ECG426 – SOIL MECHANICS

WEEK 2
Soil Classification
SOIL CLASSIFICATION
Classification of Soil

1.10 BASIS OF SOIL CLASSIFICATION

 Geological origin
 Mineral content
 Grain size *
 Plasticity *
 Strength characteristics

This chapter will focus on the classification

based on grain size and plasticity.
SOIL CLASSIFICATION
Soil Classification System

1.11 SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Two types of soil classification system accepted

British Soil Classification
world wide are the
System (BSCS) and the Unified Soil
Classification system (USCS)

However, for the purpose of thorough

understanding of the topics, most discussion
will be centred on the BSCS
SOIL CLASSIFICATION
Soil Classification System
Figures below give a general overview of the British
Standard range size particles and the American Standard
range size particles, respectively, which are carried out
based on the weight percentages falling within the band
size represented by these divisions and sub divisions.

BSCS
0.002 0.074 0.42 2 4.76 19.1 76.2

Fine Coarse
SILT

USCS
SOIL CLASSIFICATION
British Soil Classification System

1.11.1 British Soil Classification System

• BS 5930: 1999: Code of Practice for Site
Investigation includes standard schemes for the
description of both soils and rocks which makes
important distinction between material and mass.
• The main headings under which the soil is to be
described are as follows:
i) Mass characteristics include field strength or
compactness, bedding, discontinuities and state of
weathering
ii) Material characteristics include colour, particle
shape and soil name (in capitals), grading and
plasticity
This table also can be found in Whitlow, R. (2001), Table 2.2 & 2.3, pg 18~23.
SOIL CLASSIFICATION
Unified Soil Classification System

1.11.2 Unified Soil Classification System

• The original form of the Unified Soil Classification
System was proposed by Casagrande in 1942 for the
use of airfield construction works undertaken by the
Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.
• The system was revised in 1952 with the cooperation of
the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, widely used as ASTM
designation D-2487; ASTM 1991. This system
classifies soil into two types, mainly :

i) Coarse grained soils that are gravelly and

sandy in nature with less than 50 % passing
through the No. 200 sieve (0.075 mm).
ii) Fine grained soils with 50 % or more passing
through the No. 200 sieve (0.075 mm).
Unified Soil
Classification System
(USCS)
ASTM: D 2487-06
Latest version of USCS
ASTM: D 2487-06 Latest version of USCS
ASTM: D 2487-06
Latest version of USCS