ABSTRACT
The engineering behavior of soil and rock is governed largely by the nature of these materials; their chemical composition, particle shape and size, weathering environment, and mode of deposition. The chapter discusses the size and nature of the solid phase serves as the basis for soil classification. In order to classify a soil, it is necessary to identify soil parameters with engineering significance. The chapter also discusses the most commonly adopted soil classification procedures are American association of state highway and transportation officials and USCS methods. Both methods are based only on particle size and soil consistency limits. The chapter examines the engineering properties of some natural problematic soils and rocks frequently appearing in geotechnical engineering literature. It explores some problematic rocks such as highly weathered rock and clay shale. Rock classification may be made on the basis of geological origin and genesis, rock mass strength, and weathering and environmental factors.
