1st Edition
Introduction to Soil Mechanics Laboratory Testing
A step-by-step text on the basic tests performed in soil mechanics, Introduction to Soil Mechanics Laboratory Testing provides procedural aids and elucidates industry standards. It also covers how to properly present data and document results. Containing numerical examples and figures, the information presented is based on American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, and US Army Corps of Engineers engineering manuals.
The authors discuss the different methods of in situ field methods and ex situ laboratory methods of soil description and identification. They present equations for the physical properties of soil and laboratory methods of soil classification. They also discuss tests for the interaction of soil and water, and hydraulic conductivity and consolidation. These tests produce information useful in the identification and characterization of soil samples and their engineering behaviors.
A comprehensive resource, the book describes the evaluation of physical properties of soils, including mass, weight, unit weight, and mass density of the soil mass and its component phases. These properties are then expanded to define a number of weight and volumetric relationships. The book also discusses tests used in the evaluation of the density-water content relationships in soils and in the evaluation of the quality of compaction operations. These features and more make this book an excellent guide for testing soils.
In situ methods
In Situ Soil Description and Identification
Particle Size
Dry Strength
Shape and Mineralogical Composition of Coarse-Grained Soils
Moisture
Color
Consistency
Odor
Structure
In Situ Soil Investigation
The Importance of Proper Geotechnical Investigation
Soil Samplins
In Situ Testing
References
Physical properties
Weight–Volume Relations
Phase Diagram
Water Displacement Method for the Evaluation of Soil Unit Weight
Gravimetric Moisture Content Determination Using Oven Drying
Alternative Gravimetric Moisture Content Determination Methods
Specific Gravity
Sample Calculations
References
Soil classification
Sieve Analysis of Soils
Introduction
Test Description
Sample Data and Calculations
Hydrometer Analysis
Hydrometer Analysis
Introduction
Principle of Analysis
Correction Factors
Analysis Procedure
Sample Calculations
Combined Grain Size Distribution
Introduction
Computations
Report
Atterberg Limits
Introduction
Liquid Limit Test
Plastic Limit Test
Shrinkage Limit
Report
Sources of Error
Typical Data
Sample Calculations
Soil Classification Systems
Unified Soil Classification System
Procedure
Sample Calculations
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Classification System
Sample Calculations
References
Soil construction and field inspection
Compaction Test
Introduction
Sample Data and Calculations
Typical Values
Field Inspection
Introduction
Sand-Cone Method
Sample Data and Calculations
Balloon-Density Method
Sample Data and Calculations
Nuclear Density Method
References
Engineering properties — hydraulic conductivity and consolidation
Hydraulic Conductivity Test
Introduction
Hydraulic Conductivity Tests
Constant-Head Permeability Test
Falling-Head Permeability Test
Sample Data and Calculations
Consolidation of Soils
Introduction
The Consolidation Test
Determination of Geotechnical Engineering Parameters
Calculations
Summary of Results
Typical Values
Sample Data and Calculations
References
Engineering properties — shear strength
Direct Shear Test
Introduction
Procedure
Data Reduction
Presentation of Results
Sample Data and Calculations
Unconfined Compression Test
Introduction
The Unconfined Compression Test
Calculations
Presentation of Results
Sample Data and Calculations
Triaxial Test
Introduction
Equipment
Test Procedure
Electronic Monitoring
Conclusion
Calculations and Results
Sample Data and Calculations
References
Appendix A: Notes on Report Writing
Appendix B: Properties and Conversion Tables Index
Biography
Dante Fratta, Jennifer Aguettant, Lynne Roussel-Smith
“Type and amount of soil used, equipment needed, step-by-step testing procedures, and methods of analyses are all illustrated with pictures …very helpful to students who have never done such experiments. Summing up: Recommended. Lower-and upper-division undergraduates; two year technical program students.”
— R.P. Khera, New Jersey Institute of Technology, ic CHOICE, Vol. 45, No. 6, February 2008
