TP – 1311 An Introduction to Laboratory Investigation of Soils for Professional Engineers

Description

The purpose of laboratory tests is to investigate the physical and hydrological properties of natural materials such as soil and rock, determine index values for identification and correlation by means of classification tests, and define the engineering properties in parameters usable for design of foundations. The engineering geologist and/or geotechnical engineer, using the test data and calling upon experience, can then accomplish safe and economical designs for engineering structures. Procedures to assure quality in laboratory testing are outlined elsewhere. This discussion includes selection of testing methods and samples, index and classification tests, engineering properties of soil, engineering properties of rock, and engineering properties of shales and moisture-sensitive rocks. No attempt has been made to describe the techniques for performing individual tests; references are provided for that purpose. A wide range of soil and rock tests are identified, and the appropriate applications are discussed.