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

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Central Philippine University

Disturbed SoilSampling,Labelling, andStora e CE 4103: Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Ian Jan Dalisay

6-20-2013



I. 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

NAMEIAN JAN DALISAY

COURSE & YEARBS CIVIL ENGINEERING 4

EXPERIMENT TITLEDisturbed Soil Sam lin , Labellin , and Stora e

Date PerformedJuly 23, 2013

Date SubmittedJuly 23, 2013



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

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LocationBackyard of College of Engineering

Hydraulics Laboratory

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