FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

JENGKA, PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL
COURSE BASIC SOIL MECHANICS
COURSE CODE ECG303

LEVEL OF OPENNESS 2

CATEGORY PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED

DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED 66
(%)
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK (WEEK 3)

TITLE Particle Density Test

1.1 Introduction
Level 2 laboratory activities refer to the condition where only the problem is
guided and given. Students are required to find the ways & means and
provide the answers to the given assignment using the group creativity and
innovativeness. The activity will enable the students to appreciate
independent learning and prepare them for a much harder task of open
ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory session, students will be introduced on how to determine
the particle density and specific gravity of soil.

1.2 Objective
The objective of the test is:
To determine the specific gravity of soil using density bottle.

PREAMBLE 1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able to:
1. Conduct the laboratory experiment and being exposed theoretically to
other alternative methods of particle density testing.
2. Analyse data correctly and present in typical format
3. Work in a group to produce technical report.

1.4 Theoretical Background

There are three tests for the measurement of particle density. These have
different applications, which may be summarized as follows:
1. Density bottle method for fine-grained soils
2. Gas jar method for most soils including those containing gravel-
sized particles
3. Pycnometer method for use in a site laboratory on medium and
coarse grained soils
The first two are the usual laboratory methods. The third is useful as a
simple on-site procedure where full laboratory facilities are not available
and when a result of lower accuracy is acceptable.

FKA Dis 2016 - Apr 2017

 FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
SARAWAK
JENGKA, PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL
PROBLEM
STATEMENT 2.0 Problem Statement
Specific gravity Gs is defined as the ratio of the weight of a certain volume
of soil solids to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water at a constant
temperature. As a group you are given a set of samples to determine the
particle density of the soil.
The group must carry out the test following the procedures outline and
subsequently analyse the data and present it in a proper technical format.

3.1 Apparatus
The group must identify the availability of the chosen apparatus in the
lab before the right procedures can be identified.
3.2 Procedures
The group is required to search for the relevant procedure to carry out
WAYS AND MEANS the test based on the available apparatus in your laboratory. The
document must be made ready for verification by the instructor during
the laboratory activity.
3.3 Data Acquisition
All data collected and observed during the test must be tabulated in
proper format for easy verification and presentation of the technical
report.

4 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

RESULTS The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results
highlighting the data acquisition process, analysis carried out and the
relevancy of the set-out output to achieve the objective.
The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of the test.

FKA Dis 2016 - Apr 2017