Laboratory Vane Shear Test of Soil Aim To determine shear strength of clay soil using laboratory vane shear apparatus. Theory In soil, shear strength is contributed by the two properties. Cohesion, and Angle of internal friction In pure clays the shear resistance due to internal friction is negligible. Hence, the complete shear strength in clays … Read more
Measurement of Density of Soil in place by Nuclear Density Gauge Purpose This is a quick method of determining the in-situ density of soil which is based on the radiation. Equipment For this test special equipment which measures in place density using gamma radiation is used. Gauge usually contains a small gamma source (about 10 … Read more
Water Content Test of Soil by Alcohol Method Purpose It is a rapid method of determining the moisture content. Though less accurate, it is more suitable as a field test. The method shall not be used if the soil contains a large proportion of clay, gypsum, calcareous matter or organic matter. Apparatus Evaporating Dish– 10 … Read more
Moisture Content Determination Using Rapid Moisture Meter Purpose The purpose of this test is to determine the moisture content of soil quickly, without having to wait for the moisture to evaporate. Soil Specimen This test requires about 6 g of soil sample. Sand requires no special preparation. Coarse powders may be ground and pulverized. Cohesive … Read more
Soil Test to Find Organic Matter Content in Soil Purpose Deleterious contents of soil such as organic matter affect its characteristics and behavior adversely and must therefore be within 2%. Procedure Take an air dried sample of soil and determine its moisture content. Using another sample, produce about 100 g of soil passing the 10 … Read more
Determination of Soluble Sulphate Content Purpose Sodium sulphate is present in some soils. The salt is easily hydrated and dehydrated under the influence of climatic changes. There are enormous volume changes during this process of hydration and dehydration, which influence the engineering properties of soils. Procedure Take the soil sample in a state in which … Read more
Engineering Properties of Soil The following properties of soil are taken into consideration while dealing with soil as a construction material. Cohesion Angle of internal friction Capillarity Permeability Elasticity Compressibility 1. Cohesion It is the internal molecular attraction which resists the rupture or shear of a material. Cohesion is derived in the fine grained soils … Read more
What is Liquid Limit of Soil? When water is added to dry soil, it changes its state of consistency from hard to soft. If we add water to a fine grained soil, then water will change its consistency from hard to semi hard. If we continue to add more water then again the soil will … Read more
This simple and quick field test will give you a rough idea of bearing capacity of soil. Procedure Excavate a pit of required depth. (preferably equal to the depth of foundation) Take a solid ball or square cube of known weight and dimension. Drop the ball or square cube several times, from a known height … Read more
Techniques Used for Improving Bearing Capacity of Soil The following techniques can be used for improving bearing capacity of soil as per the site condition. Increasing depth of foundation Draining the soil Compacting the soil Confining the soil Replacing the poor soil Using grouting material Stabilizing the soil with chemicals 1. Increasing Depth of Foundation … Read more