Direct Shear Test (Apparatus, Procedure, Calculation)

Shear strength is the ability of soil to withstand forces that may cause it to fail during sliding or shearing is known as shear strength. It is a measure of the soil’s resistance to these pressures. The balance between the applied shear force and the resistance offered by cohesion and friction determines the shear strength … Read more

Determine Liquid Limit of Soil Specimen by Casagrande Method

The liquid limit test of soil is a laboratory test used to measure the liquid limit of soil and its consistency when it is wet. This test is a part of atterberg limits test with plastic limit test as the other part. Liquid limit is defined as the water content at which a soil changes … Read more

Download AASHTO Soil Classification Excel Spread Sheet [XLSX]

AASHTO stands for American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Developed in 1992 a comprehensive soil classification system that helps field engineers in estimating the general properties and characteristics of the soil encountered during the foundation preparation and other relevant construction works.  After the first publication the classification system has undergone several revisions.  Download … Read more

Soil Salinity Reasons and Treatment?

If the concentration of harmful salts in the root zone of a plant increases to such an extent that plant growth is effected, this situation is called Salinity. Salinity is the measure of all the salts dissolved in water. Salinity is usually measured in parts per thousand (ppt or % ). The average ocean salinity … Read more

Causes of Liquefaction of Soil

You might have been to a beach or near a river bank, have you ever noticed the cohesion-less sands there? I am currently working in a project which is in a mountain range with river crossing through and is actually construction of a dam, during my travelling so many times I have witnessed people that … Read more