The GATE Grind

GATE 2021 CE (CE2) – Question 21

Geotechnical Engineering · Three-phase system, phase relationships, index properties and soil classification · 1 mark · Multiple choice

In USCS, MH denotes

  1. inorganic silt of high plasticity, liquid limit >50%
  2. inorganic silt of low plasticity, liquid limit <50%
  3. inorganic clay of high plasticity, liquid limit <50%
  4. inorganic clay of low plasticity, liquid limit >50%

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) inorganic silt of high plasticity, liquid limit >50%

Explanation

In USCS, M identifies inorganic silt and H identifies high liquid limit, conventionally 50% or greater. Thus the listed description of high-plasticity inorganic silt with liquid limit over 50% is **A**. Clay would use C, and low-liquid-limit soil would use L.