Build Your Bridge to Success: Ace the 2025 Civil Engineering PE Exam!

When assessing soil stability for construction, one of the most critical factors is the moisture content and density of the soil. Moisture content influences the effective stress in soil, which is essential for calculating its bearing capacity and stability. If the soil is too wet, it may lead to reduced strength and potential failure under loads, while insufficient moisture can result in dry, loose soil conditions, which are also detrimental.

Density is equally important as it reflects how tightly packed the soil particles are, affecting the overall stability and load-bearing characteristics. High-density soils tend to have better strength, while low-density soils can be prone to instability, especially when subjected to construction loads or water infiltration.

While organic content, color, and texture can provide insights into soil types and their general characteristics, they are secondary to the more immediate concerns regarding moisture and density, which directly affect stability under load. Therefore, examining moisture content and density is vital for ensuring that the soil can properly support the construction without significant risk of settlement or failure.