Which of the following statements is/are true for shrinkage limit? i. If the soil is dried beyond the shrinkage limit, it will show large volume changes ii. Shrinkage limit is the minimum water content at which the soil is saturated
- AOnly (i)
- BOnly (ii)Correct
- CBoth (i) and (ii)
- DNeither (i) nor (ii)
Solution
Concept
Definition and properties of shrinkage limit
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. The shrinkage limit is the minimum moisture content at which soil remains completely saturated. 2. Drying soil below the shrinkage limit does not cause further reduction in overall soil volume. 3. Therefore, statement ii is correct. Answer: B
Explanation
The shrinkage limit is the lowest moisture content at which a soil remains completely saturated, and drying below this limit causes no further reduction in volume. Therefore, statement i is false since volume changes cease below the shrinkage limit, while statement ii accurately states the saturation condition. Thus, option B is correct.
Why the other options are wrong
A) Drying soil beyond the shrinkage limit results in no further volume change. C) Statement (i) is false, so both statements cannot be correct. D) Statement (ii) is true as shrinkage limit is the minimum water content where soil remains saturated.
Shortcut
Below shrinkage limit volume change is ZERO; it is the minimum water content at which soil remains fully saturated.
Common mistake
Selecting option A or C by incorrectly assuming that drying soil below the shrinkage limit results in further volume reduction.
Correct answer: B) Only (ii)