College

Determine the AASHTO and USCS classifications for the soil with the following sieve analysis results, given that its Liquid Limit (LL) is 26 and its Plastic Limit (PL) is 18.

[tex]
\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|c|}
\hline
\text{Sieve No.} & \text{Opening (mm)} & \text{Mass (grams)} \\
\hline
4 & 4.75 & 0 \\
10 & 2.00 & 20.2 \\
20 & 0.85 & 25.7 \\
40 & 0.425 & 60.4 \\
100 & 0.15 & 98.1 \\
200 & 0.075 & 127.2 \\
\text{Pan} & & 168.2 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\]
[/tex]

Answer :

To determine the AASHTO and USCS classifications for the soil based on the provided sieve analysis and Atterberg limits, let's follow the procedures for classification.

Properties calculated:
1. Liquid Limit (LL) = 26
2. Plastic Limit (PL) = 18
3. Plasticity Index (PI) = LL - PL = 26 - 18 = 8

Sieve Analysis Results:
- Based on the given table, the total mass in the pan is 168.2 grams.
- The mass passing through the No. 200 sieve (0.075 mm) is 127.2 grams.

To calculate the percentage passing through the No. 200 sieve:
[tex]\[ \text{Percent finer (0.075 mm)} = \frac{127.2 \, \text{grams}}{168.2 \, \text{grams}} \times 100 \approx 75.62\% \][/tex]

AASHTO Classification:
- Since LL = 26 and PI = 8, we check the criteria for classification:
- A soil with LL < 41 and PI < 11 typically falls under the fine-grained classifications.
- The percent finer through the No. 200 sieve is greater than 35%, which points towards fine-grained soils.
- Given these values, the soil can be classified as "A-4" in the AASHTO system, which typically includes silty soils and clayey sands.

USCS Classification:
For USCS classification:
- More than 50% passes the No. 200 sieve (75.62% finer).
- With a LL of 26 and PI of 8, we check the following:
- If LL < 50 and PI > 7, the soil is typically classified as "CL," which represents inorganic clays with low to medium plasticity.

Summary:
- AASHTO Classification: A-4
- USCS Classification: CL

This classification gives us valuable information about the type of soil, which is essential for understanding its behavior in engineering applications, like construction.