Question

When the natural state of cohesion-less soil is in its loosest form, its density index ID is equal to ____

(a) 0

(b) 0.5

(c) 1

(d) 1.5

This question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

The question is from Density Index and Relative Compaction in section Preliminary Definitions and Relationships of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) 0

To elaborate: Cohesion-less soil is in its loosest form will have its void ratio e=emax.

Since  ID=\(\frac{(e_{max} – e)}{(e_{max}-e_{min})}\)

ID=\(\frac{(e_{max} – e_{max})}{(e_{max}-e_{min})}\)

ID=0.