Soil Properties and Classification

Start with soil classification

The mind map titled “Soils” introduces soil as a material with three phases and connects classification with particle size and shape. It is a starting point for seeing how the ideas on this page fit together. Another mind map looks at soil classification in the context of geotechnical engineering and the engineering properties of earth materials.

For a different view, a second “Soils” mind map covers soil analysis, including site geology, soil profiles and ground surveys. These maps offer different ways to approach the resources before moving on to the relationships between soil phases.

Move on to phase relations

The mind map on soil phase relations brings together weight, unit weight, specific gravity, void ratio and porosity. Use it to see the terms alongside the relationships between them. The flashcards titled “Equations” cover water content, unit weight, void ratio, porosity and degree of saturation.

The formula flashcards also include particle density, bulk density and water content. The note on geotechnical engineering contains a worked question using wet weight, dry weight, volume and specific gravity to find void ratio. These resources give you different ways to study the same kinds of quantities.

Check your understanding

The quiz asks about the phases of soil and includes questions on water content, void ratio, porosity, saturation and unit weight. After studying a mind map, take the quiz and use your responses to identify terms to look at again. The flashcards can then help you practice recalling equations and properties.

This topic is one section of Soil Mechanics in Civil engineering and construction. Its maps, quiz, note and flashcards let you approach the section through both classification and phase relations. Try the quiz, then return to a map or flashcard deck for more practice.