Types of soils and how they are classified
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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MindTap Construction for Spence/Kultermann's Construction Materials, Methods and Techniques, 4th Edition, [Instant Access], 4 terms (24 months)
- Construction Materials, Methods and Techniques (M...Civil EngineeringISBN:9781305086272Author:William P. Spence, Eva KultermannPublisher:Cengage Learning