ASTM D422-63(2007)e2
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (Withdrawn 2016)
Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (Withdrawn 2016)
ABSTRACT
This test method covers the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of particle sizes larger than 75 micrometers (retained on the No. 200 sieve) is determined by sieving, while the distribution of particle sizes smaller than 75 micrometers is determined by a sedimentation process using a hydrometer. The balances, stirring apparatus, hydrometer, sedimentation cylinder, thermometer, sieves, water bath or constant-temperature room, beaker, and timing device used in the method are specified. Sieve analysis, hydrometer analysis, and hygroscopic moisture analysis shall be performed on the sample soil.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of particle sizes larger than 75 μm (retained on the No. 200 sieve) is determined by sieving, while the distribution of particle sizes smaller than 75 μm is determined by a sedimentation process, using a hydrometer to secure the necessary data (Note 1 and Note 2).
Note 1: Separation may be made on the No. 4 (4.75-mm), No. 40 (425-μm), or No. 200 (75-μm) sieve instead of the No. 10. For whatever sieve used, the size shall be indicated in the report.
Note 2: Two types of dispersion devices are provided: (1) a high-speed mechanical stirrer, and (2) air dispersion. Extensive investigations indicate that air-dispersion devices produce a more positive dispersion of plastic soils below the 20-μm size and appreciably less degradation on all sizes when used with sandy soils. Because of the definite advantages favoring air dispersion, its use is recommended. The results from the two types of devices differ in magnitude, depending upon soil type, leading to marked differences in particle size distribution, especially for sizes finer than 20 μm.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This test method covers the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of particle sizes larger than 75 μm (retained on the No. 200 sieve) is determined by sieving, while the distribution of particle sizes smaller than 75 μm is determined by a sedimentation process, using a hydrometer to secure the necessary data.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, this test method was withdrawn in January 2016 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´2
Designation: D422 − 63(Reapproved 2007)
Standard Test Method for
Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D422; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Editorial changes made throughout in February 2014.
ε NOTE—Further editorial corrections made in July 2014.
1. Scope 3. Apparatus
1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination
3.1 Balances—A balance sensitive to 0.01 g for weighing
of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of
the material passing a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve, and a balance
particle sizes larger than 75 µm (retained on the No. 200 sieve)
sensitive to 0.1 % of the mass of the sample to be weighed for
isdeterminedbysieving,whilethedistributionofparticlesizes
weighing the material retained on a No. 10 sieve.
smaller than 75 µm is determined by a sedimentation process,
3.2 Stirring Apparatus—Either apparatus A or B may be
using a hydrometer to secure the necessary data (Note 1 and
used.
Note 2).
3.2.1 Apparatus A shall consist of a mechanically operated
NOTE 1—Separation may be made on the No. 4 (4.75-mm), No. 40
stirringdeviceinwhichasuitablymountedelectricmotorturns
(425-µm), or No. 200 (75-µm) sieve instead of the No. 10. For whatever
a vertical shaft at a speed of not less than 10 000 rpm without
sieve used, the size shall be indicated in the report.
NOTE 2—Two types of dispersion devices are provided: (1) a high-
load. The shaft shall be equipped with a replaceable stirring
speed mechanical stirrer, and (2) air dispersion. Extensive investigations
paddle made of metal, plastic, or hard rubber, as shown in Fig.
indicate that air-dispersion devices produce a more positive dispersion of
1. The shaft shall be of such length that the stirring paddle will
plastic soils below the 20-µm size and appreciably less degradation on all
3 1
operate not less than ⁄4 in. (19.0 mm) nor more than 1 ⁄2 in.
sizes when used with sandy soils. Because of the definite advantages
(38.1 mm) above the bottom of the dispersion cup. A special
favoring air dispersion, its use is recommended. The results from the two
types of devices differ in magnitude, depending upon soil type, leading to
dispersion cup conforming to either of the designs shown in
marked differences in particle size distribution, especially for sizes finer
Fig. 2 shall be provided to hold the sample while it is being
than 20 µm.
dispersed.
3.2.2 Apparatus B shall consist of an air-jet dispersion cup
2. Referenced Documents
(seedrawingin2.2 )(Note3)conformingtothegeneraldetails
2.1 ASTM Standards:
shown in Fig. 3 (Note 4 and Note 5).
D421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for
Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Con-
NOTE 3—The amount of air required by an air-jet dispersion cup is of
stants the order of 2 ft /min; some small air compressors are not capable of
supplying sufficient air to operate a cup.
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
NOTE 4—Another air-type dispersion device, known as a dispersion
Sieves
tube, developed by Chu and Davidson at Iowa State College, has been
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
shown to give results equivalent to those secured by the air-jet dispersion
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
cups. When it is used, soaking of the sample can be done in the
Air-Jet Dispersion Cup for Grain-Size Analysis of Soil sedimentation cylinder, thus eliminating the need for transferring the
slurry. When the air-dispersion tube is used, it shall be so indicated in the
report.
NOTE 5—Water may condense in air lines when not in use. This water
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
must be removed, either by using a water trap on the air line, or by
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
blowing the water out of the line before using any of the air for dispersion
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
purposes.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2007. Published October 2007. Originally
ε1
approved in 1935. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D422 – 63 (2002) .
3.3 Hydrometer—An ASTM hydrometer, graduated to read
DOI: 10.1520/D0422-63R07E02.
in either specific gravity of the suspension or grams per litre of
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
suspension, and conforming to the requirements for hydrom-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
eters 151H or 152H in Specifications E100. Dimensions of
the ASTM website.
both hydrometers are the same, the scale being the only item of
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
ADJD0422. difference.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´2
D422 − 63 (2007)
Metric Equivalents
1 3
in. 0.001 0.049 0.203 ⁄2 ⁄4
mm 0.03 1.24 5.16 12.7 19.0
FIG. 1 Detail of Stirring Paddles
3-in. (75-mm) No. 10 (2.00-mm)
2-in. (50-mm) No. 20 (850-µm)
1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm) No. 40 (425-µm)
1-in. (25.0-mm) No. 60 (250-µm)
⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) No. 140 (106-µm)
⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) No. 200 (75-µm)
No. 4 (4.75-mm)
NOTE 6—Aset of sieves giving uniform spacing of points for the graph,
as required in Section 17, may be used if desired. This set consists of the
following sieves:
3-in. (75-mm) No. 16 (1.18-mm)
1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm) No. 30 (600-µm)
⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) No. 50 (300-µm)
⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) No. 100 (150-µm)
No. 4 (4.75-mm) No. 200 (75-µm)
No. 8 (2.36-mm)
3.7 Water Bath or Constant-Temperature Room—A water
bath or constant-temperature room for maintaining the soil
suspension at a constant temperature during the hydrometer
analysis. A satisfactory water tank is an insulated tank that
maintains the temperature of the suspension at a convenient
constant temperature at or near 68°F (20°C). Such a device is
illustrated in Fig. 4. In cases where the work is performed in a
room at an automatically controlled constant temperature, the
Metric Equivalents
water bath is not necessary.
in. 1.3 2.6 3.75
mm 33 66 95.2
3.8 Beaker—A beaker of 250-mL capacity.
3.9 Timing Device—A watch or clock with a second hand.
FIG. 2 Dispersion Cups of Apparatus
4. Dispersing Agent
4.1 A solution of sodium hexametaphosphate (sometimes
called sodium metaphosphate) shall be used in distilled or
3.4 SedimentationCylinder—Aglass cylinder essentially 18
in. (457 mm) in height and 2 ⁄2 in. (63.5 mm) in diameter, and demineralized water, at the rate of 40 g of sodium
hexametaphosphate/litre of solution (Note 7).
marked for a volume of 1000 mL. The inside diameter shall be
such that the 1000-mL mark is 36 6 2 cm from the bottom on
NOTE 7—Solutions of this salt, if acidic, slowly revert or hydrolyze
the inside.
back to the orthophosphate form with a resultant decrease in dispersive
action. Solutions should be prepared frequently (at least once a month) or
3.5 Thermometer—A thermometer accurate to 1°F (0.5°C).
adjusted to pH of 8 or 9 by means of sodium carbonate. Bottles containing
solutions should have the date of preparation marked on them.
3.6 Sieves—A series of sieves, of square-mesh woven-wire
cloth, conforming to the requirements of Specification E11.A 4.2 All water used shall be either distilled or demineralized
full set of sieves includes the following (Note 6): water. The water for a hydrometer test shall be brought to the
´2
D422 − 63 (2007)
FIG. 3 Air-Jet Dispersion Cups of Apparatus B
Metric Equivalents
7 1
in. ⁄8 13 6 ⁄4 14 37
mm 22.2 25.4 76.2 158.2 356 940
FIG. 4 Insulated Water Bath
temperature that is expected to prevail during the hydrometer ture do not introduce differences that are of practical signifi-
test. For example, if the sedimentation cylinder is to be placed cance and do not prevent the use of corrections derived as
in the water bath, the distilled or demineralized water to be prescribed.
usedshallbebroughttothetemperatureofthecontrolledwater
5. Test Sample
bath; or, if the sedimentation cylinder is used in a room with
controlled temperature, the water for the test shall be at the 5.1 Prepare the test sample for mechanical analysis as
temperature of the room. The basic temperature for the
outlined in Practice D421. During the preparation procedure
hydrometer test is 68°F (20°C). Small variations of tempera- the sample is divided into two portions. One portion contains
´2
D422 − 63 (2007)
onlyparticlesretainedontheNo.10(2.00-mm)sievewhilethe HYDROMETER AND SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION
other portion contains only particles passing the No. 10 sieve. PASSING THE NO. 10 (2.00-mm) SIEVE
The mass of air-dried soil selected for purpose of tests, as
7. Determination of Composite Correction for
prescribed in Practice D421, shall be sufficient to yield
Hydrometer Reading
quantities for mechanical analysis as follows:
5.1.1 The size of the portion retained on the No. 10 sieve
7.1 Equations for percentages of soil remaining in
shall depend on the maximum size of particle, according to the
suspension, as given in 14.3, are based on the use of distilled
following schedule:
or demineralized water.Adispersing agent is used in the water,
however, and the specific gravity of the resulting liquid is
Nominal Diameter of Approximate Minimum
Largest Particles, Mass of Portion, g
appreciably greater than that of distilled or demineralized
in. (mm)
water.
⁄8 (9.5) 500
7.1.1 Both soil hydrometers are calibrated at 68°F (20°C),
⁄4 (19.0) 1000
1 (25.4) 2000
and variations in temperature from this standard temperature
1 ⁄2 (38.1) 3000
produce inaccuracies in the actual hydrometer readings. The
2 (50.8) 4000
3 (76.2) 5000 amount of the inaccuracy increases as the variation from the
standard temperature increases.
5.1.2 The size of the portion passing the No. 10 sieve shall
7.1.2 Hydrometers are graduated by the manufacturer to be
be approximately 115 g for sandy soils and approximately 65
read at the bottom of the meniscus formed by the liquid on the
g for silt and clay soils.
stem. Since it is not possible to secure readings of soil
5.2 Provision is made in Section 5 of Practice D421 for
suspensions at the bottom of the meniscus, readings must be
weighing of the air-dry soil selected for purpose of tests, the
taken at the top and a correction applied.
separation of the soil on the No. 10 sieve by dry-sieving and
7.1.3 The net amount of the corrections for the three items
washing, and the weighing of the washed and dried fraction
enumerated is designated as the composite correction, and may
retained on the No. 10 sieve. From these two masses the
be determined experimentally.
percentages retained and passing the No. 10 sieve can be
7.2 For convenience, a graph or table of composite correc-
calculated in accordance with 12.1.
tions for a series of 1° temperature differences for the range of
NOTE 8—A check on the mass values and the thoroughness of
expected test temperatures may be prepared and used as
pulverization of the clods may be secured by weighing the portion passing
needed. Measurement of the composite corrections may be
the No. 10 sieve and adding this value to the mass of the washed and
made at two temperatures spanning the range of expected test
oven-dried portion retained on the No. 10 sieve.
temperatures,andcorrectionsfortheintermediatetemperatures
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION RETAINED ON NO.
calculated assuming a straight-line relationship between the
10 (2.00-mm) SIEVE
two observed values.
7.3 Prepare 1000 mL of liquid composed of distilled or
6. Procedure
demineralized water and dispersing agent in the same propor-
6.1 Separate the portion retained on the No. 10 (2.00-mm)
tion as will prevail in the sedimentation (hydrometer) test.
sieve into a series of fractions using the 3-in. (75-mm), 2-in.
Place the liquid in a sedimentation cylinder and the cylinder in
1 3
(50-mm), 1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm), 1-in. (25.0-mm), ⁄4-in. (19.0-
the constant-temperature water bath, set for one of the two
mm), ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm), and No. 10 sieves, or
temperatures to be used. When the temperature of the liquid
as many as may be needed depending on the sample, or upon
becomes constant, insert the hydrometer, and, after a short
the specifications for the material under test.
interval to permit the hydrometer to come to the temperature of
6.2 Conduct the sieving operation by means of a lateral and
the liquid, read the hydrometer at the top of the meniscus
vertical motion of the sieve, accompanied by a jarring action in
formed on the stem. For hydrometer 151H the composite
order to keep the sample moving continuously over the surface
correction is the difference between this reading and one; for
of the sieve. In no case turn or manipulate fragments in the
hydrometer 152H it is the difference between the reading and
sample through the sieve by hand. Continue sieving until not
zero. Bring the liquid and the hydrometer to the other tempera-
more than 1 mass % of the residue on a sieve passes that sieve
ture to be used, and secure the composite correction as before.
during 1 min of sieving. When mechanical sieving is used, test
8. Hygroscopic Moisture
the thoroughness of sieving by using the hand method of
sieving as described above.
8.1 When the sample is weighed for the hydrometer test,
weigh out an auxiliary portion of from 10 to 15 g in a small
6.3 Determine the mass of each fraction on a balance
conforming to the requirements of 3.1.At the end of weighing, metal or glass container, dry the sample to a constant mass in
the sum of the masses retained on all the sieves used should an oven at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C), and weigh again. Record
equal closely the original mass of the quantity sieved. the masses.
´2
D422 − 63 (2007)
9. Dispersion of Soil Sample 15, 30, 60, 250, and 1440 min. If the controlled water bath is
used, the sedimentation cylinder should be placed in the bath
9.1 When the soil is mostly of the clay and silt sizes, weigh
between the 2- and 5-min readings.
out a sample of air-dry soil of approximately 50 g. When the
soil is mostly sand the sample should be approximately 100 g.
NOTE 11—The number of turns during this minute should be approxi-
mately 60, counting the turn upside down and back as two turns.Any soil
9.2 Place the sample in the 250-mL beaker and
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.