ASTM D6913-04e1
(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
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-m) 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, Test Method D 5519 may be used.
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than No. 200 (75-m) sieve is required, Test Method D 422 may be used.
1.5 Typically, if the maximum particle size is equal to or less than the 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve), then single-set sieving is applicable. Furthermore, if the maximum particle size is greater than the 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve) and equal to or less than the 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 .
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 AThe 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 BThe 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 ProcessingThree 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 efficiency, and the need for other testing on the sample. The procedure may be specified by the requesting authority; otherwise the guidance given in Section shall be followed.
1.9 This test method typically requires two or three days to complete, depending on the type and size of the sample and soil type.
1.10 This test method is not applicable for the following soils:
1.10.1 Soils containing fibrous peat that will change in particle size during the drying, washing, or sieving procedure.
1.10.2 Soils containing extraneous matter, such as organic solvents, oil, asphalt, wood fragments, or similar items. Such extraneous matter can affect the washing and sieving procedures.
1.10.3 Materials that contain cementitious components, such as cement, fly ash, lime, or other stabilization admixtures.
1.11 This test method may not produce consistent test results within and between laboratories for the following soils and the precision statement does not apply to them.
1.11.1 Friable soils in which the sieving processes change the gradation of the soil. Typical examples of these soils are some residual soils, most weathered shales and some weakly cemented soils such as hardpan, caliche or coquina.
1.11.2 Soils that will not readily disperse such as glauconitic clays or some dried plastic clays.
1.11.3 To test these soils, this test method must be adapted, or altered, and these alterations documented. Depending on the design considerations, a specialized gradation-testing program could be perfor...
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Designation: D 6913 – 04
Standard Test Methods for
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve
1
Analysis
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6913; 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.
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e NOTE—Editorial corrections were made throughout in January 2005.
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.Onlysections/subsectionswithtitlesarepresented.Therefore,numberedsubsectionswill
not be continuous 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
1.6.1 Method A—The percentage (by mass) passing each
distribution (gradation). This test method uses a square open-
sieve size is recorded to the nearest 1 %. This method must be
ing sieve criterion in determining the gradation of soil between
used when performing composite sieving. For cases of dis-
the 3-in. (75-mm) and No. 200 (75-µm) sieves.
putes, Method A is the referee method.
1.2 The terms, soils and material, are used interchangeably
1.6.2 Method B—The percentage (by mass) passing each
throughout the standard.
sieve size is recorded to the nearest 0.1 %. This method is only
1.3 Incaseswherethegradationofparticleslargerthan3in.
applicable for single sieve-set sieving and when the maximum
(75 mm) sieve is required, Test Method D 5519 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
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1.7 This test method does not cover, in any detail, procure-
No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is required,Test Method D 422 may be
ment of the sample. It is assumed that the sample is obtained
used.
using appropriate methods and is representative.
1.5 Typically, if the maximum particle size is equal to or
1.8 Sample Processing—Three procedures (moist, air dry,
less than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve), then single-set sieving is
and oven dry) are provided to process the sample to obtain a
applicable. Furthermore, if the maximum particle size is
specimen. The procedure selected will depend on the type of
greaterthan4.75mm(No.4sieve)andequaltoorlessthan9.5
3 sample, the maximum particle-size in the sample, the range of
mm ( ⁄8-in sieve), then either single-set sieving or composite
particle sizes, the initial conditions of the material, the plastic-
sieving is applicable. Finally, if the maximum particle size is
3 ity of the material, the efficiency, and the need for other testing
equal to or greater than 19.0 mm ( ⁄4-in sieve), composite
on the sample. The procedure may be specified by the
sieving is applicable. For special conditions see 10.3.
requesting authority; otherwise the guidance given in Section
10 shall be followed.
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ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
1.9 This test method typically requires two or three days to
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 onTexture, Plasticity,
complete, depending on the type and size of the sample and
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
soil type.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2004. Published September 2004.
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Currently Subcommittee D18.03 is preparing a new test method (Hydrometer
Analysis or Combined Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis) to replace D 422.
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D6913–04
1.10 This test method is not applicable for the following priate safety and health prac
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