GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS BY WET AND DRY
SIEVE ANALYSIS
1. Objective
Dry and Wet Sieve Analysis is carried out to quantitatively
determine the Particle/Grain Size Distribution for soil
particles of size 75 micron and bigger. For soil particles of
size 4.75mm and bigger, dry sieve analysis is done and
for soil particles of size above 75 micron and below
4.75mm, wet sieve analysis is also needed if the soil
particles are coated by clay/silt.
2. Apparatus Required
Fig. 1: Balance
The balance to be used must be
sensitive to the extent of 0.1% of total
weight of sample taken.
Fig. 2: Sieve
I.S sieves (100 mm, 75 mm, 19 mm,
4.75 mm, 2.00 mm, 0.425 mm and
0.075 mm). I.S 460-1962 to be
referred. The sieves set should have lid
at top and Pan at base.
Fig. 3: Sieve Shaker
Mechanical Sieve Shaker
Fig. 4: Oven
Thermostatically Controlled Hot Air Oven
to maintain Temperature between 105
to 110OC.
Fig. 5: Trays
Two or more large metal or plastic water
tight trays or a bucket about 30 cm in
diameter and 30 cm deep (sizes of the
trays are in the range of 45 to 90 cm2
and 8 to 15cm deep).
Fig. 6: Wire Brush
3. Reference
IS-2720 (Part 4):1985 (Reaffirmed- May 2015) “Methods
of test for soils: Grain size analysis".
4. Procedure
1. The soil fractions retained on and passing 4.75mm
Sieve shall be taken separately for the analysis. Dry the
soil sample in a Thermostatically Controlled Hot Air
Oven at 105 to 110 0C.
[Link] the portion of the soil sample retained on
4.75mm Sieve and record the mass. The quantity of
the soil sample to be taken for the test
3. Sieve the sample through the sieve net of size
4.75mm and higher. Other sieves may be introduced in
between the sieves, depending upon the additional
information desired to be obtained. The sieves shall be
agitated and any particles may be tested to see if they
will fall through, but they shall not be pushed through.
The quantity taken each time for sieving shall be such
that the maximum weight retained on each sieve does
not exceed the values given in Table 2.
4. Record the mass retained on each sieve. If the
sample appears to contain over 5% moisture, the water
content shall be determined and the masses corrected
accordingly. If the soil contains more than about 20%
gravel particles and the fines are very cohesive with
considerable amounts adhering to the gravel after
separation, the gravel shall be washed on 4.75mm
Sieve using sodium hexametaphosphate solution.
5. The portion of soil passing 4.75mm Sieve shall be
oven-dried at 105 to 115°C. Weigh this soil mass to
accuracy of 0.1% of its total mass and record the mass.
Spread out this material in large tray or bucket and
cover with water.
6. Wash the soaked soil specimen on 75 micron sieve
until the water passing is substantially clean. The
fraction retained on the sieve should be tipped in a try,
dried in the oven and sieved through
the nest of 2mm, 425 micron and 75 micron sieves.
The fraction retained on each sieve should be weighed
separately and the masses recorded.
5. Observation And Recording
Wt. Percentage Cumulative
I.S Sieve retained retained percentage %
Number/Size in each on each retained Finer
(mm) Sieve on each
sieve
(gm) Sieve
100
75
19
4.75
2.00
0.425
0.075
PAN
6. Calculation
1. The percentage of soil retained on each sieve shall be
calculated on the basis of total weight of soil sample
taken. Then, cumulative percentage of soil retained (which
will give % finer when deducted from 100) on successive
sieve is found.
2. Plot a graph on log scale with "Particle size (Diameter)"
on X- axis & "Percent finer" on Y- axis. The graph is known
as grading curve (Fig. 7). Corresponding to 10%, 30% and
60% finer, obtain diameters from graph, which are
designated as D1O, D30 and D60.
3. Calculate the Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu) and the
Coefficient of Curvature (Cc) using the following equations:
C
u = D60/ D10
Cc= D302/(D60 x D10)
7. General Remarks
In the case of clayey soils, dry sieving shall not be used
and wet sieving shall be used.
Fig. 7 : Plot of Percent Finer vs. Particle Diameter
Fig. 8 : General nature of grain-size distribution of
well graded, poorly graded and gap graded soil
Fig. 9 : Soil Classification based on percent
finer vs. grain size
