Applied Science University (ASU)
Civil Engineering Department
Soil Mechanics Laboratory 0805333
Experiments
Water Content Determination &
Determination of Specific Gravity of Soil
Grain Size Distribution (Mechanical)
Hydrometer Analysis
Atterberg Limits
Standard and Modified Compaction test
Field density
Determination of coefficient of permeability constant head method and falling head method
Direct Shear Test
Unconfined Compressive Strength
Triaxial Compression Test
Consolidation Test
Writing a Laboratory Report
Below are some general instructions on how to present a technical report on an experiment.
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The report should contain a cover sheet with the title of the experiment, the name(s) and student number(s) of the author(s), the date and time of the experiment, and the group number (if applicable).
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All reports should be written in clear, concise English. Remember the purpose of a laboratory report is to communicate ideas. Short sentences should be used wherever possible, as they are clearer to understand.

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The report should be written in the passive voice. Do not use the words I, he, she, we, they, my, our etc. Keep the report impersonal at all times, e.g. use “The dimensions of the specimen were measured” rather than “We measured the dimensions of the specimen”
Introduction
The report should contain a brief introduction that outlines the main aims of the experiment.
Experiment Description
Reference should be made to the laboratory handout, which should be included as an
Appendix to your report. For each laboratory class there is a handout, describing the equipment and methodology of the experiment. It is unnecessary to reproduce the information on the handout.
Results and Discussion
A copy of the data recorded during the experiment should be inserted (as an
Appendix) that contains all the raw results. Where appropriate it is recommended that Tables be used for presenting the data and the results of calculations. Remember to include units with the column/row titles.
Where you are asked to show your calculations, this justification is only required for one set of results. Do not waste time repeating the same calculation over and over, it is not only boring to write, but also to read!
Any graph(s) will generally compare the experimental results with either theoretical results, or other published data. When graphing please consider the following:
 graphs should be plotted on graph paper or generated by a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel),
 axes should be labeled, the units clearly marked, and tick marks should be numbered,
 data points should be represented with a distinct symbol: circle, square etc. not simply a dot,
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The graph should be of a reasonable size: typically this might be half a page
Consideration needs to be given to the accuracy of the results before making statements about the agreement or otherwise with theory. Any unusual factors encountered during the experiment and any sources of experimental error should be mentioned in your discussion.
Conclusions
This should state what you have learnt from conducting the experiment. It should not be a repeat of statements made previously in the report.
References
Give a full reference including title, author(s), and publisher; date etc. everything that would be required for anyone reading the report to find a copy of the publication.
Grades
Reports
Midterm
Quizzes & attendance
Final Exam
Total
25%
30%
5%
40%
100%