Geology and Soil Mechanics, UW-Stout

Gradation Curve

Consider the following measurements obtained from a mechanical grain size analysis
using sieves. Can you determine the mean size (D50), effective size (D10), coefficient of
uniformity (CU), and the coefficient of curvature (CC) for this data?

U.S Sieve Size Weight Retained (g)

3/8 in. 43

No. 4 195

No. 10 281

No. 40 127

No. 100 44

No. 200 25

pan (<0.075mm) 135

Gradation curve graph

 Gradation Curve Solution

To perform this analysis, one needs to calculate the percent by weight passing each
sieve. (Note: When the units of grams or kilograms are "called" weights, it is technically
incorrect. It should be mass retained. You may encounter this incorrect usage in the field
and this is why I'm exposing you to it.)

1. Calculate the total weight of the sample: W = 43 + 195 + 281 + 127 + 44 + 25 + 135
= 850 g

2. Calculate the percent passing each sieve (example for sieve No. 4)
weight that got through sieve #4 = 850 - 195 - 43 = 612 g
percent by weight that got through sieve #4 = (612/850)x100% = 72%

U.S Sieve Weight %

Size Retained (g) passing

3/8 in. 43 95

No. 4 195 72

No. 10 281 39

No. 40 127 24

No. 100 44 19

No. 200 25 16

pan 135 (N/A)

(<0.075mm)

The gradation curve parameter D50 refers to the average sieve opening that would allow
50% by weight to pass through. Thus, after drawing a smooth curve that best fits the data
points on the gradation graph (shown below), follow the 50% passing horizontal line
(red) over to the right until it intersects the curve. At this point on the graph drop
vertically down and read the sieve diameter off of the horizontal axis.
This indicates that D50 has a value of about 2.8 mm.
Similarly, D10 = 0.03 mm, D60 = 3.4 mm, D30 = 1.2 mm and
CU = D60/D10 = 3.4/0.03 = 113
CC = (D30)2/(D60.D10) = (1.2)2/( (3.4)(0.03) ) = 14

It should be noted that this soil sample is about 16 percent fines. The portion of the curve
to the right of No. 200 sieve is an "educated guess" or extrapolation The same with the
part of the curve that is left of 3/8 in sieve.