Soil characteristics analysis based on the unified soil classification system

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine soil classification and identify the swelling potential of soil clay in the Jababeka I (sample 1) and the Lippo Cikarang (sample 2), Indonesia. The research was carried out by the experimental method. Soil classification based on the Unified Soil Classification Systems (USCS) determined by No.200 sieve analysis and A-chart (LL vs PI chart), while based on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Soil Classification System (AASTHO), classification determined by No.200 sieve analysis, liquid limit (LL) and plasticity index (PI). The results show the soils are clay of high plasticity (CH) in determining of the USCS, whereas in AASTHO, the soils are A7-6, which means clay of high plasticity. Furthermore, the swelling potential or expansion potential of clay is determined by indirect methods namely by the results of LL, PI, SL, and percentage of the passing of sieve No.200. Moreover, consolidation test is also carried out to obtain compression coefficient (Cv) and coefficient of consolidation (Cc) to determine the mineral content. The results of this experimental research that soils contain kaolinite minerals, a very high swelling potential with the possible change in volume of 10-30 %.