Sieve Analysis

Introduction:
Sieve analysis is an attempt to determine the relative proportions of the different grain sizes that
make up a given soil mass. Obviously, to have significant results, the sample must be statically
representative of the mass. The test can only bracket the approximate size range between two
sieves. The size bracketing is done by stacking a series of sieves ranging in aperture size from the
largest at the top to the smallest at the bottom and sieving a known quantity of material through
the stack. This is done by placing the material on the top sieve and shaking to separate the
particles into smaller diameters from the top to bottom.
Sieves are made of woven wire with rectangular openings ranging in size from 101.6 mm (4 in)
in the course series to the No.400 (0.038 mm) in the fine series. The No.200 sieve (0.075 mm) is
the smallest practical sieve size. This mesh is about the finest size that permits relatively free
passage of water through it.
Objectives:

Determination of the distribution of particle sizes greater than 0.075 mm (75 m) by

sieving.

Apparatus:
1. A balance sensitive to 0.01 g.
2. Set of Sieves. A series of square mesh woven wire cloth. A full set of sieves includes the
following; 75 mm, 50 mm, 37.5 mm, 25 mm, 19 mm, 9.75 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.0 mm, 0.850
mm, 0.425 mm, 0.250 mm, 0.106 mm and 0.075 mm.
Alternatively a set of sieves giving a uniform spacing of points for the graph may be selected if
desired. Such a set would consist of the following sieves; 75 mm, 37.5 mm, 19.0 mm, 9.5 mm,
4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 0.300 mm, 0.600 mm, 0.150 mm and 0.075 mm.

Procedure:
1. The container with oven dried sample of soil, empty container and sieves are weighed
separately on a balance sensitive to 0.01g.
2. Sieves are stacked ranging in aperture size from the largest at the top to the smallest at the
bottom.

3. A pan is kept at the bottom of the set of sieve.

4. The soil sample is placed in the top most sieve and the lid is placed to avoid spilling of
the sample during shaking.
5. Then the sample is fixed in the sieve shaker (or by manually) and shaken for about 5
minutes to separate the particles into smaller diameters from the top to bottom.
6. The percentage of the soil weight retained on each of the sieves is used to determine the
percentage of the soil passing through each sieve.
7. Then a semi logarithmic plot of percentage passing verses sieve size is plotted as shown
in Annex-2 to obtain the particle size distribution curve.
Observation:

Please see Annex-1.

Calculations and result:

From the particle size distribution curve, grave such as D 10, D30 and D60 can be obtained
corresponding to 10%, 30% and 60% passing respectively. Then following parameters
can be defined.

Uniformity coefficient (Cu):

Cu = D60 ; and
D10
Coefficient of gradation (CC): CC = D302
D60 D10
Calculations and result for carried out test is given in Annex-1 and Annex-2.
Discussion:
1) What are the errors that can be happened?

2) What are the remedial?

3) Discuss about the curve shape. (C U, CC, what kind of soil?, Is it well graded or not?,
what are the uses of that soil?)