ASTM D2487 Classification of Soils
(Unified Soil Classification System)
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1. In the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), what is the primary
purpose of soil classification under ASTM D2487?
A) To determine soil bearing capacity directly for design
B) To classify soils based on grain size distribution and plasticity
characteristics
C) To calculate consolidation settlement of soils
D) To determine in-situ permeability of soil deposits
B
ASTM D2487 classifies soils primarily using grain size distribution and
Atterberg limits to group soils with similar engineering behavior.
2. Which soil fraction is defined as particles passing the No. 200 sieve in
USCS?
A) Gravel
B) Sand
C) Fines
,D) Cobbles
C
Particles passing the No. 200 sieve (0.075 mm) are classified as fines,
including silt and clay-sized particles.
3. In USCS, gravel is defined as soil particles retained on which sieve?
A) No. 4
B) No. 10
C) No. 40
D) No. 200
A
Gravel consists of particles retained on the No. 4 sieve (4.75 mm) according
to USCS standards.
4. Sand particles in USCS are primarily defined as those passing the No. 4
sieve but retained on which sieve?
A) No. 10
B) No. 40
C) No. 200
D) No. 60
C
Sand consists of particles passing the No. 4 sieve and retained on the No.
200 sieve.
5. What is the main distinguishing factor between coarse-grained and
fine-grained soils in USCS?
A) Color
B) Plasticity index
C) Percentage passing No. 200 sieve
D) Specific gravity
C
Soils are classified as coarse-grained or fine-grained based on whether
more or less than 50% passes the No. 200 sieve.
, 6. Which test is essential for determining soil plasticity in USCS
classification?
A) Proctor test
B) Atterberg limits test
C) Direct shear test
D) Consolidation test
B
Atterberg limits (liquid limit and plastic limit) are used to determine soil
plasticity.
7. In USCS, what symbol represents well-graded gravel?
A) GP
B) GW
C) GM
D) GC
B
GW represents well-graded gravel with little or no fines.
8. Poorly graded sand is designated by which USCS symbol?
A) SP
B) SW
C) SM
D) SC
A
SP indicates poorly graded sand with uniform particle sizes.
9. What does the symbol “CL” represent in USCS?
A) Low plasticity clay
B) Lean clay
C) Organic clay
D) High plasticity clay
B
CL refers to lean clay with low to medium plasticity.
(Unified Soil Classification System)
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. In the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), what is the primary
purpose of soil classification under ASTM D2487?
A) To determine soil bearing capacity directly for design
B) To classify soils based on grain size distribution and plasticity
characteristics
C) To calculate consolidation settlement of soils
D) To determine in-situ permeability of soil deposits
B
ASTM D2487 classifies soils primarily using grain size distribution and
Atterberg limits to group soils with similar engineering behavior.
2. Which soil fraction is defined as particles passing the No. 200 sieve in
USCS?
A) Gravel
B) Sand
C) Fines
,D) Cobbles
C
Particles passing the No. 200 sieve (0.075 mm) are classified as fines,
including silt and clay-sized particles.
3. In USCS, gravel is defined as soil particles retained on which sieve?
A) No. 4
B) No. 10
C) No. 40
D) No. 200
A
Gravel consists of particles retained on the No. 4 sieve (4.75 mm) according
to USCS standards.
4. Sand particles in USCS are primarily defined as those passing the No. 4
sieve but retained on which sieve?
A) No. 10
B) No. 40
C) No. 200
D) No. 60
C
Sand consists of particles passing the No. 4 sieve and retained on the No.
200 sieve.
5. What is the main distinguishing factor between coarse-grained and
fine-grained soils in USCS?
A) Color
B) Plasticity index
C) Percentage passing No. 200 sieve
D) Specific gravity
C
Soils are classified as coarse-grained or fine-grained based on whether
more or less than 50% passes the No. 200 sieve.
, 6. Which test is essential for determining soil plasticity in USCS
classification?
A) Proctor test
B) Atterberg limits test
C) Direct shear test
D) Consolidation test
B
Atterberg limits (liquid limit and plastic limit) are used to determine soil
plasticity.
7. In USCS, what symbol represents well-graded gravel?
A) GP
B) GW
C) GM
D) GC
B
GW represents well-graded gravel with little or no fines.
8. Poorly graded sand is designated by which USCS symbol?
A) SP
B) SW
C) SM
D) SC
A
SP indicates poorly graded sand with uniform particle sizes.
9. What does the symbol “CL” represent in USCS?
A) Low plasticity clay
B) Lean clay
C) Organic clay
D) High plasticity clay
B
CL refers to lean clay with low to medium plasticity.
