Page 11 - CSEB Report

Study on Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

3.1.2 Atterberg limit test
This test is performed to determine the type of fine-grained soil through liquid limit, plastic
limit and plasticity index of the soil. The liquid limit and plasticity index for each sample was
plotted in the plasticity chart as per [5] and accordingly based on the location of the plot,

fine soil type was interpreted.

During the sample collection, the top black soil was completely removed and only red soil
laying beneath the top soil was collected and thus, the presence of organic matter was
neglected during the test result interpretation.

Figure 3: Plasticity index chart

Sample I (Dochula)

The liquid limit and plastic limit of the soil were 28% and 28.25% respectively. Since, the
plasticity index of the soil is negative, it was considered zero. Thus the soil can be
considered as non-plastic soil.

Actually zero plasticity is an indication of high organic matter present in the soil with less or
a negligible amount of clay and silt content, however, due to lack of test facilities to
determine actual amount of organic matter and considering the soil sample was collected
after removal of top layer of organic matter, the presence of organic matter was assumed
to be negligible. Thus, Considering the liquid limit of 28% and plasticity of zero, the soil is
classified as Sandy Silt of low plasticity .

10 Engineering Adaptation and Risk Reduction Division (EARRD), DES, MOWHS