Determination of soil specific gravity by using partially vacuum and shaking methods

Abstract

This research was carried out to develop a new testing method that capable to accelerate the testing period for determining the specific gravity of clayey and sandy soils. In this research, partially vacuum and shaking methods were employed in order to enhance the effectiveness of the method. An oven dried kaolin clay and sand were used as sample materials. The testing programme was conducted on the kaolin clay sample first and continues with the sand sample. The materials then were poured inside a special set of fabricated flask and distilled water was added carefully on the top of the sample. Four sets of flask were mounted on the shaker machine by the used of the clip system. Special tubes were used to connect the flask to the vacuum device. Partially vacuum and shaking methods were used to remove the air out from the sample while air bubbles were released from the sample by shaking the flask. It was found that the specific gravity value obtained from the partially vacuum and shaking methods provide a reliable value of specific gravity as compare to pycnometer/density bottle method. In addition, the testing period has accelerated up to three times as compare to the standard method.