Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The gradation of the soil is used for classification in accordance with Practice D 2487.
The gradation (particle-size distribution) curve is used to calculate the coefficient of uniformity and the coefficient of curvature.
Selection and acceptance of fill materials are often based on gradation. For example, highway embankments, backfills, and earthen dams may have gradation requirements.
The gradation of the soil often controls the design and quality control of drainage filters, and ground-water drainage.
Selection of options for dynamic compaction and grouting is related to gradation of the soil.
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 D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 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 required, Test Method D 5519 may be used.
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is required, Test Method D 422 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 (¾-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 range of particle sizes, the init...

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Publication Date
10-Feb-2005
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Effective Date
11-Feb-2005

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ASTM D6913-04e2 - Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
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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
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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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1
´ NOTE—Editorial corrections were made throughout in January 2005.
2
´ NOTE—Editorial corrections were made to Table 2 in August 2008.
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 greaterthan4.75mm(No.4sieve)andequaltoorlessthan9.5
3
mm ( ⁄8-in sieve), then either single-set sieving or composite
1.1 Soils consist of particles with various shapes and sizes.
sieving is applicable. Finally, if the maximum particle size is
This test method is used to separate particles into size ranges
3
equal to or greater than 19.0 mm ( ⁄4-in sieve), composite
and to determine quantitatively the mass of particles in each
sieving is applicable. For special conditions see 10.3.
range. These data are combined to determine the particle-size
1.6 Two test methods are provided in this standard. The
distribution (gradation). This test method uses a square open-
methods differ in the significant digits recorded and the size of
ing sieve criterion in determining the gradation of soil between
the specimen (mass) required. The method to be used may be
the 3-in. (75-mm) and No. 200 (75-µm) sieves.
specifiedbytherequestingauthority;otherwiseMethodAshall
1.2 The terms, soils and material, are used interchangeably
be performed.
throughout the standard.
1.6.1 Method A—The percentage (by mass) passing each
1.3 Incaseswherethegradationofparticleslargerthan3in.
sieve size is recorded to the nearest 1 %. This method must be
(75 mm) sieve is required, Test Method D 5519 may be used.
used when performing composite sieving. For cases of dis-
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than
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putes, Method A is the referee method.
No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is required,Test Method D 422 may be
1.6.2 Method B—The percentage (by mass) passing each
used.
sieve size is recorded to the nearest 0.1 %. This method is only
1.5 Typically, if the maximum particle size is equal to or
applicable for single sieve-set sieving and when the maximum
less than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve), then single-set sieving is
particle size is equal to or less than the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
applicable. Furthermore, if the maximum particle size is
1.7 This test method does not cover, in any detail, procure-
ment of the sample. It is assumed that the sample is obtained
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
using appropriate methods and is representative.
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
1.8 Sample Processing—Three procedures (moist, air dry,
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
and oven dry) are provided to process the sample to obtain a
Current edition approved Feb. 11, 2005. Published September 2004.
2
Currently Subcommittee D18.03 is preparing a new test method (Hydrometer
specimen. The procedure selected will depend on the type of
Analysis or Combined Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis) to replace D 422.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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D6913–04
sample, the maximum particle-size in the sample, the range of respectively. Only the SI units are used for mass determina-
particle sizes, the initial conditions of the material, the plastic- tions, calculations and reported results. However, the use of
ity of the material, the efficiency, and the need for other testing balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) shall not be
on the sample. The procedure may be specified by the regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
...

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