Low plasticity clay (CL) is commonly referred to as?

• A. Fat clay
• B. Poor clay
• C. Lean clay
• D. Solid clay

Answer: (C)

Low plasticity clay is commonly referred to as lean clay due to its lower plasticity and moisture content compared to other types of clay, such as fat clay, which has higher plasticity. The term "lean clay" indicates that this type of soil is less likely to deform significantly under stress, making it a more stable foundation material in construction. Lean clay typically has a lower liquid limit and plasticity index, which are key indicators of its behavior under loading and moisture changes.

In the context of soil classification, lean clay is associated with a firmer texture and lower water content, making it less susceptible to shrink-swell problems that can occur with more plastic clays. Such characteristics make lean clay desirable for various engineering applications, especially in road and pavement construction, where stability is crucial.

The other options inaccurately represent low plasticity clay. Fat clay, for instance, is associated with high plasticity, which makes it unsuitable for this classification. Similarly, "poor clay" and "solid clay" do not correspond to recognized soil classification terms within the context of plasticity and engineering properties.