
* ASTM D698-12
** Yasun, 2018
*** Excel arithmetical simulation

  54
 
 Chapter Nine
Constant and Falling Head Permeability laboratory Test
Coefficient of Permeability (Hydraulic Conductivity)
Constant Head Permeability laboratory Test 
A. Theory
The rate of flow of water through a soil specimen of gross cross-sectional area, A, can
be expressed as
(27)
Where:
q = flow in unit time·
k = coefficient of permeability
I = hydraulic gradient
For coarse sands, the value of the coefficient of permeability may vary from 1 to 0.01
cm/s and, for fine sand; it may be in the range of 0.01 to 0.001 cm/s (Das, 2002).
The coefficient of permeability equation based on constant head permeability test was
.
(28)
. .
B. Excel program sheet view explanation
The separated excel sheet file titled as permeability/const. data sheet as seen in
Figure (42). The excel sheet above in designed with simple excel expression the first
excel process cell identified as (E2), designed to compute the average of permeability
cell diameter measurements, therefore excel expression below conducted for this
purpose:
=AVERAGE(B2:D2)
The second procced cell was (E3) used for compute area of the permeability cell in
(cm2) units, therefore the excel expression below conducted for this purpose:
=22*0.01*E2*E2/28
After fill all other input test cells the average values for both periods of time for each
test trail and also the volume of water penetrated sandy or coarse soil media, therefore
the excel expression below conducted for this purpose:
AVG.(t) sec =AVERAGE(B13:B17)
AVG.(Q) ml =AVERAGE(C13:C17)
Final step represented by the coefficient of permeability (constant head method)
determination in (cm/sec) units based on equation (28) as the excel expression form
below:
=(C18*(B3/10))/(B10*E3*B18)

  55
 
  
Figure (42)

Falling Head Permeability laboratory Test 
A. Theory
For fine soils the falling-head test Figure (43) should be used. In the case of fine soils,
undisturbed specimens are normally tested and the containing cylinder in the test may be
the sampling tube itself. The length of the specimen is (l) and the cross-sectional area A,
A coarse filter is placed at each end of the specimen and a standpipe of internal area (a)
is connected to the top of the cylinder. The water drains into a reservoir of constant level.
The standpipe is filled with water and a measurement is made of the time (t1) for the
water level (relative to the water level in the reservoir) to fall from h0 to h1. At any
intermediate time (t) the water level in the standpipe is given by h and its rate of change
by (-dh/dt) at time (t)the difference in total head between the top and bottom of the
specimen is h. then applying Darcy's law:

∴ . (29)
B. Excel program sheet view explanation
The separated excel sheet file titled as permeability/fall. As seen in Figure (44), the
excel sheet designed with simple excel expression the first excel process cell
identified as (B7), designed to compute the tube area, therefore excel expression
below conducted for this purpose:
=(22*B1*B1/28)
The second procced cell was (B8) used for compute area of the permeability cell in
(cm2) units, therefore the excel expression below conducted for this purpose:
=(22*B2*B2/28)
Final step represented by the coefficient of permeability (falling head method)
determination in (m/sec) units based on equation (29) as the excel expression form
below:

  56
 
=(2.3*B7*B6/(B8*B5))*LOG(B3/B4)

 
Figure (43)

 
Figure (44)

  57
 
 Chapter Ten
Ultimate Unconfined Compression Stress and Cohesion
(Unconfined Compression Test)
This sector contains the method to use the logical function: (Max.), in the excel worksheet
program.
A. Theory
The unconfined compression test Figure (45a) is a special type of unconsolidated undrained
triaxial test in which the confining pressure σ3=0, as shown in Figure (45b). In this test, an
axial stress Δσ was applied to the specimen to cause failure (i.e., Δσ=Δσf). The
corresponding Mohr’s circle is shown in Figure (45b). Note that, for this case:
Major Principal total stress Δσf = qu
Minor principal total stress = 0
The axial stress at failure Δσf=qu is generally referred to as the unconfined compression
strength. The shear strength of saturated clays under this condition (ø=0), from equation
(30) below is (Das, 2014):
(30)

 
Figure (45)

  58
 
B. Excel program sheet view explanation
The separated excel sheet file titled as unconfined compression as seen in Figure
(46).

Figure (46)

  59
 
The first processed cell identified as (B4) cell designed to compute the soil sample
area in the (mm2) units, therefore the excel expression used for this purpose can be
written as below:
=(B2/2)^2*PI()
The PI function returns the number 3.14159265358979, the mathematical constant pi,
accurate to 15 digits. The soil sample moisture content percent predicted into (B6)
cell, therefore the excel expression used for this purpose can be written as below:
=100*(B1-B5)/B5
For calculating the density in (gm/cc) units of soil sample into (D6), therefore the
excel expression used for this purpose can be written as below:
=(B1/(B4*B3))*1000
After test collected data accomplished the first test procced cell (B8) designed to
compute the displacement in (mm) units for each load stage by using strain dial
reading factor equals to (0.01), Therefore the excel expression used for this purpose
can be written as below:
=A8*0.01
The second test procced cell (D9) the formula of load cell calibration used to convert
its readings to the kN units as:
.
∗ (31)
Therefore the excel expression used for this purpose can be written as below:
=(C9*4.5)/1166
For computing corrected area of the soil sample preparing to compute induced stress
the corrected area determined based on the equation below:
(32)
Therefore the axial strain computation into the cell (E9) for soil sample should be
done before the equation (33) applied, the excel expression used for this purpose can
be written as below:
=B9/$B$3
This expression designed based on the strain equation below:
∆
(33)
After that, the excel expression used for computing soil sample corrected area in
(mm2) units for each load stage can be written as below:
=$B$4/(1-E9)
The next step for calculating the stress value for each load stage during the test, the
equation used for this purpose as below:
(34)

Therefore the excel expression used for computing normal stress in the cell (G9) into
(kPa) units for each load stage can be written as below:
=(D9/F9)*1000000
When complete all steps above for each load stage, the axial stress at failure (qu) can
be determined as the maximum values listed in (G) column for the series (G9:G49),
therefore the excel expression used into the cell (E1) for this purpose can be written
as below:
=MAX(G9:G49)

  60
 
The maximum function Returns the largest value in a set of values.
To compute the shear strength of saturated clays (cu) in (kPa) units as below excel
expression shows:
=E1/2
To preview the test results for studying purposes, the first relation conducted between
axial strain and normal stress (kPa) as Figure (47) refers.

120

100
Stress, kPa

80

60

40

20

0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1
Axial starin  

Figure (47)
The final chart relation will be used to relate the normal stress (kPa) with the shear
strength (cu), the Figure (48) contains main arithmetical steps to draw failure
envelope or Moher circle.

  61
 
  
Figure (48)
First text column tilted (Moher) refers to Moher radius (r), Moher circle center x coordinate
(xc) and Moher circle center y coordinate (yc), the value of (r) equaled to (cu) value and also
the (xc) therefore the excel expression written as below:
r =E2
xc =B52
For constructing Moher circle there were three columns tilted as ϴ, x, and y, the ϴ column
represents the input central angle for the circle values ranged from 0 to 360o, the next steps
will done based on the arithmetical solution as follow:
(35)
(36)
The excel expression used to compute each x and y values based on the soil sample test
results and also on the equations (35) and (36) shown below:
x =$B$52*COS($C52*22/(7*180))+$B$53
y =$B$52*SIN($C52*22/(7*180))+$B$54
Finally the chart shown in Figure (48) represents the Moher circle drawn based on (x, y)
coordinates values for all input (ϴ) values, the final table located in cells identified from
(A57) to (B59) represents the required data to draw graphical solution for shear strength (cu)
determination.

  62
 
 Chapter Elven
Angle of Internal Friction and Apparent Cohesion
Determination (Direct Shear Test)
A. theory
Dry sand can be conveniently tested by direct shear tests. The sand is placed in a shear
box, that is split into two halves Figure (49-a). First, a normal load is applied to the
specimen.
Then a shear force is applied to the top half of the shear box to cause failure in the
sand. The normal and shear stresses at failure are:
(37)
And
(38)
Where A= area of the failure plane in soil that is, the cross-sectional area of the shear
box.

Figure (49)
Several tests of this type can be conducted by varying the normal load. The angle of
friction of the sand can be determined by plotting a graph of s against σ' (=σ for dry
sand), as shown in Figure (49-b), or (Das, 2014).
∅ (39)

Figures (50), (51) and (52) refer to the three direct shear test trails for normal loads 1, 2
and 4 kg respectively
B. Excel program sheet view explanation
As shown in Figure (49) the first processed cell titled normal stress with cell
identification of (B6), this cell designed to compute the value of normal stress in
(kPa) units acts on direct shear box for this test trail (induced mass on loading frame
equal 1kg), therefore the excel expression can be written as below:
=$B$3*10*9.81*0.001/E8

  63
 
 The number (10) represents the magnification factor relates with an arm length of
normal mass induced and transferred on the shear box. The cell (E6) designed to
compute the density within (gm/cc) units for soil used inside the shear box, therefore
the excel expression can be written as below:
=E5/E9
 

 
Figure (50)
The above two cells depend on the listed three cells below:
Cell Parameter Excel expression
identification
E7 Area(mm2) =(B7*B7)
E8 Area(m2) =(E7*0.000001)
E9 Volume(cc) =0.001*(B7*B7*B8)
The column titled as (ΔL) (mm) was designed to compute soil sample displacement
for each load stage, therefore excel expression can be written as:
=A11/100
The column titled as (A) was designed to compute soil sample area for each load
stage, therefore excel expression can be written as:
=(B7/1000)*(B7/1000)
The column titled as (ϵ) was designed to compute soil sample strain for each load
stage, therefore excel expression can be written as:
=(A12/100)/$B$7
The corrected area for a column titled as (A') designed based on equation (32),
therefore the excel expression can be written as:

  64
 
 =C12/(1-D12)
The column titled force horizontal (kg) using the calibration equation below:
. ∗ . (40)
Therefore the excel expression for that purpose can be written as:
=0.1849*F12-0.4788
The column titled horizontal stress (kPa) computed within excel expression below:
=9.81*G12/(E12*1000)

 
Figure (51)
The last three processed columns using the excel expression as in the table below:
Cell identification Parameter Excel expression
I12 Horizontal force(kN) =G12*9.82/1000
J21 Maximum horizontal stress (kPa)* =MAX(H11:H36)
K21 Volume(cc)* =B6
*These steps done for one time for each test trail
The same computations steps done for the next two applied normal loads (2 and 4kg) as
seen in Figures (50) and (51).
The last steps will use the relation between normal load (x-axis) (kPa) on soil sample
(constant for each test trail) and maximum horizontal shear stress for each trail, the
relation drawn with type of scatter with markers only, the next step was adding trend line
for the three points above, the last two steps contain tabulated data above as Figure (53)

  65
 
and computing the (ø) value using slope function; therefore the excel expression may be
written as:
=SLOPE(F43:F45;E43:E45)
The slope number result value used to compute the angle of internal friction by (ATAN)
function as:
=ATAN(G43)

Figure (52)

  66
 
  
Figure (53)
The (ATAN) function Returns the arctangent, or inverse tangent, of a number. The arctangent
is the angle whose tangent is number. The returned angle is given in radians in the range -pi/2
to pi/2.
With respect of sentences above the radian angle value will converted to degrees units as:
=(H43*180*7/22)
Final soil parameter which determined the apparent cohesion of soil using intercept function
using the excel expression below:
=INTERCEPT(F43:F45;E43:E45)
Therefore the Figures (54) and (55) describe all the above calculation steps.

 
Figure (54)

  67
 
 120

Horizantal stress(kPa)
100

80

60 1 kg
2kg
40
4 kg
20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Horizantal displacment(mm)
 
Figure (55)

  68
 
 Chapter Twelve
Consolidation Test (Computations of Compressibility
Index Cc and Swelling Index Cs)
A. Theory
In the field, when the stress on a saturated clay layer is increased—for example,
by the construction of a foundation—the pore water pressure in the clay will
increase. Because the hydraulic conductivity of clays is very small, sometime
was required for the excess pore water pressure to dissipate and the increase in
stress; to be transferred to the soil skeleton. According to Figure (56), if Δσ are a
surcharge at the ground surface over a very large area, the increase in total stress
at any depth of the clay layer will be equal to Δσ (Das, 2014).

 
Figure (56)
B. Calculation based on experimental data
The main used equations based on the experimental consolidation tests results data
can be summarized as below for partially saturated soil samples:
(41)

(42)

(43)

(44)

(45)

∆ (46)

(47)

  69
 
 ∆
∗ (48)

∗ (49)
. .

∗ (50)
. .

All symbols meanings can be depend directly from the (D2435-11), ASTM standard.
C. Excel sheet program view explanation

 
Figure (57)
The table below will use to describe each cell shown on Figure (57) and excel expression:
Excel cell Parameter Excel expression Referenced notes
identification equation No.
B11 Mass of water in =B8-B10
sample(gm)
B12 Dry soil =B10/(B4*B4*B5*0.001*22/28) 41
density(gm/cc)
B13 Soil solids =B10/(B20) 42
volume(cc)
B14 Soil solids height =B13/(B4*B4*22*0.001/28) 43
B15 Initial soil void =(B5-B14)/B14 44
ratio
B16 Final soil void ratio =((B5-D32-B14)/B14) 45
B17 Soil sample area =22*B4*B4*0.01/28
(cm2)

  70
 
Excel cell Parameter Excel expression Referenced notes
identification equation No.
B18 Soil sample area =22*B4*B4*0.000001/28
(m2)
B19 Soil sample water =(B8-B10)/B10 The percent option
content% used for this cell
B21 Soil initial degree =(B11)/(B17*1*((B5/10)- 49 The percent option
of saturation% (B14/10))) used for this cell
B22 final specimen =B5-D32
height, cm.
B23 Soil final degree of =(B9-B10)/(B17*1*((B22/10)- 50 The percent option
saturation, % (B14/10))) used for this cell
(nearest 0.1).
It clarifies that some excel expressions (ef and Hf) contain cell identifications presented in the
next continued test results excel sheet view Figure (58).

Figure (58)
The procced cells designed to conduct the relationship between the normal stress (kPa) and
soil void ratio for each normal applied load (kg) induced stage, the first normal stress
computed into the cell (C26), the excel expression used for this purpose is:
=10*A26*9.81*1000/(($B$4^2)*22/28)
The next column titled dial reading (mm) used to compute into cell (D26), the excel
expression used for this purpose as:
=B26*0.002
Column tilted as H used to compute net soil sample height for each loading stage, the excel
expression used for this purpose is:
=$B$5-D26
Column tilted as e used to compute soil sample void ratio for each loading stage, the excel
expression used for this purpose as below, noting that the expression is written based on
equation (46):
=(E26-$B$14)/$B$14
The strain for each loading step computed in the column titled as ϵ, the excel expression used
for this purpose as below, noting that the expression is written based on equation (47):

  71
 
=100*(D26)/$B$5
The final column in Figure (56) titled as log (P) computed for (Cc) compression index and
(Cs) swelling index determinations, the excel expression used for this purpose as below:
=LOG(C26;10)
The LOG function Returns the logarithm of a number to the base the user specifies.
The last two processed cells (A36) and (B36), used to compute the (Cc) and (Cs) respectively,
the excel expression used for this purpose as below:
A36 =-SLOPE(F26:F30;H26:H30)
B36 =-SLOPE(F30:F31;H30:H31)
The last Figure (59), which describes the log (P)-void ratio (e) relation:

BH 1 ‐1 m
0.8

0.7

0.6
e (void ratio)

0.5

0.4
BH 1 ‐1 m
0.3

0.2

0.1

0
10 100 1000
σ (kPa)  
Figure (59)

  72
 
References:
1. ASTM D2487 – 11, Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes
(Unified Soil Classification System).
2. ASTM D2216 – 10 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture)
Content of Soil and Rock by Mass.
3. ASTM D698 – 12, Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil
Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3)).
4. BS 1377:1990, Methods of test for Soils for civil engineering purposes Part 2. Classification
tests.
5. Braja M. Das:2016, Principles of Foundation Engineering, eighth edition Publisher, Global
Engineering: Timothy L. Anderson.
6. Yasun AS.,2018, "A Proposed Approach for Evaluating Soils Optimum Moisture Content
Arithmetically and Use Statistical Functions for Checking Method", International Journal of
Engineering & Technology, 7 (4.20) (2018) 287-292 .
7. ASTM D 854, Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water
Pycnometer.
8. ASTM D422 − 63 (Reapproved 2007), Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of
Soils.
9. ASTM D 2434 – 68 (Reapproved 2006) Standard Test Method for Permeability of Granular
Soils (Constant Head).
10. ASTM D4318 – 10, Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity
Index of Soils.
11. ASTM D2435/D2435M – 11, Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation
Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading.
12. R.F. Craig,(2005), seventh edition Craig’s Soil Mechanics, Spon Press is an imprint of the Taylor &
Francis Group.
13. Braja M. Das, (2002), Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual, sixth edition, Oxford University
press.
14. Microsoft Excel 2010 software program.
15. Microsoft Excel programs, (2010), excel Help and How-to.

  73
 
 APPENDIX

(A)

HYDROMETER TABLES

  74
 
  75
 


Appendix
(B)
Summary of (USCS)

  76
 
 Sieve No.200 
  passing>50
Primary organic matter, dark in color, 
{PT}
and organic odor 

  No   yes

Coarse grained soils,  Fine grained soils 
  Pass sieve no.4>50% L.L.>50% 

No Yes
No   yes
Check passing sieve  Check passing sieve 
  No.200   No.200
Check organic   Check organic

  yes
Same of steps of sand but  0.75
the classification symbol  Passing>12% Yes No
  Passing<5%
first letter became (G) 
0.75 Check 
instead of (S) and Cu≥4    Check PI   PI   No
Check 
  for checking uniformity  Check CU≥6 and 1≤Cc≤3
{OH}   PI
PI below A line 
Yes No {OL}
{SM}  PI<4 or below A line PI >7 and plots on or A line
PI above A line 
{SC}  {SW} {SP} PI on or above A line PI below A line

5 %< passing<12%
{ML} {CL}
Fine grained soils L.L.>50% and P.I.
Yes {SW‐SC} {CH} {MH}
No
  77
Check CU≥6 and 1≤Cc≤3 Yes
{SP‐SM} {SW‐SM}  
No
{SP‐SC}