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10 views3 pages

DISCUSSION

Uploaded by

Allen Christian
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DISCUSSION

In this laboratory activity, we perform grain size analysis by following the


ASTM D 6913-04. As explained by Geo Engineer (2024), two techniques are
used for the analysis, Sieve Analysis and Hydrometer Method. Sieve
Analysis measures particles between 0.075 mm and 100 mm. For grains
larger than 100 mm, visual categorization is applied, while particles smaller
than 0.075 mm are analyzed using the Hydrometer Method. But in this
activity, we utilize the first method. Sieve analysis measures particle size
distribution in granular materials, which is essential for construction. It
affects properties like compaction, strength, and stability of construction
materials, ensuring they meet quality standards and perform as required in
building projects
The materials we used are Sieves with pan and cover (Sieve No. 4, 8,10, 16,
30, 40, 60, 100, 200), weighing scale, drying oven, and sieve shaker. We
also used the disturbed soil sample from the last activity. Our soil sample
is used up from the last activity, so there's not enough left. Instead of
having 500 grams of sample, we just have 250 grams left. The leftover soil
sample was put in a tray and set in a 300°C drying oven to dry. Because the
soil was damp, we left it in the oven for almost 5 hours before removing it.
Since we when oven dry it, the moisture content was also remove leaving
us with only 224 grams of sample. Afterward, we set up the stack of sieves
with the largest openings on top and progressively smaller ones below.
Next, we transferred the soil into the stack and operated the sieve shaker
for 5 minutes. Once finished, we measured the mass of the soil remaining
in each sieve.
The results were shown in our Data Sheet. The Percent of mass retained on
each sieve was computed by dividing the mass retained by the total mass
and multiplying it by 100. The cumulative percent retained is determined by
summing the current percent of mass retained with the percent of mass
retained from the previous sieve. And to get the percent finer, we just
simply subtract the cumulative percent retained from 100. But there is one
thing we notice, from 224 g, only 221 g was left, this maybe because some
of the sample also fell out during the transfer to the sieves. Now that we
have our data, we are able to make a graph of the grain size distribution.
From the graph, we are able to locate our D10 which is 0.20, D30 which is
0.58, and D60 which is 1.50. They are used to compute for the uniformity of
coefficient and coefficient of gradient. According to University of Memphis,
the uniformity coefficient (Cᵤ) and coefficient of gradation (Cᵍ) are
indicators used in soil science to characterize how particle sizes are
distributed within a soil sample . We have acquired a uniformity coefficient
by diving D60 by D10 which yields 7.8947. Having a value greater than 4
means that the sample has well graded gravel and having value greater
than 6 means that it also has well graded sands. To get the coefficient of
gradient, we divide the square of D30 by the product of D60 and D10, which
gives us a value of 1.1213. Since it is between 1 and 3, it indicates that the
soil is well graded also.
The results from the laboratory analysis indicate that our soil sample has a
broad range of particle sizes, with a good representation of various sizes
from the No. 4 to No. 200 sieves. Dynapac (2024) explains that soil with a
wide range of particle sizes improves both compaction and stability. For
example, when constructing a highway, well-graded soil is used for the
roadbed to ensure optimal compaction and stability. The mix of various
particle sizes allows for tight packing and minimal voids, enabling the
roadbed to support heavy loads without significant settlement. Poorly
graded soil, on the other hand, can cause uneven compaction, increased
erosion, and road instability. In simpler terms, well-graded soil which
shows a well-balanced mix of different particle size, is desirable especially
when it comes to construction and our soil sample fits this criterion.
REFERENCES:

Dynapac. (2024). Soil Applications. https://applications.dynapac.com/soil/

University of Memphis. (n.d.). Filtration: Coefficient of gradation.


https://www.ce.memphis.edu/1101/notes/filtration/filtration-2.html

Mettler-Toledo. (2022). Sieve analysis.


https://www.mt.com/ph/en/home/applications/Laboratory_weighing/sieve-
analysis.html

Geoengineer.org. (2024). Step-by-step guide for grain size analysis.


https://www.geoengineer.org/education/laboratory-testing/step-by-step-guide-for-
grain-size-analysis

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