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Particle Size Distribution Report

The document details the process and results of determining the particle size distribution of a soil sample using dry sieving methods. Calculations were done to find coefficients related to particle sizing and gradation. In conclusion, the soil sample was found to be a poorly graded, young residual soil based on the particle size distribution graph and coefficient values.

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Peter Kamau
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193 views6 pages

Particle Size Distribution Report

The document details the process and results of determining the particle size distribution of a soil sample using dry sieving methods. Calculations were done to find coefficients related to particle sizing and gradation. In conclusion, the soil sample was found to be a poorly graded, young residual soil based on the particle size distribution graph and coefficient values.

Uploaded by

Peter Kamau
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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FEB 323: SOIL MECHANICS

Mwaura Peter Kamau

F21/2519/2020

Environmental & Biosystems Engineering Block

University of Nairobi

P.O. Box 30197-00100

Nairobi

Submitted to:

Keya Augustus

Civil Engineering Block

University of Nairobi

P.O. Box 30197-00100

Nairobi

Date submitted:25th December, 2022

SUBJECT: DETERMINATION OF THE PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION BY DRY


SIEVING METHOD
OBJECTIVE

This method covers the quantitative determination of the particle size distribution in a soil down
to the fine sand size.

THEORY

This method is carried out by using a set of standard sieves. Sieves are made by weaving two
sets of wires at right angles to one another. The square holes thus formed between the wires
provide the limit which determines the size of the particles retained on a particular sieve. The
sieve sizes are given in terms of the number of openings per inch. The number of openings per
inch varies according to different standards.

Soil sample to be analysed is first either air-dried or oven-dried.

APPARATUS

1. Set of sieves
2. Balance
3. Trays
4. Oven
5. Scoop

PROCEDURE

1. Take about 500 g of oven dried soil.


2. Arrange the set of sieves in such a way that every upper sieve has a larger opening than
the sieve below it.
3. Transfer the soil on the top sieve and agitate the set of sieves for about 10 minutes.
4. The test sieves should be agitated so that the soil sample rolls in a regular motion over the
test sieves.
5. After the soil has been agitated well transfer the soil retained on each sieve on the balance
to weigh the amount of soil retained on each sieve.
RESULTS, CALCULATIONS & ANALYSIS

Total weight of dry sample: 200 g

Sieve size Weight Percentage Percentage Percentage


Retained (each) Retained (each Retained Passing g
Sieve g sieve) g (Cumulative) g
2 ½ in 0 0 0 100
2 in 0 0 0 100
¾ in 0 0 0 100
3 4
2 2 98
8 in
3 31
15.5 17.5 82.5
16 in
No. 7 53 26.5 44 56
No. 14 34 17 61 39
No. 25 36 18 79 21
No. 36 12 6 85 15
No. 52 9 4.5 89.5 10.5
No. 100 11 5.5 95 5
No. 200 3 1.5 96.5 3.5
Passing 200 7 3.5 100 0
TOTAL 200 100

Sieve size in
Sieve size
mm(approx.)

2 ½ in 63
2 in 50
¾ in 19
3
9.5
8 in
3
4.75
16in
No. 7 2.8
No. 14 1.4
No. 25 0.71
No. 36 0.5
No. 52 0.3
No. 100 0.15
No. 200 0.075

PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION


100

90

80

Cumulative Percentage Passing


70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Sieve Sizes (mm)

We can compute the Coefficient of Uniformity Cu and Coefficient of Curvature Cc

by obtaining D10, D30 and D60 values from the curves.

• D10 – 10% passing point on the curve.


• D30 – 30% passing point on the curve.
• D60 – 60% passing point on the curve.

𝐷60
𝐶𝑢 =
𝐷10

3 𝑚𝑚
=
0.3 𝑚𝑚

= 𝟏𝟎

(𝐷30 )2
𝐶𝑐 =
𝐷10 × 𝐷60

12
=
0.3 × 3

= 𝟎. 𝟏𝟏𝟏

DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

For a material to be considered properly graded, Cc must fall between 1 and 3, and Cu must
also be greater than 4 for gravels and greater than 6 for sands. Cu equals unity if all particles
are the same size. A low Cu value denotes a uniform soil, whereas a high value denotes a
well-graded soil.

From the Particle Size Distribution graph, the soil sample is a poor-graded soil, probably a
young residual soil.

In conclusion, when the particle diameter is less than the size of the square opening in the
screen, sieve analysis assumes that all particles will be round (spherical) or nearly so and
will pass through the square openings. A sieve is used for long and flat particles.

Sieve analysis won't produce accurate mass-based results because the particle size reported
will presume that the particles are spherical, when in reality an elongated particle might pass
through the screen end-on but wouldn't be able to do so if it presented itself side-on.

REFERENCES
i. Soil mechanics class notes.
ii. American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM D422: Standard Test
Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils.
iii. V.N.S. Murthy: Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Practices of Soil
Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.

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