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METHOD STATEMENT
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BS 1377: 1990 - British Standard Methods of test for Soils for civil engineering purposes
Part 5, Methods 6 Determination of dispersability

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Scope The Pinhole Test is carried out on highly erodible fine-grained soil which cannot be identified by conventional classification tests. It is not suitable for soils with a clay content of less than 10% and a plasticity index of less than or equal 4. Test Requirements Besides the pre-test requirement of the Atterberg Limits, a laboratory compaction test (2.5 kg rammer) indicating the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) is also needed. In remoulding the Pinhole Test specimen, the density criteria is 95% of MDD at a controlled moisture of about its plastic limit. Equipment Pinhole test apparatus Hypodermic needle 1.00 mm outside diameter, about 100 mm long Pea gravel, about 5 mm size An adjustable constant head (0 to 1.02 m) supply tank for supply of distilled water BS sieve, 2 mm aperture A drying oven for moisture content determination Digital timer Graduated glass measuring cylinder: 10 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml (at least 2 of each) White ceramic tile Preparation and Assembly Remove any particles retained on a 2 mm seive. Bring soil to about the plastic limit - checked by plastic limit determination method. Use a representative small portion of prepared sample for moisture content determination. Fit the base to the body of the pinhole apparatus and support the body of the apparatus with its axis vertical. Place pea gravel to a depth of of 53 mm in the cylinder (id 38 mm x 100 mm length), level the surface, and place two wire mesh discs on top. Compact the prepared test sample into the cylinder to a depth of 38mm, in 5 layers, so as to give a dry density about 95% of the maximum dry density (generally about 16 strokes per layer by the use of a Harvard tamper). Using finger pressure, push the plastic nipple into the top of the compacted soil at the centre until the upper face is flush with the sample. Punch a 1 mm diameter hole through the sample by inserting the hypodermic needle through the hole in the nipple. Place a wire mesh disc over the sample, followed by pea gravel to the top of the cylinder. Fit the top cap and support the cylinder with its axis horizontal. Complete set up of the apparatus by connecting it to the constant head water supply. Test Procedure Commence test as specified in BS1377:Part 5: 1990, 6.2.4 - Test Procedure (clearly outlined in test data report). Analysis of Test Data and Reporting Analysis of test data and reporting are in according to BS1377:Part 5: 1990, 6.25 to 6.26.

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Method Statement 5/6 1 of 1