Soil Classification System in Canada?
Soil Classification System in Canada?
(OP)
Can someone please tell me what soil classification system is mostly accepted by engineering/environmental companies’ in Canada or more specifically in Alberta? I have recently started a geotech lab in Alberta, Canada and I'm currently using the ASTM D2487 and ASTM D2488 procedures to classify soil for engineering purposes. Both ASTM standards use the USCS for its soil classifications. One of my new clients uses a modified version of the USCS. This modified version recognizes the group symbol CI (inorganic clays of medium plasticity, silty clays). Cl is classified as Liquid Limit of 30 to 50 and is above the A-line. CL is 0 to 30 (modified system). They also use different adjectives for the field soil classifications (ie. trace = 1-10%, little = 11-20%, some= 21-35%, and = 36-50%). Any input would be greatly appreciated.





RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
They specialize in environmental remediation but they also have a geotechnical engineering department.
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
This one has the odor of an environmental guy trying to "improve" the USCS...
Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
Are you originally from Canada? The reason I ask is it is common to use the "modified" USCS in several provinces in Canada. Hence, CI, I us it all the time and it is common practise. I normally use the adjectives "trace, some, with, and" instead of the terms you mentioned, with the same percentages you have stated.
regards
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
Thanks for the info.
No, I have been working in the states. Who exactly developed this modified system? Do the majority of the provinces use this system of classification? Which provinces use it? What other systems are being used in Western Canada? I have contacted some of the major Universities but nobody has replied yet. Thanks.
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
I believe that the classification system adopted is the USC as modified by the PFRA (or Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Association). This agency was created through an Act of Parliament in the 1930's to deal with severe drought conditions. The PFRA was responsible for the construction of numerous earthen dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems on the Canadian Prairies. It has since faded from the Canadian geotechnical scene but has a prominent place in the heritage of Canadian geotechnique. I recall archive photos published in a special anniversary issue of the Canadian Geotechnical Journal showing an entourage from the PFRA at Harvard University, taken with 2 of the grand masters of our field - Arthur Casagrande and Karl Terzaghi. WOW.
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
The info is greatly appreciated!
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
It was always standard practice in the pioneering geotechnical firms in Canada to use:
0 - 10% : trace
10 - 20% : some
20 - 35% : adjective (e.g., silty)
35 - 50% : and
Another difference in Canadian geotechnical is the use of the term "firm" for cohesive soils (rather than medium stiff) and "compact" for cohesionless soils (rather than medium dense).
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
From a liability point of view you may want to use the CFEM as I think it carries a little more weight in Canadian courts, however, most of the research done by the PFRA was performed in Saskatchewan/Alberta when developing the modified USC. So it really is what you feel more comfortable using, both are good resources.
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
RE: Soil Classification System in Canada?
Best wishes for a great CANADA Day - July 1st.