PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS

MECHANICAL ANALYSIS

The mechanical analysis, also known as particle size analysis, is a method of

separation of soils in to different fractions based on particle size. It expresses
quantitatively the proportions, by mass of various sizes of particles present in the soil. It
is shown graphically in a particle size distribution curve.
The mechanical analysis is done in two stages
1. Sieve analysis
2. Sedimentation analysis

SIEVE ANALYSISIS

This test is meant for coarse grained soils (particle size greater than 75 microns)
which can easily pass through a set of sieves. The sieves used are 80mm, 40mm, 20mm,
10mm, 4.75mm, 2mm, 1mm, 600μ, 425μ, 212μ, 150μ, 75μ. The selection of the required
number of sieves is done to obtain a good particle size distribution curve. The sieves are
stacked one over the other, with decreasing size from top to bottom. A lid or cover is
placed at the top and a pan, which has no opening, is placed at the bottom. Sieve analysis
includes dry sieve analysis and wet sieve analysis.

Fig: Set of IS Sieves

14