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A single copy of this document is licensed to On This is an uncontrolled copy. Ensure use of the most current version of the document by searching the Construction Information Service. Licensed copy from CIS: conwl, College Of North West London, 12/01/2014, Uncontrolled Copy. Soil Laboratory Testing This volume, the first in a set of three, is a vital working manual which covers the basic tests for the classification and compaction characteristics of engineering soils. Manual It will therefore be an essential practical handbook for all engaged on the testing of soils in a laboratory for building and civil engineering purposes. Based on the author’s experience over many years managing large soil testing of laboratories, particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring that procedures are fully understood. Each test procedure has therefore been broken down into simple stages with each step being clearly described. The use of flow diagrams and the Manual setting out of test data and calculations will be of great benefit, especially for the newcomer to soil testing. Soil The book is complemented with many numerical examples which illustrate the methods of calculation and graphical presentations of typical results. The reporting of test data is also explained. Vital information on good techniques, laboratory safety, the calibration of measuring instruments, essential checks on equipment, of and laboratory accreditation are all included. Laboratory A basic knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry is assumed but some of the fundamental principles that are essential in soil testing are explained where appropriate. Professionals, academics and students in geotechnical engineering, consulting engineers, geotechnical laboratory supervisors and technicians will all find this book of great value. Testing Contents: Scope and general requirements; Moisture content and index tests; Density and 3rd Edition particle density; Particle size; Chemical tests; Compaction tests; Description of soils; Appendix: Units, nomenclature and laboratory equipment; Index The Author: K. H. Head Ken Head has decades of experience in soil testing and after working with several major companies in the field, was a consultant for many years. He is well known for his three-volume Manual and diverse contributions to the industry both K. H. Head nationally and internationally. Whittles Publishing CRC Press Licensed copy from CIS: conwl, College Of North West London, 12/01/2014, Uncontrolled Copy. Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing Licensed copy from CIS: conwl, College Of North West London, 12/01/2014, Uncontrolled Copy. Licensed copy from CIS: conwl, College Of North West London, 12/01/2014, Uncontrolled Copy. Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing Volume 1: Soil Classification and Compaction Tests Third Edition K. H. Head, MA (Cantab), C. Eng, FICE, FGS Whittles Publishing Licensed copy from CIS: conwl, College Of North West London, 12/01/2014, Uncontrolled Copy. Published by Whittles Publishing, Dunbeath Mains Cottages, Dunbeath, Caithness KW6 6EY, Scotland, UK www.whittlespublishing.com Distributed in North America by CRC Press LLC, Taylor and Francis Group, 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487, USA 2006 K H Head 1st edition 1980 2nd edition 1992 ISBN 1-904445-36-5 USA ISBN 1-4200-4467-2 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publishers. Typeset by Sharon McTeir, Creative Publishing Services Licensed copy from CIS: conwl, College Of North West London, 12/01/2014, Uncontrolled Copy. Preface to third edition This book, the first of a series of three, is intended primarily as a working manual for laboratory technicians and others engaged on the testing of soils in a laboratory for building and civil engineering purposes. This third edition has been revised to bring the procedures into line with the current requirements of BS 1377: 1990, including its subsequent amendments. The book is based on my own experience over many years both in managing large soil testing laboratories and in the instruction of technicians and engineers in test procedures in the UK and overseas. I have made a special effort to explain those points of detail that are often the cause of difficulty or misunderstanding. The step-by-step presentation of procedures, the use of flow diagrams, and the setting out of test data and calculations are provided for this purpose, especially for the newcomer to soil testing. It is necessary that those calculations should be properly understood. This Volume presents details of the methods and equipment used in soil classification and compaction tests, the former including relevant chemical tests. Most of these procedures are covered by British Standards, the most important being BS 1377: 1990, Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes, Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4. The book is not a substitute for the Standard, but it augments its requirements by its essentially practical approach. References to certain US (ASTM) Standards are included, and some guidance is given on the quality assurance requirements of UKAS, especially regarding calibration procedures. Forthcoming revised editions of Volumes 2 and 3 will similarly relate to Parts 5, 6, 7 and 8 of BS 1377. A basic knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry is assumed, but some of the fundamental principles that are essential in soil testing are explained where appropriate. I hope that the sections giving background information, general applications and basic theory will enable technicians to obtain a better appreciation of the purpose and significance of the tests they perform. The inclusion of a chapter on soil description is intended as an introduction to that important aspect of soil mechanics, and might perhaps stimulate an interest in the broader topic of geology. I hope that this book will continue to be well used in the laboratory, and I would welcome any comments and criticisms from those who use it. K. H. Head Cobham, Surrey v Licensed copy from CIS: conwl, College Of North West London, 12/01/2014, Uncontrolled Copy. Acknowledgements I am grateful to ELE International for supplying many of the photographs used in this volume. Thanks are also due to: British Standards Institution; Impact-Test Ltd.; Soil Mechanics; Soil Property Testing Ltd.; Transport Research Laboratory and Veolia Water Systems for permission to reproduce photographs, data and figures. I would also like to thank Cranfield University and the Macaulay Institute for supplying exclusive photographs for this edition. I would like to extend my gratitude to those who have provided valuable assistance in the preparation of this revision, especially Peter Keeton, John Masters, David Norbury, Philip Sherwood, Simon Townend and Dr Mike Winter. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Keith Whittles, who came to the rescue with his offer to produce a real book when others offered only an electronic version. vi Licensed copy from CIS: conwl, College Of North West London, 12/01/2014, Uncontrolled Copy. Contents Preface ...........................................................................................................v Acknowledgements ......................................................................................vi 1 Scope and general requirements ...................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................... 1 1.2 Laboratory equipment ............................................................................ 6 1.3 Techniques .......................................................................................... 22 1.4 Care of samples .................................................................................. 32 1.5 Preparation of disturbed samples for testing ....................................... 34 1.6 Safety in the laboratory ....................................................................... 40 1.7 Calibration ........................................................................................... 45 2 Moisture content and index tests .................................................... 53 2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 53 2.2 Definitions ........................................................................................... 54 2.3 Theory ................................................................................................. 54 2.4 Applications ......................................................................................... 64 2.5 Moisture content tests ........................................................................ 68 2.6 Liquid and plastic limit tests ................................................................ 74 2.7 Shrinkage tests ................................................................................... 97 2.8 Empirical index tests ......................................................................... 107 2.9 Soil suction ..........................................................................................110 3 Density and particle density ...........................................................116 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................116 3.2 Definitions ..........................................................................................117