Relative Density of Non-Cohesive Soils: Classification

A classification and designation of non-cohesive types of soil (sands and gravels) subject to their relative density depends on a number of factors, such as:

Test procedure
Overburden pressure
Pre-loading
Particle size distribution

Using the relative density D and the density index l_D, it is possible to determine the compaction of a soil sample.

Table:

Classification of non-cohesive soils according to density, N value and inner angle of friction [Schul67] [PJA95]

D [-]	I_D [-]	Compaction
0 - 0.15	0.15	Very loose
0.15 - 0.30	0.015 - 0.35	Loose
0.30 - 0.50	0.35 - 0.65	Medium dense
0.50 - 0.75	0.65 - 0.85	Dense
0.75 - 1.0	0.85 - 1.0	Very dense