5. In a hydrometer test, the results are as follows: Gs = 2.

70, temperature of water = 23°C,

and hydrometer reading = 25 at 60 min after the start of sedimentation. What is the diameter,
D, of the smallest-size particles that have settled beyond the zone of measurement at that
time (that is, t = 60 min)?

Given:
Gs = 2.70
Temperature = 23°C
Time = 60 mins
Hydrometer reading = 25

Required: Diameter (D)

Solution:
L
Formula: D=K
√ t
From Table 2.9 (Principles of Geotechnical Engineering 9th Edition p. 45), the value of K
when Gs = 2.7 at 23°C is K = 0.01297

From Table 4 of the module, the value of L when the hydrometer reading = 25 is L = 12.2 cm

Substituting the values to the formula,

12.2cm
D=0.01297
√ 60 mins+60 mins
12.2 cm
D=0.01297
√ 120 mins

D=0.004135512mm

D=0.0041 mm