QUAID-E-AZAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SAHIWAL
AFFILIATED WITH
UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY LAHORE

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

SUBJECT:

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING – I [CE-221]

OPEN ENDED LAB

SUBMITTED BY:
BILAL HASSAN [2019-UET-QET-SWL-CIVIL-65]
ALI HASSAN [2019-UET-QET-SWL-CIVIL-66]
USMAN MUHEEB [2019-UET-QET-SWL-CIVIL-68]
WAJAHAT ALI KAHAN [2019-UET-QET-SWL-CIVIL-69]
ALI HAMZA [2019-UET-QET-SWL-CIVIL-70]

SEMESTER & SESSION:

4TH (2019-2023)
CHAPTER NO.1

INTRODUCTION

Dry Density:
It refers to the density of the soil, when it is taken in the dry state. The soil mass
is commonly a mixture of air, water and soil solids. The dry density refers to the soil solids. It is
otherwise called as dry unit weight of soil.

Dry density will vary with the classification and characteristic of the soil. It plays a major role in
compaction. Maximum dry density value is where the optimum moisture content occurs. The
compaction curve is plotted versus the dry density values and moisture content.

Soil compaction is an operation common to most construction projects and increases the strength
and stability of soils to support earthworks, structures, and pavements. Techniques to achieve
maximum soil density are well known, and the outcomes can be tested and quantified using
standard methods. Soil material is placed in layers, or lifts, in depths from a few inches to a foot
or more, and compaction equipment rolls, kneads, vibrates, or sometimes uses dead-weight to
consolidate the soil.

What Is Field Density Test?

Various types of field density tests are being practiced in

different parts of the world for the evaluation of in-situ soil compaction and knowing the relative
degree of Compaction.FDT, Full name is Field Density Test, is a Quality Control test carried out
at the site for knowing the increased Compaction or Density or achieved at a site on the soil layer
. The FDT is carried out by Laboratory persons of Contractor under the supervision of the QC
team by the Consultant after completion of the required number of passes by compactor/roller
determined in test fills at the site.
CHAPTER NO.2

SCOPE / OBJECTIVE

Need/scope of dry density:

The in situ density of natural soil is needed for the determination

of bearing capacity of soils, for the purpose of stability analysis of slopes, for the determination
of pressures on underlying strata for the calculation of settlement and the design of underground
structures.It is very quality control test, where compaction is required, in the cases like
embankment and pavement construction.

Objectives of Core Cutter Method:

The primary objective of the core cutter method is to

determine the dry density of soil. It is used as a control test to check if the soil has acquired the
designated dry density or not. The determined in situ dry density is necessary for the design of
pavement and highway.

Objective of Sand Replacement Method:

The primary objective of the sand replacement

method is to determine the dry density of soil. It is used as a control test to check if the soil has
acquired the designated dry density after compaction.

Objective of Modified proctor test:

Modified Proctor Test is used to determine

the compaction of different types of soil and the properties of soil with a change in moisture
content; and the relationship between Dry Density and Moisture Content.
CHAPTER NO.3

SITE DETAILS

Site Description:
Site Description The site is approximately horizontal level. A site plan is enclosed in Appendix
A. The site is located in Sahiwal zone nominated for educational purpose.

Address:
  6 km Pakpattan Road, Sahiwal, Sahiwal District, Punjab

Weather condition:
The weather was sunny and too hot approximately 45centigrade.

Location:

CHAPTER NO.4
 FIELD INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY

Different Types of Field Density (in-situ) Tests.

As Per Below types of Field Density Tests:

1. Core Cutter method

2. Sand Cone Method or Sand Replacement Method

Core Cutter Method:

Cylindrical core cutters of 130mm long and 100mm diameter are used for testing the in-situ
compaction of cohesive and clay soils
placed as fill. By using core cutter
method, bulk density of soil can be
quickly calculated and by determining the
moisture content of the soil the dry
density of the fill can be calculated and
hence the voids percentage.

A high percentage of voids indicates poor

compaction of soil. A cylindrical core
cutter is a seamless steel tube. For
determination of the dry density of the
soil, the cutter is pressed into the soil mass so that it is filled with the soil without disturbing the
core contents. The cutter filled with the soil is lifted up. The mass of the soil in the cutter is
determined. The dry density is obtained as

The density or unit weight (γ) is defined as the total weight of soil mass (w) per unit of
its total volume (v). Here the weight and volume of soil comprise the whole soil mass.
The voids in the soil may be filled with both water and air or only air consequently the
soil may be wet, dry or saturated. Mathematically,

M
Density, γ = V
Apparatus:

1).  Core cutter.

Core-Cutter – of seamless steel tube, 130 mm long and 10

mm internal diameter, with a wall thickness of 3 mm,
beveled at one end, of the type illustrated. The cutter shall
be kept properly greased or oiled.

2). Dolly / Rammer.

2’5 em high and ten10 mm internal diameter

with a wall thickness of 7’5 mm with a lip to
enable it to be fitted on top of the core-cutte

3). 
Balance of 1 gm accuracy. 4). Pallet knife, Straight edge,ect.
Core Cutter method of determining field density.

This method is comparatively accurate one in this method a core cutter (cylinder with cutting
edge) is pushed into the ground with rammer blows.

The cutter is then dug out of the ground, any soil protruding from its ends is trimmed off so that
the volume of the soil contained within it is just equal to its own volume.

The weight of the soil completely filling the core cutter is then determined by direct weighing,
and the moisture content of the soil is determined by running moisture content test.
Wet density and the dry density of the soil is then computed. .

This method is suitable for soils having cohesion and free from gravels, boulders, and cobbles.

                            γ = weight of soil/volume of mold.

After determining the water content (m.c) of soil, the dry density of soil is computed as:

                             γd = γ/1+m.c

THE APPLICATIONS:
There are the following applications of core-cutting such as;

1. Core cutting is done to make provisional holes for the purposes of electrical wiring,
plumbing, firefighting systems, rainwater outlets, heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation
installations.
2. On brick walls, RCC walls, black stones, slabs, beams, columns, and water tanks, etc
core-cutting can be done.
3. Through RCC Diamond Core-Cutting, applications like industrial floor cutting, concrete
testing, and readymade houses are also made possible.
4. To make holes of 2 to 12-inch diameters and up to 2 meters of depth, the core-cutting
method can be used.
ADVANTAGES OF CORE CUTTING:

There are the following advantages of this method such as;

1. To drill holes in concrete, core-cutting is a fast, accurate, and clean way.

2. It requires much fewer labor hours which in turn leads to significantly lower operating
costs and it is much faster and efficient.
3. In creating precise holes and cuttings with minimal or non-existent damage to the
surroundings it is extremely effective.
4. It eliminates dust and reduces the amount of waste.
5. This process does not transfer the vibrations to the nearby structures and keeps them safe
and during the drilling operations, it structurally sounds.

DISADVANTAGES OF CORE CUTTING:

There are also some disadvantages of core cutting as given below;

1. By taking cores to leave weak points within the element and by standard or high strength
patch repair materials the location of cores is normally repaired.
2. If the coring damages the existing rebar it can damage the structural performance of the
element.
3. Core drilling machinery will have a very strong kickback and you have to be ready and
strong for this.
4. If you need large drill bits, the machinery can be very expensive.
SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD.
DETERMINATION OF FIELD DENSITY BY SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD

THEORY:

In core cutter method, the field density of soil is obtained from direct measurements.

However, it is not always possible (particularly in case of sandy soil) to obtain a core
sample. In such situations, the sand replacement method is employed to determine the
field density.
 In sand
replacement
method, a
small
cylindrical
pit is
excavated and weight of the soil excavated from the pit is measured. By measuring the
weight of sand required to fill the pit and knowing its density, the volume of the pit is
calculated. Knowing the weight of soil excavated from the pit and the volume of the pit,
the density of the soil calculated. Therefore in this experiment, there are two stages:
 Calibration of sand density

 Measurement of soil

The dry density of the excavated soil is determined as:

γd = γ/1+m.c

APPARATUS REQUIRED.

Sand pouring cylinder

Calibrating container
Metal tray with a central hole Dry Sand

Balance
Chisel and Hammer

STEPS:
Stage 1: Calibration of Sand Density
 The volume
of the
calibrating
container is
determined
from the
measured dimensions of the container.
  The sand pouring cylinder is filled with sand within 10mm of its top. The mass of
the cylinder is determined (M1).
 The sand pouring cylinder is placed vertically on the calibrating container. The
shutter is open to allow the sand run out from the cylinder. The shutter is close
when there is no further movement of the sand in the cylinder.
 The sand pouring cylinder is lifted from the calibrating container and weighed (M3).
 Again, the sand pouring cylinder is filled with sand within 10mm of it stop.
 The sand pouring cylinder is place over a plane surface, such as the big try. The
shutter is open. The sand filled the cone of the cylinder. The shutter is closed
when no further movement of sand takes place.

Stage 2: Measurement of Soil Density

 An area of about 450mm square on the surface of the soil is exposed and trimmed
using a chisel and hammer.
 The metal tray with a hole is place on the level surface.
 The soil through the central hole of the tray is excavated by using the hole in the
tray and the depth of the excavated hole should be about 150 mm.
 All the excavated soil in a metal container is collected and the mass of the soil is
determined from it. The excavated soil is placed in to the oven for 24 hours to
determine the water content.
 The metal tray is removed from the excavated hole.
 The sand pouring cylinder is filled within 10mm of its top. The mass of the
cylinder (M4) is determined.
 The sand pouring cylinder is remove from the filled hole. The mass of the
cylinder (M5) is determined.

METHODOLOGY:

The weight of the sand in the container and the cone is equal to the difference between the two
observations.
The pouring cylinder is again filled to the initial weight.
The sand is allowed to run out of the cylinder, equal to the volume of the container and the
shutter is closed.

The cylinder is then placed over a plain surface, and the shutter is opened, the sand runs out of
the of the cylinder and fills the cone.

The shutter is closed when no further movement of sand takes place. The cylinder is removed
and the sand formerly filling the cone is collected and weighed.

The unit weight of the sand is determined as under:

                                  γ = (w1-w2)-w3 / Vc
Where,

w1 = initial weight of cylinder, with sand.

w2 = weight of sand in the cone only.

w3 = weight of cylinder after pouring sand into the cone and the container.

Vc= Volume of the container.

(b) Measurement of volume of the hole.

A tray with a central hole is placed on the prepared ground surface which had been cleaned and
properly leveled.
A hole about 100 mm diameter and 150 mm deep is excavated in the ground, using the hole in
the tray as a pattern.

The soil removed, is carefully collected and weighed (w).

The sand pouring cylinder is placed over the excavated hole. The shutter is opened, and the sand
is filled in the cone and the hole.

When the sand stops running out, the shutter is closed. The cylinder is removed and weighed.

The volume of the hole is determined by the weight of sand filled in the hole and the unit weight
of sand.

                             γs = (w1-w2)-w3 / Vc.

Where,

w1 = weight of cylinder and sand before pouring into the hole.

w2 = weight of sand in the cone only.

w3= weight of cylinder after pouring sand into the hole.

γs= unit weight of sand, as found from calibration.

The bulk unit in-situ soil is determined from the weight of soil excavated and the volume of the
hole.

The Wet density or bulk density of soil is computed as:

γ = W/V

After determining the water content (mc) of soil, the dry density of soil is computed as:

                         γd=  γ/1+m.c

Precautions:

 If for any reason, it is necessary to excavate the pit to a depth other than 12 cm,
the standard calibrating can should be replaced by one with an internal height
same as the depth of the pit to be made in theground.
 Care should be taken in excavating the pit, so that it is not enlarged by levering as
this will result in lower density beingrecorded.
 No loose material should be left in thepit.
 There should be no vibration during thetest.
 It should not be forgotten to remove the tray, before placing the sand pouting
cylinder over the pit.
Field Investigation Method (in-Lab) Tests:

MODIFIED PROCTOR COMPACTION TEST OR HEAVY COMPACTION TEST.

The Proctor compaction test is a
laboratory method of experimentally
determining the optimal moisture
content at which a given soil type will
become most dense and achieve its
maximum dry density. The test is
named in honor of Ralph Roscoe
Proctor [de], who in 1933 showed that
the dry density of a soil for a given
compactive effort depends on the
amount of water the soil contains
during soil compaction.[1] His original
test is most commonly referred to as
the standard Proctor compaction test; his test was later updated to create the modified Proctor
compaction test.
These laboratory tests generally consist of compacting soil at known moisture content into a
cylindrical mold with a collar of standard dimensions of height and diameter using a compactive
effort of controlled magnitude. The soil is usually compacted into the mold to a certain amount
of equal layers, each receiving a number of blows from a standard weighted hammer at a
specified height. This process is then repeated for various moisture contents and the dry densities
are determined for each. The graphical relationship of the dry density to moisture content is then
plotted to establish the compaction curve. The maximum dry density is finally obtained from the
peak point of the compaction curve and its corresponding moisture content, also known as the
optimal moisture content.
The testing described is generally consistent with the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) standards, and are similar to the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards. Currently, the procedures and equipment details
for the standard Proctor compaction test is designated by ASTM D698 and AASHTO T99. Also,
the modified Proctor compaction test is designated by ASTM D1557 and AASHTO T180-D.
APPARATUS. •

• Metal mould (volume = 1000 cm3) • Metal rammer (weight = 4.9 kg)

Balance (capacity = 10 kg, least count = 1g)

• Oven (105 to 1100C)
Purpose of Compaction

The Compaction of soil is done for the various purposes which are as follows

1. The compaction of the soil is done to increase the density.

2. Compaction process help to decrease the permeability of the soil.
3. It will help to increase the shear strength of the soil and bearing capacity of the soil.
4. It will reduce the settlement of the structure after the construction.
5. Compaction also helps to reduce the danger of piping which is required for seepage
control of the Dams.
6. Compaction process to increase the resistance towards the erosion of soil.
CHAPTER NO.5

RESULT & DESCUSION

RESULT & DESCUSION FOR CORE CUTTER:

DISCUSSION.
Core cutter method is used for finding field density of cohesive or clayey soils placed
as fill. The result of this experiment, that bulk density, dry density and water content it is
shown that the soils is cohesive and clayey soils. From the experiment, the result that we got
are:The data is acceptable because the density value between the core cutter method and sand
replacement method have small different. The different exist come from error balance reading
and the hole for the test core cutter and sand replacement method were make far from each
other.
RESULT:
Bulk density of soil, (g/cm3) 1.99
dRY density of soil, (g/cm3) 1.86

RESULT & DESCUSION FOR SAND REPLACEMENT:

DESCUSION:
For the sand replacement methods, one common practice is to put large pieces
ofexcavated materials, such as stones, brick, concrete fragments and, wood, back into the test
hole before pouring of the replacement sand. The sand replacement test isusually occur after
backfilling excavation, the density of the soil can be found.

RESULT:

Sand Replacement
Bulk density of soil,
2.404
(g/cm3)
Dry density of soil,
2.289
(g/cm3)
DESCUSION:

Modified Proctor Compaction Test is generally performed in the circumstances of

heavy consolidation hence also known as Consolidation Test. Bearing capacity and shear
stress are the properties of interest for performing the Modified Proctor Test.

The modified proctor is similar to the standard proctor; water was added to each soil sample to
bring it to the desired moisture content. Five layers of the soil then were compacted in a standard
four-inch mold using an automatic modified Proctor hammer in accordance to AASHTO T180
(ASTM D 1557). The T180 procedure specifies a hammer weighing 10 pounds and a drop
distance of 18 inches, which creates 56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ of force. The heavier hammer and
lengthened drop distance significantly increase the compactive effort.

Result:

Modified proctor test

Bulk density of soil, (g/cm3) 2.28
O.M.C (%) 4.5
CHAPTER NO.6

PROCEDURE & CALCULATIONS

PROCEDURE & CALCULATIONS FOR CORE CUTTER:

METHODOLOGY.

 Measures the inside dimensions, then find the volume and

weight of the corecutter.
 Clean areas of about 30 cm × 30 cm in the field, put the dolly
on the top and drive the assembly into the soil.

 Dig out the container from the soil and trim off both the sides of thecutter.
 Weight the cutter, fall of soil and calculate the final density for water content
determination.

 Weight a small empty container(w1).

 Keep some representative specimen of soil in the container and weight it again(w2).
 Keep the container in the oven for 24 hours and then weight it again(w3).

 Find the water content and repeat the procedure from step 5 to step 8 as required.
Observations.

sr. Description Weight

no (gm)
1 Weight of core cutter 948
2 Volume of core cutter 1030 cm3
3 Weight of core cutter + soil sample 2987
4 Weight of container 40
5 Weight of container + wet sample 442
6 Weight of container + dry sample 418

Calculations.

     
(A)    Determination of Field-Density  

I.    Wt. of core cutter = 948 (g)      

2.  Wt. of cutter+wet soil = 2987 (g)      

3.  Wt. of wet soil = 2039 (g)    

4.  Volume of core cutter = 1030 (cm3)      

5. Field  density ϒ= (1.97961 = 1979.61) (g/cm3 = (kg/m3)                                                         

   
(B)  Determination  of Water Content  

6. Container No. 5    

7. Wt. of container + moist soil = 442 (g)      

8.  Wt of container+ dry soil = 418 (g)      

9.  Wt. of container (g)  = 40 (g)    

1 0.  Wt. of water = 24 (g)      

1 1.    Wt. of dry soil = 378 (g)      

1 2.Water  content w = 6.349 %    

13. Dry density  ϒd=ϒ/(1+w) 1.861 (g/cm3) =  1861 Kg/m3    

Dry density        ϒd = ϒ/(1+w) = 1.861 (g/cm3) or 1861 Kg/m3

Where,    w = Water content

PROCEDURE & CALCULATIONS FOR CORE CUTTER:

Sand Replacement Method Procedure:

1. Calibration of cone apparatus should be done

firstly:
2. Weigh the sand cone apparatus full of known
density sand.
3. Seat the density plate on leveled clean test
ground.
4. Dig out soil 4” to 6″ deep with the same
diameter as the density plate hole. Clean all loose
soil out of the test hole with brush and spoon.
5. Collect all the excavated soil and weigh it.

6. Invert the sand cone

apparatus over the density plate
and open the valve to tilt the
hole with sand. When the sand
stops flowing, close the valve
and remove the apparatus from
the test hole.

7. Weigh the sand cone apparatus with remaining sand.

8. Collect as much of the sand from the hole as possible.
9. Put a sample of the excavated soil in the weighed moisture container and place it in the oven
for water content determination.
OBSERVATION TABLE.

sr
no Description unites
1 Depth of Hole = 15 (cm)
2 Weight of wet soil = 6750 (gm)
3 Initial Wt. of Sand + Cone = 8000 (gm)
4 Residual Wt. of Sand + Cone = 2572 (gm)
5 Wt.of used Sand(Hole + Cone) = 5425 (gm)
6 Wt. of Sand in Cone = 1640 (gm)
7 Wt. of Sand in Hole = 3788 (gm)
8 Unit Weight of Sand = 1.349 (gm/cm)
9 Volume of Hole = 2808 (cc)
10 Wet Density of Material = 2.40.4 (gm/cm)
11 Dry Density of Material = 2.289 (gm/cm)
12 Container no
13 Weight of wet soil + container = 550 (gm)
14 Weight of dry soil + container = 527 (gm)
15 Weight of water = 23 (gm)
16 Weight of container = 70 (gm)
17 Weight of dry sample = 457 (gm)
18 Moisture content = 5 %
19 Weight of retained sieve in field sample = 1080 (gm)
20 Sieve retained / passing = 16 / 84 %
21 Proctor Density = 2.225 (gm/cm)
22 O.M.C = 5.5 %
23 Adjusted proctor density = 2.278 (gm/cm)
24 Compection obtained = 100.5 %
25 Compection Required = 100 %

Calculations.
Initial Wt. of Sand + Cone = 8000 g

Weight of residual sand + cone = 2572 g

Weight of sand in pit and cone = 8000 – 2572 = 5428 g

Weight of sand in cone = 1640 g

Weight of sand in pit = 5428 – 1640 = 3788 g

Unite weight of sand = 1.349 g/cc

3788
Volume = = 2808 cc
1.349

6750
Bulk density = = 2.404 g/cc
2808

2.404
Dry density = = 2.289 g/cc
1+ 00.055
Modified proctor test observation and calculations.

Wt. of
Empty Wt. of Wt. of
oven Wt. of Moisture
sr Can wt. of can+wet can+oven
dry water content
no. no. can soil Dry soil
soil (g) (%)
(g) (g) (g)
(g)
1 1-A 41.26 99.74 98.4 57.14 1.34 2.34
2 2-A 41.56 158.60 154.45 112.89 4.15 3.6
3 3-A 35.93 137.2 130.89 94.96 6.31 6.50
4 3-A 42.27 173.4 165.2 122.9 8.1 6.59

Wt. of
Wt. of Volum
Moisture compacted wt. of Wet Dry
sr empty e of
content soil density density
no mould mould
(%) soil + (g) (gm/cc) (gm/cc)
(g) (cc)
mould
1 2.34 9050 5060 3990 2073 1.92 1.87
2 3.6 9120 5060 4060 2073 1.95 1.88
3 6.50 9210 5060 4150 2073 2.00 1.87
4 6.59 9240 5060 4180 2073 2.01 1.885

Results.

Maximum Dry density = 1.885 (gm/cc)

O.M.C = 6.59 %
CHAPTER NO.7

CONLUSIONS

CONCLUSIONS FOR CORE CUTTER:

In conclusion, the relationship between compaction effort and the density of soil are
the compaction is a process of increasing soil density and removing air. The size of the
individual soil particles does not change, neither is water removed. There is usually no change
in water content. The degree of compaction is measured by dry unit weight and depends on the
water content and compactive effort. The factors will effect the compaction and density are
nature and type of soil such as sand, clay, grading or plasticity; water content at the time of
compaction, site conditions include with weather, type of site, layer thickness; and compactive
effort.

CONCLUSIONS FOR SAND REPLACEMENT:

At present, two methods exist to determine the shrinkage limit of fine-grained soils in the
laboratory, namely, mercury method and wax method. Mercury should not be used because
of health issues, and wax should be used with utmost care to safeguard against the burning
of skin caused by contact with hot wax or over heating of wax. The proposed sand
replacement method of determining the volume of dry soil pat overcomes all the limitations
posed by the mercury and wax methods. The proposed sand replacement method of
determining shrinkage limit of the soil is very simple, safe, and eco-friendly; and the values
obtained are well within acceptable statistical bounds.

CONCLUSIONS FOR MODIFIED PROCTOR TEST:

Compaction is the process by which the bulk density of an aggregate of matter is increased by
driving out air. For any soil, for given amount of comp active effort, the density obtained
depends on the moisture content. At very high moisture contents, the maximum dry density is
achieved when the soil is compacted to nearly saturation, where (almost) all the air is driven out.
At low moisture contents, the soil particles interface with each other; addition of some moisture
will allow greater bulk densities, with a peak density where this effect begins to be counteracted
by the saturation of the soil.