ASTM D6913/D6913M-17
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The gradation of the soil is used for classification in accordance with Practice D2487.
5.2 The gradation (particle-size distribution) curve is used to calculate the coefficient of uniformity and the coefficient of curvature.
5.3 Selection and acceptance of fill materials are often based on gradation. For example, highway embankments, backfills, and earthen dams may have gradation requirements.
5.4 The gradation of the soil often controls the design and quality control of drainage filters, and groundwater drainage.
5.5 Selection of options for dynamic compaction and grouting is related to gradation of the soil.
5.6 The gradation of a soil is an indicator of engineering properties. Hydraulic conductivity, compressibility, and shear strength are related to the gradation of the soil. However, engineering behavior is dependent upon many factors (such as effective stress, stress history, mineral type, structure, plasticity, and geologic origins) and cannot be based solely upon gradation.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by these test methods is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 Soils consist of particles with various shapes and sizes. This test method is used to separate particles into size ranges and to determine quantitatively the mass of particles in each range. These data are combined to determine the particle-size distribution (gradation). This test method uses a square opening sieve criterion in determining the gradation of soil between the 3-in. (75-mm) and No. 200 (75-µm) sieves.
1.2 The terms, soils and material, are used interchangeably throughout the standard.
1.3 In cases where the gradation of particles larger than 3 in. (75 mm) sieve is needed, Test Method D5519 may be used.
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is needed, Test Method D7928 may be used.
1.5 Typically, if the maximum particle size is equal to or less than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve), then single-set sieving is applicable. Furthermore, if the maximum particle size is greater than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve) and equal to or less than 9.5 mm (3/8-in sieve), then either single-set sieving or composite sieving is applicable. Finally, if the maximum particle size is equal to or greater than 19.0 mm (3/4-in sieve), composite sieving is applicable. For special conditions see 10.3.
1.6 Two test methods are provided in this standard. The methods differ in the significant digits recorded and the size of the specimen (mass) required. The method to be used may be specified by the requesting authority; otherwise Method A shall be performed.
1.6.1 Method A—The percentage (by mass) passing each sieve size is recorded to the nearest 1 %. This method must be used when performing composite sieving. For cases of disputes, Method A is the referee method.
1.6.2 Method B—The percentage (by mass) passing each sieve size is recorded to the nearest 0.1 %. This method is only applicable for single sieve-set sieving and when the maximum particle size is equal to or less than the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.7 This test method does not cover, in any detail, procurement of the sample. It is assumed that the sample is obtained using appropriate methods and is representative.
1.8 Sample Processing—Three procedures (moist, air dry, and oven dry) are provided to process the sample to obtain a specimen. The procedure selected will depend on the type of sample, the maximum particle-size in the sample, the ran...
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D6913/D6913M −17
Standard Test Methods for
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve
1
Analysis
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6913/D6913M; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Althoughthistestmethodhasbeenusedformanyyears,therearevasttestingvariationsduetosoil
types and conditions. The test is more complicated and complex than would be expected. Multiple
procedures are being presented along with new terminology.Although these procedures are not new,
they will now be defined and explained. Some examples of these new terms are composite sieving,
designatedseparatingsieveandsubspecimen.Thistestmethodoutlinesthemajorityofconditionsand
proceduresbutdoesnotcovereveryconceivablevariationorcontingency.Thetableofcontentsinthe
Scope section is added to enable the user to easily find a specific topic or requirement. Only
sections/subsectionswithtitlesarepresented.Therefore,numberedsubsectionswillnotbecontinuous
in some cases, as indicated in the Scope section.
1. Scope 1.6 Two test methods are provided in this standard. The
methods differ in the significant digits recorded and the size of
1.1 Soils consist of particles with various shapes and sizes.
the specimen (mass) required. The method to be used may be
This test method is used to separate particles into size ranges
specifiedbytherequestingauthority;otherwiseMethodAshall
and to determine quantitatively the mass of particles in each
be performed.
range. These data are combined to determine the particle-size
distribution (gradation). This test method uses a square open-
1.6.1 Method A—The percentage (by mass) passing each
ingsievecriterionindeterminingthegradationofsoilbetween
sieve size is recorded to the nearest 1%. This method must be
the 3-in. (75-mm) and No. 200 (75-µm) sieves.
used when performing composite sieving. For cases of
disputes, Method A is the referee method.
1.2 The terms, soils and material, are used interchangeably
throughout the standard.
1.6.2 Method B—The percentage (by mass) passing each
sievesizeisrecordedtothenearest0.1%.Thismethodisonly
1.3 Incaseswherethegradationofparticleslargerthan3in.
applicable for single sieve-set sieving and when the maximum
(75 mm) sieve is needed, Test Method D5519 may be used.
particle size is equal to or less than the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than
No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is needed, Test Method D7928 may be
1.7 This test method does not cover, in any detail, procure-
used. ment of the sample. It is assumed that the sample is obtained
using appropriate methods and is representative.
1.5 Typically, if the maximum particle size is equal to or
less than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve), then single-set sieving is
1.8 Sample Processing—Three procedures (moist, air dry,
applicable. Furthermore, if the maximum particle size is
and oven dry) are provided to process the sample to obtain a
greaterthan4.75mm(No.4sieve)andequaltoorlessthan9.5
specimen. The procedure selected will depend on the type of
3
mm ( ⁄8-in sieve), then either single-set sieving or composite
sample, the maximum particle-size in the sample, the range of
sieving is applicable. Finally, if the maximum particle size is
particle sizes, the initial conditions of the material, the plastic-
3
equal to or greater than 19.0 mm ( ⁄4-in sieve), composite
ityofthematerial,theefficiency,andtheneedforothertesting
sieving is applicable. For special conditions see 10.3.
on the sample. The procedure may be specified by the
requesting authority; otherwise the guidance given in Section
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
10 shall be followed.
RockandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.03onTexture,Plasticity
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
1.9 This test method typically requires two or three days to
Current edition approved April 15, 2017. Published May 2017. Originally
ε1 complete, depending on the type and size of the sample and
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D6913–04(2009) .
DOI: 10.1520/D6913_D6913M-17. soil type.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D6913/D6913M−17
1.10 This test method is not applicable for the following responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
soi
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: D6913 − 04 (Reapproved 2009) D6913/D6913M − 17
Standard Test Methods for
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve
1
Analysis
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6913;D6913/D6913M; 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.
1
ε NOTE—Editorially corrected Eq 1 in July 2014.
INTRODUCTION
Although this test method has been used for many years, there are vast testing variations required
due to soil types and conditions. The test is more complicated and complex than would be expected.
Multiple procedures are being presented along with new terminology. Although these procedures are
not new, they will now be defined and explained. Some examples of these new terms are composite
sieving, designated separating sieve and subspecimen. This test method outlines the majority of
conditions and procedures but does not cover every conceivable variation or contingency. The table
of contents in the Scope section is added to enable the user to easily find a specific topic or
requirement. Only sections/subsections with titles are presented. Therefore, numbered subsections will
not be continuous in some cases, as indicated in the Scope section.
1. Scope
1.1 Soils consist of particles with various shapes and sizes. This test method is used to separate particles into size ranges and
to determine quantitatively the mass of particles in each range. These data are combined to determine the particle-size distribution
(gradation). This test method uses a square opening sieve criterion in determining the gradation of soil between the 3-in. (75-mm)
and No. 200 (75-μm) sieves.
1.2 The terms, soils and material, are used interchangeably throughout the standard.
1.3 In cases where the gradation of particles larger than 3 in. (75 mm) sieve is required,needed, Test Method D5519 may be
used.
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than No. 200 (75-μm) sieve is required,needed, Test Method D422D7928
may be used.
1.5 Typically, if the maximum particle size is equal to or less than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve), then single-set sieving is applicable.
3
Furthermore, if the maximum particle size is greater than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve) and equal to or less than 9.5 mm ( ⁄8-in sieve),
then either single-set sieving or composite sieving is applicable. Finally, if the maximum particle size is equal to or greater than
3
19.0 mm ( ⁄4-in sieve), composite sieving is applicable. For special conditions see 10.3.
1.6 Two test methods are provided in this standard. The methods differ in the significant digits recorded and the size of the
specimen (mass) required. The method to be used may be specified by the requesting authority; otherwise Method A shall be
performed.
1.6.1 Method A—The percentage (by mass) passing each sieve size is recorded to the nearest 1 %. This method must be used
when performing composite sieving. For cases of disputes, Method A is the referee method.
1.6.2 Method B—The percentage (by mass) passing each sieve size is recorded to the nearest 0.1 %. This method is only
applicable for single sieve-set sieving and when the maximum particle size is equal to or less than the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.7 This test method does not cover, in any detail, procurement of the sample. It is assumed that the sample is obtained using
appropriate methods and is representative.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved July 1, 2009April 15, 2017. Published August 2009May 2017. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20042009 as
ε2ε1
D6913 – 04(2009) . DOI: 10.1520/D6913-04R09E01.10.1520/D6913-17.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D6913/D6913M − 17
1.8 Sample Processing—Three procedures (moist, air dry, and oven dry) are provided to process the sample to obtain a
specimen. The procedure selected will depend on the type of sample, the maximum particle-size in the sample, the range of particle
sizes, the initial conditions of the material, the plasticity of the material, the effi
...
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