INTRODUCTION

A basic element of the soil classification system is by determining the particle size of the soil. The
distribution of the particle sizes larger than 0.0075 mm is determine by sieving, while smaller than
0.0075 mm is determine by sedimentation process (hydrometer analysis). Below is the list of the
particle size from largest to smaller:

 Boulders : rocks that have an average diameter greater than 300

 Cobbles
 Gravel size particle
 Sand size particle
 Silt size particle
 Clay size particles
mm.
: rocks that are smaller than 300 mm and retained on
the 75 mm.
: rock fragment or soil particles that will pass a 75 mm
sieve and be retained on a 4.75 mm.
: soil particle that will pass a 4.75 mm sieve and be
retained on a 0.075 mm.
: fine soil particles that pass the 0.0075 mm sieve and
are larger than 0.002 mm.
: fine soil particles that are smaller than 0.002 mm.

Two method of sieving are specified:

i) Wet sieving is the definition method applicable to essentially cohesionless soils.

ii) Dry sieving is suitable only for soil containing significant quantities of silt and clay.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the percentage of different grain sizes contained within a soil. The mechanical or sieve
analysis is performed to determine the distribution of the coarser, larger-sized particles, and the
hydrometer method is used to determine the distribution of the finer particles.

APPARATUS

i. A balance that readable and accurate to 0.5 g

ii. Set of sieves (75 mm,63 mm, 50 mm, 37.5 mm, 28 mm, 20 mm, 14 mm, 10 mm, 6.3 mm, 5
mm, 3.35 mm, 2 mm, 1.18 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.425 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.212 mm, 0.150 mm, 0.063
mm)
iii. Cleaning brush
iv. Mechanical sieve shaker
v. Lid and receiver (pan)
PROCEDURES

1. The soil sample – Preparation of the sample requires that the soil needs to be dried in the
oven at 105°C to 110°C was prepared.
2. The weight of the given dry soil sample (Initial mass of dry soil, approximately 1 – 2 kg) was
recorded.
3. Each of the sieves to be used was cleaned and weighted.
4. The sieves in order with largest opening of sieve size at the top to the smallest at the
bottom. Place the pan below the smallest sieve size. Carefully pour the soil sample into the
top sieve and place the cap over it was arranged.
5. The sieve stack was placed in the mechanical shaker and shook for 15 minutes.
6. The stack from the shaker was removed and carefully the weight of each sieve with its
retained soil was weighed and recorded. In addition, the weight of the bottom pan with its
retained fine soil was weighed and recorded.

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION