Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D2488 − 17´1
Standard Practice for

Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual
Procedures)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2488; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected Fig. 2 in March 2018.
1. Scope* responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

1.1 This practice covers procedures for the description of priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
soils for engineering purposes. mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For specific precautionary statements see Section 8.
1.2 This practice also describes a procedure for identifying 1.6 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing
soils, at the option of the user, based on the classification one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
system described in Test Method D2487. The identification is education or experience and should be used in conjunction
based on visual examination and manual tests. It shall be with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may
clearly stated in reporting, the soil identification is based on be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not
visual-manual procedures. intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which
1.2.1 When precise classification of soils for engineering the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged,
purposes is required, the procedures outlined in Test Method nor should this document be applied without consideration of
D2487 shall be used. a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
1.2.2 In this practice, the identification procedures assigning title of this document means only that the document has been
a group symbol and name are limited to soil particles smaller approved through the ASTM consensus process.
than 3 in. (75 mm).
1.2.3 The identification portion of this practice is limited to 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
naturally occurring soils. Specimens used for identification dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
may be either intact or disturbed. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
NOTE 1—This practice may be used as a descriptive system applied to mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
such materials as shale, claystone, shells, crushed rock, etc. (see Appendix Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
X2).
1.3 The descriptive information in this practice may be used 2. Referenced Documents
with other soil classification systems or for materials other than
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
naturally occurring soils.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be Fluids
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are D1452 Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger
rationalized conversions to SI units that are provided for Borings
information only and are not considered standard. The sieve D1586 Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and
designations are identified using the “alternative” system in Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
accordance with Practice E11. D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of
Rock for Site Exploration
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.07 on Identification and
2
Classification of Soils. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 15, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D2488 – 09a. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D2488-17E01. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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D2488 − 17´1
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering 3.1.9.3 fine—passes a No. 40 (425-µm) sieve and is retained
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) on a No. 200 (75-µm) sieve.
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies 3.1.10 silt—soil passing a No. 200 (75-µm) sieve that is
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as nonplastic or very slightly plastic and that exhibits little or no
Used in Engineering Design and Construction strength when air dry. For classification, a silt is a fine-grained
D4083 Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual- soil, or the fine-grained portion of a soil, with a plasticity index
Manual Procedure) less than 4, or the plot of plasticity index versus liquid limit
D4427 Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing falls below the “A” line (see Fig. 4 of Test Method D2487).
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
3.1.11 fine-grained soils—soils that are made up of 50 % or
Sieves
more particles that will pass a No. 200 (75 µm) sieve.
3. Terminology 3.1.12 coarse-grained soils—soils that are made up of more
3.1 Definitions: than 50 % particles that will be retained on a No. 200 (75 µm)
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms in this sieve.
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
4. Summary of Practice
3.1.2 cobbles—particles of rock that will pass a 12-in.
(300-mm) square opening and be retained on a 3-in. (75-mm) 4.1 Using visual examination and simple manual tests, this
sieve. practice gives standardized criteria and procedures for describ-
3.1.3 boulders—particles of rock that will not pass a 12-in. ing and identifying soils.
(300-mm) square opening. 4.2 The soil can be given an identification by assigning a
3.1.4 clay—soil passing a No. 200 (75-µm) sieve that can be group symbol(s) and name. The flow charts, Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b
made to exhibit plasticity (putty-like properties) within a range for fine-grained soils, and Fig. 2, for coarse-grained soils, can
of water contents, and that exhibits considerable strength when be used to assign the appropriate group symbol(s) and name. If
air-dried. For classification, a clay is a fine-grained soil, or the the soil has properties which do not distinctly place it into a
fine-grained portion of a soil, with a plasticity index equal to or specific group, borderline symbols may be used, see Appendix
greater than 4, and the plot of plasticity index versus liquid X3.
limit falls on or above the “A” line (see Fig. 4 of Test Method 5. Significance and Use
D2487).
5.1 The descriptive information required in this practice can
3.1.5 gravel—particles of rock that will pass a 3-in. (75-
be used to describe a soil to aid in the evaluation of its
mm) sieve and be retained on a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve with the
significant properties for engineering use.
following subdivisions:
3.1.5.1 coarse—passes a 3-in. (75-mm) sieve and is retained 5.2 The descriptive information required in this practice
on a 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve. should be used to supplement the classification of a soil as
determined by Test Method D2487.
3.1.5.2 fine—passes a 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve and is retained
on a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. 5.3 This practice may be used in identifying soils using the
classification group symbols and names as prescribed in Test
3.1.6 organic clay—a clay with sufficient organic content to Method D2487. Since the names and symbols used in this
influence the soil properties. For classification, an organic clay practice to identify the soils are the same as those used in Test
is a soil that would be classified as a clay, except that its liquid Method D2487, it shall be clearly stated in reports and all other
limit value after oven drying is less than 75 % of its liquid limit appropriate documents, that the classification symbol and name
value before oven drying. are based on visual-manual procedures.
3.1.7 organic silt—a silt with sufficient organic content to
5.4 This practice is to be used for identification of soils in
influence the soil properties. For classification, an organic silt
the field, laboratory, or any other location where soil samples
is a soil that would be classified as a silt except that its liquid
are inspected and described.
limit value after oven drying is less than 75 % of its liquid limit
value before oven drying. 5.5 This practice may be used to group similar soil samples
3.1.8 peat—a soil composed primarily of vegetable tissue in to reduce the number of laboratory tests necessary for positive
various stages of decomposition usually with an organic odor, soil classification.
a dark brown to black color, a spongy consistency, and a NOTE 2—The ability to describe and identify soils correctly is learned
texture ranging from fibrous to amorphous. more readily under the guidance of experienced personnel, but it may also
be acquired systematically by comparing numerical laboratory test results
3.1.9 sand—particles of rock that will pass a No. 4 (4.75- for typical soils of each type with their visual and manual characteristics.
mm) sieve and be retained on a No. 200 (75-µm) sieve with the
5.6 Soil samples from a given boring, test pit or location
following subdivisions:
which appear to have similar characteristics are not required to
3.1.9.1 coarse—passes a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and is follow all of the procedures in this practice, providing at least
retained on a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve. one sample is completely described and identified. These
3.1.9.2 medium—passes a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve and is samples may follow only the necessary procedures to deter-
retained on a No. 40 (425-µm) sieve. mine they are “similar” and shall be labeled as such.
2
D2488 − 17´1
NOTE—Percentages are based on estimating amounts of fines, sand, and gravel to the closest 5 %.
FIG. 1a Flow Chart for Identifying Inorganic Fine-Grained Soil (50 % or more fines)
FIG. 1 b Flow Chart for Identifying Organic Fine-Grained Soil (50 % or more fines)
5.7 This practice may be used in combination with Practice 6.3 Jar with Lid (optional)
D4083 when working with frozen soils. 6.4 Hand Lens (optional)
NOTE 3—The quality of the result produced by this standard is 6.5 Shallow Pan (optional)
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent 7. Reagents
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
7.1 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 to water shall be understood to mean water from a city water
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. supply or natural source, including non-potable water.
6. Apparatus 7.2 Hydrochloric Acid—A small bottle of dilute hydrochlo-
ric acid (HCl) one part HCl (10 N) to three parts distilled water
6.1 Small Knife or Spatula (This reagent is optional for use with this practice). See Section
6.2 Test Tube and Stopper (optional) 8.
3
D2488 − 17´1
NOTE—It is suggested that a distinction be made between dual symbols and borderline symbols.
Dual Symbol—A dual symbol is two symbols separated by a hyphen, for example, GP-GM, SW-SC, CL-ML used to indicate that the soil has been identified as having
the properties of a classification in accordance with Test Method D2487 where two symbols are required. Two symbols are required when the soil has between 5 and 12 %
fines or when the liquid limit and plasticity index values plot in the CL-ML area of the plasticity chart.
Borderline Symbol—A borderline symbol is two symbols separated by a slash, for example, CL/CH, GM/SM, CL/ML. A borderline symbol should be used to indicate that
the soil has been identified as having properties that do not distinctly place the soil into a specific group (see Appendix X3).
FIG. 2 Flow Chart for Identifying Coarse-Grained Soils (less than 50 % fines)
8. Safety Precautions geologic stratum, a pedologic horizon or a location description with

respect to a permanent monument, a grid system or a station number and
8.1 When preparing the dilute HCl solution of one part offset with respect to a stated centerline and a depth or elevation.
concentrated hydrochloric acid (10 N) to three parts of distilled
9.3 For accurate description and identification, the mini-
water, slowly add acid into water following necessary safety
mum amount of the specimen to be examined shall be in
precautions. Handle with caution, utilize personal protective
accordance with Table 1.
equipment and store safely. If solution comes into contact with
the skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. NOTE 6—If random isolated particles are encountered that are signifi-
cantly larger than the particles in the soil matrix, the soil matrix can be
8.2 Caution—Acid shall be added to the water. Do not add accurately described and identified in accordance with the preceding table.
water to the acid as this may cause an adverse reaction.
9.4 If the sample or specimen being examined is smaller
9. Sampling than the minimum recommended specimen size, the report
shall include a remark stating as such.
9.1 The sample shall be considered to be representative of
the stratum from which it was obtained by an appropriate,
accepted, or standard procedure. TABLE 1 Minimum Specimen Dry Mass Requirements
NOTE 4—Preferably, the sampling procedure should be identified as Maximum Particle Minimum Specimen
having been conducted in accordance with Practices D1452, D1587, or Size, Sieve Opening Size, by Dry Mass
D2113, or Test Method D1586. No. 4 (4.75 mm) 0.25 lb (110 g)
3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) 0.5 lb (220 g)
9.2 The sample shall be carefully identified as to origin. 3⁄4 in. (19.0 mm) 2.2 lb (1.0 kg)
11⁄2 in. (38.1 mm) 18 lb (8.0 kg)
NOTE 5—Remarks as to the origin may take the form of a boring 3 in. (75.0 mm) 132 lb (60.0 kg)
number and sample number in conjunction with a project number, a
4
D2488 − 17´1
10. Descriptive Information for Soils 10.8 Cementation—Describe the cementation of intact
10.1 Angularity—Describe the angularity of the sand coarse-grained soils as weak, moderate, or strong, in accor-
(coarse sizes only), gravel, cobbles, and boulders, as angular, dance with the criteria in Table 7.
subangular, subrounded, or rounded in accordance with the 10.9 Structure—Describe the structure of intact soils in
criteria in Table 2 and Fig. 3. A range of angularity may be accordance with the criteria in Table 8.
stated, such as: subrounded to rounded.
10.10 Range of Particle Sizes—For gravel and sand
10.2 Shape—Describe the shape of the gravel, cobbles, and components, describe the range of particle sizes within each
boulders as flat, elongated, or flat and elongated if they meet component as defined in 3.1.5 and 3.1.9. For example, about
the criteria in Table 3 and Fig. 4. Otherwise, do not mention the 20 % fine to coarse gravel, about 40 % fine to coarse sand.
shape. Indicate the fraction of the particles that have the shape,
such as: one-third of the gravel particles are flat. 10.11 Maximum Particle Size—Describe the maximum par-
ticle size found in the sample in accordance with the following
10.3 Color—Describe the color. Color is an important information:
property in identifying organic soils, and within a given 10.11.1 Sand Size—If the maximum particle size is a sand
locality it may also be useful in identifying materials of similar size, describe as fine, medium, or coarse as defined in 3.1.9.
geologic origin. If the sample contains layers or patches of For example: maximum particle size, medium sand.
varying colors, this shall be noted and all representative colors
10.11.2 Gravel Size—If the maximum particle size is a
shall be described. The color shall be described for moist
gravel size, describe the maximum particle size as the smallest
samples. If the color represents a dry condition, this shall be
sieve opening that the particle will pass. For example, maxi-
stated in the report.
mum particle size, 11⁄2 in. will pass a 11⁄2-in. (square opening)
10.4 Odor—Describe the odor if organic or unusual. but not a 3⁄4-in. (square opening).
10.4.1 Soils containing a significant amount of organic 10.11.3 Cobble or Boulder Size—If the maximum particle
material usually have a distinctive odor of decaying vegetation. size is a cobble or boulder size, describe the maximum
This is especially apparent in fresh samples. dimension of the largest particle. For example: maximum
10.4.2 If the samples are dried, the odor may often be dimension, 18 in. (450 mm).
revived by moistening the sample and slightly heating it.
10.4.3 Odors from petroleum products, chemicals or other 10.12 Hardness—Describe the hardness of coarse sand and
substances shall be described. larger particles as hard, or state what happens when the
10.4.4 Some fumes emitting from soil samples, especially particles are hit by a hammer, for example, gravel-size particles
of a chemical nature, may pose a health risk. Proper safety fracture with considerable hammer blow, some gravel-size
protocols which may include the use of personal protective particles crumble with hammer blow. “Hard” means particles
equipment must be followed in these instances. It is the do not crack, fracture, or crumble under a hammer blow.
responsibility of the user to determine the extent of the health 10.13 Additional comments shall be noted, such as the
risk and the correct protocols to follow. presence of roots or root holes, difficulty in drilling or augering
10.5 Moisture Condition—Describe the moisture condition the hole, caving of the trench or hole, or the presence of mica.
as dry, moist, or wet, in accordance with the criteria in Table 4. 10.14 A local or commercial name or a geologic interpre-
10.6 HCl Reaction—Describe the reaction with HCl as tation of the soil, or both, may be added if identified as such.
none, weak, or strong, in accordance with the criteria in Table 10.15 A classification or identification of the soil in accor-
5. Since calcium carbonate is a common cementing agent, a dance with other classification systems may be added if
comment of its presence on the basis of the reaction with dilute identified as such.
hydrochloric acid is important.
10.7 Consistency—For intact fine-grained soil, describe the 11. Identification of Peat
consistency as very soft, soft, firm, hard, or very hard, in
11.1 A sample composed primarily of vegetative tissue in
accordance with the criteria in Table 6. This observation is
various stages of decomposition that has a fibrous to amor-
inappropriate for soils with significant amounts of gravel.
phous texture, usually a dark brown to black color, and an
organic odor, shall be designated as highly organic and shall be
identified as peat, PT. Peat samples shall not be subjected to the
identification procedures described hereafter. Refer to D4427
TABLE 2 Criteria for Describing Angularity of Coarse-Grained
for procedures on classifying peat.
Particles (see Fig. 3)
Description Criteria
Angular Particles have sharp edges and relatively plane sides with 12. Preparation for Identification
unpolished surfaces
Subangular Particles are similar to angular description but have rounded 12.1 The soil identification portion of this practice is based
edges on the portion of the soil sample that will pass a 3-in. (75-mm)
Subrounded Particles have nearly plane sides but have well-rounded sieve. The larger than 3-in. (75-mm) particles must be
corners and edges
Rounded Particles have smoothly curved sides and no edges removed, manually for a loose sample, or ignored for an intact
sample before classifying the soil.
5
D2488 − 17´1
FIG. 3 Typical Angularity of Bulky Grains
TABLE 3 Criteria for Describing Particle Shape (see Fig. 4) that the report state that the percentages of cobbles and boulders are by
The particle shape shall be described as follows where length, width, and volume.
thickness refer to the greatest, intermediate, and least dimensions of a particle,
respectively.
12.3 Of the fraction of the soil smaller than 3 in. (75 mm),
estimate and note the percentage, by dry mass, of the gravel,
Flat Particles with width/thickness > 3 sand, and fines (see Appendix X4 for suggested procedures).
Elongated Particles with length/width > 3
Flat and Particles meet criteria for both flat and elongated NOTE 8—Since the particle-size components appear visually on the
elongated basis of volume, considerable experience is required to estimate the
percentages on the basis of dry mass. Frequent comparisons with
laboratory particle-size analyses should be made.
12.2 Estimate and note the percentage of cobbles and the 12.3.1 The percentages shall be estimated to the closest 5 %.
percentage of boulders. Visual estimates will be based on the The percentages of gravel, sand, and fines must add up to
percentage by volume. 100 %.
NOTE 7—Since the percentages of the particle-size distribution in Test 12.3.2 If one of the components is present but not in
Method D2487 are by dry mass, and the estimates of percentages for sufficient quantity to be considered 5 % of the smaller than
gravel, sand, and fines in this practice are by dry mass, it is recommended 3-in. (75-mm) portion, indicate its presence by the term trace,
6
D2488 − 17´1
TABLE 7 Criteria for Describing Cementation
Weak Crumbles or breaks with handling or little finger pressure
Moderate Crumbles or breaks with considerable finger pressure
Strong Will not crumble or break with finger pressure
TABLE 8 Criteria for Describing Structure

Stratified Alternating layers of varying material or color with layers at
least 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) thick; note thickness
Laminated Alternating layers of varying material or color with the layers
less than 6 mm thick; note thickness
Fissured Breaks along definite planes of fracture with little resistance to
fracturing
Slickensided Fracture planes appear polished or glossy, sometimes striated
Blocky Cohesive soil that can be broken down into small angular
lumps which resist further breakdown
Lensed Inclusion of small pockets of different soils, such as small
lenses of sand scattered through a mass of clay; note
thickness
Homogeneous Same color and appearance throughout
13. Preliminary Identification

13.1 The soil is fine grained if it contains 50 % or more
fines. Follow the procedures for identifying fine-grained soils
in Section 14.
13.2 The soil is coarse grained if it contains more than 50 %
coarse-grained soils. Follow the procedures for identifying
coarse-grained soils in Section 15.
14. Procedure for Identifying Fine-Grained Soils

14.1 Select a representative sample of the material for
examination. Remove particles larger than the No. 40 (425 µm)
FIG. 4 Criteria for Particle Shape sieve (medium sand and larger) until a specimen equivalent to
about a handful of material is available. Use this specimen for
TABLE 4 Criteria for Describing Moisture Condition performing the dry strength, dilatancy, and toughness tests.
Description Criteria 14.2 Dry Strength:
Dry Absence of moisture, dusty, dry to the touch 14.2.1 From the specimen, select enough material to mold
Moist Damp but no visible water
Wet Visible free water, usually soil is below water table into a ball about 1 in. (25 mm) in diameter. Mold the material
until it has the consistency of putty, adding water if necessary.
14.2.2 From the molded material, make at least three test
TABLE 5 Criteria for Describing the Reaction with HCl specimens. A test specimen shall be a ball of material about 1⁄2
Description Criteria in. (12 mm) in diameter. Allow the test specimens to air dry or
None No visible reaction dry by artificial means, with a temperature not to exceed 140°F
Weak Some reaction, with bubbles forming slowly
Strong Violent reaction, with bubbles forming immediately
(60°C).
14.2.3 If the test specimen contains natural dry lumps, those
that are about 1⁄2 in. (12 mm) in diameter may be used in place
TABLE 6 Criteria for Describing Consistency of the molded balls.
Description Criteria NOTE 9—The process of molding and drying usually produces higher
Very soft Thumb will penetrate soil more than 1 in. (25 mm) strengths than those determined using natural dry lumps of soil.
Soft Thumb will penetrate soil about 1 in. (25 mm)
Firm Thumb will indent soil about 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) 14.2.4 Test the strength of the dry balls or lumps by
Hard Thumb will not indent soil but readily indented with thumbnail crushing between the fingers. Note the strength as none, low,
Very hard Thumbnail will not indent soil
medium, high, or very high in accordance with the criteria in
Table 9. If natural dry lumps are used, do not use the results of
any of the lumps that are found to contain particles of coarse
sand.
for example, trace of fines. A component quantity described as 14.2.5 The presence of high-strength water-soluble cement-
trace shall not be included in the total of 100 % for the ing materials, such as calcium carbonate, may cause excep-
components. tionally high dry strengths. The presence of calcium carbonate
7
D2488 − 17´1
TABLE 9 Criteria for Describing Dry Strength TABLE 11 Criteria for Describing Toughness
Description Criteria Description Criteria
None The dry specimen crumbles into powder with mere pressure Low Only slight pressure is required to roll the thread near the
of handling plastic limit. The thread and the lump are weak and soft
Low The dry specimen crumbles into powder with some finger Medium Medium pressure is required to roll the thread to near the
pressure plastic limit. The thread and the lump have medium stiffness
Medium The dry specimen breaks into pieces or crumbles with High Considerable pressure is required to roll the thread to near
considerable finger pressure the plastic limit. The thread and the lump have very high
High The dry specimen cannot be broken with finger pressure. stiffness
Specimen will break into pieces between thumb and a hard
surface
Very high The dry specimen cannot be broken between the thumb and
a hard surface
14.5 Plasticity—On the basis of observations made during

can usually be detected from the intensity of the reaction with the toughness test, describe the plasticity of the material in
dilute hydrochloric acid (see 10.6). accordance with the criteria given in Table 12.
14.3 Dilatancy: 14.6 Decide if the soil is an inorganic or an organic
14.3.1 From the specimen, select enough material to mold
fine-grained soil (see 14.8). If inorganic, follow the steps given
into a ball about 1⁄2 in. (12 mm) in diameter. Mold the material,
in 14.7.
adding water if necessary, until it has a soft, but not sticky,
consistency. 14.7 Identification of Inorganic Fine-Grained Soils:
14.3.2 Smooth the soil ball in the palm of one hand with the 14.7.1 Identify the soil as a lean clay, CL, if the soil has
blade of a knife or small spatula. Shake horizontally, striking medium to high dry strength, no or slow dilatancy, and medium
the side of the hand vigorously against the other hand several toughness and plasticity (see Table 13).
times. Note the reaction of water appearing on the surface of
the soil. Squeeze the sample by closing the hand or pinching 14.7.2 Identify the soil as a fat clay, CH, if the soil has high
the soil between the fingers, and note the reaction as none, to very high dry strength, no dilatancy, and high toughness and
slow, or rapid in accordance with the criteria in Table 10. The plasticity (see Table 13).
reaction is the speed with which water appears while shaking, 14.7.3 Identify the soil as a silt, ML, if the soil has no to low
and disappears while squeezing. dry strength, slow to rapid dilatancy, and low toughness and
14.4 Toughness: plasticity, or is nonplastic (see Table 13).
14.4.1 Following the completion of the dilatancy test, the 14.7.4 Identify the soil as an elastic silt, MH, if the soil has
test specimen is shaped into an elongated pat and rolled by low to medium dry strength, no to slow dilatancy, and low to
hand on a smooth surface or between the palms into a thread medium toughness and plasticity (see Table 13).
about 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) in diameter. (If the sample is too wet to roll
NOTE 10—These properties are similar to those for a lean clay.
easily, it should be spread into a thin layer and allowed to lose
However, the silt will dry quickly on the hand and have a smooth, silky
some water by evaporation.) Fold the sample threads and reroll feel when dry. Some soils that would classify as MH in accordance with
repeatedly until the thread crumbles at a diameter of about 1⁄8 the criteria in Test Method D2487 are visually difficult to distinguish from
in. (3 mm). The thread will crumble at a diameter of 1⁄8 in. (3 lean clays, CL. It may be necessary to perform laboratory testing for
mm) when the soil is near the plastic limit. Note the pressure proper identification.
required to roll the thread near the plastic limit. Also, note the
strength of the thread. After the thread crumbles, the pieces
should be lumped together and kneaded until the lump
crumbles. Note the toughness of the material during kneading.
14.4.2 Describe the toughness of the thread and lump as TABLE 12 Criteria for Describing Plasticity
low, medium, or high in accordance with the criteria in Table
11. Nonplastic A 1⁄8-in. (3-mm) thread cannot be rolled at any water content
Low The thread can barely be rolled and the lump cannot be
formed when drier than the plastic limit
TABLE 10 Criteria for Describing Dilatancy
Medium The thread is easy to roll and not much time is required to
Description Criteria reach the plastic limit. The thread cannot be rerolled after
None No visible change in the specimen reaching the plastic limit. The lump crumbles when drier than
Slow Water appears slowly on the surface of the specimen during the plastic limit
shaking and does not disappear or disappears slowly upon High It takes considerable time rolling and kneading to reach the
squeezing plastic limit. The thread can be rerolled several times after
Rapid Water appears quickly on the surface of the specimen during reaching the plastic limit. The lump can be formed without
shaking and disappears quickly upon squeezing crumbling when drier than the plastic limit
8
D2488 − 17´1
TABLE 13 Identification of Inorganic Fine-Grained Soils from 15.4 The soil is either a gravel with fines or a sand with fines
Manual Tests if the percentage of fines is estimated to be 15 % or more.
Soil Dry Strength Dilatancy Toughness 15.4.1 Identify the soil as a clayey gravel, GC, or a clayey
Symbol and Plasticity
ML None to low Slow to Low or thread cannot be formed
sand, SC, if the fines are clayey as determined by the
rapid procedures in Section 14.
CL Medium to None to Medium 15.4.2 Identify the soil as a silty gravel, GM, or a silty sand,
high slow
MH Low to None to Low to medium SM, if the fines are silty as determined by the procedures in
medium slow Section 14.
CH High to very None High
high 15.5 If the soil is estimated to contain 10 % fines, give the
soil a dual identification using two group symbols.
15.5.1 The first group symbol shall correspond to a clean
gravel or sand (GW, GP, SW, SP) and the second symbol shall
14.8 Identification of Organic Fine-Grained Soils: correspond to a gravel or sand with fines (GC, GM, SC, SM).
14.8.1 Identify the soil as an organic soil, OL/OH, if the soil 15.5.2 The group name shall correspond to the first group
contains enough organic particles to influence the soil proper- symbol plus the words “with clay” or “with silt” to indicate the
ties. Organic soils usually have a dark brown to black color and plasticity characteristics of the fines. For example: “well-
may have an organic odor. Often, organic soils will change graded gravel with clay, GW-GC” or “poorly graded sand with
color, for example, black to brown, when exposed to the air. silt, SP-SM” (see Fig. 2).
Some organic soils will lighten in color significantly when air 15.6 If the specimen is predominantly sand or gravel but
dried. Organic soils normally will not have a high toughness or contains an estimated 15 % or more of the other coarse-grained
plasticity. The thread for the toughness test will be spongy. constituent, the words “with gravel” or “with sand” shall be
NOTE 11—In some cases, through practice and experience, it may be added to the group name. For example: “poorly graded gravel
possible to further identify the organic soils as organic silts or organic with sand, GP” or “clayey sand with gravel, SC” (see Fig. 2).
clays, OL or OH. Correlations between the dilatancy, dry strength,
15.7 If the field sample contains any cobbles or boulders, or
toughness tests, and laboratory tests can be made to identify organic soils
in certain deposits of similar materials of known geologic origin. both, the words “with cobbles” or “with cobbles and boulders”
shall be added to the group name. For example: “silty gravel
14.9 If the soil is estimated to have 15 to 25 % sand or
with cobbles, GM.”
gravel, or both, the terms “with sand” or “with gravel”
(whichever is more predominant) shall be added to the group 16. Report: Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
name. For example: “lean clay with sand, CL” or “silt with 16.1 Record as a minimum the following information
gravel, ML” (see Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b). If the percentage of sand (data):
is equal to the percentage of gravel, use “with sand.” 16.1.1 Project specific information such as Project number,
14.10 If the soil is estimated to have 30 % or more sand or Project name, Project location if this information is available.
gravel, or both, the words “sandy” or “gravelly” shall be added 16.1.2 The person performing the soil identification.
to the group name. Add the word “sandy” if there appears to be 16.1.3 Sample specific information including boring
more sand than gravel. Add the word “gravelly” if there number, sample number, depth, sample location, such as test
appears to be more gravel than sand. For example: “sandy lean pit or station number etc. if this information is available.
clay, CL”, “gravelly fat clay, CH”, or “sandy silt, ML” (see Fig. 16.1.4 The specimen characteristics which should be in the
1a and Fig. 1b). If the percentage of sand is equal to the percent soil description are listed in Table 14. At a minimum the group
of gravel, use “sandy.” name, group symbol and color shall be recorded.
NOTE 12—Example: Clayey Gravel with Sand and Cobbles, GC—
15. Procedure for Identifying Coarse-Grained Soils About 50 % fine to coarse, subrounded to subangular gravel; about 30 %
(Contains more than 50 % coarse-grained soil) fine to coarse, subrounded sand; about 20 % fines with medium plasticity,
15.1 The soil is a gravel if the percentage of gravel is high dry strength, no dilatancy, medium toughness; weak reaction with
HCl; original field sample had about 5 % (by volume) subrounded
estimated to be more than the percentage of sand. cobbles, maximum dimension, 150 mm.
15.2 The soil is a sand if the percentage of gravel is In-Place Conditions—Firm, homogeneous, dry, brown
estimated to be equal to or less than the percentage of sand. Geologic Interpretation—Alluvial fan
NOTE 13—Other examples of soil descriptions and identification are
15.3 The soil is a clean gravel or clean sand if the given in Appendix X1 and Appendix X2.
percentage of fines is estimated to be 5 % or less. NOTE 14—If desired, the percentages of gravel, sand, and fines may be
stated in terms indicating a range of percentages, as follows:
15.3.1 Identify the soil as a well-graded gravel, GW, or as a
Trace—Particles are present but estimated to be less than 5 %
well-graded sand, SW, if it has a wide range of particle sizes Few—5 to 10 %
and substantial amounts of the intermediate particle sizes. Little—15 to 25 %
15.3.2 Identify the soil as a poorly graded gravel, GP, or as Some—30 to 45 %
a poorly graded sand, SP, if it consists predominantly of one Mostly—50 to 100 %
size (uniformly graded), or it has a wide range of sizes with 16.2 If, in the soil description, the soil is identified using a
some intermediate sizes obviously missing (gap or skip classification group symbol and name as described in Test
graded). Method D2487, it must be distinctly and clearly stated in any
9
D2488 − 17´1
TABLE 14 Checklist for Description of Soils log forms, summary tables, reports, and the like, that the
1. Group name symbol and name are based on visual-manual procedures.
2. Group symbol
3. Percent of cobbles or boulders, or both (by volume)
4. Percent of gravel, sand, and fines, or all three (by dry weight) 17. Precision and Bias
5. Particle-size range:
Gravel—fine, coarse 17.1 This practice provides qualitative information only,
Sand—fine, medium, coarse therefore, a precision and bias statement is not applicable.
6. Particle angularity: angular, subangular, subrounded, rounded
7. Particle shape: (if applicable) flat, elongated, flat and elongated
8. Maximum particle size or dimension 18. Keywords
9. Hardness of coarse sand and larger particles
10. Plasticity of fines: nonplastic, low, medium, high 18.1 classification; clay; gravel; organic soils; sand; silt; soil
11. Dry strength: none, low, medium, high, very high classification; soil description; visual classification
12. Dilatancy: none, slow, rapid
13. Toughness: low, medium, high
14. Color (in moist condition)
15. Odor (mention only if organic or unusual)
16. Moisture: dry, moist, wet
17. Reaction with HCl: none, weak, strong
For intact samples:
18. Consistency (fine-grained soils only): very soft, soft, firm, hard, very hard
19. Structure: stratified, laminated, fissured, slickensided, lensed, homo-
geneous
20. Cementation: weak, moderate, strong
21. Local name
22. Geologic interpretation
23. Additional comments: presence of roots or root holes, presence of mica,
gypsum, etc., surface coatings on coarse-grained particles, caving or
sloughing of auger hole or trench sides, difficulty in augering or excavating,
etc.
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. EXAMPLES OF VISUAL SOIL DESCRIPTIONS
X1.1 The following examples show how the information X1.1.3 Organic Soil (OL/OH)—About 100 % fines with low
required in 16.1 can be reported. The information that is plasticity, slow dilatancy, low dry strength, and low toughness;
included in descriptions should be based on individual circum- wet, dark brown, organic odor; weak reaction with HCl.
stances and need.
X1.1.4 Silty Sand with Organic Fines (SM)—About 75 %
X1.1.1 Well-Graded Gravel with Sand (GW)—About 75 % fine to coarse, hard, subangular reddish sand; about 25 %
fine to coarse, hard, subangular gravel; about 25 % fine to
organic and silty dark brown nonplastic fines with no dry
coarse, hard, subangular sand; trace of fines; maximum size, 75
strength and slow dilatancy; wet; maximum size, coarse sand;
mm, brown, dry; no reaction with HCl.
weak reaction with HCl.
X1.1.2 Silty Sand with Gravel (SM)—About 60 % predomi-
nantly fine sand; about 25 % silty fines with low plasticity, low X1.1.5 Poorly Graded Gravel with Silt, Sand, Cobbles and
dry strength, rapid dilatancy, and low toughness; about 15 % Boulders (GP-GM)—About 75 % fine to coarse, hard, sub-
fine, hard, subrounded gravel, a few gravel-size particles rounded to subangular gravel; about 15 % fine, hard, sub-
fractured with hammer blow; maximum size, 1 in. (25 mm); no rounded to subangular sand; about 10 % silty nonplastic fines;
reaction with HCl (Note—Field sample size smaller than moist, brown; no reaction with HCl; original field sample had
recommended). about 5 % (by volume) hard, subrounded cobbles and a trace of
In-Place Conditions—Firm, stratified and contains lenses of hard, subrounded boulders, with a maximum dimension of 18
silt 1 to 2 in. (25 to 50 mm) thick, moist, brown to gray; in. (450 mm).
in-place density 106 lb/ft3; in-place moisture 9 %.
10
D2488 − 17´1
X2. USING THE IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE AS A DESCRIPTIVE SYSTEM FOR SHALE, CLAYSTONE,
SHELLS, SLAG, CRUSHED ROCK, AND THE LIKE
X2.1 The identification procedure may be used as a descrip- X2.4.1 Shale Chunks—Retrieved as 2 to 4-in. (50 to 100-
tive system applied to materials that exist in-situ as shale, mm) pieces of shale from power auger hole, dry, brown, no
claystone, sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, etc., but convert to reaction with HCl. After slaking in water for 24 h, material
soils after field or laboratory processing (crushing, slaking, and identified as “Sandy Lean Clay (CL)”; about 60 % fines with
the like). medium plasticity, high dry strength, no dilatancy, and medium
toughness; about 35 % fine to medium, hard sand; about 5 %
X2.2 Materials such as shells, crushed rock, slag, and the gravel-size pieces of shale.
like, should be identified as such. However, the procedures
used in this practice for describing the particle size and X2.4.2 Crushed Sandstone—Product of commercial crush-
plasticity characteristics may be used in the description of the ing operation; “Poorly Graded Sand with Silt (SP-SM)”; about
material. If desired, an identification using a group name and 90 % fine to medium sand; about 10 % nonplastic fines; dry,
symbol according to this practice may be assigned to aid in reddish-brown.
describing the material. X2.4.3 Broken Shells—About 60 % uniformly graded
gravel-size broken shells; about 30 % sand and sand-size shell
X2.3 The group symbol(s) and group names should be pieces; about 10 % nonplastic fines; “Poorly Graded Gravel
placed in quotation marks or noted with some type of distin- with Silt and Sand (GP-GM).”
guishing symbol. See examples.
X2.4.4 Crushed Rock—Processed from gravel and cobbles
X2.4 Examples of how group names and symbols can be in Pit No. 7; “Poorly Graded Gravel (GP)”; about 90 % fine,
incorporated into a descriptive system for materials that are not hard, angular gravel-size particles; about 10 % coarse, hard,
naturally occurring soils are as follows: angular sand-size particles; dry, tan; no reaction with HCl.
X3. SUGGESTED PROCEDURE FOR USING A BORDERLINE SYMBOL FOR SOILS WITH TWO POSSIBLE IDENTIFICA-
TIONS.
X3.1 Since this practice is based on estimates of particle X3.1.5 A borderline symbol may be used when a fine-
size distribution and plasticity characteristics, it may be diffi- grained soil has properties that indicate that it is at the
cult to clearly identify the soil as belonging to one category. To boundary between a soil of low compressibility and a soil of
indicate that the soil may fall into one of two possible basic high compressibility. For example: CL/CH, MH/ML.
groups, a borderline symbol may be used with the two symbols
separated by a slash. For example: SC/CL or CL/CH. X3.2 The order of the borderline symbols should reflect
X3.1.1 A borderline symbol may be used when the percent- similarity to surrounding or adjacent soils. For example: soils
age of fines is estimated to be between 45 and 55 %. One in a borrow area have been identified as CH. One sample is
symbol should be for a coarse-grained soil with fines and the considered to have a borderline symbol of CL and CH. To
other for a fine-grained soil. For example: GM/ML or CL/SC. show similarity, the borderline symbol should be CH/CL.
X3.1.2 A borderline symbol may be used when the percent-
X3.3 The group name for a soil with a borderline symbol
age of sand and the percentage of gravel are estimated to be
should be the group name for the first symbol, except for:
about the same. For example: GP/SP, SC/GC, GM/SM. It is
practically impossible to have a soil that would have a CL/CH lean to fat clay
borderline symbol of GW/SW.
ML/CL clayey silt
X3.1.3 A borderline symbol may be used when the soil CL/ML silty clay
could be either well graded or poorly graded. For example:
GW/GP, SW/SP. X3.4 The use of a borderline symbol should not be used
X3.1.4 A borderline symbol may be used when the soil indiscriminately. Every effort shall be made to first place the
could either be a silt or a clay. For example: CL/ML, CH/MH, soil into a single group.
SC/SM.
11
D2488 − 17´1
X4. SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR ESTIMATING THE PERCENTAGES OF GRAVEL, SAND,

AND FINES IN A SOIL SAMPLE
X4.1 Jar Method—The relative percentage of coarse- and The percentages of sand and fines in the minus sieve size No.
fine-grained material may be estimated by thoroughly shaking 4 material can then be estimated from the wash test (X4.3).
a mixture of soil and water in a test tube or jar, and then
allowing the mixture to settle. The coarse particles will fall to X4.3 Wash Test (for relative percentages of sand and
the bottom and successively finer particles will be deposited fines)—Select and moisten enough minus No. 4 sieve size
with increasing time; the sand sizes will fall out of suspension material to form a 1-in (25-mm) cube of soil. Cut the cube in
in 20 to 30 s. The relative proportions can be estimated from half, set one-half to the side, and place the other half in a small
the relative volume of each size separate. This method should dish. Wash and decant the fines out of the material in the dish
be correlated to particle-size laboratory determinations. until the wash water is clear and then compare the two samples
and estimate the percentage of sand and fines. Remember that
X4.2 Visual Method—Mentally visualize the gravel size the percentage is based on weight, not volume. However, the
particles placed in a sack (or other container) or sacks. Then, volume comparison will provide a reasonable indication of
do the same with the sand size particles and the fines. Then, grain size percentages.
mentally compare the number of sacks to estimate the percent- X4.3.1 While washing, it may be necessary to break down
age of plus No. 4 sieve size and minus No. 4 sieve size present. lumps of fines with the finger to get the correct percentages.
X5. ABBREVIATED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYMBOLS
X5.1 In some cases, because of lack of space, an abbrevi- X5.4 The soil classification symbol is to be enclosed in
ated system may be useful to indicate the soil classification parenthesis. Some examples would be:
symbol and name. Examples of such cases would be graphical Group Symbol and Full Name Abbreviated
logs, databases, tables, etc.
CL, Sandy lean clay s(CL)
X5.2 This abbreviated system is not a substitute for the full SP-SM, Poorly graded sand with silt and gravel (SP-SM)g
GP, poorly graded gravel with sand, cobbles, and (GP)scb
name and descriptive information but can be used in supple- boulders
mentary presentations when the complete description is refer- ML, gravelly silt with sand and cobbles g(ML)sc
enced.
X5.3 The abbreviated system should consist of the soil
classification symbol based on this standard with appropriate
lower case letter prefixes and suffixes as:
Prefix: Suffix:
s = sandy s = with sand

g = gravelly g = with gravel
c = with cobbles
b = with boulders
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D2488 – 09a) that may impact the use of this standard. (July 15, 2017)
(1) Revised various sections to clarify wording. (4) Replaced flow charts 1a, 1b and 2 with clearer versions.
(2) Added D4427 and E11 to Section 2 - Reference Docu- (5) Corrected units in Table 1.
ments. (6) Updated photos in Figure 3.
(3) Added definitions for fine grained and coarse grained soils (7) Expanded Section 10 regarding sample order.
to Section 3. (8) Revised Section 16 - Report to conform to D18 SPM.
12
D2488 − 17´1
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

Designation: D2488 − 17´1

Standard Practice for

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected Fig. 2 in March 2018.

1. Scope* responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

8. Safety Precautions geologic stratum, a pedologic horizon or a location description with

FIG. 3 Typical Angularity of Bulky Grains

TABLE 8 Criteria for Describing Structure

13. Preliminary Identification

14. Procedure for Identifying Fine-Grained Soils

14.5 Plasticity—On the basis of observations made during

X1. EXAMPLES OF VISUAL SOIL DESCRIPTIONS

X4. SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR ESTIMATING THE PERCENTAGES OF GRAVEL, SAND,

X5. ABBREVIATED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYMBOLS

s = sandy s = with sand

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