In the liquid limit test, how is the moisture content determined?

In the liquid limit test, moisture content is determined using a portion of the material. This process involves taking a representative sample from the soil or aggregate that has been mixed with water to a specific consistency. The sample is then placed in a cup designed for the liquid limit test, where it is subjected to a defined number of blows from a standard weight.

The moisture content is calculated by measuring the mass of the wet sample and then determining the mass of the dry sample after it has been placed in an oven to remove all moisture. Using a portion of the material allows for accurate determination of the moisture content without consuming the entire sample, which could be necessary for further testing or analysis. This approach ensures that the results reflect the moisture content of the test material without compromising the integrity of the sample.