In soil explorations for flood control design, which test is typically excluded?

In soil explorations for flood control design, the specific gravity test is typically excluded because it primarily measures the density of soil solids relative to the density of water. While understanding the specific gravity of soil materials can be useful for certain applications, it does not provide direct information crucial for assessing soil behavior related to drainage, compaction, or the soil's plasticity characteristics—all critical factors in flood control design.

On the other hand, the compaction test assesses the soil's ability to be compacted under mechanical stress, which is vital for ensuring stability and reducing permeability in flood control systems. The water content test is important for understanding the moisture conditions of the soil, which directly affects its behavior during flooding events. Similarly, Atterberg limits tests give insight into the plasticity and flow characteristics of soils, which are essential for predicting how soils will react under varying water conditions. Thus, while all the tests provide useful information, the specific gravity test is less directly related to the practical aspects of flood control design.