Geotechnical Engineering

With PINAKAGWAPONG ADVISER

Soil Classification
MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF SOILS
Mechanical analysis is the determination of the size range of particles
in a soil, expressed as a percentage of the total dry weight. Two
methods generally are used to find the particle-size distribution:
1. Sieve Analysis - for particles larger than 0.075mm in diameter.
2. Hydrometer Analysis - for particles smaller than 0.075mm in
diameter.
Soil Classification
SIEVE ANALYSIS
Sieve Analysis consist of shaking of soil sample through a set of sieve
that have progressively smaller openings.
Soil Classification

GRAIN SIZE (mm)

Organization
Gravel Sand Silt Clay

USDA >2.00 2.00-0.05 0.05-0.002 <0.002

MIT >2.00 2.00-0.06 0.06-0.002 <0.002

AASHTO 76.2-2.00 2.00-0.075 0.075-0.002 <0.002

USCS / ASTM 76.2-4.75 4.75-0.075 Fine Silt and Clays <0.075

Soil Classification
USDA - UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
MIT - MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
AASHTO - AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND
TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS
ASTM - AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TESTING AND MATERIALS
Soil Classification
Particle-Size distribution curve can be use to determine the following
four parameters:
Effective Size (D10) - diameter of corresponding to 10% finer.
Uniformity Coefficient (Cu)

Coefficient of Gradation or Curvature (Cc)

Soil Classification
Sorting Coefficient (So)

CMP - Cummulative Mass Passed

CMR - Cummulative Mass Retained
TM - Total Mass
CMP = TM - CMR
% Finer =
Soil Classification
Example 9 Mass
Sieve Openin Retaine
A sample of soil is obtained and sieve analysis is No. g (mm) d CMR CMP % Finer
performed to determine its particle distribution. (grams)
Calculate the following : 4 4.75 -
1. D10 10 2.00 80
2. D25 20 0.85 150
3. D30 40 0.425 96
4. D60 60 0.250 123
5. D75 80 0.180 135
6. Cu 100 0.150 115
7. Cc 200 0.075 30
8. So Pan - 12
Soil Classification
Example 10
Classify the sizes of the soil particles in the previous situation and
identify the corresponding percentages using the following methods.
1. AASHTO
2. USCS
3. USDA
4. MIT
Soil Classification
Example 11
Three different soil samples are obtained. The percentage of gravel, sand , silt and clay
for each soil sample are shown in the table below
Soil Particle Soil A Soil B Soil C
Gravel 0 20 35
Sand 38 15 15
Silt 30 30 20
Clay 32 35 30

1.Using USDA method, calculate the modified percentages of sand silt and clay for each
soil type
2.Classify each soil using USDA Textural Classification Chart
Soil Classification
Soil Classification
Example 12
The following are the data
obtained from the sieve analysis
of a soil sample. For Soil A solve
for Coefficient of Curvature and
Uniformity Coefficient
Soil Classification
Example 13
Soil Classification
Example 14
Soil Classification
 THANK YOU FOR LISTENING ^_^
Prepare for an Exam next Meeting
Sir Neil : Students :