Final answer:
In the context of civil engineering, Type C soil is characterized as a cohesive soil with a compressive strength of 0.5 tsf or less, or it may include a variety of granular soils. The soil classification encompasses compositions like clay, sand, silt, and their combinations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Type C soil is categorized within civil engineering as a particular soil type with various properties that can affect construction projects.
Specifically, a Type C soil is considered as a cohesive soil with an unconfined compressive strength of 0.5 tons per square foot (tsf) or less, indicating that it is relatively weak in its ability to withstand compressive forces without confinement.
Additionally, Type C classification can include various types of granular soils which may consist of a mixture of sand, silt, and clay in varying proportions.
The rich diversity of soil compositions includes, but is not limited to, clay (C), sand (S), silt (St), clayey sand (CS), sandy clay (SC), and silty clay (StC). Each of these soil textures has distinct characteristics, such as particle size and the specific way they respond to moisture and compaction.
For example, silt soil particles are defined as having a diameter between 0.002 and 0.1 mm, while different soil layers, such as those found in a soil profile, can suggest different stages of soil development and indicate properties such as drainage and fertility.
The overall understanding of soil in the context of civil engineering extends well beyond agriculture and Plant Growth, encompassing the study of soils as a foundation for structures, how they compact under stress, and their ability to support the designed load of construction projects.