Chapter IV: SOIL CLASSIFICATION

Intended Learning Outcome:

✓ Describe the concept of grain size distribution and its role in soil classification. Understand how to perform and
interpret sieve analysis.
✓ Discuss the significance of soil texture and its classification into major categories: sand, silt, and clay. Explain the
properties associated with each category.
✓ Discuss various soil classification systems, including the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), AASHTO system,
and others. Understand the criteria and symbols used in these systems.
✓ Apply soil classification systems to classify soils based on grain size distribution, Atterberg Limits (Liquid Limit and
Plastic Limit), and other relevant parameters.

Chapter Overview:
Soil Classification: Understanding Earth's Building Blocks
Soil, beneath our feet, is a complex and diverse matrix of minerals, water, air, and organic matter. Understanding its
characteristics and behavior is essential in a multitude of fields. Soil classification is the systematic approach we employ to
make sense of this complexity and to navigate its applications.
Soil classification is a systematic approach used to categorize soils based on their physical and engineering properties.
It plays a crucial role in diverse fields such as geotechnical engineering, environmental science, agriculture, and land
management.

Why Soil Classification Matters:

Soil classification is a universal language that enables professionals across various domains to communicate
effectively about soil properties and behavior. This classification plays a pivotal role in shaping our world:
Engineering Decisions: Geotechnical engineers rely on soil classification to determine the suitability of soil for
construction projects, foundation design, and slope stability analysis.
Environmental Assessments: Environmental scientists use soil classification to assess soil quality, contamination
levels, and land-use planning, influencing decisions about site remediation and conservation.
Agriculture and Land Management: Farmers and land managers leverage soil classification to optimize crop
selection, irrigation, and soil health management practices.

Key Soil Properties:

Two fundamental properties stand out in soil classification:
1. Grain Size Distribution: Soil particles are categorized based on size into gravel, sand, silt, and clay. This
classification is vital as it shapes soil characteristics such as permeability, compaction, and drainage.
2. Plasticity: For fine-grained soils (silt and clay), plasticity indicators like the Liquid Limit (LL) and Plastic Limit (PL)
determine their plastic and liquid states. These properties inform how these soils behave under different
moisture conditions.

The Tools of Soil Classification:

Various soil classification systems exist, with the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) being one of the most
widely adopted. These systems utilize symbols, such as SW (indicating well-graded sand) or CH (representing high plasticity
clay), to classify soils based on grain size distribution, plasticity, and other attributes.
Practically, soil classification guides engineering decisions in geotechnical engineering, informing foundation design,
slope stability analysis, and construction practices. In environmental science, it assists in evaluating soil quality, contamination
levels, and land suitability. In agriculture, farmers rely on soil classification to make informed choices regarding crop selection,
irrigation planning, and soil management.
However, soil classification is not without challenges. Soil behavior is influenced by multiple complex factors, making
classification an approximation. Soil properties can exhibit significant variability within small geographical areas, necessitating
site-specific testing for precise results.
Discussion:
IV. Mechanical Analysis of Soil: The Foundation of Classification
Mechanical analysis of soil is the cornerstone of soil classification, guiding our understanding of soil behavior. Key
aspects of this analysis include:

IV.1 Sieve Analysis

To ascertain grain size distribution, professionals employ sieve analysis. This method involves passing a soil
sample through a series of sieves with varying mesh sizes. The outcome is a grain size distribution curve, categorizing
the soil into fractions like gravel, sand, silt, and clay.

SIEVE NO. DIAMETER SIEVE DIAMETER

4 (mm)
4.75 NO.
50 (mm)
0.30
6 3.35 60 0.25
8 2.36 80 0.18
10 2.0 100 0.15
16 1.18 140 0.106
20 0.85 170 0.088
30 0.60 200 0.075
40 0.425 270 0.053

Figure 4.1 Mechanical Shaker and set of sieves Table 4.1 U.S. Standard Sieve Sizes

IV.2 Hydrometer Analysis

The hydrometer method was originally proposed in 1926 by Prof. Bouyoucos of Michigan Agricultural College,
and later modified by Casagrande (1931). This method depends upon variations in the density of a soil suspension
contained in a 1000 mL graduated cylinder. The density of the suspension is measured with a hydrometer at determined
time intervals; then the coarsest diameter of particles in suspension at a given time and the percentage of particles
finer than that coarsest (suspended) diameter are computed. (Source: p36, Geotechnical Engineering Principles and
Practices of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering V.N.S. Murthy, CRC Press, 2002].

Figure 4.2 Hydrometer

IV.3 Soil Gradation

Soil gradation, also known as particle size distribution, refers to the distribution of particle sizes within a soil
sample. It provides information about the proportions of different-sized particles, such as gravel, sand, silt, and clay,
present in the soil. Soil gradation is a crucial aspect of soil characterization in geotechnical engineering and soil science,
as it influences various soil properties and behaviors.
 The particle distribution curve shows not only
the range of particle sizes present in the soil,
but also the type of distribution of various size
particles.

Poorly graded soil is a soil where most of the

soil particles are of the same size.

Well graded soil is one in which the particle

sizes are distributed over wide range.

Gap graded soil is characterized by two or more

humps in the grading curve.

IV.3.1 Grain size distribution curves

The grain distribution curves as shown in Fig. 4.3 can be used to understand certain grain size characteristics
of soils. Hazen (1893) has shown that the permeability of clean filter sands in a loose state can be correlated with
numerical values designated D10, the effective grain size. The effective grain size corresponds to 10 per cent finer
particles. Hazen found that the sizes smaller than the effective size affected the functioning of filters more than did the
remaining 90 per cent of the sizes. To determine whether a material is uniformly graded or well graded, Hazen proposed
the following equation:
D 60 There is another step in the procedure to determine the gradation of particles.
Cu = This is based on the term called the coefficient of curvature or gradation which
D10 is expressed as;
Where;
C u = uniformity coefficient Cc =
(D30 )2
D10  D60
D 60 = diameter of particle at 60% finer
Where;
D10 = diameter of particle at 10% finer
C c = coefficient of curvature
D30 = diameter of particle at 30% finer
D 60 = diameter of particle at 60% finer
D10 = diameter of particle at 10% finer
For all practical purposes we can consider the following values for granular soils.
Cu  4 & 1  Cc  3 for well graded gravel
Cu  6 & 1  Cc  3 for well graded sand
C u  4 &/or 1  Cc  3 for poorly graded gravel
Cu  6 &/or 1  Cc  3 for poorly graded sand

IV.3.2 Sorting Coefficient, S0

A coefficient used in describing the distribution of grain sizes in a sample of unconsolidated material.
D75
So =
D25
Where;
D25 diameter of particle size at 25% finer
D75 diameter of particle size at 75% finer
IV.3.3 Effective Size, D10
It is the diameter in the curve corresponding to 10% finer. The effective size of granular soil is a good measure
to estimate the permeability and drainage through soil.
Examples:
Example 4.1.
Following are the results of a sieve analysis:
Sieve No. Diameter (mm) Mass Retained (grams)
4 4.76 12
10 2.00 44
20 0.84 58
40 0.42 82
60 0.25 55
80 0.18 106
100 0.149 97
200 0.074 85
Pan 21
a) Determine the percent finer of each sieve and plot a grain-size distribution curve.
b) Determine the D10, D30, and D60 from the grain-size distribution curve.
c) Calculate the uniformity coefficient, Cu.
d) Calculate the coefficient of gradation.
e) Calculate the Sorting Coefficient.

Solution:
Sieve Diameter Mass Retained Cumulative Mass Percent Finer
No. (mm) (grams) Ret. (grams) (%)
4 4.76 12 12 97.86
10 2.00 44 56 90.00
20 0.84 58 114 79.64
40 0.42 82 196 65.00
60 0.25 55 251 55.17
80 0.18 106 357 36.25
100 0.149 97 454 18.93
200 0.074 85 539 3.75
Pan 21 560 0

a) Cumulative mass retained;

Sieve no. 4 = 12 g
Sieve no. 10 = (12 + 44) g = 56 g
Sieve no. 20 = (56 + 58) g = 114 g
Sieve no. 40 = (114 + 82) g = 196 g
Sieve no. 60 = (196 + 55) g = 251 g
Sieve no. 80 = (251 + 106) g = 357 g
Sieve no. 100 = (357 + 97) g = 454 g
Sieve no. 200 = (454 + 85) g = 539 g
Pan = (539 + 21) g = 560 g

Percent passing:
( Pan − SieveNo.Mass Re t.)
% Pass = x100
Pan

Sample:
(560 − 12)
% Pass = x100
560
% Pass = 97.86%
 Grain-Size Distribution Curve
120%

100% 97.86%
90.00%
80% 79.64%
Percent Finer

65.00%
60% 60% 60%
55.18%

40%
36.25%
30% 30%
20% 18.93%
10% 10%
3.75%
0% 0% 0% 0%
10 1 0.1 0.01
Diameter (mm)

b) D10, D30, and D60 from the grain-size distribution curve.

From the table: By interpolation:
0.149 mm → 18.93% D10 − 0.149mm
=
(10 − 18.93)%
D10 → 10%
(0.074 − 0.149)mm (3.75 − 18.93)%
0.074 → 3.75%
D10 − 0.149mm −8.93%
=
− 0.075mm − 15.18%

D10 = 0.105mm

By interpolation:
From the table: D30 − 0.18mm
=
(30 − 36.25)%
0.18 mm → 36.25%
(0.149 − 0.18)mm (18.93 − 36.25)%
D30 → 30%
D10 − 0.18mm −6.25%
0.149 mm → 18.93% =
− 0.031mm − 17.32%
D30 = 0.169mm

By interpolation:
From the table:
D60 − 0.42mm
=
(60 − 65)%
0.42 mm → 65% (0.25 − 0.42)mm (55.17 − 65)%
D60 → 60% D60 − 0.42mm −5%
=
0.25 mm → 55.17% − 0.17mm − 9.83%
D60 = 0.333mm

c) Uniformity coefficient Cu.

D
C u = 60
D10
0.333mm
Cu =
0.105mm

Cu = 3.17
d) Coefficient of gradation Cc.

Cc =
(D30 )2
D10  D60

Cc =
(0.169mm)2
0.105mm  0.333mm

C c = 0.817

e) Sorting coefficient So. By interpolation:

From the table: D75 − 0.84mm
=
(75 − 79.64)%
0.84 mm → 79.64% (0.42 − 0.84)mm (65 − 79.64)%
D75 → 75%
D75 − 0.84mm −4.64%
0.42 mm → 65% =
− 0.42mm − 14.64%
D75 = 0.71mm

From the table:

By interpolation:
0.18 mm → 36.25%
D25 → 25% D25 − 0.18mm
=
(25 − 36.25) %
0.149 mm → 18.93% (0.149 − 0.18) mm (18.93 − 36.25) %
D25 − 0.18mm −11.25%
D75 =
So = −0.031mm −17.32%
D25
D25 = 0.16mm
0.71mm
So =
0.16mm

So = 2.106

Tabulated results from MS Excel:

IV.4 Soil Classification Society
Soil classification deals with the systematic categorization of soils based on distinguishing characteristics as
well as criteria that dictate choices in use. It is also is the separation of soil into classes or groups each having similar
characteristics and potentially similar behavior. A classification for engineering purposes should be based mainly on
mechanical properties, e.g. permeability, stiffness, strength. The class to which a soil belongs can be used in its
description.

COARSE GRAIN SIZE (mm)

NAME OF ORGANIZATION
GRAVEL SAND
USDA United States Department of Agriculture > 2.0 2.0 – 0.05

MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology > 2.0 2.0 – 0.06

American Association of State Highway and

AASHTO 76.2 – 2.0 2.0 – 0.075
Transportation Officials

USCS Unified Soil Classification System (ASTM) 76.2 – 4.75 4.75 – 0.075

FINE GRAIN SIZE (mm)

NAME OF ORGANIZATION
SILT CLAY
USDA United States Department of Agriculture 0.05 – 0.002 < 0.002

MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology 0.06 – 0.002 < 0.002

American Association of State Highway and

AASHTO 0.075 – 0.002 < 0.002
Transportation Officials

USCS Unified Soil Classification System (ASTM) FINES (Silt and Clay) (<0.075)

Table 4.2 Size Range of Grains

IV.4. 1 USDA Triangular Textural Classification Chart

USDA Triangular Textural Classification Chart developed by United States Department of Agriculture and the
National Cooperative Soil Survey provides an elaborate classification of soil types according to several parameters (most
commonly their properties) and in several levels uses soil map in classifying soil.
Example 4.2
The soil has liquid limit of 35% and a plastic limit of 24%. Following are the results of a sieve analysis:
Diameter Mass Retained
(mm) (grams) a. Compute the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to USDA.
4.76 11 b. Classify the type of soil according to USDA.
2.00 36
0.425 49
Given:
0.075 54
LL = 35%
0.058 42 PL = 24%
0.002 8
0.001 6
Pan 20
Solution:
a) The percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to USDA
Diameter Mass Retained Cumulative Mass Percent Finer
(mm) (grams) Ret. (grams) (%)
4.76 11 11 95.13
2.00 36 47 79.20
0.425 49 96 57.52
0.075 54 150 33.63
0.058 42 192 15.04
0.002 8 200 11.50
0.001 6 206 8.85
Pan 20 226 0

Cumulative mass retained;

Diameter (4.76) = 11 g
Diameter (2.00) = (11 + 36) g = 47 g Percent Passing:
Diameter (0.425) = (47 + 49) g = 96 g ( Pan − SieveNo.Mass Re t.)
Diameter (0.075) = (96 + 54) g = 150 g
% Pass = x100
Pan
Diameter (0.058) = (150 + 42) g = 192 g Sample:
Diameter (0.002) = (192 + 8) g = 200 g (226 − 11)
Diameter (0.001) = (200 + 6) g = 206 g % Pass = x100
226
(Pan) = (206 + 20) g = 226 g % Pass = 95.13%

From USDA Classification: Gravel (> 2.00 mm)

➢ %Gravel = 100% − 79.2%

%Gravel = 20.80%

From USDA Classification: Sand (2.00 mm – 0.05 mm) By interpolation:

From the table: 0.05mm − 0.058mm
=
(x − 15.04)%
0.058 mm → 15.04% 0.002mm − 0.058mm (11.50 − 15.04 )%
0.05 mm → x=? −0.008mm x − 15.04%
0.002 mm → 11.50% =
− 0.056mm − 3.54%
x = 14.53%
➢ %Sand = 79.2% − 14.53%
% Sand = 64.67%
 From USDA Classification: Silt (0.05 mm – 0.002 mm)
➢ %Silt = 14.53% − 11.50%
% Silt = 3.03%

From USDA Classification: Clay (< 0.002 mm)

➢ %Clay = 14.53% − 11.50%

%Clay = 11.50%
b) Classification type of the soil according to USDA.
Modified Percentage of Sand, Silt and Clay:
Total % = %Sand + %Silt + %Clay
Total % = 64.67% + 3.03 % + 11.50%
Total % = 79.20%
%Sand (modified):
64.67%
% Sand = x100
79.20%
%Sand = 81.65%
%Silt (modified):
3.03%
% Silt = x100
79.20%
%Silt = 3.83%
%Clay (modified):
11.50%
%Clay = x100
79.20%
%Clay = 14.52%

By Inspection, the lines intersect

at Sandy Loam.
IV.4.2 AASHTO Soil Classification System
AASHTO Soil Classification System developed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials, and is used as a guide for the classification of soils and soil-aggregate mixtures for highway construction
purposes. The classification system was first developed by Hogentogler and Terzaghi in 1929, but has been revised
several times since.
According to this system, soil is classified into seven major groups: A-1 through A-7. Soil under groups A-1 A-2
and A-3 are granular materials of which 35% or less of the particles pass through the No.200 sieve. Soil of which more
than 35% pass through the No.200 sieves are classified under groups A-4, A-5, A-6, and A-7. These soils are mostly silt
and clay-type materials.
To classify the soil using the tables below, one must apply the test data from left to right. By process of
elimination, the first group from the left into which the test data fit is the correct classification.
Granular materials
General Classification
(35% or less of total sample passing No.200 sieve)
A-1 A-2
Group Classification
A-1-a A-1-b A-3 A-2-4 A -2-5 A-2-6 A-2-7
Sieve Analysis
(Percentage Passing)
No.10 50 max
No.40 30 max 50 max 51 min
No.200 15 max 25 max 10 max 35 max 35 max 35 max 35 max
Characteristics of
fraction passing
No.40
Liquid Limit 40 max 41 min 40 max 41 min
Plasticity index 6 max NP 10 max 10 max 11 min 11 min
Usual types of
Stone, fragments, Fine
significant constituent Silty or clayey gravel and sand
gravel and sand Sand
materials
General subgrade
Excellent to Good
rating
Table 4.3 Classification of Highway Subgrade Materials for Granular materials (AASHTO)

Silty – Clay Materials

General Classification
(More than 35% of total sample passing No.200 sieve)
A-27
Group Classification A-4 A-5 A-6 A-7-5a
A-7-5b
Sieve Analysis (Percentage Passing)
No.10
No.40
No.200 36 min 36 min 36 min 36 min
Characteristics of fraction passing
No.40

Liquid Limit 40 max 41 min 40 max 41 min

Plasticity index 10 max 10 max 11 min 11 min
Usual types of significant constituent
Silty Soils Clayey Soils
materials
General subgrade rating Fair to poor

Table 4.4 Classification of Highway Subgrade Materials for Silty - Clay materials (AASHTO)

a
For A-7-5, PI ≤ LL -30
b
For A-7-6, PI > LL -30
 Liquid Limit
Figure 4.5: Range of LL and PI for some soils, Das 2014
IV.4.2.1 Group Index
For the evaluation of the quality of a soil as a highway subgrade material, a number called the group index (G1)
is also incorporated with the groups and subgroups of the soil. This number is written in parentheses after the group or
subgroup designation. Group index values near 0 indicate good soils, while values of 20 or more indicate very poor soils.
However, a soil that may be "good" for use as a highway subgrade might be "very poor" for other purposes, and vice
versa. The group index is given by the equation

GI = ( F − 35)[(0.2 + 0.005( LL − 40)] + 0.01( F − 15)(PI − 10)

Where:
F = percent passing No. 200 Sieve
LL = Liquid Limit
PI = Plasticity Index
Note:
1. The Group Index (GI) calculated is rounded off to the nearest whole number and if the GI
calculated is negative, use GI = 0.
2. The GI of soils belonging to groups A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4, A-2-5, and A-3 is always zero (0).
3. When calculating GI for soils that belong to groups A-2-6 and A-2-7, use the partial GI for PI, or

GI = 0.01( F − 15)(PI − 10)

Example 4.3
The soil has a liquid limit of 35% and a plastic limit of 24%. Following are the results of a sieve analysis:
a.) Compute the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to AASHTO.
b.) Classify the type of soil according to AASHTO.
Diameter Mass Retained
(mm) (grams)
4.76 11
Given: 2.00 36
LL = 35% 0.425 49
PL = 24% 0.075 54
Cumulative Percent 0.058 42
Diameter Mass Ret. 0.002 8
Mass Ret. Finer.
(mm) (grams) 0.001 6
(grams) (%)
4.76 11 11 95.13 Pan 20
2.00 36 47 79.20
0.425 49 96 57.52
0.075 54 150 33.63
0.058 42 192 15.04
0.002 8 200 11.50
0.001 6 206 8.85
Pan 20 226 0
Solution:
a.) Percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to AASHTO.
Cumulative mass retained;
Diameter (4.76) = 11 g
Diameter (2.00) = (11 + 36) g = 47 g
Diameter (0.425) = (47 + 49) g = 96 g
Diameter (0.075) = (96 + 54) g = 150 g
Diameter (0.058) = (150 + 42) g = 192 g
Diameter (0.002) = (192 + 8) g = 200 g
Diameter (0.001) = (200 + 6) g = 206 g
(Pan) = (206 + 20) g = 226 g

Percent passing:
( Pan − SieveNo.Mass Re t.)
% Pass = x100
Pan
Sample:
(226 − 11)
% Pass = x100
226
% Pass = 95.13%

From AASHTO Classification: Gravel (76.2- 2.00 mm)

➢ %Gravel = 100% − 79.2%

%Gravel = 20.80%

From AASHTO Classification: Sand (2.0 – 0.075 mm)

➢ % Sand = 79.20% − 33.63%

% Sand = 45.57%
 From AASHTO Classification: Silt (0.075 – 0.002 mm)
➢ % Silt = 33.63% − 11.5%

% Silt = 22.13%
From AASHTO Classification: Clay (<0.002 mm)
➢ %Clay = 11.50%

%Clay = 11.50%

➢ Percentage passing No. 200 (0.075 mm) = 33.63% < 35%

 Granular materials
➢ Use Table 4.3
Granular materials
General Classification
(35% or less of total sample passing No.200 sieve)
A-1 A-2
Group Classification
A-1-a A-1-b A-3 A-2-4 A -2-5 A-2-6 A-2-7
Sieve Analysis
(Percentage Passing)
No.10 50 max
No.40 30 max 50 max 51 min
No.200 15 max 25 max 10 max 35 max 35 max 35 max 35 max
Characteristics of
fraction passing
No.40
Liquid Limit 40 max 41 min 40 max 41 min
Plasticity index 6 max NP 10 max 10 max 11 min 11 min
Usual types of
Stone, fragments, Fine
significant constituent Silty or clayey gravel and sand
gravel and sand Sand
materials
General subgrade
Excellent to Good
rating
 No. 10 (2.0 mm) = 79.20% > (max. 50%), Not OK,
Proceed to A-1-b
 No. 40 (0.425 mm) = 57.52% > (max. 50%), Not OK
Proceed to A-3
 No. 40 (0.425 mm) = 57.52% > (min. 51%), OK
 No. 200 (0.0725 mm) = 33.63% > (max. 10%), Not OK,
Proceed to A-2-4
 No. 200 (0.0725 mm) = 33.63% < (max. 35%), OK,
 LL = 35% < (max. 40%), OK
 PI = LL – PL= (35 – 24) 10% < (max. 40%), OK
 PI = 11%
 PI = 11% > (max. 40%), Not OK
Proceed to A-2-5
 No. 200 (0.0725 mm) = 33.63% < (max. 35%), OK,
 LL = 35% < (min . 41%), Not OK
Proceed to A-2-6
 No. 200 (0.0725 mm) = 33.63% < (max. 35%), OK, Solving for Group Index
 LL = 35% < (max. 40%), OK  GI = 0.01(F - 15)(PI - 10)
 PI = LL – PL = (35 – 24) 10% < (max. 40%), OK  GI = 0.01(33.63 - 15)(11- 10)
 PI = 11%  GI = 0.1863 » 0
 PI = 11% = (min. 11%), OK  GI = 0

Thus, A − 2 − 6(0)
 IV.4.3 USCS – United Soil Classification System
The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is a soil classification system used in engineering and geology to
describe the texture and grain size of a soil. The classification system can be applied to most unconsolidated
materials.
The original form of this system was proposed by Casagrande in 1942 for use in the airfield construction works
undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. In cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation,
this system was revised in 1952.

The classification system is represented by a two-letter symbol

1st and/or 2nd letters 2nd letters

SYMBOL DEFINITION SYMBOL DEFINITION
G gravel P poorly graded (uniform particle sizes)
S sand W well graded (diversified particle sizes)
M silt H high plasticity (LL ≥ 50%)
C clay L low plasticity (LL < 50%)
O organic
Table 4.5 Symbols used in USCS Classification System.

The system classifies soils into two broad categories.

1. Coarse-grained soils that are gravelly and sandy in nature with less than 50% passing through the No. 200 sieve. The
group symbols start with prefixes of either G or S. G for gravel or gravelly soil, and S for sand or sandy soil.
2. Fine-grained soil with 50% or more passing through the No. 200 sieve. The groups symbol starts with prefixes of M,
which stands for inorganic silt. C for inorganic clay, and O for organic silt sand clays. The symbol Pt is used for peat,
muck, and other highly organic soils.

Table 4.6 Plasticity Chart

 Major Divisions Group Typical Name Classification Criteria
Symbols
C
Well-graded gravels and u = (D60/D10) > 4

Borderline Classification requiring

fines on No. 4
GW gravel-sand mixtures, little C
c = (D30)2/(D10×D60) Between 1 and 3
or no fines
Gravels 50% or more

Poorly-graded gravels and No meeting both criteria for GW

retained

GP gravel-sand mixtures, little

use of dual symbols

or no fines
fractionwith

[GW, GP, SW, SP]

[GM, GC, SM, SC]
Classification on basis of percentage of fines
More than 50% retained on No. 200 sieve

Silty gravels, gravel-sand- Atterberg limits plot above “A” line Atterberg limits
GM
of coarseGravels

silt mixtures or Plasticity index less than 4 Plotting in

Clayey gravels, gravel- Atterberg limits plot above “A” line hatched area are
sand- clay mixtures or Plasticity index greater than 7 borderline
Coarse-Grained Soils

GC classifications
requiring use of
dual symbols
C
Well-graded sands and u = (D60/D10) > 6

More than 12% pass No. 200 sieve

C = (D )2/(D ×D ) Between 1 and 3
sands

SW gravel-sands, little or no c 30 10 60
CleanNo. 4

fines
Sands more than 50%

Poorly-graded sands and No meeting both criteria for SW

Less than 5% pass No. 200
fraction passes

SP gravelly sands, little or no 12% pass No. 200 sieve

fines
Silty sands, sand-silt Atterberg limits plot above “A” line Atterberg limits
SM
with fines

mixtures or Plasticity index less than 4 Plotting in

Clayey sands, sand-clay Atterberg limits plot above “A” line hatched area are
of coarse

mixtures or Plasticity index greater than 7 borderline

classifications
Sands

SC
requiring use of
dual symbols
Inorganic silts, very fine
Silts and Clays Liquid Limit

ML sands, rock flour, silty or

clayey fine sands
50% or less

Inorganic clays of low to

50% or more passes No. 200 sieve

medium plasticity, gravelly

CL Clays, sandy clays, silty
clays, lean clays
Fine-Grained Soils

Organic silts and organic

OL
silty clays of low plasticity
Inorganic silts, micaceous
Silts and Clays Liquid Limit
greater than 50% or less

MH or diatomaceous fine
sands or silts, elastic silts
Inorganic clays of high
CH plasticity, fat clays

Organic clays of medium to

OH high plasticity

Highly Organic Peat, muck, and other Visual - Manual identification, See ASTM Designation D2488
Soils PT highly organic soils
Table: 4.7 United Soil Classification of Highway Subgrade Materials for Granular materials (AASHTO)
Example 4.4
The soil has liquid limit of 35% and a plastic limit of 24%. Following are the results of a sieve analysis:

Sieve No. Diameter Percent Finer

(mm) (%)
4 4.76 95
8 2.38 72
10 2.00 61
20 0.84 37
40 0.42 23
60 0.25 14
100 0.149 8
200 0.074 2
Pan
A. Compute the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to USCS.
B. Classify the type of soil according to USCS.
Solution:
a) Compute the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to USCS. Given:
From USCS Classification: Gravel (76.2 - 4.75 mm) LL = 35%
➢ %Gravel = 100% − 95.0% PL = 24%
%Gravel = 5.0%
From USCS Classification: Sand (4.75 – 0.075 mm)
➢ %Sand = 95.0% − 2.0%
%Sand = 93.0%

From USCS Classification: Fines (<0.075 mm)

➢ %Fines = 2.00%
%Fines = 2.00%

b) Classify the type of soil according to USCS.

➢ Percentage passing No. 200 (0.075 mm) = 2% < 50%, Coarse-grained soil.
➢ Percentage passing No. 4 (4.76 mm) = 95% > 50%,
➢ Percentage passing No. 200 (0.075 mm) = 2% < 5%,
SW or SP =?
➢ Solve for D10 = ?, D30 = ?, D60 = ? By interpolation:
From the table: D10 − 0.25mm
=
(10 − 14) %
0.25 mm → 14% 0.149mm − 0.25m ( 8 − 14 ) %
D10 = ? → 10%
D10 − 0.25mm −4%
0.149 mm → 8% =
−0.101mm −6%
0.84 mm → 37% D10 = 0.183mm
D30 = ? → 30%
0.149 mm → 23%
D30 − 0.84mm
=
(30 − 37) %
2.0 mm → 61% 0.42mm − 0.84m (23 − 37) %
D60 = ? → 60%
D30 − 0.84mm −7%
084 mm → 37% =
−0.42mm −14%

By interpolation: D30 = 0.63mm

D60 − 2.0mm
=
(60 − 61) %
0.84mm − 2.0mm (37 − 61) %
D60 − 2.0mm −1%
=
−1.16mm −24%
D60 = 1.95mm
 Solve for Cu and Cc
D60
Cu =
D10
1.95mm
Cu =
0.183mm

Cu = 10.66

(D )
2

Cc =
30

D10D60

(0.63mm )
2

Cu =
0.183mm (1.95mm )

Cc = 1.11

Thus, Cu > 4 and Cc is in between 1 and 3.

From the table 3.7.4 the soil is:
SW → Well-graded sands and gravel-sand, little or no fines.
Example 4.5
For a given soil, the following are known:
Percentage passing No. 4 sieve = 48
Percentage passing No. 200 sieve = 26
Liquid limit = 33 %
Plasticity Index = 15 %
Classify the soil by using Unified Soil Classification System.
Solution:

➢ Percentage passing No. 200 (0.075 mm) = 26% < 50%, Coarse-grained soil.
➢ Percentage passing No. 4 (4.76 mm) = 48% < 50%, Gravels with fines.
➢ Percentage passing No. 200 (0.075 mm) = 26% > 12%, GM or GC =?
➢ Liquid limit = 35% < 50%, Silts and clays
% of gravel = (100 – 48)% = 52%
% of sand = (48 – 26)% = 22 %
Thus, % of sand < % of gravel
From table 4.6, the point intersects at CL.
 Percentage of sand = 22 % > 15%, thus the soil is GC – Clayey gravels, gravel – sand – clay mixtures.
 PROBLEM SET 4.1
1.) For a soil, suppose that D10 = 0.08mm, D30 = 0.22mm, and D60 = 0.41mm. Calculate the uniformity coefficient and the
coefficient of gradation.
Ans. 5.125, 1.476
2.) The results of the particle-size analysis of a soil are as follows:
Percent passing through the No. 10 sieve: 100 %
Percent passing through the No. 40 sieve: 80 %
Percent passing through the No. 200 sieve: 58 %
The liquid limit and plasticity index of the soil are 30 and 10, respectively. Classify the soil by the AASHTO system.
Ans: A-4(3)
3.) Classify the following soil to be used as a highway subgrade material using the AASTHO method using the given table
shown.
Sieve analysis: % finer
No. 10 sieve = 82%
No. 40 sieve = 45%
No. 200 sieve = 18%
Plasticity for the minus No.40 fraction
Liquid limit = 20
Plasticity index = 9
Ans. A-2-4(0)
4.) A sample of inorganic soil has the following grain size characteristics.
Size(mm) Percent Finer

2.00 100
0.075 75
0.050 60
0.005 36
0.002 14
The liquid limit is 52% and plasticity index is 20%. Classify the soil (USDA method) using triangular textural classification
chart.
a. Compute the percentage of clay
b. Compute the percentage of silt
c. Classify the type of soil
Ans. a.) 14% b.) 46% c.) Loam
5.) The particle-size characteristics of a soil are given as follows:
Sieve No. Diameter (mm) Percent Passing (%)
4 4.76 95
8 2.38 72
10 2.00 61
20 0.84 37
40 0.42 23
60 0.25 14
100 0.149 8
200 0.074 2

a. Compute the effective size using the graph.

b. Compute the uniformity coefficient, Cu.
c. Classify the coefficient of curvature, Cc .
 Ans. a.) 0.189 b.) 10.37 c.) 1.14

6.) A soil has the following particle-size distribution:

Gravel =15%
Sand =10%
Silt =40%
Clay =35%
Classify the soil according to USDA textural classification system.
Ans. Silty clay loam

7.) A sample of inorganic soil has the following grain size characteristics.
Size(mm) Percent Finer (%)

0.425 100
0.15 94
0.064 86
0.035 62
0.01 44
0.004 28
0.001 14
a. Compute the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to AASTHO.
b. Compute the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to USDA.
c. Classify the type of soil according to USDA.

Ans. a.) Gravel = 0%, sand = 12%, Silt = 67%, Clay = 21%
b.) Gravel = 0%, sand = 23 %, Silt = 56 %, Clay = 21 %
c.) Silty loam

8.) The table below shows the laboratory results of the sieve analysis of a sample. The soil has a liquid limit of 36% and
plasticity index of 23%. Classify the soil according to
a) USCS Method, Size (mm) Mass Retained
b) USDA Method, and (grams)
c) AASTHO Method. 0.45 16
0.25 20
0.15 34
0.075 58
0.064 42
0.048 12
0.011 6
Ans. a.) Sandy Lean Clay, b.) Loamy sand, c.) A-6(2) 0.001 8
Pan 17
9.) The soil has a liquid limit of 28% and a plastic limit of 16%. Following are the results of a sieve analysis:
A. Compute the percentage of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to USCS.
Sieve Diameter (mm) Percent finer
B. Classify the type of soil according to USCS.
No. (%)
4 4.75 84
10 2.00 57
20 0.84 41
40 0.42 35
60 0.25 26
80 0.18 18
100 0.149 13
200 0.075 10
10.) For a given soil, the following are known: Pan

Percentage passing No. 4 sieve = 70

Percentage passing No. 200 sieve = 30
Liquid Limit = 36
Plasticity Index = 10
Classify the soil by using Unified Soil Classification System

11.) A sample of inorganic soil has the following grain size characteristics.
The liquid limit is 50% and plasticity index is 18%. Size(mm) Percent Finer
Classify the soil using AASTHO Classification System. (%)
a. Compute the percentage of clay 2.00 99
b. Compute the percentage of silt 0.075 82
c. Classify the type of soil 0.050 54
0.005 30
0.002 12

12.) For a given soil, the following are known:

Percentage passing No. 10 sieve (2.0 mm) = 70
Percentage passing No. 200 sieve (0.075 mm) = 30
Liquid Limit = 56
Plasticity Index = 25
Classify the soil according to AASHTO classification system.
Ans. A-2-7(1)