CEBU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY
N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City, Philippines, 6000
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Civil Engineering Department

CE461
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING (SOIL MECHANICS)
Laboratory Experiment No. 1
SIEVE ANALYSIS

SUBMITTED BY

Group 7
Apostol, Niño John Q.
Daugdaug, Angela Kaye
Delos Reyes, Lorenzo T.
Desales, Crisann
Dionaldo, Junessa M.
Goilan, Francine Leonie V.
Reyes, Eugene

SUBMITTED TO

Engr. Rusty Q. Alegre

Geotechnical Engineering (CE461-M02)
Instructor
I. Title
Sieve Analysis (ASTM D-422)

II. Introduction

Sieve Analysis otherwise known as grain size distribution analysis is determined by

sieving a dried soil sample of known weight through a nest of U.S. Standard sieves
with decreasing mesh opening sizes. This test method is used primarily to grade
aggregates.

In the conduct of the test, to minimize fine particle lumps and clogging the finer
sieves during the test, the soil sample that will be utilized should be dried before
carrying out the procedure. For the evaluation of the outcomes of soil sieve analysis,
grading curves can be created with the y-axis representing cumulative % passing
and the x-axis representing the sieve opening to logarithmic scale. These curves can
be used to determine whether a sample's grading is in accordance with the
specifications or whether it is too coarse, too fine, or lacking in a certain size.

The results are then used to determine the compliance of the particle size
distribution with applicable specification requirements and to provide necessary data
for controlling the production of various aggregate products and mixtures containing
aggregates. The data may also be useful in developing relationships concerning
porosity and packing. Information obtained from the particle size analysis (uniformity
coefficient Cu, coefficient of curvature, Cc, and effective size, D10, etc.) is used to
classify the soil. Particle size is one of the criteria used to ascertain whether the soil
is suitable for building roads, embankments, dams, etc. Information obtained from
particle size analysis can be used to predict the soil-water movement if the
permeability test is not available.

III. Objectives

 To determine percent retained and percent passing of the soil sample, and;
  To obtain the grain size distribution curve for a given soil sample.
IV. Theory and Significance

The sieve analysis, also referred to as the gradation test, is a basic essential test for
all engineers with fields involving the use of aggregate. This determines the
distribution of aggregate particles by size within a given sample and this grain size
distribution affects the engineering properties of soil. This is a typical and essential
engineering practice which Engineers, perform for soil classification, to predict soil
behavior, in order to assess conformity with design, production control requirements,
and verification criteria. Determination of the grain size is necessary for various civil
engineering works since various other properties such as bulk density, permeability,
physical stability etc are dependent on it. This is usually performed for sand and
gravel, but this test cannot be used as the sole method for determining the grain size
distribution of finer soil. Although the sieve analysis test has its scope of limitations,
but, when used in conjunction with other tests, the sieve analysis is a very good
quality control and quality acceptance tool especially for civil engineering works and
designs.

V. Materials/Equipment/Apparatus

 Digital Balance
 Set of Sieves (Sieve no. 4, 10, 20, 30, 40, 100, 200) and pan
 Cleaning Brush
 Soil Sample

VI. Procedure

For Sieve Analysis

1. After collecting an at least 500 grams of soil and air dried for a week, it was
weighed using the digital balance. The weight was then recorded, and it
served as the initial/original weight of the soil.
 2. On a different side, other group members started with weighing and writing
down the weight of each sieve as well as the bottom pan used in the analysis.
3. It was made sure that all sieves are clean by brushing and wiping off some left
particles.
4. Then, it was assembled in an ascending order where sieve no. 200 being on
the bottom and underneath it was the pan (i.e., to collect the soil passed
through sieve no. 200), and sieve no. 4 on the topmost part. Afterwards, the
soil was carefully poured into the top sieve and a cap was placed over it to
avoid losing soil.
5. Since it was already placed and assembled on a plain surface, one of our
group members manually shook the stack for 10 minutes.
6. Afterwards, each sieve and the pan along with the soil retained on it was
carefully weighed and each weight was duly recorded consecutively.

For Data Analysis

1. By subtracting the weight of the empty sieve from the mass of the sieve plus
retained soil, we obtained mass of soil retained on each sieve, in which it was
termed as the weight retained, and recorded it in the data sheet.
2. Then, by dividing the weight retained on each sieve by the original mass of
the sample, we got the value for the percent retained on each sieve. It was
also recorded in the data sheet.
3. By starting with a hundred percent and subtracting the percent retained on
each sieve, we were able to calculate the percent passing (percent finer).
Answers obtained are also recorded.
4. Since all the data needed are already complete, we started to make the semi-
logarithmic graph and then plotted the points (i.e., Particle Size in the
horizontal axis and Percent Finer in the vertical axis), accordingly. Then, by
connecting the points, we gained and established the grain size distribution
curve.
5. Using and analyzing the curve, we found the values for D 10, D30, D60 (i.e.,
percent of the particles finer than those sizes). By dividing the value of D 60 to
D10, Uniformity Coefficient (Cc) was solved. And dividing the square of D 30 to
the product of D60 and D10, we got the value for Coefficient of Curvature.
VII. Results and Discussion

Data Tabulation
Mass of Mass of Soil Retained Percent Percent
Sieve Diameter Empty Sieve+Soil (g) Retained Passing
Number (mm) Sieve Retained (%) (%)
(g) (g)
4 4.75 777.38 804.75 27.37 3.76 96.24
10 2.00 687.93 756.82 68.89 9.47 86.77
20 0.850 628.89 687.77 58.88 8.09 78.68
30 0.60 597.55 643.37 45.82 6.30 72.38
40 0.425 386.70 511.13 124.43 17.11 55.27
100 0.150 530.51 854.26 323.75 44.51 10.76
200 0.075 334.09 376.53 42.44 5.83 4.93
Pan - 492.57 528.36 35.79 4.92 0.01
Total Weight = 727.37
Initial Weight of Soil = 734.30
Total Weight Loss = 6.93(Satisfactory)

Grain Size Distribution Curve

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%
P ercent Finer

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
0.01 0.1D10 D30 D60 1 10

P article S ize(mm)-Log S cale

Data Computations

Sieve no.4
Percent retained = (27.37/727.37) x 100 = 3.76%
Percent passing = 100 - 3.76 = 96.24%
Sieve no.10
Percent retained = (68.89/727.37) x 100 = 9.47%
Percent passing = 96.24 - 9.47 = 86.77%
Sieve no.20
Percent retained = (58.88/727.37) x 100 = 8.09%
Percent passing = 86.77 - 8.09 = 78.68%
Sieve no.30
Percent retained = (45.82/727.37) x 100 = 6.30%
Percent passing = 78.68 - 6.30 = 72.38%
Sieve no.40
Percent retained = (124.43/727.37) x 100 = 17.11%
Percent passing = 72.38 - 17.11 = 55.27%
Sieve no.100
Percent retained = (323.75/727.37) x 100 = 44.51%
Percent passing = 55.27 - 44.51 = 10.76%
Sieve no.200
Percent retained = (42.44/727.37) x 100 = 5.83%
Percent passing = 10.76 - 5.83 = 4.93%
Pan
Percent retained = (35.79/727.37) x 100 = 4.92%
Percent passing = 4.93 - 4.92 = 0.01%

10−4.93 10.76−4.93
D10 = = = 0.14
x−0.075 0.150−0.075

30−10.76 55.27−10.76
D30 = = = 0.27
x−0.15 0.425−0.150

60−55.27 72.38−55.27
D60 = = = 0.47
x−0.425 0.6−0.425
 D60 0.47
Uniformity Coefficient: Cu = = = 3.357
D10 0.14
2 2
D 30 0.27
Gradation Coefficient: Cc = = = 1.108
D60 (D10) 0.47(0.14 )

INTRODUCTION
The objective of this laboratory experiment is to be able to determine the particle size
distribution curve of the representative sample using sieve analysis. By performing
the method,
sieve analysis determines the grain size distribution of soil sample by passing them
through a
stack of sieves of decreasing mesh opening sizes and by measuring the weight
retained on
each sieve. Samples that is larger than the No. 4 Sieves (4.75mm) is used in the
analysis,
shaking for minutes with different sizes of mesh. Note that, as the sieve number
increases the
size of the openings decreases.
EQUIPMENT
• Mechanical Sieves
• Mortar and pestle
• Balance (with accuracy of 0.01g)
PROCEDURE
1. Collect a representative dry sample soil. Sample particles having a size that can’t
pass
through No.4 Sieve should be about 500g.
2. Break the sample by using mortar and pestle.
3. Weight again the sample to get a 500g.
4. Determine the weight of the sieves.
5. Placed the weighted soil in the top of sieve stack and cover with the lid. Shake for
5
minutes in order the sample pass in each sieves.
6. Weigh the sample retained in each of the sieves.
DISCUSSION
Mechanical analysis is the determination of the size range of particles present in a
soil,
expressed as a percentage of the total dry weight
This laboratory is to performed the determination of the size range of particles
present in a soil,
expressed as a percentage of the total dry weight. Sieve analysis is a method used
to determine the grain
– size distribution of soils.
Sieve shaking machine is a device used for separating wanted elements from
unwanted
material or for characterizing the particle size distribution of a sample soil, typically
using a woven
screen such as mesh or net or metal. There are different sizes of sieve pan. The
representative sample
dry soil is placed in the top of the sieves stack and carefully covers it with lid. Shake
the stack of sieves
for about 5 minutes. After shaking, weigh the sample retained on each sieves
including the weight
retained in the pan. All the data were recorded in a sheet and table it including the
sieve size, sieve and
soil weight, weight of empty sieve, weight of retained soil on each
sieve, percent retained and
cumulative percent passing.
During the experiment, there are a few precaution steps that should be looked into at
to get the best results. First, the sieve should not be overloaded so that all particles
inside the
sieve are able to reach the sieve opening during the sieving process. Next, the lids
should
always be put on top while sieving process is done to avoid any loss of particle
during the
process which might affect the results later on. For safety purposes, we should wear
hand
gloves and face mask while conducting the experiment since we are dealing with soil
particles.
This laboratory is to performed the determination of the size range of particles
present in a soil,
expressed as a percentage of the total dry weight. Sieve analysis is a method used
to determine the grain
– size distribution of soils.
Sieve shaking machine is a device used for separating wanted elements from
unwanted
material or for characterizing the particle size distribution of a sample soil, typically
using a woven
screen such as mesh or net or metal. There are different sizes of sieve pan. The
representative sample
dry soil is placed in the top of the sieves stack and carefully covers it with lid. Shake
the stack of sieves
for about 5 minutes. After shaking, weigh the sample retained on each sieves
including the weight
retained in the pan. All the data were recorded in a sheet and table it including the
sieve size, sieve and
soil weight, weight of empty sieve, weight of retained soil on each
sieve, percent retained and
cumulative percent passing.
During the experiment, there are a few precaution steps that should be looked into at
to get the best results. First, the sieve should not be overloaded so that all particles
inside the
sieve are able to reach the sieve opening during the sieving process. Next, the lids
should
always be put on top while sieving process is done to avoid any loss of particle
during the
process which might affect the results later on. For safety purposes, we should wear
hand
gloves and face mask while conducting the experiment since we are dealing with soil
particles.
DISCUSSION:
This laboratory is to performed the determination of the size range of particles
present in a soil,
expressed as a percentage of the total dry weight. Sieve analysis is a method used
to determine the grain
– size distribution of soils
Results Discussion

Sieve analysis is a method for determining the particle size distribution of soil. In the
experiment, 734.30 grams of dry sample soil was shaken for approximately 10
minutes through a series of sieves and tightly covered with a lid on the top of the 4
mm sieve, enclosing the stacked sieves together. In the computations, it is
expressed as a percentage of total dry weight. We used a total of 7 sieves in a set
with diameters of 4mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 100mm, 200mm, and a pan in
the experiment. The material retained in each sieve was weighed and recorded
respectively, including the weight of soil retained in the pan after shaking. The sieve
size, sieve and soil weight, weight of an empty sieve, weight of retained soil on each
sieve, percent retained, and cumulative percent passing were all recorded on a
sheet and tabulated.

The generated particle-size distribution graph which can be obtained from

performing sieve analysis was used to determine the following parameters for the
given soil. To determine the classification of the soil sample, the coefficient of
uniformity and curvature was computed as shown in the calculation above. By use of
the two “shape” parameters, Cu and Cc, the uniformity of the soil can now be
classified as well-graded, poorly graded, or gap graded. The result was then
compared in the coefficients according to the Unified Soil Classification System.

Table A. Unified Soil Grading Criteria (Based on Cu and Cc Parameters)

Material
Criterion
Gravel Sand
Well Graded Cu ≥ 4 and 1 < Cc < 3 Cu ≥ 6 and 1 < Cc < 3
Poorly graded Cu < 4 and 1 < Cc < 3 Cu < 6 and 1 < Cc < 3
 Gap graded* Cc not between 1 and 3 Cc not between 1 and 3

Based on the results of the experiment, only 3.76% of the entire soil sample was
retained in the sieve with a 4 mm opening, which is classified as gravel, and 4% of
the total dry sample is retained in the sieve with a 200mm opening, which is
classified as silts and clay. From the calculation of the coefficient of uniformity, Cu of
the dry soil sample is 3.357, which is less than 4. The coefficient of curvature, Cc, is
1.108, which is less than 3 and greater than 1. It can be concluded from table A
above that the dry soil sample used in the experiment is poorly graded. A well
graded soil will have a uniformity coefficient greater than about 4 for gravels and 6
for sands, and a coefficient of gradation between 1 and 3 (for gravels and sands).
To achieve the best results, a few precautionary measures should be taken during
the experiment. To begin, the sieve should not be overloaded so that all particles
contained within the sieve may reach the sieve opening during the sieving process.
Following that, the lids should constantly be put on top of the sieving process to
prevent particle loss, which might affect the results.

VIII. Conclusion

Much can be learned about a soil’s behavior from the coefficients of uniformity (Cu)
and Gradation (Cc), and the shape and location of the particle-size distribution curve.
In the experiment, the Cu and Cc parameters achieved for the soil sample used was
3. 357 and 1.108 respectively. Looking at the particle size distribution graph, it can
be seen in the grain distribution curve that the soil is not properly distributed and
represented. Overall, the results of the experiment showed that the soil sample was
a poorly graded type of soil.

This type of soil is more susceptible to soil liquification and are more suitable as
drainage materials or for drainage purposes for the reason that poorly graded soils
have better drainage than a well graded soil due to more void spaces in a poorly
graded soils particle. The relatively large and permanent void spaces act as conduits
to carry water. However, when compaction is attempted, inadequate distribution of
particle sizes prevents reduction of the volume of voids by infilling with smaller
particles which means that the soil sample is not suitable and should be avoided as
select fill material.
Appendix A

Documentation

1. Weighing each sieve. 2. Setting up the sieve pans in order.

From sieve no. 4 (at the top) to sieve
no. 200 (at the bottom, underneath it is
the pan).

3. Putting the soil in the topmost 4. Manually shaking the sieve pans
sieve pan (sieve no. 4) for 10 minutes to separate the soil
particles according to size.
5. Pulverizing the remaining soil in
each sieve pan to avoid soil lumps
and make sure that the soil will
retain on its designated sieve pan.
6. Weighing each sieve pan
together with the soil retained on
it and then recording data, to
determine the weight of the soil
retained in each sieve.

7. Tabulated data that are obtained during the

experiment.