Geotechnical Engineering-I

Lab
CE 209L
Spring 2020

Engr. Aamir Raza

CED UET Peshawar
 Particle Size Distribution
(Gradation) of Soil – Sieve Analysis
Referenced Document: ASTM D6913
Lecture 4
Contents
• Introduction • Likely Sources of Error
• Summary of Test Method
• Test Specimen Selection
• Apparatus
• Procedure
• Calculations
• Significance and Use
Introduction
• In any soil mass, the sizes of the grains vary greatly. To classify a soil
properly, grain-size distribution, must be know.
• The grain-size distribution of coarse-grained soil is generally
determined by means of sieve analysis.
• For a fine-grained soil, the grain-size distribution can be obtained by
means of hydrometer analysis. Next Lecture
Introduction
• The amount of soil retained on each sieve is measured, and the
cumulative percentage of soil passing through each is determined.
This percentage is generally referred to as percent finer.
• The percent finer for each sieve, determined by a sieve analysis, is
plotted on semilogarithmic graph paper, as shown in Figure 2.1.
• Note that the grain diameter, D, is plotted on the logarithmic scale
and the percent finer is plotted on the arithmetic scale.
Introduction
Introduction
• Two parameters can be determined from the grain-size distribution curves
of coarse-grained soils:
• The uniformity coefficient (Cu) and
• The coefficient of gradation, or coefficient of curvature (Cc).

• These coefficients are;

• Where D10, D30, and D60 are the diameters corresponding to percent finer
than 10, 30, and 60%, respectively.
• Parameters Cu and Cc are used in the Unified Soil Classification System.
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils
• ASTM D6913, This test method uses a square opening sieve criterion
in determining the gradation of soil between the 3-in. (75-mm) and
No. 200 (75-μm) sieves.
• In cases where the gradation of particles larger than 3 in. (75 mm)
sieve is needed, Test Method D5519 may be used.
• In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than No. 200 (75-
μm) sieve is needed, Test Method D7928 may be used. Next Lecture
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils
Using Sieve Analysis
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils
Using Sieve Analysis
• Soils consist of particles with various shapes and sizes.
• This test method is used to separate particles into size ranges and to
determine quantitatively the mass of particles in each range.
• These data are combined to determine the particle-size distribution
(gradation).
• This test method uses a square opening sieve criterion in determining
the gradation of soil between the 3-in. (75-mm) and No. 200 (75-μm)
sieves.
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils
Using Sieve Analysis
• This test method is not applicable for the following soils:
• Soils containing organic matter that will change in particle size during the
drying, washing, or sieving procedure.
• Soils containing extraneous matter, such as organic solvents, oil, asphalt,
wood fragments, or similar items. Such extraneous matter can affect the
washing and sieving procedures.
• Materials that contain cementitious components, such as cement, fly ash,
lime, or other stabilization admixtures.
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils
Using Sieve Analysis
• Typically, if the maximum particle size is equal to or less than 4.75
mm (No. 4 sieve), then single-set sieving is applicable.
• Furthermore, if the maximum particle size is greater than 4.75 mm
(No. 4 sieve) and equal to or less than 9.5 mm (3⁄8-in sieve), then
either single-set sieving or composite sieving is applicable.
• Finally, if the maximum particle size is equal to or greater than 19.0
mm (3⁄4-in sieve), composite sieving is applicable.
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils
Using Sieve Analysis
• Composite sieving, the process of separating a large specimen on a
designated separating sieve to obtain coarser and finer particle-size
portions.
• Designated separating sieve, the sieve selected to separate the
specimen into coarser and finer portions for composite sieving.
Definition of Terms
• Sieve set, a set of standard sized sieves. For single sieve-set sieving,
the sieve set will range from the maximum sieve size to the No. 200
(75-μm) sieve.
• Standard shaking period, a time period ranging from 10 to 20 minutes
that a mechanical sieve shaker operates during the sieving process
and which has been verified to satisfy the requirements for sieving
thoroughness.
Definition of Terms
• Standard sieve set, n—in sieving soils, the group of fourteen specific
sieve sizes required to determine the gradation of soils between and
including the 3-in. (75-mm) and No. 200 (75-μm) sieves, as listed in
Table 1.
• Most of these sieve sizes are different than those used in aggregate testing for
concrete (Test Method C136), especially for sieves finer than the No. 4 (4.75
mm).
Definition of Terms
Definition of Terms
• Maximum particle size, the smallest sieve size from the standard sieve
set on which less than one percent of the sample would be retained.
• For practical purposes, estimate the maximum particle size as equal to the
smallest sieve size from the standard sieve set in which it appears that all the
material being tested would pass through that sieve. The maximum particle
size is needed to determine the required mass of the specimen and sub-
specimen.
Definition of Terms
• Percent retained, the ratio of the material retained on a given sieve to
the mass of the specimen, expressed in percent.
• Percent passing, the portion of material by mass in the specimen
passing a given sieve expressed in percent.
• This value is equal to the cumulative material retained in a given sieve set
divided by the mass of the specimen, subtracting that ratio from one, and
then multiplying by 100.
Definition of Terms
• Cumulative material retained (cumulative retained material or
cumulative mass retained), the mass of material retained on an
individual sieve plus the masses of material retained on all the
coarser sieves in a given stack/set of sieves.
• Cumulative percent retained, the ratio of cumulative material retained
on a given sieve to the mass of the specimen, expressed in percent.
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils
Using Sieve Analysis
• This test method typically requires two or three days to complete,
depending on the type and size of the sample and soil type.
Summary of Test Method
• This test method is used to determine the particle-size distribution
(gradation) of a soil sample. A representative specimen must be
obtained from the sample.
• For specimens containing relatively small particles, the specimen is
sieved in its entirety, using single sieve-set sieving. However, the
specimen may contain a wide range of particle sizes and may require
separating the soil into two, or three size ranges for more efficient
sieving, using one or two designated separating sieve(s). This process
is termed composite sieving.
Summary of Test Method
• The material to be sieved will be placed on the coarsest sieve size of
each sieve set and mechanically shaken.
• The mass of particles retained on each sieve will be determined.
• The results will produce a tabulation of sieve sizes versus percent
passing that can be graphically presented as a gradation curve (a plot
of the percent passing versus the log of the particle size in mm.).
Significance and Use
• The gradation of the soil is used for classification in accordance with
Practice D2487.
• The gradation (particle-size distribution) curve is used to calculate the
coefficient of uniformity and the coefficient of curvature.
• Selection and acceptance of fill materials are often based on
gradation. For example, highway embankments, backfills, and earthen
dams may have gradation requirements.
• The gradation of the soil often controls the design and quality control
of drainage filters, and groundwater drainage.
Significance and Use
• The gradation of a soil is an indicator of engineering properties.
Hydraulic conductivity, compressibility, and shear strength are related
to the gradation of the soil.
• However, engineering behavior is dependent upon many factors (such
as effective stress, stress history, mineral type, structure, plasticity,
and geologic origins) and cannot be based solely upon gradation.
Test Specimen Selection
• The test specimen shall be representative of the total sample. Table 2
gives guidelines on recommended soil mass.
Apparatus
• A full set of sieves
• Balance
• Oven
• Mechanical sieve shaker
• Sieve Brushes
Procedure
• Hand Sieve Shaking Procedure—For 200-mm or 8-in. diameter sieves,
hold the individual sieve, with lid and pan, in a slightly inclined (about
15°) position in one hand. Strike the side of the sieve sharply with the
heel of the other hand using an upward motion and at a rate of about
150 times per minute, turn the sieve about one sixth of a revolution
at intervals of about 25 strokes. Continue for about one minute.
Procedure
• Collect a representative oven dry soil sample.
• Break the soil sample into individual particles using a mortar and a
rubber-tipped pestle. (Note: The idea is to break up the soil into
individual particles, not to break the particles themselves.)
• Determine the mass of the sample accurately to 0.1 g (W).
• Prepare a stack of sieves. A sieve with larger openings is placed above
a sieve with smaller openings.
• The sieve at the bottom should be No. 200. A bottom pan should be
placed under sieve No. 200.
Procedure
• Pour the soil into the stack of sieves from the top.
• Place the cover on the top of the stack of sieves.
• Run the stack of sieves through a sieve shaker for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Weigh the amount of soil retained on each sieve and the bottom pan.
• If a considerable amount of soil with silty and clayey fractions is retained on
the No. 200 sieve, it has to be washed. Washing is done by taking the No.
200 sieve with the soil retained on it and pouring water through the sieve
from a tap in the laboratory
• (Note: This step is not necessary if the amount of soil retained on the No. 200 sieve is
small.)
Procedure
• When the water passing through the sieve is clean, stop the flow of
water. Transfer the soil retained on the sieve at the end of washing to
a porcelain evaporating dish by back washing. Put it in the oven to dry
to a constant weight.
• Determine the mass of the dry soil retained on No. 200 sieve. The
difference between this mass and that retained on No. 200 sieve is
the mass of soil that has washed through.
Calculation
• Calculate the percent of soil retained on the nth sieve ( counting from
the top)

• Calculate the cumulative percent of soil retained on the nth sieve.

• Calculate the cumulative percent passing through the nth sieve.

Calculation
• The grain-size distribution obtained from the sieve analysis is plotted
in a semi-logarithmic graph paper with grain size plotted on the log
scale and percent finer plotted on the natural scale.
Calculation
• The grain-size distribution plot helps to estimate the percent finer
than a given sieve size which might not have been used during the
test.
Calculation
• Determine D10, D30, and D60 ,which are, the diameters corresponding to
percent finer than 10, 30, and 60%, respectively.
• Two parameters can be determined from the grain-size distribution curves
of coarse-grained soils:
• (1) the uniformity coefficient (Cu) and
• (2) the coefficient of gradation, or coefficient of curvature (Cc).

• These coefficients are

• Parameters Cu and Cc are used in the Unified Soil Classification System.

General Comments
• The coefficient of uniformity, Cu, is a parameter which indicates the
range of distribution of grain sizes in a given soil specimen.
• If Cu is relatively large, it indicates a well graded soil. If Cu is nearly
equal to one, it means that the soil grains are of approximately equal
size, and the soil may be referred to as a poorly graded soil.
• The parameter Cc is also referred to as the coefficient of curvature.
For sand, if Cu is greater than 6 and Cc is between 1 and 3, it is
considered well graded. However, for a gravel to be well-graded, Cu
should be greater than 4 and Cc must be between 1 and 3.
General Comments
• The D15 and D85 sizes are used for design of filters. The D50 size is used
for correlation of the liquefaction potential of saturated granular soil
during earthquakes.
Characterization of Soils Based on Particle
Size
• The grading curve is used for textural classification of soils. Various
classification systems have evolved over the years to describe soils
based on their particle size distribution. Each system was developed
for a specific engineering purpose.
• In Figure 2.14, four systems are compared. These are the Unified Soil
Classification System (USCS), the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) (a modification of the USCS system), the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO),
and the British Standards (BS). We will discuss soil classification in
more detail in coming lectures.
Characterization of Soils Based on Particle
Size
Characterization of Soils Based on Particle
Size
• Two coefficients have been defined to provide guidance on
distinguishing soils based on the distribution of the particles.
• A soil that has a uniformity coefficient of <4 contains particles of
uniform size (approximately one size). The minimum value of Cu is 1
and corresponds to an assemblage of particles of the same size.
• The gradation curve for a uniformly graded soil is almost vertical.
• Higher values of uniformity coefficient (>4) indicate a wider
assortment of particle sizes. A soil that has a uniformity coefficient of
>4 is described as a well-graded soil and is indicated by a flat curve.
Characterization of Soils Based on Particle
Size
• The coefficient of curvature is between 1 and 3 for well-graded soils.
• The absence of certain grain sizes, termed gap-graded, is diagnosed
by a coefficient of curvature outside the range 1 to 3 and a sudden
change of slope in the particle size distribution curve.
• The uniformity coefficient and the coefficient of concavity are strictly
applicable to coarse-grained soils.
Likely Sources of Error
• Holes in the sieves. Sieves should be inspected and repaired as
needed prior to sieving.
• Significant soil loss during sieving. Soil may be lost by escaping out the
sides of the sieves, or becoming lodged in the screens during sieving.
Soil particles from previous sieving activities may also become
dislodged during sieving, leading to a final total mass that is greater
than the initial total mass. Sieves should be cleaned with a sieve
brush prior to sieving, and the % loss calculated after sieving should
be less than a few percent.
THANKS