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THEORY

The physical state of a fine-grained soil at particular water content is


known as consistency. Consistency or plasticity refers to the relative ease at
which a soil can be deformed via rolling and molding without breaking apart.
Depending on its water content, a soil may exist in liquid, plastic, semi-solid
or solid state. A Swedish agriculturist, Atterbeg (1991) set arbitrary limits for
these divisions in terms of water content.
Liquid limit is defined as the water content at which soil, cut by a
groove of standard dimensions, will flow together for a distance of 12.7mm
(1/2) under an impact of 25 blows in a standard liquid device (ASTMD 431898,2000).
Plastic limit is defined as the water content at which a silt or clay will
just begin to crumble when rolled into a thread approximately 3.2mm (1/8 in)
in diameter (ASTMD 4318-98, 2000).
Shrinkage limit is defined as the water at which any further reduction
in water content will not result in a decrease in volume of the soil mass
(ASTMD 427-98 or D 4943-95, 2000)

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to analyse tests performed in the laboratory
to establish the Atterberg Limits of various soil samples. The Atterberg limits
can be used to distinguish the soil between silt and clay, in multiple
categories, as well as the boundaries between each states of soil (solid,
semi-solid, plastic, and liquid) and thereby the change in the soils behaviour.
The standardized method for performing these tests. The objective of this
test is to derive the Plastic and Liquid Limit from the results and thereby
classify the composition of the soil. By varying the composition of various soil
samples, the effect that the composition has on the Atterberg Limits could be
determined as well. Understanding the plasticity of the soil is of vital
importance, as in any project, plasticity will affect the workability and shear
strength of the soil.
Liquid limit is an empirically established moisture content at which a soil
passes from liquid state to the plastic state, while plastic limit is a moisture
content at which a soil passes from plastic to semi-solid state. Sometimes it
is also referred as Atterberg limits. The presence of water in fine-grained soils
can significantly affect associated engineering behaviour, so to clarify the
effects, a reference index.The liquid limit of a soil is the moisture content,
expressed as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil, at the
boundary between the liquid and plastic states The moisture content at this
boundary is arbitrari1y defined as the liquid limit and is the moisture content
at a consistency as determined by means of the standard liquid limit
apparatus.

Liquid limit and Plastic limit is established. Both of the parameters provide
a means of classifying a soil. The plasticity of soils is determined by using
relatively simple remoulded strength tests. The plastic limit is the moisture
content of the soil under test when remoulded and rolled between the tips of
the fingers and a glass plate such that longitudinal and transverse cracks
appear at a rolled diameter of 3mm. At this point the soil has a stiff
consistency. The liquid limit of a soil can be determined using the Cone
Penetrometer or the Casagrande apparatus In the Penetrometer test, the
liquid limit of the soil is the moisture content at which an80g, 300 cone sinks
exactly 20 mm into a cup of remoulded soil in a 5s period. At this moisture
content the soil will be very soft. When determining the liquid limit with the
Casagrande apparatus, the base of the cup is filled with soil and a rove is
then made through the soil to the base of the cup.

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to analyse tests performed in the laboratory to
establish the Atterberg Limits of various soil samples. The Atterberg limits can be used
to distinguish the soil between silt and clay, in multiple categories, as well as the
boundaries between each states of soil (solid, semi-solid, plastic, and liquid) and thereby
the change in the soils behaviour. The standardized method for performing these tests.
The objective of this test is to derive the Plastic and Liquid Limit from the results and
thereby classify the composition of the soil. By varying the composition of various soil
samples, the effect that the composition has on the Atterberg Limits could be
determined as well. Understanding the plasticity of the soil is of vital importance, as in
any project, plasticity will affect the workability and shear strength of the soil
Liquid limit is an empirically established moisture content at which a soil passes
from liquid state to the plastic state, while plastic limit is a moisture content at which a
soil passes from plastic to semi-solid state. Sometimes it is also referred as Atterberg
limits. The presence of water in fine-grained soils can significantly affect associated
engineering behaviour, so to clarify the effects, a reference index
.The liquid limit of a soil is the moisture content, expressed as a percentage
of the mass of the oven-dried soil, at the boundary between the liquid and
plastic states The moisture content at this boundary is arbitrari1y defined as
the liquid limit and is the moisture content at a consistency as determined by
means of the standard liquid limit apparatus.
Liquid limit and Plastic limit is established. Both of the parameters provide a
means of classifying a soil. The plasticity of soils is determined by using relatively simple
remoulded strength tests. The plastic limit is the moisture content of the soil under test
4

when remoulded and rolled between the tips of the fingers and a glass plate such that
longitudinal and transverse cracks appear at a rolled diameter of 3mm. At this point the
soil has a stiff consistency. The liquid limit of a soil can be determined using the Cone
Penetrometer or the Casagrande apparatus In the Penetrometer test, the liquid limit of
the soil is the moisture content at which an80g, 300 cone sinks exactly 20 mm into a
cup of remoulded soil in a 5s period. At this moisture content the soil will be very soft.
When determining the liquid limit with the Casagrande apparatus, the base of the cup is
filled with soil and a rove is then made through the soil to the base of the cup. The
apparatus is arranged to allow the metal cup to be raised repeatedly 10mm and
dropped freely on to its rubber base at a constant rate of two drops per second. The
liquid limit is the moisture content of a soil when 25 blows cause 13mm of closure of the
groove at the base of the cup. The liquid limit is generally determined by mixing soils to
consistencies just wet and dry of the liquid limit and determining the liquid limit
moisture content by interpolation between four points part
OBJECTIVE
1. To find the water content corresponding to the behavior change
between the liquid and plastic state of silt and clay.
2. To find the water content corresponding to the behavior change
between the plastic and semisolid states of a silt and clay.
3. To determine liquid limit of soil using Casagrande liquid limit apparatus

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL


The apparatus and material needed for this experiment are clay soil,
containers, wash bottle with distilled water, glass plate, drying oven, palette
knife, cone penetrometer & brass cup and Casagrande liquid limit apparatus
and grooving tools.

PROCEDURE
A) Cone Penetration test (Liquid Limit Test):
1. Sample of 400g which passed the 425um test sieve was used for
test.
2. The soil was transferred to the flat glass plate. The distilled water
was added and mixed thoroughly by using palettes knives.
3. If necessary add more distill water so that the first cone penetration
reading is about 15mm.
4. The portion of the mixed soil was pushed into the cub by using
palette knife taking care not to trap air.
5. Ensure surface of the sample properly strike off to remove excess
soil with straightedge to give a smooth lever surface.
6. Make sure the tip of cone touch the surface of sample. After that,
lower the stem of the dial gauge to contact the cone shaft and
record the reading of dial gauge to the nearest 0.1mm.
7. Set the release period of the cone in 5s. If the apparatus is not fitted
with an automatic release and locking device.

8. The difference between the beginning and end of the drop cone
penetration has been recorded.
9. Lift out the cone and clean it carefully to avoid scratching.
10. The distilled water was added in a cub. Make sure the difference
between 1st and 2nd penetration reading is less than 0.5mm.
11. The moisture content sample was taken about 10g from the
penetrate area by the cone.
12. Step 2 to 12 at least 3 is repeated.
13. The reading of the liquid limit should be around 15 to 30mm.

B) Casagrande test (Liquid limit test):


1. The apparatus was cleaned and the height of drop of cup was
adjusted by using adjustment screws.
2. About 150g of soil sample was taken where passing thought
0.425mm sieve.
3. Form uniform paste of the soil sample by mixing it with distilled
water on glass plate. Leave the soil paste for some time to let the
water permeate thoroughly.
4. The half of cup was filled with of soil paste and make sure surface
level using spatula.
5. Cup a V shape groove (2mm wide at bottom, 11mm at top and mm
deep) along cup diameter using grooving tool.
6. Turn the handle of the apparatus at the rate 2 revolutions per
second. Count the number of blows required to cause the groove to
close along a distance of about 10mm.
7. Collect a soil sample for water content determination by mixing the
spatula from one edge to the other edge of the soil cake at right
angles to the groove. The weight of sample will be recorded and
keep it in oven.

8. The remaining soil will be removed from the cup. Change the
consistency (water content) of the mix either by adding some water
or leaving the soil paste to dry.
9. The step (3) will be repeated about four times. The soil paste in this
repetition should be of such a consistency that numbers of
revolution (drop) to close the groove are 10. (It is always better to
proceed from drier to the wetter condition of the soil).
10. Finally, the weight of dry soil will be recorded after kept in oven
for 24 hour.

C) Plastic Limit Test:


1. About 20g of soil paste was taken and placed on the mixing plate.
2. Allow the soil to dry partially on the plate until it becomes plastic
enough to be shaped it into a ball.
3. The soil will be moulded between the fingers and rolled it between
the palms of the hand until the heat of the hands has dried. The soil
sufficient for slight cracks will appears on its surface.
4. The soil was divided into two sub sample of about 10g each and
carry out a separated determination on each portion.
5. Mould the soil in the fingers to equalize the distribution of moisture,
then form the soil into the tread about 6mm diameter between first
finger and thumb of each hand.
6. Rolled the tread to reduce to about 3mm in 5 to 10 complete,
forward and backward movement of the hand.
8

7. Mould it between the fingers to dry it further. The first crumbling


point is the plastic limit.
8. The container was replaced. The moisture content of soil in
container will be determined.

DATA AND ANALYSIS


CONE PENETRATION TEST (LIQUID LIMIT TEST):

Container

#
no.
Plastic
Limit 16.9
Cone

1
Liquid

Limit 27.2 Plasticity Index 10.25

(%)
5
(%)
0 17.50
(%)
Penetrati Number
13.5
Soil
CLAY LOW PLASTICITY
on (mm)
Classificatio
Mass of

31.0

n
container
(g)
Mass

21.74

21.79

19.82

M2

32.40

35.01

45.88

M3

30.21

32.21

40.09

2.80

5.79

10.42

20.27

26.87

28.56

of

container
+

M1

wet

soil (g)
Mass of
container
+ dry soil
(g)
Mass

of M4 = M2

2.19
water (g) M3
Mass of
M5 = M3
dry
soil
8.47
M1
(g)
Moisture
w = M4/M5 x
content
25.86
100%
(%)
Sample calculation :

1. Mass of water = (mass of container + wet soil) (mass of container +


dry soil)
Example: mw = 32.40 30.21
= 2.19 g
2. Mass of dry soil = (mass of container + dry soil) (mass of container)
Example: mdry = 32.40 21.74
= 8.47 g
3. Moisture content, w = (mw/mdry) x 100%
Example: w = (2.19/8.47) x 100%
10

= 25.86 %
4. Plastic limit, PL= (w1 + w2 + w3 )/3
Example: PL = (25.86 + 26.87 + 28.56)/3
= 27.10 %
5. Plastic index, PI = LL PL
Example: PI = 27.2 16.95
= 10.25 %
#Soil classification : CLAY LOW PLASTICITY

determination

Plastic limit

CASAGRANDE TEST :

Container no.
Mass
of

m1

20.35

22.27

container

+ m2

24.14

23.64

wet soil (g)


Mass

of
23.49

23.48

0.65

0.16

3.14

1.21

container (g)
Mass
of

container + dry m3
soil (g)
Mass of water

mw = m2 - m3
(g)
Mass of dry soil ms = m3 - m1

11

(g)
Moisture

w=

mw
100
ms

20.7

13.2

94

72

45

20

19.1

19.14

22.44

20.39

24.50

27.35

27.60

28.18

23.18

24.97

26.05

25.76

mw = m2 - m3

1.32

2.38

1.55

2.42

ms = m 3 - m1

3.47

5.83

3.61

5.37

mw
100
ms

38.0

40.8

42.90

45.1

content (%)

determination

Liquid limit

Container no.
Number
of
blows
Mass

of

container (g)
Mass
of

m1

container

+ m2

wet soil (g)


Mass

of

container + dry m3
soil (g)
Mass of water
(g)
Mass of dry soil
(g)
Moisture

w=

content (%)

Sample calculation :
# Calculation for 1st sample of plastic limit:
Mass of water (g), m2 - m3 = 24.50 23.18
= 1.32 g
Mass of dry soil (g), m3 - m1 = 23.18 19.1
= 3.47 g

Moisture content (%),

w=

mw
100
ms
12

1.32
100
3.47

= 38%
Average moisture content =

38.0+ 40.8+ 42.9+ 45.1


4

= 41.7%

# Calculation for 1st sample of liquid limit:


Mass of water (g), m2 - m3 =24.5 -23.1
= 1.32 g
Mass of dry soil (g), m3 - m1 = 23.18-19.1
= 3.47 g
mw
w=
100
Moisture content (%),
ms

1.32
100
3.47

= 38%
Plasticity index, PI = LL PL
=44 16.95
= 27.05%

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DISCUSSION
Based on the plastic limit test, the result of the moisture content from sample 1 is
20.7% while the value for sample 2 is 13.2%. As we can see, the value of moisture
content from sample 1 is greater than sample 2. This is because, during the experiment
the sample 2 was over rolled less than 3mm which it affect the moisture content of soil.
Other than that, by using hand when mixing causes some of water absorbed by our
hand. Furthermore, the soil didnt mix properly where causing the soil to be non-uniform
soil besides, doesnt maintain a uniform rolling pressure throughout.
Besides that, by using the plasticity index and liquid limit data, the soils will be
classified by using the Plasticity Chart. From our test, the soil classification for
Casagrande

Test

is

CLAY

INTERMEDIATE

PLASTICITY

while

for

Cone

Penetration Test is CLAY LOW PLASTICITY. The difference of plasticity is due to the
amount of water added during experiment. It can be observed that when the soil in
cohesion condition, it means the soil is high plasticity.
There are several precaution to take during the experiment such as cleaned the
dish properly before the measurement are taken, make sure the penetration cone fall
freely when release. Other than that, ensure the cone is dry and clean from the soil in
other to achieve the accurate result. Last but not least, make sure that machineries are
in good condition before used.
The data will be used in other to construct the building especially for design the
types of foundation, dam, tunnel and drainage system. It also helps the geotechnical
engineer determine the strength of soil at construction site.

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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we already analysis and calculate the moisture content
of soil for Plastic Limit Test, Cone Penetration Test and Casagrande Test. The
value of moisture content will be used to determine the value of liquid limit
and plasticity index where it used to determine the soil classification. We
exposed ourselves with the technology used in this test and how to conduct
the machineries. Hence, we already satisfy the objective for this three
experiment which to find the water content corresponding to the behavior
change between the liquid and plastic state of silt or clay and change
between the plastic and semisolid state of a silts or clay. Besides that, we
also achieve the others objective which to determine liquid limit of soil using
Casagrande liquid limit apparatus.

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REFERENCE
http://civilblog.org/2015/03/07/liquid-limit-of-soil/
http://www.uic.edu/classes/cemm/cemmlab/207-Atterberg%20Limits
Das, B. M. (2006). Principles of geotechnical engineering. Stamford,CT:
Thomson Learning College.
Lal R. (2000). Encyclopedia of Soil Science.

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APPENDICES

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