Liquid limit of soil mixtures

Abstract

The liquid limit test is one of the most widely used tests in the soil engineering practice. Several properties, including mechanical properties (for example, compressive index), have correlations with the liquid limit. In this paper detailed investigations of the liquid limit of soil mixturs have been carried out using bentonite, kaolinite, sand (coarse grained, fine grained, rounded and angular shaped), and silts. Based on the results obtained, it has been shown that the liquid limits of soil mixtures are not governed by the linear law of mixtures. While the shape of the sand was not found to influence the liquid limit, the size of the sand particles had a definite influence. Liquid limit obtained by the cone method is lesser than the limit obtained by using the Casagrande apparatus. A good relationship exists between the results of these two methods. A procedure for obtaining the liquid limit of low plastic soil has been suggested.