ICC SOILS CARDS FINAL PAPER 2026
COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION
COMPILATION
◉ When precise classification of soils for engineering purposes is
required, the procedures prescribed in Test Method ____ shall be
used.
Answer: D2487
◉ Identify soil as *organic soil*, _____, if the soil contains enough
particles to influence the soil properties.
Answer: OL/OH
◉ Identify the soil as *lean clay*, ____, if the soil has medium to high
dry strength, no to low dilatancy
Answer: CL
◉ Identify soil as *fat clay*, ___, if the soil has a high to very high dry
strength, no dilatancy, and high toughness and plasticity.
Answer: CH
, ◉ Identify soil as a *low plasticity silt*, ___, if the soil has no to low
dry strength, slow to rapid dilatancy, and low toughness and
plasticity, or is a nonplastic.
Answer: ML
◉ Identify soil as a *high plasticity silt (elastic)*, ___, if the soil has a
low to medium dry strength, no to low dilatancy, and low to medium
toughness and plasticity.
Answer: MH
◉ A way to distinguish silt from clay is by mixing soil with water into
a ball, spreading it onto your hand, then striking the side of your
hand with your other hand. You then shake the material horizontally
to note the reaction of water appearing on the surface. This is known
as a ______.
Answer: Dilatancy test
◉ When sampling from stockpiles, ways to ensure *unbiased*
samples are taken by use of power equipment (loader) or made up
of three increments of the pile at the ____, ___, and ___.
Answer: Top third;
Midpoint;
Bottom third
COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION
COMPILATION
◉ When precise classification of soils for engineering purposes is
required, the procedures prescribed in Test Method ____ shall be
used.
Answer: D2487
◉ Identify soil as *organic soil*, _____, if the soil contains enough
particles to influence the soil properties.
Answer: OL/OH
◉ Identify the soil as *lean clay*, ____, if the soil has medium to high
dry strength, no to low dilatancy
Answer: CL
◉ Identify soil as *fat clay*, ___, if the soil has a high to very high dry
strength, no dilatancy, and high toughness and plasticity.
Answer: CH
, ◉ Identify soil as a *low plasticity silt*, ___, if the soil has no to low
dry strength, slow to rapid dilatancy, and low toughness and
plasticity, or is a nonplastic.
Answer: ML
◉ Identify soil as a *high plasticity silt (elastic)*, ___, if the soil has a
low to medium dry strength, no to low dilatancy, and low to medium
toughness and plasticity.
Answer: MH
◉ A way to distinguish silt from clay is by mixing soil with water into
a ball, spreading it onto your hand, then striking the side of your
hand with your other hand. You then shake the material horizontally
to note the reaction of water appearing on the surface. This is known
as a ______.
Answer: Dilatancy test
◉ When sampling from stockpiles, ways to ensure *unbiased*
samples are taken by use of power equipment (loader) or made up
of three increments of the pile at the ____, ___, and ___.
Answer: Top third;
Midpoint;
Bottom third
