Soil Plasticity and Shrinkage Limit Test Quiz

In the shrinkage limit test using the Wax Method, what is the purpose of coating the inside of the dish with petroleum jelly?

To facilitate the removal of the soil pat

How is the volume of the soil pat determined in the Shrinkage Limit Test using the Wax Method?

By measuring the volume displacement of water

What is the purpose of tapping the shrinkage dish lightly on the tabletop in the Shrinkage Limit Test?

To remove air pockets

What method is used to determine the volume capacity of a relatively cylindrical shrinkage dish?

Caliper measurement Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of preparing a uniform paste of soil and water in the Shrinkage Limit Test?

To prevent cracking during drying Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula to compute the shrinkage limit using the wax method?

SL = (Vi - Vf) / (M1 - M2) * 100% Signup and view all the answers

What does the shrinkage ratio represent?

The ratio of volume change of soil to change in moisture content Signup and view all the answers

How can the specific gravity of soil solid be determined from the shrinkage limit and shrinkage ratio?

G = 1 / (SL * SR) Signup and view all the answers

In the shrinkage limit example problem, what was the initial volume of the soil?

20.2 cm3 Signup and view all the answers

What do M1 and M2 represent in the context of the shrinkage limit computation formula?

M1 = Mass of moist soil, M2 = Mass of dry soil Signup and view all the answers

What does the plastic limit test determine in soil?

The moisture content where the transition from semisolid to plastic state occurs Signup and view all the answers

How is the liquid limit defined in the plastic limit test using the fall cone method?

By the moisture content where a cone penetrates 20 mm in 5 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of rolling out a thread in the plastic limit test according to ASTM D4318?

To observe the behavior of the soil at different moisture contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating the plasticity index (PI) of a soil?

$\text{PI} = \text{Liquid Limit} - \text{Plastic Limit}$ Signup and view all the answers

How is the plastic limit of a soil defined?

As the moisture content where a thread retains its shape down to 3.2mm diameter Signup and view all the answers

What does the plasticity index signify in terms of soil classification?

It denotes the difference between Atterberg limits Signup and view all the answers