GEOTECHNICS 1 (BFC 21702)

TUTORIAL CHAPTER 1

1. Plot the particle size distribution curve for each of the two soils. The data for which are given
below. All the curves should be on the same semi logarithmic graph.

Sieve size % passing by weight

(mm) Soil A Soil B
19.000 100 100
9.500 100 98
4.750 100 95
2.000 100 93
0.850 100 88
0.425 100 82
0.250 100 75
0.150 95 72
0.075 80 68
0.045 61 66
0.010 42 33
0.005 37 21
0.001 27 10

a) Determine the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay of each soils according to USCS.
b) Compute the Cu and Cc for each soils. Which of these soils is most well graded? Why?
c) Classify the soil according to USCS. The Atterberg limits test data are given below;

Soil sample Liquid limit Plastic limit

A 60 33
B 40 30
2. The particle size distribution data for four soil samples are shown in Figure 1. From the
Atterberg limits tests, the following data were obtained

Soil sample Liquid limit Plastic limit

H 60 26
I Non plastic
J 46 34
L 37 18

a). Determine the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay for each soil
b) Determine the USCS group symbol and group name for all soil samples using the data given
below