CHAPTER 3

INDEX PROPERTIES OF SOIL

 SIGNIFICANCE

Simple methods which are used to identify soils in the field have been described.
These methods represents only the first step in soil identification. They must be
supplemented by other procedures leading to quantitative results which are related to
physical properties of significance to the engineer.
Laboratory tests are performed for this purpose. These are known as classification
tests and the numerical results are known as the index properties. (ASTOO method) On
the basis of the tests and index properties, the engineer will be able to describe and
identify a soil properly without resorting to the use of common but vague descriptions.
Index properties provide a moans for checking the correctness of the field identification of
soils. If the soil has been improperly identified, the index properties will indicate the error
and the soil may be identified accordingly. Thus, a beginner in soils work can make proper
identifications and by making comparisons of field identifications with index properties he
acquires the training and experience necessary for a soil specialist.

The index properties of soils any be divided into two classes, grain and aggregate
properties. Grain properties are the properties of the undivided particles without reference
to their arrangement. These properties are useful for identification and classification
purposes. Aggregate properties, on the other hand, depend on the arrangement and
structure of the particles in the soil mass. These properties have a greater influence on the
engineering behavior of a soil.

 GRAIN PROPERTIES

The most important grain property of coarse-grained soils is the distribution of the
different sizes of particles in the soils.this is determined by a laboratory test known as the
mechanical or grain size analysis.

In fine-grained soils,particularly clay,mineralogical composition is the most important

grain property while size particles is of no significance.particles smaller than about 0.001
mm. Are colloidal in character, which means that the effect of the force of gravity on each
particle is greatly overshadowed by the effect of electrical forces acting on the surface of
each particle.the intensity of the electrical forces or the surface activity of a colloidal
particle varies according to the mineral composition .thus some oil particles are several
times more active than others of the same type or size ,the only difference being in the
mineral composition.surface activity of a particle is manifested by its capacity to absorb
ions ,to replace one kind of ion with another which is called base exchange ,and to exhibit
characteristic properties such as smell plasticity,and cohesion.

 AGGREGATE PROPERTIES

Aggregate properties refer to properties of the soil mass. the principal aggregate
properties are texture,structure (honeycomb, single grain), consistency ,and the solids-
water-air relationships in soil,such as water content,porosity,density,and degree of
saturation.
 Information regarding the texture, structure and consistency of soils is obtained in the
field by visual inspection when boring logs or other records are prepared. Texture refers to
the degree of fineness and uniformity of a soil.it is described by such terms as smooth or
sharp, depending upon the feel, when the soil is rubbed between the fingers. Structure
refers to the pattern of arrangement of the soil particles and is described by such terms as
single-grained or honey-combed. Consistency refers to the degree of adhesion between
the soil particles.it is described by such terms as soft, plastic, friable or hard. The degree
of plasticity is sometimes expressed by the terms fat and lean. A fat clay is very plastic
while a lean clay is one that is only slightly plastic because of its silt or sand content.

The water content, porosity, density, and the other solids-water-air relationships are
determined by laboratory or field tests.