EXPERIMENT NO.

6
IDENTIFICATION OF SOIL
Object
To determine the type of soil using field identification tests.

Procedure for Different Tests

a. Visual and Simple Aids
Aids and tests given in this section result only in indications and
approximations. No attempt should be made to classify a soil on the results
of one individual test, but rather from impressions obtained from them as a
whole.

b. Feel Test
When rubbed between the figures, most sands feel sharp or gritty. Silt and
clay feel smooth, like face powder and clay will normally remain in hands
and other lines of the fingers. It can only be removed by washing. Sand
particles feel gritty when gripped between the teeth.

c. Shine Test
Cut apart of soil with knife. If the cut edges are shiny and polished, the clay
is present.

d. Dilatancy Test
Shake a damp sample of soil vigorously in hand. If water appears on the
surface the sample is largely silt. When the sample is pressed with finger
water returns into the body of the sample.

e. Molding
Sand with some percent of fine can be molded when damp, but will crumble
as they dry. Clay will retain their molded shape.