The natural water content also called the natural moisture content is the ratio of the weight of water

to the weight of the solids in a given mass of soil. This ratio is usually expressed as percentage.

In almost all soil tests natural moisture content of the soil is to be determined. The knowledge of the natural moisture content is essential in all studies of soil mechanics. To sight a few, natural moisture content is used in determining the bearing capacity and settlement. The natural moisture content will give an idea of the state of soil in the field

Determine the moisture content of soil samples taken from the site Arrange work procedure accordingly. Execute safety and health procedure. Handle the given task correctly. Identify the data needed. Accomplish the task within a given time frame. Document the task and produce the report.

Soil sample. Non-corrodible air-tight container. Electric oven, maintain the temperature between 105C to 110C. Desiccator. Balance of sufficient sensitivity.

Sample soil

Sample soils in oven-drying

Oven-drying

1. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6. 7.

Clean the container dry it and weigh it (W1). Take a specimen of the sample in the container and weigh(W2). Keep the container in the oven. Dry the specimen to constant weight maintaining the temperature between 105C to 110C for a period varying with the type of soil but usually 16 to 24 hours. Record the final constant weight (W3) of the container with dried soil sample. Remove the moisture can. Carefully but securely, replace the lid on the moisture can using gloves, and allow it to cool to room temperature. Determine and record the mass of the moisture can. Empty the moisture can and clean the can.

No. 1

Sample No. Weight of

1 0.013

2 0.015

3 0.015

container (W1),gm
2 Weight of container + wet soil (W2),gm 3 0.089 0.079 0.092

Weight of container
+ dry soil (W3),gm

0.069

0.062

0.072

Water/Moisture content,W = (W2W3) x 100 (W3W1)

35.71%

36.17%

35.09%

W = [(W2W3)/(W3W1)]100 W = [(0.089-0.069)/(0.069-0.013)]100 W = [(0.02)/(0.056)]100 W = 35.71% W = [(W2W3)/(W3W1)]100 W = [(0.079-0.062)/(0.062-0.015)]100 W = [(0.017)/(0.047)]100 W = 36.17%

W = [(W2W3)/(W3W1)]100 W = [(0.092-0.072)/(0.072-0.015)]100 W = [(0.02)/(0.057)]100 W = 35.09% AVERAGE (35.71 + 36.17 + 35.09) / 3 = 35.66%