What is defined as the minimum moisture content at which soil can be molded without breaking?

The minimum moisture content at which soil can be molded without breaking is referred to as the Plastic Limit. This is a critical property in soil mechanics, particularly pertaining to clay soils. At the Plastic Limit, the soil transitions from a solid state to a plastic state, allowing for effective manipulation and shaping without crumbling.

Understanding the Plastic Limit is essential for evaluating the workability of soils in various engineering applications, such as earthworks and construction projects. It helps determine the moisture ranges necessary for optimal soil performance, guiding engineers in ensuring the stability and suitability of soil for construction use.

In contrast, Field Capacity represents the amount of water retained in soil after excess water has drained away, while the Liquid Limit is the moisture content at which soil transitions from a plastic state to a liquid state. Optimum Moisture Content refers to the ideal moisture level for achieving maximum compaction during soil processing. Unlike these terms, the Plastic Limit specifically highlights the threshold for moldability without fracture.