Experiment 1 - Disturbed Soil Sampling, Labelling, and Storage.docx

Central Philippine University

Disturbed Soil Sampling, Labelling, and Storage CE 4103: Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Ian Jan Dalisay 6-20-2013

IAN JAN DALISAY

Disturbed Soil Sampling, Labelling, and Storage

BS CIVIL ENGINEERING 4

July 23, 2013

NAME

COURSE & YEAR

I.

EXPERIMENT TITLE

July 23, 2013

Date Performed

Date Submitted

Objectives 1. To develop accuracy in describing soil sample identification. 2. To acquire necessary techniques in characterizing different types to soils and its physical properties. 3. To know the importance of soil sampling, labelling, and storage as initial basis for advance soil testing.

II.

Discussion (Use and Significance)

Proper soil sampling, labelling, and storage are important factors to consider before proceeding to subsequent testing and use of the soil. It is therefore important that the method of sampling, exact location with respect to plan and elevation, date of sampling and all other relevant information are correctly recorded in the laboratory. It is also necessary to acquire necessary techniques in soil identification: alert observation of soil characteristics provides both an indication of the problems to be encountered and guidance as to the probable behavior of the soil when being tested.

III.

Apparatus    

Soil Auger Spade or Shovel Moisture-tight sample containers Petro wax or Paraffin Wax or Candle

  

Spatula Pan Match

IV.

Procedure

1. Using the tools from the soil laboratory, clear the area to excavated from foliage and other unwanted things on the site where the sample is desired to be excavated. 2. Extract the soil sample 1.5 feet deep using an auger and/or a shovel. Use a meter stick to measure the depth desired. 3. Place 500g-700g of disturbed soil sample into a pan. Place the removed earth to the dug hole and clear up the area. 4. At the laboratory, note the characteristics and properties of the soil. Describe its color, type of soil, depth excavated, and the moisture of the soil sample. 5. Using a spatula, place the soil from the pan to a glass container. 6. Seal the cap of the container by coating the air passage-ways with wax . In this laboratory, use a melted candle wax. 7. Label the container with the following information: group number, borehole number, depth, description of the soil sample, date and time of excavation, and location. 8. Place the sample in a cool room.

V.

Data Results SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY

Type of Soil Sample

Disturbed Soil Sample

Borehole №

1

Depth of Soil Sample

1.5 feet

Date and Time of Extraction

June 18, 2013, 8:00AM 1 3

Location

VI.

Backyard of College of Engineering Hydraulics Laboratory

Observations/Analysis 1. What is the importance of disturbed soil sampling? What important data are determined in disturbed soil sampling? Disturbed soil sampling is needed in a soil testing and evaluation because disturbed samples are generally obtained to determine the soil type gradiation, classification, consistency, moisture-density relations, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), presence of contaminants, stratification, etc. (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2011). 2. Why is it that moist tight sample containers are sealed with paraffin wax or candle? Explain. To maintain the natural moisture content of the soil sample, sealing the container that contains the sample with impervious layer of wax would allow no fluid to enter. The paraffin wax or candle wax should be poured to seal the container against moisture loss. 3. Why is it that samples placed in a moist-tight containers are labelled? Explain The containers must be labelled for security and identification purposes. The labels identify the soil samples’ properties at the time it was extracted from ground. Any changes to the color, appearance, and other visible changes will also be noted using the forehand labels on the containers.

What is the importance of storing the soil sample in a cool room? Explain. Physical and chemical properties of soil can be altered if exposed to change of temperature. The samples taken by the group was stored in a cool to maintain its room temperature and for the group to be able to take standard observations afore and after the storing process.

VII.

Conclusion

Geotechnical exploration and testing play an important role in determining the the engineering properties of soil. Disturbed soil sampling, labelling, and storage are crucial aspect of soil testing because it describes most of the physical properties of the soil. The analyses of these tests are measures for verifying geophysical and in-situ exporation results.

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References U.S. Department of Transportation. (2011, April 7). Geotechnical Aspects of Pavements Reference Manual. Retrieved from Geotechnical Engineering: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/geotech/pubs/05037/04c.cfm

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