Sample Report On Engineering

Classification of Soil and Index Properties

Introduction
The use of soil classification is essential to all structures. Special design considerations should be based on the classification of the soil(s) that may be present at the project site. As soil classification is based on specific properties of soils, it can be expected that different soils may have (but are not limited to) different characteristics that would influence the relationship between the structure and the soil. In this regard, Index properties of soil can help in the identification as well as classification of soil. Some of the index properties of soil include water content, particle size distribution, specific gravity, and consistency limits. Usually, these properties are determined in laboratory.
Soil has two commonly used classification systems depending on the particle size and water content. These systems are (1) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) System, which is used for state or county highway department, and (2) Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), which is the most common soil classification system preferred by engineers. USCS is applicable to foundations, dams, and other construction sites. Soil can be fine-grained or coarse-grained in the classification of soils. Moreover, soil sample can also have different levels of plastic and liquid limit. Plastic limit is referred to as the lowest moisture content where the thread of a portion of soil on flat surface retains its shape without breaking into pieces. Liquid limit refers to water content at which the property of soil alters from plastic to liquid.
This laboratory experiment was performed to determine the classification of three soil samples. The classification of soils creates a standard for soils to be compared and to also be referenced. Soil classification involves technical criteria that have to be measured. The criteria that were being analyzed include grain size, water content, liquid limit, and plastic limit distribution. The processes in which the data can be obtained are dictated by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).