CE 322L Goetechnical Engineering Laboratory

CE 322L – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY

Type (check one):Required: XElective:

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.Determinations of liquid, plastic and shrinkage limits

2.Grain size distribution – mechanical sieve analysis

3.Grain size distribution – hydrometer analysis

4.Moisture-density relationships by Standard Proctor Method

5.Density of soils in the field – sand cone method

6.Determination of permeability of a sandy soil

7.Unconfined compression test

8.Consolidation test

9.Triaxial test

10.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) / Math/Basic Science
XEngineering
General Education
Other
Design
(check one) / Significant
XSome
None
Realistic Constraints
(check all that apply) / Economic
Environmental
Sustainability
Manufacturability
Ethical
XHealth & Safety
Social
Political

Relationship to Program Outcomes:

Check all that apply:

X(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

X(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

X(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

X(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

X(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for

engineering practic

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 assignments).

Grading:Grades:

A 90-100%

Two reports40%B 80-89%

Test20%C 70-79%

Class Participation10%D 60-69%

Presentations (two expts)10%

Data Reduction (all expts)20%

CE 322L GEOTECH LAB SCHEDULE

DateExpt #Title

Aug 26Introduction (collect disturbed samples)

Sept21Liquid and Plastic Limits of Soils

7***********Labor Day **************

92Shrinkage Limit of Soils

163 Mechanical Sieve Analysis

234Hydrometer Test

30 5Field Density Test

Oct 7 CE 322 Test #2 (open and closed book)

99AM – Redo the field density test

14 6Proctor Density

19-23****************** Fall Break **************

28 79AM student presentations

Permeability Test – Constant Head

Nov 4 8Unconfined Comp Test

11 9Triaxial Test

18 10Consolidation Test

25 Student Presentations

26–27**************Thanksgiving Holidays ******

Dec2 Field Trip

9Test (short questions/calculations)

11Last day of classes

14-18Exam Week [no exam]

Required Laboratory Reports & Presentations:

Group LeadersWritten and Oral Reports

EverybodyLiquid Limit & Plastic Limit

MalloryShrinkage limit test, Proctor Density

Presentations: Shrinkage Limit

Proctor Density

AlanMechanical Sieve Analysis, Permeability test

Presentations: Sieve Analysis

Permeability Test

HunterHydrometer test, Unconfined Compression test

Presentations: Hydrometer Test

Unconfined Compression test

CatherinceField 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

1. List of figures and tables.

1. 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

1. References.

1. 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.

1. Keep the work area and the equipment clean at all times.

1. Personal safety is of major concern and act accordingly.

1. Professional behavior is expected in the laboratory.

1. Everybody needs to have a set of data.

1. Complete calculations before leaving the laboratory.

1. Place the equipment in their original locations.

1. Do not miss the laboratory period. Experiments will not be repeated.

1. 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!

1. 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.

1. Prepare answers to the review questions; refer to the ASTM manual in the library.

List of ASTM Standards

Experiment # / Title of Experiment / ASTM*
Designation
1 / Determination of Moisture Content of a Soil / ASTM D 2216-98
ASTM D 4643-00
2 / Determination of Specific Gravity of Soils / 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. #1Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit of Soils

Find:(a) LL & PL of the given soil (b) Flow index

(c) Classify the given soil using the USCS system

Expt #2Shrinkage Limit of a Soil

Find: (a) SL (b) Find specific gravity of soil solids, Gs

Expt #3Mechanical Sieve Analysis of a Soil

Problem:(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.Hydrometer Analysis

Problem:(a) Get a grain size distribution curve

(b) Calculate the activity ratio for the soil

Expt #5Field Density Test - Sand Cone Method

Problem:Find the density of the sand used in your experiment

Find in-place density and moisture content of in-situ soil at CBU

Expt. #6Moisture Density Relationships - Standard Proctor Test

Problem:(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.Permeability of a Sandy Gravelly Soil (Constant Head)

Problem: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 #8Unconfined Compression Test of a Soil

Problem: (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 #9Consolidation Test

Problem: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.Triaxial Test

Problem:Determine the shear strength of a given soil.

Stress-strain curve for the soil

Find E, the Young’s modulus of soil

CE 322L Reports - Rubrics
C / B / A
Below Expectations / Meets Expectations / Exceeds Expectations
Grammar, spelling, sentence structure, tense, and organization / Excessive errors in grammar, construction, spelling, punctuation, and use of too many pronouns / Only a few errors, use of proper tense, and organized well; uses typical report style. / Well written with minimal language problems; well organized; uses typical Geotech Report Style
Units, graphs, analysis / Units are not shown, poorly drawn graphs, no analysis to support conclusions; no references. / Very few errors, well drawn graphs, some analysis to support conclusions; proper format used in references. / Graphs are drawn using a software, good analysis to support conclusions; results are related to some reference in the text or other sources; references are shown properly.
Error analysis, suggestions for improvements in the experimental setup / No attempt in observing problems with the experiment / Suggestions for improvement, error analysis done / Student is knowledgeable about the experiment and has researched the theory very well; ideas for improvement of the expt are shown.

CE 322L Geotechnical Laboratory

Lab Advice

1. Find out what is it that you are trying to do?

1. Why are we doing this experiment? Applications?

1. How do you do it?

1. What are the conclusions of this experiment?

1. Did you get the correct results? What are the typical results that you are supposed to have gotten? Where do you find them?

1. What could have gone wrong with your experiment? Or what did go wrong?

1. What can you improve on this experiment?

1