METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

CE 363 SOIL MECHANICS

FALL 2020-2021
CHAPTER 1: BASIC PROPERTIES OF SOIL
This chapter includes:
 Definition of soil for civil engineers
Related
 Soil types, particle sizes/gradation, plasticity
experiments in
 Unified soil classification system soil mechanics
 Weight and volume of soils, phase relations laboratory
 Soil compaction, definition of relative density
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Definition of Soil:
Material which nourishes and
Traditional
supports growing plants;
definition
includes rocks, water, snow, air

Loose surface of the earth as

For geologist distinguished from solid
bedrock, support of plant life
is not required

Definition by Mixture of mineral matter,

component organic matter, water, and air

For civil Soil is un-cemented or weakly cemented

engineers accumulation of mineral particles
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Definition of Soil:
For civil un-cemented or weakly accumulation of
engineers cemented mineral particles

Cementation due to Mineral particles are

carbonades, oxides, formed by weathering
water or air of rocks

Particles may remain

in place, residual soil Particles may be
transported, the
shape and the size
accumulated solid particles of the particles may
plus the void space between change
the particles - void spaces
are partially or completely
filled water and/or other
liquids..
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Two basic types of weathering

Physical Chemical
 Erosion by winds, waves, water…  Disintegration by chemical agents
 Temperature change, freezing like water, CO2, Oxygen…
and thawing.
 The resulting soil has the same  The resulting soil is the clay mineral.
composition of the parenting rock.
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Two basic types of weathering

Physical Chemical
 The resulting soil has the same  The resulting soil is the clay mineral.
composition of the parenting rock.  Shape: plate-like form
 Shape: Bulky – angular/rounded,  Size: <0.002 mm
flat or elongated  High surface area/mass ratio
 Size: Various sizes
 Structural arrangement: single-
grain.
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Particle size:
The particle size in natural soils has a wide range. The knowledge of the sizes of
solid particles and their relative proportion in a certain soil is useful because:
 Soil classification,
 Predictions of soil’s engineering properties in terms of strength, deformation
and permeability,
 Soil filter design. According to
BS ASTM

Coarse-grained

Fine-grained

We already Red boxes shows you the

learned the size of Easy to remember, follow
differences!
the clay mineral! 2’s and 6’s
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Particle size – important notes:

 The terms “clay”, “silt”, “sand”, etc. are used to describe the sizes of the
particles, but they also describe the particular types of soil.
 Most soils consist of a graded mixture of particles from two or more size ranges.
 For example, sand is type of soil that is consist of both silt-size and gravel-size
(maybe even clay-size) particles.
 All clay size particles are not necessarily clay minerals. The finest rock flour
maybe of clay size particles.

How can we
distinguish
between clay
minerals and clay-
sized particles?
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Concept of plasticity:
Concept of plasticity would help us to understand to origin of smallest
particles. Before everything, we need to learn the definition of water content:
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 (𝑚𝑤 ) Can we measure
𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 (𝑤) =
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 (𝑚𝑠 ) w in the soil
mechanics
laboratory?

The consistency of fine-grained soils is greatly influenced by the water

content of the soil. Depending on the water content, the soil may exist in
four basic states:

 Solid
 Semisolid
 Plastic
 Liquid
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Concept of plasticity:
Soils passes from one state to another state as water content changes. If a fine-grained
soil is gradually drained from the form of a slurry, it passes from the liquid state to the
plastic, semi-solid, and solid states.

Different soils passes from state to state at different water contents.

The water content at which different soils pass from one state to another state can be used
to classify or distinguish different fine-grained soils.

These limits are

called “consistency
limits” or “Atterberg
Shrinkage Plastic Liquid limit limits” .
limit (SL) limit (PL) (LL)

Please keep in mind that these limits are actually water contents. What is the
unit of SL,
PL, LL?
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Volume vs. water content:

The shrinkage limit (SL) is defined
as the water content, in percent, at
which the volume of the soil mass
doesn’t change with further drying.
Liquid Limit (LL): The water
content, in percent, at the point of
transition from plastic to liquid
state.
Plastic Limit (PL): The moisture content,
in percent, at the point of transition from
semisolid to plastic state

Plasticity is the ability of soil to

undergo unrecoverable deformation
without cracking or crumbling. Please
imagine something like PlayDoh or
dough…
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How do we measure PL and LL in the laboratory?

Rolling into Thread Method (ASTM D-4318):
The plastic limit is defined as the moisture content
in percent, at which the soil crumbles, when rolled
into threads of 3.18 mm (1/8 in.) in diameter.

Multi-Point Method (ASTM D-4318)

The water content required to close a distance of ½
inch (12.7 mm) along the bottom of the groove after
25 blows is defined as the Liquid Limit.
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How do we measure PL and LL in the laboratory?

Multi-Point Method (ASTM D-4318)
It is difficult to adjust the moisture content in soil to meet the
required ½ inch closure of the groove at 25 blows. Hence, at
least 4 tests for the same soil are made at varying w, and
then w values are plotted against the logarithm of the number
of blows, N.
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Various indices have been developed using Atterberg limits.

Plasticity Index (PI)  This index provides a measure of a soil plasticity,
which is the amount of water that must be added to
PI = LL - PL change a soil from its plastic limit to its liquid limit.
 The PI is useful in engineering classification of fine-
grained soils, and many engineering properties have
been found to correlate with the PI.
Liquidity Index (PI)
 The relative consistency of a cohesive soil in the
𝒘 − 𝑷𝑷 natural state can be defined by a ratio called the LI.
𝑳𝑳 =  This index provides a clue as the condition of the in
𝑳𝑳 − 𝑷𝑷 situ soil. This index helps us to know if our sample
was likely to behave as a plastic, a brittle, or a liquid.

Please note: These limits and indices are useful in comparing the soils from different
locations and different depths. It is quite easy to determine the Atterberg limits using
standard laboratory test procedures. Based on these simple test, the number of more
complicated test to determine the engineering properties of the soil reduces.
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Example:
Following data were obtained from the liquid and plastic limit tests for a soil:

Liquid limit test: Plastic limit test: PL = 21.3%

w% N In situ moisture content=25.7%
42.1 17 44

38.2 22
36.2 27
34.1 32
Moisture Content (%)
40
Find: LL, PI, LI

36

32
20 30 40 50
10
Number of Blows, N
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Particle size analysis:

Main types of soil i.e., clay, silt, sand are seldom exist separately in nature. Natural
soil deposits comprise a mixture of different sized particles in varying proportions.
Particle size analysis is used to determine the percentage (by weight) of particles in
different size ranges. The result is represented by the particle size distribution curve.

Components of particle size analysis

For coarse-grained For fine-grained

soils (or for the soils (or for the
coarse-grained fine-grained portion
portion of the soil) of the soil)

Sieve Analysis Hydrometer Test Results are combined

to plot the particle size
distribution curve.
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Sieve Analysis:
A set of standard sieves is used in this analysis.

The top sieves have larges mesh sizes so the bigger particles stay, remaining
particles go down…

The sieves at the bottom have smaller mesh sizes..

Weights of the
particles staying on
the sieves are
measured, and the
cumulative amount
of particles passing
through each sieve
is calculated.
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Please note: If fine grained particles are present in the soil, the soil sample should be treated
with a defloculating agent and washed through the sieves.

Hydrometer Test: The sedimentation of particles in the tube can be explained

with Stoke’s law. Velocity of the settlement of spherical
particles in a suspension is related to their volume.

Soil sample is put into

the water and mixed,
then transferred to the
sedimentation tube.

The defloculating
agent would be
added to ensure Larger particles (in volume)
that each particle will settle faster and smaller
settle down particles will stay on top.
individually.

Hydrometer is used to get periodic

readings to determine the volume of
suspended solids in the liquid.
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Particle size distribution: Results of sieve analysis and hydrometer test

results are combined to create the particle size
distribution or gradation curve.

This curve is presented in a semi-log plot.

Shape of the curve can give you a general idea

about the engineering properties of the soil.

A soil is defined as well-graded if there is

no excess of particles in any size range
and if no intermediate sizes are lacking.
A well-graded soil is represented by a
smooth and concave distribution curve.

A soil sample is poorly-graded if:

a) A high proportion of particles have
sizes within narrow limits (uniform
soil).
b) Particles of large and small sizes are Follow the
present but the proportion of colors please!
intermediate particles are low (gap-
graded or step-graded).
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Particle size distribution: D60

The general slope or shape of the distribution curve is Cu =
D10
defined by two coefficients, coefficient of uniformity Cu
and coefficient of curvature Cc.
D302
Cc =
( D60 × D10 )

D10 is the size such

that 10% of particles
are smaller than (same
for D30 and D60 ).

D10 is called the “efektif

çap” in Turkish and it is
directly related to the
permeability of soils.

Higher the value of Cu,

higher the range of
particle size…

Well-graded soils have

Cc =1-3
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Particle size distribution – well graded vs. poorly graded soils:

Gradation of soils affects the engineering properties like shear strength,
compressibility, etc.

Smaller particles fill the spaces Soil has larger voids:

between bigger particles: - poor strength
- Higher strength - higher permeability
- Lower permeability
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Soil Classification: Soil classification is labeling the natural soils based

on their properties and behavior. A standard
language is necessary for the engineers world-wide,
therefore; several soil classification systems have
been developed by different organizations.

Soil classification is performed based on particle size distribution and plasticity (LL, PI)!

From engineering point of view, soils may be classified into three main groups:

Coarse – grained Fine – grained Organic soils and peat

(also known as cohesionless) (also known as cohesive)
These soils have high
A soil is coarse-grained if 50% A soil is fine-grained if compressibility and are
or more of the particles have 50% or more of the prone to problems for
course-grained sizes particles have fine-grained foundation stability
- Sand, gravel, cobbles and sizes
boulders - Silt and clay
- No cohesion when clean - Cohesive
and dry
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Unified Soil Classification System (USCS): USCS is the global system

that is most widely used to
classify soil. This system has
primary and secondary letters.
Primary Letters Secondary Letters

G: Gravel These two W: Well-graded

S: Sand may be P: Poorly-graded
followed by M: Containing non-plastic fines
M: Silt C: Containing plastic fines
C: Clay These
O: Organic soil may be H: Of high plasticity
P: Peat followed L: Of low plasticity
by

Example: SW, Well-graded Sand

SC, Clayey Sand
SM, Silty Sand,
MH, Highly Plastic Silt
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Unified Soil Classification System (USCS):

For fine-grained soils, Casagrande’s plasticity chart is used for classification.

If LL>50, the second

letter is H and if LL<50,
the second letter is L.

The A-line separates the

clay-like materials from
silty materials and the
organics from the
inorganics (in general).
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Unified Soil Classification System (USCS):

Please look at the handout
in ODTUClass and follow the
columns… 1 2 3 4 5

Coarse-grained material
Grain size distribution
1
2

Fine-grained material
LL, PI
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Example:
Classify the given soil sample based on USCS:

Properties:
• Passing No.200 sieve
30%
• Passing No.4 sieve
70%
• LL= 33, PI= 12
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Example:
Classify given soil samples based on USCS (taken from Craig’s SM 8th Edition):
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Example:
Let’s start with Samples A and B:

D60
Cu =
D10

D302
Cc =
( D60 × D10 )

Sample A: GW
Sample B: SP

Cu≥4, 1 ≥ Cc ≥ 3, well-graded

Cu<3, Cc < 1, poorly-graded

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Example:
For samples C and D, plasticity is
more important than gradation!

Sample C includes 41% gravel

size particles, 25% sand size
particles and 34% fines. LL=26
and PI=9…

Sample D is almost fully composed of fine-

grained particles, LL=42 and PI=18…

Sample D is above A-line, LL<50

Sample C:
Fine portion of Sample C is above A-line.
Sample D:
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Phase Relations:
Soils contains a combination on solid particles and voids. The voids are filled with air or
water. For convenience, a phase diagram can be sketched!
V M
A completely dry soil has two
phases: solids + air (unsaturated)
Va air Ma=0
A fully saturated soil also has two Vv
phases, solids + water
Vw water Mw
If we convert this phase diagram
to something more useful, we
can solve many soil mechanics
problems. In order to do that, we
Vs solids
need to learn 5 definitions. Ms
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Five definitions that we need to learn (not memorize):

Water content (w) is a measure of the water present in

1
the soil, expressed in %.
𝑀𝑤 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤
𝑤= =
𝑀𝑠 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
Degree of saturation (Sr) is the percentage of the void
2 volume filled by water.

𝑉𝑤 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑆𝑟 =1 Fully saturated

𝑆𝑟 = =
𝑉𝑉 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑆𝑟 =0 Completely dry

3 Bulk density (ρ) is the density of the soil in the current state.
𝑀𝑇 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 Density is denoted in kg/m3.
𝜌= = ρw=1000 kg/m3
𝑉𝑇 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣
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Five definitions that we need to learn (not memorize):

Void ratio (e) is the ratio of the volume of the voids to

4
the volume of solids .
𝑉𝑣 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣
𝑒= =
𝑉𝑠 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

Let’s say volume of solids = 1…

then the volume of the voids = e

V M
Porosity (n) is also a measure of the void
volume…
air Ma=0
𝑉𝑣 𝑒 𝑛 e
𝑛= = 𝑒=
𝑉𝑇 1 + 𝑒 1−𝑛 water Mw

1 solids
Ms
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Five definitions that we need to learn (not memorize):

Specific gravity of the solid particles (Gs) is the mass

5
of solids divided by the mass of equal volume of water.
𝑀𝑠 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝐺𝑠 = =
𝑉𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤

𝑉𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑠 𝜌𝑠
𝐺𝑠 = =
𝑉𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤 𝜌𝑤

Let’s change the phase diagram: V M

𝑀𝑠
𝐺𝑠 = 𝑀𝑠 = 𝐺𝑠 𝑥𝑉𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤
𝑉𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤 air 0
𝑀𝑠 = 𝐺𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤 e

𝑀𝑤 water 𝑤𝑤𝐺𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤

𝑤= 𝑀𝑤 = 𝑤𝑥𝑥𝑠
𝑀𝑠
𝑀𝑤 = 𝑤𝑥𝐺𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤
1 solids
Note: If specific gravity and water 𝐺𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤
content are given to you in the question,
use this version of the phase diagram.
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There is one more version of the phase diagram!

V M
𝑉𝑣 𝑉𝑤
𝑒= 𝑆𝑟 = e-eSr 0
𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑉 air
e
Note: If degree of saturation and void ratio are eSr water eSr𝜌𝑤
given to you in the question, use this version of
the phase diagram.

If you compare both versions: 1 solids

𝐺𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤

𝑒𝑒𝑟 𝜌𝑤 = 𝑤𝑥𝐺𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤

𝑒𝑒𝑟 = 𝑤𝐺𝑠

You will use this equation

frequently for solving questions
related to phase relations.
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A soil specimen has the following properties:
Example: ρ=1910 kg/m3
w=9.5%
Gs=2.7
a) Calculate the void ratio and degree of saturation.
Which version of the phase diagram would be
useful? Bulk density, w and Gs is known…

𝑀𝑇 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 0 + 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝜌𝑤 + 𝐺𝐺𝜌𝑤

𝜌= = =
𝑉𝑇 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 1+𝑒

0 + (𝑤 + 1)𝐺𝐺𝜌𝑤 0.095 + 1 2.7𝑥1000

1910 = =
1+𝑒 1+𝑒

e=0.55

Remember the equation:

𝑒𝑒𝑟 = 𝑤𝐺𝑠 0.55𝑥𝑥𝑟 = 0.095𝑥2.7
𝑆𝑟 = 0.47
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A soil specimen has the following properties:
Example: ρ=1910 kg/m3
w=9.5%
Gs=2.7
b) What would be the bulk density and water content
if the soil specimen is fully saturated?
We need to think about which parameters will
change by adding water to the specimen or
drying the soil? e, Gs, w, Sr?

Full saturation, Sr=1 𝑒𝑒𝑟 = 𝑤𝐺𝑠

0.55𝑥1 = 𝑤𝑤2.7
𝑤 = 0.204

0 + (𝑤 + 1)𝐺𝐺𝜌𝑤 0.204 + 1 2.7𝑥1000 NOTE: The void ratio and the

𝜌= =
1+𝑒 1 + 0.55 specific gravity of the solid
particles do not depend on how
𝜌 = 2090 kg/m3 much water that the soil specimen
is holding.
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Dry, saturated and buoyant unit weight:

Remember that the soils can be dry,
fully- or partially-saturated. Bulk density
of the soil would change, depending on
the amount of water filling the voids.
On the other hand, the unit weight (γ) is
more frequently used than the density is
(e.g. in calculating the stresses).

𝑒𝛾𝑤 + 𝐺𝐺𝛾𝑤 𝐺𝐺𝛾𝑤

𝛾𝑠𝑠𝑠 = 𝛾𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
1+𝑒 1+𝑒 (𝑤 + 1)𝐺𝐺𝜌𝑤
𝜌=
1+𝑒
Bulk unit (𝑤 + 1)𝐺𝐺𝛾𝑤
𝛾=
The unit weight The unit weight weight 1+𝑒
of soil when it is of soil when it is
fully saturated… completely dry…
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Dry, saturated and buoyant unit weight:

𝑒𝛾𝑤 + 𝐺𝐺𝛾𝑤 𝛾𝑤 (𝑒 + 𝐺𝐺) (𝑤 + 1)𝐺𝐺𝛾𝑤
𝛾𝑠𝑠𝑠 = = or 𝛾𝑠𝑠𝑠 =
1+𝑒 1+𝑒 1+𝑒

𝐺𝐺𝛾𝑤 𝛾𝑠𝑠𝑠 = (w + 1)𝛾𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝛾𝑑𝑑𝑑 = so
1+𝑒

Example:
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Dry, saturated and buoyant unit weight:

When a soil is fully saturated, the solid particles are subjected to up-thrust:
𝑉𝑠 𝛾𝑤

𝑊 = 𝐺𝑠 𝛾𝑤

The buoyant unit weight or effective unit weight, γ’, is 𝛾 ′ = 𝛾𝑠𝑠𝑠 − 𝛾𝑤

equal to the saturated unit weight minus the unit weight
of water, γw
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Relative Density:
The relationship between the actual void ratio of a granular soil and its limiting
values emax and emin is expressed by relative density (RD or ID)

𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 − 𝑒 is the void ratio at the

𝑅𝑅 = natural state
𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 − 𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑖

is the void ratio at the

is the void ratio at the
……….. state
……….. state
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Relative Density:
We can measure the minimum and maximum dry densities in the soil mechanics
laboratory and calculate the minimum and maximum void ratios using:

𝐺𝐺𝜌𝑤
𝜌𝑑𝑑𝑑,𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
1 + 𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚

𝐺𝐺𝜌𝑤
𝜌𝑑𝑑𝑑,𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
1 + 𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚

𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 − 𝑒 We can change

𝑅𝑅 = the void ratios to
𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 − 𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑖
dry densities!

 The relative density of a natural soil very strongly affects its engineering behavior.
 The range of values of Dr may vary from a minimum of zero for very LOOSE soil to
a maximum of 100% for a very DENSE soil.
 Because of the irregular size and shape of granular particles, it is not possible to
obtain a ZERO volume of voids.
 Granular soils are qualitatively described according to their relative densities as
shown above…
 METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

Soil compaction:
Soil compaction is the process of increasing the density of soil by packing the
particles together with a reduction in the volume of air.

The purposes of soil compaction are:

 To increase the shear strength
 To reduce the settlements Field Compaction
 To decrease the permeability.

Laboratory
Compaction

By rollers, vibrators or rammers

in layers (75-450 mm thickness)

Standard or modified Proctor test

 METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

Soil compaction:
Soil compaction is represented by the water content vs. dry density curve…

Several tests are performed with

increasing water contents…

However, the degree of compaction is

measured in terms of dry density.
Remember…
Optimum water content is the water 𝛾𝑠𝑠𝑠 = (w + 1)𝛾𝑑𝑑𝑑
content which provides the maximum
dry density or the most effective
compaction condition.
 METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

Soil compaction:
Zero air void curve (S=100%)

S>100% (impossible)
S<100%

Increasing the compactive effort results

in higher dry density and lower optimum
water content.
 METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

Example:
A test of density of the soil is performed by digging a hole in the ground (V=426
cm3), weighing the extracted soil before (895 gr) and after drying (779 gr).

After that, 400 gr of the dried soil was poured into a vessel in a very loose state
(volume was determined as 276 cm3) and then compacted by a vibrator (volume
was determined as 212 cm3). Calculate the relative density, maximum and
minimum dry densities of the soil sample if Gs=2.71.

𝑀𝑠 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑉𝑣
𝐺𝑠 = = 𝑒=
𝑉𝑠 𝑥𝜌𝑤 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑉𝑠

779 138.5
2.71 = 𝑉𝑠 = 287.5 𝑐𝑐3 𝑒=
𝑉𝑠 𝑥1 287.5

𝑉𝑣 = 𝑉𝑇 − 𝑉𝑠 𝑒 =0.48
𝑉𝑣 = 426 − 287.5
𝑉𝑣 = 138.5 𝑐𝑐3

This is the void ratio at the

natural state
 METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

Example:
A test of density of the soil is performed by digging a hole in the ground (V=426
cm3), weighing the extracted soil before (895 gr) and after drying (779 gr).

After that, 400 gr of the dried soil was poured into a vessel in a very loose state
(volume was determined as 276 cm3) and then compacted by a vibrator (volume
was determined as 212 cm3). Calculate the relative density, maximum and
minimum dry densities of the soil sample if Gs=2.71.

For the loosest stage For the densest stage

400 𝑉𝑠 = 147.6 𝑐𝑐3

2.71 = 𝑉𝑠 = 147.6 𝑐𝑐3
𝑉𝑠 𝑥1
𝑉𝑣 = 𝑉𝑇 − 𝑉𝑠
𝑉𝑣 = 𝑉𝑇 − 𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑣 = 212 − 147.6
𝑉𝑣 = 276 − 147.6 𝑉𝑣 = 64.4 𝑐𝑐3
𝑉𝑣 = 128.4 𝑐𝑐3
𝑉𝑣 128.4 𝑉𝑣 64.4
𝑒= 𝑒= 𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 =0.87 𝑒= 𝑒= 𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 =0.44
𝑉𝑠 147.6 𝑉𝑠 147.6
 METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

Example:
A test of density of the soil is performed by digging a hole in the ground (V=426
cm3), weighing the extracted soil before (895 gr) and after drying (779 gr).

After that, 400 gr of the dried soil was poured into a vessel in a very loose state
(volume was determined as 276 cm3) and then compacted by a vibrator (volume
was determined as 212 cm3). Calculate the relative density, maximum and
minimum dry densities of the soil sample if Gs=2.71.

For the loosest stage For the densest stage

𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 =0.87 𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 =0.44

𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 − 𝑒
𝐺𝐺𝛾𝑤 𝑅𝑅 = 𝐺𝐺𝜌𝑤
𝜌𝑑𝑑𝑑,𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 − 𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑖 𝜌𝑑𝑑𝑑,𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
1 + 𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚 1 + 𝑒𝑚𝑚𝑚
2.71𝑥1 0.87 − 0.48 2.71𝑥1
𝜌𝑑𝑑𝑑,𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑅𝑅 = 𝜌𝑑𝑑𝑑,𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
1 + 0.87 0.87 − 0.44 1 + 0.44

𝜌𝑑𝑑𝑑,𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 1.45 𝑔/𝑐𝑐3 𝑅𝑅 = 0.91 𝑜𝑜 91% 𝜌𝑑𝑑𝑑,𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 1.88 𝑔/𝑐𝑐3

 METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

Example:

𝑀𝑤 168 − 130.5
𝑤= = w=0.29
𝑀𝑠 130.5

𝑀𝑇 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 0.168

𝜌= = =
𝑉𝑇 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝜋 (0.019)2 (0.076)

𝜌 = 1950 𝑘𝑘/𝑐𝑐3

0 + (𝑤 + 1)𝐺𝐺𝜌𝑤 0.29 + 1 2.73𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥

1950 = =
1+𝑒 1+𝑒
e=0.81

Remember the equation:

𝑒𝑒𝑟 = 𝑤𝐺𝑠 0.81𝑥𝑥𝑟 = 0.29𝑥2.73
𝑆𝑟 = 0.98
 METU Civil Engineering Department Geotechnical Engineering Division

End of this chapter…

Please read through Pages 3-34 of your textbook. HW-1 will be online today.