Introduction

Visual classification of soil is an essential component of civil engineering laboratory

reports. This process involves the visual examination and categorization of soil samples based on
their color, texture, and other physical characteristics. By analyzing the visual properties of soil,
engineers can gain valuable insights into its composition and behavior, which is crucial for
making informed decisions in construction and infrastructure projects.
In civil engineering, the visual classification of soil provides a preliminary understanding
of its properties, allowing engineers to assess its suitability for various applications. By
observing the color, particle sizes, and moisture content of soil samples, engineers can make
initial determinations about their engineering behavior, such as their potential for compaction,
permeability, and shear strength. This information forms the basis for further laboratory testing
and analysis, guiding the design and construction processes for foundations, embankments, and
other structural elements. In this lab report, the visual classification of soil samples taken from
Brgy. Calansayan, San Jose, Batangas is examined, with the goal of offering insightful
information about their characteristics and possible uses.
Understanding the visual classifications of soil is fundamental for civil engineers to
accurately interpret laboratory reports and make informed recommendations for construction
projects. By establishing a standardized system for visually categorizing soil samples, engineers
can communicate essential information about soil properties effectively. This article aims to
delve deeper into the significance of visual soil classification in civil engineering laboratory
reports and its implications for engineering practice.

Objectives
Visual classification of soil is a method used to categorize soil based on its appearance, providing
valuable information for various applications. This classification system relies on visual
indicators such as color, texture, and structure to differentiate between different soil types. By
describing these visual characteristics, we can identify and classify soils into categories like
sandy, silty, clayey, or loamy.
The experiment fosters a crucial role in understanding soil properties and promoting sustainable
land use practices. By accurately categorizing soil types based on their visual characteristics, we
can make informed decisions in agriculture, construction, and environmental management. The
main objective of the visual classification of soil are as follows:
 Emphasize the importance of understanding soil types for sustainable land use.
 Provide resources for further learning about visual soil classification.
 Explore ways to improve visual soil classification methods.
 Describe different types of soil based on their appearance.

Methodology

Materials, Apparatus and Equipment:

 Soil Sample
 Magnifying Glass
 Munsell Color Chart

1. Start by identifying the soil’s color using Munsell Color Chart. Determine the texture of the
soil whether it is a fine-grained or coarse-grained. Identify also if it has an odor. FIGURE 1
 FIGURE 1

2. Identify the major soil components which will make up to more than 50% of the soil weight as
coarse gravel, fine gravel, coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand and fines. TABLE A

TABLE A
Grain – Size Distribution
SOIL CONSTITUENT SIZE LIMITS LOOKS LIKE a
Boulder 12in.(305mm) or more Larger than a basketball
Cobbles 3in.(76mm) to 12in. (305) Grapefruit
Coarse Gravel ¾ in. (19mm) to 3in. (76mm) Orange or Lemon
Fine Gravel 4.75mm (No.4 Sieve) to ¾ Grape or Pea
in(19mm)
Coarse Sand 2mm (No.10 Sieve) to Rock salt
4.75mm (No.4 Sieve)
Medium Sand 0.42mm (No.40 Sieve) to Sugar or table salt
2mm (No.10 Sieve)
Fine Sand 0.075mm (No.200 Sieve) to Powdered sugar
0.42mm (No.40 Sieve)
Fines > 0.0075mm (No.
200 Sieve)

3. Estimate the percentages of all the other soil particles using Table A and the corresponding
terms in Table B (Example: some clay, trace fines, little silt)
 TABLE B
Description According to Percent by Weight
Description Percent by Weight
Trace 0 to 10%
Little 10 to 20%
Some 20 to 30%
and 30 to 50%

4. If sand or gravel is the major components, identify the following as:

a. Particle Distribution – describe as:
▪ Well-graded – soil consists of a wide range of particle size
▪ Poorly -graded – all particles are of the same size
b. Particle Shape – identify if it is:
▪ Angular – particles having a sharp edges and plane sides with rough
surfaces
▪ Sub – angular – particles the same with angular but with edges being
rounded.
▪ Sub – rounded – particles nearly with plane sides and a well-rounded
edges and corners
▪ Rounded – particles that no sides and edges are curved

5. If fines are the major soil components, perform the following tests:

A. DRY STRENGTH TEST

Mold part of a soil sample into a ball an eighth of an inch in size and let it dry. Crush the dry
sample between the fingers to test its strength:
CRITERIA FOR DESCRIBING DRY STRENGTH
▪ None – the dry sample can be crushed into powder even just at the slightest
pressure during handling.
▪ Low – the dry sample can be crushed into powder with some pressure from
the fingers.
▪ Medium – the dry sample can be crushed or broken into pieces with moderate
applied pressure from the fingers
▪ High – the dry sample cannot be crushed or broken into pieces with pressure
from the fingers. It needs to be pressed between the thumb and a hard surface.
▪ Very High – the dry sample cannot be crushed or broken into pieces even
when pressed between the thumb and a hard surface.
B. DILATANCY TEST
Take a part of the soil sample and make a soft putty consistency in your palm. Shake, squeeze
(by closing the hand), and vigorously tap the sample while observing its reaction. Determine the
reaction if it is:
CRITERIA FOR DESCRIBING SOIL DILATANCY
▪ None – no change is observed in the soil samples
▪ Slow – during shaking water appears slowly and stays in the surface and when
it is squeezed water slowly disappears.
▪ Rapid – during shaking water appears on the surface quickly and when
squeezed water quickly disappears.

C. PLASTICITY TEST
Roll the sample into a thread an eighth of an inch in diameter. Fold the thread and reroll it
repeatedly until it crumbles at the same diameter (1/8”).

CRITERIA FOR DESCRIBING SOIL PLASTICITY

▪ Non – plastic – the thread at 1/8” or 3mm in diameter cannot be rolled
regardless of the amount of water.
▪ Low – there is some difficulty in rolling the thread. It cannot be formed into a
coherent mass when drier than the plastic limit.
▪ Medium – the thread can easily be rolled and can reach the plastic limit with
only a little time needed. The thread cannot be rolled after the plastic limit is
reached. The mass breaks when it is drier than the plastic limit.
▪ High – the plastic limit is reached after a considerable time rolling and
kneading the sample. After reaching the limit, the thread can be re- rolled and
re-shaped several times. A coherent mass can be formed when the plastic is
dried than the plastic limit.

CRITERIA FOR DESCRIBING SOIL TOUGHNESS

▪ Low – the thread can be rolled to its plastic limit using only slight pressure.
The mass and thread are weak and soft.
▪ Medium – the thread can be rolled near its plastic limit using moderate
pressure. The mass and thread are moderately stiff.
▪ High – the thread can be rolled near its plastic limit using substantial pressure.
The mass and thread have high stiffness.

CRITERIA FOR DESCRIBING MOISTURE CONDITION

▪ Dry – soil has a clear absence of moisture. It is dusty and dry to the touch.
▪ Moist – the soil may begin to hold its form when molded. It is slightly moist
and damp.
▪ Wet – soil has a clear presence of water content. When squeezed the water
becomes visible.
▪ Saturated – the water is very visible and drains from the sample without the
need to squeeze.

Results and Discussion

 The visual classification of soil is important in many fields, such as environmental
sciences, civil engineering, and the agricultural sector. The practice is crucial to the learning
process because it helps students become more adept at differentiating and categorizing different
types of soil according to their physical attributes.

During this drill, students contributed multiple soil samples from various sites. They are
told to examine every sample carefully, recording its color, texture, size of particles, and general
look, then contrasting it with the other samples they have. In addition to developing observation
skills, the exercise establishes the groundwork for more research and comprehension of the
implications that these variations may have on other industries, including engineering and
construction.

Color Classification

Table 1.1
COMPACT
TRIAL MUNSEL COLO
S VALUE- L SOIL COLOR R
CHROM
A COLOR
CHART
NO.
Very Dark
1 3/2 10YR Grayish
SOIL Brown
SAMPLE
1 2 4/3 10YR Brown
3 4/4 10YR Dark Yellowish
Brown
4 4/6 10YR Dark Yellowish
Brown
Yellowish
5 5/4 10YR Brown

Table 2.2
COMPACT
TRIAL MUNSEL COLO
S VALUE- L SOIL COLOR R
CHROM
A COLOR
CHART
SOIL NO.
SAMPLE Light Olive
2 1 5/4 2.5 Y Brown
Dark Grayish
2 4/2 2.5 Y Brown
Very Dark
3 3/2 2.5 Y Grayish
Brown
Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, visual classification of soil remains a fundamental technique in soil

science, providing initial insights into soil properties based on observable characteristics such as
color, texture, structure, and moisture content. While it serves as a valuable first step in soil
assessment and characterization, it's important to recognize its limitations in accuracy and
precision compared to more advanced laboratory techniques. Therefore, visual classification
should be complemented by other methods to achieve a comprehensive understanding of soil
composition and behavior, supporting various practical applications in agriculture, engineering,
and environmental management.
The visual classification of soil is an essential method used in soil science for identifying
and categorizing different types of soil based on their physical characteristics such as color,
texture, structure, and consistency. While visual classification provides valuable initial insights,
it's often supplemented by laboratory analysis for more precise identification and
characterization of soil properties. Integrating both visual and laboratory methods ensures a
comprehensive understanding of soil composition and behavior, supporting various applications
including agriculture, engineering, and environmental management. Training and experience,
standardized guidelines, tool use, field conditions, documentation, and validation are necessary
for the efficient visual classification of soil. These suggestions can be put into practice to
successfully classify soil visually, which will help with managing and comprehending soil
resources for a range of uses.
References:
ASTM D2488-17 Standard Practice for the Description and Identification of Soils (Visual
Manual Procedure)
Bakus, B. (2015). Soil Sampling and Visual Classification. Retrieved from February 09,
2023, at https://www.globalgilson.com/blog/soil-sampling-and-visual-classification