Visual-Manual Procedures

Description and Identification of Soil

Significance and Use
• The descriptive information required in this practice can
be used to describe a soil to aid in the evaluation of its
significant properties for engineering use.
• This practice is to be used for identification of soils in the
field, laboratory, or any other location where soil
samples are inspected and described.
• This practice may be used to group similar soil samples
to reduce the number of laboratory tests necessary for
positive soil classification.
Soils are made of countless different components and can even
differ completely from neighboring soils. Knowing how to
classify soil can be very important because classification can
determine whether a soil is suitable for its intended purpose.
Unified Soil Classification System
Classification of Soils For Engineering Purposes

The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is a soil classification system used in
engineering and geology to describe the texture and grain size of a soil. The classification
system can be applied to most unconsolidated materials, and is represented by a two-
letter symbol. Each letter is described below:
Different Types of Soil, Defined by the USCS
Soil Classification System
Visual-Manual Procedure :
Unified Soil Classification System
Specifications
1. Color
2. Odor
3. Moisture Condition
4. Soil Composition
5. Particles Size
6. Shape
7. Hardness
8. Toughness
9. Cementation
 Soil Color
The most influential colors in a well drained soil are white, red, brown and
black.
Munsell Soil Color Charts
Soil Odor
Soil Moisture Condition

Having the right moisture content can be crucial when you are trying to compact soil, as it may
compact more easily in a certain moisture range.
 Soil Composition

• To know if we have a coarse grain soil or fine grain soil.

• The percentage of cobbles, gravel, sand and fines.
Soil Particle Size
Soil Grain Shape
Consistency of Soil / Hardness
Soil Plasticity/Toughness
Cementation (Does the soil contain natural
cements like limestone?)

Soil that contains limestone particles may react to hydrochloric acid by bubbling and fizzing.
EXAMPLE:
Identify Soil A and Soil B through Visual-Manual Procedure by the
Unified Soil Classification System.

Soil A Soil B
Soil A

Color:
Strong Brown
5/6
Soil B

Color:
Red
4/8
Soil Odor

Soil A Soil B

None Organic
Soil Composition and Soil Particle Size

Soil
A
Medium Sand

Soil
B

Coarse Sand
Soil Grain
Shape

Soil A Soil B
Subrounded Subrounded
Consistenc
y of Soil /
Hardness

Soil A Soil B

Soft Firm
Soil
Plasticity/
Toughness
The specimen is shaped into an elongated path and rolled by hand on a smooth surface or between the palms into a thread.

Soil A Soil B

Nonplastic Nonplastic