ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the basic structure of soil, soil classification, and soil gradation and learn which types of soils are best as construction materials. It explains the concepts of swell and shrinkage and learns how the soil moisture content influences the amount of compactive effort that is required to achieve the desired soil density. The chapter describes the methods for stabilizing soil by adding lime, cement, or asphalt to increase its strength. Many construction projects heavily rely on soils as one of their components. Contractors can use soils in their natural state, as found onsite, or import and process them in some manner. Soil properties have a direct effect on equipment selection and productivity. The soil type, such as sand, clay, or gravel, affects equipment working conditions. A contractor is planning to haul in soil to construct a parking lot for a shopping center she is constructing.
