Soil Properties and Classification Quiz

The degree of compaction or denseness within a granular soil.

The ratio of void space to solid volume in a soil.

The resistance of a soil to deformation or failure under applied stress.

The ability of a soil to resist compression or deformation under load.

A procedure to determine the relative density of a granular soil by comparing its in-place density to its densest and loosest states.

The practice of categorizing soils based on engineering properties to understand their behavior.

Tests that measure fundamental soil properties like particle size, density, and plasticity.

A method to determine the distribution of particle sizes in a soil sample, using sieves of different mesh sizes.

A test to determine the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils, especially those smaller than 0.075 mm.

The measure of a soil's compactness or looseness, often expressed as a percentage.

A measure of how easily a soil can be deformed, expressed through the Atterberg limits.

The limits of water content at which a soil transitions between different states: liquid, plastic, and solid.

A classification system used by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to categorize soils for road construction.

Soil classification systems are essential for understanding and predicting soil behavior, such as its strength, compressibility, and permeability.

AASHTO stands for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. USC refers to the Unified Soil Classification System. USDA represents the United States Department of Agriculture. These organizations developed soil classification systems for specific applications.

Index Properties are basic tests that provide information about a soil's physical characteristics. They help classify soils and estimate structural behavior. An example is the Liquid Limit (LL), which indicates the water content at which soil transitions from a semi-solid to a liquid state.

Soil classification tests determine physical characteristics, like particle size distribution and plasticity, which directly relate to structural properties like strength, compaction, and permeability. For example, a soil with a high clay content will likely be more cohesive and have a higher liquid limit.

Sieve analysis separates soil particles by size. It helps determine the percentage of different particle sizes. Hydrometer analysis measures the size and distribution of fine soil particles that are too small to be separated by sieves.

Coarse fraction refers to the larger particles in soil, typically retained on a #200 sieve (0.075 mm). Fine fraction refers to the smaller particles, passing through the #200 sieve.

The plasticity index (PI) is the difference between the liquid limit (LL) and the plastic limit (PL). It indicates the range of water content where the soil behaves as a plastic material.

Factors affecting Atterberg test accuracy include: proper sample preparation, consistent mixing, and temperature control. These factors can influence the water content at which soil transitions between different states.

The ability of a soil to deform or change shape under stress, related to its water content.

A type of soil containing primarily sand and silt particles, with little or no clay. These soils lack cohesion, meaning they don't stick together well.

A type of soil containing a significant amount of clay particles, giving it strength and the ability to hold its shape.

Tiny, plate-like minerals that make up clay soils. They play a crucial role in soil properties, particularly plasticity and water retention.

A type of clay mineral known for its low water-holding capacity and stable structure.

A type of clay mineral known for its moderate water-holding capacity and relatively stable structure.

A type of clay mineral known for its high water-holding capacity and expandable structure, which can lead to swelling and shrinking.

The arrangement and organization of soil particles, influencing its overall behavior and properties.

A soil type containing very small particles, smaller than 0.002 mm. These particles are too small to see without a microscope.

A soil type containing particles between 0.075 mm and 0.002 mm. These particles are still small but can be seen with magnification.

A soil type containing particles between 2 mm and 0.075 mm, visible to the naked eye.

A soil type containing particles larger than 2 mm, easily visible and large enough to be handled individually.

The property of a soil or rock related to its ability to decrease in volume when subjected to a load.

The maximum stress that a material can withstand without failing for a specific type of loading.

The relative ease with which a soil can be deformed. It describes how easily a soil changes shape.

An arrangement where soil particles clump together in flocs instead of being individual.

A loose, open-structure formed in a suspension by the aggregation of small particles. It resembles a honeycomb structure.

Soil made up of gravel and/or sand particles. These soils don't hold their shape well when wet.

Soil made up of silt and/or clay particles. These soils are fine and can hold water and shape better.

A type of fine-grained soil that behaves like putty when wet. It's sticky and strong when dry.

Soil particles smaller than 0.002mm. These particles are so tiny, they act like tiny magnets, influencing the soil's behavior.