Experiment 4: Grain Size Distribution of Soils

Experiment 4-A: Sieve Size Analysis

Background
Sieve analysis is a laboratory test used to determine the particle-size distribution of soil or
aggregate samples. The test is carried out by passing a dry soil sample through a set of standard
sieves arranged in decreasing mesh sizes. The quantity of material retained on each sieve is
measured to evaluate the gradation characteristics of the soil.
Purpose
The sieve analysis test is conducted to:
 Classify the soil based on particle-size distribution
 Evaluate soil properties relevant to engineering applications
Testing Standards
The test was performed in accordance with the following standards:
 ASTM D422
 AASHTO T88
 BS 1377-2:1990 (Section 9)
Apparatus
The equipment used for this test included:
 A set of standard sieves with lid and pan
 Electronic balance
 Drying oven
 Desiccator
 Mechanical sieve shaker
Procedure
1. The soil sample was oven-dried and its total mass was measured.
2. The dried sample was placed on the top sieve of the assembled sieve stack, and the lid
was secured.
3. The sieve stack was mounted on a mechanical shaker and shaken until no further
significant change in retained mass was observed.
4. After completion of shaking, the mass of soil retained on each sieve was carefully
measured and recorded.
 Cumulative
Mass
Sieve Size ASTM Mass Retained Mass Percentage
(mm) Designation Retained (g) (g) Passing (g) Passing (%)
75 3-in 0 0 4503.5 100.00
50 2-in 734 734 3769.5 83.70
37.5 1 1/4-in 398.9 1132.9 3370.6 74.84
25 1-in 319 1451.9 3051.6 67.76
19 5/8-in 179 1630.9 2872.6 63.79
12.5 1/2-in 373.4 2004.3 2499.2 55.49
9.5 3/8-in 225.6 2229.9 2273.6 50.49
4.75 No. 4 446.6 2676.5 1827 40.57
2 No. 10 450.4 3126.9 1376.6 30.57
0.85 No. 20 406.2 3533.1 970.4 21.55
0.425 No. 40 400.9 3934 569.5 12.65
0.25 No. 60 155.1 4089.1 414.4 9.20
0.15 No. 100 181.1 4270.2 233.3 5.18
0.075 No. 200 100.2 4370.4 133.1 2.96

Experiment 4

Title

Sedimentation analysis or Hydrometer analysis

Objective-

Hydrometer analysis of fine particles for classification purpose by determining grain size of soils

Theory

Soil particle sizes smaller than 0.075 mm (passing 200 mesh sieve) are determined by the so-
called hydrometer method and it is based on the process of sedimentation of soil particles in
water by gravity. Sedimentation by gravity is the separation of particles of various sizes by their
velocity. Velocity depends upon its specific gravity,weight, diameter, density and viscosity of
Coarse soil suspension settles out more rapidly than the finer ones of the same specific gravity .

Hydrometer analysis is a process used to determine the particle size distribution of fine-grained
soils or other materials. It is based on the principle of Stokes' Law, which describes the settling
velocity of spherical particles in a fluid under the influence of gravity. This analysis is commonly
conducted in geotechnical and civil engineering laboratories to classify soils and understand
their behavior.

Material used
  Desiccator

 Drying oven

 Hydrometer(we use ASTM 152H)

 Jar(1L)

 Mixer

 Distilled water

 Rubber covered mortar and pestle

 Sodium Hex-Meta Phosphate (dispersing agent)

 Water

 Thermometer

 Balance

Procedure

1Weigh the required amount of soil sample, Mt

2 Prepare a 40 g/L dispersing agent solution

3 Place the weighted soil specimen in 250 mL beaker and cover with 125mL of the dispersing
solution

4 Let the soil-water slurry rest for at least 16hrs

5 At the end of the soaking period, disperse the sample using the mechanical stirrer. stir for at
least 1 min

6 Immediately after dispersion, we transferred the soil-water slurry to the glass sedimentation
cylinder, and we added distilled or demineralized water until the total volume is 1000 mL.

7 Using the palm of the hand over the open end of the cylinder (or a rubber stopper in the open
end), we turned the cylinder upside down and back for a period of 1 min to complete the
agitation of the slurry.

8 At the end of 1 min set the cylinder in a convenient location and we taken hydrometer
readings

 We taken the hydrometer readings for the following time intervals

 measured from the beginning of sedimentation: T= 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 120, 1440 min, RH
  Along with the test cylinder a calibration cylinder is prepared to account for errors in
Dispersing Agent (Sodium Hex-Meta Phosphate) ,Temperature and Meniscus

 The reading is recorded as the same time and interval as the test cylinder RC

Computation

To determine the particle size, D

D = K √L/T

K =√18 μ/ γw (Gs − 1)

To determine the percentage passing, N

for ASTM 152H Hydrometer only

N =R × a/M t × 100

where R is the corrected hydrometer reading R = RH − RC and a is the correction factor for
specific gravity. can be found from Table 1 of ASTM D 422

specific gravity correction factor is 0.98

 R (2 min) is 38.15, Rh=43, Rc=4.85, k=0.00128, D=0.0276, N%=74.77

 R (4 min) is 37 65, Rh=42.5, Rc=4.85, k=0.01297, D=0.0198, N%=73.79

 R (8 min) is 36.15, Rh=41, Rc=4.85, k=0.01294, D=0.0142, N%=70.85

 R (15 min) is 35.65, Rh=40.5, Rc=4.85, k=0.01293, D=0.0104, N%=69.87

 R (30 min) is 32.65, Rh=37.5, Rc=4.85 , k=0.01289, D=0.0075, N%=63.99

 Distance Specific
Hydrometer Correction Test Corrected from Gravity Particle
Time Reading Reading Temperatur Hydrometer Surface Correction Size (D, Percentage
(min) (Rh) (Rc) e (°C) Reading (R) (L, cm) Factor (α) K mm) Passing (%)
1 45 4.85 21.7 38.15 9.2 0.98 0.02288 0.0276 74.77
2 43 4.85 21.1 37.65 9.3 0.98 0.01977 0.0198 73.79
4 42.5 4.85 21.3 36.15 9.6 0.98 0.01794 0.0142 70.85
8 41 4.85 21.4 35.65 9.65 0.98 0.01293 0.0104 69.87
15 40.5 4.85 21.6 32.65 10.15 0.98 0.01289 0.0075 63.99

Conclusion

The sedimentation or Hydrometer analysis conducted using the ASTM 152H Hydrometer
method provided critical insights into the particle size distribution of the soil sample. Based on
the data collected:

1. Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of the soil was determined to be 2.35, which is
within the typical range for fine-grained soils.

2. Particle Size Distribution: The particle sizes (D) and the corresponding percentage
passing (N%) indicate that the soil contains a significant proportion of fine particles, with
percentages passing ranging from 67.3% for the smallest particles to 30.6% for larger
ones.

3. Settling Behavior: The hydrometer readings over time confirm the expected
sedimentation behavior, where finer particles settle slower due to lower settling
velocities, as predicted by Stokes' Law.

The results of our soil sample is predominantly fine-grained, it tell us the characteristics such
as low permeability and high compressibility of the fine grain [Link] findings are essential
for understanding the soil's suitability for construction and its expected behavior under load.

Particle size distribution are index properties they are indicator of the engineering properties
that are essential for construction. Further analysis, such as Atterberg limits or compaction
tests, may complement these findings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the
soil properties.
Combined Analysis

the percentage passing from hydrometer analysis is converted based

on the percentage of soil passing 75 µm to combine both analysis

N0 = N × F200
where N is the percentage finer values determined form the hydrometer analysis F200 is the
percentage passing No. 200 (75µm) sieve.
N0 is the converted percentage finer values determined form the

hydrometer analysis

FULL-SIZE PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION

Sieve Size Percentage

(mm) Passing (%)
75 100.00
50 83.70
37.5 74.84
25 67.76
19 63.79
12.5 55.49
9.5 50.49
4.75 40.57
2 30.57
0.85 21.55
0.425 12.65
0.25 9.20
0.15 5.18
0.075 2.96
0.0276 2.21
0.0198 2.18
0.0142 2.09
0.0104 2.06
0.0075 1.89
 Particle size distribution curve
120.00

100.00
Percemtage Passing %

80.00

60.00

40.00

20.00

0.00
0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100

Particle size (mm)

0.29056
D10 3
1.92766
D30 5
D60 16.032

Cu=D10/D60

= 0.290563/16.032
Cu= 55.17
( D30 ) 2 (1.9) 2 3.61
1.927665^2/(16.032*0.290563)
Cc    0.82
D60 D10 16.3 0.27 4.40
Cc=0.80

Using the USCS chart, let’s classify the soil step by step.

Step 1: Amount of fines

 % passing No. 200 = 2.94% < 5%

Soil is coarse-grained with little or no fines

Step 2: Gravel or sand?

 More than 50% is retained on 4.75

Soil is GRAVEL

Step 3: Grading criteria for gravel

For well-graded gravel (GW):

 Cu ≥ 4 ✓

 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3 ✗

our value:

 Cc = 0.80 (less than 1) → does not satisfy

➡ Soil is poorly graded gravel

Step 4: USCS classification

 Fines < 5%

 Gravel

 Poorly graded

Soil Symbol: GP

Soil Name: Poorly graded gravel

1. % passing No. 4 (4.75 mm)

2. % passing No. 200 (0.075 mm)

3. Then:

% Sand=(% passing No. 4)−(% passing No. 200)

 % passing No. 4 ≈ 40.40%

 % passing No. 200 = 2.94%

% Sand=40.57−2.96=37.61 %
Interpretation

 Sand = 37.61% ≥ 15%

According to the chart:

Add “with sand”

Finally

 Symbol: GP

 Name: Poorly graded gravel with sand