The 'field identification' of clay vs. silt uses which quick test?
Choose the correct answer
Colour — clay is always black, silt always yellow
Dilatancy (shaking) test and dry strength: clay = high strength, no dilatancy; silt = low strength, rapid dilatancy
Chemical analysis in lab only
Weighing equal volumes
Correct Answer
B. Dilatancy (shaking) test and dry strength: clay = high strength, no dilatancy; silt = low strength, rapid dilatancy
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Field identification (IS 1498): (1) Dry strength test: clay has high dry strength (crack hard soil disc); silt has low dry strength; (2) Dilatancy (shake) test: silt shows rapid water expulsion when shaken (low plasticity); clay does not (high plasticity); (3) Thread test: clay forms long thread at plastic limit; silt crumbles. Toughness: clay shows thread toughness; silt crumbles easily.
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