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engineering term used to describe how close in size the grains in a sample are to each <br /> other. For example, a poorly graded sample contains grains of similar size and a well <br /> graded sample contains grains of many sizes. The geologic term for poorly graded is well <br /> sorted and well graded is poorly sorted. The M and C indicators in the second symbol <br /> specify that more than 12% of fines are present in a coarse grained material. For fine- <br /> grained materials, the second symbol L stands for lean or low plasticity fines, and H <br /> stands for fat or high plasticity fines. <br /> Dual symbols are used in two cases. A dash is used to separate symbols when soils are <br /> between 5%and 12%fines(for example, SP-SM is slightly silty,fine SAND). A forward <br /> slash is used to separate symbols when the soil may fall into one of two possible basic <br /> groups (for example, CL/ML is silty CLAY/clayey SILT). <br /> 3.4.2 Color <br /> The main color value should be looked up on a Munsell color chart and stated,along with <br /> an appropriate modifier. Examples include: light brown, dark brown, reddish brown, <br /> gray, etc. The presence of mottling should be included in the description,where present. <br /> 3.4.3 Moisture Content <br /> Moisture content should be described using the following modifiers: <br /> • dry -no moisture; <br /> • moist—damp but no visible water <br /> • wet—visible free water, saturated <br /> 3.4.4 Major/Minor Constituents <br /> Grain size classification will be based on the USCS classification system. Percentages of <br /> each constituent will be listed on the soil boring log. The major soil sample constituent <br /> is always capitalized and listed first, minor constituents are listed next, followed by <br /> ancillary materials, such as mica flakes, dark minerals, or naturally occurring organic <br /> matter, such as humus, peat, or other vegetative material. Grain sizes can be determined <br /> by site, feel, and for fine materials through field tests outlined in Section 4.4.5 below. <br /> Grain sizes are defined as the following: <br /> • boulder: 300 millimeters (mm); <br /> • cobble: 75 - 300 mm; <br /> 8 <br />