For effective soil management, which clay behavior is preferred?

• A. Low plasticity
• B. High plasticity
• C. High cohesion
• D. High plasticity and low density

Answer: (A)

In soil management, low plasticity is preferred because it typically indicates that the clay has a lower tendency to change volume and retains its strength under varying moisture conditions. Soils that exhibit low plasticity are often more stable and less prone to problems such as shrink-swell behavior, which can cause issues in construction and infrastructure development.

Low plasticity means that the clay is less deformable and has a more predictable response to moisture changes. This stability is advantageous in construction applications, as it helps ensure that the foundation can support structures without excessive settling or expansion.

While high plasticity might allow for more workability in certain contexts, it can lead to detrimental consequences like uneven expansion and contraction. High cohesion is a desirable property for stability, but it does not inherently indicate effective management when plasticity levels are high. The combination of high plasticity and low density can complicate soil behavior further, leading to increased risks in instability and construction challenges. Therefore, selecting soil with low plasticity aligns closely with best practices in effective soil management and structural integrity.