Soil that is submerged or has water seeping from it should be classified as which type?

Soil that is submerged or has water seeping from it is classified as "C soil," which is a category recognized in the classification of soil types for excavation safety. This classification is critical because it indicates that the soil is cohesive and has a tendency to lose its strength when wet. The presence of water contributes to the potential for hazardous conditions, such as increased instability and a higher risk of collapse during excavation.

C soil generally consists of granular materials that may be susceptible to water erosion and can lose their load-bearing capacity when saturated. This is significant for safety practices, as workers in excavations must take extra precautions when dealing with this type of soil to prevent incidents. Understanding the characteristics of C soil helps in implementing the right protective measures, such as shoring and trench boxes, to ensure a safe excavation environment.