BS 1377-5
BS 1377-5
1990
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
UDC 621.131.3:631.4.625:620.1
BS 1377-5:1990
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Determination of the one-dimensional consolidation properties 1
4 Determination of swelling and collapse characteristics 8
5 Determination of permeability by the constant-head method 11
6 Determination of dispersibility 15
6.1 General 15
6.2 Pinhole method 15
6.3 Crumb method 17
6.4 Dispersion method 18
7 Determination of frost heave 19
Appendix A Typical test data and calculation forms 29
Figure 1 — Section of a typical consolidation cell 20
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BS 1377-5:1990
Foreword
This Part of BS 1377 has been prepared under the direction of the Road
Engineering Standards Policy Committee. It is a part revision of clause 5 of
BS 1377:1975 which is deleted by amendment.
BS 1377:1975 which has now been withdrawn is replaced by the following Parts
of BS 1377:1990:
— Part 1: General requirements and sample preparation;
— Part 2: Classification tests;
— Part 3: Chemical and electro-chemical tests;
— Part 4: Compaction-related tests;
— Part 5: Compressibility, permeability and durability tests;
— Part 6: Consolidation and permeability tests in hydraulic cells and with pore
pressure measurement;
— Part 7: Shear strength tests (total stress);
— Part 8: Shear strength tests (effective stress);
— Part 9: In-situ tests.
Reference should be made to Part 1 for further information about each of the
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Parts.
The following test procedures, additional to those described in the 1975 standard,
have been introduced:
a) swelling pressure and settlement on saturation measurements in an
oedometer consolidation apparatus;
b) determination of the coefficient of permeability of sands by the constant
head permeameter method;
c) determination of the susceptibility to internal erosion of clay soils, using
three empirical tests:
1) the pinhole method;
2) the crumb method;
3) the dispersion (sedimentation) method.
d) determination of the susceptibility to frost heave, for which reference is
made to BS 812-124.
Some amendments have been made to the one-dimensional oedometer
consolidation test, which is nevetheless the same in principle as the test described
in the 1975 standard.
It has been assumed in the drafting of this British Standard that the execution of
its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced personnel.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 34, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
ii © BSI 12-1998
BS 1377-5:1990
© BSI 12-1998 1
BS 1377-5:1990
The diameter of the consolidation ring shall be NOTE 2 The clearance should not be too great otherwise
determined primarily by the nominal sizes of serious penetration of the soil between the side of the porous
plate and the consolidation ring may take place; clearances in
undisturbed tube samples received for test but also diameter from about 0.25 mm to about 0.75 mm have been found
with regard to the character of the soil and the to be satisfactory.
maximum size of particles present in the sample. 3.2.1.1.3 A consolidation cell of suitable
The inside diameter of the ring used for fine silts corrosion-resistant material within which is placed
and clay soils shall be at least 6 mm smaller than the consolidation ring containing the sample. The
the undisturbed tube sample to permit trimming off cell shall accept the consolidation ring with a push
no less than 3 mm of soil all around which may have fit. The specimen is held between the top and bottom
been disturbed during the sampling operation. For porous plates and rests centrally on the base of the
coarse silt and sand containing some clay cell. Load is applied to the specimen through a rigid,
(see note 2), also for soils which contain numerous centrally mounted, corrosion-resistant loading cap
inclusions such as small stones or hard lumps, fitted with a central seating. The principal features
(e.g. boulder clay, marl, chalk), and for soils which of the cell are illustrated in Figure 1(a).
break or deform badly on extrusion from the
The cell shall be capable of being filled with water to
sampling tube, the inside diameter of the ring shall a level higher than the top of the upper porous plate.
be as close as possible to the size of the tube sample The materials comprising the cell and the
because of the difficulty of trimming such specimens
components which fit into it shall not be corrodible
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BS 1377-5:1990
The loading device shall be securely bolted to the 3.2.4.2 Determination of deformation characteristics
bench or supporting stand which itself shall be of apparatus
securely fixed to the floor or counterbalanced as a NOTE Deformation of the apparatus may be significant when
safeguard against overturning when the lever is testing stiff soils but can often be ignored for soft soils.
fully loaded. 3.2.4.2.1 Assemble the consolidation apparatus as
NOTE When several oedometers are supported on one bench or described in 3.4 but fit the metal disc in place of the
stand it is essential to ensure that the support is securely specimen. Do not add water to the cell. Identify the
anchored against overturning when all oedometers are fully
loaded at the same time. orientation of each component with respect to the
loading device by indelible marks.
3.2.2 Ancillary items
NOTE If a filter paper is to be placed against each face of the
3.2.2.1 Apparatus for moisture content specimen during a test, similar filter papers should be placed
determination, as described in 3.2 of either side of the steel disc for the calibration, either dry or moist
depending on the condition for the test.
BS 1377-2:1990.
3.2.4.2.2 Apply increments of force similar to those
3.2.2.2 Apparatus for particle density
applied for a test (see 3.5.2) up to the maximum
determination, as described in 8.2 or 8.3 of
working load of the apparatus. Each increment shall
BS 1377-2:1990 (optional).
be sustained only as long as necessary to observe the
3.2.2.3 A timing device readable to 1 s. resulting reading of the compression gauge.
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3.2.2.4 A supply of water at room temperature. 3.2.4.2.3 Record the deformation under each force
3.2.2.5 A means of reading and recording the increment as indicated by the compression gauge.
maximum and minimum room temperatures. 3.2.4.2.4 Unload the apparatus in decrements
3.2.2.6 A watch glass, or metal tray, larger in corresponding to the loading increments and record
diameter than the consolidation ring. the deformations as described in 3.2.4.2.3.
3.2.2.7 A metal disc, of steel, bronze or brass of a 3.2.4.2.5 Tabulate or plot the deformations as the
thickness equal to the height of the consolidation cumulative corrections, y, to be applied to the
ring and a diameter about 1 mm smaller than the measured cumulative settlement of the specimen
internal diameter of the ring. The end faces shall be corresponding to each applied force.
flat, smooth and parallel. 3.3 Preparation of specimen
3.2.2.8 A balance readable to 0.1 g. 3.3.1 General requirements. The test specimen shall
3.2.3 Apparatus for specimen preparation and be in the form of a disc of proportions specified for
measurement. The apparatus specified in 8.2.1 the consolidation ring in which it is to be tested
and 8.2.5 of BS 1377-1:1990 is required for (see 3.2.1.1.1). The mean diameter of the largest
preparing a specimen from a sample in a sampling particle shall not exceed one-fifth of the height of
tube. For preparing a specimen from a block sample, the ring.
the additional equipment specified in 8.2.6 of Prepare the specimen from an undisturbed sample
BS 1377-1:1990 is required. of soil, taken either from a sample tube, or as an
3.2.4 Calibration of apparatus excavated block sample.
3.2.4.1 Measurements NOTE 1 The test specimen should normally be orientated such
that in the laboratory test the soil will be loaded in the same
3.2.4.1.1 Clean and dry the consolidation ring and direction relative to the stratum as the applied stress in situ.
the watch glass. Ensure that the cutting edge is true NOTE 2 A test specimen may also be prepared by the method
and not damaged. described in 3.3.2 from soil that has been compacted into a
cylindrical mould.
3.2.4.1.2 Weigh the ring and the watch glass Avoid loss or gain of moisture by the sample at all
separately to 0.1 g. stages of preparation, such as by carrying out these
3.2.4.1.3 Lubricate the inside face of the ring with a operations in a suitably humidified atmosphere.
thin smear of silicone grease or petroleum jelly. Carry out cutting and trimming operations using
3.2.4.1.4 Measure the height of the consolidation cutting tools appropriate to the nature of the soil.
ring to 0.05 mm at four or more equally spaced The reference straightedge used for checking
points and calculate the mean height, Ho. flatness shall not be used for trimming.
3.2.4.1.5 Measure the internal diameter of the ring 3.3.2 Preparation of specimen from sample tube.
to 0.1 mm in two perpendicular directions. Calculate Prepare the test specimen from a tube sample as
the mean diameter and the area, A, in mm2. described in 8.6 of BS 1377-1:1990.
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BS 1377-5:1990
3.3.3 Preparation from block sample. Prepare the 3.4.2.2 Place the specimen contained in its ring
test specimen from an undisturbed sample received centrally on top of the porous plate.
in the form of an excavated block by the procedure 3.4.2.3 Assemble the cell components so that the
described in 8.7 of BS 1377-1:1990 consolidation ring is laterally confined and in
(See note 1 to 3.3.1). correct alignment.
NOTE This procedure may also be used for a sample that has
been extruded from a sampling tube when a jig for holding the
3.4.2.4 Place the top porous plate and loading cap
cutting ring is not available. centrally on top of the specimen.
3.3.4 Specimen measurements 3.4.2.5 When assembling the apparatus for a test,
ensure that each component is orientated as
3.3.4.1 Measure the height of the specimen
described in 3.2.4.2.1.
to 0.05 mm (Ho) in its ring.
NOTE Alternatively the height of the ring may be accepted as 3.4.3 Assembly in load frame
the specimen height if the nature of the soil makes it difficult for 3.4.3.1 Place the consolidation cell in position on the
the specimen height to be measured satisfactorily.
bed of the loading apparatus.
3.3.4.2 Place the specimen in its ring on the watch
glass or tray and weigh immediately to 0.1 g. 3.4.3.2 Adjust the counterbalanced loading beam so
Determine the initial mass of the specimen, mo. that when the load-transmitting members just
make contact with the loading cap the beam is
3.3.4.3 Take a sample of soil similar to that in the slightly above the horizontal position.
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BS 1377-5:1990
The initial pressure depends on the type of soil. For 3.5.2.4 Take readings of the compression gauge at
soils which tend to swell the swelling pressures may suitable intervals of time. The following periods of
be determined at this stage by the method described elapsed time from zero are convenient. A suitable
in 4.1. The first loading increment shall then be form for recording the readings is shown as form 5.B
greater than the swelling pressure. in Appendix A.
NOTE 2 The greatest pressure should be more than the 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 s
maximum vertical effective stress likely to occur in situ due to
overburden and the proposed construction. Loading of a specimen 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 min
of overconsolidated soil should, wherever possible, extend into 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 h
the normal consolidation region. A general guide to the initial
pressure to be applied is given in Table 1. NOTE The times suggested give a regular spacing of points
when plotted, but more frequent readings may need to be taken
Table 1 — Suggested initial pressures for for soils which compress very rapidly. Readings may be taken at
consolidation test other time intervals so long as they enable the time-compression
Soil curve to be plotted with sufficient accuracy.
a Initial pressure
consistency 3.5.2.5 Plot the compression gauge readings against
Stiff Equal to σ 9vo, or the next higher logarithm of time, or square root time, while the test
recommended pressure if σ9vo is less is in progress, either manually or by means of an
automatic recorder.
than ps.
3.5.2.6 Maintain the pressure until the plotted
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BS 1377-5:1990
NOTE 1 The unloading portion of the log pressure/voids ratio 3.6.1.3 Calculate the initial dry density, rd
curve is required in some methods of analysis for estimating the (in Mg/m3), from the equation
preconsolidation pressure for the soil. Normally the number of
unloading stages should be at least half the number of loading
stages, and should provide reasonably equally spaced points on a
log pressure scale. 3.6.1.4 If it is required to plot void ratio against
NOTE 2 After unloading to the smallest appropriate pressure a pressure, calculate the initial voids ratio, eo, from
second load-unload cycle, possibly up to a higher pressure than
before, may be applied if required.
the equation
3.5.3.2 Reduce the pressure to a value not less than
the last but one value of the loading sequence, at a where
convenient moment (zero time).
rs is the particle density (in Mg/m3).
3.5.3.3 Record readings of the compression gauge at
convenient intervals such as those indicated 3.6.1.5 The initial degree of saturation, So, may be
in 3.5.2.4. calculated as a percentage from the equation
3.5.3.4 Plot the readings so that the completion of
swelling can be identified.
This value can be used to indicate whether the test
3.5.3.5 Record the final reading of the compression specimen is fully saturated initially.
gauge, and the maximum and minimum daily
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BS 1377-5:1990
3.6.2.2.3 Calculate the voids ratio, e, at the end of NOTE This construction is based on the early part of the curve
each loading or unloading stage, if required, from being parabolic when plotted on linear scales.
the equation 3.6.3.2.2 Draw and extend the tangents to the two
linear portions of the laboratory curve, i.e. at the
point of inflexion, and the secondary compression
3.6.2.2.4 Calculate the coefficient volume portion. Their intersection gives the compression
compressibility, mv (in m2/MN), for each loading corresponding to theoretical 100 % primary
increment from the equation compression, denoted by d100.
3.6.3.2.3 From the zero and 100 % points, locate
the 50 % primary compression point, d50, on the
where laboratory curve and obtain its time, t50 (in min).
3.6.3.2.4 Calculate the coefficient of consolidation,
H1 is the height of the specimen at the start of cv (in m2/year), for this load increment from the
a loading increment (in mm); equation
H2 is the height of the specimen at the end of
that increment (in mm);
p1 is the pressure applied to the specimen for where
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the previous loading stage (in kPa); H is the average specimen thickness for the load
p2 is the pressure applied to the specimen for increment (in mm), i.e.
the loading stage being considered (in kPa).
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8 © BSI 12-1998
BS 1377-5:1990
4.2.1.2 A flanged disc of corrosion-reistant metal NOTE If the test has to be left unattended for any length of time
with flat and parallel faces, of a diameter before equilibrium is established, further swelling should be
prevented by loading the hanger with excess weights with the
about 1 mm less than the diameter of the beam resting on its support, maintaining the compression gauge
consolidation ring. The upstand above the flange at the existing corrected zero reading.
shall be such as to displace a suitable thickness of 4.3.3.5 When equilibrium is established calculate
specimen from the ring to give a specimen height of the pressure, ps (in kPa), applied to the specimen
about 3 mm to 5 mm less than the height of the ring. from the weights on the beam hanger (inluding the
(For 4.4 only.) [See Figure 1 b).] initial seating load).
4.2.1.3 Damp cloth and waterproof plastics film for 4.3.3.6 Then either increase the pressure to the next
protecting a non-inundated specimen from drying convenient pressure in the required sequence for a
out. consolidation test as described in 3.5, or reduce the
4.3 Measurement of swelling pressure pressure to a convenient value for a swelling test as
described in 4.4, (if the specimen was suitably
4.3.1 Preparation of specimen. Prepare the test
prepared). Do not reset the compression gauge to
specimen in the consolidation ring by one of the
zero.
methods described in 3.3. If this test is to be followed
by a swelling test the additional procedure 4.3.4 Reporting result. When equilibrium is
described in 4.4.1 shall be followed. established report the pressure on the specimen to
two significant figures as the swelling pressure.
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BS 1377-5:1990
4.4.2.2 Mount the ring containing the specimen 4.4.5 Reporting results. The relationship between
with the displaced face uppermost and fit the top voids ratio or swelling and logarithm of pressure for
porous plate centrally inside the ring. Make the the swelling/reloading cycle shall be plotted in a
necessary adjustments to bring the beam of the similar manner to that derived from a consolidation
loading apparatus to a horizontal position. test [see 3.7 g)].
4.4.2.3 Secure the compression gauge in position to Other data as listed in 3.7 shall be reported as
allow for measurement of swelling over a range at appropriate.
least equal to the thickness of specimen displaced. 4.5 Measurement of settlement on saturation
4.4.2.4 Do not add water to the cell at this stage.
4.5.1 Preparation of specimen. Prepare the test
4.4.3 Test procedure specimen in the consolidation ring by one of the
4.4.3.1 Determine the swelling pressure, as methods described in 3.3.
described in 4.3.3.1 to 4.3.3.5. 4.5.2 Preparation and assembly of apparatus. The
4.4.3.2 Record the compression gauge reading. Do procedure shall be as described in 3.4 but the porous
not reset it to zero. plates shall be air dried after saturation.
4.4.3.3 Reduce the pressure on the specimen to a Do not add water to the cell at this stage.
suitable value by removing weights from the beam 4.5.3 Test procedure
hanger.
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BS 1377-5:1990
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BS 1377-5:1990
5.2.13 A flat-ended tamping rod, long enough to 5.4.1.4 Assemble the base plate, with perforated
reach to the bottom of the permeameter and base, to the permeameter cell body.
about 10 mm diameter. 5.4.1.5 Place the graded filter material in the
5.2.14 A calibrated thermometer reading to 0.5 °C. bottom of the cell to a depth of about 50 mm. Level
5.2.15 A stopclock readable to 1 s. the surface and place a wire gauze or porous disc on
top.
5.2.16 A balance readable to 1 g.
5.4.2 Placing the test sample. Place the soil to be
5.2.17 A steel rule graduated to 0.5 mm.
tested into the permeameter in such a way as to give
5.2.18 Internal calipers. a homogeneous deposit at the required density or
5.3 Selection and preparation of sample voids ratio. The final height : diameter ratio of the
test sample shall be not less than 2 : 1.
5.3.1 Obtain a representative sample from the
original soil sample as described in 7.7 of Placing and compaction shall be by one of the
BS 1377-1:1990. The size of sample shall provide following methods.
enough material for a test sample or samples as NOTE 1 Dry pouring of the sample is not included in the
specified in 5.3.3 or in 5.3.6 after removal of placing procedure because removal of air bubbles after
inundation can be difficult.
material for particle size, particle density and
moisture content tests as described in 5.3.2 a) Hand tamping
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4) Continue until the cell is filled to the d) Close the control valve. Connect the de-aerated
required level. This will result in a saturated water supply to the permeameter top connection,
sample of uniform density in a loose condition. and connect the control valve at the base to the
If this condition is to be maintained, do not discharge reservoir, without entrapping air.
disturb the soil or jolt the cell. If higher density e) Set the inlet reservoir at a level a little above
is required, tamp or vibrate the material the top of the permeameter cell and open the
during placement. supply valve. Open the manometer tube pinch
5.4.3 Assembly of apparatus. After placing the test cocks one by one and ensure that no air is trapped
sample by either 5.4.2 a) or 5.4.2 b) assemble the in the flexible tubing as water flows into the
permeameter cell as follows. manometer tubes. The water in all tubes shall
a) Place the upper wire gauze or porous disc on reach the level of the reservoir surface.
top of the prepared sample. Avoid any f) The permeameter cell is now ready for test
disturbance of the sample if it is of a low density. under the normal condition of downward flow.
b) Place the graded filter material on top of the g) If a test with upward flow is required, e.g. for
disc to a depth of at least 50 mm. investigating piping effects, fit the control valve,
c) Release the piston in the top plate and connected to the discharge reservoir, to the top of
withdraw it to its fullest extent. the cell and connect the de-aerated water supply
to the base.
d) Fit the top plate to the permeameter cell and
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tighten it down into position. 5.5 Test procedure for downward flow of
water through the sample
e) Lower the piston carefully and bed the
perforated plate on to the filter material. Hold the 5.5.1 Adjust the height of the inlet reservoir to a
piston down firmly and tighten the locking collar suitable level with regard to the hydraulic gradient
in this position. to be imposed on the sample.
5.4.4 Measurements NOTE An initial hydraulic gradient of about 0.2 is often
suitable, although a slightly higher value may be more
5.4.4.1 Determine the mean height of the test appropriate for finer-grained or more dense soil samples
sample, L1 (in mm), by measuring, to 1 mm, the 5.5.2 Open the control valve at the base to produce
distances between the upper and lower wire gauzes flow through the sample under a hydraulic gradient
or porous discs at three or more locations around the appreciably less than unity. Allow the water levels
perimeter. in the manometer tubes to become stable before
5.4.4.2 Dry the soil left over and weigh it to the starting test measurements.
nearest 1 g (m2), so that the dry mass of soil used in 5.5.3 Place a measuring cylinder of suitable capacity
the test sample can be obtained by difference. under the outlet from the discharge reservoir and
5.4.5 Saturation. Fill the permeameter cell with simultaneously start the timer.
water and saturate the sample as follows. [If placing 5.5.4 Measure the quantity of water collected in the
procedure 5.4.2 b) has been followed, start from cylinder during a given interval of time.
step d)]. Alternatively record the time required to fill the
a) Connect the control valve on the base of the cylinder up to a given volume.
permeameter to the de-aerated water supply. 5.5.5 Record the levels of water in the manometer
Open the top connection and the air bleed to tubes. If the three (or more) levels indicate
atmosphere, and close the connections to the significant non-uniformity of the hydraulic gradient
manometer tubes. remove and replace the sample.
b) Allow de-aerated water (see note to 5.2.4) to 5.5.6 Record the temperature of the water in the
enter the cell and slowly percolate upwards discharge reservoir.
through the sample until it emerges first from the 5.5.7 Repeat 5.5.2 to 5.5.6 at least four more times,
air bleed, which is then closed, and then from the or until consistent readings are obtained.
top connection.
5.5.8 If a series of tests at different hydraulic
NOTE The water level should rise slowly enough not to
cause disturbance of the sample, or piping. gradients is required, repeat 5.5.2 to 5.5.7 under
progressively increasing hydraulic gradients by
c) Check whether the perforated plate is in firm
opening the control valve further, or by increasing
contact with the filter material, and if necessary
the height of the inlet reservoir as necessary. The
re-seat it and re-tighten the locking collar, as
hydraulic gradients shall cover the range of interest
in 5.4.3 e). Measure the height of the sample
within the range of laminar flow.
again, as described in 5.4.4.1 and record the
average measurement, L (in mm), as the height of
sample as tested.
© BSI 12-1998 13
BS 1377-5:1990
NOTE Laminar flow is indicated when the relationship 5.6.6 When a range of hydraulic gradients is used
between rate of flow and hydraulic gradient (see 5.6.4) is linear. the coefficient of permeability of the sample may be
Deviation from the straight line at high gradients indicates
turbulent flow. calculated from the equation
5.5.9 If a relationship between coefficient of
permeability and voids ratio over a range of voids
ratio is required, repeat the whole test from 5.3.3 5.6.7 Calculate the dry mass, m3 (in g), of the initial
onwards using different portions of the same soil, sample from the equation
but placed and compacted to different densities.
5.6 Calculation and plotting
where
5.6.1 Calculate the rate of flow, q1, q2 etc (in mL/s),
during the period of each observation of flow from m1 is the mass of the initial sample determined
the equation. as in 5.3.5, (in g);
w is the moisture content (in %).
where 5.6.8 Calculate the dry density, rd (in Mg/m3 ), of the
Q1, Q2, (in mL) etc is the volume of water collected test sample from the equation
from the outlet reservoir during each time
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e) the dimensions of the permeameter; NOTE The specified test measures the dispersibility of clay in
pure water, which is considered to be a basic property of the soil.
f) the dry density; Clays are considered to be more likely to disperse in pure water
g) the voids ratio, if required; than in water containing dissolved salts.
h) the coefficient of permeability, k (in m/s), to two The requirements of Part 1 of this standard, where
significant figures, for the condition of laminar appropriate, shall apply to this test method.
flow, corrected to 20 °C; 6.2.2 Apparatus
i) the coefficient of permeability for other 6.2.2.1 Pinhole test apparatus, as shown in
conditions, if relevant; Figure 7(a), consisting essentially of the following.
j) a plot of coefficient of permeability, k(log scale) a) A rigid cylindrical body of plastics or
against density or voids ratio, e, if appropriate. corrosion-resistant metal, about 100 mm long.
b) Corrosion-resistant end plates, one fitted with
6 Determination of dispersibility water inlet and standpipe connections, the other
6.1 General with an outlet connection.
6.1.1 Principle. Certain fine-grained soils that are c) O-ring seals to make a watertight fit between
highly erodible are referred to as dispersive soils. the body and end plates.
Dispersive soils cannot be identified by means of d) Three discs, of appropriate diameter, of wire
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conventional soil classification tests, but the mesh having apertures of 1.18 mm.
qualitative tests described below enable them to be e) Nipple of plastics or corrosion-resistant metal,
recognized. However, it does not follow that soils in the form of a truncated cone 13 mm long with
classified by these tests as non-dispersive are not a hole of 1.5 mm diameter [Figure 7(b)].
susceptible to erosion in some circumstances.
6.2.2.2 A standpipe tube of glass, or transparent
These methods are not applicable to soils with a clay plastics, of about 3 mm internal diameter and
content of less than 10 % and with a plasticity index about 1 200 mm long.
less than or equal to 4.
6.2.2.3 A scale for the standpipe tube marked in
6.1.2 Types of test. Three tests are described as millimetres.
follows.
6.2.2.4 A hypodermic needle, or similar,
a) The pinhole test, in which the flow of water about 100 mm long, with an external diameter
under a high hydraulic gradient through a cavity of 1.00 mm ± 0.1 mm.
in the soil is reproduced.
6.2.2.5 A burette stand for supporting the pinhole
b) The crumb test, in which the behaviour of apparatus, standpipe and scale.
crumbs of soil in a static dilute sodium hydroxide
solution is observed. 6.2.2.6 Graduated glass measuring
cylinders, 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL (at least two
c) The dispersion method (double hydrometer of each).
test), in which the extent of natural dispersion of
clay particles is compared with that obtained 6.2.2.7 A stopclock, or timer, readable to 1 s.
with the use of standard chemical and 6.2.2.8 Pea gravel, consisting of single-size particles
mechanical dispersion. of about 5 mm.
NOTE Other factors which are significant in relation to soil 6.2.2.9 A constant-head supply tank, adjustable
erodibility are as follows: between 50 mm and about 1 100 mm above the
a) swelling potential. (A test for measuring swelling
pressure is described in 4.3);
centreline of the pinhole apparatus.
b) clay mineralogy; 6.2.2.10 A supply of distilled water for the
c) chemical composition of dissolved cations in the pore constant-head tank.
water.
6.2.2.11 A test sieve, with 2 mm aperture.
6.2 Pinhole method
6.2.2.12 A flat ended tamping rod, or a spring loaded
6.2.1 General. In this test distilled water is caused hand tamper.
to flow through a 1 mm diameter hole formed in a
6.2.2.13 Apparatus for determination of moisture
specimen of recompacted clay under a controlled
content. (See 3.2 of BS 1377-2:1990.)
hydraulic head. The resistance to erosion of the clay
is judged visually by the presence or absence of 6.2.2.14 Apparatus for determining the liquid and
turbidity in the water which emerges and from plastic limits of the soil.
measurements of rates of flow and the final hole (See clauses 4 and 5 of BS 1377-2:1990).
diameter. 6.2.2.15 Apparatus for the determination of the
moisture/density relationship of the soil.
(See 3.3 of BS 1377-4:1990).
© BSI 12-1998 15
BS 1377-5:1990
6.2.3 Sample preparation and assembly 6.2.3.15 Connect the inlet on the pinhole apparatus
6.2.3.1 Do not allow the sample to dry before testing. to the supply from the reservoir, and connect the
standpipe connection to the standpipe, supported by
NOTE For many soils the results are affected by drying,
especially if the soil after rewetting is not left long enough to the burette stand. Place a glass measuring cylinder
mature in the compacted state. Maturing without compaction on a sheet of white paper under the outlet pipe.
does not generally achieve the same results.
6.2.4 Test procedure
6.2.3.2 Take a sample of about 150 g of the soil to be
tested, at its natural moisture content. Take a 6.2.4.1 Open the inlet valve to allow water from the
second similar sample for the determination of the reservoir to enter the apparatus and to flow through
liquid limit and plastic limit, to be carried out as the sample until a steady rate of flow is obtained
described in clauses 4 and 5 of BS 1377-2:1990. with H = 50 ± 5 mm [see Figure 7(a)]. If there is no
flow, disconnect the apparatus, reform the hole, and
6.2.3.3 Remove any particles retained on a 2 mm
resume from 6.2.3.10.
test sieve from the test sample.
6.2.4.2 Within 5 min measure the rate of flow,
6.2.3.4 Increase or decrease the moisture content to
q (in mL/s), by observing the time required to fill
bring the sample to about its plastic limit. Use the
the 10 mL measuring cylinder.
thread-rolling procedure described in clause 5 of
BS 1377-2:1990 as an indication of the required 6.2.4.3 Observe and record the appearance,
consistency. including colour, of the water collected in the
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BS 1377-5:1990
6.2.4.9 If the collected water continues to be clear, or 6.2.6 Reporting results. The test report shall affirm
has only a slight trace of turbidity, and the rate of that the test was carried out in accordance with 6.2
flow is between 0.8 mL/S and 1.4 mL/s, record the of BS 1377-5:1990, and shall include the following,
fact and proceed to 6.2.4.11. in addition to the relevant information listed in
6.2.4.10 If the water is not clear and the rate of flow clause 9 of BS 1377-1:1990.
increases to about the limiting value a) a statement of the method used, i.e. the pinhole
(see note 3 to 6.2.4.6), stop the test. Proceed to test in accordance with 6.2 of BS 1377-5:1990;
6.2.4.16. b) identification details, type and source of the
6.2.4.11 Increase the head of water, H, soil sample;
to 380 ± 5 mm, and allow the flow to continue c) the soil description, and whether any coarse
for 5 min. Repeat 6.2.4.3 and 6.2.4.4. particles were removed for the test;
6.2.4.12 If the water continues to be clear, or has d) the liquid limit, plastic limit and moisture
only a slight trace of turbidity, and the rate of flow content of the test sample;
is between 1.0 mL/s and 1.8 mL/s, record the fact
e) the density and dry density to which the
and continue at 6.2.4.14.
sample was compacted for test;
6.2.4.13 If the water is not clear, or the rate of flow
f) the rates of flow, duration of flow, and
has increased to between 1.4 mL/s and 2.7 mL/s
appearance of the collected water, during each
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© BSI 12-1998 17
BS 1377-5:1990
mm min mL/s mm
D1 50 5 1.0 to 1.4 dark very dark $ 2.0
D2 50 10 1.0 to 1.4 moderately dark dark > 1.5
ND4 50 10 0.8 to 1.0 slightly dark moderately dark # 1.5
ND3 180 5 1.4 to 2.7 barely visible slightly dark $ 1.5
380 5 1.8 to 3.2
ND2 1 020 5 > 3.0 clear barely visible < 1.5
ND1 1 020 5 # 3.0 perfectly clear perfectly clear 1.0
Extracted, with permission, from the annual book of ASTM standards. Copyright American Society for Testing and
Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.
18 © BSI 12-1998
BS 1377-5:1990
© BSI 12-1998 19
BS 1377-5:1990
c) The mass required for determining the 7.2.2 Preparation of specimens of compacted soil.
optimum moisture content and maximum dry Prepare test specimens in accordance with clause 9
density, as specified in 3.2 of BS 1377-4:1990. of BS 812-124:1989.
NOTE If the moisture content and density at which test 7.2.3 Preparation of undisturbed specimens.
specimens are to be prepared have already been specified this Prepare test specimens of undisturbed soil from
portion is not required.
undisturbed samples taken in sampling tubes or as
d) A mass which will provide 20 kg of soil passing block samples. Preparation of undisturbed
a 37.5 mm test sieve, for preparation of a trial specimens shall be in accordance with 8.3 or 8.5 of
specimen and the test specimens. BS 1377-1:1990.
Subdivide the original sample by a method which
7.3 Test procedure
ensures that each portion is a representative sample
of the whole. Carry out the test in accordance with BS 812-124.
NOTE The precision data given in Table 2 of BS 812-124:1989,
are based on aggregates, and should not be applied to soils.
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© BSI 12-1998
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© BSI 12-1998
BS 1377-5:1990
Publications referred to
Normative reference
© BSI 12-1998
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