B.S.

CIVIL ENGINEERING

SOIL MECHANICS
1 LABORATORY EXERCISE

PERFORMED BY/ NAME OF STUDENT:

JAMES FRANCIS B. NABOR

YEAR &BLOCK/ SECTION:

BS-CIVIL ENGINEERING 3C

DATE RECEIVED :

CE 322 – Geotechnical Engineering 1 (Soil Mechanics)

 B.S. CIVIL ENGINEERING

EXPERIMENT NO. 01
Visual Classification and Identification of Soil

Objective:

Classify and identify the soil through visual methods

Identify the presence of sand, silt, clay, organic matter, and other components
Assess the quality of soil

Data:

VISUAL SOIL CLASSIFICATION DATA SHEET

Soil Number 1 2 3 4
Classified by S M C G
Color yellow brown brown grey
Odor Earthy Earthy Earthy Earthy
Texture medium silty clay coarse
Major soil constituent: sand silt clay gravel
Minor soil constituents gravel,fines gravel,fine fine sand sand,fine
Approximate % by:

gravel - 40 Silt - 80 Clay - 60 sand - 50

Type and weight sand - 60 gravel- 15 fines - 50 gravel- 60
fines - 10 fines - 5 sand - 5 fines - 5

Fine coarse-grained soils:

Gradation: well graded well graded well graded well graded
Particle Shape: rounded rounded rounded rounded
For fine-grained soils:
Dry strength high high high high
Dilatancy none none none none
Plasticity low low medium low
Toughness medium medium low high
Soil Symbol N/A N/A N/A N/A
Moisture Condition dry dry moist dry

brown gravel, brown sand, brown silty grey sand,

Classification lots of sand, little fine clay, little fine
trace fines, gravel, trace find gravel,
well graded trace fines, sand, trace fines,
rounded, well graded, medium well graded,
dry rounded, plasticity rounded,
dry dry

CE 322 – Geotechnical Engineering 1 (Soil Mechanics)

 B.S. CIVIL ENGINEERING

Figure: (Sketch the set-up of the Apparatus)

Analysis/Conclusion: (State the findings and conclusion based on the analysis of the
test results)

Soil classification and identification through visual methods play a crucial role in
understanding the diverse nature of soil and its properties. Visual methods such as
color, texture, structure, and consistency help to categorize soils into different classes,
enabling scientists and researchers to make informed decisions about land use,
agricultural practices, and environmental conservation efforts.

One of the primary visual methods used in soil classification is color. Soil color
provides valuable information about its composition, organic matter content, and
drainage. In the context of experiment, there were three colors, namely brown, yellow
and grey. Next, texture is another important visual characteristic used in soil
classification. By observing the size of soil particles and their arrangement, we can
determine that the soil is sandy, silty, or clayey. Also Soil structure, or the way soil

CE 322 – Geotechnical Engineering 1 (Soil Mechanics)

 B.S. CIVIL ENGINEERING

particles are aggregated together, is also visually assessed in soil classification. The
arrangement of soil particles into aggregates influences factors such as porosity,
aeration, and root penetration. By visually examining the soil structure, we can identify
soil types and make recommendations for soil management practices. Then
Consistency, which refers to the soil's resistance to pressure and its ability to change
shape, is another visual method used in soil classification. By visually observing how a
soil sample behaves when wet and dry, its plasticity and cohesion can be determined

In conclusion, visual methods for soil classification and identification are

essential tools for understanding and interpreting the characteristics of different soil
types. Through the observation of color, texture, structure, and consistency, scientists
can gain valuable insights into soil properties and behaviors. This knowledge is vital for
making informed decisions regarding land use, agricultural practices, and
environmental conservation. By continuing to refine and expand visual methods for soil
classification, we can enhance our understanding of soil diversity and contribute to
sustainable land management practices.

CE 322 – Geotechnical Engineering 1 (Soil Mechanics)