How are sandy soils characterized regarding liquid limits compared to silts and clays?

Sandy soils are characterized by their coarse granular particles, which typically results in a lower plasticity and lower liquid limit compared to silts and clays. The liquid limit is a crucial parameter in understanding the behavior of soils under varying moisture conditions. Sandy soils, due to their larger particle sizes and lower surface area, do not retain water as effectively as silt and clay soils. As a result, they tend to have a liquid limit that is much lower.

In contrast, silts and clays are composed of finer particles that can hold more water and retain qualities like plasticity. This leads to higher liquid limits since these soils can transition into a plastic state more readily under increased moisture content. Therefore, it is accurate to state that sandy soils have low liquid limits when compared to the higher liquid limits observed in silts and clays. Thus, the assertion that sandy soils have low liquid limits while silts and clays have high liquid limits is an accurate characterization of soil behavior based on particle size and water retention capabilities. This understanding is fundamental in geotechnical engineering for assessing the stability and usability of soil for construction projects.