1.1 Introduction
Hydrometer Test of Soil is the process of measuring the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils like clay and silt is best performed using the soil hydrometer test. This sedimentation method is familiar to all geotechnical laboratories. The hydrometer analysis of soil, based on Stokes’ law, calculates the size of soil particles from the speed at which they settle out of suspension from a liquid. Results from the test show the grain size distribution for soils finer than the No. 200 (75µm) sieve. However, when combined with a sieve analysis, offer a complete gradation profile of soils containing coarser materials. Hydrometer test specimens come from a variety of sources, large bulk samples from a field project, jar or tube samples from a soil test boring, or representative samples taken from other laboratory tests like hydraulic conductivity or moisture/density relationship (Proctor). Whenever possible, the moisture content in the bulk samples should be conserved through the preparation phase, since air-drying can alter the characteristics of clay particles. Air-dried soils require specific steps in sample preparation. Oven-dried soils cannot be tested using this method (Globalgilson, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Basic engineering properties of Sub grade materials are required for design and Coarse grained soils serves as good for supporting pavements whereas fine grained soils, particularly clayey soils pose problem to pavement. The main structural function of pavement are to support the wheel loads applied to the carriage way and ultimately distribute to the subgrade layer. The major problem of flexible pavements were not being designed and constructed to sufficiently long lasting and cost effective. It reflects problems like early cracking, rutting and moisture damage.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Soil Testing in Hydrometer and Its Importance in Geology. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were set out as follows:
- To perform an hydrometer soil testing to determine its Importance in Geology
- To compare the silt, clay and sand contents measured using the Pipette method, Bouyoucos method
- To obtain information regarding the strength characteristics of the soil.
1.4 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.5 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Soil Testing in Hydrometer and Its Importance in Geology using Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State as a case study.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
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