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IS 11196:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for equipment for determination of liquid limit of soils cone penetration method. This standard specifies the manufacturing and dimensional requirements for the cone penetrometer apparatus used in determining the liquid limit of soils. It details the dimensions, mass, materials, and construction of the cone assembly, penetration gauge, and sample cup to ensure consistent and accurate test results.
equipment for determination of liquid limit of soils cone penetration method
! This standard is superseded; its requirements are now incorporated directly into IS 2720 (Part 5), which covers the complete test method.
! The sharpness, smooth finish, and mass of the cone assembly are critical for repeatable results. Any damage or wear will significantly affect readings.
! This standard is primarily used by equipment manufacturers and calibration laboratories, not by field or lab engineers performing the test.
BS 1377-2:2022BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. Classification tests and determination of geotechnical properties
Specifies the cone penetrometer method for liquid limit determination in clause 5.
ISO 17892-12:2018ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 12: Determination of liquid and plastic limits
Provides the international reference method for liquid limit using the cone penetrometer.
ASTM D4318-17ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
Includes a cone penetrometer procedure (Method B) alongside the more common US Casagrande method.
AS 1289.3.9.1:2009Standards Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - Method 3.9.1: Soil classification tests - Determination of the liquid limit of a soil - One point cone penetrometer method
Defines a cone penetration test for liquid limit, but focuses on a one-point method.
Key Differences
≠The mass of the falling cone assembly in IS 11196 is specified as 148 g, which is significantly heavier than the 80 g cone assembly specified in BS 1377-2, ISO 17892-12, and ASTM D4318.
≠The IS method (defined in the companion standard IS 2720 Part 5) defines the liquid limit at a cone penetration depth of 25 mm, whereas the international standards (BS, ISO, ASTM) define it at a penetration of 20 mm.
≠IS 11196 specifies a test cup with minimum internal dimensions of 50 mm diameter and 50 mm depth, while BS 1377-2 requires a cup of at least 55 mm diameter and 40 mm depth, indicating different sample geometry.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same fundamental principle: determining the water content at which a standardized cone penetrates a specific depth into a prepared soil sample under its own weight.
≈The cone specified in IS 11196 has a smooth polished surface with an apex angle of 30°, which is identical to the angle specified in BS 1377-2, ISO 17892-12, and ASTM D4318.
≈The apparatus in all standards includes a dial gauge or similar measuring device with a resolution of 0.1 mm to accurately measure the cone's penetration depth.
≈The multi-point test procedure involves preparing several soil samples at different water contents and plotting a graph of penetration versus water content to interpolate the liquid limit, a method common to all standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Mass of Falling Cone Assembly
148 ± 0.5 g
80 ± 0.05 g
ISO 17892-12:2018
Penetration Depth for Liquid Limit
25 mm (per IS 2720-5)
20 mm
BS 1377-2:2022
Cone Apex Angle
30° ± 1°
30° ± 0.5°
ISO 17892-12:2018
Sample Cup Internal Diameter (min)
50 mm
55 mm
BS 1377-2:2022
Sample Cup Internal Depth (min)
50 mm
40 mm
BS 1377-2:2022
Penetration Measurement Resolution
0.1 mm
0.1 mm
ISO 17892-12:2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Total mass of cone and sliding shaft80 ± 0.1 g
Cone apex angle30° ± 30'
Penetration gauge resolution0.1 mm
Sample container internal diameter50 mm
Sample container internal depth50 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Components of Apparatus
Clause 4.1 - Cone
Clause 4.1.3 - Mass of Cone
Clause 4.2 - Penetration Gauge
Clause 4.3 - Container
Frequently Asked Questions4
What is the specified mass of the cone assembly?+
The total mass of the cone and its sliding shaft must be 80 ± 0.1 g (Clause 4.1.3).
What is the required angle for the cone?+
The cone apex angle must be 30° ± 30' (Clause 4.1.1).
Is this standard still active?+
No, it has been superseded. The specifications for the equipment are now included in IS 2720 (Part 5):1985.
What is the required resolution of the penetration measurement gauge?+
The gauge should permit measurements to be read to an accuracy of 0.1 mm (Clause 4.2.1).