Grain Size Analysis

Particle size analysis will be performed by means of sieving (ASTM D 422). There is large variation in types of soils from site to site. Accordingly, their behavior has also varia- tion. To make understanding of soil in easy manner, their grouping has been done depending on size of soil particles and their water absorption capacity. Ratio of soil of different sizes are worked out from sieve analysis and hydrometer/laser particle analyzer and capacity to absorb water is worked out from liquid limit, plastic limit tests. These test are used to classify the soils. Sieving is used for gravel as well as sand size particles and sedimentation procedures are used for finer soils. For soils containing coarse and fine soil particles both, it is usual to employ both sieving and sedimentation procedures.