4.2.2. Soil Type and Classification

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the two types of soil based on their cohesive properties?

   Hint

   Think about how they hold together.

2. 2.

   Which type of soil is typically plastic?

   Hint

   Recall which soil type is associated with plasticity.

3. 3.

   Which soil type has strength based on cohesion?

   • Sands
   • Clays
   • Gravels

   Hint

   Think about the plasticity of these soils.

4. 4.

   True or False: Cohesionless soils rely solely on moisture content for their strength.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall what gives sands and gravels their strength.

5. 5.

   A project engineer plans to design a pavement over a clay subgrade with a high plasticity index and a sand subgrade. Discuss how the differing soil properties will influence pavement design, including thickness and material considerations.

   Hint

   Think about the load-bearing capacity of each soil type and how that influences design choices.

6. 6.

   Consider a scenario wherein misclassification of clay as sand occurred in an engineering project. Analyze the potential repercussions on pavement performance.

   Hint

   Reflect on how strength relationships and environmental factors impact pavement longevity.