Soil Mechanics Lab Manual

Explore common geotechnical test methods, test standards, and terminology

Like other construction materials, soil possesses mechanical properties related to strength, compressibility, and permeability. It is important to quantify these properties to predict how soil will behave under field loading for the safe design of soil structures (e.g. embankments, dams, waste containment liners, highway base courses, etc.), as well as other structures that will overlay the soil. Michael Kalinski has written his Soil Mechanics Lab Manual to introduce students to the most common soil mechanics tests, with laboratory exercises and data sheets, and online videos, for each tests.

Key Features of this lab manual:

• Each chapter in the manual describes one test, and is structured in the same manner, including the following sections:

Section 1 – Applicable ASTM Standards

Section 2 – Video Demonstration Website

Section 3 – Purpose of Measurement

Section 4 – Definitions and Theory

Section 5 – Equipment and Materials

Section 6 – Procedure

Section 7 – Expected Results

Section 8 – Likely Sources of Error

Section 9 – Additional Considerations

• Laboratory exercises and data sheets are included at the end of each chapter.
• The data sheets are designed to be used for practical as well as educational purposes, with places to insert information regarding project, boring number, and soil recovery Depth/Method.
• Brief video demonstrations are available online for each of the laboratory experiments described in this manual. Each demonstration includes a brief background of the test, required equipment, and step–by–step procedure for the measurement and reduction of experimental data.
• The procedures for all of the tests described in this manual are written in accordance with applicable American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards. It is important to be familiar with these standards to understand, interpret, and properly apply laboratory results obtained using a standardized method. Each test described in this manual has an associated ASTM standard number.