Classification of Soil

Introduction: Classifying soils into groups with similar behavior, in terms of simple indices, can provide geotechnical engineers a general guidance about engineering properties of the soils through the accumulated experience. Classification Systems Two commonly used systems for soil engineers based on particle distribution and Atterberg limits

Purpose of soil classification 1. Provides a concise and systematic method for designating various types of soil. 2. Enables useful engineering conclusions to be made about soil properties. 3. Provides a common language for the transmission of information. 4. Permits the precise presentation of boring records and test results. Object of soil classification Is to provide a soil NAME and symbol, e.g. GRAVEL is G, based on the results of simple and quick to perform (therefore economic) key tests. Soil is initially classified into either coarse or fine soil on the basis of particle size.

Coarse soil (Granular) Physical characteristics and appearance are influenced by the distribution of particle sizes within the soil, i.e.>0.063mm (1/16mm) A granular soil is classified according to its Particle Size Distribution. Fine soil (Cohesive) Physical characteristics and appearance influenced by cohesion and plastic properties (plasticity) associated with mineral composition and water content. The fine soil is sub-grouped according to its plasticity.

CLASSIFICATION OF COARSE SOIL Is classified on the sand (symbol S) and gravel (symbol G) content plus the amount of fines present. Soil particles The description of the grain size distribution of soil particles according to their texture (particle size, shape, and gradation). Major textural classes include, very roughly: Gravel (>2 mm); Sand (0.1 2 mm); Silt (0.01 0.1 mm); Clay (< 0.01 mm). Furthermore, gravel and sand can be roughly classified as coarse textured soils, while silt and clay can be classified as fine textures soils.

Grain Size Distribution Curves

Atterberg limits :
Atterberg limits are the limits of water content used to define soil behavior. The consistency of soils according to Atterberg limits gives the following diagram.

Definition of Grain Size

Grading The shape of the Particle Size Distribution curve indicates the range of particle sizes within a soil. Coarse soils are sub-grouped on whether a soil is well graded or poorly graded. A well graded (symbol W) soil has approximately equal proportions of particles sizes and the curve is usually smooth. Note the Till is a well graded soil and the well graded gravel GW in the PSD chart below. A poorly graded (symbol P) soil may contain a high proportion of material within a limited particle size band or bands. Poorly graded soil may be further sub-divided into uniform soil and gap graded soil: A poorly graded soil (Pu, uniform or closely graded) has a major proportion of the particles lying between narrow size limits. As shown by the Estuary Sand, SPuF, in the PSD chart below. Gap graded soil has particles of both large and small sizes but with a relatively small proportion of particles with intermediate size, see clayey gravely sand, SPg in the PSD chart below.

Rapid methods of classification Rapid methods of classification are appropriate for identification in the field, or where laboratory facilities are not available. A combination of sound judgment (based on experience) and simple tests is used in conjunction with Tables 2 to 4 below. If soil sub-group symbols are quoted they should be written enclosed in brackets to indicate that they are based on a rapid (as opposed to laboratory) method.

Particle size Gravel sizes (>2 mm) are apparent visually; sands (<2 mm) tend to cling together when damp and they feel gritty between the fingers; silts (< 0.06 mm) feel abrasive, but not gritty; clays (< 2 m) feel greasy. Amount of fines. The quick-settling test will give a rough indication of the amount of finegrained material present. To distinguish between silt and clay, rub the wet soil between the fingers: clay tends to stick to the fingers, whereas silt only leaves them slightly dusty. Plasticity and consistency If the soil particles stick together when wet, the soil possesses cohesion; if the wet mass can be easily moulded it possesses plasticity. Grades of consistency ranging between soft and very stiff may be identified Dilatancy (test for silt) A pat of moist soil is placed on the open palm of one hand and the side of this hand tapped with the other. Dilatancy is exhibited when, as a result of the tapping, a glossy film of water appears on the surface of the pat. When the pat is gently pressed, the water disappears and the pat becomes stiff. Very fine sands and inorganic silts exhibit marked dilatancy. Toughness A thread of moist soil is rolled by the palm of the hand until it dries sufficiently to crumble and break just as it reaches a diameter of 3 mm. The greater the plasticity of the soil, the more easily this can be done. Dry strength If a part of moist soil is dried, preferably in an oven, it will shrink and harden according to the silt or clay content. Its dry strength may be estimated by attempting to break the pat with the fingers. A high dry strength indicates a clay of high plasticity, where as a crumbly powdery dry pat indicates a silt of low plasticity.

Penetration resistance (sands and gravels) At the surface or in trial pits, a spade, a pick or a small wooden peg driven into the soil, will give an indication of compactness. Soil structure From observations in trial pits or at other exposures, the main structural characteristics may be determined; such as the spacing between beds or laminations, whether or not different materials are inter-bedded and whether or not the soil is fissured. Description of structural or mass characteristics