Sieve Analysis

O: 4/X-2/GTK/11

Objective:
This test is done to determine the particle size distribution of soil.

Equipments:

1. A set of fine IS Sieves of sizes – 2 mm, 600 µm, 425 µm, 212 µm and 75 µm
2. A set of coarse IS Sieves of sizes – 20 mm, 10 mm and 4.75 mm
3. Weighing balance, with an accuracy of 0.1 % of the weight of sample
4. Oven
5. Mechanical shaker
6. Mortar with rubber pestle
7. Brushes
8. Trays

Preparation of Sample:

1. Soil sample, as received from the field, should be dried in air or in the sun. In wet weather, the drying apparatus may be used in which case the temperature of the sample should not exceed 60 C. The clod may be broken with wooden mallet to hasten drying. Tree roots and pieces of bark should be removed from the sample.
2. The big clods may be broken with the help of wooden mallet. Care should be taken not to break the individual soil particles.
3. A representative soil sample of required quantity as given below is taken and dried in the oven at 105  to 120 C.

Procedure to determine Particle Size Distribution Of Soil

1. Pray before starting practice
2. The dried sample is taken in a tray, soaked in water and mixed with either 2 g of sodium hexametaphosphate or 1g of sodium hydroxide and 1g of sodium carbonate per litre of water, which is added as a dispersive agent. The soaking of soil is continued for 10 to 12 hours.
3. The sample is washed through 4.75 mm IS Sieve with water till substantially clean water comes out. Retained sample on 4.75 mm IS Sieve should be oven-dried for 24 hours. This dried sample is sieved through 20 mm and 10 mm IS Sieves.
4. The portion passing through 4.75 mm IS Sieve should be oven-dried for 24 hours. This oven-dried material is riffled and about 200 g taken.
5. This sample of about 200 g is washed through 75 µm IS Sieve with half litre distilled water, till substantially clear water comes out.
6. The material retained on 75µm IS Sieve is collected and dried in oven at a temperature of 105 to 120C for 24hrs. The dried soil sample is sieved through 2 mm, 600 µm, 425 µm and 212 µm IS Sieves. Soil retained on each sieve is weighed.
7. If the soil passing 75 µm is 10 % or more, hydrometer method is used to analyse soil particle size.
8. Pray after completion

 Pictures:

A Siever

A set of Siever

Report:

  

Maintenance:

Clean the equipment after the experimen is finished