ITRODUCTION

One of the soil's most fundamental physical properties is the particle size distribution
because it is a very permanent and distinctive quantity and it determines many other more
difficult-to-measure quantities like the relationship between air and water, the distribution of
pore sizes, and the movement of water in the profile. Particle size distribution or grain size
analysis test is being conducted to know the percentage of each grain size that are present in
the soil sample. The results of this test can be used to make a grain size distribution curve
which will be needed in order to predict the soil’s behavior and classification.

According to Lees(2022), soils are composed of mineral particles whose size and
arrangement have a significant impact on the soil's properties. The higher inter-particle
friction in soils with larger particles makes them stronger, whereas finer soils are more
sensitive to water content. Knowing the particle size distribution of a soil, predictions can be
made as to its strength and properties. Particle size distribution is an important soil parameter
and therefore accurate measurement of this is essential.

There are two most common techniques for determining the particle size distribution
and these are the sieve analysis and hydrometer analysis. In sieve analysis, the mass or
volume are used to define the particle size distribution. The sieve size only limits to 0.075
mm as its smallest and since clay and silt under the AASHTO classification measures about
0.075mm to 0.002mm and less than 0.002mm respectively, the sieve analysis may not
correctly perform the particle size distribution for sizes less than 0.002mm thus, the
hydrometer analysis will be utilized. However, for the finer grains, to arrive at a complete
particle size distribution of such soil, sieve analysis and hydrometer analysis should be both
considered.

In determining the particle size distribution in a soil sample with finer grains, which
can be classified as clay or silt, hydrometer analysis can be administered. This analysis
involves placing the hydrometer in a graduated cylinder filled with distilled water and the soil
mixture and the measurements are taken over time . This analysis is based on Stoke’s Law
wherein the size of soil particles is being calculated from the velocity at which grains settle
out of suspension that is influenced by their shape, weight, and size.

In addition, coarse-grained soil is being analyzed with sieve analysis. Sieve analysis is
employed to ascertain the grain size distribution of soils with a diameter greater than 0.075
mm and it is typically done for sand and gravel. Manual sieving method will be executed for
this test.

The table below is composed of the sieve used in this laboratory experiment. These
are the U.S. standard sieve numbers with its matching opening sizes.

U. S. Opening
Sieve (mm)
No.
4 4.75
10 2
20 0.85
40 0.425
60 0.25
 100 0.15
200 0.075
Pan 0
Table 3.1. U.S. Sieve size.

In this laboratory experiment, the particle size distribution of the fine-grained and
coarse-grained soil samples are to be measured using both techniques stated above.