You have to know a WHOLE lot more about the soil (and specify the qualities) before you can even begin to request a general response to this request. I was a soils scientist during the construction of a large system of clay-core dikes for an industrial complex, and we had to differentiate between dense marine clays, and those contaminated with silts (I am really simplifying, here) before we could properly evaluate the elasticity and plasticity of the materials and determine if the materials could be laid down while conforming to specifications. The behavior of the materials had not only to be within spec, but the moisture-content of the materials had to be within a narrow acceptable range. Typically, we'd allow the application of 12" of new material, test, require the removal of 6" of that previous lift, and allow the application of 12" of new material. Rinse and repeat. Slow going.Bob Ho said:Hi, just wanted to quickly find out what you would class soil which has water content which is lower than its liquid limit, but above its plasticity limit, thanks.
Edit: I'm starting to think it just acts as a plastic hopefully that's right
Atterberg Limits refer to the specific moisture content at which a soil transitions between different states, such as liquid, plastic, and solid. These limits are important because they provide information about the properties and behavior of soil, such as its ability to support structures or its susceptibility to erosion.
The Atterberg Limits are determined through laboratory tests on soil samples. The liquid limit is determined by measuring the moisture content at which a groove in the soil closes under specific conditions. The plastic limit is determined by rolling the soil into a thread of specific diameter. The shrinkage limit is determined by measuring the moisture content at which further drying of the soil does not cause any significant volume change.
The Atterberg Limits can be affected by various factors such as the mineral composition of the soil, the soil structure, and the amount of organic matter present. The type and amount of clay minerals present in the soil can also significantly impact the Atterberg Limits.
The plastic limit is an important factor in construction as it determines the maximum moisture content at which a soil can be compacted and retain its shape. If the moisture content exceeds the plastic limit, the soil will become too soft and lose its strength, making it unsuitable for construction.
Soils with higher liquid and plastic limits are more susceptible to erosion as they have higher moisture content and reduced strength. This makes them more easily eroded by water or wind. Knowing the Atterberg Limits of a soil can help in selecting appropriate erosion control measures and designing structures to prevent erosion.