CE 412

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING 1
SOIL MECHANICS

LAB :
HYDROMETER ANALYSIS

September 28, 2017

December 13, 2017
Engr. Vivian D. Guda

GROUP 8
Leader: De Chavez, Maica A.
Members: Acupido, Joshua S.
Aguba, Pauline Angelica D.
Calingasan, Andrew R.
Guinhawa, Jean Clarize R.
Maandal, Marielle L.
Salazar, Aira Joyce R.
Umali Jr., Delfin M.
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page ........................................................................................................................i
Abstract ...........................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................iii
Objective ….....................................................................................................................
Theoretical Background ..................................................................................................
Materials and Equipment ................................................................................................
Experimental Procedure .................................................................................................
Analysis of Data ..............................................................................................................
Discussion of Results .....................................................................................................__
Conclusions and Recommendations ........................................................................__
References ....................................................................................................................__
Appendices ..................................................................................................................__
 Objective
1. To determine the distribution of fine soil particles by a sedimentation
process using a hydrometer of various soil grains passing through 0.075
mm sieve by hydrometer method.

 Theoretical Background

Hydrometer analysis is based on Stokes law. According to this law,

the velocity at which grains settles out of suspension, all other factors
being equal, is dependent upon the shape, weight and size of the grain.

In case of soil, it is assumed that the soil particles are spherical and
have the same specific gravity. Therefore, we can say that in a soil water
suspension the coarser particles will settle more quickly than the finer ones.

 Materials and Equipment

1. Hydrometer
2. Two number of jars with a capacity of 1000 mL
3. Dispersing agent solution
4. Balance accurate to 0.01 g
5. Stop watch
6. Sieve 0.075
7. Distilled water
8. Thermometer accurate to 0.5°C
9. Stirrer
10. Centimeter Scale

 Experimental Procedure

1. Prepare the control jar by adding 125 ml of 4% sodium metaphosphate

(NaPO3) solution and sufficient distilled water to produce 1000 ml. (This
solution can be made by mixing 40g of dry chemical with enough water to
make 1000 ml). Put the hydrometer into the control cylinder and record
zero and meniscus correction; then record the temperature by putting the
thermometer in it

2. Weigh out exactly 50g of soil passing the No. 200 sieve. Mix the soil with 125
ml of 4% sodium metaphosphate (NaPO3) solution. Allow the soil mixture to
stand about 12 hours.

3. At the end of the soaking period, transfer the mixture to a dispersion (or malt
mixer) cup and add tap water until the cup is about two-thirds full. Mix for
1 minute. After mixing, carefully transfer all the contents of the dispersion
cup to the sedimentation cylinder. Rinse any soil in the dispersion cup by
using a plastic squeeze bottle or adding stabilized water and pour this into
the sedimentation cylinder. Now add distilled water to fill the cylinder to
the 1000 ml mark.

4. Cap the sedimentation cylinder with a No. 12 rubber stopper and carefully
agitate for about 1 min. Agitation is defined as turning the cylinder upside
 down and back 60 turns for a period of 1 min. An upside down and back
movement is 2 turns.

5. Put the sedimentation cylinder beside the control cylinder and start the
stopwatch immediately. This is cumulative time t = 0. Insert the hydrometer
into the sedimentation cylinder.

6. Take hydrometer readings at cumulative times t = 0.25 min., 0.5min., 1 min.

and 1.5 min. Always read the upper level of meniscus. Remove and place
the hydrometer in the control jar.

 Analysis of Data
 Yung nasa yellow paper muna

Grain-size distribution curve using Hydrometer Analysis

0.08
0.071582344
0.07

0.06
0.051163581
0.05
Percent Finer

0.04 0.036750891
0.030467469
0.03

0.02

0.01

0
2.047 2.048 2.049 2.05 2.051 2.052 2.053 2.054 2.055
Grain size (mm)

 Discussion of Results
 Nasa yellow paper
 Conclusions and Recommendations
 Nasa yellow paper
 References
 Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Edition by Braja M.
Das and Nagaratman Sivakugan
 http://www.powershow.com/view4/4906bc-
MDJiM/Hydrometer_Analysis_of_Fines_Testing_objectives
 http://civilblog.org/2015/11/18/hydrometer-analysis-of-soil-what-
why-how/#

 Appendices
Computations:
*nasa yellow paper