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Title

Hydrometer analysis & Sieve analysis

Introduction
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.
Sieve analyses are performed on aggregates used in roadway bases and in
portland cement and asphalt cement concretes. Sieve analyses reveal the size
makeup of aggregate particles from the largest to the smallest. A gradation
curve or chart showing how evenly or unevenly the sizes are distributed
between largest and smallest is created in this test. How an aggregate is
graded has a major impact on the strength of the base or on the properties
and performance of concrete. In portland cement concrete (PCC), for example,
gradation influences shrinkage and shrinkage cracking, pump ability, finish
ability, permeability, and other characteristics.

Objectives
Sieve analysis- To obtain the particle-size distribution curve for a given soil
sample and to determine its the coefficient of uniformity (Cu) and coefficient
of concavity (Cc).
Hydrometer analysis- To determine the particle-size distribution of a soil
sample where the particle size is smaller than 0.075mm in size.

Theory
Sieve analysis
Sieve analysis consists of Sharking the soil through a stack of wire screens
(sieves) with openings of
known sizes. The definition of particle diameter for
a sieves test is, therefore, the side dimension of a square hole of relevant
sieve. Sieve analysis is not suitable for the soil samples, in which a large
portion of the soil particles is smaller than 0.075mm (75m) in size (passing
through the No.200 sieve). In such cases, the hydrometer analysis is used to
define the particle - size distribution.

Weight of soil retained = (weight of soil + Sieve) Weight of sieve)


Percentage retained on any sieve = Weight of soil retained x 100
Total soil weight
Cumulative percentage retained on any sieve =sum of percentages
retained on the sieve)
An indication of the spread (on range) of particle size is given by the
coefficient on uniformity (Cu) which is calculated as,
Cu= D60
D10
The coefficient of concavity (Cc) is a measure of the shape of the curve
between the D60 and D10 grain size and is defined as;
Cc = D230
D10D60
Hydrometer analysis
Hydrometer analysis is used to determine the grain-size distribution of finegrained soils having particle sizes smaller than 0.075mm. The hydrometer
analysis is based on Stokes Law, which gives the relationship among the
terminal velocity of fall of sphere in a fluid, the diameter of a sphere, the
weights of the sphere and the fluid and viscosity of the fluid.
From Stokes Law,

(1)

Where, v is terminal velocity of a freely falling sphere, s is the unit weight of the sphere, f is
the unit weight of the fluid, is the viscosity of the fluid, and D is the diameter of the sphere.
Solving Eq. (1) for D, and replacing f by the specific gravity of water w ;

(2)

Eq. (2) can be used to calculate the diameter of particles, which are falling
at the center level of the bulb of the hydrometer. If L represents the
distance of fall in time interval t, the velocity of particle fall (v) is given;
2

(3)

Where, L (in cm) corresponding to each corrected hydrometer reading, Rc,


(from Eq. (6)) can be obtained from the Eq. (4) given below.

L = 16.295-0.165 Rc

(4)

For the computational purposes, Eqs. (2) And (3) are combined together in
Eq. (5) to obtain D in mm.

(5)

Where, is in poise (refer Table 1), Gs is specific gravity of soil, w is in g/cm3, L is in cm and t in
min. The percent finer is related to the hydrometer reading (since it reads directly the grams of
soil still in suspension at the level of the bulb). The dispersing agent and test temperature will
change the specific gravity and these factors require corrections to be made so that the grams of
soil still in suspension after elapsed time t can be obtained from the actual hydrometer reading
(Ra). Corrections for the use of dispersing agent (Cd) on hydrometer readings can be
determined by using a sedimentation cylinder with water from the same source and the same
quantity of dispersing agent as that used in soil-water suspension. This jar of the water should
be at the same temperature as that of the soil-water suspension.

Apparatus
Sieve analysis

Set of sieves {2.36mm, 1.70mm, 1.18mm, 0.85, 0.60mm, 0.425mm,


0.25mm and 0.075mm
Sieve shaker
Sample splitter large evaporation dishes
Spatula
Brush
Balance sensitive to 0.1 g
Mortar and pestle
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Hydrometer analysis
Hydrometer

Mixer
Dispersing agent
Two graduated cylinders (1 litre capacity)

Thermometer
Balance sensitive to 0.1g
Timer
Measuring cylinder
Distilled water
Drying oven
Desiccator
Syringe
Large evaporation dishes
Spatula

Experimental Procedure
Sieve analysis
(1)A soil sample was taken and aggregation of lumps are toughly
broken up with the fingers.
(2)Soil sample was dried at oven and allowed it to cool.
(3) Each sieve which is going to be used, was weighted.
(4) Stocks of sieves were arranged as largest sieve opening at top
and smallest at

bottom.

(5) The pan was attached at bottom of sieve.


(6) The sample was poured in to top sieve and the cover plate was
added to avoid and loss of particles while shaking. [Figure (1)]
(7) The stock of sieve was placed on the mechanical shaker and
shaking was applied horizontal about 10 minutes. [Figure (2)]
Hydrometer analysis
(1)50g sample soil passing No 200 sieve was accurately weighted.
(2) Weighted soil were placed in a container.
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(3)125ml of sodium Hexametaphospate solution was added to the


container.
(4)Mixture was thoroughly mixed and be allowed to soak for 16 hours.
(5)Soaked soil sample were transfer, water was added to half fill the cup
and stir well for at least 3 minutes.
(6)Immediately after stirring soil-water slurry was transferred to glass
cylinder and distilled water was added until the volume was 100ml.

(7) The palm of the hand was used over the open end of the cylinder
and cylinder was shake by turning it upside down and back for a
period of 1 minute until a uniform suspension is formed. [Figure (3)]
(8)Then the cylinder was placed in convenient location and the
hydrometer was inserted carefully. [Figure (4)]
(9) Hydrometer reading was taken in the suspension.

Figure
(1)

Figure
(2)

Figure
(3)

Figure
(4)

Conclusion
From these two lab experience we can identify that particle size distribution
below 0.075mm can be always using hydrometer analysis. The particle size
distribution over 0.075mm can analysis using sieve analysis, because of to
go for hydrometer analysis rather than sieve analysis for 0.075mm particle
size distribution. As its very difficult and not practical to build less than
0.075mm sieve. Both particles are very important to analysis the behavior
of particle size distribution of a soil sample in many important applications
such as construction industry and road construction.

Reference
Terzaghi, K., Peck, R.B. and Mesri, G. (1996), Soil Mechanics in
Engineering Practice3rd Ed., John Wiley & Son. [Accessed 25 August 2015]
Holtz, R. and Kovacs, W. (1981), an Introduction to Geotechnical
Engineering, Prentice-Hall, Inc. [Accessed 23 August 2015]
Das, B.M., 2010. Principles of geotechnical engineering. Cengage
Learning, Stamfort, U.S.A., 666 p. [Accessed 24 August 2015]
Coduto, Donald et al. (2011). Geotechnical Engineering Principles and
Practices. New Jersey: Pearson Higher Education. [Accessed 25 August
2015]
1. Soil Textural Analysis. 2015. (Online) Available at:
http://www.cfr.washington.edu/classes.esrm.410/texture.htm. [Accessed 26 August 2015].
2. Importance of Particle Size Distribution Emphasized in Proposed ASTM Soil and Rock
Standards. 2015. (Online) Available at: http://www.astmnewsroom.org/default.aspx?
pageid=3335. [Accessed 26 August 2015].
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