Grain Size Analysis (Mechanical Sieving)

I. Objectives

To determine the percentage of each size of grain that is contained within a soil sample, to create a
grain size distribution curve, and to classify the soil sample using the USCS and AASHTO.

II. Discussion

The technique for figuring out the distribution of grain sizes in soils is called sieve analysis (grain size
analysis). This type of analysis uses numbers to indicate the mass proportions of the different sizes of
soil particle present. The gravel, sand, silt, and clay fractions of a soil are known to include particles of
progressively smaller sizes. The outcomes of grain size analysis are frequently utilized in the
classification of soils. When designing filters for earth dams to assess the viability of soils for road
construction, data from grain size distribution curves is employed. An essential component of soil
exploration is the examination of soil grain size. A key laboratory technique for classifying soils is particle
size analysis. For civil engineering structures like bridges, grain size analysis is crucial. Bridge
construction, a dam, a water storage facility, and a building structure.

III. Apparatus

Set of Sieves
Triple beam balance
Brush
Weighing Scale
Pan
Rubber Mallet

IV. Diagram/Set-up/Pictures
V. Procedure

1.) Prepare all necessary materials and apparatus needed for the experiment. This includes a 1kg of
oven-dried soil that is to be smashed using a rubber mallet for five minutes.
2.) Check the arrangement of the sieve numbers that it is in order of; 4, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and Pan.
Then pour the soil sample in the sieve and shake it for about 10 minutes.
3.) Prepare paper containers which will hold the retained soil in the respective sieves. Have the weights
of each soil retained measured.
4.) Once all measurement and necessary data are gathered, do the computations in order to determine
the percentage of gravel, sand, and fine of the oven-dried soil sample and have its distribution curve
plotted.

VI. Data and Computations

VII. Observations

1. Discuss the importance of grain size analysis tests in soils? What is the practical applications of
performing grain size analysis in engineering practice?

The purpose of the grain size analysis test is to estimate the proportion of each size of grain that
makes up a soil sample. The test's outcomes can be utilized to create the grain size distribution
curve. The soil is categorized and its behavior is predicted using this information. An essential
component of soil exploration is the examination of soil grain size. A key laboratory technique
for classifying soils is particle size analysis. For civil engineering structures like bridges, grain size
analysis is crucial. Bridge construction, a dam, a water storage facility, and a building structure.

2. Why do we need to use oven dried soil samples in grain size analysis test?

Sieve analysis of soil is a straightforward procedure that involves fractionating a sample of

aggregate into groups of particles that are of the same size. Each proportion actually contains
particles between predetermined limitations, which correspond to the openings of common test
sieves. To avoid lumps of fine particles and to avoid clogging the finer sieves, the soil should be
air dried before sifting. Additionally, sieves need to be cleaned before use.

3. Why do we need to apply pounding in our soil samples using rubber mallet?

Before placing the soil sample into a set of sieves, we must smash it with a rubber mallet until it
resembles powder and is broken up into little bits.

4. When can we say that our soil is a coarse grain soil or a fine grained soil?

When anything is made up of several components, it is said to be "granular." These phrases are
frequently used in economics, computer science, and geology; if the elements are little, we call
it "fine-grained," and if the elements are huge, we call it "coarse-grained." FINE-GRAINED SOILS
(50% or more of the material is smaller than No. 200 sieve size) COARSE-GRAINED SOILS (more
than 50% of the material is larger than No. 200 sieve size).

VIII. Conclusions