Construction Materials, Methods and Techniques (MindTap Course List)
Construction Materials, Methods and Techniques (MindTap Course List)
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781305086272
Author: William P. Spence, Eva Kultermann
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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Chapter 5, Problem 1RQ
To determine

Types of soils and how they are classified

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1RQ

Soils are classified based on particle size and physical properties. The types of soil include gravel, sand, silt, clay, and organic matter.

Explanation of Solution

The classification of soils is done based on the particle size and their physical properties. They are segregated with the help of sieve analysis. They are mostly classified in the following five types,

A. Gravel:

It is a hard rock material with particle size greater than 6.4mm but less than 76mm.

B. Sand

The particle size ranges from 0.050mm to 6.3mm which are too small to handle individually. Sand possesses high permeability and therefore has excellent drainage characteristics.

C. Silt

The particle size of silt ranges from 0.002mm to 0.05mm. It is also known as fine sand.

D. Clay

It is a cohesive soil and it expands when it absorbs water. The particle size of clay is less than 0.002 mm.

E. Organic matter

It refers to partly decomposed plants and animals.

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