Liquid Limit Test Apparatus | Casagrande
STANDART: ASTM D4318; BS 1377:2; AASHTO T89
LT-S0035 Manual Liquid Limit Test Apparatus | Bs
LT-S0035/1 Plastic Grooving Tool | BS
LT-S0036 Manual Liquid Limit Test Apparatus| ASTM
LT-S0036/1 Metal Grooving Tool and Gauge Block| ASTM
LT-S0036/2 Plastic Grooving Tool| ASTM
LT-S0036/3 Spare Brass Cup
LT-S0037 Motorized Liquid Limit Test Apparatus | BS
LT-S0038 Motorized Liquid Limit Test Apparatus| ASTM
The Liquid Limit Test Apparatus (Casagrande) is designed to determine the liquid limit of fine-grained soils by evaluating the relationship between moisture content and the number of blows required to close a standard groove formed in the soil specimen.
- Casagrande test method: Determines the transition of fine-grained soil from the plastic to the liquid state.
- Manual and motorized models: Different configurations are available for laboratory requirements.
- ASTM and BS versions: Separate models and grooving tools are provided for the applicable procedures.
- Manual ASTM model: LT-S0036.
- Manual BS model: LT-S0035.
- Motorized BS model: LT-S0037.
- Motorized ASTM model: LT-S0038.
- Motorized operation: Approximately 120 drops/min, helping maintain a consistent test rhythm.
- Removable brass cup: Simplifies cleaning and routine maintenance.
- Adjustable crank and cam system: Supports controlled cup movement.
- Blow counter: Allows the operator to monitor the number of drops during testing.
- Grooving tool options: Metal and plastic tools are available according to the selected method.
- Spare brass cup: Available under product code LT-S0036/3.
| Product Code | Product Name | External Dimensions (mm) | Weight (kg) |
| LT-S0036 | Manual Liquid Limit Test Apparatus | 240 × 230 × 150 | 2 |
| LT-S0038 | Motorized Liquid Limit Test Apparatus | 200 × 290 × 170 | 4.2 |
What Is a Liquid Limit Test Apparatus?
The Liquid Limit Test Apparatus, commonly known as the Casagrande Device, is used to determine the liquid limit of fine-grained soils. The liquid limit represents the moisture content at which a soil changes from a plastic state to a liquid state.
This value is widely used in soil classification and geotechnical laboratory testing. Together with the plastic limit, it can also be used to calculate the plasticity index and evaluate the consistency characteristics of clayey and silty soils.
How Does the Casagrande Liquid Limit Test Work?
The prepared soil specimen is placed inside the brass cup of the apparatus. The surface is levelled and a standard groove is formed using the appropriate grooving tool.
The cup is then repeatedly raised and dropped onto the base. During the test, the operator records the number of blows required for the groove to close over the specified distance.
By carrying out the procedure at different moisture contents, the relationship between water content and number of blows can be evaluated and the liquid limit determined.
Manual and Motorized Models
Liya Test offers both manual and motorized Liquid Limit Test Apparatus configurations.
The LT-S0036 is the manual ASTM-type model, while the LT-S0035 is designed for BS-type testing.
Motorized alternatives include the LT-S0038 ASTM model and LT-S0037 BS model. The motorized system operates at approximately 120 drops per minute, helping laboratories maintain a more uniform operating rhythm during repeated tests.
ASTM and BS Grooving Tool Options
Different grooving tools are provided according to the required test procedure.
The LT-S0036/1 Metal Grooving Tool and Gauge Block and LT-S0036/2 Plastic Grooving Tool are intended for ASTM-type configurations.
The LT-S0035/1 Plastic Grooving Tool is supplied for the BS configuration.
A replacement brass cup, product code LT-S0036/3, is also available.
Compact Laboratory Design
The manual LT-S0036 model measures 240 × 230 × 150 mm and weighs approximately 2 kg.
The motorized LT-S0038 model measures 200 × 290 × 170 mm and weighs approximately 4.2 kg.
Their compact dimensions allow the devices to be used easily on standard soil-mechanics laboratory benches.
Standards for Liquid Limit Testing
Liya Test’s existing product page references ASTM D4318, BS 1377-2 and AASHTO T89.
The current British standard is BS 1377-2:2022, which replaced BS 1377-2:1990 in March 2022.
The current AASHTO edition is AASHTO T89-22, covering determination of the liquid limit of soils.
However, there is now an important ASTM change: ASTM D4318-17e1 was officially withdrawn on July 10, 2026, with no replacement currently listed by ASTM.
Overall, the Liquid Limit Test Apparatus provides a practical Casagrande-based solution for evaluating fine-grained soil consistency, with manual and motorized configurations available for different laboratory procedures.
