Table 1 Soil consistency classification based on the undrained shear strength, Su of an intact soil66,67.
Consistency | Description | Su, kPa |
|---|---|---|
Very soft/fluid | Exudes between fingers when squeezed in hand | < 20 |
Soft | Moulded by light finger pressure | 20–40 |
Firm | Can be moulded by strong finger pressure | 40–75 |
Stiff | Cannot be moulded by fingers Can be indented by thumb nail | 75–150 |
Very stiff | Can be indented by thumb nail and crushable under pressure | 150–300 |
Hard | Cannot be indented by thumb nail | > 300 |
