Q1: The plasticity of fine soils may be assessed by means of

ANS:D - all of these.

1. Dry strength test: This test measures the strength of a soil sample when it's in a dry state. It helps to assess how the soil behaves under certain loads and conditions.
2. Toughness test: This test evaluates the ability of a soil sample to resist fracturing or breaking under stress. It provides insight into the soil's overall durability and resistance to deformation.
3. Dilatancy test: Dilatancy refers to the volume change that occurs in a soil sample when it is sheared. This test measures the tendency of a fine soil to dilate or expand when subjected to shear stress. It helps in understanding the behavior of the soil under different loading conditions and provides information about its shear strength characteristics.