What are Atterberg Limits used to measure?

Atterberg Limits are a critical set of measurements in soil mechanics used to determine the water content at which soil changes its behavior and physical state. Specifically, they identify the boundaries between solid, plastic, and liquid states of fine-grained soils. This is essential for understanding the consistency and plasticity of soils, which can heavily influence their engineering properties and their behavior under load.

The three key limits are the Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Shrinkage Limit. The Liquid Limit is the water content at which the soil transitions from a plastic to a liquid state. The Plastic Limit is the water content at which the soil transitions from a semi-solid to a plastic state. These measurements help engineers assess soil behavior in various conditions, which is crucial for designing foundations, embankments, and other structures that rely on soil stability.

Understanding the water content at different states allows engineers to make informed decisions regarding soil treatment, stabilization, and suitability for construction. This is why the measurement of water content at different soil states through Atterberg Limits is so vital in geotechnical engineering.