TRB Webinar: Simple Low-Cost Soil Testing: How to Do It and How to Use the Results

TRB conducted a web briefing or "webinar" on November 9, 2011 explored elementary equipment and soil testing methods that do not use sophisticated laboratory equipment. Contact Reggie Gillum at RGillum@nas.edu to request a recording of the webinar.

The purpose of this webinar is to increase the ability of low-volume road managers who do not have access to laboratory testing facilities to make reliable judgments regarding soil index properties that will give them the ability to select appropriate materials for surface and sub-surface applications.

The first presenter will describe and demonstrate elementary equipment and soil testing methods that do not use sophisticated laboratory equipment. The second presenter will describe and demonstrate the South African Gravel Roads Test Kit.

Learning Objective:
Given the appropriate simplified field testing tools, the participant should be able to analyze a soil sample for grain-size distribution and index properties within 10% tolerance of standard laboratory testing.

Presenters:

• Lynne Irwin, Cornell University, will describe and demonstrate elementary equipment and soil testing methods:
  • Road gravel terminology
  • Sampling road materials
  • Simple tests for determining gradation
  • Desired gradation
  • Unbound materials for surfaces and base courses
  • Graphical method for blending two materials to achieve specification
• Phil Paige-Green, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Built Environment, Pretoria, South Africa, will discuss the South African Gravel Roads Test Kit
  • Background
  • Material requirements and specifications
  • Contents of kit
  • Quality control requirements - Materials
  • Quality control requirements - Construction
  • Calibration and checking
  • Conclusions

Moderated by Michael Long, Oregon Department of Transportation

Request the recorded webinar: There is no fee for employees of TRB sponsors who request a webinar recording. In addition to employees of TRB sponsor organizations, the following are eligible to receive a complimentary webinar recording:

• TRB and National Academies employees;
• Chairs of TRB standing committees, sections, or groups;
• CRP panel members who were involved with developing the report or project that is the subject of the webinar;
• Members of the media; and
• Congressional staff members.

Others must pay $39 to receive the recording. View our pricing page for details.

Questions? Contact Reggie Gillum at RGillum@nas.edu.