UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

Centre of Diploma Studies

________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LAPORAN MAKMAL
LABORATORY REPORT

Kod & Nama Kursus

DAC21003 (HYDRAULIC)
Course Name & Code
Tajuk Ujikaji
CONSTANT HEAD PERMEABILITY TEST
Title of Experiment
Seksyen
2
Section
Kumpulan
4
Group
Nama Pensyarah/Pengajar
CIK SITI NORAIIN BINTI MOHD RAZALI
Lecturer/Instructor’s Name
Nama Ketua Kumpulan MUHAMMAD SYAHMI BIN No. Matrik. AA192049
Name of Group Leader MOHD SHARIFUL AZWAN Matric No.
Ahli Kumpulan No. Matrik Penilaian Laporan (%)
Group Members Matric No. Report Assessment (%)
1. MUHAMMAD NUR ALIF BIN Teori, Objektif & Prosedur
AA190067 10
MOHD.JOHARI Theory, Objectives & Procedures
2. MUHAMMAD SYAHMI BIN Data
AA192049 20
MOHD SHARIFUL AZWAN Data
3. NURIRDINA MAISARAH Analisis & Keputusan
AA191404 25
BINTI MUHAMAD RIZA Analysis & Result
4.NURUL ANISAH BINTI Perbincangan
AA190308 25
KASRAN Discussion

5. Kesimpulan & Cadangan 15

Conclusion & Recommendation
Rujukan
6. References 5

Tarikh Ujikaji
Date of Experiment
TarikhULASAN
Hantar PEMERIKSA/COMMENTS JUMLAH
6 JUNE 2021 100
Date of Submission TOTAL

COP DITERIMA/RECEIVED STAMP

 PART A: LAB REPORT ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Lab Report Rubric (Assessment Form) Test Title: IMPACT OF A JET

Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 SCR WT TSCR (%)

Theory,  Theory and other information  Theory and other information  Theory and other information  Theory and other information  Theory and other information
objective, regarding the laboratory is not regarding the laboratory is regarding the laboratory is partly regarding the laboratory is regarding the laboratory is well   2
procedure presented presented minimally presented presented with some mistakes presented
(10%)
Data  Data is not represented or is not  Data lacks precision  Good representation of the  Accurate representation of the  Accurate representation of the data
(20%) accurate  Greater than 20% difference data using tables and/or graphs data using tables and/or graphs using tables and/or graphs
with accepted values  Less than 15% difference with  Data is fairly precise  Graphs and tables are labeled and
  4
accepted values  Less than 10% difference with titled
 Precision is acceptable accepted values  Data is precise with less than 5%
difference with accepted values
Analysis / Result  Trends / patterns are not  Trends / patterns are not  Trends / patterns are logically  Trends / patterns are logically  Trends / patterns are logically
(25%) analyzed analyzed analyzed for the most part analyzed analyzed
 Analysis is not relevant  Analysis is inconsistent  Questions are answered in  Questions are answered in  Questions are answered thoroughly   5
complete sentences complete sentences and in complete sentences
 Analysis is general  Analysis is thoughtful  Analysis is insightful
Discussion  No discussion was included or  A statement of the results is A statement of the results of  Accurate statement of the  Accurate statement of the results of
(25%) shows little effort and reflection incomplete with little reflection the lab indicates whether results results of the lab indicates lab indicates whether results support
on the lab on the lab support the hypothesis whether results support the hypothesis
  5
hypothesis  Possible sources of error and what
 Possible sources of error was learned from the lab discussed
identified
Conclusion &  Conclusion & recommendation  Conclusion & recommendation  Conclusion & recommendation  Conclusion & recommendation  Conclusion & recommendation was
Recommendatio was not presented was minimally presented was presented somewhat was presented accurately and presented accurately and relevant to
n (15%) accurate and relevant to result relevant to result obtain from the result obtain from the laboratory work   3
obtain from the laboratory work laboratory work with minor
mistakes
Reference  Reference was not presented in  Reference was minimally  Reference was partly  Reference was presented in  Reference was presented in proper
(5%) the report presented in the report presented in somewhat proper proper format and relevant to format and relevant to the laboratory
  1
format and relevant to the the laboratory work with some work
laboratory work minor mistakes
NAME OF LECTURER : SIGNATURE : DATE : TOTAL SCORE : / 100

Note : SCR = SCORE, WT = WEIGHTAGE, TSCR = TOTAL SCORE

 PART B: LAB WORK ASSESSMENT RUBRIC (INDIVIDUAL)

Lab Report Rubric (Assessment Form) Test Title: IMPACT OF A JET

Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 SCR WT TSCR (%)

Participation  Not shows any commitment to  Shows little commitment to  Demonstrates commitment to  Demonstrates commitment to  Actively helps to identify group goals
(15%) group goals and fails to perform group goals and fails to perform group goals, but has difficulty group goals and carries out and works effectively to meet them in   3
assigned roles assigned roles performing assigned roles assigned roles effectively all roles assumed
Procedural  Do not selects appropriate or  Selects appropriate or  Selects and applies  Selects and applies the  Selects and applies appropriate
Knowledge (15%) appropriate skills and/or inappropriate skills and/or appropriate skills and/or appropriate strategies and/or strategies and/or skills specific to the
strategies required by the task strategies required by the task strategies required by the task, skills specific to the task without task without error, and applies some in   3
and makes critical errors in and makes critical errors in but makes a number of non- significant errors innovative ways
applying them applying them critical errors in doing so
Safety (5%)  Ignore all the safety procedure  Requires constant reminders  Requires some reminders to  Follows safety procedures  Routinely follows safety procedures
even after constantly reminder to follow safety procedures follow safety procedures with only minimal reminders without reminders   1

Use Of  Very incompetence to use  Uses tools, equipment and  Uses tools, equipment and  Uses tools, equipment and  Uses tools, equipment and materials
Equipment (15%) tools, equipment and materials materials with limited materials with some materials with considerable with a high degree of competence
competence competence competence   3

NAME OF LECTURER : SIGNATURE : DATE : TOTAL SCORE : / 50

Note : SCR = SCORE, WT = WEIGHTAGE, TSCR = TOTAL SCORE

 STUDENT CODE OF ETHIC
(SCE)
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
CENTRE OF DIPLOMA STUDIES

We, hereby confess that we have prepared this report on our own effort. We also admit not to
receive any help from any third party during the preparation of this report and pledge that
everything mentioned in the report is true.

_________________
Student Signature (Group Representative)

MUHAMMAD SYAHMI BIN MOHD

Name SHARIFUL AZWAN
: ……………..………………………………………

AA192049
Matric No. : ………………………………………………………

Date : ………………………………………………………
6 JUNE 2021
1.0 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this experiment are to determine permeability of sands and gravels
containing little or no silt.

2.0 LEARNING OUTCOME

At the end of this experiment, students should be able to:

 Describe the procedure to determine the coefficient of permeability of sands and
gravels based on ASTM D2324.
 Identify the relationship between permeability and pore size of the coarse-grained
soils.
 Measure the coefficient of permeability of sands and gravels containing little or no
silt.

3.0 THEORY

The most common permeability cell (permeameter) has a diameter of 75mm and is designed
for sands with particles of up to 5mm in diameter. Sands with particles up to roughly 10mm,
i.e., medium gravel size, can be tested in a bigger cell (114mm). As a general guideline, the
cell diameter should be at least 12 times the diameter of the biggest particle in a significant
amount.

The constant head permeability cell is designed to test disturbed granular soils that have been
re-compacted into the cell using a specified compaction effort or to achieve a specific dry
density, i.e., void ratio.

The constant head test involves forcing water to flow through a column of soil while
maintaining a constant pressure difference, i.e., under a constant head. The amount of water
that passes through the soil in a given amount of time is measured, and the sample's
permeability is calculated using Equation (1).

The critical hydraulic gradient can be determined after measuring the steady-state
permeability, and the effects of instability (boiling and piping) can be observed if the
connections to the cell are arranged so that water flows upwards through the sample. It is
critical to use only air-free water and to take precautions to prevent air from bubbling out of
the solution during these tests.

q
Permeability , k= m/ s
Ai ……….. Equation (1)

Where: q = rate of flow,

A = area of sample,
i = hydraulic gradient,
 h1−h2
m/s
= L

h1 - h2 = head difference between 2 reference points

L = distance between 2 reference points
4.0 APPARATUS

Constant head permeability cells, fitted with loading piston, perforated plates, flow tube
connections, piezometer nipples and connections, air bleed valve, sealing rings. Figure 1
shows permeameter cells that commonly used in laboratory testing.

Figure 1: Permeameter cells for constant head test: (a) 75mm, (b) 114mm
(Courtesy of ELE International, 2007)

5.0 PROCEDURES

1) Prepare permeameter cell

a) Removed the top plate assembly from the cell.
b) Measured the following dimensions:
i) Mean internal diameter (D mm),
ii) Distance between centers of each set of manometer connection points along the
axis of the cell (L mm),
iii) Overall approximate internal length of cell (H1 mm),
c) Calculated the following based on measured dimensions:
i) Area of cross-section of sample, A = D2/4 mm2
 ii) Approximate mass of soil required, to fill the permeameter cell, V = AH 1/1000
cm3
iii) Approximate mass of soil required, if placed at a density  Mg/m3, mass =
AH1/1000 g.
2) Select sample,
a) Air-dry the soil which the test sample is to be taken.
b) Sieved the soil sample and any particles larger than 5mm need to be removed by
sieving.
c) The material needs to be reduced by the usual riffling process to produce several
batches of samples each about equal to the mass required to fill the permeameter cell.
3) Prepare sample,
a) The sample may be placed in the permeameter cell by one of three methods:
i) Compacted by rodding,
ii) Dry pouring,
iii) Poured through water,
4) Assemble cell,
a) Placed a second porous disc (if one has already been used) and the second wire gauze
disc on top of the soil, followed by about 40mm thickness of glass balls or gravel
filter material,
b) The level of the top surface of the filter should be within the limits required to
accommodate the top plate,
c) Loosed the piston locking collar on the cell top, pull the piston up as far as it will go,
and re-tightened the locking collar,
d) Fit the cell top on the cell and tightened it down into place by progressively tightened
the clamping screws,
e) Released the piston locking collar and push the piston down until the perforated plate
bears on the filter material,
f) Hold it down firmly while the locking collar is re-tightened,
5) Connect up cell,
a) Connected the nozzle at the base of the cell to the de-aired water supply, and closed
the inlet cock,
b) Connected each piezometer point that is to be used to a manometer tube and closed
with a pinchcock close to the cell,
c) Connected the top outlet of the cell to the vacuum, fitted with a water trap, using rigid
plastic or thick-walled rubber tubing,
d) Closed the air bleed screw on the cell top.
6) Saturated and de-air sample.
7) Connected up for test.
8) Run test,
a) Turned on the supply of de-aired water to the constant head device, which be at a low
level initially,
b) Opened water supply valve that connected it to the cell, and the base outlet cock,
c) Allowed water to flow through the sample until the conditions appear to be steady and
the water levels in the manometer tubes remain stationary,
d) Adjusted valve on the supply line to the constant head device so that there was a
continuous small overflow, if this was excessive, the de-aired water be wasted,
e) To start a test run, empty the measuring cylinder and start the timer at the instant the
measuring cylinder was placed under the outlet overflow,
f) Recorded the clock time at which the first run was started,
 g) Read the levels of the water in the manometer tubes (h 1, h2, etc.) and measure the
water temperature (T⁰C) in the outlet reservoir,
h) When the level in the cylinder reaches a predetermined mark (such as 50ml or 200ml)
stop the clock, recorded the elapsed time to the nearest half second,
9) Repeat test,
a) Empty the cylinder, and make four to six repeated runs at about 5 minutes intervals.
10) Dismantle cell.
11) Calculate results.
12) Report.

Figure 2: General arrangement for constant head permeability test (downward flow)
(Courtesy of ELE International, 2007)

6.0 ADDITIONAL THEORY

The coefficient of permeability is the rate of water flow through a unit cross-sectional area of
soil mass under a unit hydraulic gradient under laminar flow conditions. The magnitude of
excess pore water pressure built up in the embankment or cuttings during the consolidation
process or when the embankment is ponded by water is determined by the soil permeability.
Excess pore water pressure, in turn, has a significant impact on embankment stability,
indicating the need for, or shortage of its use, special measures to prevent or quickly dissipate
excess pore water pressure. The permeability coefficient is used to determine the drainage
characteristics of soil, the rate of consolidation, and the rate of soil bed settlement. There are
two general types of permeability test methods that are routinely performed in the laboratory:
(1) the constant head test method, and (2) the falling head test method. The constant head test
method is used for permeable soils (k>10-4 cm/s) and the falling head test is mainly used for
less permeable soils (k<10-4 cm/s).

The most common permeability cell (permeameter) is 75mm in diameter and is intended for
sands containing particles up to about 5mm. A larger cell, 114mm, can be used for testing
sands containing particles up to about 10mm, i.e., medium gravel size. As a general rule, the
ratio of the cell diameter to the diameter of the largest size of particle in significant quantity
should be at least 12. The constant head permeability cell is intended for testing disturbed
granular soils which are recompacted into the cell, either by using a specified compaction
effort or to achieve a certain dry density, i.e., void ratio. In the constant head test, water is
made to flow through a column of soil under the application of a pressure difference that
remains constant, i.e., under a constant head. The amount of water passing through the soil in
a known time is measured, and the permeability of the sample is calculated by using Equation
(1). If the connections to the cell are arranged so that water flows upwards through the
sample, the critical hydraulic gradient can be determined after measuring the steady-state
permeability, and the effects of instability (boiling and piping) can be observed. It is
important that use only air-free water, and measures for preventing air bubbling out of
solution during these tests are very crucial.
(10
marks)
7.0 DATA

Constant Head Permeability test

Location: Sample no:
Operator: Date:

Soil description:
Method of
preparation:

Sample diameter: 80 mm Sample length: 232 mm

Sample area, A: 5026 mm2 Sample volume: 1166 cm3
Sample dry mass: 1925 g Sample dry density: 16.19 kN/m3

S.G. measured/assumed: Void’s ratio:

Heights above datum: inlet Heights above datum: outlet
mm mm
Manometer a: 59.8 mm Manometer b: Manometer c: 59.6 mm
mm
Head difference a to c: 0.2 mm Distance difference: 100 mm
Flow upwards/downwards Hydraulic gradients:
Temperature: 25⁰C

Reading:
Time from Time Measured Rate of flow, 1
start interval, t flow, Q q = Q/t Remarks
√t
min. min. mm3 mm3/min
initial final
0 1.53 1.53 500000 326797.39 0.81
0 1.58 1.58 500000 316455.70 0.80
0 1.58 1.58 500000 316455.70 0.80
0 1.56 1.56 500000 320512.82 0.80
0 1.54 1.54 500000 324675.32 0.81
Calculations: (25
marks)

APPROVED BY
q
Permeability, k = =
Ai
q = 320 979.39 mm3/min
A = 5026 mm2
59.8−59.6
i = =0.002
100

320 979.39 mm3 /min

k = =31 931.90 mm/min
( 5026 mm2 ) (0.002)
= 0.53219833333 m/s

8.0 ANALYSIS RESULT

Before start the experiment, we should determine the several dimensions such as sample
diameter (80mm), sample area (5026mm2), sample dry mass (1925g), sample length
(232mm), sample volume (1166mm3), and sample dry density (16.19kN/m3). From the water
flow through, we got data at manometer a which is 59.8mm and at manometer c is 59.6mm.
For this experiment, we need to repeat the experiment into 5 times to get the average value.
So, time interval that we got is 1.53min, 1.58min, 1.58min, 1.56min, and 1.54min. Flow rate
is constant which is 500ml or 500000mm2 for every repeated experiment. After that, calculate
flow rate per unit time to get rate of flow rate, q.

From the value of k that we obtained above, first we need to calculate the average of flow
rates. So, total of flow rate per number of samples which is (326797.39 + 316455.70 +
316455.70 + 320512.82 +324675.32)/5 and we got 320 979.39mm3/min. After that, use
formula i = (h2 – h1)/L which is h2 is manometer a, h1 is manometer c, and L is different
between 2 points or distance different. So, (59.8mm – 59.6mm)/100mm and we got 0.002 for
hydraulic gradient. Then, use all of the information that we gathered and put in the formula of
permeability, k = q/Ai. So, k = (320 979.39mm3/min)/(5026mm2) (0.002) and we got
31 931.90 mm/min. Lastly, convert the mm/min to S.I unit which is m/s. So, the last answer
to get permeability is 0.53219833333 m/s.
(25
marks)

9.0 QUESTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Determine the coefficient of permeability for the given sample of soil.

 The coefficient of permeability for the given sample of soil is 32.14 ml/min. The five
flow rate values that have been obtained; an average value should be taken to
determine the value of coefficient of permeability by using formula flow rate / area x
hydraulic gradient. From the value of k that we obtained above, first we need to
calculate the average of flow rates. So, total of flow rate per number of samples which
is (326797.39 + 316455.70 + 316455.70 + 320512.82 +324675.32)/5 and we got 320
979.39mm3/min. After that, use formula i = (h 2 – h1)/L which is h2 is manometer a, h1
is manometer c, and L is different between 2 points or distance different. So, (59.8mm
– 59.6mm)/100mm and we got 0.002 for hydraulic gradient. Then, use all of the
information that we gathered and put in the formula of permeability, k = q/Ai. So, k =
(320 979.39mm3/min)/(5026mm2) (0.002) and we got 31 931.90 mm/min. Lastly,
convert the mm/min to S.I unit which is m/s. So, the last answer to get permeability is
0.53219833333 m/s.
2. Discussion

Based on the stated objectives, it is clear that the objectives have been achieved where
to determine the permeability of sand and gravel containing little or no silt. This is
because the value of permeability is more than 10 -4 cm/s. It shows that the soil are
silts and clays which intermediate and low permeability soils. This experiment
requires the use of parallel and correct units. This is because when using equation (1)
where k = q/Ai. The value of q is in units of ml/min, but the value of A is area in units
of mm2. Furthermore, when entering a value into the equation, the unit for
permeability will be incorrect. This is stated in the experimental theory that the unit
for permeability is m/s instead of ml/mm 2.min. Therefore, the use of units is highly
emphasized in this experiment to avoid data calculation errors. Next, we should
conduct the experiment at room temperature because temperature influences the flow
rate of water in the soil. Finally, the researcher should use the soil particle size
according to the standard and density of the liquid used on this test as these two things
are factors that can affect the permeability value.

(15 marks)

10.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

As a conclusion, we get the time is found to be constant at volume of water. The time that we
get is faster. This is because the permeability of the gravel soil absorbs the water is low. This
gravel soil has a large molecular space. Therefore, the water diffusion rate is low. It appears
to be a function of three factors for a constant paste amount and character: effective air void
content, effective void size, and drain down. From the coefficient of permeability for the
given sample of soil value, we can say that the rate of flow the sample has get the value
higher.

All instrumentation must be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Equipment check-out procedures and calibration activities must be performed. In order to
obtain accurate and precise data values, the tool should be maintained regularly such as once
a week to avoid zero errors. In addition, the points should be parallel to the instrument
readings so that parallax errors can be avoided. Using the quantity of experimental material in
SI units so that the researcher can get values that follow American standards.

(15 marks)
11.0 REFERENCES

a. Standard Operating Procedures, Determination of Granular Soil Permeability

(Constant Head), 27th June 2003, https://clu-in.org/download/ert/1842-r00.pdf
b. Ma’moon Mou’men, Constant Head Permeability Test,
https://www.academia.edu/37052214
c. UKM, Permeability Test, http://www.ukm.my/zuhairi/Pengajaran/intranet/e-
ibrary/Soil%20lab/permeability%20test.PDF

(5 marks)