Soil Mechanics - Lab

Student Name: _____________________________________

Lab no. 1 - Sieve Analysis (Mechanical Method):

Part A: Instructions
i. Read ASTM D422-63 (2007).
ii. Watch the "Sieve Analysis" video up to 6 min 40 sec and "Particle size distribution" video
uploaded in the e-learning.
iii. Complete part C by listing the required apparatus for the test. (Read section 3 of ASTM D422-
63)
iv. Complete part D by filling the blank spaces. (Read section 5 and 6 of the ASTM D422-63)
v. Complete part E by calculating percent finer using the data from Table 1. Show the sample
calculation for 1 test data set under Table 1. (Read section 12 and 16 of ASTM D422-63)
vi. Complete part F by drawing particle size distribution curve and identifying the soil type
(Watch “Particle size distribution” video)
vii. Complete part G by listing the sources of errors during the experiment and potential
approaches to improve accuracy.
viii. Submit the completed handout in the “Lab no. – 1 Sieve analysis” drop-box created in e-
learning on or before 5 P.M by 09/11/2020.

Part B: Overview
Sieve analysis “gradation test” is used to determine the particle size distribution of a soil. The
data obtained from grain size distribution curves is used in soil classification, design of filters for
earth dams, and determination of the soil's suitability for road construction. It is also useful in
predicting soil–water movement (although permeability tests are is used) and accessing
susceptibility to frost action in the soil. This procedure is applicable for mostly granular soils,
with some or no fines.
 Soil Mechanics - Lab

Part C: Apparatus
For only Sieve analysis, we need the following devices.
1) Balances—A balance sensitive to 0.01 g for weighing the material passing a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve, and a balance sensitive to 0.1%
of the mass of the sample to be weighed for weighing the material retained on a No. 10 sieve.
2) Stirring Apparatus (highspeed mechanical stirrer or air dispersion)— the speed of the vertical shaft of the motor >= 10000 rpm without
load. Stirring paddle should be between 19.0 mm 38.1 mm above the bottom of the dispersion cup.
3) Sieves—A series of sieves, of square-mesh woven-wire cloth
4) Timing Device—A watch or clock with a second hand.

Part D: Procedures
1. Prepare the test sample for mechanical analysis as outlined in practice D421.
2. Select and assemble a suitable nested sieve set. Place a pan at the ______
bottom of the sieve set.
3. Place the sample on the top sieve.
_____ and vertical
4. Conduct the sieving operation using lateral _____ motion of the sieve, accompanied by a
jarring
_____action to keep the sample moving _____ over the surface of the sieve.
continuously
5. Disassemble the sieve set and determine the mass of each fraction on balance conforming to the
requirements.
6. The sum of mass _____ on all the sieves used should equal close to the _____ of the quantity
sieve.
Part E: Calculation
Table 1. Sieve analysis data

Mass of
Mass Percentage
Mass of sieve + Cumulative
Sieve Opening, retained retained Percent
Empty Soil percentage
no. mm on each on each finer, %
Sieve, g retained, retained, %
sieve, g sieve, %
g
4 4.75 765.5 788.5
10 2 711 737.5
20 0.840 633 682.5
40 0.425 572 686.5
60 0.250 537.5 704.5
100 0.150 523.5 602.5
200 0.075 509.5 530.5
pan 485 505
total
 Soil Mechanics - Lab

Part F: Draw particle size distribution curve and identify the soil type

Part G: List the sources of errors and potential approaches to improve the accuracy