6.6.1. Classification as per liquidity index

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does a liquidity index greater than 1 indicate about soil condition?

   Hint

   Consider what state water is in when it exceeds the level of a glass.

2. 2.

   How would you classify a soil with a liquidity index of 0.30?

   Hint

   Remember what LI values less than 0.25 indicate about stiffness.

3. 3.

   What classification corresponds to a liquidity index of 0.10?

   • Liquid
   • Stiff
   • Very Soft

   Hint

   Think about the definitions you've learned regarding stiffness.

4. 4.

   True or False: A liquidity index higher than 1.00 means the soil is in a 'very soft' state.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the definitions of the liquidity index's various ranges.

5. 5.

   A soil has the following properties: Liquid limit = 45%, Plastic limit = 25%, Current moisture = 32%. Calculate the liquidity index and classify the soil.

   Hint

   Use the formula systematically to work through your calculations.

6. 6.

   Discuss how construction practices should change when working with soils having high liquidity indices versus low ones.

   Hint

   Consider the effects of moisture and weight on soil stability.