Soil Testing and Soil Stabilization

Abstract

1.1 GENERAL As the basic structural foundation for almost all construction, soil materials play an important role in the ultimate success of a project. Whether you're working in clay, silt, sand, gravel, peat, or loam, understanding the soil properties of your site help you make good construction decisions. 1.2 TYPES OF SOIL The most common engineering classification system for soils is the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The USCS has three major classification groups: (1) coarse-grained soils (e.g. sands and gravels); (2) fine-grained soils (e.g. silts and clays) 1.2.1 Coarse –grained soils 1. Coarse grained soils are identified primarily on the basis of particle size or grain size. Individual particles are visible by naked eye. 2. Coarse grained soils are divided into two groups, Sand & Gravel. Particles having diameter larger than 4.75 mm is called Gravel and particles having diameter in between 4.75 mm to 75 micron is called Sand. 3. Verbal description of coarse grained soil is done on the basis of its gradation (well or poor), particle shape (angular, sub-angular, rounded or sub-rounded) & mineralogical components. 4. Coarse grained soil exhibit a good load bearing capacity. 5. Coarse grained soil posse’s good drainage qualities. 6. There is no volume change with change in moisture condition. 7. There is no appreciable amount of change in strength characteristic by change in moisture