Grain Size Analysis by Dry Sieve Analysis

Dry Sieve Analysis is carried out to quantitatively determine the Particle/Grain Size Distribution for soil particles of two different soil samples.

2. Apparatus Required

Fig. 1: Balance

The balance to be used must be sensitive to the extent of 0.1% of total weight of sample taken.

Fig. 2: Sieve

The sieves set should have lid at top and Pan at base.

Fig. 3: Oven

Thermostatically Controlled Hot Air Oven to maintain Temperature between 105 to 110OC.

Fig. 4: Trays

Two or more large metal or plastic watertight trays or a bucket.

Fig. 5: Wire Brush

3. Procedure

Dry the soil sample in a Thermostatically Controlled Hot Air Oven at 105 to 110 0C.

Weigh the portion of the dry soil sample. Remember to weigh the tray before you get your soil samples.

Sieve the sample through the sieves.

Record the mass retained on each sieve.

5. Results

Sieve

Size (mm)

Weight retained in each sieve (gram)

Percentage retained on each sieve

Cumulative percentage retained on each sieve

2

0.9

0.6

0.425

0.250

0.150

0.125

0.100

0.0025

Total weight (gram)

100

6. Analysis and calculation

The percentage of soil retained on each sieve shall be calculated on the basis of total weight of soil sample taken. Then, cumulative percentage of soil retained (which will give % finer when deducted from 100) on successive sieve is found.