College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Laboratory Experiment No. 1

Visual Classification of Soil

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the subject
Geotechnical Engineering I (Soil Mechanics)

Submitted By:

Alaer, David Clarence A.

Cabasis, Lovely Mae A.
De Gracia, Tisha Anne
Dela Cruz, Jummel
Paz, Tricia May

Group No. 13

Submitted To:
Engr. Mariel Maralit

November 23, 2023

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Classification
Introduction
Soil has various interpretations based on the perspective of an individual. For
instance, based on the insight of a mother, it may be just a simple soil for growing
plants, for naïve kids it may be just a mere soil where they can play, or soil can be a
particular kind of earth or ground where we are walking through in our everyday lives.
In most common meaning, the soil is the uppermost region of the earth's surface where
plants can grow; it is made up of mineral and rock fragments mixed with decomposed
organic materials and has the ability to hold water.
For engineers, the soil is fundamental as it serves as the foundation of every
construction project ranging from residential houses to significant projects like roads
and highways, railways, bridges, buildings, and infrastructures. Broadly speaking, soils
can be categorized into two: (1) fine-grained soils, like silts and clays, and (2)
coarse-grained soil, such as sand and gravel. In that sense, we should be able to classify
objectively the soil that we are going to use to identify different characteristics which
will tell us if that soil is a great foundation of a particular construction project.
In this laboratory experiment, students are to conduct a visual classification of
soil. Distinguishing the physical appearance, and major and minor constituents of the
soil will help the engineers to decide objectively on whether it should be of use and
will also help them to anticipate the problems that might occur in the process of
construction. This activity is done in the first phase of the construction which is the
planning so that we could minimize the mistake and maximize the time in constructing
the project.
The color, odor, texture, moisture condition, and a major constituent of the soil
is needed when categorizing the soil. With the help of the data mentioned above,
students would be able to determine its gradation and particle shape for coarse-grained
soils while for fine-grained soils we would be able to identify the dry strength,
dilatancy, plasticity, toughness, and the soil symbol of the soil sample.
To establish the engineering qualities of soil necessary for the right design of a
foundation, soil sampling is utilized, whereas it is the practice of collecting samples of
soil. When obtaining the soil sample is being conducted, the natural state of the soil
should be considered. In general, there are two primary types of soil samples that are
gathered in civil engineering for the research of soil properties: (1) disturbed soil
samples and (2) undisturbed soil samples. If the soil's natural structure is disturbed
during the sampling procedure, the soil sample is referred to as a disturbed soil sample.
The specific gravity, plasticity properties, and particle size of the soil can all be
determined using the disturbed soil samples. On the contrary, if, during the process of
taking the soil sample, the soil's natural structure and water content are not disrupted,
meaning the soil has preserved its original structure and water content, these kinds of
soil samples are known as undisturbed soil samples. For tests like those to determine
compressibility and permeability, an undisturbed soil sample is necessary.
College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Objective
The purpose of this laboratory activity is to visually signify the physical
characteristics of the soil including its major and minor constituents before utilizing it
in a construction project.

Methodology:
1. Identify the color of the soil sample using the Munsell Color Chart. Determine
the odor and the texture of the sample whether fine-grained or coarse-grained. 2.
Identify the soil constituent of the sample using the grain-size distribution table
below.
3. Estimate the percentage of the other soil particles using the table below. 4. If the
major constituent is sand or gravel, identify whether the characteristic is particle
distribution or particle shape.
a. Particle Distribution. Described as well-graded, in which the soil consists
of a wide range of particle sizes, or poorly graded, in which all particles
are about the same size.
b. Particle Shape. Identify whether it is angular, subangular, subrounded, or
rounded using Figure 1.2 and Table 1.3.
5. If fines are the major soil constituents, perform a dry strength test, dilatancy test,
and plasticity test. Refer to the following table below.
6. Determine the soil symbol based on dry strength, dilatancy, and toughness. Refer
to the table below.
7. Determine the moisture condition of the soil as dry, moist, wet, or saturated using
the table below.
8. Record the observed visual classification of soil in the following order: color,
major constituent, minor constituents, and moisture content. Record its particle
distribution and particle shape as well if the sample’s major constituent is
coarse-grained and record its plasticity and soil symbol if its major constituent is
fine-grained.

Results and Discussion

To comprehend how soil behaves under varying conditions of temperature and

pressure, a thorough understanding of its physical, chemical, and geotechnical
properties is essential. The reactions of the soil mass to the constant changes in
temperature and pressure are intricately tied to these properties.
College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering
The group collected a soil sample from Golden Country Homes, Alangilan,
Batangas, to examine its characteristics. Using the Munsell Color Chart, they
determined the soil color, resulting in a 7.5-year-old soil with a color value of ¾ and no
discernible odor. The soil was identified as fine-grained, containing small elements that
could pass through a No. 200 sieve.

Observation, incorporating both touch and sight, allowed the group to identify
the main and minor soil constituents. The majority of soil particles, resembling sugar or
table salt, indicated that medium sand constituted the major portion. Conversely, a
smaller part, resembling rock salt in texture and slightly larger in size, suggested that
coarse sand was the minor constituent. The estimated proportion revealed trace
amounts of clay, silt, and particles, with 0% clay, 50% silt, and 50% fines.

Grains passing through sieve no. 200 were considered coarse-grained, and the
uniformly sized coarse-grained soil was marked as poorly graded. The sub-rounded
shape, with nearly plain sides and well-rounded edges and corners, characterized this
portion. Meanwhile, the fine-grained soil, identified as silt with the symbol ML,
displayed low dry strength and slow dilatancy due to the moisture content from the
weather conditions during sample extraction. Silt was found to be non-plastic with low
toughness.

This comprehensive understanding of the soil's properties allows researchers to

anticipate its behavior under varying conditions, providing valuable insights for
engineering and scientific endeavors.

Conclusion

The visual classification of soil is an essential step in the planning and execution
of construction projects. By utilizing data obtained through categorization based on
color, smell, texture, and major and minor soil constituents, students can determine the
soil's suitability as a foundation. The design of structures like buildings, retaining
walls, and bridges also relies on soil classification. Visual classification is employed to
organize soils according to their performance under specific physical conditions. It's
important to note that soils may not consistently perform in the same manner under
different physical conditions.

Having assessed the soil's capabilities, students can either choose another soil
sample or manipulate the existing one to fit the desired plan, thereby anticipating
potential problems. The essence of classifying soil samples lies in this proactive
approach.
College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Based on visual classification, the soil obtained in this experiment is

predominantly composed of medium sand as the major constituent and coarse sand as
the minor constituent. The absence of an odor indicates the absence of other organic
composite materials. The soil sample also contains trace amounts of clay, silt, and
particles. The coarse-grained soil in the sample is labeled as poorly graded due to its
uniform size.
This experiment leads students to suggest that future experimenters should be
mindful of the natural state of the soil in a particular location. It's crucial to identify any
mixed fertilizers or organic composites present and, if possible, obtain finer soil.
In a broader context, soil classification is indispensable in various scientific and
engineering fields. Visual classification allows researchers and engineers to approach
projects systematically. These classifications find practical applications, such as in soil
programs, where mapping soils in a region requires accurate soil classification.

Documentation

Raw Data
College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Figure 1. Munsell Color Chart

Figure 2. Munsell Color Chart

College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Constituent Size Limits Familiar Example

Boulder 12 in. (305 mm) or more Larger than a basketball

Cobbles 3 in. (76 mm) to 12 in. (305 mm) Grapefruit

Coarse Gravel ¾ in. (19 mm) to 3 in. (76 mm) Orange or Lemon

Fine Gravel 4.75 mm (No.4 Sieve) to ¾ in.

Grape or Pea
(19 mm)

Coarse Sand 2 mm (No.10 Sieve) to 4.75 mm

Rock Salt
(No.4 Sieve)

Medium Sand 0.42 mm (No.40 Sieve) to 2 mm

Sugar or Table Salt
(No.10 Sieve)
Fine Sand
0.075 mm (No.200 Sieve) to
Powdered Sugar
Fines 0.42 mm (No.40 Sieve)
>0.075 mm (No.200 Sieve) -

Table 1. Grain-Size Distribution

Description Percent by Weight

Trace 0 to 10%

Little 10 to 20%

Some 20 to 30%

And 30 to 50%

Table 2. Description According to Percent by Weight

Description Criteria

Angular Particles can be characterized as having sharp edges

and relatively plane sides with rough surfaces.
College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Subangular Particles are comparable with those under the

angular description, but with edges being rounded.

Subrounded Particles can be characterized as having nearly plane sides

with well-rounded edges and corners.

Rounded Particles have no edges and sides are smoothly curved.

Table 3. Criteria for Describing Shape of Coarse-Grained Soil Particles

Description Criteria

None The dry sample can be crushed into powder even just at the
slightest pressure from handling.

Low The dry sample can be crushed into powder with some
pressure from the fingers.

Medium The dry sample can be crushed or broken into pieces

with moderately applied pressure from the fingers.

High The dry sample cannot be crushed or broken into pieces with
pressure from the fingers. It needs to be pressed between the
thumb and a hard surface.

Very High The dry sample cannot be crushed or broken into pieces even
when pressed between the thumb and a hard surface.
Table 4. Criteria for Describing Dry Strength

Description Criteria

None No change can be distinguished in the soil samples.

Slow During shaking, water appears slowly and stays on the surface.
When squeezed, water slowly disappears.

Rapid During shaking, water appears on the surface quickly.

When squeezed, water quickly disappears.
Table 5. Criteria for Describing Dilatancy of Soil
College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

Description Criteria

Non-Plastic The thread at ⅛” or 3 mm diameter cannot be rolled

regardless of the amount of water.

Low There is some difficulty in rolling the thread. Moreover,

it cannot be formed into a coherent mass when drier
than the plastic limit.

Medium The thread can easily be rolled and can reach the plastic
limit with only a little time needed. However, the thread
cannot be re-rolled after the plastic limit is reached. The
mass breaks when it is drier than the plastic limit.

High The plastic limit is reached after a considerable time rolling

and kneading the sample. After reaching the limit, the thread
can be re-rolled and re-shaped several times. A coherent mass
can be formed when the sample is drier than the plastic limit.
Table 6. Criteria for Describing Soil Plasticity

Description Criteria

Low The thread can be rolled to its plastic limit using only slight
pressure. The mass and thread are weak and soft.

Medium The thread can be rolled near its plastic limit using moderate
pressure. The mass and thread are moderately stiff.

High The thread can be rolled near its plastic limit using
substantial pressure. The mass and thread have high
stiffness.
Table 7. Criteria for Describing Soil Toughness
CH (Fat Clay)
High to Very High None High

Soil Symbol Dry Strength Dilatancy Toughness

ML (Silt) None or Low Slow to Rapid Low or cannot be rolled into

a thread
College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

CL (Lean Clay) Medium to High None to Slow Medium Low to Medium

MH (Elastic Soil) None to Slow Low to Medium

Table 8. Identification of Inorganic Fine-Grained Soils

Description Criteria

Dry Soil has a clear absence of moisture. It is dusty and dry to

the touch.

Moist The soil may begin to hold its form when molded. It is
slightly moist and damp.

Wet Soil has a clear presence of water content. When squeezed,

the water becomes visible.

Saturated The water is very visible and drains from the sample
without the need to squeeze.
Table 9. Moisture Condition

DATA SHEET

Location: Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas GPS

Recorded by: Lovely Mae A. Cabasis
Date: November 30, 2023

Soil Number: 1

1. Color: ¾, 7.5 yr
2. Odor: None
3. Texture: Fine-grained
4. Major Soil Constituent: Medium Sand
5. Minor Soil Constituent: Course Sand

Approximate Percent By:

Type Weight
Clay 0%
Trace Fines 50%
Little Silt 50%
College of Engineering – Department of Civil Engineering

6. For coarse-grained soils:

Gradation: Poorly graded
Particle shape: Subrounded
7. For fine-grained soils:
Dry Strength: Low
Dilatancy: Slow
Plasticity: Slow
Toughness: Low
Soil Symbol: ML
8. Moisture Condition: Moist

Individual Summary: (Lovely Mae A. Cabasis)

For this laboratory task, our sole responsibility is to classify the soil based on its
physical characteristics. We have been instructed to gather soil samples from our local
areas for this semester-long lab project. This assignment is linked to the initial individual
task we performed, where we sought out a soil sample and shaped it into a square.
In the first step of this process, I began searching for a suitable location to
excavate the ground. Once identified, I cleared the area of fallen leaves and used a ruler
to estimate the amount of soil I would extract. After successfully shaping the soil, I also
collected 1-2 kg of additional soil, just in case my sample was selected. Following the
guidelines provided in the laboratory manual, including standards and tables, we
categorized the soil based on its characteristics, including odor, color, and texture.
Subsequently, my soil sample was chosen for the upcoming laboratory activity, which
involves sieve analysis.