NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

Which two types of soils are the focus of the Unified Soil Classification System?

1. Clay and silt

2. Coarse grained and fine grained

3. Sandy and gravely

4. Organic and inorganic

The correct answer is: Coarse grained and fine grained

The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is a widely used method for classifying soils based on their physical and engineering properties. This system categorizes soils into two primary groups: coarse-grained soils and fine-grained soils. Focusing on these two types allows for a more systematic approach to understanding how different soils behave under various conditions. Coarse-grained soils, which include sands and gravels, tend to have larger particle sizes and offer different drainage and compaction characteristics compared to fine-grained soils, such as silts and clays, which have smaller particle sizes and exhibit distinct plasticity and cohesion properties. By classifying soils in such a manner, engineers and geotechnical professionals can more effectively predict soil behavior, design appropriate foundations, and assess construction practices for different soil types, which is critical in highway construction and other civil engineering projects. The distinction between coarse-grained and fine-grained soils is essential for understanding how these materials will perform when subjected to loads and environmental conditions, making this classification particularly relevant in civil engineering and construction.