University of Gondar

Institutes of Technology
Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Mechanics-I (CEng 2131)

By Genanaw M. (Msc)
E-mail: mengiegenanaw02@gmail.com
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Classification of Soils
 References
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 Das, B., M. (2014), “ Principles of geotechnical

Engineering ” Eighth Edition, CENGAGE Learning,
ISBN-13: 978-0-495-41130-7.

 Knappett, J. A. and Craig R. F. (2012), “ Craig’s Soil

Mechanics” Eighth Edition, Spon Press, ISBN: 978- 0-
415-56125-9.
 Introduction
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A soil classification system-

 It is the arrangement of different soils with similar
properties into groups & subgroups based on their
application or to their probable engineering
behavior.
 A classification for engineering purposes should be
based mainly on mechanical properties:
permeability, stiffness, strength.
 Introduction
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 The aim of a classification system is to establish a

set of conditions which will allow useful
comparisons to be made between different soils.

 Most of the soils classification systems that have

been developed for engineering purposes are based
on simple index properties such as particle size
distribution & plasticity.
 Soil Classification System
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 Commonly based on grain size and soil

consistency. Several classification systems
exist:
1. Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
(ASTM D2487-11).
2. American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) (ASTM
D3282-09).
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
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 According to the USCS, the soils are divided into

two major categories:
1. Coarse-grained soil that are gravelly and sandy in
nature with less than 50 % passing through the
No 200 sieve ( that is F200 < 50%).

2. Fine-grained soils with 50% or more passing

through the No. 200 sieve ( that is F 200 > 50%).
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
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The soil is classified into 15 groups:

 Each group is designated a symbol consisting of

two capital letters.

 The first letter is based on main soil type.

 The second letter is based on gradation and

plasticity .
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
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 Unified Soil Classification System
10
(USCS)
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
11
 Unified Soil Classification System
12
(USCS)
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
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 F 200 = percent passing No. 200 sieve ( % of fines )

 R4 = percent retained above No.4 sieve ( % of

Gravel )

 R200 = percent retained above No.200 sieve.

 F4 = percent passing No. 4 sieve

 Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
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 Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
15
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
16
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
17
 Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
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 Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
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Plasticity Chart

 Note:

 If the results of your soil tests fall above the U – line

on the plasticity chart, you should be suspicious of
your results and repeat your tests.
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
20
 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
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 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
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 Unified Soil Classification System
(USCS)
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 AASHTO Classification System
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 The classification system is based on the following

criteria
1. Grain size
a. Gravel: fraction passing the 75 mm sieve and retained on
the No. 10 ( 2mm ) sieve
b. Sand: fraction passing the No. 10 sieve and retained
on the No. 200 U.S. sieve.
c. Silt and clay: fraction passing No.200sieve.
 AASHTO Classification System
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2. Plasticity : the term silty is applied when the fine

frictions of the soil have a plasticity index of 10 or
less. The term clayey is applied when the fine
frictions have a plasticity index of 11or more.

3. If cobbles and boulders are encountered, they are

excluded form the portion of the soil sample which
classification is made.
 AASHTO Classification System
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 According to the present form of this system,

soils can be classified according to eight major
groups, A-1 through A-8, based on their grain
size distribution, liquid limit, and plasticity
indices.
 AASHTO Classification System
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 Soils listed in groups A-1, A-2, and A-3 are coarse-

grained materials, and those in groups A-4, A-5,
A-6, and A-7 are fine-grained materials.

 Peat, muck, and other highly organic soils are

classified under A-8. They are identified by visual
inspection.
 AASHTO Classification System
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 AASHTO Classification System
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 AASHTO Classification System
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 AASHTO Classification System
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 AASHTO Classification System
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 AASHTO Classification System
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 AASHTO Classification System
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 AASHTO Classification System
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 Worked Examples
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 Solution
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 Worked Examples
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 Worked Examples
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Thank You!!!!!!