Designation: D2487 − 11

Standard Practice for

Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified
Soil Classification System)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2487; 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 Department of Defense.

1. Scope* grande in the early 1940s.2 It became known as the Unified

1.1 This practice describes a system for classifying mineral Soil Classification System when several U.S. Government
and organo-mineral soils for engineering purposes based on Agencies adopted a modified version of the Airfield System in
laboratory determination of particle-size characteristics, liquid 1952.
limit, and plasticity index and shall be used when precise 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
classification is required. safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
NOTE 1—Use of this standard will result in a single classification group
symbol and group name except when a soil contains 5 to 12 % fines or priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
when the plot of the liquid limit and plasticity index values falls into the bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
crosshatched area of the plasticity chart. In these two cases, a dual symbol 1.7 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing
is used, for example, GP-GM, CL-ML. When the laboratory test results one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
indicate that the soil is close to another soil classification group, the education or experience and should be used in conjunction
borderline condition can be indicated with two symbols separated by a
slash. The first symbol should be the one based on this standard, for with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may
example, CL/CH, GM/SM, SC/CL. Borderline symbols are particularly be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not
useful when the liquid limit value of clayey soils is close to 50. These soils intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which
can have expansive characteristics and the use of a borderline symbol the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged,
(CL/CH, CH/CL) will alert the user of the assigned classifications of
expansive potential.
nor should this document be applied without consideration of
a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
1.2 The group symbol portion of this system is based on title of this document means only that the document has been
laboratory tests performed on the portion of a soil sample approved through the ASTM consensus process.
passing the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve (see Specification E11).
2. Referenced Documents
1.3 As a classification system, this standard is limited to
naturally occurring soils. 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
NOTE 2—The group names and symbols used in this test method may
be used as a descriptive system applied to such materials as shale,
Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
claystone, shells, crushed rock, etc. See Appendix X2. C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates
1.4 This standard is for qualitative application only.
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing
NOTE 3—When quantitative information is required for detailed designs Size
of important structures, this test method must be supplemented by D420 Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering Design
laboratory tests or other quantitative data to determine performance
characteristics under expected field conditions.
and Construction Purposes (Withdrawn 2011)4
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
1.5 This standard is the ASTM version of the Unified Soil D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Classification System. The basis for the classification scheme Fluids
is the Airfield Classification System developed by A. Casa-
2
Casagrande, A., “Classification and Identification of Soils,” Transactions,
ASCE, 1948 , p. 901.
1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.07 on Identification and contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Classification of Soils. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2011. Published June 2011. Originally the ASTM website.
4
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D2487 – 10. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/D2487-11. www.astm.org.

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

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 D2487 − 11
D1140 Test Methods for Amount of Material in Soils Finer 3.1.7 sand—particles of rock that will pass a No. 4 (4.75-
than No. 200 (75-µm) Sieve mm) sieve and be retained on a No. 200 (75-µm) U.S. standard
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water sieve with the following subdivisions:
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass Coarse—passes No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and retained on No.
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils 10 (2.00-mm) sieve,
(Visual-Manual Procedure) Medium—passes No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve and retained on
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies No. 40 (425-µm) sieve, and
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Fine—passes No. 40 (425-µm) sieve and retained on No.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction 200 (75-µm) sieve.
D4083 Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual- 3.1.8 silt—soil passing a No. 200 (75-µm) U.S. standard
Manual Procedure) sieve that is nonplastic or very slightly plastic and that exhibits
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and little or no strength when air dry. For classification, a silt is a
Plasticity Index of Soils fine-grained soil, or the fine-grained portion of a soil, with a
D4427 Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing plasticity index less than 4 or if the plot of plasticity index
D6913 Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada- versus liquid limit falls below the “A” line.
tion) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves 3.2.1 coeffıcient of curvature, Cc—the ratio (D30 ) 2 /
(D10 × D60), where D60, D30, and D10 are the particle sizes
3. Terminology corresponding to 60, 30, and 10 % finer on the cumulative
particle-size distribution curve, respectively.
3.1 Definitions:
3.2.2 coeffıcient of uniformity, Cu—the ratio D60/D10, where
3.1.1 Except as listed below, all definitions are in accor- D60 and D10 are the particle diameters corresponding to 60 and
dance with Terminology D653. 10 % finer on the cumulative particle-size distribution curve,
NOTE 4—For particles retained on a 3-in. (75-mm) U.S. standard sieve, respectively.
the following definitions are suggested:
Cobbles—particles of rock that will pass a 12-in. (300-mm) square 4. Summary
opening and be retained on a 3-in. (75-mm) U.S. standard sieve, and
Boulders—particles of rock that will not pass a 12-in. (300-mm) square 4.1 As illustrated in Table 1, this classification system
opening. identifies three major soil divisions: coarse-grained soils,
3.1.2 clay—soil passing a No. 200 (75-µm) U.S. standard fine-grained soils, and highly organic soils. These three divi-
sieve that can be made to exhibit plasticity (putty-like proper- sions are further subdivided into a total of 15 basic soil groups.
ties) within a range of water contents and that exhibits 4.2 Based on the results of visual observations and pre-
considerable strength when air dry. For classification, a clay is scribed laboratory tests, a soil is catalogued according to the
a fine-grained soil, or the fine-grained portion of a soil, with a basic soil groups, assigned a group symbol(s) and name, and
plasticity index equal to or greater than 4, and the plot of thereby classified. The flow charts, Fig. 1 for fine-grained soils,
plasticity index versus liquid limit falls on or above the “A” and Fig. 3 for coarse-grained soils, can be used to assign the
line. appropriate group symbol(s) and name.
3.1.3 gravel—particles of rock that will pass a 3-in. (75-
mm) sieve and be retained on a No. 4 (4.75-mm) U.S. standard 5. Significance and Use
sieve with the following subdivisions:
Coarse—passes 3-in. (75-mm) sieve and retained on 3⁄4-in. 5.1 This standard classifies soils from any geographic loca-
(19-mm) sieve, and tion into categories representing the results of prescribed
Fine—passes 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve and retained on No. 4 laboratory tests to determine the particle-size characteristics,
(4.75-mm) sieve. the liquid limit, and the plasticity index.
3.1.4 organic clay—a clay with sufficient organic content to 5.2 The assigning of a group name and symbol(s) along
influence the soil properties. For classification, an organic clay with the descriptive information required in Practice D2488
is a soil that would be classified as a clay except that its liquid can be used to describe a soil to aid in the evaluation of its
limit value after oven drying is less than 75 % of its liquid limit significant properties for engineering use.
value before oven drying. 5.3 The various groupings of this classification system have
3.1.5 organic silt—a silt with sufficient organic content to been devised to correlate in a general way with the engineering
influence the soil properties. For classification, an organic silt behavior of soils. This standard provides a useful first step in
is a soil that would be classified as a silt except that its liquid any field or laboratory investigation for geotechnical engineer-
limit value after oven drying is less than 75 % of its liquid limit ing purposes.
value before oven drying.
3.1.6 peat—a soil composed of vegetable tissue in various 5.4 This standard may also be used as an aid in training
stages of decomposition usually with an organic odor, a personnel in the use of Practice D2488.
dark-brown to black color, a spongy consistency, and a texture 5.5 This standard may be used in combination with Practice
ranging from fibrous to amorphous. D4083 when working with frozen soils.

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 D2487 − 11
TABLE 1 Soil Classification Chart
Soil Classification
Criteria for Assigning Group Symbols and Group Names Using Laboratory TestsA Group
Group NameB
Symbol
COARSE-GRAINED Gravels Clean Gravels Cu $ 4 and 1 # Cc # 3D GW Well-graded gravelE
SOILS (More than 50 % (Less than 5 % finesC )
of coarse fraction retained Cu < 4 and/or GP Poorly graded gravelE
on [Cc < 1 or Cc > 3]D
No. 4 sieve) Gravels with Fines Fines classify as ML or GM Silty gravelE,F,G
(More than 12 % finesC ) MH
Fines classify as CL or GC Clayey gravelE,F,G
More than 50 %
CH
retained on No. 200 sieve
Sands Clean Sands Cu $ 6 and 1 # Cc # 3D SW Well-graded sandI
(50 % or more of coarse (Less than 5 % finesH ) Cu < 6 and/or SP Poorly graded sandI
fraction passes [Cc < 1 or Cc > 3]D
No. 4 sieve) Sands with Fines Fines classify as ML or SM Silty sandF,G,I
(More than 12 % finesH ) MH
Fines classify as CL or SC Clayey sandF,G,I
CH
FINE-GRAINED SOILS Silts and Clays inorganic PI > 7 and plots on or CL Lean clayK,L,M
above “A” lineJ
Liquid limit PI < 4 or plots below “A” ML SiltK ,L,M
less than 50 lineJ
organic Liquid limit − oven dried⁄Liquid&#10 OL Organic clayK,L,M,N
50 % or more < 0.75 Organic siltK,L,M,O
passes the No. 200 sieve Silts and Clays inorganic PI plots on or above “A” CH Fat clayK ,L,M
line
Liquid limit PI plots below “A” line MH Elastic siltK,L,M
50 or more
organic ⁄
Liquid limit − oven dried Liquid&#10 OH Organic clayK,L,M,P
< 0.75 Organic siltK,L,M,Q
HIGHLY ORGANIC SOILS Primarily organic matter, dark in color, and organic odor PT Peat
A
Based on the material passing the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve.
B
If field sample contained cobbles or boulders, or both, add “with cobbles or boulders, or both” to group name.
C
Gravels with 5 to 12 % fines require dual symbols:
GW-GM well-graded gravel with silt
GW-GC well-graded gravel with clay
GP-GM poorly graded gravel with silt
GP-GC poorly graded gravel with clay
D
s D 30d 2
Cu5D 60/D 10 Cc5
D 103D 60
E
If soil contains $15 % sand, add “with sand” to group name.
F
If fines classify as CL-ML, use dual symbol GC-GM, or SC-SM.
G
If fines are organic, add “with organic fines” to group name.
H
Sands with 5 to 12 % fines require dual symbols:
SW-SM well-graded sand with silt
SW-SC well-graded sand with clay
SP-SM poorly graded sand with silt
SP-SC poorly graded sand with clay
I
If soil contains $15 % gravel, add “with gravel” to group name.
J
If Atterberg limits plot in hatched area, soil is a CL-ML, silty clay.
K
If soil contains 15 to <30 % plus No. 200, add “with sand” or “with gravel,” whichever is predominant.
L
If soil contains $30 % plus No. 200, predominantly sand, add “sand ” to group name.
M
If soil contains $30 % plus No. 200, predominantly gravel, add “gravelly” to group name.
N
PI $ 4 and plots on or above “A” line.
O
PI < 4 or plots below “A” line.
P
PI plots on or above “A” line.
Q
PI plots below “A” line.

NOTE 5—Notwithstanding the statements on precision and bias con- prescribed laboratory tests, a plasticity chart, similar to Fig. 4,
tained in this standard: The precision of this test method is dependent on and a cumulative particle-size distribution curve, similar to Fig.
the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice
5, are required.
D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective NOTE 6—The “U” line shown on Fig. 4 has been empirically deter-
testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with mined to be the approximate “upper limit” for natural soils. It is a good
Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable testing. Reliable testing check against erroneous data, and any test results that plot above or to the
depends on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a means for left of it should be verified.
evaluating some of those factors.
7. Sampling
6. Apparatus 7.1 Samples shall be obtained and identified in accordance
6.1 In addition to the apparatus that may be required for with a method or methods, recommended in Guide D420 or by
obtaining and preparing the samples and conducting the other accepted procedures.

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FIG. 1 Flow Chart for Classifying Fine-Grained Soil (50 % or More Passes No. 200 Sieve)

7.2 Test Methods D6913 provides guidance on selecting No. 40 (425-µm) sieve material must be determined. See 9.8
size of specimen. Two test methods are provided in this for the specific required tests.
standard. The methods differ in the significant digits recorded
9.2 The preparation of the soil specimen(s) and the testing
and the size of the specimen (mass) required. The method to be
for particle-size distribution and liquid limit and plasticity
used may be specified by the requesting authority; otherwise
index shall be in accordance with accepted standard proce-
Method A shall be performed. Whenever possible, the field
dures. Two procedures for preparation of the soil specimens for
samples should have weights two to four times larger than
testing for soil classification purposes are given in Appendixes
shown.
X3 and X4. Appendix X3 describes the wet preparation method
7.3 If the field sample or test specimen is smaller than the and is the preferred method for cohesive soils that have never
minimum recommended amount, the report shall include an dried out and for organic soils.
appropriate remark.
9.3 When reporting soil classifications determined by this
8. Classification of Peat standard, the preparation and test procedures used shall be
reported or referenced.
8.1 A sample composed primarily of vegetable tissue in
various stages of decomposition and has a fibrous to amor- 9.4 Although the test procedure used in determining the
phous texture, a dark-brown to black color, and an organic odor particle-size distribution or other considerations may require a
should be designated as a highly organic soil and shall be hydrometer analysis of the material, a hydrometer analysis is
classified as peat, PT, and not subjected to the classification not necessary for soil classification.
procedures described hereafter.
9.5 The percentage (by dry weight) of any plus 3-in.
8.2 If desired, classification of type of peat can be per- (75-mm) material must be determined and reported as auxiliary
formed in accordance with Classification D4427. information.
9. Preparation for Classification 9.6 The maximum particle size shall be determined (mea-
sured or estimated) and reported as auxiliary information.
9.1 Before a soil can be classified according to this standard,
generally the particle-size distribution of the minus 3-in. 9.7 When the cumulative particle-size distribution is
(75-mm) material and the plasticity characteristics of the minus required, a set of sieves shall be used which include the

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 D2487 − 11
following sizes (with the largest size commensurate with the NOTE 8—In cases where the liquid limit exceeds 110 or the plasticity
maximum particle size) with other sieve sizes as needed or index exceeds 60, the plasticity chart may be expanded by maintaining the
same scale on both axes and extending the “A” line at the indicated slope.
required to define the particle-size distribution:
11.1.3 Classify the soil as a silty clay, CL-ML, if the
position of the plasticity index versus liquid limit plot falls on
3-in. (75-mm) or above the “A” line and the plasticity index is in the range of
3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm)
4 to 7. See area identified as CL-ML on Fig. 4.
No. 4 (4.75-mm)
No. 10 (2.00-mm) 11.2 The soil is an inorganic silt if the position of the
No. 40 (425-µm)
plasticity index versus liquid limit plot, Fig. 4, falls below the
No. 200 (75-µm)
“A” line or the plasticity index is less than 4, and presence of
organic matter does not influence the liquid limit as determined
in 11.3.2.
9.8 The tests required to be performed in preparation for 11.2.1 Classify the soil as a silt, ML, if the liquid limit is
classification are as follows: less than 50. See area identified as ML on Fig. 4.
9.8.1 For soils estimated to contain less than 5 % fines, a 11.2.2 Classify the soil as an elastic silt, MH, if the liquid
plot of the cumulative particle-size distribution curve of the limit is 50 or greater. See area identified as MH on Fig. 4.
fraction coarser than the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is required. A
semi-log plot of percent passing versus partical-size or sieve 11.3 The soil is an organic silt or clay if organic matter is
size/sieve number is plotted as shown in Fig. 5. present in sufficient amounts to influence the liquid limit as
9.8.2 For soils estimated to contain 5 to 15 % fines, a determined in 11.3.2.
cumulative particle-size distribution curve, as described in 11.3.1 If the soil has a dark color and an organic odor when
9.8.1, is required, and the liquid limit and plasticity index are moist and warm, a second liquid limit test shall be performed
required. on a test specimen which has been oven dried at 110 6 5°C to
9.8.2.1 If sufficient material is not available to determine the a constant weight, typically over night.
liquid limit and plasticity index, the fines should be estimated 11.3.2 The soil is an organic silt or organic clay if the liquid
to be either silty or clayey using the procedures described in limit after oven drying is less than 75 % of the liquid limit of
Practice D2488 and so noted in the report. the original specimen determined before oven drying.
9.8.3 For soils estimated to contain 15 % or more fines, a 11.3.3 Classify the soil as an organic silt or organic clay,
determination of the percent fines, percent sand, and percent OL, if the liquid limit (not oven dried) is less than 50 %.
gravel is required, and the liquid limit and plasticity index are Classify the soil as an organic silt, OL, if the plasticity index
required. For soils estimated to contain 90 % fines or more, the is less than 4, or the position of the plasticity index versus
percent fines, percent sand, and percent gravel may be esti- liquid limit plot falls below the “A” line. Classify the soil as an
mated using the procedures described in Practice D2488 and so organic clay, OL, if the plasticity index is 4 or greater and the
noted in the report. position of the plasticity index versus liquid limit plot falls on
or above the “A” line. See area identified as OL (or CL-ML) on
10. Preliminary Classification Procedure Fig. 4.
10.1 Class the soil as fine-grained if 50 % or more by dry 11.3.4 Classify the soil as an organic clay or organic silt,
weight of the test specimen passes the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve OH, if the liquid limit (not oven dried) is 50 or greater. Classify
and follow Section 3.1.3. the soil as an organic silt, OH, if the position of the plasticity
10.2 Class the soil as coarse-grained if more than 50 % by index versus liquid limit plot falls below the “A” line. Classify
dry weight of the test specimen is retained on the No. 200 the soil as an organic clay, OH, if the position of the plasticity
(75-µm) sieve and follow Section 12. index versus liquid-limit plot falls on or above the “A” line.
See area identified as OH on Fig. 4.
11. Procedure for Classification of Fine-Grained Soils 11.4 If less than 30 % but 15 % or more of the test specimen
(50 % or more by dry weight passing the No. 200 (75- is retained on the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve, the words“ with
µm) sieve) sand” or “with gravel” (whichever is predominant) shall be
11.1 The soil is an inorganic clay if the position of the added to the group name. For example, lean clay with sand,
plasticity index versus liquid limit plot, Fig. 4, falls on or above CL; silt with gravel, ML. If the percent of sand is equal to the
the “A” line, the plasticity index is greater than 4, and the percent of gravel, use “with sand.”
presence of organic matter does not influence the liquid limit as
11.5 If 30 % or more of the test specimen is retained on the
determined in 11.3.2.
No. 200 (75-µm) sieve, the words “sandy” or“ gravelly” shall
NOTE 7—The plasticity index and liquid limit are determined on the be added to the group name. Add the word “sandy” if 30 % or
minus No. 40 (425 µm) sieve material. more of the test specimen is retained on the No. 200 (75-µm)
11.1.1 Classify the soil as a lean clay, CL, if the liquid limit sieve and the coarse-grained portion is predominantly sand.
is less than 50. See area identified as CL on Fig. 4. Add the word “gravelly” if 30 % or more of the test specimen
11.1.2 Classify the soil as a fat clay, CH, if the liquid limit is retained on the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve and the coarse-grained
is 50 or greater. See area identified as CH on Fig. 4. portion is predominantly gravel. For example, sandy lean clay,

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 D2487 − 11

FIG. 2 Flow Chart for Classifying Organic Fine-Grained Soil (50 % or More Passes No. 200 Sieve)

CL; gravelly fat clay, CH; sandy silt, ML. If the percent of sand GP, or poorly graded sand, SP, if either the Cu or the Cc
is equal to the percent of gravel, use “sandy.” criteria for well-graded soils are not satisfied.

12. Procedure for Classification of Coarse-Grained Soils 12.4 If more than 12 % of the test specimen passes the No.
(more than 50 % retained on the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve) 200 (75-µm) sieve, the soil shall be considered a coarse-
grained soil with fines. The fines are determined to be either
12.1 Class the soil as gravel if more than 50 % of the coarse clayey or silty based on the plasticity index versus liquid limit
fraction [plus No. 200 (75-µm) sieve] is retained on the No. 4 plot on Fig. 4. (See 9.8.2.1 if insufficient material available for
(4.75-mm) sieve. testing) (see Note 7).
12.2 Class the soil as sand if 50 % or more of the coarse 12.4.1 Classify the soil as a clayey gravel, GC, or clayey
fraction [plus No. 200 (75-µm) sieve] passes the No. 4 sand, SC, if the fines are clayey, that is, the position of the
(4.75-mm) sieve. plasticity index versus liquid limit plot, Fig. 4, falls on or above
12.3 If 12 % or less of the test specimen passes the No. 200 the “A” line and the plasticity index is greater than 7.
(75-µm) sieve, plot the cumulative particle-size distribution, 12.4.2 Classify the soil as a silty gravel, GM, or silty sand,
Fig. 5, and compute the coefficient of uniformity, Cu, and SM, if the fines are silty, that is, the position of the plasticity
coefficient of curvature, Cc, as given in Eqs 1 and 2. index versus liquid limit plot, Fig. 4, falls below the “A” line
or the plasticity index is less than 4.
Cu 5 D 60/D 10 (1)
12.4.3 If the fines plot as a silty clay, CL-ML, classify the
2
Cc 5 ~ D 30! / ~ D 10 3 D 60! (2) soil as a silty, clayey gravel, GC-GM, if it is a gravel or a silty
where: , clayey sand, SC-SM, if it is a sand.
D10, D30, and D60 = the particle-size diameters correspond- 12.5 If 5 to 12 % of the test specimen passes the No. 200
ing to 10, 30, and 60 %, respectively, passing on the cumula- (75-µm) sieve, give the soil a dual classification using two
tive particle-size distribution curve, Fig. 5. group symbols.
NOTE 9—It may be necessary to extrapolate the curve to obtain the D10 12.5.1 The first group symbol shall correspond to that for a
diameter. gravel or sand having less than 5 % fines (GW, GP, SW, SP),
12.3.1 If less than 5 % of the test specimen passes the No. and the second symbol shall correspond to a gravel or sand
200 (75-µm) sieve, classify the soil as a well-graded gravel, having more than 12 % fines (GC, GM, SC, SM).
GW, or well-graded sand, SW, if Cu is greater than or equal to 12.5.2 The group name shall correspond to the first group
4.0 for gravel or greater than 6.0 for sand, and Cc is at least 1.0 symbol plus “with clay” or “with silt” to indicate the plasticity
but not more than 3.0. characteristics of the fines. For example, well-graded gravel
12.3.2 If less than 5 % of the test specimen passes the No. with clay, GW-GC; poorly graded sand with silt, SP-SM (See
200 (75-µm) sieve, classify the soil as poorly graded gravel, 9.8.2.1 if insufficient material available for testing).

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 D2487 − 11

FIG. 3 Flow Chart for Classifying Coarse-Grained Soils (More Than 50 % Retained on No. 200 Sieve)

FIG. 4 Plasticity Chart

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 D2487 − 11

FIG. 5 Cumulative Particle-Size Plot

NOTE 10—If the fines plot as a silty clay, CL-ML, the second group geologic interpretation for the material may be added at the end
symbol should be either GC or SC. For example, a poorly graded sand of the descriptive information if identified as such. The test
with 10 % fines, a liquid limit of 20, and a plasticity index of 6 would be
classified as a poorly graded sand with silty clay, SP-SC.
procedures used shall be referenced.
12.6 If the specimen is predominantly sand or gravel but NOTE 11—Example: Clayey Gravel with Sand and Cobbles (GC)—
contains 15 % or more of the other coarse-grained constituent, 46 % fine to coarse, hard, subrounded gravel; 30 % fine to coarse, hard,
subrounded sand; 24 % clayey fines, LL = 38, PI = 19; weak reaction with
the words “with gravel” or “with sand” shall be added to the HCl; original field sample had 4 % hard, subrounded cobbles; maximum
group name. For example, poorly graded gravel with sand, dimension 150 mm.
clayey sand with gravel. In-Place Conditions—firm, homogeneous, dry, brown,
12.7 If the field sample contained any cobbles or boulders or Geologic Interpretation—alluvial fan.
both, the words “with cobbles,” or “with cobbles and boulders”
NOTE 12—Other examples of soil descriptions are given in Appendix
shall be added to the group name. For example, silty gravel X1.
with cobbles, GM.
13. Report 14. Precision and Bias

13.1 The report should include the group name, group 14.1 Criteria for acceptability depends on the precision and
symbol, and the results of the laboratory tests. The particle-size bias of Test Methods D422, D1140 and D4318.
distribution shall be given in terms of percent of gravel, sand,
and fines. The plot of the cumulative particle-size distribution 15. Keywords
curve shall be reported if used in classifying the soil. Report 15.1 Atterberg limits; classification; clay; gradation; gravel;
appropriate descriptive information according to the proce- laboratory classification; organic soils; sand; silt; soil classifi-
dures in Practice D2488. A local or commercial name or cation; soil tests

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 D2487 − 11
APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. EXAMPLES OF DESCRIPTIONS USING SOIL CLASSIFICATION

X1.1 The following examples show how the information X1.1.3 Organic Clay (OL)—100 % fines, LL (not
required in 13.1 can be reported. The appropriate descriptive dried) = 32, LL (oven dried) = 21, PI (not dried) = 10; wet,
information from Practice D2488 is included for illustrative dark brown, organic odor, weak reaction with HCl.
purposes. The additional descriptive terms that would accom-
pany the soil classification should be based on the intended use X1.1.4 Silty Sand with Organic Fines (SM)—74 % fine to
of the classification and the individual circumstances. coarse, hard, subangular reddish sand; 26 % organic and silty
dark-brown fines, LL (not dried) = 37, LL (oven dried) = 26, PI
X1.1.1 Well-Graded Gravel with Sand (GW)—73 % fine to
(not dried) = 6, wet, weak reaction with HCl.
coarse, hard, subangular gravel; 23 % fine to coarse, hard,
subangular sand; 4 % fines; Cc = 2.7, Cu = 12.4. X1.1.5 Poorly Graded Gravel with Silt, Sand, Cobbles and
X1.1.2 Silty Sand with Gravel (SM)—61 % predominantly Boulders (GP-GM)—78 % fine to coarse, hard, subrounded to
fine sand; 23 % silty fines, LL = 33, PI = 6; 16 % fine, hard, subangular gravel; 16 % fine to coarse, hard, subrounded to
subrounded gravel; no reaction with HCl; (field sample smaller subangular sand; 6 % silty (estimated) fines; moist, brown; no
than recommended). In-Place Conditions—Firm, stratified and reaction with HCl; original field sample had 7 % hard, sub-
contains lenses of silt 1 to 2 in. thick, moist, brown to gray; rounded cobbles and 2 % hard, subrounded boulders with a
in-place density = 106 lb/ft3 and in-place moisture = 9 %. maximum dimension of 18 in.

X2. USING SOIL CLASSIFICATION AS A DESCRIPTIVE SYSTEM FOR SHALE, CLAYSTONE, SHELLS, SLAG, CRUSHED
ROCK, ETC.

X2.1 The group names and symbols used in this standard After laboratory processing by slaking in water for 24 h,
may be used as a descriptive system applied to materials that material classified as “Sandy Lean Clay (CL)”—61 % clayey
exist in situ as shale, claystone, sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, fines, LL = 37, PI = 16; 33 % fine to medium sand; 6 %
etc., but convert to soils after field or laboratory processing gravel-size pieces of shale.
(crushing, slaking, etc.).
X2.4.2 Crushed Sandstone—Product of commercial crush-
X2.2 Materials such as shells, crushed rock, slag, etc., ing operation; “Poorly Graded Sand with Silt (SP-SM)”—91 %
should be identified as such. However, the procedures used in fine to medium sand; 9 % silty (estimated) fines; dry, reddish-
this standard for describing the particle size and plasticity brown, strong reaction with HCl.
characteristics may be used in the description of the material.
If desired, a classification in accordance with this standard may X2.4.3 Broken Shells—65 % gravel-size broken shells;
be assigned to aid in describing the material. 31 % sand and sand-size shell pieces; 4 % fines; Cc = 2.4,
Cu = 1.9; would be classified as “Poorly Graded Gravel with
X2.3 If a classification is used, the group symbol(s) and
Sand (GP)”.
group names should be placed in quotation marks or noted with
some type of distinguishing symbol. See examples. X2.4.4 Crushed Rock—Processed gravel and cobbles from
Pit No. 7; “Poorly Graded Gravel (GP)”—89 % fine, hard,
X2.4 Examples of how soil classifications could be incor-
porated into a description system for materials that angular gravel-size particles; 11 % coarse, hard, angular sand-
are not naturally occurring soils are as follows: size particles, dry, tan; no reaction with HCl; Cc = 2.4,
Cu = 0.9.
X2.4.1 Shale Chunks—Retrieved as 2- to 4-in. pieces of
shale from power auger hole, dry, brown, no reaction with HCl.

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 D2487 − 11

X3. PREPARATION AND TESTING FOR CLASSIFICATION PURPOSES BY THE WET METHOD

X3.1 This appendix describes the steps in preparing a soil X3.7 Determine the liquid limit and plasticity index as
sample for testing for purposes of soil classification using a follows:
wet-preparation procedure. X3.7.1 If the soil disaggregates readily, mix on a clean, hard
surface and select a representative sample by quartering in
X3.2 Samples prepared in accordance with this procedure accordance with Practice C702.
should contain as much of their natural water content as X3.7.1.1 If the soil contains coarse-grained particles coated
possible and every effort should be made during obtaining, with and bound together by tough clayey material, take
preparing, and transportating the samples to maintain the extreme care in obtaining a representative portion of the No. 40
natural moisture. (425-µm) fraction. Typically, a larger portion than normal has
to be selected, such as the minimum weights required in 7.2.
X3.3 The procedures to be followed in this standard assume
X3.7.1.2 To obtain a representative specimen of a basically
that the field sample contains fines, sand, gravel, and plus 3-in.
cohesive soil, it may be advantageous to pass the soil through
(75-mm) particles and the cumulative particle-size distribution
a 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve or other convenient size so the material
plus the liquid limit and plasticity index values are required can be more easily mixed and then quartered or split to obtain
(see 9.8). Some of the following steps may be omitted when the representative specimen.
they are not applicable to the soil being tested.
X3.7.2 Process the representative specimen in accordance
X3.4 If the soil contains plus No. 200 (75-µm) particles that with the Wet Preparation Method in Test Method D4318.
would degrade during dry sieving, use a test procedure for X3.7.3 Perform the liquid-limit test in accordance with Test
determining the particle-size characteristics that prevents this Method D4318, except the soil shall not be air dried prior to the
degradation. test.
X3.7.4 Perform the plastic-limit test in accordance with Test
X3.5 Since this classification system is limited to the Method D4318, except the soil shall not be air dried prior to the
portion of a sample passing the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve, the plus test, and calculate the plasticity index.
3-in. (75-mm) material shall be removed prior to the determi-
nation of the particle-size characteristics and the liquid limit X3.8 Determine the particle-size distribution as follows:
and plasticity index. X3.8.1 If the water content of the fraction passing the 3-in.
(75-mm) sieve was required (X3.6.3), use the water-content
X3.6 The portion of the field sample finer than the 3-in. specimen for determining the particle-size distribution.
(75-mm) sieve shall be obtained as follows: Otherwise, select a representative specimen in accordance with
X3.6.1 Separate the field sample into two fractions on a Practice C702 with a minimum dry weight as required in 7.2.
3-in. (75-mm) sieve, being careful to maintain the natural water X3.8.2 If the cumulative particle-size distribution including
content in the minus 3-in. (75-mm) fraction. Any particles a hydrometer analysis is required, determine the particle-size
adhering to the plus 3-in. (75-mm) particles shall be brushed or distribution in accordance with Test Method D422. See 9.7 for
wiped off and placed in the fraction passing the 3-in. (75-mm) the set of required sieves.
sieve. X3.8.3 If the cumulative particle-size distribution without a
hydrometer analysis is required, determine the particle-size
X3.6.2 Determine the air-dry or oven-dry weight of the
distribution in accordance with Test Method C136. See 9.7 for
fraction retained on the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve. Determine the
the set of required sieves. The specimen should be soaked until
total (wet) weight of the fraction passing the 3-in. (75-mm)
all clayey aggregations have softened and then washed in
sieve.
accordance with Test Method C117 prior to performing the
X3.6.3 Thoroughly mix the fraction passing the 3-in. (75- particle-size distribution.
mm) sieve. Determine the water content, in accordance with X3.8.4 If the cumulative particle-size distribution is not
Test Method D2216, of a representative specimen with a required, determine the percent fines, percent sand, and percent
minimum dry weight as required in 7.2. Save the water-content gravel in the specimen in accordance with Test Method C117,
specimen for determination of the particle-size analysis in being sure to soak the specimen long enough to soften all
accordance with X3.8. clayey aggregations, followed by Test Method C136 using a
X3.6.4 Compute the dry weight of the fraction passing the nest of sieves which shall include a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and
3-in. (75-mm) sieve based on the water content and total (wet) a No. 200 (75-µm) sieve.
weight. Compute the total dry weight of the sample and X3.8.5 Calculate the percent fines, percent sand, and per-
calculate the percentage of material retained on the 3-in. cent gravel in the minus 3-in. (75-mm) fraction for classifica-
(75-mm) sieve. tion purposes.

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X4. AIR-DRIED METHOD OF PREPARATION OF SOILS FOR TESTING FOR CLASSIFICATION PURPOSES

X4.1 This appendix describes the steps in preparing a soil X4.5.1 Thoroughly mix the fraction passing the 3-in. (75-
sample for testing for purposes of soil classification when mm) sieve.
air-drying the soil before testing is specified or desired or when
the natural moisture content is near that of an air-dried state. X4.5.2 If the cumulative particle-size distribution including
a hydrometer analysis is required, determine the particle-size
X4.2 If the soil contains organic matter or mineral colloids distribution in accordance with Test Method D422. See 9.7 for
that are irreversibly affected by air drying, the wet-preparation the set of sieves that is required.
method as described in Appendix X3 should be used.
X4.5.3 If the cumulative particle-size distribution without a
X4.3 Since this classification system is limited to the hydrometer analysis is required, determine the particle-size
portion of a sample passing the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve, the plus distribution in accordance with Test Method D1140 followed
3-in. (75-mm) material shall be removed prior to the determi- by Test Method C136. See 9.7 for the set of sieves that is
nation of the particle-size characteristics and the liquid limit required.
and plasticity index.
X4.5.4 If the cumulative particle-size distribution is not
X4.4 The portion of the field sample finer than the 3-in. required, determine the percent fines, percent sand, and percent
(75-mm) sieve shall be obtained as follows:
gravel in the specimen in accordance with Test Method D1140
X4.4.1 Air dry and weigh the field sample. followed by Test Method C136 using a nest of sieves which
X4.4.2 Separate the field sample into two fractions on a shall include a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and a No. 200 (75-µm)
3-in. (75-mm) sieve. sieve.
X4.4.3 Weigh the two fractions and compute the percentage X4.5.5 If required, determine the liquid limit and the plas-
of the plus 3-in. (75-mm) material in the field sample. ticity index of the test specimen in accordance with Test
X4.5 Determine the particle-size distribution and liquid Method D4318.
limit and plasticity index as follows (see 9.8 for when these
tests are required):

X5. ABBREVIATED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYMBOLS

X5.1 In some cases, because of lack of space, an abbrevi- Prefix Suffix

ated system may be useful to indicate the soil classification s = sandy s = with sand
g = gravelly g = with gravel
symbol and name. Examples of such cases would be graphical c = cobbles
logs, databases, tables, etc. b = boulders

X5.4 The soil classification symbol is to be enclosed in

X5.2 This abbreviated system is not a substitute for the full
parentheses. Some examples would be:
name and descriptive information but can be used in supple-
Group Symbol and Full Name Abbreviated
mentary presentations when the complete description is refer- CL, Sandy lean clay s(CL)
enced. SP-Sm, Poorly graded sand with silt and (SP-SM)g
gravel
GP, poorly graded gravel with sand, (GP)scb
X5.3 The abbreviated system should consist of the soil cobbles, and
classification symbol based on this standard with appropri- boulders
ate lower case letter prefixes and suffixes as: ML, gravelly silt with sand and cobbles g(ML)sc

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 D2487 − 11
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this practice since the last issue, D2487–10,
that may impact the use of this practice. (Approved May 1, 2011.)

(1) Deleted reference to Practice D2217 in 11.3.2 and X3.7.2.

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