The results of the sieve analysis are plotted with the particle sizes horizontal and the summation percentages vertical. As soil particles vary in size from molecular to boulder it is necessary to use a log scale for the horizontal plot so that the full range can be shown on the one sheet.
The smallest aperture generally used in soils work is that of the 0.063 mm size sieve. Below this size (i.e. silt and clay sizes) the distribution curve must be obtained by sedimentation (following either a pipette or hydrometer method of analysis). Unless a centrifuge is used, it is not possible to determine the range of clay sizes in a soil, and usually it is adequate to just obtain the total percentage of clay sizes present. The procedures for sieve, pipette and hydrometer analyses are given in BS EN ISO 17892‐4:2016 (BSI, 2016).
Examples of particle size distribution, or grading, curves for different soil types are shown in Fig. 1.10. From these grading curves it is possible to determine for each soil, the total percentage of a particular size, and the percentage of particle sizes larger or smaller than any particular particle size.
The effective size of a distribution, D10
An important particle size within a soil distribution is the effective size, which is the largest size of the smallest 10%. It is given the symbol D10. Other particle sizes, such as D30 and D60, are defined in the same manner.
Grading of a distribution
For a granular soil, the shape of its grading curve indicates the distribution of the soil particles within it.
If the shape of the curve is not too steep and is more or less constant over the full range of the soil's particle sizes, then the particle size distribution extends evenly over the range of the particle sizes within the soil and there is no deficiency or excess of any particular particle size. Such a soil is said to be well graded.
If the soil has any other form of distribution curve, then it is said to be poorly graded. According to their distribution curves, there are two types of poorly graded soil:
if the major part of the curve is steep, then the soil has a particle size distribution extending over a limited range with most particles tending to be about the same size. The soil is said to be closely graded or, more commonly, uniformly graded;
if a soil has large percentages of its bigger and smaller particles and only a small percentage of the intermediate sizes, then its grading curve will exhibit a significantly flat section or plateau. Such a soil is said to be gap graded.
The uniformity coefficient Cu and the coefficient of curvature, Cc
The grading of a soil is best determined by direct observation of its particle size distribution curve. This can be difficult for those studying the subject for the first time, but some guidance can be obtained by the use of a grading parameter known as the uniformity coefficient or by the coefficient of curvature.
(1.2)
(1.3)
The shape of the grading of the soil can then be established through the guidance given in Table 1.2.
Other statistical data can also be obtained from the psd;
e.g. median – size at which 50% of sample is finer, D50.
Table 1.2 Shape of grading curve.
| Term | Cu | Cc |
|---|---|---|
| Uniformly graded | <3 | <1 |
| Poorly graded | 3–6 | <1 |
| Medium graded | 6–15 | <1 |
| Well graded | >15 | 1–3 |
| Gap graded | >15 | <0.5 |
Example 1.2 Particle size distribution
The results of a sieve analysis on a soil sample were:
| Sieve size (mm) | Mass retained (g) |
| 10 | 0 |
| 6.3 | 5.5 |
| 2 | 25.7 |
| 1 | 23.1 |
| 0.600 | 22.0 |
| 0.300 | 17.3 |
| 0.150 | 12.7 |
| 0.063 | 6.9 |
2.3 g passed through the 63 μm sieve.
Plot the particle size distribution curve and determine the uniformity coefficient of the soil.
Solution:
The aim is to determine the percentage of soil (by mass) passing through each sieve. To do this, the percentage retained on each sieve is determined and subtracted from the percentage passing through the previous sieve. This gives the percentage passing through the current sieve.
Calculations may be set out as follows:
| Sieve size (mm) | Mass retained (g) | Percentage retained | Percentage passing |
| 10 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| 6.3 | 5.5 | 5 | 95 |
| 2 | 25.7 | 22 | 73 |
| 1 | 23.1 | 20 | 53 |
| 0.600 | 22.0 |
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