Lab Assignment Sheet

CIVL 2251: Soil Mechanics Lab-II

Civil Engineering Department

Heritage Institute of Technology

Session:
[Link]. 2nd Yr, Section …………

Faculty in charge: Prof.(Dr.) Subhasankar Chowdhury

Technical Staff in charge: Ms. Dipika Roy

Name of the student: ................................................................

College roll Number: ..............................................................…

University roll number: ……………………………………..

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

DETERMINATION OF CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO

(CBR) OF SOIL
Experiment No.: Date:

Object: To determine the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of the sub-grade soil by
conducting a load penetration test in the laboratory.

Reference: IS 2720 (Part 16) : 1979 & IS 2720 (Part 31) : 1969.

Theory: California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is originally developed by California Division
of Highways (U.S.A. in one of the most commonly used methods to evaluate the strength of
sub-grade soil for the design of pavement thickness. CBR value as defined by IS: 2720 (Part
XVI)-1979 is the ratio of the force per unit area required to penetrate a soil mass with a
circular plunger of 50 mm diameter at the rate of 1.25 mm/minute, to that required for
corresponding penetration of a standard material. Standard load is that load which has been
obtained from tests on a crushed stone whose CBR value is taken to be 100 per cent. The
ratio is usually determined for penetrations of 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm. The results of this
empirical test cannot be related accurate with fundamental properties of the material but are
useful in design of flexible pavements.

Equipments:
1. A metallic cylinder mould; Loading machine.
2. Perforated swell plate; Proving ring of 10 kN capacity.
3. Two dial gauges reading , IS sieves; Steel cutting collar.
4. Penetration plunge.
5. Metal rammers.
6. Mixing bowl.
7. Spacer disc.
8. Surcharge weights.
9. Scales.
10. Drying oven.
11. A metallic cylinder mould; Loading machine.

Procedure:
The method can be used for the determination of CBR of undisturbed and remoulded /
compacted soil specimens in soaked as well as in unsoaked states. In case of remoulded soil
test the specimens may be compact either statically or dynamically.
Part 1: Preparation of test specimen
Prepare two specimens of the required type as follows:
[1] Undisturbed or natural soil specimen attach the steel cutting edge to the mould and
push it gently into the ground till the mould is full of soil. Remove the soil from
sides and bottom. Trim the excessive soil from top and bottom; weigh the soil with
the mould and determine its density.
[2] Remoulded or compacted specimen Prepare the remoulded specimen at Proctor's
maximum dry density or any other density at which CBR is required. Maintain the
specimen at optimum moisture content or the field moisture as required. The
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

material taken for remoulded specimen should pass 20 mm IS sieve and retained
on 4.75 mm IS sieve. In case the soil contains larger than 20 mm size particles, it
should be replaced by equal amount of material passing 20 mm sieve but retained
on 4.75 mm IS sieve.

Part 2: Preparation of compacted specimen

[1] Take about 4.5 to 5.5 kg for granular soils sieved through 20 mm IS sieve in a
mixing pan and add water to the soil in the quantity such that the moisture
content of the specimen is either equal to field moisture content or OMC
(Optimum Moisture Content) as desired. Mix together the soil and water
uniformly.
[2] Clamp the mould along with the extension collar to the base plate. Insert the
spacer disc over the base with hole on the bottom side. Place a coarse filter
paper on the top of the spacer disc.
[3] Compact the soil-water mix in the mould using either light compaction or
heavy compaction. For light compaction, compact the soil in three equal layers,
each layer being given 55 blows with the rammer weighing 2.6 kg dropping
through 310 mm. For heavy compaction compact the soil in five layers, 56
blows to each layer by the 4.89 kg rammer dropping through 450 mm. After
each layer compacted surface should be scratched before adding soil for
subsequent layer.
[4] Remove the extension collar and trim off the excess soil by a straight edge.
[5] Turn the mould upside down and remove the base plate, the displacer disc and
the filter paper.
[6] Weigh the mould with compacted soil and determine the bulk and dry densities.
[7] Invert the mould and place a coarse filter paper on the top of the compacted soil
(collar side) and clamp the perforated base plate on to it so that the soil is in
contact with the filter paper in the base.

Test the specimen as follows:

[1] Place the mould assembly containing the specimen along with base plate and
surcharge weight of 2.5 kg on the top surface of soil on the penetration test
machine.
[2] Install the proving ring assembly and penetration plunger on to the loading
machine. Seat the plunger at the center of the specimen with the smallest possible
load, but in no case in excess of 4 kg so that full contact of the plunger on the
sample is established as shown in Fig. 2.
[3] Place the remainder surcharge weight (slotted weight) so that total surcharge
weight equals to 5 kg. This should be treated as zero load position. The surcharge
weight should be aligned with plunger so that the plunger penetrates freely into the soil.
[4] Mount the dial gauge with the tip of its stem resting on the collar to measure the
penetration; set the dial gauges to read zero.
[5] Apply load so that penetration rate is 1.25 mm/minute. Record the load at
penetrations of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 mm. In case
the load starts decreasing before 12.5 mm penetration, record the maximum load
and the corresponding penetration value.
[6] Detach the mould from the loading assembly and take about 20 to 50 g of soil from
the top 30 mm layer and determine the moisture content. At least three specimens
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

should be tested on each type of sample. The maximum permissible variation

should be within limits given below.

Computation of test results:

[1] Plot the load penetration curve with load as ordinate and penetration as abscissa.
Generally, the initial portion of the curve is concave upwards due to surface
irregularities. In such a case apply a correction. Draw tangent at the point of greatest
slope. The point where this tangent meets the abscissa is the corrected zero reading of
penetration as illustrated in Fig. 2.
[2] From the load penetration curve, determine the load value corresponding to the
penetration value at which the CBR is desired.
[3] The CBR value (%) is computed from
Test pressure corresponding to chosen penetration in MPa ( PT )
CBR value  100
Standard pressure for the same penetration in MPa ( Ps )
where, PT == corrected test pressure corresponding to the chosen penetration from the
load penetration curve in MPa. Ps= pressure to achieve equal penetration on standard
soil in MPa
In most cases, CBR decreases as the penetration increases. The CBR values are
usually calculated for penetrations of 2.5 mm and 5 mm, and the greater of the two is
adopted for design purposes. Generally the CBR value at 2.5 mm is greater than that
at 5 mm. However, if CBR for 5 mm penetration exceeds that for 2.5 mm, then the
test is to be repeated for checking.

Figure 1: Load penetration curve

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

If the check test gives similar results, the CBR value corresponding to 5 mm penetration is
taken as the design value. The standard loads adopted for different penetrations for the
standard material with a CBR value of 100 per cent are given in the Table.

Table 1: Standard load for different penetration values

Penetration Unit Standard Load Total Standard
2
(mm) (kg/cm ) Load (kgf)
2.5 70 1370
5.0 105 2055

Observations and Calculation:

Condition of specimen: Undisturbed / Disturbed
Type of compaction: Static (light)
Strain rate =

Determination of moisture content:

Water Content After test

Top Center Bottom
Can No.

Weight of Can + wet soil (gm)

Weight of Can + dry soil (gm)

Weight of water (gm)

Weight of can (gm)

Weight of dry soil (gm)

Water content (%)

Determination of dry density:

Weight of mould + Soil (kg)

Weight of mould (kg)

Weight of soil (kg)

Volume of the specimen (cc)

Bulk density (gm/cc)

Average water content (%)

Dry density (gm/cc)

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Load penetration tests data:

Time Penetration Dial gauge reading Load
(mm) (div.) (kg)

Details of penetration test:

Calibration factor of the proving ring, 1 Div. =
Surcharge weight used =
Water content after penetration test =
Least count of penetration dial, 1 Division = 0.01 mm
CBR at 2.5 mm penetration =
CBR at 5 mm penetration =
CBR of sample (design value) =
The average CBR value of three test specimens is reported as the CBR value of the
sample.

Remarks: The CBR value of the soil is …….

Name:

Roll No.:

Teacher’s signature
HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Figure 2: CBR test Assembly

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

DETERMINATION OF CONSOLIDATION
PROPERTES OF SOIL

Experiment No. Date:

Object: To determine the consolidation parameters by one-dimensional consolidation test

of an undisturbed cohesive soil sample.

Reference: IS 2720 (Part 15) - 1986

Equipments:
1. Consolidation cell.
2. Ring.
3. Loading frame and dial gauge.
4. Trimming tools.
5. Balance.
6. Filter paper.
7. Stop-watch.
8. Apparatus for moisture content determination.

Procedure:
[1] Clean the consolidation ring and measure its inside diameter, height and weight.
[2] Press the ring gently into the undisturbed soil sample until soil projects above the top of
the ring, lift it up with extreme care, and trim the soil surfaces to flush both at the top and
bottom of the ring. Remove any excess soil sticking outside, and weigh the specimen with
ring. Take samples from the remaining soil mass for determination of initial water
content.
[3] Place soaked porous stones on the top and bottom surfaces of the soil specimen with filter
paper discs in between. Press lightly to ensure that the stones adhere to the specimen.
[4] Assemble the specimen carefully into the consolidation cell, mount the cell on the loading
frame, and set the dial gauge. Connect the system to a water reservoir, and allow the
water to flow into till the specimen is completely covered and saturated.
[5] Adjust and record initial dial gauge reading. Apply normal load to give a pressure
intensity of 1.0 kg/cm2 on the soil specimen.
[6] Note the dial gauge readings at elapsed times of 0, ¼, ½, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60 minutes etc.
up to 24 hrs.
[7] After recording the final time and dial reading, siphon water out of the consolidation cell,
release the load, quickly disassemble the cell, remove the ring, and blot the specimen
surfaces dry with paper.
[8] Weigh the specimen with ring, and place in the oven for determination of final water
content.
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)
Observations and Calculations:
Diameter of ring (mm) =
Area of ring (mm2), A =
Height of ring (mm), H =

Before Test:
Mass of ring + wet soil (g) =
Initial moisture content (%), wi =
Initial height of specimen (mm), Hi =
After Test:
Mass of ring + wet soil =
Mass of dry soil, Ws =
Final moisture content, wf =
Total change in height =
Final height of specimen, Hf =
Pressure intensity p1 = kg/cm2
Elapsed time (t) Reading

0
15 sec
30 sec
1 min
2 min
4 min
8 min
15 min
30 min
60 min
24hrs
From graph (by Square root of time fitting method)
Time corresponding to 90 % consolidation, t90 =
Hence the coefficient of consolidation, Cv = 0.848H2/t90 = cm2/min

Remarks: It has been found from the consolidation test that the coefficient of consolidation
of the soil is ………. cm2/min.

Name:

Roll No.:
Teacher’s signature
HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Fig. 1: Consolidation test apparatus

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Fig. 3 Logarithm-of-time-fitting method for determining coefficient of consolidation

Figure 3: Square-Root-of-time-fitting method for determining coefficient of consolidation

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

DETERMINATION OF SHEAR PARAMETERS OF SOIL BY

DIRECT SHEAR TEST

Experiment No. Date:

Object: To determine the shear strength parameters of soil by direct shear test.

Reference: IS2720 (Part – 13) :1986

Equipment / Apparatus (Fig. 1)

A) Special
1. One shear box assembly for 6 cm × 6cm × 2.5 cm specimen
i) Two halves of the shear box
ii) Two plain gripper plates
iii) Two porous stones
iv) One box plate
v) One top loading pad
2. One shear box housing for 60 mm specimen.
3. Motorized loading frame (Fig. 2).
4. Proving ring.
5. Dial gauge.
6. Set of weights.

B) General
1. Tamper.
2. Sieve (4.75 mm).
3. Square steel hammer.
4. Balance of 1kg capacity, sensitivity of 0.1 gm.
5. Aluminium container.
6. Spatula.

Preparation of sample:
One kg of air-dry sample passing through 4.75mm IS sieve is required for this test.

Procedure:
[1] Check the inner dimension of the shear box.
[2] The box is set up by fixing its upper part to the lower part with clamping screws, and
then a base / box plate is placed at the base (Fig. 3 & 4).
[3] Calculate the volume of the shear box. Weigh the container.
[4] For undrained tests, a serrated grid plate is placed over the base plate and the
serrations at right angle to the direction of shear. For drained tests, a perforated grid is
used below the porous stone.
[5] For a known density, determine the weight of the soil required to fill up the volume of
the shear box.
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

[6] Fill up the box with the soil in three layers and compact each layer with certain
number of blows by light tamping.
[7] Make the surface of the soil plane and horizontal.
[8] Put the upper grid plate and loading block on top of soil.
[9] Measure the thickness of soil specimen, if possible.
[10] The box is placed inside its jacket and is mounted on the loading frame.
[11] Upper half of the box is brought in contact with the horizontal proving ring
assembly.
[12] Apply the desired normal load. Remove the shear pin.
[13] Set the initial proving ring dial gauge reading to zero. Record the initial reading of
the dial gauge and calibration values.
[14] Before proceeding to test check all adjustments to see that there is no connection
between two parts except sand/soil.
[15] Start the motor with a selected speed and shear load is applied at a constant rate of
strain. Take the reading of the proving ring dial gauge at certain time intervals
(usually 20 or 30 secs.) and record the reading.
[16] Reading of the gauge is taken until the horizontal shear load peaks and then falls, or
the horizontal displacement reaches 20% of the specimen length.
[17] The moisture content of the specimen is determined after the test if the sample is not
dry.
[18] Record carefully all the readings. Set the dial gauges zero, before starting the
experiment.
[19] The test is repeated on identical specimens under different normal stress values.
[20] The three normal stress values are generally taken as 0.5 kg/cm2, 1.0 kg/cm2 and 1.5
kg/cm2. The lever arm loading ratio is set at 1:5. It can be changed. As the lever arm
loading ratio is 1:5, so to give actual normal stress of 0.5 kg/cm2, put 0.1 kg/cm2
discs (weights) on the weight holder attached to the lever arm (Fig. 2).
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Observation:
1) Size of soil sample = internal dimensions of the box = 6 cm × 6 cm × 2.5 cm
2) Lever Ratio = 1:5
3) Proving ring (L.C)=
4) Rate of strain for horizontal shear = 1.25 mm/min.
5) Weight of the shear box =
6) Weight of the shear box with sample =
7) Weight of the soil =
8) Initial length = 𝐿 = 6cm
9) Initial area of the specimen (A0) =6cm × 6cm = 36cm2

Calculation:
Plot the shear stress vs. displacement curve and determine the maximum shear stress and
corresponding shear displacement.
Plot the values of the maximum shear stress (max) vs. the corresponding normal stress () for
each test (Fig. 5), and determine the angle of internal friction () from the slope of the
approximated Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope and the intercept of the failure line with  -
axis will give the cohesion (c) intercept.

Sample No. Normal stress (kN/m2) Maximum shear stress (kN/m2)

1
2
3

The angle of internal friction () from the graph = deg.

The cohesion (c) from the graph = kN/m2

Remarks:The cohesion and friction angle of the soil are and kN/m2,
respectively. If the value of cohesion is very small (negligible), then write, hence, the soil is
loose / medium dense / dense sand with / with traces of silt and clay. If there is no cohesion,
then write, hence the soil is loose / medium dense / dense sand. If there is a substantial value
of cohesion present, then write, the sample is clayey sand mixed with silt and clay etc.(write
it accordingly).

Name:

Roll No.:

Teacher’s signature
HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Fig. 1: Direct shear test apparatus

Fig.2 : Direct shear test machine with motorized loading frame

HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Fig. 3: Schematic diagram of direct shear testarrangement

Fig. 4: Schematic diagram of direct shear test mechanism

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Fig. 5: A typical shear stress vs. shear strain plot for three different normal stresses in
direct shear test

Fig. 6: A typical Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope as obtained from direct shear test for
a c -  soil
 DIRECT SHEAR TEST DATA SHEET
Sample No. 1 (Normal stress = 0.5 kg/cm2) Sample No. 2 ( Normal stress = 1.0 kg/cm2) Sample No. 3 ( Normal stress = 1.5 kg/cm2)
Elapsed
Proving Strain Correcte Shear Shear stress Proving Strain Corrected Shear Shear stress Proving Strain Corrected Shear Shear stress
time
ring dial ɛ d area, Ac force,  = F/Ac ring dial ɛ area, Ac force,  = F/Ac ring dial ɛ area, Ac force,  = F/Ac
(sec)
gauge (%) (m2) F (kN/m2) gauge (%) (m2) F (kN/m2) gauge (%) (m2) F (kN/m2)
reading (kN) reading (kN) reading (kN)
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
360
390
420
450
480
510
540
570
600
630
660
690
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810
840
Roll No.: Teacher’s signature
 DIRECT SHEAR TEST DATA SHEET
Sample No. 1 (Normal stress = 0.5 kg/cm2) Sample No. 2 ( Normal stress = 1.0 kg/cm2) Sample No. 3 ( Normal stress = 1.5 kg/cm2)
Elapsed
Proving Strain Correcte Shear Shear stress Proving Strain Corrected Shear Shear stress Proving Strain Corrected Shear Shear stress
time
ring dial ɛ d area, Ac force,  = F/Ac ring dial ɛ area, Ac force,  = F/Ac ring dial ɛ area, Ac force,  = F/Ac
(sec)
gauge (%) (m2) F (kN/m2) gauge (%) (m2) F (kN/m2) gauge (%) (m2) F (kN/m2)
reading (kN) reading (kN) reading (kN)
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
360
390
420
450
480
510
540
570
600
630
660
690
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840
Roll No.: Teacher’s signature
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

DETERMINATION OF SHEAR PARAMETERS OF SOIL BY

TRIAXIAL TEST
Experiment No. Date:
Object: To determine the shear strength parameters of soil by triaxial test (unconsolidated
undrained) without measurement of the pore pressure.

Reference: IS 2720 (Part-13) : 1986

Equipment / Apparatus
1. Triaxial cell.
2. Pressure chamber fitted with valves with foot pump for applying and maintaining the
desired fluid pressure in the cell.
3. Compression machine capable of applying axial compression to the specimen.
4. Dial gauge to measure axial compression.
5. Rubber membranes.
6. Membrane stretcher.
7. ʽO’ ring - 2 Nos.
8. Split moulds.
9. Trimming knife.
10. Balance.
11. Stop watch.

Test Procedure

A) Preparation of undisturbed test specimen

[1] Collect the sample in the sample tube
[2] Extract soil sample from the sampling tube
[3] Cut the soil cake at the desired length
[4] Trim the sample to the correct size
[5] Transfer the sample from the tube to a split mould
[6] Grease the inside walls of the mould to avoid surface moisture loss

B) Preparation of remolded test specimen

[1] Remolded sample may be prepared in a bigger mould by compacting the soil at the
desired water content and dry density.
[2] Alternatively, remolded specimen may be prepared directly in the split mould. Apply
grease to the mould to avoid surface drying during remolding the specimen. The
remaining steps to be followed are same as it is stated for undisturbed specimen.
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

C) Compression test
[1] Place the specimen assembly centrally on the pedestal.
[2] Admit the operating fluid in the cell, and raise its pressure to the desired value. Adjust
the loading machine to bring the loading ram a short distance away from the set on the
top cap of the specimen. Read the initial reading of the proving ring dial gauge.
Adjust the loading machine further so that the loading ram comes just in contact with
the seat on the top of the specimen. Note the initial reading of the dial gauge.
[3] Apply the compressive force at constant rate of axial compression, such that failure is
produced in the sample with time. Take the readings of the load and deformation dial
gauges simultaneously, plot the stress strain curve. Continue the test until the
maximum value of stress has been passed or until an axial strain of 20 % has been
passed.
[4] Unload the specimen and drain off the cell fluid. Dismantle the cell and take out the
tested specimen. Remove the rubber membrane and note down the mode of failure.
Weigh the specimen. Keep samples for water content determination.
[5] Repeat the test on three or more identical specimen under different cell pressures.
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Observation and calculation:

A. Details of the soil specimens: undisturbed / remolded soil

a) Initial diameter of the sample, Do (mm)
Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

b) Initial length of the sample, Lo (mm)

Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

c) Initial area of the sample, Ao (cm2)

Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

d) Initial moisture content of the sample (%)

Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

e) Initial volume of the sample, Vo (cm3)

Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

B. Undrained triaxial test:

A0
a) Corrected area, Ac   cm2
1 
b) Proving ring dial gauge (L.C.) =

From graph:
Failure strain = Deviator stress at failure =

Test Sample no. 1 Sample no. 2 Sample no. 3

Center [(σ1+σ3)/2]

Radius [(σ1-σ3)/2]

Calculation:
1. The deviator stress (σ1- σ3) or principal stress difference at any stage of the test is
determined by dividing the additional axial load by the corrected area.
2. Plot the deviator stress (σ1- σ3) and strain (ɛ) and find peak deviator stress (σ1- σ3)f and
corresponding maximum strain.
3. The shear strength parameters are obtained from a plot of Mohr circles.

Remarks: It has been found from the UU triaxial test that the cohesion and friction angle of the
soil are kN/m2 and deg, respectively.
HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Fig. 1: Triaxial test apparatus

Fig. 2: Schematic diagram of Triaxial test arrangement

 TRIAXIAL TEST DATA SHEET
Sample No. 1 (Cell pressure = 0.5 kg/cm2) Sample No. 2 (Cell pressure = 1.0 kg/cm2) Sample No. 3 (Cell pressure = 1.5 kg/cm2)
Elapsed Proving Strain, Corrected Deviator Deviator Proving Strain, Corrected Deviator Deviator Proving Strain, Corrected Deviator Deviator
time ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, F stress ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, F stress ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, F stress
(sec) gauge (%) (m2) (kN) σd = F/Ac gauge (%) (m2) (kN) σd = F/Ac gauge (%) (m2) (kN) σd = F/Ac
reading (kN/m2) reading 2
(kN/m ) reading (kN/m2)
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
360
390
420
450
480
510
540
570
600
630
660
690
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840
Roll No.: Teacher’s signature
 TRIAXIAL TEST DATA SHEET
Sample No. 1 (Cell pressure = 0.5 kg/cm2) Sample No. 2 (Cell pressure = 1.0 kg/cm2) Sample No. 3 (Cell pressure = 1.5 kg/cm2)
Elapsed Proving Strain, Corrected Deviator Deviator Proving Strain, Corrected Deviator Deviator Proving Strain, Corrected Deviator Deviator
time ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, F stress ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, F stress ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, F stress
(sec) gauge (%) (m2) (kN) σd = F/Ac gauge (%) (m2) (kN) σd = F/Ac gauge (%) (m2) (kN) σd = F/Ac
reading (kN/m2) reading 2
(kN/m ) reading (kN/m2)
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
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360
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420
450
480
510
540
570
600
630
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690
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840
Roll No.: Teacher’s signature
 UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST DATA SHEET
Sample No. 1 Sample No. 2 Sample No. 3
Elapsed Proving Strain Corrected Axial Compressive Proving Strain Corrected Axial Compressive Proving Strain Corrected Axial Compressive
time ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, stress ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, stress ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, stress
(sec) gauge (%) (m2) F σ = F/Ac gauge (%) (m2) F σ = F/Ac gauge (%) (m2) F σ = F/Ac
reading (kN) (kN/m2) reading (kN) (kN/m2) reading (kN) (kN/m2)
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
360
390
420
450
480
510
540
570
600
630
660
690
720
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810
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Roll No.: Teacher’s signature
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

DETERMINATION OF UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE

STRENGTH OF SOIL
Experiment No.: Date:

Object: To determine the unconfined compressive strength of clay using strain-controlled

test.

Reference: IS 2720 (Part 10): 1991

Theory: The unconfined compression strength It is the load per unit area at which an
unconfined cylindrical specimen of soil will fail in the uniaxial compression test. Unconfined
compression testing of soil is a quick and simple method of studying the behavior of soil.
This is generally done on cohesive soils. In this test, specimens are subjected to uniaxial
compression without any lateral support. The test may be performed on both undisturbed and
remolded soil specimen. In case of saturated clays under undrained conditions the shear
strength or cohesion of the soil is taken to be equal to half the unconfined compressive
strength (qu).

Equipment (Fig. 1):

1. Compression device (220/230 volts, 50 Hz, Single Phase and AC Supply), with
loading unit of 50 kN capacity with different speeds of 1.25; 1.5 & 2.5 mm/min
2. Sample ejector.
3. Split mould 38 mm diameter and 76 mm length.
4. Strain measuring dial gauge with 0.01 mm graduation.
5. Proving Ring (2 kN).
6. Spatula.
7. Thermostatically controlled oven to maintain temperature between 105ºC to 110ºC.
8. Moisture determination can.
9. Balance.
10. Steel rule.

Procedure:

A) Preparation of undisturbed test specimen (Fig. 2)

[1] Collect the sample in the sample tube.
[2] Extract soil sample from the sampling tube.
[3] Cut the soil cake at the desired length.
[4] Trim the sample to the correct size.
[5] Transfer the sample from the tube to a split mould.
[6] Grease the inside walls of the mould to avoid surface moisture loss.
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

B) Preparation of remolded test specimen

[1] Remoulded sample may be prepared in a bigger mould by compacting the soil at the
desired water content and dry density.
[2] Alternatively, remolded specimen may be prepared directly in the split mould. Apply
grease to the mould to avoid surface drying during remolding the specimen. The
remaining steps to be followed are same as it is stated for undisturbed specimen.

C) Compression test
[1] Measure the initial length and diameter of the specimen.
[2] Put the specimen on the bottom plate of the loading device. Adjust the upper plate to
make contact with the specimen. Set the proving ring and the strain (compression)
dial gauge to zero.
[3] Compress the specimen until cracks have definitely developed or the stress curve is
well past its peak or until a vertical deformation of 20% is reached.
[4] Take the dial gauge reading at every 1 mm deformation of the specimen.
[5] Two or three specimens are tested and sketch the failure pattern between stress &
strain.
[6] Determine the moisture content. Draw Mohr circle and determine the apparent
cohesion and the angle of shearing resistance.

Calculation:

The axial strain (ɛ) is determined by the following equation: 𝜀 = Δ𝐿 ⁄𝐿 .

where,
Δ𝐿 = Change in specimen, as read in the dial gauge
𝐿 = Initial length of the specimen
The average corrected cross sectional area, A at a particular strain is determined from the
following equation:
𝐴 = 𝐴 ⁄(1 − 𝜀 )
where, Ao = Initial average area of specimen
The compressive stress is determined by: 𝜎 = 𝑃/𝐴 where, P = compressive force
From the calibration chart, correlate the dial gauge reading to axial force value.
A plot is made between strain (σ) and strain (ɛ) as shown in Figs. 3 & 4. For a particular soil
sample, the maximum stress from this curve gives the values of the unconfined compressive
strength qu. Where, no peak value is observed, the unconfined compressive strength is taken
as the stress at 20 % axial strain.
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)
Observation and calculation:

A. Details of the soil specimens: undisturbed / remolded soil

[1] Initial diameter of the sample, Do (mm)
Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

[2] Initial length of the sample, Lo (mm)

Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

[3] Initial area of the sample, Ao (cm2)

Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

[4] Initial moisture content of the sample (%)

Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

[5] Initial volume of the sample, Vo (cm3)

Sample no. 1 = Sample no. 2 = Sample no. 3 =

B. Undrained triaxial test:

A0
a) Corrected area, Ac   cm2
1 
b) Proving ring dial gauge (L.C.) =

Calculation:
1. The axial stress σ1 (since, cell pressure is zero) at any stage of the test is determined
by dividing the applied axial load by the corrected area.
2. Plot the axial stress σ1 and strain (ɛ) and find the axial stress at failure and
corresponding maximum strain.
3. The axial stress at failure is the unconfined compressive strength (𝑞 ).
4. Determine the cohesion of the soil sample from the relation, 𝑐 =

Remarks: The unconfined compressive strength of the soil sample is kN/m2. Hence,
the cohesion is kN/m2. So, the soil is very stiff / stiff / medium stiff clay (write it
accordingly).
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Fig. 1: Unconfined Compression Test Apparatus

Fig. 2: Unconfined compression test sample preparation and failed sample

 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Fig. 3: Typical stress-strain diagram (with no sharp peak) for unconfined compression
test

Fig. 4: Typical stress-strain diagram (with sharp peak) for unconfined compression test

If no peak is reached before 20% axial strain, then take peak (failure) value at 20% strain,
otherwise taken the peak value directly from the stress-strain diagram.
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

1 1

3 > 0 3 > 0 3 = 0 3 = 0

1 1
TRIAXIAL TEST SAMPLE UNCONFINED COMPRESSION
TEST SAMPLE

c 1 = qu = 2c

1
Fig. 5: Comparison between Triaxial test and unconfined compression test
 UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST DATA SHEET
Sample No. 1 Sample No. 2 Sample No. 3
Elapsed Proving Strain Corrected Axial Compressive Proving Strain Corrected Axial Compressive Proving Strain Corrected Axial Compressive
time ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, stress ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, stress ring dial ɛ area, Ac force, stress
(sec) gauge (%) (m2) F σ = F/Ac gauge (%) (m2) F σ = F/Ac gauge (%) (m2) F σ = F/Ac
reading (kN) (kN/m2) reading (kN) (kN/m2) reading (kN) (kN/m2)
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
330
360
390
420
450
480
510
540
570
600
630
660
690
720
750
780
810
840
Roll No.: Teacher’s signature
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

SHEAR STRENGTH DETERMINATION BY

VANE SHEAR TEST

Experiment No.: Date:

Object of Experiment: To determine shear strength parameter of a given soil specimen

by vane shear test.

Reference: IS 2720 (Part 30) - Determination of shear strength parameter for undisturbed
or remolded soil by vane shear apparatus.

Theory: The structural strength of soil is basically a problem of shear strength.

Vane shear test is an useful method for determining the shear strength of cohesive soil. It is a
cheaper and quicker method. The test can be conducted both in the laboratory and field. The
laboratory vane shear test is useful for soils of low shear strength (less than 0.3 kg/cm2) for
which triaxial or unconfined compression tests cannot be performed. The test gives the
undrained strength of the soil. The undisturbed and remolded strength obtained are useful for
evaluating the sensitivity of soil.

Equipment:
1. Vane shear apparatus (operation on 220 volts, single phase, 50 cycles, AC supply).
2. Soil Specimen
Four (Undisturbed
interchangeable or Remoulded).
torque springs with spring factor.
3. Specimen
Vane shearcontainer
apparatus(38mm diameter
(operation × 76mm
on 220 height phase,
volts, single is closed
50 at one end).
cycles, AC supply).
4. Soil Specimen
Four (Undisturbed
interchangeable or Remoulded).
torque springs with spring factor.
Specimen container (38mm diameter × 76mm height is closed at one end).
Procedure:
[1] Prepare two or three specimens of the soil sample of dimensions of at least 37.5 mm
diameter and 75 mm length in specimen. (Aspect ratio = Length/Diameter = 2).
[2] Mount the specimen container with the specimen on the base of the vane shear
apparatus (Fig. 1). The specimen container is closed at one end.
[3] Gently lower the shear vanes into the specimen to its full length without disturbing the
soil specimen (Fig, 2). The top of the vanes should be at least 10 mm below the top of
the specimen. Note the readings of the angle of twist.
[4] Bring the maximum pointer in contact with the strain indicating pointer. A maximum
pointer is provided to facilitate the reading of the angle of torque. As the strain
indicating pointer rotates when torque is applied, it moves the maximum pointer
leaving it in position when torque is removed while the vane returns to its initial
position. The rotation of the vane is affected by a chain of gears, which provides one
rate of rotation (i.e 0.1˚ /sec). For strength testing of a wide range of soils, four
interchangeable torque springs are supplied. Each spring has been calibrated and the
spring factor is given on it.
[5] Note the final reading of the angle of twist on the circular graduated scale.
[6] Switch on the power and operate the torque applicator until the specimen fails which
is indicated by the return of the strain indicating pointer.
 HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)
[7] Record the reading of the maximum pointer.
[8] The difference between the initial and the final reading gives the angle of torque of
the spring.
[9] This multiplied by the spring factor and divided by 180˚ gives the torque applied in
kg-cm.

Calculation:
From the mechanism of vane shear test (Fig. 3), the shear strength of soil is given by,

T
S
 D 2 H D3 
   
 2 6 
where,
S = Shear strength of the soil in kg/cm2
T = Torque in kg-cm = (spring constant × difference in degree) / 180˚
D = Overall diameter of vane in cm,
H = Height of vane in cm.
In the case of vane actually supplied with vane shear apparatus, with H =24 mm and D =12
mm, the above formula reduces to
3T
S
19

Observations:
Sample Initial Final 2 - 1 Spring Torque, Shear strength, Average 'S'
no. Reading, 1 Reading, 2 (Deg.) Constant, k T = k  (2 - 1) / 180 S = 3T/19 (kN/m2)
2
(Deg.) (Deg.) (kg-cm) (kg-cm) (kg/cm )

Remarks: The undrained shear strength of the cohesive soil is kN/m2. Hence, the
consistency of the soil is soft / very soft (write it accordingly).

Name:

Roll No.:

Teacher’s signature
HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Figure 1: Vane Shear Test apparatus

Figure 2: Vane inserted in soil sample

HERITAGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Department of Civil Engineering
Soil Mechanics Laboratory - II (CIVL 2251)

Figure 3: Vane Shear Test mechanism