What does a slope ratio of 3:1 indicate about excavated soil?

A slope ratio of 3:1 means that for every three units of horizontal distance, there is one unit of vertical distance. This ratio is typically considered to be moderate in terms of stability for excavated soil. A slope with this ratio is less steep than a higher ratio, which would indicate a greater risk of soil failure or slide.

In the context of excavation, a slope ratio of 3:1 is generally viewed as a safe and stable angle for most types of soil. It allows for good drainage and minimizes the risk of collapse compared to steeper slopes. Therefore, when evaluating the safety and stability of excavated soil, a 3:1 ratio is often recommended for various applications without immediate concern for significant instability.

The other options, such as indicating steepness or being unsafe, do not accurately reflect the characteristics typically associated with a 3:1 slope ratio, which has been established as a recommended ratio for safe excavation practices in many guidelines.