Astm D6913 D6913M 17

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what
changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6913 − 04 (Reapproved 2009)´1 D6913/D6913M − 17
Standard Test Methods for

Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve
Analysis1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6913;D6913/D6913M; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected Eq 1 in July 2014.
INTRODUCTION
Although this test method has been used for many years, there are vast testing variations required
due to soil types and conditions. The test is more complicated and complex than would be expected.
Multiple procedures are being presented along with new terminology. Although these procedures are
not new, they will now be defined and explained. Some examples of these new terms are composite
sieving, designated separating sieve and subspecimen. This test method outlines the majority of
conditions and procedures but does not cover every conceivable variation or contingency. The table
of contents in the Scope section is added to enable the user to easily find a specific topic or
requirement. Only sections/subsections with titles are presented. Therefore, numbered subsections will
not be continuous in some cases, as indicated in the Scope section.
1. Scope iTeh Standards
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
1.1 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.
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1.2 The terms, soils and material, are used interchangeably throughout the standard.
1.3 In cases where the gradation of particles larger than 3 in. (75 mm) sieve is required,needed, Test Method D5519 may be
used. ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/7832e204-7904-43e8-bd89-3ed3accb0d06/astm-d6913-d6913m-17
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is required,needed, Test Method D422D7928
may be used.
1.5 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. For special conditions see 10.3.
1.6 Two test methods are provided in this standard. The methods differ in the significant digits recorded and the size of the
specimen (mass) required. The method to be used may be specified by the requesting authority; otherwise Method A shall be
performed.
1.6.1 Method A—The percentage (by mass) passing each sieve size is recorded to the nearest 1 %. This method must be used
when performing composite sieving. For cases of disputes, Method A is the referee method.
1.6.2 Method B—The percentage (by mass) passing each sieve size is recorded to the nearest 0.1 %. This method is only
applicable for single sieve-set sieving and when the maximum particle size is equal to or less than the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.7 This test method does not cover, in any detail, procurement of the sample. It is assumed that the sample is obtained using
appropriate methods and is representative.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved July 1, 2009April 15, 2017. Published August 2009May 2017. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20042009 as
D6913 – 04(2009)ε2ε1. DOI: 10.1520/D6913-04R09E01.10.1520/D6913-17.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D6913/D6913M − 17
1.8 Sample Processing—Three procedures (moist, air dry, and oven dry) are provided to process the sample to obtain a
specimen. The procedure selected will depend on the type of sample, the maximum particle-size in the sample, the range of particle
sizes, the initial conditions of the material, the plasticity of the material, the efficiency, and the need for other testing on the sample.
The procedure may be specified by the requesting authority; otherwise the guidance given in Section 10 shall be followed.
1.9 This test method typically requires two or three days to complete, depending on the type and size of the sample and soil
type.
1.10 This test method is not applicable for the following soils:
1.10.1 Soils containing fibrous peat that will change in particle size during the drying, washing, or sieving procedure.
1.10.2 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.
1.10.3 Materials that contain cementitious components, such as cement, fly ash, lime, or other stabilization admixtures.
1.11 This test method may not produce consistent test results within and between laboratories for the following soils and the
precision statement does not apply to them.
1.11.1 Friable soils in which the sieving processes change the gradation of the soil. Typical examples of these soils are some
residual soils, most weathered shales and some weakly cemented soils such as hardpan, caliche or coquina.
1.11.2 Soils that will not readily disperse such as glauconitic clays or some dried plastic clays.
1.11.3 To test these soils, this test method must be adapted, or altered, and these alterations documented. Depending on the
design considerations, a specialized gradation-testing program could be performed. The alterations could require the washing and
sieving procedures to be standardized such that each specimen would be processed in a similar manner.
1.12 Some materials that are not soils, but are made up of particles may be tested using this method. However, the applicable
sections above should be used in applying this standard.
1.13 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
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1.13.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures
used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s
objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these
considerations. It is beyond the scope of these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering
design. Document Preview
1.14 Units—The dimensional values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, such as 200-mm
or 8-in. diameter sieve. Except, the sieve designations are typically identified using the “alternative” system in accordance with
Practice E11, such as 3 in. and No. 200, insteadASTM D6913/D6913M-17
of the “standard” system of 75 mm and 75 µm, respectively. Only the SI units
are used for mass determinations, calculations, and reported results. However, the use of balances or scales recording pounds of
mass (lbm) shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.15 A summary of the symbols used in this test method is given in Annex A1.
1.16 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.17 Table of Contents—All tables and figures appear at the end of this standard.
Section
Scope 1
Method A 1.6.1
Method B 1.6.2
Sample Processing 1.8
Units 1.14
Referenced Documents 2
ASTM Standards 2.1
Terminology 3
General 3.1
Definitions 3.2
Definitions of Terms Specific to This 3.3
Standard
Summary of Test Method 4
Significance and Use 5
Apparatus 6
Sieves 6.1
Standard Sieve Set 6.1.1
Washing Sieve, No. 200 (75-µm) 6.1.2
Designated Separating Sieve 6.1.3
Washing Sink with Spray Nozzle 6.2
Mechanical Sieve Shaker 6.3
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Balances 6.4
Drying Oven 6.5
Sieving Containers 6.6
Specimen Containers 6.6.1
Collection/Transfer Device 6.6.2
Cumulative Mass Container 6.6.3
Sieve Brushes 6.7
Miscellaneous Items 6.8
Splitter or Riffle Box (optional) 6.9
Quartering Accessories (optional) 6.10
Mortar and Rubber-Covered Pestle 6.11
(optional)
Low Temperature Drying Oven 6.12
(optional)
Ultrasonic Water Bath (optional) 6.13
Dispersion Shaker (optional) 6.14
Reagents 7
Dispersant 7.1
Sodium Hexametaphosphate 7.1
Dry Addition 7.1.1.1
Solution 7.1.1.2
Preparation of Apparatus 8
Verification of Sieves 8.1
Verification Interval 8.1.1
Verification of Mechanical Sieve Shaker 8.2
and
Standard Shaking Period
Large Mechanical Sieve Shaker 8.2.1
Verification Interval 8.2.2
Hand Sieve Shaking Procedure 8.2.3
Sampling 9
General 9.1
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Sample Sources 9.2
Bulk Samples 9.2.1
Jar and Small Bag Samples 9.2.2
Undisturbed Tube Samples 9.2.3
Intact Tube Samples
Samples from Prior Testing
Specimen
9.2.3
9.2.4
10
General
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Minimum Mass Requirement
Selection of Sieving Procedure
10.1
10.2
10.3
Single Sieve-Set Sieving 10.3.1
Composite Sieving 10.3.2
Specimen Procurement ASTM D6913/D6913M-17 10.4
Moist Procedure 10.4.1
Air-Dried Procedure 10.4.2
Oven-Dried Procedure 10.4.3
Discussion on Segregating Soils 10.4.4
Specimen Procurement and Processing 10.5
Requirements
Moist Procedure, Single Sieve-Set 10.5.1
Sieving
Moist Procedure, Composite Sieving 10.5.2
Coarse Portion Acceptable Loss 10.5.2.3
(CPL)
Air-Dried Procedure, General 10.5.3
Air-Dried Procedure, Single Sieve- 10.5.4
Set Sieving
Air-Dried Procedure, Composite 10.5.5
Sieving
Oven-Dried Procedure, General 10.5.6
Oven-Dried Procedure, Single Sieve- 10.5.7
Set Sieving
Oven-Dried Procedure, Composite 10.5.8
Sieving
Procedure (Sieving) 11
General 11.1
Mass Measurements 11.2
Sieve Overloading 11.3
Single Sieve-Set Sieving 11.4
Specimen Mass 11.4.1
Specimen Dispersion 11.4.2
Soaking without a Dispersant 11.4.2.1
Soaking with a Dispersant 11.4.2.2
Using an Ultrasonic Water Bath 11.4.2.3
Washing Specimen 11.4.3
General Precautions 11.4.3.1
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Transfer Specimen 11.4.3.2

Washing 11.4.3.3
Transfer Washed Specimen 11.4.3.4
Dry Sieving 11.4.4
Sieve Set 11.4.4.1
Mechanical Shaking 11.4.4.2
Cumulative Material/Mass Retained 11.4.5
First Sieve 11.4.5.1
Remaining Sieves 11.4.5.2
Composite Sieving, Single Separation 11.5
Coarser Portion 11.5.1
Dispersing and Washing 11.5.1.1
Dry Sieving Coarser Portion 11.5.1.3
Subspecimen from Finer Portion 11.5.2
Dispersing and Washing 11.5.2.1
Subspecimen
Dry Sieving Subspecimen 11.5.2.2
Composite Sieving, Double Separation 11.6
Separating 1st Subspecimen 11.6.1
Dispersing and Washing 2nd Coarser 11.6.2
Portion
Dry Sieving 2nd Coarser Portion 11.6.3
2nd Subspecimen 11.6.4
Dispersing and Washing 2nd 11.6.4.1
Subspecimen
Dry Sieving 2nd Subspecimen 11.6.4.2
Calculations 12
General 12.1
Sieve Overloading 12.2
Single Sieve-Set Sieving, Percent 12.3
Passing
Composite Sieving, Mass of Specimen 12.4
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Composite Sieving, Single Separation 12.5
Composite Sieving, Coarser Portion 12.5.1
(CP)
CP, Percent Passing 12.5.1.1
CP, Composite Sieving Correction
Factor (CSCF)
CP, Acceptable Loss During
12.5.1.2
12.5.1.3
Washing
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and Sieving
Composite Sieving, Subspecimen 12.5.2
(finer
portion)
ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
Percent Passing, Specimen 12.5.2.1
(combined
coarser and finer portions)
Subspecimen, Acceptable 12.5.2.2
Fractional
Percent Retained
Percent Passing, Acceptance 12.5.2.3
Criterion
Finer Portion, Percent Passing 12.5.3
(optional)
Composite Sieving, Double Separation 12.6
1st Coarser Portion 12.6.1
1st Subspecimen 12.6.2
Percent Passing, 2nd Coarser 12.6.2.1
Portion
2nd Coarser Portion, Composite 12.6.2.2
Sieving
Correction Factor (2ndCSCF)
2nd Coarser Portion, Acceptable 12.6.2.3
Loss on
Sieving and Washing
2nd Coarser Portion, Acceptable 12.6.2.4
Fractional
Percent Retained
Criterion
2nd Subspecimen 12.6.3
Percent Passing, 2nd Subspecimen 12.6.3.1
2nd Subspecimen, Acceptable 12.6.3.2
Fractional
Percent Retained
Criterion
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1st Finer Portion, Percent Passing 12.6.4

(optional)
2nd Finer Portion, Composite 12.6.4.1
Sieving
Correction Factor (optional)
2nd Finer Portion, Percent Passing 12.6.4.2
for
2nd Subspecimen (optional)
Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s) 13
Precision and Bias 14
Precision 14.1
Precision Data Analysis 14.1.1
Calculation of Precision 14.1.2
Acceptance Criterion 14.1.2.4
Triplicate Test Precision Data (TTPD) 14.1.3
TTPD Method A Repeatability 14.1.3.1
TTPD-Method A Repeatability 14.1.3.1
TTPD-Method A Reproducibility 14.1.3.2
TTPD-Method B Repeatability 14.1.3.3
TTPD-Method B Reproducibility 14.1.3.4
Single Test Precision Data (STPD) 14.1.4
STPD-Method A Reproducibility 14.1.4.1
STPD-Method B Reproducibility 14.1.4.2
Soils Type 14.1.5
Discussion on Precision 14.1.6
Bias 14.2
Keywords 15
ANNEXES
Symbols Annex A1
Sample to Specimen Splitting/Reduction Annex A2
Methods
General A2.1
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Mechanical Splitting A2.1.1
Quartering A2.1.2
Miniature Stockpile Sampling A2.1.3
Sample Processing Recommendation A2.2
Based
on Soil Type (https://standards.iteh.ai)
Clean Gravel (GW, GP) and Clean A2.2.1
Sand
(SW, SP) Document Preview
Gravel with Fines (GM, GC, GC-GM, A2.2.2
GW-GM, GP-GM, GP-GC)
Sand with Silt Fines (SW-SM, SP- A2.2.3
SM, ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
SM)
Sand with Clay and Silt Fines or Clay A2.2.4
Fines (SW-SC, SP-SC, SC, SC-
SM)
Silts with Sand or Gravel, or Both A2.2.5
(ML,
MH)
Organic Soils with Sand or Gravel, or A2.2.6
Both (OL, OH)
APPENDIXES
Example Test Data Sheets/Forms Appendix X1
General X1.1
Precision: Example Calculations Appendix X2
General X2.1
TABLES and FIGURES
1.18 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (Withdrawn 2016)4
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))
D1140 Test Methods for Determining the Amount of Material Finer than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve in Soils by Washing
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700
kN-m/m3))
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4220/D4220M Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D5519 Test Methods for Particle Size Analysis of Natural and Man-Made Riprap Materials
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
D7928 Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer)
Analysis
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 General:
3.1.1 An overview of terms used in the sieving processes is presented in Fig. 1(a) using a tabular format and in Fig. 1(b) using
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a flowchart format. In addition, Fig. 1(a) includes symbols used in the sieving processes.
3.1.2 There are two types of definitions in the following sections. There are definitions that are general (see 3.2) and others that
are specific to this standard (see 3.3). To locate a definition, it may be necessary to review both sections. The definitions are in
alphabetical order.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.2 composite sieving, v—in sieving,Document
the process of separating Preview
3.2.1 For definitions of general terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D653.
a large specimen on a designated separating sieve to obtain
coarser and finer particle-size portions. The coarser portion is sieved using the coarser sieve set. The finer portion is subsampled
to obtain a subspecimen of manageable size (mass) and this subspecimen is sieved using the finer sieve set. The results of both
ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
sieve sets (coarser and finer) are combined mathematically to determine the gradation of the large specimen.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
In some cases the subspecimen may require another separation; i.e., that is, using a 2nd designated separating sieve and resulting
in a 2nd coarser portion and 2nd subspecimen obtained from the 2nd finer portion.
3.2.3 cumulative material retained (cumulative retained material or cumulative mass retained), n—in sieving, 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.
3.2.4 cumulative percent retained, n—in sieving, the ratio of cumulative material retained on a given sieve to the mass of the
specimen, expressed in percent.
3.2.5 designated separating sieve, n—in composite sieving, the sieve selected to separate the specimen into coarser and finer
portions for composite sieving.
The designated separating sieve size is a standard sieve size typically ranging from the 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve to the No. 10
(2.00-mm) sieve. There can be two designated separating sieves used in composite sieving, that is the 1st subspecimen can be
separated on a 2nd designated separating sieve to obtain a 2nd coarser portion and a 2ndsubspecimen obtained from the 2nd finer
portion.
3.2.6 fractional cumulative material retained, n—in composite sieving, when sieving a subspecimen, the mass of material
retained on an individual sieve plus the masses of material retained on all the coarser sieves in a given sieve set.
3.2.7 fractional cumulative percent retained, n—in composite sieving, the ratio of fractional cumulative material retained on a
given sieve to the mass of the subspecimen, expressed in percent.
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ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
FIG. 1 (a) Typical Terminology and Symbols Used in Sieving Processes
3.2.8 fractional material retained, n—in composite sieving, when sieving a subspecimen, the mass of material retained on an
individual sieve.
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FIG. 1 (b) Terminology Flowchart for Sieving Processes (continued)
ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
3.2.9 fractional percent passing, n—in composite sieving, the portion of material by mass in the subspecimen(s) passing a given
sieve expressed in percent.
When two subspecimens are used, there will be a 1st and 2nd fractional percent passing.
3.2.10 fractional percent retained, n—in composite sieving, the ratio of fractional material retained on a given sieve to the mass
of the subspecimen, expressed in percent.
3.2.11 gradation, n—in soil, the proportion by mass of various particle sizes.
This proportion is usually presented in tabular format (sieve size and percent passing) or graphical format (percent passing versus
logarithm of the sieve size in mm). The graphical format is referred to as particle-size distribution or gradation curve.
3.2.12 maximum particle size, n—in sieving, 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 subspecimen.
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D6913/D6913M − 17
3.2.13 maximum sieve size, n—in sieving, the smallest sieve size that is larger than any particle in the specimen or subspecimen.
3.2.14 minimum sieve size, n—in sieving, the smallest sieve size in a sieve set used in sieving the specimen or subspecimen.
This size is either the size of the designated separating sieve (1st or 2nd) or the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve.
3.2.15 percent passing, n—in sieving, 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. For composite sieving, it would be the fractional percent passing multiplied by the
composite sieving correction factor (CSCF).
3.2.16 particle size distribution, n—see gradation.
3.2.17 percent retained, n—in sieving, the ratio of the material retained on a given sieve to the mass of the specimen, expressed
in percent.
3.2.18 saturated surface-dry condition, n—in coarse-grained soils, a state in which the soil particles are basically saturated with
water, but there are not visible films of water.
3.2.19 sieve set, n—in sieving, 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. For composite sieving, there will be a coarser sieve set and a finer sieve set.
Together, these sets will range from the maximum sieve size to the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve. The designated separating sieve will
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be used as the minimum size in the coarser set and the maximum size in the finer set.
3.2.20 sieve size, n—in sieving, the size of the opening in the wire cloth of a given sieve in mm or µm.
3.2.21 single sieve-set sieving, v—in sieving, the process in which only one set of sieves is requiredneeded to determine the
gradation of the specimen from the maximum particle size to the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve.
3.2.21.1 Discussion— Document Preview

Typically, this applies to specimens having a maximum particle size of 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) or less when using Method A or a maximum
particle size of 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve) or less when ASTMusing D6913/D6913M-17
Method B and the distribution of particles less than the No. 200 (75-µm)
sieve is not needed.
3.2.22 splitting, v—in sampling or subsampling, the process of stockpile sampling, quartering material, or passing material
through a splitter or riffle box to obtain a representative portion of that material for testing; i.e., that is, a specimen or subspecimen.
A description of stockpile sampling, and quartering and splitting material is given in Annex A2, A2.1.1 through A2.1.3.
3.2.23 standard shaking period, n—in sieving, 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.
3.2.24 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.
TABLE 1 Standard Sieve SetA

Sieve Designation in Accordance with E11
Alternative Standard Alternative Standard
Lid No. 10 2.00 mm
3 in. 75 mm No. 20 850 µm
2 in. 50 mm No. 40 425 µm
1-1⁄2 in. 37.5 mm No. 60 250 µm
1 in. 25.0 mm No. 100 150 µm
3⁄4 in. 19.0 mm No. 140 106 µm
3⁄8 in. 9.5 mm No. 200 75 µm
No. 4 4.75 mm Pan
A
AA lid is typically not used or requiredneeded when using rectangular coarser
sieves having dimensions greater than 200 mm or 8 in.
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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).
3.2.25 subspecimen, n—in composite sieving, a representative portion of the material passing the designated separating sieve;
i.e., that is, the finer portion.
When composite sieving requires multiple designated separating sieves, there will be more than one subspecimen. The 1st
subspecimen (i.e. (that is, the subspecimen from the finer portion) would be separated into a 2nd coarser portion and a 2nd finer
portion that would be subsampled to obtain the 2nd subspecimen.
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3.1 coarser portion, n—in composite sieving, the portion of the specimen retained on the designated separating sieve.
When two designated separating sieves are used, there will be a 1st and 2nd coarser portion.
3.3.2 coarser sieve set, n—in composite sieving, the sieve set that ranges from the maximum sieve size to the designated
separating sieve size.
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When two designated separating sieves are used, the 1st coarser sieve set ranges from the maximum sieve size to the 1st designated
separating sieve size. The 2nd coarser sieve set would range from the 1st designated separating sieve size to the 2nd designated
separating sieve size.
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3.3.3 composite sieving correction factor (CSCF), n—in composite sieving, a factor used to convert the fractional percent
passing determined from sieving the subspecimen to the percent passing for the specimen. The CSCF is equal to the percent
passing the designated separating sieve size in the coarser portion sieve set (i.e., (that is, the last sieve in the coarser portion set).
This value shall be calculated to one more digit than required (0.1 %) to reduce rounding errors.
ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
When two designated separating sieves are used, there will be a 1st and 2ndCSCF.
3.3.4 finer portion, n—in composite sieving, the portion of the specimen passing the designated separating sieve.
When two designated separating sieves are used, the 1st subspecimen obtained from the 1st finer portion will be separated into a
2nd coarser portion and 2nd finer portion, from which the 2nd subspecimen is obtained.
3.3.5 finer sieve set, n—in composite sieving, the sieve set that ranges from the last designated separating sieve size to the No.
200 (75-µm) sieve.
When composite sieving requires a 2nd subspecimen, the finer sieve sets ranges from the 2nd separating sieve size to the No. 200
(75-µm) sieve.
3.3.6 insignificant sieve, n—in precision of test results, any sieve which has 1 % or less cumulative material retained during the
sieve analysis.
3.3.7 separating, v—in composite sieving, the process of dividing a specimen or subspecimen into two portions, the coarser
(retained) and finer (passing) portions, using a designated separating sieve.
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D6913/D6913M − 17
When composite sieving requires two designated sieves, there will be a 1st and 2nd coarser portion, finer portion and subspecimen.
3.3.8 significant sieve, n—in precision of test results, any sieve which has more than 1 % of cumulative material retained during
the sieve analysis.
4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 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 by one of three procedures (moist, air-dried or oven-dried). 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. For a single separation (two portions), the coarser
portion is sieved in its entirety, while the finer portion is split into a smaller subspecimen for sieving. These results are
mathematically combined. For specimens containing very large particles, the specimen may require two separations; i.e., that is,
three portions (1st and 2nd coarser portions and 2nd finer portion), see Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 1(b). Prior to sieving, as applicable, the
material will be washed to remove fine particles and oven dried. 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.).
4.2 Flowcharts outlining the requirements of the various sieving processes covered above are presented below in four figures,
Fig. 2 through Fig. 4(b).
5. Significance and Use

5.1 The gradation of the soil is used for classification in accordance with Practice D2487.
5.2 The gradation (particle-size distribution) curve is used to calculate the coefficient of uniformity and the coefficient of
curvature.
iTeh Standards
5.3 Selection and acceptance of fill materials are often based on gradation. For example, highway embankments, backfills, and
earthen dams may have gradation requirements.
5.4 The gradation of the soil often controls the design and quality control of drainage filters, and groundwater drainage.
5.5 Selection of options for dynamic Document
compaction and grouting isPreview
related to gradation of the soil.
5.6 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, ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
and geologic origins) and cannot be based solely upon gradation.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by these test methods is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability
of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results.
Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Sieves—Each sieve shall conform to the requirements of Specification E11. Generally, these sieve frames are circular and
200 mm or 8 in. in diameter, and either full (50 mm or 2 in.) or half height (25 mm or 1 in.). The sieve height generally depends
upon the number of sieves typically required in the sieve set, the particle sizes being sieved, and the size and type of the sieve
shaker. Particles having dimensions exceeding or relatively close to the sieve heights cannot be sieved in the sieve stack, but
individually. Therefore, in a stack of sieves, the ratio of sieve height or spacing between rectangular sieves to sieve cloth opening
shall exceed 2. Larger frames that conform to Specification E11 are acceptable but require special considerations for reinforcement.
6.1.1 Standard Sieve Set—This set consists of all the sieve sizes listed in Table 1. Additional sieves sizes may be added if
requested or requiredneeded to reduce sieve overloading. In addition, some larger sieve sizes may be omitted during the sieve
analysis depending on the maximum particle size; however, at least one sieve in the sieving process shall have 100 percent passing.
6.1.2 Washing Sieve, No. 200 (75-µm)—A No. 200 (75-µm) sieve with a minimum height above the screen of 50 mm or 2 in.
to prevent loss of retained material while washing. Stainless steel sieve cloth is preferred because it is more durable, and less prone
to damage or wear. The sieve may be reinforced with a larger mesh underneath the 75-µm cloth. The reinforcement wire cloth
(backing) should not have a mesh coarser than the No. 20 (850-µm) wire cloth. The reinforcement wire cloth should be bonded
to the sieve frame along with the No. 200 (75-µm) wire cloth, not bonded to the sieve frame below where the No. 200 (75-µm)
wire cloth was attached. In addition, it is good practice to use a flattened backing cloth (rolled or calendered backing cloth), so
it is less abrasive to the No. 200 (75-µm) wire cloth.
6.1.3 Designated Separating Sieve—A sieve used to separate the specimen into two portions (coarser and finer portion) in
composite sieving. The designated separating sieve shall conform to Specification E11. It may be necessary to have various sizes
of sieves to use as designated separating sieves. Normally, these are not the same sieves that are used in the stack of sieves (sieve
11

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This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

Designation: D6913 − 04 (Reapproved 2009)´1 D6913/D6913M − 17

Standard Test Methods for

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected Eq 1 in July 2014.

Transfer Specimen 11.4.3.2

1st Finer Portion, Percent Passing 12.6.4

FIG. 1 (a) Typical Terminology and Symbols Used in Sieving Processes

3.2.21.1 Discussion— Document Preview

TABLE 1 Standard Sieve SetA

4. Summary of Test Method

5. Significance and Use

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