Example of Determining the Grain Size Distribution of a Soil Sample
Example: The measured values of the sedimentation analysis resulted in the following mass percentages:
With ∑m (D < d) as the percent passing (percentage by weight) through the screen with the mesh size d and ∑ m(D) as the total mass of the sample. Consequently:
Table: Dry screening results [Fellin]
|
Screen size d [in (mm)]
|
Residue in the screen m (d) [lb (g)]
|
y(d) [%]
|
|
0.16 (4)
|
0
|
100
|
|
0.8 (2)
|
0.33 (150)
|
83.9
|
|
0.04 (1)
|
0.6 (270)
|
54.8
|
|
0.02 (0.5)
|
0.44 (200)
|
33.3
|
|
0.01 (0.25)
|
0.34 (154)
|
16.7
|
|
0.005 (0.125)
|
0.20 (93)
|
6.7
|
|
0.002 (0.063)
|
0.11 (52)
|
1.1
|
|
0.002 (<0.063)
|
0.02 (10)
|
|
|
∑ m(d)
|
2.05 (929)
|
Image:
Grading curve resulting from dry screening [Image: Fellin]
