THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING,
LAE
Name Tobby Thomas
Test Date 20th August 2025
Technician Mr. John Tep
Lecturer Dr Patra
Location Concrete Lab- Unitech
Sub-Code CE322
ParticleREPORT
Size Distribution
THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
Content
Aim 2
Introduction 2
Materials and Reagents 3-
5
Safety Precautions 6
Procedure 6
Data and Results 7
Discussion 7
Conclusion 8
Reference 9
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THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
1. Objective
The aim of this test is to determine the particle size distribution of a soil sample by using sieve
analysis, following the Australian Standard (AS 1289.3.6.1). The test is carried out to identify the
proportions of gravel, sand, silt, and clay in the soil, to plot the particle size distribution curve, and to
classify the soil according to standard soil classification systems.
2. Introduction
Soil is made up of particles of different sizes such as gravel, sand, silt, and clay. The way these
particles are arranged or distributed is very important in geotechnical engineering because it affects
the soil’s strength, drainage, compaction, and stability. For example, sandy soils drain water quickly
but do not stick together well, while clayey soils hold water and may shrink or expand. To study
these properties, a particle size distribution test, also called sieve analysis, is carried out in the
laboratory.
In this study, the particle size distribution test was performed at the Papua New Guinea University of
Technology soil mechanics laboratory. The procedure followed the Australian Standard (AS
1289.3.6.1 –Soil Classification Tests – Determination of the Particle Size Distribution of a Soil –
Standard Method of Analysis by Sieving) to ensure accurate and consistent results. The soil sample
was first dried and weighed before being passed through a series of sieves arranged from large
openings to small openings. Each sieve separated out particles of a certain size, and the weight of
soil retained on each sieve was measured. From this, the percentage of each particle size present in
the soil was calculated. The results were then used to draw a particle size distribution curve, which
showed how the soil particles were spread across different sizes. This information was also used to
classify the soil under standard systems such as the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) or the
AASHTO classification.
The main objective of this test was to determine the proportion of different particle sizes in a soil
sample and to plot the particle size distribution curve. Another objective was to classify the soil
according to its gradation and to identify whether it was well-graded, poorly graded, or gap-graded.
The scope of this test was limited to coarse-grained soils that can be separated by sieving, mainly
gravel and sand fractions. Very fine soils such as silt and clay cannot be fully analysed with this
method and require other tests such as hydrometer analysis.
The significance of this test is that it provides useful information for construction projects. The
results help engineers decide whether a soil is suitable for use in foundations, road works, dams, or
embankments. Well-graded soils are usually stronger and more stable, while poorly graded soils may
need treatment or improvement. By understanding the particle size distribution, engineers can make
better decisions about soil use and ensure safe and durable construction.
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THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
3. Equipment and Materials
Prior to the test, certain materials and equipment were used in order to obtain certain objectives.
The test was done by students to understand the concept and purpose of the lab procedure.
Table.1: Equipment and Materials used during the test.
No Materials/ Equipment Images
1 Digital Weighing Scale
Figure : The Scale was used for
measuring weight of the Soil
2 Set of Standard Sieves Samples.
Figure : The Sieves are used for
separating the Soil Granular Sizes.
3 Metal Trays
Figure : The Tray is used for settling
Samples and weighing the samples
on the scale.
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THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
4 Mass Grain Sample (Soil)
Figure :Sample that was used for
lab testing.
5 Spatula
Figure : Used for Collecting Soil
Sample and to place then in Steel
6 Brush Tray.
Figure : Brush was used for
completely remove all the
remaining soil sample's remaining
to achieve objective.
4. Safety Precautions
For the test to completely achieve its main goal, every action needs to be carefully evaluated so that
errors are avoided.
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THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
The soil sample must be completely dried before sieving to avoid lumps and errors in
measurement.
The sieves should be clean and free from any previous
soil particles before starting the test.
A soft brush should be used to remove particles stuck in
the sieve mesh without damaging the sieve.
The sieves must be properly tightened and fixed in the
sieve shaker to prevent soil loss during shaking.
The balance should be calibrated and placed on a level
surface to ensure accurate weighing.
The soil sample should not be overloaded on the sieves;
a suitable amount should be used to allow proper
separation.
Care must be taken when transferring soil to avoid
spilling or loss of material.
The shaking time should be sufficient and consistent
(usually 10–15 minutes) to allow proper separation of
particles.
All weights must be recorded carefully to avoid
calculation errors. Figure 1: Student going through the procedure
The test should be carried out according to the standard to achieve the objectives.
procedure (Australian Standard AS 1289.3.6.1) for
reliable results.
5. Procedure:
1. The soil sample was first air-dried and then oven-dried at 105–110 °C until a
constant weight was achieved.
2. The total weight of the dried soil sample was measured using a balance and
recorded. [Done by Lab Tech due to Time Factor]
3. The set of standard sieves was stacked in descending order, with the sieve having
the largest openings on top and the smallest on the bottom.
4. The soil sample of was placed on the top sieve.
5. The sieve stack was then shaken manually for a specific period (usually 2-3mins) to
allow the soil particles to pass through the layer of sieves.
6. After shaking, the soil retained on each sieve was carefully weighed and recorded.
7. Any soil stuck in the sieve mesh was cleaned using a soft brush to ensure accurate
measurement.
8. The percentage of soil retained on each sieve was calculated using the formula:
9. The cumulative percentage passing for each sieve was then calculated and recorded.
10. A particle size distribution curve was plotted using the cumulative percentage
passing against the sieve sizes on a semi-log graph.
11. Finally, the soil was classified based on its gradation according to the Unified Soil
Classification System (USCS) or AASHTO system.
6. Calculations
There were three (3) different categories considered (Coarse, Intermediate and Fine), each
categories contained certain amount to analyze and understand. The samples were cautiously
processed based on the procedure.
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THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
A. Coarse Fraction [Not Exercised]
B. Intermediate Fraction [Not Exercised]
C. Fine Fraction [Exercised]
The finer grain sample was analyzed
General Formulas:
Weight Retained (W r)
% Retained= ∗100
Total Sample Weight (W )
Cumulative Retained ( % )=∑ of % retained up ¿ that Sieve
% Passing=100−% Retained
Initial 2.36mm Sieve Size Calculation:
12
% Retained= ∗100=8.3 %
150
Cumulative Retained ( g )=12 g
% Passing=100−8.3=91.7 %
Coefficient of Uniformity and Coefficient of Curvature Calculation:
D 60=¿ 0.85, D 30=0.34 , D 10=0.15
D 60 0.85
C U= = =5.67
D10 0.15
2 2
D30 0.34
C C= = =0.91
D10 D60 0.15∗0.85
NB: The Same formula applies to the different sieve sizes from the stack (2.36mm to 0.075mm and
Pan) for Retained (%) and Passing (%).
7. Data and Results
The data below are obtained from the procedure done during the test, the data were collected and
recorded by students. Total Sample Mass of 150g was analyzed with a -2.36mm Sieve Size Stack.
Table.2: -2.36mm Sieve Stack for Finer Grains, each sieve size is shown below with mass retained.
Fine Fraction [-2.36mm Sieve]
Sieve Size Weight Retained Cumulative Weight Weight Weight
(mm) (g) Retained (g) Retained (%) Passing (%)
2.36 12 12 8.3 91.7
1.18 28 40 27.8 72.2
0.6 31 71 49.3 50.7
0.425 17 88 61.1 38.9
0.3 18 106 73.6 26.4
0.15 24 130 90.3 9.7
0.075 12 142 98.6 1.4
Pan 2 144
Table.3: The Particle Size Distribution data analyzed and determined for the 150g soil sample.
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THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
RESULTS
Gravel (%) 8.3 D60 0.85 Cu=D60/D10
Sand (%) 89.6 D30 0.34 Cc= D30^2/D10*D60
Fines (%) 2.1 D10 0.15
7.1 Graphical Information
The graph below illustrates the analyzed data acquired from the 150g sample with a 2.36mm to
0.075mm sieve stack. The coefficient of Uniformity and Coefficient of Curvature is also shown on the
graph (D60, D30, and D10).
Graph.1: Particle Size Distribution Curve based on -2.36mm Sieve Stack.
Particle Size Distribution Curve [-2.36mm Sieve]
100.0
91.7
90.0
80.0
72.2
70.0
60 60
60.0
50.7
% Finer
50.0
38.9
40.0
30 30
30.0 26.4
20.0
10 10
9.7
10.0
0 0 0 1.4
0.0
10 1 0.1 0.01
Particle Size (mm)
Legend:
Red => D60
Purple => D30
Green => D10
Blue => Particle Size Curve
8. Discussion
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THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
The particle size distribution curve above shows the variation of particle sizes in the tested soil
sample. From the curve, three important points were obtained: D10 = 0.15 mm, D30 = 0.34 mm, and
D60 = 0.85 mm. These values are used to describe the gradation characteristics of the soil.
The Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu) was found to be 5.67, which is slightly below the recommended
value of 6 for well-graded sands. This means the soil is not perfectly well graded but still has a
reasonable range of particle sizes. The Coefficient of Curvature (Cc) was determined to be 0.91,
which falls outside the recommended range of 1–3. This shows that the soil does not have a good
balance of intermediate particle sizes.
The curve itself shows a smooth distribution, indicating the presence of both coarse and fine
fractions. However, since the gradation parameters do not fully meet the requirements for well-
graded soil, the sample is considered poorly graded sand. Poorly graded soils have less effective
compaction, higher void ratios, and lower strength compared to well-graded soils.
In terms of engineering use, this type of soil may not be ideal for load-bearing foundations or road
bases without modification or stabilization. However, it could still be useful in applications where
drainage is important, since uniform sands allow water to pass through more easily.
9. Conclusion
From the particle size distribution curve, the soil is mainly sand. The effective size D10, D30, and D60
values show that the soil contains a wide range of particle sizes. The Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu) is
slightly below 6, which suggests that the soil is well graded, while the Coefficient of Curvature (Cc) is
below the ideal range, indicating the soil is not perfectly balanced in terms of intermediate particles.
According to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), the soil is best classified as Poorly Graded
Sand (SP) because the Cc value falls outside the acceptable limits.
Under the Australian Standard Classification System (AS 1726:2017), the soil is described as Sand (S)
with a predominately well-graded nature but not meeting all conditions for perfectly graded sand.
In practical engineering terms, this soil is suitable for use in embankments, road bases, and general
construction fill. It can achieve good compaction and provide stability, although extra attention may
be required if the soil is used in applications where precise gradation or controlled permeability is
important
10. Reference
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THE PNG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Particle Size Distribution
Australian Standards. (2009). AS 1289.3.6.1–2009: Methods of testing soils for engineering
purposes – Soil classification tests – Determination of the particle size distribution of a soil –
Standard method of analysis by sieving. Standards Australia.
Craig, R. F. (2004). Craig’s soil mechanics (7th ed.). Spon Press.
Das, B. M., & Sobhan, K. (2014). Principles of geotechnical engineering (8th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
Holtz, R. D., Kovacs, W. D., & Sheahan, T. C. (2011). An introduction to geotechnical engineering
(2nd ed.). Pearson
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