Question

Explain the differences among sand, silt, and clay, both in their physical characteristics and their behavior in relation to building foundations.

Answer 1

Answer:PHYSICALLY- sand is spherical in shape with large particles up to 0.18g

Silt also contains more of spherical particles with weights around 0.0029g.

Clay contain plate like particles,which are flat or layered. It's particles are generally lower that silt and sand below 0.0029g.

BEHAVIORS Sand particles are coarse and very porous,water can easily penetrate with no particles cohesion,does not retain water, difficult to expand,it is IDEAL FOR BUILDINGS.

Silt particles are also porous with some coarseness and no particles cohesion. retains water and can expand. NOT IDEAL FOR BUILDINGS.

Clay contain particles that are not coarse,they have high cohesiveness,they are not porous as it is difficult for water to penetrate. NOT IDEAL FOR BUILDINGS.

Explanation: Sand particles are coarse,very porous,contains spherical particles with large particles sizes and IDEAL FOR BUILDINGS

Silt particles are also porous, with some coarseness and with little or no particles cohesion, NOT IDEAL FOR BUILDINGS.

Clay soils are not porous water can not easily flow thought it,it is hard when dry and soft when wet. IT IS NOT A GOOD OPTION FOR BUILDINGS.