Soils Technology Part 4: Testing Practices TSYH 3209

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

Module 1 - Introduction to Laboratory Testing of Soils

• Describe the purpose of laboratory testing and its relationship with field testing.
• State the advantages and disadvantages of laboratory testing in comparison with field testing.
• Recognize the importance of the size and condition of a soil sample as received from the field and the reasons for using special care when receiving, recording, handling and storing soil samples.
• Know the need for standardization in the format of reports and the importance of including all relevant facts.
• Know the common metric units used in laboratory testing.
• Define the terms given in the glossary.

Module 2 - Classification of Soils

• Describe and explain the purpose of and the methods used when conducting a visual inspection of a soil sample.

Module 3 - Moisture Content Determination (ASTM D2216) and Atterberg Limits

• Describe and explain the purpose of and the methods used in the following:
• Moisture Content Determination
• Atterberg Limit Determination tests.

Module 4 - Particle Size Analysis

• Describe and explain the purpose of and the methods used in the following:
• Sieve analysis - dry and washed
• Hydrometer analysis.

Module 5 - Moisture-Density Tests

• Describe and explain the purpose of and the methods used in the moisture-density relationship tests, ASTM D698 and U1557. (Formerly called the standard and modified Proctor Density tests, respectively.)

Effective as of Fall 2003