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CE 333 B – SOIL MECHANICS

MWF (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY MANUAL

SUBMITTED BY:

ANGELINE LAJADA

DEAN KYLE DUMAJEL

FRAMEROSE DIZON

GLIEZELLE CHARIS PEREZ

HYMAR VANN TUMIMBANG

JEFFERED ORENDAIN

JULES EXELL SOLUTAN

MICHAEL ROSE BELONO

REY ANGELO SELISANA

SIMON KLYDE CATALAN

ZACHARY SILVA

SUBMITTED TO:

ENGR. FRITZE ANN NUIQUE

 JANUARY 2025

Table of Contents

Determination Of Particle Size By Sieve Analysis.......................................1

Determination Of Moisture Content Of Soils...............................................8
References.................................................................................................12
DETERMINATION OF PARTICLE SIZE BY SIEVE ANALYSIS

Introduction:

Sieve analysis is a fundamental laboratory technique for determining particle size distribution,
often used in soil mechanics to analyze soil samples. This method involves passing soil through a series
of sieves with progressively smaller mesh sizes to classify particles by size (Allen, 2009). Its simplicity
and reliability make it a preferred choice for understanding soil composition and optimizing its properties.

In the context of this experiment, the soil sample is analyzed to determine its particle size
distribution, which is crucial for applications in geotechnical and civil engineering. Factors such as
material moisture content, sieve aperture accuracy, and operator proficiency can influence the precision of
the results, emphasizing the need for standardized procedures (Gee & Or, 2002).

This study focuses on the methodology and results of sieve analysis applied to an soil sample. By
identifying particle size distribution, this experiment provides essential insights into soil behavior and its
potential uses in engineering projects.

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 LABORATORY NO. 1

DETERMINATION OF PARTICLE SIZE BY SIEVE ANALYSIS

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the percentage of different grain sizes contained within a
soil. The mechanical or sieve analysis is performed to determine the distribution of the coarser, larger-
sized particles.

Standard Reference:

ASTM D 422 – Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils

Equipment/Apparatus:

Balance

Bristle Brush

Set of Sieves

Soil samples containers/pan

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 Negros Oriental State University CE 333 – Soil Mechanics
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Test Procedure:

1. Write down the weight of each sieve as well as the bottom pan to be used in the analysis.

Materials Weight (g)

Sieves : #4 520
#8 505
#10 500
#20 455
#40 405
#60 317
#80 380
#100 385
#200 365
#PAN 395
Sack 145
Ziplock 3
Can 60

2. Record the weight of the given dry soil sample.

Weight of the soil = 1kg

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 Negros Oriental State University CE 333 – Soil Mechanics
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

3. Make sure that all the sieves are clean, and assemble them in the ascending order of sieve
numbers (#4 sieve at top and #200 sieve at bottom). Place the pan below #200 sieve.
Carefully pour the soil sample into the top sieve and place the cap over it.

4. Place the sieve stack in the mechanical shaker and shake for 10 minutes.

5. Remove the stack from the shaker and carefully weigh and record the weight of each sieve
with its retained soil. In addition, remember to weigh and record the weight of the bottom
pan with its retained fine soil.

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 Negros Oriental State University CE 333 – Soil Mechanics
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

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 Negros Oriental State University CE 333 – Soil Mechanics
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Data Analysis:

1. Initial Weight: 1kg

Mass of Mass of Soil

Sieve Diameter Percent Percent
Empty Sieve + Soil Retained
Number (mm) Retained Passing
Sieve (g) Retained (g) (g)
4 4.75 520 824 304 30.46% 69.54%
8 2.36 505 714 209 20.94% 48.6%
10 2 500 554 54 5.41% 43.19%
20 0.85 455 656 201 20.14% 23.05%
40 0.425 405 520 115 11.52% 11.53%
60 0.250 317 384 67 6.71% 4.82%
80 0.180 380 409 29 2.91% 1.91%
100 0.150 385 397 12 1.20% 0.7%
200 0.075 365 371 6 0.6% 0.11%
PAN - 395 396 1 0.1% 0.01%
Total Weight 998 99%

2. Make a semilogarithmic plot of particle size vs. percent passing:

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 Negros Oriental State University CE 333 – Soil Mechanics
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

3. Compute the following:

Equation Result

Effective Size, D 10 Diameter at 10% finer 0.377m

D60
Uniformity Coefficient, Cu 9.162
D10
2
(D30 )
Coefficient of gradation for coefficient of curvature, Cc 1.002
D10 D60

Sorting Coefficient, So
√ D75
D25
-

Average Grain Size, D 50 Diameter at 50% finer 2.473

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOILS

Introduction:

Accurate determination of soil properties is crucial for geotechnical engineering applications,

where the behavior of soil directly impacts the design and construction of infrastructure. While particle
size distribution is a key parameter in understanding soil composition, the determination of moisture
content is equally important in assessing soil's strength, compressibility, and overall stability. Moisture
content refers to the amount of water within a soil sample, which can significantly affect the soil's
mechanical properties. As moisture levels vary, so does the soil’s capacity to support loads, undergo
compaction, and resist changes in volume. Thus, understanding moisture content is critical for making
informed decisions in soil management and construction (Das, 2013).

To determine moisture content, a commonly used method involves oven-drying, where the soil
sample is weighed in its wet state and then dried to a constant weight. The difference in weight
provides the moisture content percentage, which is essential for predicting the soil's behavior under
different environmental conditions. Standardized procedures, such as those outlined by ASTM
International, ensure reliable and reproducible results, allowing engineers to effectively evaluate soil
properties (ASTM D2216-19, 2021). This measurement is crucial when evaluating the suitability of
soil for various engineering projects, including foundation design and earthworks.

The determination of moisture content, alongside particle size distribution analysis, offers a
comprehensive understanding of the soil's physical and mechanical behavior. Both properties are
integral to assessing soil's suitability for construction purposes and ensuring the stability of structures
built upon it. By accurately measuring moisture content, engineers can optimize soil use, mitigate
risks, and enhance the performance of soil-based materials in a wide range of civil engineering
applications.

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 LABORATORY NO. 2

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOILS

Objectives:

This test is performed to measure the amount of water present in the soil as percentage of its
dry weight.

Standard Reference:

ASTM D 2216 – Standard Test Method for Determination of Moisture Content of Soil

Equipment/Apparatus:

Balance

Drying Oven

Drying pans/cans (tin or aluminum moisture

can with lids)

Palette knife/spatula

Negros Oriental State University CE 333 – Soil Mechanics

College of Engineering &\ Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Test Procedure:
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1. Obtain and record tare mass of container and lid.

2. Place in drying oven and remove lid.

3. Maintain drying oven at 110°C ± 5°C (230°F ± 9°F) and dry overnight (minimum 15
hours or until mass loss after 1 hr of additional drying is less than 0.1% (constant mass)
4. Remove sample from oven, immediately replace lid and cool to room temperature.

5. Calculate moisture content.

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 Negros Oriental State University CE 333 – Soil Mechanics
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Data Analysis:
Weight of water
Moisture Content, ω = x 100
Weight of oven-dry soil
Natural Water Content
Test Number → 1 2 3
Weight of Wet Soil + Container, g 98 97 3
Weight of Dry Soil + Container, g 96 95 98
Weight of Container, g 60 60 95
Weight of Water, g 2 2 60
Weight of Dry Soil, g 36 35 3
Water Content, % 5.556 5.714 35
Average, % 6.614

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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REFERENCES

Allen, T. (2009). Particle size measurements: Fundamentals, practice, quality (5th ed.). Springer
Science+Business Media.

Gee, G. W., & Or, D. (2002). Particle-size analysis. In Methods of soil analysis: Part 4 physical
methods (pp. 255–293). SSSA Book Series.

Das, B. M. (2013). Principles of geotechnical engineering (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.

ASTM International. (2021). ASTM D2216-19: Standard test methods for laboratory determination of
water (moisture) content of soil and rock by mass. ASTM International.

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