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Soil Mechanics - Chapter 3
Soil Mechanics - Chapter 3
SIGNIFICANCE
Simple methods which are used to identify soils in the field have been
described.these methods represents only the first step in soil identification.they must be
supplemented by other procedures loading to quantitative results which are related to
physical properties of significance to the engineer.laboratory tests are performed for this
purpose.these are known as classification tests and the numerical results are known as
the index properties .on the basis of the tests and index properties,the engineer will be
able to describe and identify a soil properly without resorting to the use of common but
vague descriptions. Index properties provide a means for checking the correctness of the
field identification of soils.If the soil has been improperly identified,the index properties will
indicate the error and the soil may be identified accordingly. Thus,a beginner in soils work
can make proper identifications and by making comparisons of field identifications with
index properties he acquires the training and experience necessary for a soil specialist.
The index properties of soils any be divided into two classes,grain and aggregate
properties.Grain properties are the properties of the undivided particles without reference
to their arrangement.these properties are useful for identification and classification
purposes.aggregate properties,on the other hand,depend on the arrangement and
structure of the particles in the soil mass.these properties have a greater influence on the
engineering behavior of a soil.
GRAIN PROPERTIES
The most important grain property of coarse-grained soils is the distribution of the
different sizes of particles in the soils.this is determined by a laboratory test known as the
mechanical or grain size analysis.
AGGREGATE PROPERTIES
The water content,porosity ,density ,and the other solids-water-air relationships are
determined by laboratory or field tests.