Tensile Testing Techniques

Soil Testing – Laboratory FAQ & MCQ

FAQs (5–7)

1. What is soil testing?
   Soil testing evaluates the physical and chemical properties of soil to determine its suitability for construction, agriculture, or landscaping.
2. Why is soil testing important?
   To ensure structural safety, proper foundation design, and optimal crop growth or soil management.
3. What are common laboratory soil tests?
4. • Grain size analysis (sieve analysis)
   • Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit)
   • Moisture content determination
   • Compaction test (Proctor test)
   • Specific gravity test
5. What is the Atterberg limit test?
   Determines the plasticity and consistency of fine-grained soils by measuring liquid and plastic limits.
6. How is moisture content determined in soil?
   By oven-drying a soil sample and calculating the weight loss due to water evaporation.
7. What is the purpose of the compaction test?
   To find the optimum moisture content for achieving maximum soil density for construction purposes.
8. When should soil testing be performed?
   Before construction, agricultural planning, or any project requiring soil assessment.