Geotechnical Engineering - Vol 1 | 5. Soil Classification by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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Knowledge
5. Soil Classification

A formal system for soil classification and description is critical for understanding materials in ground investigations. Differentiating between soil description, which outlines physical characteristics, and classification, which organizes soil by properties, enhances communication among engineers. Key methods for measuring soil particle sizes include wet sieving, dry sieve analysis, and sedimentation analysis, which help generate essential grading curves for soil characterization.

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Sections

  • 5

    Soil Classification

    Soil classification is crucial for engineers to effectively describe and compare different soil types based on physical characteristics and mechanical properties.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1

    Description And Classification Of Soil

    This section explains the importance of soil description and classification in engineering contexts, distinguishing between visual description and classification based on mechanical properties.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2

    Measurement Of Particle Size Distribution

    This section discusses methods for measuring the particle size distribution of soils, including wet sieving, dry sieve analysis, and sedimentation analysis.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1

    Wet Sieving

    Wet sieving is a method used to separate fine grains from coarse grains in soil samples.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.2

    Dry Sieve Analysis

    Dry sieve analysis is a method used to determine the particle size distribution of soil with particles coarser than 75 microns by passing dried samples through a series of sieves.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.3

    Sedimentation Analysis

    Sedimentation analysis is a method for evaluating soil fine particles by measuring their settling properties in a suspension, allowing engineers to classify soil accurately based on size distribution.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3

    Grain-Size Distribution Curve

    This section discusses the significance of grain-size distribution curves in soil classification, focusing on the methods for determining particle size distribution and the interpretation of grading curves.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.1

    Combining Size Distribution Curves

    This section discusses soil classification with an emphasis on combining size distribution curves to analyze soil characteristics.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.2

    Grading Characteristics

    Grading characteristics are essential parameters for classifying soil based on particle size distribution and uniformity.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.2.1

    Effective Size And Uniformity Coefficient

    This section discusses the effective size and uniformity coefficient in soil particle classification, highlighting methods for size distribution measurement and their relevance in soil behavior.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3.2.2

    Curvature Coefficient

    The curvature coefficient is a key grading characteristic that helps classify soil based on its particle size distribution.

    Learning Practice

References

5.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Soil description and classi...
  • Soil classification relies ...
  • Grain-size distribution cur...

Final Test

Revision Tests