The adequacy of a geologic investigation depends on accuracy in describing and classifying earth materials at the site and interpretations for their engineering uses. Earth materials (soil and rock) are described and classified according to their engineering or behavior properties, and their geologic and physical properties. Earth materials must be classified consistently to establish correlation and stratigraphy of the site and to develop the design of the structure and construction methods to fit the site conditions. This course outlines some of the more important properties of earth materials and their description and classification.

Topics:

• Introduction and Terminology
• Physical and Mineralogical Characteristics of Earth Materials
• Particle Characteristics
• Mass Characteristics
• Rock Characteristics Related to Engineering Properties
• Permeability, Consolidation, Shearing Resistance
• Geologic Properties of Materials
• Fossils and Artifacts
• Field Testing
• Unified Soil Classification System
• Soil Components, Gradation, Consistency
• Field Classification

Procedures Source: USDA NRCS