ASTM D422-63(2002)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
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.
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Designation: D 422 – 63 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Test Method for
Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 422; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
e NOTE—Adjunct references were corrected editorially in July 2006.
1. Scope Air-Jet Dispersion Cup for Grain-Size Analysis of Soil
1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination
3. Apparatus
of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of
3.1 Balances—A balance sensitive to 0.01 g for weighing
particle sizes larger than 75 µm (retained on the No. 200 sieve)
the material passing a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve, and a balance
isdeterminedbysieving,whilethedistributionofparticlesizes
sensitive to 0.1 % of the mass of the sample to be weighed for
smaller than 75 µm is determined by a sedimentation process,
weighing the material retained on a No. 10 sieve.
using a hydrometer to secure the necessary data (Note 1 and
3.2 Stirring Apparatus—Either apparatus A or B may be
Note 2).
used.
NOTE 1—Separation may be made on the No. 4 (4.75-mm), No. 40
3.2.1 Apparatus A shall consist of a mechanically operated
(425-µm), or No. 200 (75-µm) sieve instead of the No. 10. For whatever
stirringdeviceinwhichasuitablymountedelectricmotorturns
sieve used, the size shall be indicated in the report.
a vertical shaft at a speed of not less than 10 000 rpm without
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
plastic soils below the 20-µm size and appreciably less degradation on all 1. The shaft shall be of such length that the stirring paddle will
3 1
sizes when used with sandy soils. Because of the definite advantages
operate not less than ⁄4 in. (19.0 mm) nor more than 1 ⁄2 in.
favoring air dispersion, its use is recommended. The results from the two
(38.1 mm) above the bottom of the dispersion cup. A special
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.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.2 Apparatus B shall consist of an air-jet dispersion cup
(See ADJD0422) (Note 3) conforming to the general details
2.1 ASTM Standards:
shown in Fig. 3 (Note 4 and Note 5).
D 421 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 Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
NOTE 4—Another air-type dispersion device, known as a dispersion
poses
4 tube, developed by Chu and Davidson at Iowa State College, has been
E 100 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
sedimentation cylinder, thus eliminating the need for transferring the
slurry. When the air-dispersion tube is used, it shall be so indicated in the
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
report.
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
NOTE 5—Water may condense in air lines when not in use. This water
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
must be removed, either by using a water trap on the air line, or by
Current edition approved July 27, 2006. Published March 2003Originally
published in 1935. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D 422 – 63 (1998).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
3 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. Detailed working drawings for this cup are available fromASTM International
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03. Headquarters/ Order Adjunct No. ADJD0422.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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D 422 – 63 (2002)
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
3.5 Thermometer—A thermometer accurate to 1°F (0.5°C).
3.6 Sieves—A series of sieves, of square-mesh woven-wire
cloth, conforming to the requirements of SpecificationE11.A
full set of sieves includes the following (Note 6):
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
Metric Equivalents
analysis. A satisfactory water tank is an insulated tank that
in. 1.3 2.6 3.75
maintains the temperature of the suspension at a convenient
mm 33 66 95.2
constant temperature at or near 68°F (20°C). Such a device is
FIG. 2 Dispersion Cups of Apparatus
illustrated in Fig. 4. In cases where the work is performed in a
room at an automatically controlled constant temperature, the
water bath is not necessary.
blowing the water out of the line before using any of the air for dispersion
3.8 Beaker—A beaker of 250-mL capacity.
purposes.
3.9 Timing Device—A watch or clock with a second hand.
3.3 Hydrometer—An ASTM hydrometer, graduated to read
4. Dispersing Agent
in either specific gravity of the suspension or grams per litre of
suspension, and conforming to the requirements for hydrom-
4.1 A solution of sodium hexametaphosphate (sometimes
eters 151H or 152H in Specifications E 100. Dimensions of
called sodium metaphosphate) shall be used in distilled or
both hydrometers are the same, the scale being the only item of
demineralized water, at the rate of 40 g of sodium
difference.
hexametaphosphate/litre of solution (Note 7).
3.4 SedimentationCylinder—Aglasscylinderessentially18
NOTE 7—Solutions of this salt, if acidic, slowly revert or hydrolyze
in. (457 mm) in height and 2 ⁄2 in. (63.5 mm) in diameter, and
back to the orthophosphate form with a resultant decrease in dispersive
marked for a volume of 1000 mL. The inside diameter shall be
action. Solutions should be prepared frequently (at least once a month) or
such that the 1000-mL mark is 36 6 2 cm from the bottom on
adjusted to pH of 8 or 9 by means of sodium carbonate. Bottles containing
the inside. solutions should have the date of preparation marked on them.
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D 422 – 63 (2002)
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
4.2 All water used shall be either distilled or demineralized 5. Test Sample
water. The water for a hydrometer test shall be brought to the
5.1 Prepare the test sample for mechanical analysis as
temperature that is expected to prevail during the hydrometer
outlined in Practice D 421. During the preparation procedure
test. For example, if the sedimentation cylinder is to be placed
the sample is divided into two portions. One portion contains
in the water bath, the distilled or demineralized water to be
onlyparticlesretainedontheNo.10(2.00-mm)sievewhilethe
usedshallbebroughttothetemperatureofthecontrolledwater
other portion contains only particles passing the No. 10 sieve.
bath; or, if the sedimentation cylinder is used in a room with
The mass of air-dried soil selected for purpose of tests, as
controlled temperature, the water for the test shall be at the
prescribed in Practice D 421, shall be sufficient to yield
temperature of the room. The basic temperature for the
quantities for mechanical analysis as follows:
hydrometer test is 68°F (20°C). Small variations of tempera-
5.1.1 The size of the portion retained on the No. 10 sieve
ture do not introduce differences that are of practical signifi-
cance and do not prevent the use of corrections derived as shall depend on the maximum size of particle, according to the
prescribed. following schedule:
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D 422 – 63 (2002)
7.1.1 Both soil hydrometers are calibrated at 68°F (20°C),
Nominal Diameter of Approximate Minimum
Largest Particles, Mass of Portion, g
and variations in temperature from this standard temperature
in. (mm)
produce inaccuracies in the actual hydrometer readings. The
⁄8 (9.5) 500
⁄4 (19.0) 1000 amount of the inaccuracy increases as the variation from the
1 (25.4) 2000
standard temperature increases.
1 ⁄2 (38.1) 3000
7.1.2 Hydrometers are graduated by the manufacturer to be
2 (50.8) 4000
read at the bottom of the meniscus formed by the liquid on the
3 (76.2) 5000
stem. Since it is not possible to secure readings of soil
5.1.2 The size of the portion passing the No. 10 sieve shall
suspensions at the bottom of the meniscus, readings must be
be approximately 115 g for sandy soils and approximately 65
taken at the top and a correction applied.
g for silt and clay soils.
7.1.3 The net amount of the corrections for the three items
5.2 Provision is made in Section 5 of Practice D 421 for
enumerated is designated as the composite correction, and may
weighing of the air-dry soil selected for purpose of tests, the
be determined experimentally.
separation of the soil on the No. 10 sieve by dry-sieving and
7.2 For convenience, a graph or table of composite correc-
washing, and the weighing of the washed and dried fraction
tions for a series of 1° temperature differences for the range of
retained on the No. 10 sieve. From these two masses the
expected test temperatures may be prepared and used as
percentages retained and passing the No. 10 sieve can be
needed. Measurement of the composite corrections may be
calculated in accordance with 12.1.
made at two temperatures spanning the range of expected test
NOTE 8—A check on the mass values and the thoroughness of pulveri-
temperatures,andcorrectionsfortheintermediatetemperatures
zation of the clods may be secured by weighing the portion passing the
calculated assuming a straight-line relationship between the
No. 10 sieve and adding this value to the mass of the washed and
two observed values.
oven-dried portion retained on the No. 10 sieve.
7.3 Prepare 1000 mL of liquid composed of distilled or
demineralized water and dispersing agent in the same propor-
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION RETAINED ON NO.
tion as will prevail in the sedimentation (hydrometer) test.
Place the liquid in a sedimentation cylinder and the cylinder in
(2.00-mm) SIEVE
the constant-temperature water bath, set for one of the two
temperatures to be used. When the temperature of the liquid
6. Procedure
becomes constant, insert the hydrometer, and, after a short
6.1 Separate the portion retained on the No. 10 (2.00-mm)
interval to permit the hydrometer to come to the temperature of
sieve into a series of fractions using the 3-in. (75-mm), 2-in.
the liquid, read the hydrometer at the top of the meniscus
1 3
(50-mm), 1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm), 1-in. (25.0-mm), ⁄4-in. (19.0-
formed on the stem. For hydrometer 151H the composite
mm), ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm), and No. 10 sieves, or
correction is the difference between this reading and one; for
as many as may be needed depending on the sample, or upon
hydrometer 152H it is the difference between the reading and
the specifications for the material under test.
zero. Bring the liquid and the hydrometer to the other tempera-
6.2 Conduct the sieving operation by means of a lateral and
ture to be used, and secure the composite correction as before.
vertical motion of the sieve, accompanied by a jarring action in
order to keep the sample moving continuously over the surface
8. Hygroscopic Moisture
of the sieve. In no case turn or manipulate fragments in the
8.1 When the sample is weighed for the hydrometer test,
sample through the sieve by hand. Continue sieving until not
weigh out an auxiliary portion of from 10 to 15 g in a small
more than 1 mass % of the residue on a sieve passes that sieve
metal or glass container, dry the sample to a constant mass in
during 1 min of sieving. When mechanical sieving is used, test
an oven at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C), and weigh again. Record
the thoroughness of sieving by using the hand method of
the masses.
sieving as described above.
6.3 Determine the mass of each fraction on a balance
9. Dispersion of Soil Sample
conforming to the requirements of 3.1.At the end of weighing,
9.1 When the soil is mostly of the clay and silt sizes, weigh
the sum of the masses retained on all the sieves used should
out a sample of air-dry soil of approximately 50 g. When the
equal closely the original mass of the quantity sieved.
soil is mostly sand the sample should be approximately 100 g.
9.2 Place the sample in the 250-mL beaker and cover with
HYDROMETER AND SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION
125 mL of sodium hexametaphosphate solution (40 g/L). Stir
PASSING THE NO. 10 (2.00-mm) SIEVE
until the soil is thoroughly wetted.Allow to soak for at least 16
h.
7. Determination of Composite Correction for
9.3 At the end of the soaking period, disperse the sample
Hydrometer Reading
further, using either stirring apparatus A or B. If stirring
7.1 Equations for percentages of soil remaining in suspen- apparatus A is used, transfer the soil-water slurry from the
sion, as given in 14.3, are based on the use of distilled or beaker into the special dispersion cup shown in Fig. 2, washing
demineralized water. A dispersing agent is used in the water, any residue from the beaker into the cup with distilled or
however, and the specific gravity of the resulting liquid is demineralized water (Note 9). Add distilled or demineralized
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