Estimating soil plasticity properties from pedological data

A number of pedological soil classification systems have been developed worldwide. These include an internationally accepted system and various national systems, some of which have been incorporated into databases which include maps. Such information is used primarily for agricultural purposes. Various physical and chemical soil properties are used for classifying soils according to these pedological systems. This paper proposes an approach, based on a research project, which may be used to statistically significantly determine the plasticity characteristics of soils from the physical and chemical properties that are used to pedologically classify soils by systems, such as the South African Binomial System. These plasticity characteristics may be used to establish the engineering soil classification groups which may, in turn, be used as a means of rapidly determining the general suitability of areas for proposed developments, particularly during the preliminary stages of transportation route locations and township developments, with a resultant saving of time and money.