An inspector claims that all previously excavated soil is classified as type C soil. Is this accurate?

The assertion that all previously excavated soil is classified as type C soil is inaccurate because soil classification depends on a variety of factors, including the specific properties of the soil material rather than its history of excavation. Type C soil is typically characterized as having the least cohesion and is often loose and unconfined, making it more susceptible to collapse.

In practice, soil is categorized based on its cohesion, moisture content, and other properties that influence its stability. Type B soil may have some cohesion and characteristics that make it more stable than type C. For example, clayey soils can often be classified as type B if they exhibit cohesion that enables them to stand in an excavation without additional support.

Therefore, the claim that all previously excavated soil falls under type C does not hold true, as classification is contingent upon various physical and mechanical characteristics of the soil rather than simply its past use in excavation. Understanding these classifications is crucial for ensuring safety and proper engineering practices when performing excavations.