M1: Hydrometer Analysis

Fine Soil < 0.075 mm

Soil Particles Size Analysis

2 method of classification

M2: Sieve Analysis

Coarse grained soil > 0.075 mm

Calculation: 1. Wet Sieve analysis

1. Determine the % passing of soil 2. Dry Sieve analysis
Exp 1
Sieve Mass Retained Mass Passing % Passing
Size (A) (B) (C) (D)
B1 ∑B – B1 = C1 C1/∑B x 100 = D1 4. From graph, determine the value of D10, D30 & D60
B2 C1 – B2 = C2 C2/∑B x 100 = D2
. .
Exp 2
Sieve Mass Retained Mass Passing % Passing
Size (A) (B) (C) (D)
B1 ∑B – B1 = C1 C1/∑B x 100 = D1
B2 C1 – B2 = C2 C2/∑B x 100 = D2
. .

2. Plot into distribution log graph (% passing of soil vs sieve

size)

5. Calculate Cu & Cc, where;

6. Determine the type grade of soil, where

Well – graded soil

3. From graph, calculate the % of sand where;

% sand = % Passing 2.35mm sieve size – % Passing 0.06mm sieve size
EXAMPLE

A sieve analysis is conducted on a soil sample and the results obtained are as the
following. Determine the coefficients of uniformity and curvature and identify the
grades for the soil sample.

SOLUTION
Step 1: Determine the % passing of soil
Step 2: Plot into distribution log graph (% passing of soil vs sieve size)

Step 3: From graph, calculate the % of sand where;

% sand = % Passing 2.35mm sieve size – % Passing 0.06mm sieve size

= 83% - 10%
= 73% > 50% (Sand)
Step 4: From graph, determine the value of D10, D30 & D60

From the graph: D10 = 0.63, D30 = 0.22, D60 = 0.52

Step 5: Calculate Cu & Cc, where;

Step 6: Determine the type grade of soil, where

Well – graded soil

Based on Well – graded soil criteria, the soil sample is classified as well graded sand.