Know About the Types of Soils for Light Weight Deflectometer Testing

Different soil types have unique features with optimal moisture content. Soil types are generally categorized by size of the grain that is regulated by passing through a series of sieves to determine the different grain sizes. We drill down through stratum to understand more about the different types of soil that are used in testing by light weight deflectometers.

Combination types of soil
Naturally found soil types are generally a combination of several types. Aggregate soil typically incorporates a wide range of particles of differing sizes from the maximum to the minimum in order to fill in the voids. As a result, it forms a dense composition making it suitable for compaction. Cohesive and granular are the soil types that are used in light weight deflectometer testing.

1.      Cohesive Soil – Cohesive soil consists of the smallest particles which are categorized as clay and silt soil types. Clay size ranges from .00004 to 002 inches and the size of the silt ranges from .0002 to .003 inches. Clay is significantly used as fillers for embankments and conserving pond beds.
Quality and consistency of cohesive soil - Cohesive soil is generally thick and tightly compounded together by molecular reaction. Cohesive soil appears plastic and sticky when damp and can be easily molded, but turns to be stiff when dry. Proper soil compaction is achieved through even distribution of water content throughout the soil. Silt has apparently lower coherence when compared to clay. In spite of the fact, silt is still heavily influenced by water content.

2.      Granular Soil - Granular soil comprises of both sand and gravel from fine to medium size.  The size of the sand ranges from .003 to .08 inches and gravel size ranging from .08 to 1.0 inches. Granular soils have better water draining properties and are suited for constructional activity that demands quick water draining. The state of the soil may be either dried or drenched so that the sand and gravel can attain the maximum solidity. Compaction is generally achieved by vibration or shaking of the particles.

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