Kandahar University

Engineering Faculty
Department of Civil Engineering

Soil Mechanics

SIEVE ANALYSIS
(ASTM D 4318)

Group C

Name: Ehsanullah
Roll No: 3
Department: Civil, 3rd class
 SIEVE ANALYSIS
(ASTM D 4318)

Table of contents
1.0 Objectives
1.1 Theory
1.2 Experiment
1.2.1 Requirements
1.2.2 Test procedure
1.3 Observations and Calculations
1.4 Results

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 1.0 OBJECTIVES

To obtain the grain size distribution curve for a given soil sample. This test is
performed to determine the percentage of different grain sizes contained within a soil.
The mechanical or sieve analysis is performed to determine the distribution of the
coarser, larger-sized particles, and to determine the distribution of the finer particles.

1.1 TEORY
The percentage of various sizes of particles in a given dry soil sample is found by
particle size analysis or mechanical analysis.
The following analysis is performed in two stages.

i) Sieve analysis ii) Sedimentation analysis

Sieve analysis is meant for coarse grained soils only, with sedimentation analysis is
performed for fine grained soils (-75μ)
The sieve analysis is the true representative of grain size distribution as the test is not affected
by temperature etc.

1.2 EXPERIMENT

1.2.1 Requirements
• Stack of sieves with a cover
• Balance, sensitive to 0.1 g
• Mechanical sieve shaker
• Brush

1.2.2 Test procedure

• Take Obtain a representative oven-dried soil sample.
• Record the weight of the given dry soil sample
• Pulverize the soil sample as finely as possible, using a mortar and pestle or a mechanical
soil pulverize.
• Obtain a soil sample of about 500 g and determine its mass W0 (g).
• Stack the sieves so that those with larger openings (lower numbers) are placed above
those with smaller openings (higher numbers). Place a pan under the last sieve (No. 200)
to collect the portion of soil passing through it. The No. 4 and No. 200 sieves should
always be included in the stack.
• Make sure that all the sieves are clean, and assemble them in the ascending order of sieve
numbers (No. 4 sieve at top and No. 200 sieve at bottom). Place the pan below No. 200
sieve. Carefully pour the soil sample into the top sieve and place the cap over it.

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 • Weigh the pan and all of the sieves separately.
• Pour the soil from above into the stack of sieves and place the cover on it. Put the stack in
the sieve shaker, affix the clamps, set a timer for 5 to 7 minutes, and start the shaker.
• Remove the stack from the shaker and carefully weigh and record the weight of each
sieve with its retained soil. In addition, remember to weigh and record the weight of the
bottom pan with its retained fine soil.

1.3 OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Graph: Plot the grain size distribution curve by taking grain size (mm) on log scale and %
finer on ordinary scale.

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1.4CONCLUSIONS AND RESULTS