1. DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
Determine the natural content of the given soil sample.
NEED AND SCOPE OF THE EXPERIMENT
In almost all soil tests natural moisture content of the soil is to be determined. The
knowledge of the natural moisture content is essential in all studies of soil mechanics. To
sight a few, natural moisture content is used in determining the bearing capacity and
settlement. The natural moisture content will give an idea of the state of soil in the field.
DEFINITION
The natural water content also called the natural moisture content is the ratio of the
weight of water to the weight of the solids in a given mass of soil. This ratio is usually
expressed as percentage.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
1- Moisture cans.
2- Electric oven.
For drying, the temperature of oven is generally kept between 105°C to 110°C.
A higher temperature should be avoided to prevent the burning of organic matter in the
soil and also possible change in the composition of the mineral grains.
3- Balance.
PROCEDURE
1- Clean the moisture content and weigh it (W1).
2- Take a specimen of the sample in the moisture content and weigh it (W2).
3- Keep the moisture content in the oven. Dry the specimen to constant weight
(maintaining the temperature between 105° C to 110° C for a period 24 hours)
4- Record the final constant weight (W3) of the moisture content with dried soil
sample.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the natural content of the given soil sample.
NEED AND SCOPE OF THE EXPERIMENT
In almost all soil tests natural moisture content of the soil is to be determined. The
knowledge of the natural moisture content is essential in all studies of soil mechanics. To
sight a few, natural moisture content is used in determining the bearing capacity and
settlement. The natural moisture content will give an idea of the state of soil in the field.
DEFINITION
The natural water content also called the natural moisture content is the ratio of the
weight of water to the weight of the solids in a given mass of soil. This ratio is usually
expressed as percentage.
APPARATUS REQUIRED
1- Moisture cans.
2- Electric oven.
For drying, the temperature of oven is generally kept between 105°C to 110°C.
A higher temperature should be avoided to prevent the burning of organic matter in the
soil and also possible change in the composition of the mineral grains.
3- Balance.
PROCEDURE
1- Clean the moisture content and weigh it (W1).
2- Take a specimen of the sample in the moisture content and weigh it (W2).
3- Keep the moisture content in the oven. Dry the specimen to constant weight
(maintaining the temperature between 105° C to 110° C for a period 24 hours)
4- Record the final constant weight (W3) of the moisture content with dried soil
sample.
