Вы находитесь на странице: 1из 10

Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures

Classification Tests

3.3 Particle Size Distribution

3.3.1 Introduction. The determination of the particle size distribution of soil is an important
part of classification. The particle size distribution of a granular material such as road
base or a concrete aggregate, is an essential guide to the stability of the material for
use in the works, as the engineering properties of the material are strongly dependent
upon the grading.

In the case of fine grained cohesive soils which contain only a small percentage of
sand and silt, it is not generally necessary to carry out a particle size distribution, as the
Atterberg limits will provide sufficient guide to the properties of the soil. Particle size
distribution can be done by dry sieving or wet sieving. Wet sieving may be used on any
material and is more accurate than dry sieving but takes slightly longer to perform.

3.3.2 General requirements

3.3.2.1 Sample mass. Mass of soil sample required for sieving is shown in the Table 3.3.1.

Table 3.3.1 Mass of soil sample for sieving

Maximum size of material Minimum mass of sample


present in to be taken for
substantial sieving
proportion (more
than 10%)
Test sieve aperture
mm kg
63 50
50 35
37.5 15
28 6
20 2
14 1
10 0.5
6.3 0.2
5 0.2
3.35 0.15
2 or smaller 0.1

3.3.2.2 Accuracy of weighing. The accuracy of weighing required depends on the size of the
sample or sub-sample and the following values should be used.

Minimum accuracy of weighing


Fine grained soils 0.1 gms
Medium grained soils 1 gms
Coarse grained soils 10 gms

3.3.2.3 System of sieve sizes. Different systems of sieves are used at present time. Anyone
of these sieve systems may be used in the test, provided all sieves in one set are of the
same system. Slight differences in aperture (mesh) sizes can easily be accounted for
when the results are plotted on a logarithmic grading chart. Sieves designation and
their sizes are shown in the Table 3.3.2.

MAY 2001 Page 3.22


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests

Table 3.3.2 Sieves designation and their sizes

BS sieve aperture size Sieves to ASTM D422


Nearest designation Aperture size
75 mm 3 inch 75 mm
63 21/2 inch 63.5
50 2 inch 50.8
37.5 11/2 inch 38.1
28 -
- 1 inch 25.4
3
20 /4 inch 19.05
14 -
3
10 /8 inch 9.52
6.3 -
5 No. 4 4.75
3.35 No. 6 3.35
- No. 8 2.36
2 No. 10 2.00
1.18 No. 16 1.18
- No. 20 850 µm
600 µm No. 30 600
425 No. 40 425
300 No. 50 300
- No. 60 250
212 No. 70 212
150 No. 100 150
- No. 140 106
75 No. 200 75
63 No. 230 63
* Sieves marked with * have been proposed as an International (ISO) Standard. It is
recommended to include, if possible, these sieves in all sieve analysis data or reports.

3.3.2.4 Care and use of sieves

a) If too much material is placed on a sieve at any one time, some of the fine material
will not reach the mesh and will be retained on the sieve, thus giving errors. It is
therefore important to ensure the sieves are never overloaded. Table 3.3.3 gives
the maximum mass of material to be retained on each sieve at the completion of
sieving.

MAY 2001 Page 3.23


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests

Table 3.3.3 Maximum mass of material to be retained on each sieve at the


Completion of sieving

Test sieve Maximum mass on sieve of diameter


Aperture size
450 mm 300 mm 200 mm
mm kg kg g
50 (2 in) 10 4.5 -
37.5 (11/2 in) 8 3.5 -
28 6 2.5 -
20 (3/4 in) 4 2.0 1000*
14 3 1.5 -
10 (3/8 in) 2 1.0 500*
6.3 (1/4 in) 1.5 0.75 350*
5 (4) 1.0 0.5 -
3.35 (6) - - 300
2 (10) - - 200
1.18 (16) - - 100
µm
600 (30) - - 75
425 (40) - - 75
300 (50) - - 50
212 (70) - - 50
150 (100) - - 40
75 (200) - - 30

Note 1. Numbers in brackets indicate equivalent ASTM sieve sizes or numbers.


Note 2. *It may be more appropriate to use a larger diameter sieve for material of
this size, depending on the size of the fraction in the sample.

1 mm = 1000 microns (1000 µm)

b) The fine sieves must not be overloaded, because this not only leads to inaccuracy
but also reduces the life of the sieve.
c) It is very difficult to prevent overloading, when using mechanical sieve shakers and
mechanical sieve shakers are not recommended except for coarse grained
materials.
d) Particles larger than 20 mm may be placed through the sieve by hand, but must not
be forced through. All smaller sizes must be shaken through the sieves.
e) The sieves must be kept clean by brushing with a brass or camel hair brush and
washing through all sieving. Fine sieves should be inspected for holes in the mesh
before use. Care in the use of sieves and prevention of overloading will lead to
longer lives.

3.3.3 Wet sieving method

3.3.3.1 Scope. When a perceptible amount of clay or silt or if fine particles are found
connected with the larger particles, then wet sieving must always be used.

3.3.3.2 Apparatus.

(1) A typical range of aperture or mesh sizes would be : 75 mm, 63 mm, 50 mm,
37.5 mm, 28 mm, 20 mm, 14 mm, 10 mm, 6.3 mm, 5 mm, 3.35 mm, 2 mm, 1.18
mm, 600 ± = µm, 425 µm, 300 µm, 212 µm, 150 µm, 75 µm. Lids and receives
of appropriate size are required.

MAY 2001 Page 3.24


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests

Notes a) The aperture sizes to be used will vary from sample to sample. Only
the necessary aperture sizes should be used, except that, for
convenience or to prevent overloading, additional sieves may be used
so that the requirements of Table 3.3.3 are complied with.
b) The defining size separating fine sand and silt grades is 60 µm. The
aperture size normally found closest to this is 63 µm. However, in
practice the 75 µm sieve is more commonly used because it is more
robust and less time-consuming to use. This standard suggests the
continued use of the 75 µm sieve as the washing sieve. Some
manufacturers’ offer a special ‘washing’ sieve which is of 200 mm
diameter and 200 mm deep with a 75 µm mesh.
c) It can be useful to have two sets of sieves, one for the wet sieving
and one for the dry sieving processes.

(2) A balance readable to 1.0 g.


(3) A balance readable to 0.1 g.
(4) Sample divider(s) of appropriate slot width (riffle boxes).
(5) Thermostatically controlled drying oven capable of maintaining 105±50C.
(6) An evaporating dish about 150 mm diameter.
(7) A corrosion-resistant tray, a convenient size being about 300 mm square and 40
mm deep.
(8) Two or more large corrosion-resistant metal or plastics watertight trays with sides
about 80 mm deep, or a bucket of about 12 L capacity.
(9) A scoop.
(10) Sieve brushes, and a wire brush or similar brush.
(11) Sodium hexametaphosphate (dispersing agent).
(12) A quantity of rubber tubing about 6 mm bore.
(13) A sprayer such as a small watering can use.
(14) Appropriate number of enamel or porcelain dishes.
(15) A mechanical sieve shaker (optional).

3.3.3.3 Test procedure

(1) The representative riffled sample is oven-dried at 105±50C to give a minimum


mass complying with Table 3.3.3. If separation of the silt and clay fractions is to
be carried out, or if the particle size distribution is to be extended below 75 µm, a
second riffled sample shall be obtained for a fine analysis.
(2) Weigh the cooled oven-dried sample to 0.1% of its total mass (m1).
(3) Sieve the sample through all required sieve sizes of 20 mm size and larger. The
mass retained is recorded on the test sheet in each case. Any fine particles
adhering to the retained material should be removed with a stiff brush during
sieving. The brushing should be done carefully to avoid losing material. Take
care with soft materials to ensure that the brushing does not remove parts of the
large particles.

Note. If adhering fine material cannot be removed easily by brushing, the


following procedure may be followed.

a) Remove the fine material from the coarse particles by washing.


b) Dry and weigh the coarse particles to 0.1% of their mass.
c) Dry the washings, add them to the material passing the 20 mm test sieve,
and mix thoroughly.

(4) The mass passing the 20 mm sieve is determined to 0.1% of its total mass (m2)
and the sample is then divided (riffled) so that about 2 kg of material remains.
The mass of this sub-sample is then determined to 0.1% of its total mass (m3).

MAY 2001 Page 3.25


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests

(5) The sample shall then be placed in a large tray, enamel or porcelain bowl or in
the bucket, and covered with water. If the soil is cohesive add sodium
hexametaphosphate first at the rate of 2 grams per litre of water and stir until
dissolved. Sodium hexametaphosphate is a dispersing agent and helps to
prevent fine particles sticking together.
(6) The sample should be soaked for a minimum of 1 hour and frequent stirring
should be given during this time.
(7) The sample is then washed through the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve with a 2 mm
mesh sieve placed on top of it to protect it. Washing is most easily done by the
decantation method. In this method, water is slowly added to the bowl or tray
and the contents are vigorously stirred. Allow the contents to settle for a few
seconds before pouring. The excess water is decanted carefully over the side of
the bowl through the 2 mm sieve and into the 75 µm sieve, making sure all the
water passes through the 75 µm sieve before running to waste. This process is
continued until the water leaving the bowl is perfectly clear and all clay and silt
particles have been washed through the sieve. Make sure that the fine sieve
does not become overloaded, either by retained soil or by water.

Note. During this process DO NOT rub the material on the 75 µm sieve with
your fingers or otherwise. This is likely to damage the sieve and give
errors in the test results.

(8) On completion of washing place the washed sample in a tray or evaporating dish
and place in the oven to be dried at 105±50C.
(9) After drying and cooling, weigh the sample to 0.1% of its total mass before
commencing sieving (m4).
(10) Fit the largest size test sieve appropriate to the maximum size of material
present to the receiver and place the sample on the sieve. Fit the lid to the sieve.

Note. If the sieve and receiver assembly is not too heavy to handle, several
sieves, in order of size, may be fitted together and used at the same
time.

(11) Agitate the test sieve so that the sample rolls about in an irregular motion over
the sieve. Particles may be placed by hand to see if they will fall through but
they must not be pushed through. Make sure that only individual particles are
retained. Weigh the amount retained on the test sieve to 0.1% of its total mass.
Keep each fraction separate so that check weighings may be carried out at a
later date if required.
(12) Transfer the material retained in the receiver to a tray and fit the receiver to the
next largest sized sieve. Place the contents of the tray on the sieve and repeat
the operation in (11). Be careful not to lose fine material by using a brush to
clean the sieve mesh and the receiver. Use of the lid helps to reduce loss of
fines.
(13) Sieving is then continued through progressively smaller sizes until the sample
has been passed through the 6.3 mm sieve. The mass of soil passing the 6.3
mm sieve is determined to 0.1% of its total mass (m5). If the mass of material
passing the 6.3 mm sieve is too big (i.e. substantially more than 150 grams),
the actual mass passing should be recorded and the sample divided again by
riffling to give a reduced sample of about 100 to 150 grams. The mass of the
sub-sample is then determined to 0.1% of its total mass (m6).

Sieving is now continued through the remaining sieve sizes. The mass retained
on each sieve is recorded to 0.1% of its total mass. The mass passing the 75
µm sieve should be determined (ME). This mass will be very small if washing
has been carried out thoroughly. If any of the sieves are in danger of becoming
overloaded the sample should be sieved a little at a time and the material

MAY 2001 Page 3.26


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests

retained each time placed in a clean porcelain or enamel dish ready for
weighing.

Note 1. If a mechanical sieve shaker is available this may be used to perform


the sieving operation provided that all the sieves are the same
diameter and that they are not overloaded during the process. A
minimum shaking time of 10 minutes is required.

2. Sample dividing is carried out to prevent having to sieve large


amounts of material through the fine sieve sizes with the consequent
risk of overloading. If only one or two fine sieves are to be used it may
be quicker not to divide the sample and to sieve the total sample
through these sieves a little at a time. If 20 mm or 6.3 mm sieves are
not being used, dividing may be carried out for convenience at the
sieve closest to 20 mm and 6.3 mm.

3.3.3.4 Calculation and expression of results

(1) Summation Check. The first stage in the calculation is to check that all the
weights retained add up to those of the original sample or sub-samples making
due allowance for the weights passing the smallest sieve and any sieve where
the sample has been divided. If these weights are not close to the correct total
(i.e. within 1%) it is then possible to re-weigh the containers and to locate any
errors before the sample is discarded. If this check is left until a later date it will
be necessary to repeat the complete test if any error is found.

(2) Calculation of correction factors

a) It is necessary to calculate the correction or riffle factor for the first sieve size
where the sample has been divided:

Original mass passing sieve size


Correction factor, f1 =
Mass of sub - sample after dividing

m2
=
m3

b) The correction factor is then applied to each sieve smaller than the one where
the sample was divided until the sample is again sub-divided. Where a
second sub-division takes place the new correction factor is given by :

Original mass passing sieve size


New correction factor, f2 = f1 x
Mass of sub - sample after dividing

m2 m
= x 5
m3 m6

c) The adjusted mass retained MAR is then obtained for each sieve size by
multiplying the actual mass retained MR by the respective correction factor.

Adjusted mass retained MAR = f x MR

d) The percentage retained is obtained by dividing the adjusted weight retained


by the total sample weight and expressing the result as a percentage:

MAY 2001 Page 3.27


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests

M
AR
% Retained = x 100%
m1

e) The cumulative percentage passing is then obtained by deducting the


percentage retained on the largest sieve size from 100% and then deducting
the percentage retained for each smaller size from the previous cumulative
percentage.
f) The percentages retained on each sieve and cumulative percentages passing
each sieve should be calculated to the nearest 0.1%. The values can be
expressed in tabular form and / or in graphical form.

An example of a sieve test calculation is shown in Form 3.3.1, and the results
are shown plotted on a semi-logarithmic chart in Form 3.3.3.

3.3.3.5 Report. The report should include the tabulated results of the test calculated as
cumulative percentages passing to the nearest whole number. The results should be
plotted on a semi-logarithmically form (see Form 3.3.3). The method of test should be
reported and the operator should sign and date the test sheet.

3.3.4 Dry sieving method

3.3.4.1 Scope. This method covers the quantitative determination of the particle size
distribution of a soil down to the fine sand size. It should only be used with clean, free
running or washed sands and gravels.

3.3.4.2 Apparatus. The apparatus used in the wet sieving method are also used in the dry
sieving method.

3.3.4.3 Test procedure

(1) Oven dry the riffled sample at 105±50C to give a specified minimum mass and then
cool and weigh to 0.1% of its total mass (m1).
(2) Sieve the sample through all required sieve sizes of 20 mm size and larger. The
mass retained is recorded on the test sheet in each case.
(3) The mass passing the 20 mm sieve is determined to 0.1% of its total mass (m2)
and the sample is then divided so that about 2 kg of material remains. The mass of
this sub-sample is then determined to 0.1% of its total mass (m3).
(4) Then sieve the dried and weighed sample through the largest sieve size required
and the mass of the sample retained is recorded on the data sheet. Use of the lid
will help to reduce loss of fines.
(5) Sieving is then continued through progressively smaller sizes until the sample has
been passed through the 6.3 mm sieve (m4). If the weight of the material passing
the 6.3 mm sieve is too big (more than 150 gms). The actual mass passing should
be recorded and the sample is divided to give a reduced sample of about 100 to
150 gms. The mass of the sub-sample is then determined to 0.1% of its total mass
(m5).
(6) Sieving is now continued through the remaining sieve sizes. The mass retained on
each sieve is recorded to 0.1% of its total mass. The mass passing the 75 µm sieve
should be determined (ME). If any of the sieves are in danger of becoming
overloaded the sample should be sieved a little at a time and the material retained
each time is placed in a clean porcelain or enamel dish ready for weighing. If a
mechanical sieve shaker is used, a minimum shaking time of 10 minutes is
required.
3.3.4.4 Calculation and expression of results. The procedure is the same as of wet sieving
method (section 3.3.3.4).
An example of a sieve test calculation is shown in Form 3.3.2.

MAY 2001 Page 3.28


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests

Form 3.3.1

MAY 2001 Page 3.29


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests
Form 3.3.2

MAY 2001 Page 3.30


Chapter 3 Standard Test Procedures
Classification Tests
Form 3.3.3

MAY 2001 Page 3.31

Вам также может понравиться