Exp.3 Sieve Analysis Test
Exp.3 Sieve Analysis Test
Exp.3 Sieve Analysis Test
2- Hydrometer analysis: is the procedure generally adopted for determination of the particle-
size distribution in a soil for the fraction that is finer than No. 200 sieve size (0.075 mm). The
lower limit of the particle-size determined by this procedure is about 0.001 mm.
SIEVE ANALYSIS:
OBJECTIVE:
a) Select sieves as per I.S specifications and perform sieving.
b) Obtain percentage of soil retained on each sieve.
c) Draw graph between log grain size of soil and % finer.
The grain size analysis is widely used in classification of soils. The data obtained from grain
size distribution curves is used in the design of filters for earth dams and to determine
suitability of soil for road construction, air field etc. Information obtained from grain size
analysis can be used to predict soil water movement although permeability tests are more
generally used.
Apparatus:
1-A balance sensitive up to 0.1g
CALCULATION:
1- Calculate the percent of soil retained on the n th sieve ( counting from the top)
Sample of calculation:
GRAPH:
Draw graph between log sieve size vs % finer. The graph is known as grading curve. Corresponding
to 10%, 30% and 60% finer, obtain diameters from graph are designated as D10, D30, D60.
General Comments
The diameter, D10 is generally referred to as effective size. The effective size is used for several
empirical correlations, such as coefficient of permeability. The uniformity coefficient, 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.
Figure below shows the general nature of the grain-size distribution curves for a well graded and a
poorly graded soil. In some instances, a soil may have a combination of two or more uniformly
graded fractions, and this soil is referred to as gap graded. The grain-size distribution curve for a gap
graded soil is also shown in Fig. below.
The parameter Cc is also referred to as the coefficient of curvature. For sand, if Cu is greater than 6
and Cc is between I 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 I and 3.