A soil has liquid limit of 60% plastic limit of 35% and shrinkage limi...
Liquidity Index of Soil
The liquidity index (LI) of soil is a measure of its consistency and is calculated using the liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), and natural moisture content (NM). It helps in classifying the soil as either liquid, plastic, or solid.
Liquid Limit (LL)
The liquid limit (LL) of soil is the moisture content at which it transitions from a plastic state to a liquid state. It is determined using the Casagrande method, where a soil sample is gradually sheared in a special cup until it flows like a liquid.
In this case, the soil has a liquid limit of 60%.
Plastic Limit (PL)
The plastic limit (PL) of soil is the moisture content at which it transitions from a semisolid plastic state to a solid state. It is determined by rolling the soil sample into a thread of specific diameter and measuring its length before it crumbles.
In this case, the soil has a plastic limit of 35%.
Natural Moisture Content (NM)
The natural moisture content (NM) of soil is the moisture content it possesses in its natural state. It is determined by collecting a soil sample and weighing it before and after drying it in an oven.
In this case, the soil has a natural moisture content of 50%.
Liquidity Index Calculation
The liquidity index (LI) of soil is calculated using the formula:
LI = (PL - NM) / (LL - PL) * 100
Substituting the given values:
LI = (35 - 50) / (60 - 35) * 100
= -15 / 25 * 100
= -60
Interpretation
The negative value of the liquidity index indicates that the soil is in a solid state. The closer the value is to zero, the closer the soil is to being in a plastic state. A positive value indicates the soil is in a liquid state.
In this case, the calculated liquidity index is -60, which means the soil is in a solid state.
Correct Answer
The correct answer is option C, 0.6.
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