Procedure order for classification of soil

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RESEARCH DESIGNS AND STANDARDS ORGANISATION
LUCKNOW-226 011

PROCEDURE ORDER
FOR
CLASSIFICATION OF FORMATION SOIL
INCLUDING
GUIDELINES FOR TESTING

CIRCULAR NO. GE- P1

GEO-TECHNICAL ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE

MAY-2003
Procedure order for classification of soil

PROCEDURE ORDER FOR CLASSIFICATION OF FORMATION SOIL

Ref: Correction Slip no: 89 dated 19.09.2003 to IRPWM-para 211(1)(V)

Scope: This procedure order details the methodology to be followed for classification of
soils of existing formations, both embankments and cuttings for the purpose of
maintenance of details in track diagram, as well as create database for up-gradation of
formations, when required. The testing procedure has been included in brief. The
principles of classification and reporting are equally applicable to new constructions
where formation soil classification and blanket depth etc. are to be recorded during
construction itself.

1.0 Definitions:

1.1 Formation: It is a general term referring to the whole of blanket, sub-grade and
subsoil. (Fig. 1)

1.2 Subgrade: It is part of embankment/cutting provided above subsoil by borrowed

soil of suitable quality upto bottom of blanket/ballast.

1.3 Blanket: Blanket is a layer of specified coarse, granular material of designed

thickness provided over full width of formation between subgrade and ballast.

1.4 Subsoil: Soil of natural ground below subgrade.

1.5 BIS: Bureau of Indian Standards (formerly known as ISI), BIS lays down
standard terminology, definitions, testing requirement and procedures of various
engineering and other materials in addition to other things.

2.0 The following procedure for classification of formation soil shall be followed.

2.1 Classification: Formation soil will be classified as per BIS Classification

contained in IS -1498 -1970 (enclosed as Annexure-I), duly modified and
simplified for our purpose to the extent that no clay content calculation will be
made based on hydrometer analysis.

2.2 Grouping of soils: Grouping of soils for the purpose of planning of works having
bearing on soil behaviour will be done as per Annexure-II.

2.3 Phasing of work load:

2.3.1 Classification of soils will be done at one location per 2.5 kilometres. The work
may be phased as per para 2.3.2 below.

2.3.2 Asstt. Engineer in open line will have the soil samples collected from the section
at the rate of one sample per block section, starting with more important routes.

2.3.3 Collection of samples and testing of the same shall be organised at divisional level
by Sr.DEN/Coordination through Divisional, Zonal or any other agency.
Procedure order for classification of soil

2.3.4 The work of collection of data should be done in a phased manner depending upon
the importance of routes, problem of maintenance and possibility of running of
heavier axle loads. However, it may be preferable to complete the entire work in
four to five years and effort should be made to do the first classification from each
block section within two years of issuance of this circular.

3.0 Collection of samples:

Simple sampling tools normally available with the permanent way inspector may
be used for collection of samples. ( Sampling procedure is enclosed as Annexure-
III).

4.0 Storage of samples:

The samples may be kept in a self-sealing polythene bag alongwith a paper slip
showing location (chainage/kilometre) and other details.

5.0 Transportation:

The samples so collected can be transported to the laboratory by normal means at

the end of the day.

6.0 Testing:

Only two types of test would be performed on the test samples as per the details
enclosed in Annexure-III. Classification of soil will be done as per simplified
procedure based on IS Code 1498 - 1970 as explained in para 2 above.

7.0 Compilation of results:

Results so obtained may be entered in a register which may be seen by the

Sr.DEN (Coordination) every month for monitoring the progress of work and
incorporation of the data generated in the track diagram. (sample proforma
enclosed).

8.0 Monitoring of progress:

Chief Track Engineers of the Railways may monitor the over all progress of this
activity at least once in a year through track diagrams.

9.0 Assistance:

Assistance to the divisions in establishment of testing facilities may also be

rendered by the GE Organisations of all the Zonal Railways, ensuring that only
qualified staff is posted to carry out work in the laboratory and the same is
equipped well.

10.0 Construction Records:

Dy.CE's in-charge of construction projects shall maintain details of subgrade soil

classification along with the thickness and particle size distribution records of the
Procedure order for classification of soil

blanket material used for every kilometre of the project and handover the same to
open line counterparts while handing over the section.

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Procedure order for classification of soil

Annexure –I
(Page 1 of 5 )
BRIEF DETAILS OF SOIL CLASSIFICATION

(Ref: IS: 1498 - 1970)

Background and Basis of Classification:

The Geotechnical Engineers/Agencies had evolved many soil classification systems, over
the world. The soil classification system developed by Casegrande was subsequently
modified and named as 'Unified Classification’ system. In 1959, Bureau of Indian
Standards adopted, the Unified classification system as a standard, which was revised in
1970. According to BIS classification system, soils are primarily classified based on
dominant particle sizes and its plasticity characteristics. Soil particles mainly consist of
following four size fractions.

 Gravel : 80 – 4.75 mm
 Sand : 4.75mm – 0.075mm (75 micron)
 Silt : 75 – 2 micron
 Clay : less than 2 micron

Particle size distribution of a soil is determined by a combination of sieving and

sedimentation analysis as per procedure detailed in IS: 2720 (Part 4) – 1985 and its
plasticity characteristics are determined by Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit as per
procedure detailed in IS:2720 (Part 5) –1985.

Symbols used in Soil Classification:

Symbols and other soil properties used for soil classification are given below. Brief
procedure for Classification of soils has been explained in tabular form and Flow Chart.
Plasticity Chart required for classification of fine grained soils has also been given.

Primary Letter Secondary Letter

G: Gravel W: well-graded
S: Sand P: poorly graded
M: Silt M: with non-plastic fines
C: Clay C: with plastic fines
O: Organic soil L: of low plasticity
P: Peat I : of medium plasticity
H: of high plasticity

Other soil parameters required for soil classification:

 Cu : Coefficient of Uniformity = D60 / D10 .

 Cc : Coefficient of Curvature = (D30)2 / (D60 * D10) .
 D60, D30 & D10 are particle sizes, below which 60,30 and 10 percent soil particles by
weight are finer than these sizes.
 Plasticity Index, PI = Liquid Limit (LL) - Plastic Limit ( PL).
 Coarse-grained soils: Soils having fines ( particles of size less than 75 micron) < 50%.
 Fine grained soils: Soils having fines more than 50%.
Procedure order for classification of soil

Annexure –I
(Page 2 of 5 )

Brief Procedure for soil classification:

 Conduct Sieve analysis and Hydrometer analysis on soil sample and plot particle
size gradation curve and determine Cu and Cc.

 Conduct liquid limit and plastic limit test on soil samples as per procedure given
in Annexure III.

 Based on above soil parameters, classification should be done as per procedure

explained in the following table/Flow Chart. The classification should be done in
conjunction with the Plasticity Chart given below.
Procedure order for classification of soil

TABLE EXPLAINING BIS SOIL CLASFICATION SYSTEM Annexure -I

(Page 3 of 5)

Description Group Laboratory criteria Notes

Symbol Fines (%) Grading Plasticity
Well graded gravels, sandy gravels, Cu > 4 A dual symbol,
Coarse Gravels with little or no fines GW 0-5 1 < Cc < 3 if fines are 5 –
grained (particles Poorly graded gravels, sandy gravels, Not satisfying 12 %.
soils: larger than with little or no fines GP 0-5 GW requirements
Fine 4.75mm) Silty gravels, silty sandy gravels Below A- line or Dual symbols, if
particles more than GM > 12 PI < 4 above A-line
(size smaller 50% of Clayey gravels, clayey sandy gravels Above A- line and and 4 < PI < 7
than 75 coarse GC > 12 PI > 7
micron) less fraction
than 50% Well graded sands, sandy soils, with Cu > 6
Sands little or no fines SW 0-5 1 < Cc < 3
particles
more than Poorly graded sands/,sandy soils, with Not satisfying
50% of little or no fines SP 0-5 SW requirements
coarse
Silty sands SM > 12 Below A- line
fraction (size
or PI < 4
above 75
micron) Clayey sands SC > 12 Above A- line and
PI > 7
Silts and Inorganic silts , silty or clayey fine ML Plasticity Index less than 4
Fine clays (Liquid sands, with slight plasticity
grained Limit <35) Inorganic clays, silty clays, sandy clays CL Plasticity Index more than 7
soils of low plasticity
particles Inorganic silt and clay of low plasticity CL-ML Plasticity Index between 4 and 7
(size less
than 75 Silts and Inorganic silts , clayey silt with MI Below A-line of Plasticity Chart
micron) clays (Liquid medium plasticity
more than limit 35-50) Inorganic clays, silty clays of medium CI Above A- line of Plasticity Chart
50% plasticity
Silts and Inorganic silts of high plasticity MH Below A-line of Plasticity Chart
clays (Liquid
Inorganic clays of high plasticity CH Above A- line of Plasticity Chart
limit > 50)
 Procedure order for classification of soil

Annexure – I
LABORATORY IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE (Page 4 of 5 )

Make visual examination of soil to determine whether it is

HIGHLY ORGANIC, COARSE GRAINED OR FINE GRAINED.
In borderline cases determine amount passing 75 micron IS Sieve.

HIGHLY ORGANIC SOILS COARSE GRAINED FINE GRAINED

(Peat) 50% or less pass 75 micron IS More than 50% pass 75 micron IS Sieve
Fibrous texture, colour, odour, very high
moisture content, particles of vegetable
matter (sticks, leaves etc.)
Run sieve analysis (Details at next page 5 of 5 )

GRAVEL (G) SAND (S)

Greater percentage of coarse fraction Greater percentage of coarse
retained on 4.75 mm IS Sieve fraction pass 4.75 mm IS Sieve

Less than 5% pass Between 5% & 12% More than 12% pass Less than 5% pass Between 5% & 12% More than 12% pass
75 micron IS Sieve* pass 75 micron IS 75 micron IS Sieve 75 micron IS Sieve pass 75 micron IS 75 micron IS Sieve
Sieve Sieve

Borderline, to have double Run WL & Wp on Borderline, to have double Run WL & Wp on
Examine grain symbol appropriate to grad- minus 425 micron Examine grain symbol appropriate to grad- minus 425 micron
size curve ing & plasticity characteristics, IS Sieve fraction size curve ing & plasticity characteristics, IS Sieve fraction
for example, GW-GM for example, SW-SM

Below ‘A’ line Limit plot in Above ‘A’ line Below ‘A’ line Limit plot in Above ‘A’ line
Well Poorly or hatched zone hatched zone on and hatched zone Well Poorly or hatched zone hatched zone on and hatched zone
graded graded on plasticity chart plasticity chart on plasticity chart graded graded on plasticity chart plasticity chart on plasticity chart

GW GP GM GM-GC GC SW SP SM SM-SC SC

WL = Liquid limit Wp = Plastic limit

*If fines interfere with free drainage properties use double symbol, such as GW-GM.
 Procedure order for classification of soil

LABORATORY IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE

Annexure – I
(Page 5 of 5 )
(Continued from previous page)

FINE GRAINED
More than 50% pass 75 micron IS Sieve

Run WL & Wp on minus

425-micron IS Sieve fraction

L I H
Liquid limit less than 35 Liquid limit BETWEEN 35-50 Liquid limit greater than 50

Below ‘A’ line Limit plot in Above ‘A’ line

or hatched zone hatched zone on and hatched zone Below ‘A’ line on Above ‘A’ line on Below ‘A’ line on
on plasticity plasticity chart on plasticity chart plasticity chart plasticity chart plasticity chart

Colour, odour, possibly Colour, odour, possibly Colour, odour, possibly

WL and Wp on oven dry WL and Wp on oven dry WL and Wp on oven dry
soil soil soil

Inorganic Organic Inorganic Organic Inorganic Organic

ML OL ML-CL CL MI OI CI MH OH CH
Procedure order for classification of soil

ANNEXURE II
Broad categorization of soil types

The classified soil types shall be grouped in four broad categories for the purpose of
planning of works (Blanket thickness requirement as indicated in bracket is for new
constructions. Planning for rehabilitation, if any, is to be done in consultation with
RDSO.)

a) Soils type A (not needing blanket):

 Rocky beds except those, which are very susceptible to weathering e.g.
rocks consisting of shales and other soft rocks, which become muddy after
coming into contact with water.
 Well graded Gravel (GW)
 Well graded Sand (SW)
 Soils conforming to specifications of blanket material.

b) Soils type B (needing 45cm thick blanket):

 Poorly graded Gravel (GP) having Uniformity Coefficient more than 2.

 Poorly grade Sand (SP) having Uniformity Coefficient more than 2.
 Silty Gravel (GM)
 Silty Gravel – Clayey Gravel (GM – GC).

c) Soils type C (needing 60cm thick blanket):

 Clayey Gravel (GC)

 Silty Sand (SM)
 Clayey Sand (SC)
 Clayey Silty sand (SM-SC)

Note: The thickness of blanket on above type of soils shall be increased to 1m, if
the plasticity index exceeds 7.

d) Soils type D (needing 1m thick blanket):

 Silt with low plasticity (ML)

 Silty clay of low plasticity (ML-CL)
 Clay of low plasticity (CL)
 Silt of medium plasticity (MI)
 Clay of medium plasticity (CI)
 Rocks which are very susceptible to weathering

Soils having fines passing 75 micron sieve between 5 & 12%, i.e. for soils with dual
symbol e.g., GP-GC, SW-SM, etc., thickness of blanket should be provided as per soil of
second symbol (of dual symbol).
Procedure order for classification of soil

ANNEXURE III

1.0 Sampling:

1.1 Sampling tools:

i) Crow bar and pickaxe alongwith khurpi etc.
ii) Hand carved sampler , chunk sampling

1.2 Sampling Procedure:

i) Ballast shall be removed up to the bottom of ballast penetration, and/or upto

the top of subgrade i.e., just below the blanket level. (160 cm from CL of track
or 20-30 cm away from the edge of the sleeper)
ii) Disturbed /undisturbed soil sample (min 2.0 kg) shall be collected by
excavation or other means.
iii) The excavation pit shall be at least 100 mm below the bottom of ballast.
iv) Collected soil sample shall be kept in a poly bag with seal, so that, fines are
preserved.
v) A slip of location (km/chainage), section, divisions alongwith name of zonal
railway shall be placed in the poly bag.
vi) The excavated pit shall be refilled with local material and be well compacted.

2.0 Testing:

2.1 Only two types of tests shall be performed on each sample.

a) Atterberg limit tests (Liquid Limit and plastic limit).

b) Grain size analysis (Mechanical sieving).

2.2 Laboratory equipment and procedure:

2.2.1 Atterberg limit tests: IS: 2720 pt V 1985.

a) Equipment:

i) Mechanical /LL apparatus

ii) Grooving tool , Casagrande, ASTM
iii) Procelain evaporating dish, 12 to 15cm dia
iv) Spatula
v) Balance (Physical or electronic)
vi) Oven
vii) Wash Bottle
viii) Air tight container, IS Sieve 4254 of a 600 mm x 600mm glass sheet,
ix) A soil sample weighing about 120 gm
Procedure order for classification of soil

b) Procedure:

i) Liquid limit:
 Air dry the soil sample remove the organic matter like tree roots, pieces of
bark etc.
 About 270gm of air dried pulverised soil which is already sieved through 425
micron, IS Sieve is taken .
 Water is added with air dried soil to make a paste and ensure uniform
distribution of moisture through out the soil mass. Clayey soil left to stand for
24 hours.
 A standard groove is made in the soil paste by the grooving tool suitable for
the type of soil.
 The cup is made to fall freely through a height of 1cm by turning e ram at the
rate of two revolutions per second.
 The no. of drops required to close, the grave by about 12mm in the central
portion is noted.
 Determine moisture content of representative slice of soil from the groove and
including the soil flowed.
 With increasing water content, the number of drops required to close the
groove shall not be more than 35 or less than 15.
 Determine the moisture content in each case.
 A graph is plotted on semi log paper, with no. of drops on log scale as abscissa
and moisture content on natural log scale as ordinate.
 The water content at 25 drops is read from the graph. It is the liquid limit (LL)
for the soil sample. Generally these points lie on a straight line.

ii) Plastic limit:

 After doing liquid limit test, the leftover soil paste is worked with a spatula on
glass sheet to drive away a part of moisture content to make it plastic enough
to be shaped into a ball.
 A small mass of the plastic mass is taken of rolled on a glass sheet by pressure
of the palm into a solid thread 3mm dia until it crumbles.
 These rolls are collected of put into oven for drying for moisture for each test.
The average content is reported as plastic limit.
Procedure order for classification of soil

2.2.2 Grain Size Analysis Test IS: 2720 Pt IV 1985

a) Equipment:

1. Sieve set of 20, mm 10mm, 4.75mm, 2mm, 405mm 0.212mm and

0.075mm with bottom pa
2. Physical Balance to 0.01gm
3. Wash Bottle
4. Porcelain dishes
5. Stop watch
6. Electric stirrer
7. Rubber pastle
8. Distilled water

b) Procedure:

 Air dried soil sample free from organic matter like tree roots, pieces of
bark etc and sieved through 4.75mm, IS sieve is taken.
 Sample above the size of 4.75 mm is sieved separately though 20mm,
and10mm and weights retained are recorded.
 Sample passing 4.75 mm is weighed in physical balance and washed
through 0.075 mm sieve. The left over portion is oven dried and weighed
again. The difference gives the weight of the soil below 0.075 mm size, i.e.
the content of fines.
 Method of sieve analysis (dry)

1. In this test a set of standard IS sieves having square opening will be

needed.
2. The remaining sample will be sieved through 2.0mm, 0.6mm
0.425mm, and 0.212mm, and then the bottom pan.
3. The sample may be sieved through the above sieve set either by
hand or by electrically operated sieve shaker.
4. Soil particles retained on various sieves will be weighed.
5. These results will be tabulated and cumulative percentage of
weights passed through various sieve sizes will be found out.

3.0 Plotting of data:

3.1 Plotting of sieve analysis data shall be done on a semi-log graph either manually
or on a computer.
3.2 Classification of soil will be done as per the chart given in Annexure II.
Procedure order for classification of soil

FIG 1: BG track showing nomenclature of track foundation components

NW RAILWAY
JU DIVISION
SOIL CLASSIFICATION
FL-JU SECTION

Block Blanket
SNo Chainage LL PL PI %Gravel %Sand %Fines Classification
Section thickness

FIG 3: Proforma for keeping records in a register