Scribd
Upload
69 views11 pages

Laboratory 4 Sieve Analysis Torres Final

Sieve Analysis

Uploaded by

BLESSA TORRES
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
69 views11 pages

Laboratory 4 Sieve Analysis Torres Final

Sieve Analysis

Uploaded by

BLESSA TORRES
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 11

Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO


COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
Poblacion, Kabacan, North Cotabato

CE 411a: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING1

Name: TORRES, Blessa D. Section: 4-BSCE-B


Date Conducted: September 24,2024 Date Submitted: October 25, 2024

LABORATORY #4
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS: SIEVE ANALYSIS

I. Introduction

Purpose:
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 course, larger-sized particles, and the hydrometer method is used to
determine the distribution of the finer particles.

Standard Reference:
ASTM D 422 - Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils

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

Equipment:
Balance, Set of sieves, Cleaning brush, Sieve shaker, Mixer (blender)
II. Methodology

Equipment:
Balance, Set ofsieves, Cleaning brush, Sieve shaker, Mixer (blender)
59

Test Procedure:
Sieve Analysis:

(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.

Data Analysis:
Sieve Analysis:

(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.
59

From the Actual Laboratory Data:

Total mass = 1390 g


Mass retained on No. 4 sieve = 187 g
Mass retained on No. 10 sieve = 227 g

For the No.4 sieve:


Quantity passing = Total mass - Mass retained
= 1390 - 187
= 1203
The percent retained is calculated as;
% retained = Mass retained/Total mass
= (187/1390) X 100
= 13.45%
From this, the % passing = 100 – 13.45 = 86.55 %

For the No. 10 sieve:


Quantity passing = Mass arriving - Mass retained
= 1203 - 227
= 976 g
% Retained = (227/1390) X 100
= 16.33 %
% Passing = 100 -13.5 -16.33 = 70.22 %

(Alternatively, use % passing = % Arriving - Retained For


No. 10 sieve = 86.55 – 16.33 = 70.22 %)
And so on.

(4) Make a semilogarithmic plot of grain size vs. percent finer.

(5) Compute Cc and Cu for the soil.


III. Results
Grain Size Analysis
Sieve Analysis
Date Tested: September 24, 2024
Tested By: Blessa D. Torres
Project Name: Grain Size Analysis
Sample Number: Only one sample of soil.
Visual Classification of Soil: Light to Medium Gray Sandy Soil
Weight of Container: 60 gm
Wt. Container+Dry Soil: 1450 gm
Wt. of Dry Sample: 1390 gm

Mass of Mass of Soil


Sieve Diameter Percent Percent
Empty Sieve+Soil Retained
Number (mm) Retained Passing
Sieve (g) Retained (g) (g)
4 4.75 60 247 187 13.45 86.55
10 2. 0 60 287 227 16.33 70.21
20 0.84 60 268 208 14.96 55.25
60 0. 25 60 479 419 30.14 25.12
140 0.150 60 251 191 13.74 11.38
200 0.075 60 131 71 5.11 6.26
Pan --- 60 147 87 6.26 0.0
Total Weight= 1390
* Percent passing=100-cumulative percent retained.
Note: I only used one aluminum plate in weighing to hold the retained particles. Its weight is 60 grams.
Also, sieve number 40 and 60 is not available.

Chart 1. Particle Distribution Curve 1


Chart 2. Particle Distribution Curve 2

From the Table 1 and Grain Size Distribution Curve:


% Gravel= 13.45 (particles retained at sieve #4- Turquiose)
% Sand= 80.29 (particles retained at sieve #200 and passed through sieve #4 - Gray)

% Fines= 6.26 (particles passed through sieve #200- Pink )

Using Calculator Technique :


D10= 0.11 mm
D30= 0.29 mm
D60= 1.25 mm
1.25
Cu= (0.11)= 11.36 mm

(0.29)2
CC= (0.11)(1.25)= 0.61 mm

Unified Classification of Soil: SW-SM (Well-Graded Sand with Silt)


IV. Discussion

The sieve analysis results provide crucial insight into the soil's
composition, directly influencing its engineering properties. Based on the
conducted test, the sample is classified as a well-graded sand with silt (SW-
SM) according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). This means
the soil contains a balanced distribution of different grain sizes, which offers
desirable qualities for various engineering applications, such as enhanced
drainage and compaction potential.

The mechanical sieve analysis revealed that 13.45% of the sample is


gravel, 80.29% is sand, and 6.26% is fines (silt or clay particles). This
distribution is favorable for many construction projects, especially for
foundation and road base materials, because well-graded sand offers better
load distribution and stability. The low percentage of fines also suggests
minimal risk of water retention, which reduces the chances of swelling and
shrinkage that could compromise the structural integrity.

Two key parameters—coefficient of uniformity (Cu = 11.36) and


coefficient of curvature (Cc = 0.61)—were calculated to further characterize
the grain size distribution. A high Cu value indicates that the soil has a wide
range of particle sizes, contributing to its well-graded nature. However, the Cc
value suggests a slight deviation from ideal grading, potentially affecting the
soil's ability to pack optimally in some conditions.

V. Conclusion

The results confirm that the soil sample is well-graded sand with silt,
which is suitable for construction purposes due to its good drainage and
compaction properties. The low fines content ensures that the soil will not be
overly affected by water retention, while the well-graded sand and gravel
distribution provides structural stability. The calculated coefficients support
this classification, although the curvature coefficient indicates that further
refinement of grading might be needed in some applications to ensure optimal
compaction and strength. Overall, this soil type is ideal for projects requiring
robust, stable material with good engineering properties.
VI. Documentation

You might also like