CE 412

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 1: SOIL

MECHANICS

LAB 6: GRADATION ANALYSIS

a. SIEVE TEST
b.HYDROMETER TEST

GROUP 6
MEMBERS: ARABE, MARINELLE B.

LAYOSA, ERWIN U.

MAGNO, PAUL ARVIN M.

INTRODUCTION
Soil consists of an assembly of ultimate particles of various shapes and sizes. The grain
size analysis (sieve analysis) is a method to determine the relative proportions of grain sizes
that make up a given soil. The grain size distribution is used for soil classification under the
USCS, as well as a number of other practical applications (e.g., estimation of mechanical
properties, evaluation of permeability, construction of soil filters among various
applications). This laboratory experiment aims to determine the grain size distribution of a
soil sample and plot the grain size distribution curve as well. The test procedure involves
shaking the soil through sieves with known opening sizes and weighing the soil retained on
each sieve. The results of a sieve analysis is crucial in determining a wide range of properties
affected by grain size such as the strength of concrete, the solubility of a mixture, and surface
area properties. The particle size and the percent finer are graphed to show the grain size
distribution curve. 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.

Hydrometer Analysis is based on the principle of sedimentation of soil grain in water. It

is usually performed if the grain sizes are too small for sieve analysis. The method is based
on Stoke’s law governing the rate of sedimentation of particles suspended in water. In this
article a simple predictive tool is developed to estimate diameter of soil particles as a function
of specific gravity of soil solids and temperature. Estimations are found to be in excellent
agreement with reported data. The tool developed in this study can be of immense practical
value for geotechnical engineers to have a quick check of diameter of soil grain for various
soils at wide range of conditions without opting for any experimental trials. The hydrometer
analysis determines the relative proportions of fine sand, silt and clay contained in a given
soil sample. A knowledge of the range of moisture content over which a soil will exhibit a
certain consistency is beneficial to the understanding of how a soil might behave when used
as a construction material. The Atterberg limits, which include the liquid and plastic limit, are
readily accepted in the engineering community as an objective measure of consistency. When
coarse soil particles are used, their suitability and behaviour is influenced by the amount of
clay fines that may be present after processing. In particular, soil mechanics practitioners and
civil engineers would find the proposed approach to be user-friendly with transparent
calculations involving no complex expressions.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Grain size analysis is extensively used for classification of soils for specifications of
soil for airfields, roads, earth dams, and other soil embankment construction. The hydrometer
analysis expresses the relative proportions of fine sand, silt and clay contained in a given soil
sample.

Mechanical analysis is the determination of the size range of particles present

in a soil, expressed as a percentage of the total dry weight.

Sieve analysis is a method used to determine the grain – size distribution of

soils. Mechanical sieves/sieves is a device used for separating wanted elements from
unwanted material or for characterizing the grain size distribution of a sample, typically using
a woven screen such as mesh or net or metal.

Sieves have equal-size and shape openings where these sieves allow soil particles of
smaller sizes to pass through while retaining particles that are bigger. Note that as the sieve
number increases the size of the openings decreases.

After sieving the specimen, we calculate the retained mass in each sieve and a table is
made and the grade curve is drawn. The table should contain the following columns: Sieve
size, Mass retained, Percentage retained, Cumulative mass retained on each sieve, Percentage
retained and the Percent finer. The percentage retained can be gained by the following
formula:

Percent retained = mass retained / total mass x 100%

and the percent finer is obtained using the formula:

Percent finer = 100 – Percent retained

Using the percentages of weights retained in each sieve, a graph, called a grain size
distribution curve, is drawn by plotting the log of the opening size on the x-axis and
the percentage of particles, by weight, coarser than or finer than the particular sieve on the y
axis. A uniform shape, like an escalator, shows uniform gradation. A horizontal or near-
horizontal shift, like a landing, shows that some intermediate particle sizes, corresponding to
the top of the landing, are missing. When a large part of the aggregate is made up of particles
of one size, it is reflected in the graph as a near vertical drop.
 Hydrometer analysis is based on Stokes law. According to this law, the velocity at
which grains settles out of suspension, all other factors being equal, is dependent upon the
shape, weight and size of the grain.

In case of soil, it is assumed that the soil particles are spherical and have the same
specific gravity. Therefore we can say that in a soil water suspension the coarser particles will
settle more quicjly than the finer ones. If V is the terminal velocity of sinking of a spherical
particle, it is given by;

V = 1/18 [(Gs-Gw)/n)]*D2

Where,

V = Terminal velocity of soil particle (cm/s)

D = Diameter of soil particle (cm)

Gs = Specific gravity of soil particle

Gw = specific gravity of water

n = viscosity of water (g-s/cm²)

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT:

For Sieve Test

1. Set of Sieves
2. Mortar and Pestle
3. Pans
4. Weighing Scale or Balance
5. Plastic Bags
6. Brush
For Hydrometer Test

1. Hydrometer
2. Deflocculating agent (sodium Hexa metaphosphate solution prepared by dissolving
33g of sodium Hexa metaphosphate and 7g of sodium carbonate in distilled water to
make one litre solution)
3. Stop watch
4. Thermometer
5. Scale
6. Graduated cylinder
7. Beaker

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:

For Sieve Test

1. Weigh the dry sample accurately. Also, weigh each empty sieve and the pan.

2. Nest the suitable sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom. Place

the pan at the bottom of the set.

3. Place the sample on the top sieve.

4. Place the lid, and agitate the sieves in the mechanical shaker for about 10 minutes, or

long enough to distribute all the aggregate. .

5. Weigh the sieves with the material retained.

6. Determine the weight retained in each sieve. The total weight of the material after

sieving should check closely with the original weight of the sample.

7. Tabulate the data. Calculate the cumulative mass retained on each sieve, percent retained

and the percent finer.

8. Draw the grain size distribution curves for all aggregates.

9. Place all sieved materials into separate plastic bags.

 1. Prepare the control jar by adding 125 ml of 4% sodium metaphosphate
(NaPO3) solution and sufficient distilled water to produce 1000 ml. (This solution can
be made by mixing 40g of dry chemical with enough water to make 1000 ml).
Put the hydrometer into the control cylinder and record zero and meniscus
correction; then record the temperature by putting the thermometer in it.
2. Weigh out exactly 50g of soil passing the No. 200 sieve. Mix the soil with 125 ml of
4% sodium metaphosphate (NaPO3) solution. Allow the soil mixture to stand about
12 hours.
3. At the end of the soaking period, transfer the mixture to a dispersion (or malt mixer)
cup and add tap water until the cup is about two-thirds full. Mix for 1 minute. After
mixing, carefully transfer all the contents of the dispersion cup to the sedimentation
cylinder. Rinse any soil in the dispersion cup by using a plastic squeeze bottle
or adding stabilized water and pour this into the sedimentation cylinder. Now
add distilled water to fill the cylinder to the 1000 ml mark.
4. Cap the sedimentation cylinder with a No. 12 rubber stopper and carefully agitate for
about 1 min. Agitation is defined as turning the cylinder upside down and back 60
turns for a period of 1 min. An upside down and back movement is 2 turns.
5. Put the sedimentation cylinder beside the control cylinder and start the
stopwatch immediately. This is cumulative time t = 0. Insert the hydrometer
into the sedimentation cylinder.
6. Take hydrometer readings at cumulative times t = 0.25 min., 0.5min., 1 min. and 2
min. Always read the upper level of meniscus. Remove and place the hydrometer in
the control jar.
7. Continue taking hydrometer and temperature readings at approximate elapsed times of
8, 15, 30 and 60 min. and then 2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 hr. For each reading, insert
the hydrometer into the sedimentation cylinder about 30 sec before reading is due.
After the reading is taken, remove the hydrometer and put it back into the control
cylinder.

ANALYSIS OF DATA:

For Sieve Test

 Cumulative
Mass
Mass
Retained Percent Percent
US Sieve Opening Retained
on each Retained Finer
above Each
Sieve (g)
Sieve (g) 4
4.75
132
132
26.35
73.65

10
2.00
216
348
43.11
30.54

20
0.85
93
441
18.56
11.98

40
0.425
27
468
5.39
6.59

60
0.25
12
480
2.40
4.19

100
0.15
8
488
1.6
2.59

200
0.075
8
496
1.6
1

Pan
5
 501 1
0

Σ=
501
g
Table

Computations:

Percent of Mass
Retained on each
sieve.

Sieve no. 4
Sieve no. 60

Sieve no. 10
Sieve no. 100

Sieve no. 20
Sieve no. 200

Sieve no. 40
Pan
Percent Finer:

Sieve no. 4 Sieve no. 60

Sieve no. 10 Sieve no. 100

Sieve no. 20 Sieve no. 200

Sieve no. 40

100

90

80
PERCENT FINER

70

60

50

40

30

20
10
𝐷60 𝐷30 𝐷10
0
10 1 0.1 0.01
PARTICLE DIAMETER

Figure 6.1 Particle Size Distribution Curve

 Sample calculations for the coefficient of uniformity (Cu) and coefficient of
curvature (Cc) based on the graph are shown below:
D10 = 0.76 Cu = D60 / D10

D30 = 2.00 = 4.77 / 0.76

D60 = 4.77 Cu = 6.28

2
Cc = D30 / ( D60 x D10 )
2
=2.14 / ( 4.12 x 0.87 )

Cc = 1.10

For Hydrometer Analysis

HYDROMETER DATA SHEET

Elapsed Hydrometer K L(cm) D(mm) Ct Percent Percent
Time Reading finer in finer in
(min) ( ) suspension solution
-3
15 60 0.0123 6.58 8.147x10 0.00 120 4.7
-3
15 59 0.0123 6.74 8.245x10 0.00 118 4.72
-3
15 58 0.0123 7.07 8.444 x10 0.00 116 7.64
-3
15 57 0.0123 7.066 8.442 x10 0.00 114 6.56
-3
60 56 0.0123 7.23 4.270 x10 0.00 112 4.48
-3
60 55 0.0123 7.39 4.317 x10 0.00 110 4.4
-3
1260 53 0.0123 7.71 9.621 x10 0.00 106 4.24
Mass of soil used: 50 grams

Deflocculating Agent: Hexametaphosphate

( ) 𝐷 √
200
100

Where:

L= length t= time

D= diameter Rcp= hydrometer reading

K= 0.0123 Psus= percent finer in suspension

a= 1 Psol= percent finer in solution

Computation

 For Length

Formula: ( )
Rcp = 60 Rcp = 56

( ) ( )
Rcp =59 Rcp = 55

( ) ( )
Rcp = 58 Rcp = 53

( ) ( )

Rcp = 57

( )

 For Diameter

Formula: 𝐷 √
Rcp = 60 Rcp = 56

6 58 7 23
𝐷 √ 3 3
15 𝐷 √ 60

Rcp = 59 Rcp = 55

6 74 7 39
𝐷 √ 3 3
15 𝐷 √ 60

Rcp = 58 Rcp = 53

7 07 7 71
𝐷 √ 3 3
15 𝐷 √ 1260

Rcp = 57

7 066 3
𝐷 √ 15
 For Percent finer in suspension Formula:
Rcp = 60 Rcp = 56
1 60 1 56
50 50

Rcp = 59 Rcp = 55
1 59 1 55
50 50

Rcp = 58 Rcp = 53
1 58 1 53
50 50

Rcp = 57
1 57
50

 For Percent finer in solution

200
Formula: 100

Note: % passing on No.200 can be seen in Lab Report No.2: Sieve Analysis of

soil (% passing on No.200 = 4%)

Rcp = 60 Rcp = 56
4 112
100

Rcp = 59 Rcp = 55
4 118 4 110
100 100

Rcp = 58 Rcp = 53
4 116 4 106
100 100

Rcp = 57
4 114
100
 Figure 6.2 Grain size Distribution Curve

Sieve Analysis Hydrometer Analysis

100
90
Percent Finer (%)

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
𝐷60 𝐷30
0
10 𝐷10
0.1 0.01
1 Grain Size (mm)
 TECHNICAL DISCUSSION

Table 6.1 shows the results from a sieve analysis performed on a sample that was
measured to be 501 g. After the sample was passed through a stack of sieves the mass
retained was found and recorded in the table. Using these measurements the percent mass
retained and the cumulative percent passing were then calculated and recorded. The percent
finer was then calculated by subtracting each respective cumulative percent passing for each
sieve from 100.
Figure 6.1 exemplifies the distribution of the grain sizes of the different particles in
the original oven-dry sample. The data used to plot this figure is from Table
6.1. According to Figure, from the lab manual the grain-size distribution above is an example
of a poorly graded sample.

Uniformity Coefficient and Coefficient of Gradation Calculation Results (mm)

D10 0.76 Cu 6.28

D30 2.00 Cc 1.10
D60 4.77

Hydrometer method has been tested for determination of total silt and clay. It’s
specifications were used to calculate and plot hydrometer readings versus particle diameter at
different time intervals after initiation of sedimentation. The soil particles that passed through
the sieve number 200 were in suspension in a sodium hexametaphosphate solution at a given
time. The soil particles weighed 40 grams in total. A hydrometer analysis gives result from
which the percent of soil finer than 0.002 mm in diameter can be estimated. It is generally
accepted that the percent finer than 0.002 mm in size is clay or clay-size fractions. The
presence of clay in a soil contributes to its plasticity.
 DOCUMENTATION

The sieves were weighed as well as the soil that remains and recorded
for the particle size distribution data
 The soil was mixed in a solution of distilled water and sodium
metaphosphate in a beaker

The soil solution was shaken well

to fill the voids

The solution with soil in a The hydrometer is placed inside

beaker is transferred in a the graduated cylinder with soil
graduated cylinder 1000ml solution
in volume

The soil solution was left in the

lab for 24 hours reading
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS BY THE TEAM MEMBERS
RECOMMENDATION:

There are many sources of error in this experiment for sieve analysis.
Small discrepancy in total soil mass can be noticed after the laboratory procedure is done.
This may be negligible, but for increased accuracy in results it is recommended that all
equipment to be used are clean and are in a good state. One must also be careful in
transferring the soil samples from the sieves to their storage so that no grains will fall off.
Without mechanical shakers, the sieve set must be shaken properly and effectively to ensure
that particle sizes are well distributed.

For hydrometer test, the employment of three different corrections namely as

the meniscus correction, temperature correction and the dispersing agent may lessen those
errors. Addition of dispersing agent increases the density of solution. Hence, it will have more
drag on the hydrometer hence the reading will increase. The dispersing agent correction is
always negative reading. This correction can really improve the results. These corrections
reduced the errors of some factors observable in the performance of the experiment. By
having this, we can assure the accurate results.

REFERENCES:

1. Gumapac, J.P. Sieve Analysis Lab Report. Retrieved from

https://www.scribd.com/document/325622483/Sieve-Analysis-Lab-Report-docx

2. CSUN. Sieve Analysis. Retrieved from

www.csun.edu/~rdconner/220L/Lab%20Instruction/Sieve%20Analysis%20S10.doc

3. Paricle Size Analysis II – Hydrometer Analysis – cloudfront.net. Retrieved from

https://d32ogoqmyaldw8.cloudfront.net

4. Hydrometer Analysis of Soil – What, Why & How?

https://civilblog.org/2015/11/18/hydrometer-analysis-of-soil-what-why-how/

5. Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics (Philippine Edition)

Author: Braja M. Das