Sieve Analysis test sample lab report

Scope:

This method covers the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle sizes in soils.

Standard Reference:

{American Society for Testing and Materials} ASTM D 422 - Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils.

Significance:

The distribution of different grain sizes affects the engineering properties of soil. Grain size analysis provides the grain size distribution, and it is required in classifying the soil.

Equipment:

•   Electric Balance
•  Set of sieves
• Cleaning brush
•  Sieve shaker

Test Procedure:

v Initially Take the soil sample and oven dry it in order to remove all the water in it.

v Clean all the sieves, and assemble them in the ascending order of sieve numbers (#4 sieves at top and #200 sieve at bottom). Place the pan below #200 sieve.

v Carefully pour the soil sample into the top sieve and place the cap over it and shake for 10 minutes. [Note – due to the unavailability of a mechanical shaker in the lab we shook it by hand]

v Remove each sieve and carefully weigh and record the weight of each sieve with its retained soil mass.

Sieve no	Sieve size (mm)	Mass Retained (g)	Percentage Retained (%)	Cumulative Percentage retained	Cumulative Percentage passing
04	4.75	76	15.230	15.230	84.77
08	2.36	115	23.046	38.276	61.724
10	2.00	65	13.026	51.302	48.698
40	0.425	181	36.272	87.574	12.426
200	0.075	34	6.813	94.387	5.613
	PAN	28	5.611	99.998	0.002
Total		499

From the above graph we found out the following values;

D₆₀ = 2.35

D₃₀ = 1.4

D₁₀ = 0.30

Calculation of C_u and C_c Values;

Cu =D 60 / D 10  

      = 2.35 / 0.3

      = 7.833

Cc = D 30² / (D 10 X D 60)

     = (1.4)² / (0.3 x 2.35)

     = 2.780

When    1< C_c < 3 Soil is well graded

And When C_{u >} 10 Soil is well graded When C_u <10 Soil is uniformly graded.

Therefore according to the above results the soil sample is well graded according to the Cc value and Since the Cu value is below 10 the soil is well graded.