Germaine J.T., Germaine A.V. Geotechnical Laboratory Measurements for Engineers

John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2009. — 359 p.This textbook is divided into two parts, according to a general division of test result characteristics and level of background knowledge necessary to perform the tests. Part I focuses on relatively simple tests that are used to characterize the nature of soils and can be performed on bulk materials. Part II increases the level of testing complexity, places more emphasis on engineering properties, and requires a larger investment in laboratory equipment. These topics may be covered in an undergraduate civil or geotechnical engineering laboratory course.This book is not intended to be all inclusive, but rather covers a selection of the most common and essential tests, while maintaining a broad cross - section of methods and devices. In general, testing of geo-materials is a slow process according to clock time. This is mostly due to the need for pore water to come to equilibrium. Cost-effective, high-quality testing is possible by understanding the important factors and working with nature to use labor wisely. A goal of this text is to provide guidance for efficient testing without sacrificing the quality of results. Efficiency can be achieved by tailoring techniques to individual circumstances and understanding when shortcuts are feasible.The background chapter to each of the two parts provides general information that applies to the chapters that follow. Test-specific information is included in the pertinent chapter. Each testing chapter provides background information to understand the concepts and objectives of the method, a discussion of important factors useful for professional practice, a list of the minimum equipment requirements, detailed procedures and guidance for performing the test, and the calculations required to produce the results. The procedures are provided for specific situations and would be most useful for instructional purposes. These instructions could be modified for commercial application to increase productivity and efficiency.
The text is set up to allow instructors to choose which laboratories to include in their courses. The knowledge gained through individual tests tends to be cumulative as the text progresses. However, it is not intended that all of the laboratories would be taught, one after the other, as part of a single course.
Although this book is well suited to teaching a geotechnical laboratory course, the practicing geotechnical engineer should find this text useful as a reference on the important details relative to testing. This is especially important when designing sophisticated subsurface characterization and corresponding advanced laboratory testing programs. The information presented is essential to the geotechnical engineer. The text helps develop a working knowledge of laboratory capabilities and testing methods. Laboratory testing is also a large part of geotechnical research. Perhaps the most valuable experience is that the knowledge gained by performing the laboratories reinforces the understanding of soil behavior.
t is hoped that the practicing engineer will understand the following motto: Only perform the tests you need. But if you need to do it, do it correctly.Acknowledgements.
Background Information for Part I.
Phase Relationships.
Specific Gravity.
Maximum Density, Minimum Density.
Calcite Equivalent.
pH and Salinity.
Organic Content.
Grain Size Analysis.
Atterberg Limits.
Soil Classification and Description.
Background Information for Part II.
Compaction Test Using Standard Effort.
Hydraulic Conductivity: Cohesionless Materials.
Direct Shear.
Strength Index of Cohesive Materials.
Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial Compression.
Incremental Consolidation By Oedometer.
Appendices.
Appendix A: Constants And Unit Conversions.
Appendix B: Physical Properties Of Pure Water.
Appendix C: Calculation Adjustments For Salt.