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Atterberg limits
are a set of water content thresholds that define the different consistency states of fine-grained soils (silt and clay), transitioning from solid to liquid. They include the Shrinkage Limit (SL), the water content below which soil no longer shrinks with drying; the Plastic Limit (PL), the minimum water content at which a soil remains plastic or moldable; and the Liquid Limit (LL), the maximum water content before a soil becomes a liquid. These limits are crucial for soil classification, identifying engineering properties, and making informed decisions for construction projects.
The Four States of Fine-Grained Soil As water content changes, fine-grained soils can exhibit four distinct states:
- Solid:
Soil has a very low moisture content, acting like a rigid solid.
- Semi-Solid:
At a slightly higher moisture content, the soil is still somewhat rigid but changes volume as it dries.
- Plastic:
This is the range where the soil can be molded and deformed without crumbling.
- Liquid:
At a high moisture content, the soil loses its cohesion and behaves like a viscous liquid or mud.
Contact us today to schedule your moisture content testing and ensure your soil conditions are optimal for your construction success.
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