The effect of methodology on determining the liquid limits values of selected organic soils

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of the Casagrande Cup and Cone Penetrometer Methods for determining the liquid limit of selected organic soils in in the south-eastern region of Poland in laboratory conditions in accordance with the latest standard guidelines. 10 methods established on the basis of literature materials were used to interpret the test results: 4 for test in the Casagrande Cup and 6 for the Cone Penetrometer. The results were compared and used to determine the parameters necessary to assessment of consistency of all type of soils, e.g.: plasticity index ���� (%), consistency index ���� (–) or liquidity index ���� (–). The knowledge of these parameters makes it possible to determine the degree of plasticity of the tested soils using the Cassagrande chart. The conducted research and analyses have shown that the results of determining the liquid limit using the selected methods are not always comparable. The application of calculation methods based on the results of laboratory tests organic soils carried out in accordance with the procedures of the one standard (PN-B-04481: 1988), in the case of interpretation with Method No. 5 and Method No. 7, generated results with the widest range and the highest values in relation to the reference values (Method No. 1). In terms of the suitability of a given method, the type of tested soil, extremely complicated, diverse and heterogeneous structure turned out to be important, and most importantly, the content of organic parts, as evidenced by the results of consistency determination.

Keywords

• casagrande cup
• cone penetrometer
• laser diffractometer
• liquid limit
• organic soils
• plasticity chart