Experiment 6-Grain Size Analysis.pdf

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Krishna Reddy UIC Laboratory test Prof Prof Krishna Reddy test Prof Krishna soil Engineering Properties
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
44
 
EXPERIMENT 6 
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS 
(SIEVE AND HYDROMETER ANALYSIS) 
 
 
Purpose: 
 
This test is performed to determine the percentage of different grain sizes 
contained within a soil.  The mechanical or sieve analysis is performed to 
determine the distribution of the coarser, larger-sized particles, and the hydrometer 
method is used to determine the distribution of the finer particles. 
 
Standard Reference: 
 
ASTM D 422 - Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils 
 
 
Significance: 
 
The distribution of different grain sizes affects the engineering properties of 
soil.  Grain size analysis provides the grain size distribution, and it is required in 
classifying the soil. 
 
 
Equipment: 
 
Balance, Set of sieves, Cleaning brush, Sieve shaker, Mixer (blender), 152H 
Hydrometer, Sedimentation cylinder, Control cylinder, Thermometer, Beaker, 
Timing device. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
45
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
46
 
 
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
47
 Test Procedure:  
Sieve Analysis: 
 
(1) Write down the weight of each sieve as well as the bottom pan to be 
used in the analysis. 
 
 
(2) 
Record the weight of the given dry soil sample.   
 
 
(3) 
Make sure that all the sieves are clean, and assemble them in the 
ascending order of sieve numbers (#4 sieve at top and #200 sieve at 
bottom). Place the pan below #200 sieve. Carefully pour the soil 
sample into the top sieve and place the cap over it. 
 
 
 
(4) 
Place the sieve stack in the mechanical shaker and shake for 10 
minutes. 
 
 
 
(5) 
Remove the stack from the shaker and carefully weigh and record the 
weight of each sieve with its retained soil.  In addition, remember to 
weigh and record the weight of the bottom pan with its retained fine 
soil. 
 
 
Hydrometer Analysis: 
(1)     Take the fine soil from the bottom pan of the sieve set, place it into a                          
          beaker, and add 125 mL of the dispersing agent (sodium                  
hexametaphosphate (40 g/L)) solution.  Stir the mixture until the soil is 
thoroughly wet.  Let the soil soak for at least ten minutes.   
 
 
 
(2) While the soil is soaking, add 125mL of dispersing agent into the 
control cylinder and fill it with distilled water to the mark. Take the 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
48
 
reading at the top of the meniscus formed by the hydrometer stem and 
the control solution. A reading less than zero is recorded as a negative 
(-) correction and a reading between zero and sixty is recorded as a 
positive (+) correction.  This reading is called the zero correction.  The 
meniscus correction is the difference between the top of the meniscus 
and the level of the solution in the control jar (Usually about +1).  
Shake the control cylinder in such a way that the contents are mixed 
thoroughly. Insert the hydrometer and thermometer into the control 
cylinder and note the zero correction and temperature respectively. 
 
  
(3) 
Transfer the soil slurry into a mixer by adding more distilled water, if 
necessary, until mixing cup is at least half full.  Then mix the solution 
for a period of two minutes. 
 
 
 
(4) 
Immediately transfer the soil slurry into the empty sedimentation 
cylinder.  Add distilled water up to the mark. 
 
 
 
(5) 
Cover the open end of the cylinder with a stopper and secure it with 
the palm of your hand.  Then turn the cylinder upside down and back 
upright for a period of one minute.  (The cylinder should be inverted 
approximately 30 times during the minute.) 
 
 
 
(6) 
Set the cylinder down and record the time.  Remove the stopper from 
the cylinder.  After an elapsed time of one minute and forty seconds, 
very slowly and carefully insert the hydrometer for the first reading.  
(Note:  It should take about ten seconds to insert or remove the 
hydrometer to minimize any disturbance, and the release of the 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
49
 
hydrometer should be made as close to the reading depth as possible 
to avoid excessive bobbing).  
 
 
 
(7) 
The reading is taken by observing the top of the meniscus formed by 
the suspension and the hydrometer stem.  The hydrometer is removed 
slowly and placed back into the control cylinder. Very gently spin it in 
control cylinder to remove any particles that may have adhered. 
 
 
 
(8) 
Take hydrometer readings after elapsed time of 2 and 5, 8, 15, 30, 60 
minutes and 24 hours 
 
 
Data Analysis: 
 
Sieve Analysis: 
 
(1) 
Obtain the mass of soil retained on each sieve by subtracting the 
weight of the empty sieve from the mass of the sieve + retained soil, 
and record this mass as the weight retained on the data sheet.  The 
sum of these retained masses should be approximately equals the 
initial mass of the soil sample.  A loss of more than two percent is 
unsatisfactory. 
 
 
 
(2) 
Calculate the percent retained on each sieve by dividing the weight 
retained on each sieve by the original sample mass. 
 
 
 
(3) 
Calculate the percent passing (or percent finer) by starting with 100 
percent and subtracting the percent retained on each sieve as a 
cumulative procedure. 
 
 
For example:  Total mass = 500 g 
 
 
 
 
Mass retained on No. 4 sieve = 9.7 g 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
50
 
 
 
 
Mass retained on No. 10 sieve = 39.5 g 
 
 
 
 
For the No.4 sieve: 
 
 
 
Quantity passing = Total mass - Mass retained 
 
 
 
 
    = 500 - 9.7 = 490.3 g 
 
 
The percent retained is calculated as; 
 
 
% retained = Mass retained/Total mass 
 
 
 
      = (9.7/500) X 100 = 1.9 % 
 
 
From this, the % passing = 100 - 1.9 = 98.1 % 
 
 
 
 
 
For the No. 10 sieve: 
 
 
Quantity passing = Mass arriving - Mass retained 
 
 
 
 
       = 490.3 - 39.5 = 450.8 g 
 
 
% Retained = (39.5/500) X 100 = 7.9 % 
 
 
% Passing = 100 - 1.9 - 7.9 = 90.2 % 
 
 
(Alternatively, use  % passing = % Arriving - % Retained 
 
 
For No. 10 sieve = 98.1 - 7.9 = 90.2 %) 
 
 
(4) Make a semilogarithmic plot of grain size vs. percent finer. 
 
 
(5) 
Compute Cc and Cu for the soil. 
 
 
 
Hydrometer Analysis: 
 
(1) 
Apply meniscus correction to the actual hydrometer reading. 
 
 
 
(2) 
From Table 1, obtain the effective hydrometer depth L in cm (for 
meniscus corrected reading). 
 
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
51
 
(3) 
For known Gs of the soil (if not known, assume 2.65 for this lab 
purpose), obtain the value of K from Table 2. 
 
 
 
(4) 
Calculate the equivalent particle diameter by using the following 
formula: 
t
L
K
D =
 
 
 
Where t is in minutes, and D is given in mm. 
 
 
 
(5) 
Determine the temperature correction CT from Table 3. 
 
 
 
(6) 
Determine correction factor “a” from Table 4 using Gs. 
 
 
 
(7) 
Calculate corrected hydrometer reading as follows: 
 
 
 
 
Rc = RACTUAL - zero correction + CT 
 
 
 
(8) 
Calculate percent finer as follows: 
100
s
w
a
Rc
P
×
×
=
 
 
 
Where WS is the weight of the soil sample in grams. 
 
 
(9) 
Adjusted percent fines as follows: 
100
200
F
P
A
P
×
=
 
 
 
F200 = % finer of #200 sieve as a percent 
 
 
(10) Plot the grain size curve D versus the adjusted percent finer on the 
semilogarithmic sheet.  
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
52
 Table 1. Values of Effective Depth Based on Hydrometer and Sedimentation 
Cylinder of Specific Sizes 
 
Hydrometer 151H 
Hydrometer 152H 
Actual 
Hydrometer 
Reading 
Effective 
Depth, L (cm) 
Actual 
Hydrometer 
Reading 
Effective 
Depth, L (cm)
Actual 
Hydrometer 
Reading 
Effective 
Depth, L (cm)
1.000 
16.3 
0 
16.3 
31 
11.2 
1.001 
16.0 
1 
16.1 
32 
11.1 
1.002 
15.8 
2 
16.0 
33 
10.9 
1.003 
15.5 
3 
15.8 
34 
10.7 
1.004 
15.2 
4 
15.6 
35 
10.6 
1.005 
15.0 
5 
15.5 
36 
10.4 
1.006 
14.7 
6 
15.3 
37 
10.2 
1.007 
14.4 
7 
15.2 
38 
10.1 
1.008 
14.2 
8 
15.0 
39 
9.9 
1.009 
13.9 
9 
14.8 
40 
9.7 
1.010 
13.7 
10 
14.7 
41 
9.6 
1.011 
13.4 
11 
14.5 
42 
9.4 
1.012 
13.1 
12 
14.3 
43 
9.2 
1.013 
12.9 
13 
14.2 
44 
9.1 
1.014 
12.6 
14 
14.0 
45 
8.9 
1.015 
12.3 
15 
13.8 
46 
8.8 
1.016 
12.1 
16 
13.7 
47 
8.6 
1.017 
11.8 
17 
13.5 
48 
8.4 
1.018 
11.5 
18 
13.3 
49 
8.3 
1.019 
11.3 
19 
13.2 
50 
8.1 
1.020 
11.0 
20 
13.0 
51 
7.9 
1.021 
10.7 
21 
12.9 
52 
7.8 
1.022 
10.5 
22 
12.7 
53 
7.6 
1.023 
10.2 
23 
12.5 
54 
7.4 
1.024 
10.0 
24 
12.4 
55 
7.3 
1.025 
9.7 
25 
12.2 
56 
7.1 
1.026 
9.4 
26 
12.0 
57 
7.0 
1.027 
9.2 
27 
11.9 
58 
6.8 
1.028 
8.9 
28 
11.7 
59 
6.6 
1.029 
8.6 
29 
11.5 
60 
6.5 
1.030 
8.4 
30 
11.4 
 
 
1.031 
8.1 
 
 
 
 
1.032 
7.8 
 
 
 
 
1.033 
7.6 
 
 
 
 
1.034 
7.3 
 
 
 
 
1.035 
7.0 
 
 
 
 
1.036 
6.8 
 
 
 
 
1.037 
6.5 
 
 
 
 
1.038 
6.2 
 
 
 
 
1.039 
5.9 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
53
 Table 2. Values of k for Use in Equation for Computing Diameter of Particle in 
Hydrometer Analysis 
 
Temperature 
C
o
 
Specific Gravity of Soil Particles 
 
2.45 
2.50 
2.55 
2.60 
2.65 
2.70 
2.75 
2.80 
2.85 
16 
0.01510 0.01505 0.01481
0.01457
0.01435
0.01414
0.0394 
0.01374 0.01356
17 
0.01511 0.01486 0.01462
0.01439
0.01417
0.01396
0.01376
0.01356 0.01338
18 
0.01492 0.01467 0.01443
0.01421
0.01399
0.01378
0.01359
0.01339 0.01321
19 
0.01474 0.01449 0.01425
0.01403
0.01382
0.01361
0.01342
0.01323 0.01305
20 
0.01456 0.01431 0.01408
0.01386
0.01365
0.01344
0.01325
0.01307 0.01289
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21 
0.01438 0.01414 0.01391
0.01369
0.01348
0.01328
0.01309
0.01291 0.01273
22 
0.01421 0.01397 0.01374
0.01353
0.01332
0.01312
0.01294
0.01276 0.01258
23 
0.01404 0.01381 0.01358
0.01337
0.01317
0.01297
0.01279
0.01261 0.01243
24 
0.01388 0.01365 0.01342
0.01321
0.01301
0.01282
0.01264
0.01246 0.01229
25 
0.01372 0.01349 0.01327
0.01306
0.01286
0.01267
0.01249
0.01232 0.01215
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26 
0.01357 0.01334 0.01312
0.01291
0.01272
0.01253
0.01235
0.01218 0.01201
27 
0.01342 0.01319 0.01297
0.01277
0.01258
0.01239
0.01221
0.01204 0.01188
28 
0.01327 0.01304 0.01283
0.01264
0.01244
0.01255
0.01208
0.01191 0.01175
29 
0.01312 0.01290 0.01269
0.01269
0.01230
0.01212
0.01195
0.01178 0.01162
30 
0.01298 0.01276 0.01256
0.01236
0.01217
0.01199
0.01182
0.01165 0.01149
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
54
 
Table 3. Temperature Correction Factors  CT 
 
Temperature 
C
o
 
factor CT 
  
15 
1.10 
16 
-0.90 
17 
-0.70 
18 
-0.50 
19 
-0.30 
20 
0.00 
21 
+0.20 
22 
+0.40 
23 
+0.70 
24 
+1.00 
25 
+1.30 
26 
+1.65 
27 
+2.00 
28 
+2.50 
29 
+3.05 
30 
+3.80 
 
 
 
Table 4.  Correction Factors a for Unit Weight of Solids 
 
Unit Weight of 
Soil Solids, 
g/cm3 
Correction 
factor 
a 
2.85 
0.96 
2.80 
0.97 
2.75 
0.98 
2.70 
0.99 
2.65 
1.00 
2.60 
1.01 
2.55 
1.02 
2.50 
1.04 
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
55
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXAMPLE DATA 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
56
 
Grain Size Analysis 
Sieve Analysis 
 
 
Date Tested: September 15, 2002 
 
 
Tested By: CEMM315 Class, Group A 
 
 
Project Name: CEMM315 Lab 
 
 
Sample Number: B-1, ST-1, 2’-3. 5’ 
                   Visual Classification of Soil: Brown Clayey to silty sand, trace fine gravel 
 
 
Weight of Container: 
         198.5 gm 
 
 
Wt. Container+Dry Soil:          722.3 gm 
 
 
Wt. of Dry Sample:                    523.8 gm 
 
Sieve 
Number 
Diameter 
(mm) 
Mass of 
Empty 
Sieve (g) 
Mass of 
Sieve+Soil 
Retained (g) 
Soil 
Retained 
(g) 
Percent 
Retained 
Percent 
Passing 
4 
4.75 
116.23 
166.13 
49.9 
9.5 
90.5 
10 
2. 0 
99.27 
135.77 
36.5 
7.0 
83.5 
20 
0.84 
97.58 
139.68 
42.1 
8.0 
75.5 
40 
0.425 
98.96 
138.96 
40.0 
7.6 
67.8 
60 
0. 25 
91.46 
114.46 
23.0 
4.4 
63.4 
140 
0.106 
93.15 
184.15 
91.0 
17.4 
46.1 
200 
0.075 
90.92 
101.12 
10.2 
1.9 
44.1 
Pan 
--- 
70.19 
301.19 
231.0 
44.1 
0.0 
 
Total Weight= 
523.7 
 
 
 
* Percent passing=100-cumulative percent retained. 
 
From Grain Size Distribution Curve: 
 
 
 
 
% Gravel=   9.5_    
 
D10= 0.002____ 
mm 
 
 
 
% Sand=       46.4_ 
 
D30= 0.017___ 
mm 
 
 
 
% Fines= 
  44.1_ 
 
D60= .0.25 __ 
mm 
 
(
)
0.58
0.002
0.25
2
0.017
c
C
125,
0.002
0.25
u
C
=
×
=
=
=
 
 
 
 
Unified Classification of Soil: 
    SC/SM_
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
57
 Hydrometer Analysis 
 
 
 
 
Test Date: September 15, 2002 
 
 
 
Tested By: CEMM315 Class, Group A 
 
 
 
Hydrometer Number (if known): 152 H 
 
 
 
Specific Gravity of Solids: 2.56 
 
 
 
Dispersing Agent: Sodium Hexametaphosphate 
 
 
 
Weight of Soil Sample: 50. 0 gm 
 
 
 
Zero Correction: +6 
 
 
 
Meniscus Correction: +1 
 
Date 
Time 
Elapsed 
Time 
(min) 
Temp. 
 
OC 
Actual 
Hydro. 
Rdg. 
Ra 
Hyd. 
Corr. for 
Meniscus 
L from 
Table 1 
K from 
Table 2 
D 
mm 
CT 
from 
Table 3 
a from 
Table 4 
Corr. 
Hydr. 
Rdg. 
Rc 
% 
Finer 
   P 
% 
Adjusted 
Finer 
   PA 
09/15 
4:06 PM 
0 
25 
55 
56 
7.1 
0.01326 
0 
+1.3 
1. 018 
- 
- 
- 
 
4:07 
1 
25 
47 
48 
8.6 
0.01326 
0. 03029 
+1.3 
1. 018 
42.3 
86.1 
37.8 
 
4:08 
2 
25 
42 
43 
9.2 
0.01326 
0.02844 
+1.3 
1. 018 
37.3 
75.9 
33.3 
 
4:10 
4 
25 
40 
41 
9.6 
0.01326 
0.02054 
+1.3 
1. 018 
35.3 
71.9 
31.6 
 
4:14 
8 
25 
37 
38 
10.1 
0.01326 
0.01490 
+1.3 
1. 018 
32.3 
65.8 
28.6 
 
4:22 
16 
25 
32 
33 
10.9 
0.01326 
0.01094 
+1.3 
1. 018 
27.3 
55.6 
24.1 
 
4:40 
34 
25 
28 
29 
11.5 
0.01326 
0.00771 
+1.3 
1. 018 
23.3 
47.4 
20.8 
 
6:22 
136 
23 
22 
23 
12.5 
0.01356 
0.00411 
+0.7 
1. 018 
16.7 
34 
14.9 
09/16 
5:24 PM 
1518 
22 
15 
16 
13.7 
0.01366 
0.00130 
+0.4 
1. 018 
9.4 
19.1 
8.4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unified Classification of Soil: SC/SM  
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
58
 
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0.0010.0100.1001.00010.000100.0001000.000
GRAIN SIZE - mm
P
E
R
C
E
N
T
 F
IN
E
R
 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
59
 
 
BLANK DATA SHEETS 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
57
 
Grain Size Analysis 
Sieve Analysis 
 
 
 
Date Tested:  
 
 
Tested By: 
 
 
Project Name:  
 
 
Sample Number:  
                   Visual Classification of Soil:  
 
 
 
 
Weight of Container: 
         _____gm 
 
 
Wt. Container+Dry Soil:          _____gm 
 
 
Wt. of Dry Sample:                    _____gm 
 
Sieve 
Number 
Diameter 
(mm) 
Mass of 
Empty 
Sieve (g) 
Mass of 
Sieve+Soil 
Retained (g) 
Soil 
Retained 
(g) 
Percent 
Retained 
Percent 
Passing 
4 
4.75 
 
 
 
 
 
10 
2. 0 
 
 
 
 
 
20 
0.84 
 
 
 
 
 
40 
0.425 
 
 
 
 
 
60 
0. 25 
 
 
 
 
 
140 
0.106 
 
 
 
 
 
200 
0.075 
 
 
 
 
 
Pan 
--- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Weight= 
 
 
 
 
* Percent passing=100-cumulative percent retained. 
 
From Grain Size Distribution Curve: 
 
 
 
% Gravel=  _______ 
 
D10= ________ 
mm 
 
 
 
% Sand=       _______ 
 
D30= ________ 
mm 
 
 
 
% Fines= 
 _______ 
 
D60=  
__ 
mm 
 
 
 
Cu= ______________                CC=  ________          
 
Unified Classification of Soil: 
    ________ 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
58
Hydrometer Analysis 
 
 
 
Test Date: __________ 
 
 
 
Tested By: __________ 
 
 
 
Hydrometer Number (if known): _________ 
 
 
 
Specific Gravity of Solids: _________  
 
 
 
Dispersing Agent:  
 
_________ 
 
 
 
Weight of Soil Sample: 
 
_________gm 
 
 
 
 
Zero Correction: 
 
 
_________ 
 
 
 
Meniscus Correction: 
 
_________ 
 
Date 
Time 
Elapsed 
Time 
(min) 
Temp. 
 
OC 
Actual 
Hydro. 
Rdg. 
Ra 
Hyd. 
Corr. for 
Meniscus 
L from 
Table 1 
K from 
Table 2 
D 
mm 
CT 
from 
Table 3 
a from 
Table 4 
Corr. 
Hydr. 
Rdg. 
Rc 
% 
Finer 
   P 
% 
Adjusted 
Finer 
   PA 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unified Classification of Soil: 
 
Engineering Properties of Soils Based on Laboratory Testing 
Prof. Krishna Reddy, UIC 
 
59
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: You can plot your data on this graph or generate similar graph using any graphics program (e.g., excel) 
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0.0010.010.11101001000
Grain Size (mm)
P
e
rc
e
n
t
 P
a
s
s
in
g