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Cohesive soils are characterized by their ability to stick together and exhibit plastic behavior when wet. When specifically considering unconfined compressive strength, soils classified as Type C are those that contain cohesive materials with relatively low strengths, defined as having an unconfined compressive strength of 0.5 tons per square foot (tsf) or less.
This strength level indicates that Type C soils, which include silts and soft clays, have reduced load-bearing capacity and are more susceptible to deformation under loads. In construction and excavation contexts, identifying Type C soil is critical due to the increased risks associated with working in these types of soils, particularly in terms of stability and the potential for failure during excavation.
In contrast, Type A soils generally possess greater unconfined compressive strength, while Type B soils fall between A and C, characterized by moderate strength. Granular soils, on the other hand, do not contain cohesive materials and are typically loose or compacted sands and gravels, exhibiting different behavior and stability characteristics during excavation. Thus, recognizing the properties of Type C soil is essential for understanding how to manage excavation and construction processes safely.