LAB 3 - Particle Size Distribution (Level 1)
LAB 3 - Particle Size Distribution (Level 1)
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 1
1.1 Introduction
Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways & means are guided and
given to the students. However the answers to the assignment are left to the students to solve using
the group creativity and innovativeness. The activity is hope to slowly introduced and inculcate
independent learning amongst students and prepare them for a much harder task of open ended
laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the usage of wet sieving tests to determine the
particle size distribution of fine-grained soil.
1.2 Objective
This test is performed to determine the particle size distribution in an essentially cohesionless soil,
down to the fine sand size.
PREAMBLE
1.3 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able to:
1. conduct the particle size distribution (psd) – wet sieving
2. Analyse data correctly and present in typical format
3. Work in a group to produce technical report.
• Boulders : rocks that have an average diameter greater than 300 mm.
• Cobbles : rocks that are smaller than 300 mm and retained on the 75 mm.
• Gravel size particle : rock fragment or soil particles that will pass a 75 mm sieve and be
retained on a 4.75 mm.
The procedure given involves preparation of the sample by wet sieving to remove silt and clay-sized
particles, which are rejected, followed by dry sieving of the remaining coarser material.
Wet sieving is usually performed with one of two purposes. Either it is performed to determine a
fraction retained on a sieve or sieves, or it is a method of sample preparation that allows a later particle
size analysis to be performed more easily or accurately. The procedures are often similar, but the one
you choose should be based on your end goal.
3.1 Apparatus
i. Weighing Balance
ii. Set of sieves (20 mm & 0.063 mm)
iii. Cleaning brush & a scoop
iv. Mechanical sieve shaker (optional)
v. Lid and receiver (pan)
vi. Drying Oven
vii. Large plastic container (60-80l)
viii. Sodium hexametaphosphate
Result
RESULTS The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results highlighting the data
acquisition process, analysis carried out and the relevancy of the set-out output to achieve the objective.
The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of the test.
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 1
TITLE LAB 3 (B)- Particle Size Distribution (PSD) – Sieve Analysis (Dry sieving)
1.1 Introduction
Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways & means are
guided and given to the students. However the answers to the assignment are left to the
students to solve using the group creativity and innovativeness. It is hoped that the activity
will slowly introduce and inculcate independent learning amongst students and prepare them
for a much harder task of open-ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the usage of sieving tests to determine
the particle size distribution of soil.
1.2 Objective
This test is performed to determine the percentage of different grain sizes contained within a
soil. The mechanical or sieve analysis is performed to determine the distribution of the
coarser, larger-sized particles, and the hydrometer method is used to determine the
distribution of the finer particles.
PREAMBLE
i) Wet sieving
ii) Dry sieving
A soil consists of an assemblage of discrete particles of various shapes and sizes. The object
PROBLEM of a particle size analysis is to group these particles into separate ranges of sizes and so
STATEMENT determine the relative proportions, by dry mass of each size range. As a group you are given
a set of samples to determine the soil classifications.
The group must carry out the test following the procedures outline and subsequently analyse
the data and present it in a proper technical format.
3.1 Apparatus
i. Balance
ii. Set of sieves
iii. Cleaning brush
iv. Sieve shaker
WAYS AND
MEANS
1. Write down the weight of each sieve as well as the bottom pan to be used in the
analysis.
2. Record the weight of the given dry soil sample.
3. Make sure that all the sieves are clean, and assemble them in the ascending order of
sieve numbers (#4 sieve at top and #200 sieve at bottom). Place the pan below #200
sieve. Carefully pour the soil sample into the top sieve and place the cap over it.
4. Place the sieve stack in the mechanical shaker and shake for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the stack from the shaker and carefully weigh and record the weight of each
sieve with its retained soil. In addition, remember to weigh and record the weight of the
bottom pan with its retained fine soil.
1. Obtain the mass of soil retained on each sieve by subtracting the weight of the empty
sieve from the mass of the sieve + retained soil, and record this mass as the weight
retained on the data sheet. The sum of these retained masses should be approximately
equals the initial mass of the soil sample. A loss of more than two percent is
unsatisfactory.
2. Calculate the percent retained on each sieve by dividing the weight retained on each
sieve by the original sample mass.
3. Calculate the percent passing (or percent finer) by starting with 100 percent and
subtracting the percent retained on each sieve as a cumulative procedure.
37,5
28
20
14
10
Soil passing 10 mm, A
Riffled sample used, B
Riffling correction, C1 = A/B
STAGE 2
6,3
5
3,35
Soil passing 3.35 mm, D
Riffled sample used, E
Riffling correction, C2 = A/B * D/E
2
1,18
0,6
STAGE 3
0,425
0,3
0,212
0,15
0,063
Soil Passing 63 µm
Total
Tested by Checked by Date