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SOIL CLASSIFICATION

Objective

To classify two soils and describe them using the Unified Classification System by; for
the first soil determining its particle size distribution, and for the second soil determining
its liquid and plastic limits.

Introduction

Soils differ from other structural materials in that one has no control over their structure,
properties, or their variation, all of which may have a significant influence on the soil’s
behaviour. Thus, the first stage of any site investigation must be to determine the types
and extents of the various soils found at the site.

Simple classification tests have been devised which are used to sort soil into types and
provide a simple, but crude, indication of their engineering properties. A great deal of
experience has been built up with these tests and empirical relations have been proposed
that can relate the results of these tests to such basic engineering parameters as
permeability, strength and compressibility.

The most widely used classification scheme, The Unified Classification System, is based
on measurements of the particle size distribution and the plasticity of the soil. The
particle size distribution and plasticity are determined from standard laboratory tests.
The descriptive classification of the soil can then be given by following the standard
convention. The use of this convention ensures that particular properties, or groups of
properties, appear in the same relative position within the description. The properties are
given in the following order:
(a) Classification symbol
(b) Soil name
(c) Plasticity or particle characteristics of soil
(d) Colour of soil
(e) Secondary soil components – name, estimated proportion, plasticity or particle
characteristics, colour
(f) Other minor soil components – name, etc.
(g) Moisture condition, strength (undisturbed state only)
(h) Structure of soil (undisturbed state only), zoning, defects, cementation.

An example classification might be:

SM, gravelly silty SAND, coarse to fine, rounded to subangular, pale brown, about 20%
angular gravel, 12 mm max. size, about 15% silt, moist, well compacted in place,
possibly alluvial.

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Soil Plasticity

Two tests, known as the Atterberg limit tests, are used to determine the plastic and liquid
limits of a soil. The difference between the moisture contents at the limits is called the
plasticity index. These tests are somewhat arbitrary but have been found to be
approximate strength indicators; the shear strength measured at the liquid limit is
approximately 2 kN/m2. The greater the plasticity index the more plastic the soil.

The liquid limit (LL) is defined as the minimum moisture content at which 25 blows in
the standard test apparatus will just close a groove in a sample of soil.

The plastic limit (PL) is the minimum moisture content at which the soil can be rolled
into a thread of 3 mm without breaking.

The plasticity index (Ip) is given by (LL – PL).

The classification of plastic soils in the Unified system is based on a plot of liquid limit
versus plasticity index (see attached sheet on the Unified system).

The standard liquid limit test has been found to be very operator sensitive and a new
method of determining this limit is now gaining acceptance. In this test a small cone is
allowed to penetrate into the soil, and the moisture content at which the penetration is
measured to be 20 mm is defined as the liquid limit. In this experiment both methods of
determining the liquid limit will be used.

Procedure

1. Liquid Limit

To save time 3 batches of the one soil have been pre-mixed, with nominal water contents
close to the liquid limit, and placed in sealed containers. These containers should be kept
sealed when not in use.

(a) Atterberg test

For each of the soil batches, take a small amount of the soil and place it in the dish of the
liquid limit apparatus. The soil should be levelled so that it is parallel with the base of
the apparatus and not more than 10 mm deep. Then cut a groove with the standard
grooving tool. The handle should be rotated at about 2 turns per second until the groove
closes over a length of about 10 mm. Record the number of blows for this to occur.
Repeat the procedure until the number of blows for closure in two consecutive tests is not
greater than one. A small portion of the soil should be put into a container for moisture
content determination. The remainder of the soil should be replaced in the appropriate
container.

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The results should be recorded on a plot of moisture content (on a natural scale) versus
number of blows (on a logarithmic scale). A straight line is drawn through the points,
and the moisture content for 25 blows (ie. The liquid limit) is thereby determined.

(b) Cone Penetrometer

The cone should be lowered until it is just in contact with the soil, which should be filled
to the top of the container. The dial gauge is set to zero. The cone is released for 5
seconds, and a final penetration is recorded. For each soil batch an average of three
penetration readings should be taken, and a small sample taken for a moisture content
determination. The remainder of the soil should be returned to the appropriate container.

The results should be recorded on the same plot as above with penetration plotted on the
logarithmic scale. A straight line drawn through the points allows an estimate of the
moisture content for a penetration of 20 mm (the liquid limit) to be read from the plot.

2. Plastic Limit

A sample of approximately 10 mm3 should be taken and rolled with the palm of the hand
on a glass plate into a thread of about 3 mm diameter. The moisture content is adjusted
until the 3 mm thread just begins to crumble. The moisture content should then be
measured, as this is the plastic limit.

Particle Size Determination

The methods used for particle size determination depend on the sizes of the particles.

For particles larger than coarse silt size (>0.06 mm) sieving can be used. Soil of a known
mass is shaken through a column of sieves with progressively reducing mesh size. The
mass of soil remaining on each sieve is measured.

For smaller particle sizes sedimentation methods must be used. These make use of
Stoke’s Law, which relates the terminal velocity of spherical particles falling through a
fluid of known viscosity to their diameter. In reality the soil grains are not spherical,
however, for the purposes of classification the procedure is sufficiently accurate.

Procedure

Perform a sieving of approximately 100 g of the soil provided, and record the mass of
soil retained on each sieve, and the mass passing the finest mesh. A sedimentation test of
the fine material will be performed following the procedure described in the Australian
Standard.

The results of the sedimentation test should be calculated following the procedure
described in the standard. The hydrometer calibration and other correction factors are
given in Figure 1.

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The results of the particle size determination should be presented on the semi-logarithmic
plot provided showing the percentage passing against mesh aperture.

To complete the laboratory session every student who does not have to submit a
report on the classification laboratory must show the demonstrator:

 A plot of blow count and penetration depth versus moisture content

 The LL (by both methods), PL and a classification of the fine-grained soil
 The grading curve from the sieve analysis and hydrometer data
 A classification of the sandy soil

Note that you will need to return the next day to determine moisture contents, and
the information should be shown to the lab demonstrator at the next lab session (i.e.
if you do the lab on Monday, you should hand in these results on Wednesday).

Report Format (only for those students required to submit a report)

Please read the information on writing a laboratory report in the course outline before
starting your report.

Your report should include:

 The plot used to determine the liquid limit by the two methods.

 The liquid and plastic limits and plasticity index of the clayey soil

 The particle size distribution of the sandy soil

 Explain the method of calculation used to reduce data from the hydrometer test

 A classification of the two soils using the Unified Classification system

 A discussion of the suitability of these soils for a house foundation.

 Discussion of the accuracy and reliability of the various results

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Atterberg Test

Sample No. of blows Tin Tin & Tin & Moisture Remarks
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 mass wet soil dry soil Content
(g) (g) (g) %
A

Plastic Limit Test

Test No Tin mass Tin & wet soil Tin & dry soil Moisture Content
(g) (g) (g) (%)
1 m1 =

2 m2 =

Plastic limit

PL =

Plastic index

Ip = LL – PL

Cone Penetrometer Test

Sample Cone Penetration (mm) Tin Tin & Tin & Moisture Remarks
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Average mass wet soil dry soil Content
(g) (g) (g) %
A

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Sieving Test

Initial weight = g

Sieve Size Mass retained Mass passing Percentage Passing

(g) (g) (%)
2.36 mm

1.18 mm

600 μm

425 μm

300 μm

150 μm

75 μm

Pass 75 μm

Total mass (m4) =

Percentage Passing =

HYDROMETER

1. Record mass (g) =

2. Mix soil and distilled water ( 150 ml) for 5 mins
3. Wash specimen into a graduated cylinder and add enough distilled water to reach
the 1000 ml mark
4. Mix soil and distilled water by turning it up and down for 30 secs
5. Insert hydrometer and start timer
6. Take reading at 15 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min, 4 min and 8 min.

Note for calculation

a) Rh1 for use if hydrometer remains in the suspension from start of the test
b) Rh2 for use when hydrometer is inserted only to take a reading
c) soil particle density ρs = 2.75 g/ml
d) Cm = 2.5 x 10-4 g/ml (meniscus Correction)
e) Cd =0 (dispersing agent not used)
f) = hydrometer reading at the upper rim of the meniscus
Reference: AS1289 Section C6.3

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Unified soil classification (including identification and description)

Field identification procedures Group Information required for Laboratory classification

(Excluding particles larger than 75mm and basing fractions on symbols Typical names describing soils criteria
estimated weights) 1

Depending on percentages of fines (fraction smaller than .075mm

Wide range of grain size and substantial GW Well graded gravels, gravel- D
Give typical names: indicate ap- C U = --- 60 Greater than 4

Bordeline case requiring use of dual symbols

Clean gravels

Determine percentages of gravel and sand from grain size curve

(little or no

amounts of all intermediate particle sand mixtures, little or no proximate percentages of sand D 10
sizes fines 2
fines)

and gravel: maximum size: (D30 )

More than half of coarse

C c = --------------
------- Between 1 and 3
fraction is larger than

Predominantly one size or a range of GP Poorly graded gravels, gravel- angularity, surface condition, D10 x D60

sieve size) coarse grained soils are classified as follows

sizes with some intermediate sizes sand mixtures, little or no and hardness of the coarse
More than half of material is larger than

missing fines grains: local or geological name Not meeting all gradation requirements for GW
2.36mm
Gravels

and other pertinent descriptive

amount of fines)

Use grain size curve in identifying the fractions as given under field identification
Non-plastic fines (for identification GM Silty gravels, poorly
Gravels with

information and symbol in

(apreciable

procedures see ML below) graded gravel-sand-silt mixtures parentheses. Atterberg limits below Above "A" line with
PI between 4 and 7
fines

"A" line or PI less than 4

The .075mm sieve size is about the smallest particle visible to the naked eye
Coarse grained soils
.075mm sieve size

Plastic fines (for identification pro- GC Clayey gravels, poorly graded For undisturbed soils add infor- are borderline cases
mation on stratification, degree Atterberg limits above "A" requiring use of dual
cedures see CL below) gravel-sand-clay mixtures

More than 12% GM, GC, SM, SC

line with PI greater than 7 symbols

GW, GP, SW, SP

of compactness, cementation,
Wide range in grain sizes and sub- moisture conditions and drain- D
SW Well graded sands, gravelly
stantial amounts of all intermediate age characteristics. C U =--- 60 Greater than 6
Clean sands
(little or no

particle sizes sands, little or no fines D 10

fines)
More than half of coarse

(D 30 )2
fraction is smaller than

Example:
Predominantely one size or a range of SP Poorly graded sands, gravelly C c = --------------
------- Between 1 and 3
Silty sand, gravelly; about 20% D 10 x D60
sizes with some intermediate sizes missing sands, little or no fines hard angular gravel particles
2.36mm

12.5mm maximum size; rounded Not meeting all gradation requirements for SW
Sands

amount of fines)

Non-plastic fines (for identification pro- SM Silty sands, poorly graded and subangular sand grains
(appreciable

Less than 5%
Sands with

cedures, see ML below) sand-silt mixtures coarse to fine, about 15% non- Atterberg limits below Above "A" line with

5% to 12%
plastic lines with low dry "A" line or PI less than 4 PI between 4 and 7
fines

Plastic fines (for identification pro- SC Clayey sands, poorly graded strength; well compacted and are borderline cases
cedures, see CL below) sand-clay mixtures moist in places; alluvial sand; Atterberg limits above "A" requiring use of dual
(SM) line with PI greater than 7 symbols
Identification procedure on fraction smaller than .425mm
sieve size
Dry strength Dilatency Toughness
crushing (consistency
More than half of material is smaller than

Silts and clays

(reaction
less than 50
liquid limit

character- to shaking) near plastic

istics limit)
Inorganic silts and very fine sands, Give typical name; indicate degree
None to Quick to rock flour, silty or clayey
slight slow None ML and character of plasticity, 60
Fine grained soils
.075mm sieve size

fine sands with slight plasticity

amount and maximum size of Comparing soils at equal liquid limit
Medium to None to very Inorganic clays of low to medium coarse grains: colour in wet con-
Medium CL,CI plasticity, gravelly clays, sandy dition, odour if any, local or
50 Toughness and dry strength increase
in
e
high slow clays, silty clays, lean clays with increasing plasticity index "l
geological name, and other pert- "A
Slight to Organic silts and organic silt- inent descriptive information, and 40

Plasticity index
medium Slow Slight OL clays of low plasticity symbol in parentheses CH
30 CI
inorganic silts, micaceous or
Slight to Slow to Slight to
Silts and clays

dictomaceous fine sandy or For undisturbed soils add infor-

greater than
liquid limit

medium none medium MH mation on structure, stratif- OH

silty soils, elastic silts 20
ication, consistency and undis-
50

High to very Inorganic clays of high or

None High turbed and remoulded states, CL OL
high CH plasticity, fat clays moisture and drainage conditions 10
MH
CL-ML or
ML
Medium to None to very Slight to Organic clays of medium to Example 0
high high medium OH high plasticity Clayey silt, brown: slightly plastic: 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Liquid limit
Readily identified by colour, odour small percentage of fine sand:
Highly organic soils spongy feel and frequently by fibrous Pt Peat and other highly organic soils numerous vertical root holes: firm Plasticity chart
and dry in places; loess; (ML) for laboratory classification of fine grained soils
texture

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Elapsed Ms=
Temp Rh = Rc = D= K=
time t R’h F1 F2 F3 1.6*a*
(deg C) R’h+Cm Rh+CT F1*F2*F3 Ms/Mtot*100
(min) (Rc-1)*1000

0.25

0.5

16

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ASTM SIEVE SIZES

200 140 100 70 50 40 30 20 16 12 8 6 4 " 3
/8" " “ " 1" 1 " 2"
B.S. SIEVE SIZES
300 200 150 100 72 52 36 25 18 14 10 7 1/8" /16"
3
" 3
/8" " “ " 1" 1 " 2"

100
90
80
Percent Finer

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0.001 0.002 0.006
0.01 0.02
0.1 0.2
0.06 0.6
1 2 6
10 20 60

Equivalent Particle Size (mm)

Fine Medium Coarse Fine Medium Coarse Fine Medium Coarse Stone or
Clay Silt Sand Gravel Boulder

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HYDROMETER CALIBRATION

5.0

Rh1
4.5
Rh2

4.0
Factor F1

3.5

3.0

2.5
0.995 1.000 1.005 1.010 1.015 1.020 1.025 1.030
Reading Rh

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