CE 322L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY
Type (check one):
Required: X
Elective:
2009-2010 Catalog Data:
CE 322L. Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory. Standard
laboratory tests to determine soil properties. Written
communication skills are required.
Co-requisite: CE 322. One semester, one credit.
Prerequisites:
None
Co-Requisites:
CE 322
References:
ASTM, Volume 4.08
Textbook:
K. Madhavan, Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory Manual,
2009.
Other Required Materials: None
Other References:
None
Instructor:
Dr. K. Madhavan, Professor of Civil Engineering
Course Objectives:
1. To understand the basic tests done on soils
2. To clarify concepts learned in Geotechnical
Engineering
Prerequisites by Topics:
None
Topics: Lab Experiments: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Determinations of liquid, plastic and shrinkage limits
Grain size distribution – mechanical sieve analysis
Grain size distribution – hydrometer analysis
Moisture-density relationships by Standard Proctor Method
Density of soils in the field – sand cone method
Determination of permeability of a sandy soil
Unconfined compression test
Consolidation test
Triaxial test
Field visit
Class Schedule: One 150-minute laboratory period per week
Prepared by:
Dr. K. Madhavan, P.E.
Date:
August 1, 2009
Professional Component:
CE 322L – Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory
Category
(check one)
Design
(check one)
X
X
Realistic
Constraints
(check all that
apply)
X
Math/Basic Science
Engineering
General Education
Other
Significant
Some
None
Economic
Environmental
Sustainability
Manufacturability
Ethical
Health & Safety
Social
Political
Relationship to Program Outcomes:
Check all that apply:
X
X
X
X
X
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret
data
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in
a global
and societal context
(i) a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for
engineering practice
CE 322L Goetechnical Engineering Laboratory
Fall Semester 2009
COURSE POLICY
HOMEWORK:
Read lab manual before coming to the lab and bring your lab notes to the class. Submit laboratory
report at the beginning of the lab period.
Test Policy:
Testing in this course will consist of one test (50 minutes) during the last lab period. Test will be
closed book and notes. Test will consist of short/essay type questions and/or calculations - mostly
short questions.
Class Attendance and Participation:
Students are expected to attend every lab meeting. Group leaders for each experiment will make
sure that all data is collected and the lab area is cleaned after the experiments.
Questions and Answers:
Students are encouraged to ask questions and answer questions.
Come prepared to ask questions at any time during the class meeting or come to my office!
Absent for a Lab experiment: You are not expected to be absent. If you have to be absent for
unexpected reasons, collect the data from your group members and complete all assignments.
Reports:
1) If you are writing the report for the experiment, you may want to check with me about the
validity of your results.
2) Everybody will write the report on Expt #1
3) Everybody will submit written reports on two assigned experiments (see list of lab report
assignment).
Grading:
Two reports
Test
Class Participation
Presentation (two expts.)
Data Reduction (all expts.)
40%
20%
10%
10%
20%
Grades:
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
CE 322L GEOTECH LAB SCHEDULE
Date
Expt #
Aug
26
Sept
2
Introduction & Collect Disturbed Samples
1
7
Oct
***********Labor Day **************
2
Shrinkage Limit of Soils
16
3
Mechanical Sieve Analysis
23
4
Hydrometer Test
30
5
Field Density
7
Student Presentations
6
19-23
Proctor Density
****************** Fall Break **************
28
7
Permeability Test – Constant Head
4
8
Unconfined Comp Test
11
9
Triaxial Test
18
Student Presentations
26–27
Dec
Liquid and Plastic Limits of Soils
9
14
Nov
Title
2
**************Thanksgiving Holidays ******
10
Field Trip/Consolidation Test
9
Test (short questions/calculations)
11
Last day of Classes
14-18
Exam Week
Required Laboratory Reports & Presentations:
Group Leaders
Written and Oral Reports
Everybody
Liquid Limit & Plastic Limit
Mallory
Shrinkage limit test, Proctor Density
Presentations: Shrinkage Limit
Proctor Density
Alan
Mechanical Sieve Analysis, Permeability test
Presentations: Sieve Analysis
Permeability Test
Hunter
Hydrometer test, Unconfined Compression test
Presentations: Hydrometer Test
Unconfined Compression test
Catherine
Field density, Triaxial Test
Presentations: Field Density, Triaxial Test
?
Liquid & Plastic Limits
Consolidation Test
Writing a Geotechnical Report [Report Format & Details]
General:
All reports are to be typed, minimum one inch margin on all sides.
Spacing – 1 ½ or double space.
Figures and graphs must be professional quality, machine generated, numbered, caption or title
spelled out, and MUST be referred to in the main report. Same idea for Tables.
Drawings may be hand drawn provided proper drawing instruments are used!
All large drawings may be either reduced to 8 ½ X 11 size or fold them nicely and keep them in
a packet!
Symbols/variables – define them as they appear the first time in your report; preferably give a list
of symbols & meanings after the tables & figures.
Give a short narrative of any computer software used when you use it for the first time: name of
source, name of the program, etc.
Reports are to be stapled.
Report must be concise and precise. Good grammar, syntax, and correct spelling are required
throughout the report. Write the reports in third person passive voice.
Every page has to be numbered including the Appendix. You may use a different numbering
system for the Appendix. Make sure that you refer to the Appendix in your main report. Try to
keep the main report uncluttered. You may show a typical calculation in the Appendix.
Have your report checked for spelling mistakes!
The formal report must include all or most of the following:
1. Title page (use a standard format) must contain title of the experiment, course number &
name, submission date, team members, department and university name (see the sample
in the Appendix).
2. Table of contents with page numbers
3. List of figures and tables.
4. The main report will have sub-headings and items as shown:
a) Objective(s) of the experiment
b) Equipment used in the experiment
c) General discussion on the experiment
i)
Definitions
ii)
Uses of the experimental results
iii)
Derivation of any needed formula(s)
iv)
Any major deviations from the ASTM method
d) Procedure (write it in passive voice; avoid pronouns)
e) Typical calculations and results of the experiment
f) Discussion of the results
g) Any problems with the experiment or any ideas to improve the
procedure
h) Conclusions
5. References.
6. Appendix.
Laboratory Instructions
1. Preparation for the laboratory: Before going to the laboratory, read the procedure and
understand the basic ideas of the experiment; take notes if necessary.
2. Keep the work area and the equipment clean at all times.
3. Personal safety is of major concern and act accordingly.
4. Professional behavior is expected in the laboratory.
5. Everybody needs to have a set of data.
6. Complete calculations before leaving the laboratory.
7. Place the equipment in their original locations.
8. Do not miss the laboratory period. Experiments will not be repeated.
9. Everybody will write the first report. Reports are due on the next laboratory period
following the completion of the experiment. The report will be accepted on the second
Wednesday (laboratory period) with a lowered grade and after that time, no need to
submit the report. Only two other individual reports will be required. If necessary, seek
the help of the Writing Laboratory located on campus!
10. Everybody is expected to complete all calculations and plotting of graphs, if any.
Everybody needs to submit all calculations, graphs, etc. for all experiments on your next
visit to the laboratory.
11. Prepare answers to the review questions; refer to the ASTM manual in the library.
List of ASTM Standards
Experiment #
Title of Experiment
1
Determination of Moisture Content of a Soil
2
Determination of Specific Gravity of Soils
ASTM*
Designation
ASTM D 2216-98
ASTM D 4643-00
ASTM D 854-02
3
Determination of Liquid and Plastic Limits of a Soil
ASTM D 4318-00
4
Determination of Shrinkage Limit of Soils
ASTM D 427-04
5
Grain size Distribution of Soils - Mechanical Sieve
Analysis
ASTM D 422-63
6
Grain Size Distribution of Soils - Hydrometer Analysis
ASTM D 422-63
7
Determination of Field Density of a Soil - The Sand
Cone Method
ASTM D 1556-00
8
Compaction Test - Standard Proctor Density Test
ASTM D 698-00
9
Coefficient of Permeability for a Granular Soil Constant
Head Permeability Test
ASTM D 2434-68
10
Unconfined Compression Test of a Soil
ASTM D 2166-00
11
Simple Shear Test
ASTM D 3080-04
12
Consolidation Test
ASTM D 2435-04
13
Triaxial Test
ASTM D 2850-03
* Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section Four Construction, Volume 8.04 Soil & Rock
LABORATORY OBJECTIVES
CE 322L GEOTECHNICAL ENGR. LABORATORY
Expt. #1
Find:
Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit of Soils
(a) LL & PL of the given soil (b) Flow index
(c) Classify the given soil using the USCS system
Expt #2
Find:
Shrinkage Limit of a Soil
(a) SL (b) Find specific gravity of soil solids, Gs
Expt #3
Problem:
Mechanical Sieve Analysis of a Soil
(a) Get a gradation curve
(b) Determine uniformity coefficient
(c) Determine coefficient of curvature
(d) Classify the given soil using USCS & AASHTO systems
Expt #4.
Problem:
Hydrometer Analysis
(a) Get a grain size distribution curve
(b) Calculate the activity ratio for the soil
Expt #5
Problem:
Field Density Test - Sand Cone Method
Find the density of the sand used in your experiment
Find in-place density and moisture content of in-situ soil at CBU
Expt. #6
Problem:
Moisture Density Relationships - Standard Proctor Test
(a) Get a Proctor curve for the given soil
(b) Get maximum density and optimum moisture content
(c) Get zero air-voids curve
(d) Get a moisture Vs dry density curve for S = 80%
Expt #7.
Problem:
Permeability of a Sandy Gravelly Soil (Constant Head)
a) Assuming the velocity head to be zero, determine the head loss
within the soil sample.
b) Determine the coefficient of permeability, k
c) Determine the dry density and void ratio of the soil
d) Determine k at 20 degrees C.
e) List assumptions in your experiment.
Expt #8
Problem:
Unconfined Compression Test of a Soil
(a) Determine maximum compressive strength
(b) Draw a stress-strain curve for the soil
(c) Find Young's modulus, E
(d) Find cohesion, c, for the clay soil
Expt #9
Problem:
Consolidation Test
For the given soil, determine
(a) Dial reading Vs log time curve for 4 tsf
(b) The coefficient of consolidation for the given soil
Expt #10.
Problem:
Triaxial Test
Determine the shear strength of a given soil.
Stress-strain curve for the soil
Find E, the Young’s modulus of soil