Soil - Dry Sieving

EN
ECG263
PD
SOIL ENGINEERING
LABORATORY
AM
Particle Size Distribution
IH
Dry Sieving
D
AI
www.uitm.edu.my
EN
Course Outcomes
Demonstrate investigation method related to soil
PD
engineering using standard tests and measurements.
Show appropriate techniques to soil engineering problem
AM
with an awareness of the limitations.
Perform teamwork skills in task related to soil engineering.
IH
D
AI
EN
Introduction
The laboratory activity refers to condition where the
PD
problem and ways & means are guided and given to the
students.
AM
However, the answers to the assignment are left to the
students to solve using the group creativity and
innovativeness.
IH
It is hoped that the activity will slowly introduce and
inculcate independent learning amongst students and
D
prepare them for a much harder task of open-ended

laboratory activities.
AI
EN
Introduction
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the
PD
usage of sieving tests to determine the particle size
distribution of soil.
AM
IH
D
AI
EN
Objective
This test is performed to determine the percentage of
PD
different grain sizes contained within a soil.
The mechanical or sieve analysis is performed to
AM
determine the distribution of the more coarse, larger-sized
particles, and the hydrometer method is used to determine
the distribution of the finer particles.
IH
D
AI
EN
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able to:
PD
conduct the particle size distribution (PSD) – sieve
analysis (dry sieving).
AM
Analyse data correctly and present in typical format.
Work in a group to produce technical report.
IH
D
AI
EN
Classification of Coarse Soil
PD
Particle Size Test
The aim is to measure the distribution of particle size
in the sample.
AM
When a wide range of sizes is present, the sample will be
sub-divided, and separate tests carried out on each sub-
IH
sample.
Wet sieving is used to separate fine grains from coarse
D
grains and is carried out by washing soil specimen on a

0.060 mm sieve mesh.
AI
EN
PD
Particle Size Test
Dry sieving analyses can only be carried out on particles
> 0.060 mm; samples (with fines removed) are dried and
AM
shaken through a nest of sieves of descending mesh size.
Sedimentation is used only for fine soils by implementing
IH
the hydrometer test (refer to Classification of Fine Soil).
Soil particles are allowed to settle from a suspension.
D
The decreasing density of the suspension is measured at

time intervals.
AI
EN
PD
Particle Size Test
Sizes are determined from the settling velocity and times
recorded and then percentages between sizes are
AM
determined from density differences.
The cumulative percentage quantities finer than certain
IH
sizes (e.g. passing a given size sieve mesh) are
determined by weighing.
D
Points are then plotted of % finer (passing) against log

size.
AI
A smooth S-shaped curve drawn through these points is

called a grading curve.
EN
PD
Particle Size Test
The position and shape of the grading curve determines
the soil class; also, geometrical grading characteristics
AM
can be determined from the grading curve.
*
IH
D
AI
EN
Classification of Coarse Soil *
Typical Grading Curve
PD
AM
IH
A - a poorly-graded medium SAND (probably estuarine or flood-plain alluvium)
D
B - a well-graded GRAVEL-SAND (i.e.. Equal amounts of gravel and sand)

AI
C - a gap-graded COBBLES-SAND
D - a sandy SILT (perhaps a deltaic or estuarine silt)
E - a typical silty CLAY
EN
PD
Grading Characteristics
It gives us the grading curve that is useful aid to soil
description.
AM
Grading curves are often included in ground
investigation reports.
IH
Results of grading tests can be tabulated using geometric
properties of the grading curve.
D
AI
EN
PD
First of all, three points are located on the grading curve :
AM
D10 = the maximum size of the smallest 10% of
the sample
*
IH
the sample
D

the sample
AI
EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
EN
PD
From these, the grading characteristics are then
calculated :
AM
Effective size = D10
IH
Uniformity coefficient, Cu = D60 / D10
D
Coefficient of gradation, Cg = (D30)² / (D60 x D10)

AI
EN
PD
AM
Both Cu and Cg will be 1 for a single sized soil
Cu > 5 indicates a well-graded soil
IH
Cu < 3 indicates a uniform soil
Cg = 0.5 - 2.0 indicates a well-graded soil
D
Cg < 0.1 indicates a possible gap-graded soil

AI
EN
Sieving Testing Procedure
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAezS3mPzOc
EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM-NrQoRIYY
EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
Hand Operated Sieve Shaker

EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
Motorized Sieve Shaker

EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
High Capacity & Heavy Duty

Motorized Sieve Shaker
EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
Motorized Sieve Shaker with Noise Reduction Cabinet

EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
Riffle Box or Splitter Box

EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI

EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI

EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
EN
PD
AM
IH
Small
D
Aperture
AI
Large
Aperture
EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
Perforated Plate Sieve Woven Wire Mesh Sieve

(Square Hole)
Sieving Test Procedure
EN
Sieving – 2 Stages & 1 Riffling
PD
Example :
Summary of results from the dry sieving test :
Total mass of soil used = 2458 g
AM
Stage 1
Sieve size (mm) 37.5 28 20 14 10 6.3 5.0 3.35
Mass of soil 0 55 100 154 205 305 199 275
Retained (g)
IH
Pan Contents = 1165 g Riffled sample to = 196 g
Stage 2
D
Sieve size 2 1.18 600 425 300 212 150 63

(mm or µm)
AI
Mass of soil 54.3 38 30 14.2 15.5 13.1 11.2 16.5

Retained (g)
Pan Contents = 3.1 g

EN
Weighing the Container or Tray
PD
Press “Tare” or “Reset”.
The reading will give a readout
AM
of “0 g”.
IH
D
AI
EN
Weighing the Container or Tray
PD
Placed the tray onto the
weighing balance.
AM
IH of “500 g”.
D
AI
EN
Weighing the Soil Sample
PD
Placed the soil into the tray.
The reading will give a
AM
readout of “2958 g”.
That means the soil for the
sieving process is 2458 g.
IH
Make sure the mass of the soil
sample is within 2.0 – to 2.5 kg.
D
AI
EN
Weighing the Sieve Pan
PD
AM
of “0 g”.
IH
D
AI
EN
Weighing the Sieve Pan
PD
Placed the sieve pan onto the
weighing balance.
AM
IH of “180 g”.
D
Pan
AI
EN
Preparation of the Test Sieves
PD
Stacking for 1st Stage.
Size 37.5 mm
Stack the test sieve in a proper
AM
Size 28 mm
sequence.
Size 20 mm
In this example, the lid or cover
Size 14 mm
Sieve will be placed on the top of the
IH
Size 10 mm
Arrangement sequence.
Size 6.3 mm
It will be then followed by the
Size 5 mm
test sieve of size 37.5 mm until
D
Size 3.35 mm
the test sieve of size 3.35 mm
with the pan at the bottom most
Pan
AI
order of the stack.

EN
ATTENTION
PD
If you do not have the full set
Size 37.5 mm as designated in the example
for the sieving size
AM
Size 28 mm
Size 20 mm sequence, then you may

Size 14 mm reduce the sieve sequence
Sieve and arrangement.
IH
Size 10 mm
Size 6.3 mm
Arrangement You may use this set up also
Size 5 mm 37.5, 20, 10, 5, 3.35 and pan.
D
Size 3.35 mm
At least 5 sieve sizes.
Pan
AI
EN
Setup the Sieve Shaker
PD
Transfer the stacked test sieve
Size 37.5 mm to the sieve shaker.
AM
Size 28 mm
Do not attached the stabilizing
Size 20 mm
bar yet.
Size 14 mm
IH
Size 10 mm
Size 6.3 mm
Size 5 mm
D
Size 3.35 mm
Pan
AI
EN
Transferring the Soil
PD
Remove the lid.
Size 37.5 mm
Pour the soil to the top most of
AM
Size 28 mm
the stacked test sieve.
Size 20 mm
Be extra careful when
Size 14 mm
pouring the soil into the test
IH
Size 10 mm
sieves.
Size 6.3 mm
Size 5 mm
D
Size 3.35 mm
Pan
AI
EN
Get Ready to “Shake”
PD
Fasten the lid.
Size 37.5 mm
Fasten and tighten the
AM
Size 28 mm
stabilizing bar on top of the
Size 20 mm
stacked sieve.
Size 14 mm
Set the dial knob to 10
IH
Size 10 mm
minutes.
Size 6.3 mm
Press ‘On’.
Size 5 mm
The shaking starts.
D
Size 3.35 mm
Pan
AI
EN
Weighing the Retained Soil on
PD
the Sieves
Size 37.5 mm Remove the stabilizing bar.
AM
Size 28 mm
Remove the lid.
Size 20 mm
Carefully remove the stacked
Size 14 mm
sieves and pan from the sieve
IH
Size 10 mm
shaker.
Size 6.3 mm
Prepare the test sieves for
Size 5 mm
individual weighing with the
D
Size 3.35 mm
retained soil.
Pan
AI
EN
PD
No Soil
Retained Size 37.5 mm
the Test Sieves
Size 28 mm
AM
Size 20 mm
Size 14 mm
Size 10 mm
IH
Size 6.3 mm
Size 5 mm
D
Size 3.35 mm The mass of soil retained can be

obtained by deducting the mass of
AI
Pan
the test sieve obtained on earlier
stage of testing.
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
Get an empty tray or container
AM
that has been used earlier on.
Placed the tray on the weighing
balance.
IH
of “0 g”.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
The first sieve size ie. 37.5 mm
AM
was empty and no soil retained
on it.
Write down the mass of soil
IH
retained on 37.5 mm sieve as
0 g.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
Transfer the soil that was
AM
retained from sieve size 28 mm
IH to the tray.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
Use a Sieve Brush to ensure
AM
all the remaining soil on the
sieve mesh can be brush off
out of the sieve into the tray.
IH
retained on the 28 mm sieve as
55 g.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
After obtaining the reading
AM
from for the 28 mm sieve size,
IH
of “0 g”.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
IH to the tray.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
IH
100 g.
D
Redo the process for all the

remaining sieves excluding
AI
the pan.
EN
Weighing the Soil Retained on
PD
the Sieve Pan
AM
IH of “0 g”.
D
AI
EN
Weighing the Soil Retained on
PD
the Sieve Pan
The initial mass of the sieve
AM
pan has been taken ie. “180 g”.
The mass of the sieve pan plus
the soil passing the 3.35 mm
IH
sieve will give a readout of
“1345 g”.
That means, the mass of soil
D
retained on the sieve pan is

1165 g.
Pan
AI
EN
Once all the mass of
PD
retained soil have been
recorded, you will a set of
Total mass of soil used = 2458 g data for the 1st stage
AM
Stage 1
Sieve size (mm) 37.5 28 20 14 10 6.3 5.0 3.35
Mass of soil 0 55 100 154 205 305 199 275
Retained (g)
IH
Stage 2
D
Sieve size 2 1.18 600 425 300 212 150 63

(mm or µm)
AI
Mass of soil 54.3 38 30 14.2 15.5 13.1 11.2 16.5

Retained (g)

EN
Riffling the Soil Sample
PD
Pan The mass of the soil sample
Soil Mass of
collected in the pan @ passing
AM
1165 g the 3.35 mm test sieve is 1165
g.
Sieve size 2.0 mm
These mass exceeds the mass
IH
Maximum Soil Mass of
200 g
that are allocated for the next
stage of test sieve which is
Sieve size 1.18 mm sieve size 2.0 mm (Refer
D
Maximum Soil Mass of

Table).
100 g Riffling has to be conducted.
AI
EN
PD
AM
IH
D
AI
EN
Weighing the Riffle Box Tray
PD
AM
of “0 g”.
IH
D
AI
EN
PD
The riffle box has two
compartments.
AM
Only 1 tray that is needed to
be weigh.
Placed the tray onto the
IH
weighing balance.
of “150 g”.
D
Mark the tray.

AI
EN
PD
PAN +
Soil Mass of When the soil mass is poured
1165 g
into the riffle box, it divides the
AM
mass into half @ 2 portions.
In this case, the 1st riffling
process will generate 2
IH
portions of soil with each
has a mass of  500 +/- g.
Soil Mass of
 500 +/- g After riffling, clean up the
D
This portion will

be discard pan for the next stage.
AI
Soil Mass of
500 +/- g
This portion will
be riffled again
EN
PD
Transfer the soil collected
from the 1st riffling to the
AM
empty pan.
Soil Mass of
500 +/- g
This portion will
be riffled again Later, in the 2nd riffling process
the amount collected in each of
the portion will be  200 +/- g.
IH
Prepare the riffle box for the
2nd riffling process.
Empty Pan
D
AI
EN
PD
Pan +
Soil Mass of Transfer the soil collected
 500 +/- g
from the 1st riffling to an
AM
empty tray.
In the 2nd riffling process the
amount collected in each of the
portion will be  200 +/- g.
IH
So, the other half will again be
Soil Mass of
 200 +/- g discarded.
D
This portion will

be discard
AI
Soil Mass of
 200 +/- g
EN
PD
and the Riffled Soil
AM
IH of “0 g”.
D
AI
EN
PD
and the Riffled Soil
The initial mass of the riffle box
AM
has been taken ie. “150 g”.
The mass of the riffle box tray
plus the riffled soil will give a
IH
readout of “346 g”.
That means, the mass of soil
retained on the riffle box tray is
D
196 g.
AI
EN
Preparing of the Test Sieve
PD
Stacking for 2nd Stage.
Size 2 mm
Similar to the 1st Stage, stack
AM
Size 1.18 mm
Size 600 µm
the test sieve in a proper
Size 425 µm
sequence.
Sieve In this example, the lid or cover
Size 300 µm
IH
Arrangement will be placed on the top of the
Size 212 µm
Size 150 µm
sequence.
It will be then followed by the
D
Size 63 µm
Pan test sieve of size 2 mm until the

test sieve of size 63 µm with
AI
the pan at the bottom most

order of the stack.
EN
ATTENTION
PD
If you do not have the full set
Size 2 mm
as designated in the example
for the sieving size
AM
Size 1.18 mm
Size 600 µm
sequence, then you may
Size 425 µm reduce the sieve sequence
Size 300 µm Sieve and arrangement.
IH
Size 212 µm Arrangement You may use this set up also
Size 150 µm
2, 1.18, 425, 212, 63 and pan.
D
Size 63 µm
At least 5 sieve sizes.
Pan
AI
EN
Setup the Sieve Shaker
PD
Transfer the stacked test sieve
Size 2 mm
to the sieve shaker.
AM
Size 1.18 mm
Do not attached the stabilizing
Size 600 µm
bar yet.
Size 425 µm
Size 300 µm
IH
Size 212 µm
Size 150 µm
D
Size 63 µm
Pan
AI
EN
Transferring the Soil
PD
Remove the lid.
Size 2 mm
Pour the soil to the top most of
AM
Size 1.18 mm
the stacked test sieve.
Size 600 µm
Size 425 µm
Be extra careful when
pouring the soil into the test
Size 300 µm
IH
sieves.
Size 212 µm
Size 150 µm
D
Size 63 µm
Pan
AI
EN
Get Ready to “Shake”
PD
Fasten the lid.
Size 2 mm
Fasten and tighten the
AM
Size 1.18 mm
stabilizing bar on top of the
Size 600 µm
stacked sieve.
Size 425 µm
Set the dial knob to 10
Size 300 µm
IH
minutes.
Size 212 µm
Size 150 µm
Press ‘On’.
The shaking starts.
D
Size 63 µm
Pan
AI
EN
PD
the Sieves
Size 2 mm
Remove the stabilizing bar.
AM
Size 1.18 mm
Remove the lid.
Size 600 µm
Size 425 µm
Carefully remove the stacked
sieves and pan from the sieve
Size 300 µm
IH
shaker.
Size 212 µm
Size 150 µm
Prepare the test sieves for
individual weighing with the
D
Size 63 µm
Pan
retained soil.
AI
EN
PD
Size 2 mm
the Test Sieves
Size 1.18 mm
AM
Size 600 µm
Size 425 µm
Size 300 µm
IH
Size 212 µm
Size 150 µm
D
Size 63 µm The mass of soil retained can be

obtained by deducting the mass of
AI
Pan
the test sieve obtained on earlier
stage of testing.
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
Get an empty tray or container
AM
that has been used earlier on.
Placed the tray on the weighing
balance.
IH
of “0 g”.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
IH to the tray.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
IH
54.3 g.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
from for the 2 mm sieve size,
IH
of “0 g”.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
retained from sieve size 1.18
IH mm to the tray.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
IH
retained on the 1.18 mm sieve
as 38 g.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
from for the 1.18 mm sieve
size, Press “Tare” or “Reset”.
IH
of “0 g”.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
retained from sieve size 600
IH µm to the tray.
D
AI
EN
PD
the Test Sieves
AM
IH
retained on the 600 µm sieve
as 30 g.
D
Redo the process for all the

remaining sieves including the
AI
pan.*
EN
PD
Once all the mass of
retained soil have been
Total mass of soil used = 2458 g recorded, you will a set of
AM
Stage 1
data for the 2nd stage
Sieve size (mm) 37.5 28 20 14 10 6.3 5.0 3.35
Mass of soil 0 55 100 154 205 305 199 275
Retained (g)
IH
Stage 2
D
Sieve size 2 1.18 600 425 300 212 150 63

(mm or µm)
AI
Mass of soil 54.3 38 30 14.2 15.5 13.1 11.2 16.5

Retained (g)

EN
PD
Tabulating Data
Prepare a table to tabulate your data.
AM
At times, a table is already prepared for you.
In this case, we need to prepare it on our own.
How many columns and rows?
IH
D
AI
EN
PD
Tabulating Data
Sieve size Mass retained Mass retained % Retained % Passing
(g) corrected (g)
AM
IH
D
AI
EN
PD
Total mass of soil used = 2458 g
AM
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Stage 1
Sieve size (mm) 37.5 28 20 14 10 6.3 5.0 3.35
Mass of soil 0 55 100 154 205 305 199 275
Retained (g)
IH
17 19 + 20

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Stage 2
D
Sieve size 2 1.18 600 425 300 212 150 63

(mm or µm)
AI
Mass of soil 54.3 38 30 14.2 15.5 13.1 11.2 16.5

Retained (g) 18

EN
PD
Tabulating Data
(g) corrected (g)
AM
37.5
28
20
IH
14
10
6.3
D
5
AI
3.35
EN
Sieving
Pan
Test Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle
PD
Correction
2
AM
1.18
600
425
300
IH
212
150
D
63
Pan
AI
EN
PD
Tabulating Data
(g) corrected (g)
AM
37.5 0
28 55
20 100
IH
14 154
10 205
6.3 305
D
5 199
AI
3.35 275
EN
Sieving
Pan
Test
1165
Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle 196
PD
Correction
2 54.3
AM
1.18 38
600 30
425 14.2
300 15.1
IH
212 13.5
150 11.2
D
63 16.5
Pan 3.1
AI
EN
PD
Tabulating Data
(g) corrected (g)
AM
37.5 0 0
28 55 55
20 100 100
IH
14 154 154
10 205 205
6.3 305 305
D
5 199 199
AI
3.35 275 275

EN
Sieving
Pan A
Test
1165
Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle B 196
PD
Correction A÷B 5.9
2 54.3
Mass retained
AM
1.18 38 corrected in order to
600 30 project the soil mass in
425 14.2 accordance to the
actual soil mass.
300 15.1
IH
212 13.5 54.3 x Correction
150 11.2 = 54.3 x 5.9
= 322.8 g
D
63 16.5
Pan 3.1
AI
EN
Sieving
Pan A
Test
1165
Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle B 196
PD
Correction A÷B 5.9
2 54.3 322.8
AM
1.18 38
Mass retained
600 30 corrected in order to
425 14.2 project the soil mass in
accordance to the
300 15.1
IH
actual soil mass.
212 13.5
150 11.2 38 x Correction
D
63 16.5 = 38 x 5.9
= 225.9 g
Pan 3.1
AI
EN
Sieving
Pan A
Test
1165
Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle B 196
PD
Correction A÷B 5.9
2 54.3 322.8
AM
1.18 38 225.9
600 30
Mass retained
425 14.2 corrected in order to
300 15.1 project the soil mass in
IH
accordance to the
212 13.5
actual soil mass.
150 11.2
D
63 16.5 30 x Correction
Pan 3.1 = 30 x 5.9
AI
= 178.3 g
EN
Sieving
Pan A
Test
1165
Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle B 196
PD
Correction A÷B 5.9
2 54.3 322.8
AM
1.18 38 225.9
600 30 178.3
425 14.2
300 15.1
IH
212 13.5 Calculate the rest of
150 11.2 the Mass Retained
D
63 16.5 Corrected for all rows

until Pan
Pan 3.1
AI
EN
Sieving
Pan A
Test
1165
Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle B 196
PD
Correction A÷B 5.9
2 54.3 322.8
AM
1.18 38 225.9
600 30 178.3
425 14.2 84.4
300 15.1 89.8
IH
212 13.5 80.2
150 11.2 66.6
D
63 16.5 98.1
Pan 3.1 18.4
AI
 = 2457.4
EN
PD
Tabulating Data
(g) corrected (g)
AM
37.5 0 0 0
28 55 55 2.2
20 100 100 4.1
IH
14 154 154 6.3
10 205 205 8.3
6.3 305 305 12.4
D
5 199 199 8.1

AI
3.35 275 275 11.2

EN
Sieving
Pan A
Test
1165
Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle B 196
PD
Correction A÷B 5.9
2 54.3 322.8 13.1
AM
1.18 38 225.9 9.2
600 30 178.3 7.3
425 14.2 84.4 3.4
300 15.1 89.8 3.7
IH
212 13.5 80.2 3.3
150 11.2 66.6 2.7
D
63 16.5 98.1 4.0

Pan 3.1 18.4 0.7
AI
 = 2457.4  = 99.98
EN
PD
Tabulating Data
(g) corrected (g)
AM
37.5 0 0 0 100
28 55 55 2.2 97.8
20 100 100 4.1 93.7
IH
14 154 154 6.3 87.4
10 205 205 8.3 79.1
6.3 305 305 12.4 66.7
D
5 199 199 8.1 58.6

AI
3.35 275 275 11.2 47.4

EN
Sieving
Pan A
Test
1165
Procedure
(g) corrected (g)
Riffle B 196
PD
Correction A÷B 5.9
2 54.3 322.8 13.1 34.3
AM
1.18 38 225.9 9.2 25.1
600 30 178.3 7.3 17.8
425 14.2 84.4 3.4 14.4
300 15.1 89.8 3.7 10.7
IH
212 13.5 80.2 3.3 7.4
150 11.2 66.6 2.7 4.7
D
63 16.5 98.1 4.0 0.7

Pan 3.1 18.4 0.7 0
AI
 = 2457.4  = 99.98
EN
PD
Transferring Data for Graph Plot
Then each pair of the “Sieve size and %Passing” will be
transferred to the Particle Size Distribution (PSD) Chart.
AM
Each pair will create a point.
Once all the points have been plotted, eventually it
IH
creates “S-Curve” like plot.
D
AI
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
British Standard Sieves, (mm)
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90
80
AM
70
Plot the first point ie.
60 1st pair :
Sieve Size 37.5 with
Percentage Passing (%)
50
IH
100% Passing.
40
30
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
particle diameter (mm)
Cobbles
fine medium coarse fine medium coarse fine medium coarse
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90
80
AM
70
Plot the second point
ie.
60
2nd pair :
50
Sieve Size 28 mm
IH
40 with 97.8% Passing.
30
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90
80
AM
70
Plot the third point ie.
60 3rd pair :
Sieve Size 20 mm
50
IH
with 93.7% Passing.
40
30
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90
80
AM
70
All the plotted points
60 from all the 16 pairs of
“Sieve Size &
50
IH
%Passing Data”.
40
30
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90
80
AM
70
60
A smooth curvy line is
then plot ie. PSD S-
Curve.
50
IH
40
30
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
Analysis & Soil Classification
AM
D10 = 0.27 mm / Effective grain size
D30 = 1.60 mm
D60 = 5.30 mm
IH
D
AI
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90
80
AM
70
60
50
IH
40
30
D10 = 0.27 mm
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90
80
AM
70
60
D30 = 1.60 mm
50
IH
40
30
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90
80
AM
D60 = 5.30 mm
70
60
50
IH
40
30
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
Coefficient of Uniformity
AM
= Cu
= D60 ÷ D10
= 5.30 ÷ 0.27
IH
= 19.6
D
AI
EN
PD
Coefficient of Gradation
AM
= Cg
= (D30)2 ÷ (D60 x D10)
= (1.60)2 ÷ (5.30 x 0.27)
IH
= 1.78
D
AI
EN
PD
Composition of soil or percentage of soil types.
AM
Gravel = 65.7 %
Sand = 34.3 %
Silt = 0%
IH
Clay = 0%
D
AI
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
90 % Gravel = 65.7%
80
AM
Explanation :
70
100 – 34.3
60
= 65.7%
50
IH
40
Value from Sieving
Data for 2mm
30
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
0.063
0.212
0.425
0.15
1.18
3.35
37.5
0.3
0.6
6.3
10
14
20
28
50
63
75
2
5
100
% Sand = 34.3%
90
80
Explanation :
AM
70 100 – 65.7
60
= 34.3%
50
Assuming there is
IH
40
very small amount
30 of fines.
D
20
10
AI
0
0.001 0.002 0.006 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.2 0.6 1 2 6 10 20 60 100
Cobbles
CLAY
SILT SAND GRAVEL
EN
PD
Classification :
AM
Cu = 19.6
(Cu > 5 indicates a well-graded soil)
Cg = 1.78
IH
(Cg = 0.5 - 2.0 indicates a well-graded soil)
Gravel is more than 50%
D
From the plot it is logical to be classified as Well Graded

AI
Soil.
Well Graded Gravel.
EN
PD
References for Classification Statement
Cu and Cg will be 1 for a single sized soil
AM
Cu > 5 indicates a well-graded soil
Cu < 3 indicates a uniform soil
Cg = 0.5 - 2.0 indicates a well-graded soil
IH
Cg < 0.1 indicates a possible gap-graded soil
D
AI
AI
D
IH
AM
PD
EN

Soil - Dry Sieving

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Soil - Dry Sieving

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EN

prepare them for a much harder task of open-ended

grains and is carried out by washing soil specimen on a

The decreasing density of the suspension is measured at

Points are then plotted of % finer (passing) against log

A smooth S-shaped curve drawn through these points is

B - a well-graded GRAVEL-SAND (i.e.. Equal amounts of gravel and sand)

D60 = the maximum size of the smallest 60% of

Coefficient of gradation, Cg = (D30)² / (D60 x D10)

Cg < 0.1 indicates a possible gap-graded soil

Hand Operated Sieve Shaker

Motorized Sieve Shaker

High Capacity & Heavy Duty

Motorized Sieve Shaker with Noise Reduction Cabinet

Riffle Box or Splitter Box

Riffle Box or Splitter Box

Riffle Box or Splitter Box

Perforated Plate Sieve Woven Wire Mesh Sieve

Summary of results from the dry sieving test :

Total mass of soil used = 2458 g

Sieve size 2 1.18 600 425 300 212 150 63

Mass of soil 54.3 38 30 14.2 15.5 13.1 11.2 16.5

Pan Contents = 3.1 g

order of the stack.

Size 20 mm sequence, then you may

Size 3.35 mm The mass of soil retained can be

Redo the process for all the

retained on the sieve pan is

Sieve size 2 1.18 600 425 300 212 150 63

Mass of soil 54.3 38 30 14.2 15.5 13.1 11.2 16.5

Pan Contents = 3.1 g

Maximum Soil Mass of

Mark the tray.

This portion will

This portion will

Pan test sieve of size 2 mm until the

the pan at the bottom most

Size 63 µm The mass of soil retained can be

Redo the process for all the

Sieve size 2 1.18 600 425 300 212 150 63

Mass of soil 54.3 38 30 14.2 15.5 13.1 11.2 16.5

Pan Contents = 3.1 g

Total mass of soil used = 2458 g

Pan Contents = 1165 g Riffled sample to = 196 g

Sieve size 2 1.18 600 425 300 212 150 63

Mass of soil 54.3 38 30 14.2 15.5 13.1 11.2 16.5

Pan Contents = 3.1 g

3.35 275 275

63 16.5 Corrected for all rows

5 199 199 8.1

3.35 275 275 11.2

63 16.5 98.1 4.0

5 199 199 8.1 58.6

3.35 275 275 11.2 47.4

63 16.5 98.1 4.0 0.7

From the plot it is logical to be classified as Well Graded

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