DETERMINATION moisture content

OBJECTIVES Determine the natural content of soil samples taken from the site. REQUIREMENTS AND SCOPE trial In almost all the natural moisture content of soil testing soil to be determined. Knowledge of the natural moisture content is important in all areas of soil mechanics. To see some of the natural moisture content used in determining the bearing capacity and settlement. The moisture content will give the idea of natural soil conditions in the field. DEFINITIONS Natural water content, also known as a natural moisture content is the weight ratio of water to the weight of solids in a given land mass. This ratio is usually expressed as a percentage. APPARATUS REQUIRED 1. Non-corrodible airtight container. 2. Electric oven, keep the temperature between 1050 C 1100 C. 3. Desiccator. 4. Adequate balance of sensitivity. PROCEDURE 1. Clean the container with the lid dry weight (W1). 2. Taking a sample specimen in a container and weigh with the cover (W2). 3. Keep container in the oven with the lid removed. Dry weight of specimen to maintain a constant temperature of 1050 C to 1100 C for a period varying with the type of soil but is usually 16 to 24 hours. 4. Record a constant final weight (w3) containers with dry soil sample. Peat and other organic soil will be dried at lower temperatures (say 600) probably for a longer period. Certain land contains gypsum which in heating water loss if crystallization. If the ITB is suspected that the gypsum present in the soil samples used for the determination of moisture content, it should be dried in C not more than 800 and perhaps for a longer time. Observation and recording Key data and observations to determine the water content S.No. No sample 1 2 3 A weight W1 gm container with lid 2 Heavy container with lid + W2 gm wet ground 3 Weigh the container with the lid + w3 gm of dry soil 4 Water / moisture content

W = [(W2-w3) / (w3-W1)] 100 The interpretation and reporting Result Natural moisture content of soil sample is ________ GENERAL REMARKS 1. Containers with lids out can be used, when the sample was weighed wet immediately after placing the container and oven dried samples are weighed immediately after cooling in a desiccator. 2. Because dry soil absorbs moisture from the soil is wet, dry samples should be removed before placing wet samples in the oven.