2. Engineering Characteristics of Soils

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the three major groups in the Unified Soil Classification System?

   Hint

   Think about how soils are grouped based on their size.

2. 2.

   What is compaction?

   Hint

   What happens to the soil when it is compacted?

3. 3.

   What is the primary classification system used for soils in highway engineering?

   • Unified Soil Classification System
   • AASHTO Classification
   • Indian Standard Classification

   Hint

   Consider which system focuses more on highway applications.

4. 4.

   True or False: High plasticity index indicates good subgrade material.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about what happens to soil with a high plasticity index.

5. 5.

   A civil engineer measures a soil's Atterberg Limits as: Liquid Limit = 40%, Plastic Limit = 25%. Calculate the Plasticity Index and discuss its implications for pavement design.

   Hint

   Remember the formula for PI.

6. 6.

   A soil undergoes a plate load test and settles under a load intensity of 100 kPa, causing a 5mm settlement. Calculate the k-value and discuss its importance in rigid pavement design.

   Hint

   Consider what high and low k-values mean for pavement performance.