Designation: D 422 – 63 (Reapproved 2002)

Standard Test Method for

Particle-Size Analysis of Soils1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 422; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 3.2 Stirring Apparatus—Either apparatus A or B may be

1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination used.
of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of 3.2.1 Apparatus A shall consist of a mechanically operated
particle sizes larger than 75 µm (retained on the No. 200 stirring device in which a suitably mounted electric motor
sieve) is determined by sieving, while the distribution of turns a vertical shaft at a speed of not less than 10 000 rpm
particle sizes smaller than 75 µm is determined by a without load. The shaft shall be equipped with a replaceable
sedimentation process, using a hydrometer to secure the stirring paddle made of metal, plastic, or hard rubber, as
necessary data (Note 1 and Note 2). shown in Fig.
NOTE 1—Separation may be made on the No. 4 (4.75-mm), No. 40 1. The shaft shall be of such length that the stirring paddle will
(425-µm), or No. 200 (75-µm) sieve instead of the No. 10. For whatever operate not less than 3⁄4 in. (19.0 mm) nor more than 11⁄2 in.
sieve used, the size shall be indicated in the report. (38.1 mm) above the bottom of the dispersion cup. A special
NOTE 2—Two types of dispersion devices are provided: (1) a high- dispersion cup conforming to either of the designs shown in
speed mechanical stirrer, and (2) air dispersion. Extensive investigations Fig. 2 shall be provided to hold the sample while it is being
indicate that air-dispersion devices produce a more positive dispersion of
dispersed.
plastic soils below the 20-µm size and appreciably less degradation on all
sizes when used with sandy soils. Because of the definite advantages 3.2.2 Apparatus B shall consist of an air-jet dispersion cup5
favoring air dispersion, its use is recommended. The results from the two (Note 3) conforming to the general details shown in Fig. 3
types of devices differ in magnitude, depending upon soil type, leading to (Note 4 and Note 5).
marked differences in particle size distribution, especially for sizes finer
than 20 µm. NOTE 3—The amount of air required by an air-jet dispersion cup is of
the order of 2 ft3/min; some small air compressors are not capable of
2. Referenced Documents supplying sufficient air to operate a cup.
NOTE 4—Another air-type dispersion device, known as a dispersion
2.1 ASTM Standards: tube, developed by Chu and Davidson at Iowa State College, has been
D 421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for shown to give results equivalent to those secured by the air-jet dispersion
Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Con- cups. When it is used, soaking of the sample can be done in the
stants2 sedimentation cylinder, thus eliminating the need for transferring the
E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur- slurry. When the air-dispersion tube is used, it shall be so indicated in the
report.
poses3 NOTE 5—Water may condense in air lines when not in use. This water
E 100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers4 must be removed, either by using a water trap on the air line, or by
blowing the water out of the line before using any of the air for
3. Apparatus dispersion purposes.
3.1 Balances—A balance sensitive to 0.01 g for weighing 3.3 Hydrometer—An ASTM hydrometer, graduated to read
the material passing a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve, and a balance in either specific gravity of the suspension or grams per litre
sensitive to 0.1 % of the mass of the sample to be weighed for of suspension, and conforming to the requirements for
weighing the material retained on a No. 10 sieve. hydrom- eters 151H or 152H in Specifications E 100.
Dimensions of both hydrometers are the same, the scale being
1 the only item of difference.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, 3.4 Sedimentation Cylinder—A glass cylinder essentially
Plasticity, and Density Characteristics of Soils. 18 in. (457 mm) in height and 2 1⁄2 in. (63.5 mm) in diameter,
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 2002. Published March 2003Originally and
published in 1935. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D 422 – 63 (1998).
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol
5
14.03. Detailed working drawings for this cup are available at a nominal cost from the
American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428. Order Adjunct No. ADJD0422.

1
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 422 – 63

Metric Equivalents
in. 0.001 0.049 0.203 1
⁄2 3
⁄4
mm 0.03 1.24 5.16 12.7 19.0

FIG. 1 Detail of Stirring Paddles

NOTE 6—A set of sieves giving uniform spacing of points for the graph,
as required in Section 17, may be used if desired. This set consists of the
following sieves:
3-in. (75-mm) No. 16 (1.18-mm)
11⁄2-in. (37.5-mm) No. 30 (600-µm)
3
⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) No. 50 (300-µm)
3
⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) No. 100 (150-µm)
No. 4 (4.75-mm) No. 200 (75-µm)
No. 8 (2.36-mm)
3.7 Water Bath or Constant-Temperature Room—A water
bath or constant-temperature room for maintaining the soil
suspension at a constant temperature during the hydrometer
analysis. A satisfactory water tank is an insulated tank that
maintains the temperature of the suspension at a convenient
constant temperature at or near 68°F (20°C). Such a device is
illustrated in Fig. 4. In cases where the work is performed in a
room at an automatically controlled constant temperature, the
water bath is not necessary.
3.8 Beaker—A beaker of 250-mL capacity.
3.9 Timing Device—A watch or clock with a second hand.

4. Dispersing Agent
Metric Equivalents
in. 1.3 2.6 3.75
4.1 A solution of sodium hexametaphosphate (sometimes
mm 33 66 95.2 called sodium metaphosphate) shall be used in distilled or
FIG. 2 Dispersion Cups of Apparatus demineralized water, at the rate of 40 g of sodium
hexametaphosphate/litre of solution (Note 7).
NOTE 7—Solutions of this salt, if acidic, slowly revert or hydrolyze
marked for a volume of 1000 mL. The inside diameter shall back to the orthophosphate form with a resultant decrease in dispersive
be such that the 1000-mL mark is 36 6 2 cm from the action. Solutions should be prepared frequently (at least once a month) or
adjusted to pH of 8 or 9 by means of sodium carbonate. Bottles
bottom on the inside. containing solutions should have the date of preparation marked on
3.5 Thermometer—A thermometer accurate to 1°F (0.5°C). them.
3.6 Sieves—A series of sieves, of square-mesh woven-wire
cloth, conforming to the requirements of Specification E 11. A 4.2 All water used shall be either distilled or demineralized
full set of sieves includes the following (Note 6): water. The water for a hydrometer test shall be brought to the
temperature that is expected to prevail during the hydrometer
3-in. (75-mm) No. 10 (2.00-mm)
2-in. (50-mm) No. 20 (850-µm) test. For example, if the sedimentation cylinder is to be placed
11⁄2-in. (37.5-mm) No. 40 (425-µm) in the water bath, the distilled or demineralized water to be
1-in. (25.0-mm) No. 60 (250-µm)
3
⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) No. 140 (106-µm)
used shall be brought to the temperature of the controlled
3
⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) No. 200 (75-µm) water bath; or, if the sedimentation cylinder is used in a
No. 4 (4.75-mm) room with controlled temperature, the water for the test
shall be at the temperature of the room. The basic
1
 D 422 – 63
temperature for the

4
 D 422 – 63

FIG. 3 Air-Jet Dispersion Cups of Apparatus B

Metric Equivalents
in. 7
⁄8 1 3 61 ⁄4 14 37
mm 22.2 25.4 76.2 158.2 356 940

FIG. 4 Insulated Water Bath

hydrometer test is 68°F (20°C). Small variations of tempera- Nominal Diameter of Approximate Minimum
ture do not introduce differences that are of practical signifi- Largest Particles, Mass of Portion, g
cance and do not prevent the use of corrections derived as in. (mm)
3
⁄8 (9.5) 500
prescribed. 3
⁄4 (19.0) 1000
1 (25.4) 2000
5. Test Sample 11⁄2 (38.1) 3000
2 (50.8) 4000
5.1 Prepare the test sample for mechanical analysis as 3 (76.2) 5000
outlined in Practice D 421. During the preparation procedure
the sample is divided into two portions. One portion contains 5.1.2 The size of the portion passing the No. 10 sieve shall
only particles retained on the No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve while be approximately 115 g for sandy soils and approximately 65
the other portion contains only particles passing the No. 10 g for silt and clay soils.
sieve. The mass of air-dried soil selected for purpose of 5.2 Provision is made in Section 5 of Practice D 421 for
tests, as prescribed in Practice D 421, shall be sufficient to weighing of the air-dry soil selected for purpose of tests, the
yield quantities for mechanical analysis as follows: separation of the soil on the No. 10 sieve by dry-sieving and
5.1.1 The size of the portion retained on the No. 10 sieve washing, and the weighing of the washed and dried fraction
shall depend on the maximum size of particle, according to the retained on the No. 10 sieve. From these two masses the
following schedule:

3
 D 422 – 63
percentages retained and passing the No. 10 sieve can be needed. Measurement of the composite corrections may be
calculated in accordance with 12.1. made at two temperatures spanning the range of expected test
NOTE 8—A check on the mass values and the thoroughness of pulveri- temperatures, and corrections for the intermediate
zation of the clods may be secured by weighing the portion passing the temperatures calculated assuming a straight-line relationship
No. 10 sieve and adding this value to the mass of the washed and oven- between the two observed values.
dried portion retained on the No. 10 sieve. 7.3 Prepare 1000 mL of liquid composed of distilled or
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION RETAINED ON NO. demineralized water and dispersing agent in the same propor-
10 tion as will prevail in the sedimentation (hydrometer) test.
(2.00-mm) SIEVE Place the liquid in a sedimentation cylinder and the cylinder in
the constant-temperature water bath, set for one of the two
6. Procedure temperatures to be used. When the temperature of the liquid
becomes constant, insert the hydrometer, and, after a short
6.1 Separate the portion retained on the No. 10 (2.00-mm)
interval to permit the hydrometer to come to the temperature
sieve into a series of fractions using the 3-in. (75-mm), 2-in.
of the liquid, read the hydrometer at the top of the meniscus
(50-mm), 11⁄2-in. (37.5-mm), 1-in. (25.0-mm), 3⁄4-in. (19.0-
formed on the stem. For hydrometer 151H the composite
mm), 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm), and No. 10 sieves, or
correction is the difference between this reading and one; for
as many as may be needed depending on the sample, or upon
hydrometer 152H it is the difference between the reading and
the specifications for the material under test.
zero. Bring the liquid and the hydrometer to the other
6.2 Conduct the sieving operation by means of a lateral and
tempera- ture to be used, and secure the composite correction
vertical motion of the sieve, accompanied by a jarring action
as before.
in order to keep the sample moving continuously over the
surface of the sieve. In no case turn or manipulate 8. Hygroscopic Moisture
fragments in the sample through the sieve by hand. Continue
8.1 When the sample is weighed for the hydrometer test,
sieving until not more than 1 mass % of the residue on a sieve
weigh out an auxiliary portion of from 10 to 15 g in a small
passes that sieve during 1 min of sieving. When mechanical
metal or glass container, dry the sample to a constant mass
sieving is used, test the thoroughness of sieving by using the
in an oven at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C), and weigh again.
hand method of sieving as described above.
Record the masses.
6.3 Determine the mass of each fraction on a balance
conforming to the requirements of 3.1. At the end of 9. Dispersion of Soil Sample
weighing, the sum of the masses retained on all the sieves
used should equal closely the original mass of the quantity 9.1 When the soil is mostly of the clay and silt sizes, weigh
sieved. out a sample of air-dry soil of approximately 50 g. When the
soil is mostly sand the sample should be approximately 100 g.
HYDROMETER AND SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION 9.2 Place the sample in the 250-mL beaker and cover with
PASSING THE NO. 10 (2.00-mm) SIEVE 125 mL of sodium hexametaphosphate solution (40 g/L). Stir
until the soil is thoroughly wetted. Allow to soak for at least
7. Determination of Composite Correction for 16 h.
Hydrometer Reading 9.3 At the end of the soaking period, disperse the sample
7.1 Equations for percentages of soil remaining in suspen- further, using either stirring apparatus A or B. If stirring
sion, as given in 14.3, are based on the use of distilled or apparatus A is used, transfer the soil-water slurry from the
demineralized water. A dispersing agent is used in the water, beaker into the special dispersion cup shown in Fig. 2,
however, and the specific gravity of the resulting liquid is washing any residue from the beaker into the cup with
appreciably greater than that of distilled or demineralized distilled or demineralized water (Note 9). Add distilled or
water. demineralized water, if necessary, so that the cup is more than
7.1.1 Both soil hydrometers are calibrated at 68°F (20°C), half full. Stir for a period of 1 min.
and variations in temperature from this standard temperature NOTE 9—A large size syringe is a convenient device for handling the
produce inaccuracies in the actual hydrometer readings. The water in the washing operation. Other devices include the wash-water
amount of the inaccuracy increases as the variation from the bottle and a hose with nozzle connected to a pressurized distilled
water tank.
standard temperature increases.
7.1.2 Hydrometers are graduated by the manufacturer to be 9.4 If stirring apparatus B (Fig. 3) is used, remove the
read at the bottom of the meniscus formed by the liquid on the cover cap and connect the cup to a compressed air supply by
stem. Since it is not possible to secure readings of soil means of a rubber hose. A air gage must be on the line
suspensions at the bottom of the meniscus, readings must be between the cup and the control valve. Open the control
taken at the top and a correction applied. valve so that the gage indicates 1 psi (7 kPa) pressure (Note
7.1.3 The net amount of the corrections for the three items 10). Transfer the soil-water slurry from the beaker to the air-
enumerated is designated as the composite correction, and jet dispersion cup by washing with distilled or demineralized
may be determined experimentally. water. Add distilled or demineralized water, if necessary, so
7.2 For convenience, a graph or table of composite correc- that the total volume in the cup is 250 mL, but no more.
tions for a series of 1° temperature differences for the range of NOTE 10—The initial air pressure of 1 psi is required to prevent the
expected test temperatures may be prepared and used as
4
 D 422 – 63
soil-water mixture from entering the air-jet chamber when the mixture
is

5
 D 422 – 63
transferred to the dispersion cup. specification of the material under test.
9.5 Place the cover cap on the cup and open the air control
valve until the gage pressure is 20 psi (140 kPa). Disperse the
soil according to the following schedule:
Dispersion Period,
Plasticity Index min

Under 5 5
6 to 20 10
Over 20 15

Soils containing large percentages of mica need be

dispersed for only 1 min. After the dispersion period,
reduce the gage pressure to 1 psi preparatory to transfer of
soil-water slurry to the sedimentation cylinder.

10. Hydrometer Test

10.1 Immediately after dispersion, transfer the soil-water
slurry to the glass sedimentation cylinder, and add distilled or
demineralized water until the total volume is 1000 mL.
10.2 Using the palm of the hand over the open end of the
cylinder (or a rubber stopper in the open end), turn the
cylinder upside down and back for a period of 1 min to
complete the agitation of the slurry (Note 11). At the end of
1 min set the cylinder in a convenient location and take
hydrometer readings at the following intervals of time
(measured from the beginning of sedimentation), or as many
as may be needed, depending on the sample or the
specification for the material under test: 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, 250,
and 1440 min. If the controlled water bath is used, the
sedimentation cylinder should be placed in the bath between
the 2- and 5-min readings.
NOTE 11—The number of turns during this minute should be approxi-
mately 60, counting the turn upside down and back as two turns. Any soil
remaining in the bottom of the cylinder during the first few turns should
be loosened by vigorous shaking of the cylinder while it is in the inverted
position.

10.3 When it is desired to take a hydrometer reading,

carefully insert the hydrometer about 20 to 25 s before the
reading is due to approximately the depth it will have when
the reading is taken. As soon as the reading is taken,
carefully remove the hydrometer and place it with a spinning
motion in a graduate of clean distilled or demineralized water.
NOTE 12—It is important to remove the hydrometer immediately after
each reading. Readings shall be taken at the top of the meniscus formed
by the suspension around the stem, since it is not possible to secure
readings at the bottom of the meniscus.
10.4 After each reading, take the temperature of the
suspen- sion by inserting the thermometer into the suspension.

11. Sieve Analysis

11.1 After taking the final hydrometer reading, transfer
the suspension to a No. 200 (75-µm) sieve and wash with
tap water until the wash water is clear. Transfer the
material on the No. 200 sieve to a suitable container, dry in
an oven at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C) and make a sieve
analysis of the portion retained, using as many sieves as
desired, or required for the material, or upon the

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 D 422 – 63
CALCULATIONS AND REPORT suspension,
R = hydrometer reading with composite correction ap-
12. Sieve Analysis Values for the Portion Coarser plied (Section 7),
than the No. 10 (2.00-mm) Sieve
12.1 Calculate the percentage passing the No. 10 sieve by
dividing the mass passing the No. 10 sieve by the mass of
soil originally split on the No. 10 sieve, and multiplying the
result by 100. To obtain the mass passing the No. 10 sieve,
subtract the mass retained on the No. 10 sieve from the
original mass.
12.2 To secure the total mass of soil passing the No. 4
(4.75-mm) sieve, add to the mass of the material passing
the No. 10 sieve the mass of the fraction passing the No. 4
sieve and retained on the No. 10 sieve. To secure the total
mass of soil passing the 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve, add to the
total mass of soil passing the No. 4 sieve, the mass of the
fraction passing the 3⁄8-in. sieve and retained on the No. 4
sieve. For the remaining sieves, continue the calculations in
the same manner.
12.3 To determine the total percentage passing for each
sieve, divide the total mass passing (see 12.2) by the total
mass of sample and multiply the result by 100.
13. Hygroscopic Moisture Correction Factor
13.1 The hydroscopic moisture correction factor is the
ratio between the mass of the oven-dried sample and the
air-dry mass before drying. It is a number less than one,
except when there is no hygroscopic moisture.
14. Percentages of Soil in Suspension
14.1 Calculate the oven-dry mass of soil used in the
hydrometer analysis by multiplying the air-dry mass by
the hygroscopic moisture correction factor.
14.2 Calculate the mass of a total sample represented by
the mass of soil used in the hydrometer test, by dividing the
oven-dry mass used by the percentage passing the No. 10
(2.00-mm) sieve, and multiplying the result by 100. This
value is the weight W in the equation for percentage
remaining in suspension.
14.3 The percentage of soil remaining in suspension at
the level at which the hydrometer is measuring the density of
the suspension may be calculated as follows (Note 13): For
hydrometer 151H:
P 5 @~100 000/W! 3 G/~G 2 G 1!#~R 2 G1! (1)
NOTE 13—The bracketed portion of the equation for hydrometer
151H is constant for a series of readings and may be calculated first
and then multiplied by the portion in the parentheses.
For hydrometer 152H:
P 5 ~Ra/W! 3 100

(2)

where:
a = correction faction to be applied to the reading of
hydrometer 152H. (Values shown on the scale are
computed using a specific gravity of 2.65.
Correction factors are given in Table 1),
P = percentage of soil remaining in suspension at the level
at which the hydrometer measures the density of the

7
 D 422 – 63
W = oven-dry mass of soil in a total test sample repre- TABLE 2 Values of Effective Depth Based on Hydrometer and
sented by mass of soil dispersed (see 14.2), g, Sedimentation Cylinder of Specified SizesA
G = specific gravity of the soil particles, and Hydrometer 151H Hydrometer 152H
G1 = specific gravity of the liquid in which soil particles Actual
Effective
Actual
Effective
Actual
Effective
are suspended. Use numerical value of one in both Hydrometer Hydrometer Hydrometer Depth, L,
Reading Depth, L, cm Reading Depth, L, cm Reading cm
instances in the equation. In the first instance any
possible variation produces no significant effect, and 1.000 16.3 0 16.3 31 11.2
1.001 16.0 1 16.1 32 11.1
in the second instance, the composite correction for 1.002 15.8 2 16.0 33 10.9
R is based on a value of one for G1. 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
15. Diameter of Soil Particles 1.006 14.7 6 15.3 36 10.4
1.007 14.4 7 15.2 37 10.2
15.1 The diameter of a particle corresponding to the per- 1.008 14.2 8 15.0 38 10.1
centage indicated by a given hydrometer reading shall be 1.009 13.9 9 14.8 39 9.9
1.010 13.7 10 14.7 40 9.7
calculated according to Stokes’ law (Note 14), on the basis 1.011 13.4 11 14.5 41 9.6
that a particle of this diameter was at the surface of the 1.012 13.1 12 14.3 42 9.4
suspension at the beginning of sedimentation and had settled 1.013 12.9 13 14.2 43 9.2
1.014 12.6 14 14.0 44 9.1
to the level at which the hydrometer is measuring the density 1.015 12.3 15 13.8 45 8.9
of the suspen- sion. According to Stokes’ law: see Table 2 1.016 12.1 16 13.7 46 8.8
1.017 11.8 17 13.5 47 8.6
D5 =@30n/980~G 2 G 1!# 3 L/T (3) 1.018 11.5 18 13.3 48 8.4
1.019 11.3 19 13.2 49 8.3
where: 1.020 11.0 20 13.0 50 8.1
D = diameter of particle, mm, 1.021 10.7 21 12.9 51 7.9
1.022 10.5 22 12.7 52 7.8
n = coefficient of viscosity of the suspending medium (in 1.023 10.2 23 12.5 53 7.6
this case water) in poises (varies with changes in 1.024 10.0 24 12.4 54 7.4
1.025 9.7 25 12.2 55 7.3
temperature of the suspending medium),
1.026 9.4 26 12.0 56 7.1
L = distance from the surface of the suspension to the 1.027 9.2 27 11.9 57 7.0
level at which the density of the suspension is being 1.028 8.9 28 11.7 58 6.8
measured, cm. (For a given hydrometer and sedimen- 1.029 8.6 29 11.5 59 6.6
1.030 8.4 30 11.4 60 6.5
tation cylinder, values vary according to the hydrom- 1.031 8.1
eter readings. This distance is known as effective 1.032 7.8
1.033 7.6
depth (see Table 2)),
1.034 7.3
T = interval of time from beginning of sedimentation to 1.035 7.0
the taking of the reading, min, 1.036 6.8
G = specific gravity of soil particles, and 1.037 6.5
1.038 6.2
G1 = specific gravity (relative density) of suspending me- A
Values of effective depth are calculated from the equation:
dium (value may be used as 1.000 for all practical
purposes). L 5 L1 1 1 / 2 @L2 2 ~VB/A!# (5)

where:
NOTE 14—Since Stokes’ law considers the terminal velocity of a single L = effective depth, cm,
sphere falling in an infinity of liquid, the sizes calculated represent the L1 = distance along the stem of the hydrometer from the top of the bulb to
diameter of spheres that would fall at the same rate as the soil the mark for a hydrometer reading, cm,
particles. L 2 = overall length of the hydrometer bulb, cm,
VB = volume of hydrometer bulb, cm3, and
15.2 For convenience in calculations the above equation A = cross-sectional area of sedimentation cylinder, cm2
may be written as follows: see Table 3
Values used in calculating the values in Table 2 are as follows:
TABLE 1 Values of Correction Factor, a, for Different Specific For both hydrometers, 151H and 152H:
Gravities of Soil ParticlesA
L2 = 14.0 cm
VB = 67.0 cm3
Specific Gravity Correction FactorA
A = 27.8 cm2
2.95 0.94
2.90 0.95 For hydrometer 151H:
2.85 0.96 L1 = 10.5 cm for a reading of 1.000
2.80 0.97 = 2.3 cm for a reading of 1.031
2.75 0.98
2.70 0.99 For hydrometer 152H:
2.65 1.00 L1 = 10.5 cm for a reading of 0 g/litre
2.60 1.01 = 2.3 cm for a reading of 50 g/litre
2.55 1.02
2.50 1.03
2.45 1.05
A
For use in equation for percentage of soil remaining in suspension when
using Hydrometer 152H. D 5 K=L/T (4)

8
 D 422 – 63
TABLE 3 Values of K for Use in Equation for Computing Diameter of Particle in Hydrometer Analysis
Temperature,° Specific Gravity of Soil Particles
C 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 0.01394 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 0.1323 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 0.01249 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

where: is not made on a portion of the soil, the preparation of the

K = constant depending on the temperature of the suspen- graph is optional, since values may be secured directly from
sion and the specific gravity of the soil particles. tabulated data.
Values of K for a range of temperatures and specific
gravities are given in Table 3. The value of K does 18. Report
not change for a series of readings constituting a test, 18.1 The report shall include the following:
while values of L and T do vary.
18.1.1 Maximum size of particles,
15.3 Values of D may be computed with sufficient
accuracy, using an ordinary 10-in. slide rule. 18.1.2 Percentage passing (or retained on) each sieve,
which may be tabulated or presented by plotting on a graph
NOTE 15—The value of L is divided by T using the A- and B-scales, the (Note 16),
square root being indicated on the D-scale. Without ascertaining the
value of the square root it may be multiplied by K, using either the
18.1.3 Description of sand and gravel particles:
C- or CI-scale. 18.1.3.1 Shape—rounded or angular,
18.1.3.2 Hardness—hard and durable, soft, or weathered
16. Sieve Analysis Values for Portion Finer than No. 10 and friable,
(2.00-mm) Sieve
18.1.4 Specific gravity, if unusually high or low,
16.1 Calculation of percentages passing the various sieves 18.1.5 Any difficulty in dispersing the fraction passing the
used in sieving the portion of the sample from the hydrometer No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve, indicating any change in type and
test involves several steps. The first step is to calculate the amount of dispersing agent, and
mass of the fraction that would have been retained on the
18.1.6 The dispersion device used and the length of the
No. 10 sieve had it not been removed. This mass is equal to
dispersion period.
the total percentage retained on the No. 10 sieve (100 minus
total percentage passing) times the mass of the total sample NOTE 16—This tabulation of graph represents the gradation of the
repre- sented by the mass of soil used (as calculated in 14.2), sample tested. If particles larger than those contained in the sample were
and the result divided by 100. removed before testing, the report shall so state giving the amount and
maximum size.
16.2 Calculate next the total mass passing the No. 200
sieve. Add together the fractional masses retained on all the 18.2 For materials tested for compliance with definite
sieves, including the No. 10 sieve, and subtract this sum from speci- fications, the fractions called for in such specifications
the mass of the total sample (as calculated in 14.2). shall be reported. The fractions smaller than the No. 10 sieve
16.3 Calculate next the total masses passing each of the shall be read from the graph.
other sieves, in a manner similar to that given in 12.2. 18.3 For materials for which compliance with definite
16.4 Calculate last the total percentages passing by specifications is not indicated and when the soil is composed
dividing the total mass passing (as calculated in 16.3) by the almost entirely of particles passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve,
total mass of sample (as calculated in 14.2), and multiply the results read from the graph may be reported as follows:
the result by 100. (1) Gravel, passing 3-in. and retained on No. 4 sieve ..... %
(2) Sand, passing No. 4 sieve and retained on No. 200 sieve ..... %
17. Graph (a) Coarse sand, passing No. 4 sieve and retained on No. 10 sieve . . . . . %
(b) Medium sand, passing No. 10 sieve and retained on No. 40 sieve . . . . . %
17.1 When the hydrometer analysis is performed, a graph (c) Fine sand, passing No. 40 sieve and retained on No. 200 sieve ..... %
of the test results shall be made, plotting the diameters of (3) Silt size, 0.074 to 0.005 mm ..... %
(4) Clay size, smaller than 0.005 mm ..... %
the particles on a logarithmic scale as the abscissa and the
Colloids, smaller than 0.001 mm ..... %
percentages smaller than the corresponding diameters to an
arithmetic scale as the ordinate. When the hydrometer analysis 18.4 For materials for which compliance with definite
9
 D 422 – 63
specifications is not indicated and when the soil contains

1
 D 422 – 63
material retained on the No. 4 sieve sufficient to require a No. 10 (2.00-mm) .........
sieve analysis on that portion, the results may be reported as No. 40 (425-µm) .........
follows (Note 17): No. 200 (75-µm) .........
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS
SIEVE ANALYSIS
0.074 mm .........
Percentage 0.005 mm .........
Sieve Size Passing 0.001 mm .........

3-in. ......... NOTE 17—No. 8 (2.36-mm) and No. 50 (300-µm) sieves may be
2-in. ......... substituted for No. 10 and No. 40 sieves.
11⁄2-in. .........
1-in. .........
3
⁄4-in. .........
19. Keywords
3
⁄8-in. ......... 19.1 grain-size; hydrometer analysis; hygroscopic
No. 4 (4.75-mm) .........
moisture; particle-size; sieve analysis

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