# A Practical Group Symbol and Group Name Approach (PSNA) according to EN ISO 14688-2:2018
## 5 Results and Discussion  
A novel practical marking approach called the Practical Soil Marking Approach (PSAIA) was proposed in this study. The approach described in this paper does not constitute a classification system or a standard. However, it offers a method to effectively utilize EN ISO 14688-2:2018 [21], which cannot provide group names and group symbols in practice, by enabling the detailed identification of soil particles in practical applications and assigning them appropriate categorization. The process of doing so relies on the standard EN ISO 14688-2:2018 as its foundation. However, in cases where EN ISO 14688-2:2018 is insufficient in definitions of soils, ASTM D2487-17e1 [25] is utilized. The standard EN ISO 14688-2:2018, which was approved in 2018, primarily focuses on providing general principles related to soil. However, it does not provide comprehensive guidance on the symbolization of soil particles. Therefore, this particular standard is not suitable for the classification of soil masses, particularly for practical engineers. To overcome these general assessments, this study proposed a novel, useful, and practical identification of group names and symbols proposed based on EN ISO 14688-2:2018. The objective was to enhance the practical applicability of EN ISO 14688-2:2018. If scientists are to identify and classify soils, the literature must spell out the precise soil classification methods required in practice. The proposed approach was based on EN ISO 14688-2:2018 and it drew from ASTM D2487-17e1 for the logical principles of group name and group symbol.  
It is difficult to accept a new way of soil marking (e.g., sand is not marked as S but rather as Sa), based on using secondary fractions in front of primary fractions and explanations of group names in the event of extensive local presence. The research conducted in this study addressed these difficulties. In this study, classification was based on EN ISO 14688-2:2018 and so Gr, Sa, Si, and Cl symbols were used, and the dominant particles were always used as the initial symbol. Secondary fraction particles were used after the initial primary symbolization.  
Useful flow charts were prepared to identify and mark different grain-sized particles. According to these charts, gravel, sand, silt, clay, and organic materials can be classified.  
By inputting the measured mass of soil particles retained on a sieve, users can promptly obtain the corresponding soil particle group name and group symbol within a brief period. The Excel macro provides the ability to identify soils in accordance with the ASTM D2487-17e1 standard and the PSAA v.1.0. In this study, a total of 55 group symbols and 155 group names were identified based on PSAA. Thus, it has been determined that PSAA can identify soils in detail (Table 7). A practical and useful method should be able to provide the boundaries of the particles clearly after assessing the soil mass precisely. Identifying and classifying soil is the first step in designing projects. The more detailed the classification, the more precise data a project generates. The classification of soil should consist of both a group name and a group symbol. If only a symbol is used, this can be misleading.  
While the soil identification approach may appear complex due to the numerous groups and symbols involved, it may be effectively recognized by following a systematic flow chart. Furthermore, the Excel macro developed for the study was prepared to enhance the practicality of soil identification.