ASTM D6913-04(2009)

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 D2487.
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 groundwater 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 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 required, Test Method D5519 may be used.
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is required, Test Method D422 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 range of particle sizes, the initial c...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2009
• ICS: 13.080.20 - Physical properties of soils
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.03 - Texture, Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6913-04e2 - Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Replaced By: ASTM D6913-04(2009)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D3276-21 - Standard Guide for Painting Inspectors (Metal Substrates)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D8151-19e1 - Standard Practice for Obtaining Rainfall Runoff from Unvegetated Rolled and Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (RECPs and HECPs) for Acute Ecotoxicity Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E2060-22 - Standard Guide for Use of Coal Combustion Products for Solidification/Stabilization of Inorganic Wastes
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D3282-15 - Standard Practice for Classification of Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D2487-17e1 - Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D1140-17 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Amount of Material Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Soils by Washing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM E3282-22 - Standard Guide for NAPL Mobility and Migration in Sediments – Evaluation Metrics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D1997-20 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of the Fiber Content of Peat and Organic Soils by Dry Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D2166/D2166M-16 - Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D8106-17 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Oil Sorption Capacity of Organophilic Clay
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D7382-20 - Standard Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D4972-19 - Standard Test Methods for pH of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D6528-17 - Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Direct Simple Shear Testing of Fine Grain Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009

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
Designation:D6913 −04(Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Methods for
Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve
Analysis
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6913; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
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 sieving is applicable. Finally, if the maximum particle size is
equal to or greater than 19.0 mm ( ⁄4-in sieve), composite
1.1 Soils consist of particles with various shapes and sizes.
sieving is applicable. For special conditions see 10.3.
This test method is used to separate particles into size ranges
and to determine quantitatively the mass of particles in each
1.6 Two test methods are provided in this standard. The
range. These data are combined to determine the particle-size
methods differ in the significant digits recorded and the size of
distribution (gradation). This test method uses a square open-
the specimen (mass) required. The method to be used may be
ingsievecriterionindeterminingthegradationofsoilbetween
specifiedbytherequestingauthority;otherwiseMethodAshall
the 3-in. (75-mm) and No. 200 (75-µm) sieves.
be performed.
1.6.1 Method A—The percentage (by mass) passing each
1.2 The terms, soils and material, are used interchangeably
sieve size is recorded to the nearest 1%. This method must be
throughout the standard.
used when performing composite sieving. For cases of
1.3 Incaseswherethegradationofparticleslargerthan3in.
disputes, Method A is the referee method.
(75 mm) sieve is required, Test Method D5519 may be used.
1.6.2 Method B—The percentage (by mass) passing each
1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller than
sievesizeisrecordedtothenearest0.1%.Thismethodisonly
No. 200 (75-µm) sieve is required,Test Method D422 may be
applicable for single sieve-set sieving and when the maximum
used.
particle size is equal to or less than the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.5 Typically, if the maximum particle size is equal to or
1.7 This test method does not cover, in any detail, procure-
less than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve), then single-set sieving is
ment of the sample. It is assumed that the sample is obtained
applicable. Furthermore, if the maximum particle size is
using appropriate methods and is representative.
greaterthan4.75mm(No.4sieve)andequaltoorlessthan9.5
1.8 Sample Processing—Three procedures (moist, air dry,
mm ( ⁄8-in sieve), then either single-set sieving or composite
and oven dry) are provided to process the sample to obtain a
specimen. The procedure selected will depend on the type of
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
sample, the maximum particle-size in the sample, the range of
Rock andisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.03onTexture, Plasticity
particle sizes, the initial conditions of the material, the plastic-
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved July 1, 2009. Published August 2009. Originally
ity of the material, the efficiency, and the need for other testing
ε2
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D6913–04 . DOI:
on the sample. The procedure may be specified by the
10.1520/D6913-04R09.
2 requesting authority; otherwise the guidance given in Section
Currently Subcommittee D18.03 is preparing a new test method (Hydrometer
Analysis or Combined Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis) to replace D422. 10 shall be followed.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6913−04 (2009)
1.9 This test method typically requires two or three days to 1.15 Asummary of the symbols used in this test method is
complete, depending on the type and size of the sample and given in Annex A1.
soil type.
1.16 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.10 This test method is not applicable for the following safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
soils:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.10.1 Soils containing fibrous peat that will change in
particle size during the drying, washing, or sieving procedure. bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.10.2 Soils containing extraneous matter, such as organic
1.17 Table of Contents—All tables and figures appear at the
solvents, oil, asphalt, wood fragments, or similar items. Such
end of this standard.
extraneous matter can affect the washing and sieving proce-
Section
dures. Scope 1
Method A 1.6.1
1.10.3 Materials that contain cementitious components,
Method B 1.6.2
suchascement,flyash,lime,orotherstabilizationadmixtures.
Sample Processing 1.8
Units 1.14
1.11 This test method may not produce consistent test
Referenced Documents 2
ASTM Standards 2.1
results within and between laboratories for the following soils
Terminology 3
and the precision statement does not apply to them.
General 3.1
1.11.1 Friable soils in which the sieving processes change
Definitions 3.2
Definitions of Terms Specific to This 3.3
the gradation of the soil. Typical examples of these soils are
Standard
some residual soils, most weathered shales and some weakly
Summary of Test Method 4
cemented soils such as hardpan, caliche or coquina.
Significance and Use 5
Apparatus 6
1.11.2 Soilsthatwillnotreadilydispersesuchasglauconitic
Sieves 6.1
clays or some dried plastic clays.
Standard Sieve Set 6.1.1
Washing Sieve, No. 200 (75-µm) 6.1.2
1.11.3 To test these soils, this test method must be adapted,
Designated Separating Sieve 6.1.3
oraltered,andthesealterationsdocumented.Dependingonthe
Washing Sink with Spray Nozzle 6.2
design considerations, a specialized gradation-testing program
Mechanical Sieve Shaker 6.3
Balances 6.4
could be performed. The alterations could require the washing
Drying Oven 6.5
and sieving procedures to be standardized such that each
Sieving Containers 6.6
specimen would be processed in a similar manner.
Specimen Containers 6.6.1
Collection/Transfer Device 6.6.2
1.12 Some materials that are not soils, but are made up of
Cumulative Mass Container 6.6.3
Sieve Brushes 6.7
particles may be tested using this method. However, the
Miscellaneous Items 6.8
applicable sections above should be used in applying this
Splitter or Riffle Box (optional) 6.9
standard.
Quartering Accessories (optional) 6.10
Mortar and Rubber-Covered Pestle 6.11
1.13 Allobservedandcalculatedvaluesshallconformtothe
(optional)
Low Temperature Drying Oven 6.12
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
(optional)
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
Ultrasonic Water Bath (optional) 6.13
1.13.1 The procedures used to specify how data are Dispersion Shaker (optional) 6.14
Reagents 7
collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded
Dispersant 7.1
as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of
Dry Addition 7.1.1.1
the significant digits that generally should be retained. The Solution 7.1.1.2
Preparation of Apparatus 8
proceduresuseddonotconsidermaterialvariation,purposefor
Verification of Sieves 8.1
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
Verification Interval 8.1.1
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
Verification of Mechanical Sieve Shaker 8.2
and
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
Standard Shaking Period
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
Large Mechanical Sieve Shaker 8.2.1
of these test methods to consider significant digits used in Verification Interval 8.2.2
Hand Sieve Shaking Procedure 8.2.3
analysis methods for engineering design.
Sampling 9
General 9.1
1.14 Units—ThedimensionalvaluesstatedineitherSIunits
Sample Sources 9.2
or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, such as
Bulk Samples 9.2.1
200-mmor8-in.diametersieve.Except,thesievedesignations Jar and Small Bag Samples 9.2.2
Undisturbed Tube Samples 9.2.3
are typically identified using the “alternative” system in
Samples from Prior Testing 9.2.4
accordance with Practice E11, such as 3 in. and No. 200,
Specimen 10
instead of the “standard” system of 75 mm and 75 µm, General 10.1
Minimum Mass Requirement 10.2
respectively. Only the SI units are used for mass
Selection of Sieving Procedure 10.3
determinations, calculations, and reported results. However,
Single Sieve-Set Sieving 10.3.1
Composite Sieving 10.3.2
the use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm)
Specimen Procurement 10.4
shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
D6913−04 (2009)
Moist Procedure 10.4.1 Percent Passing, Specimen 12.5.2.1
Air-Dried Procedure 10.4.2 (combined
Oven-Dried Procedure 10.4.3 coarser and finer portions)
Discussion on Segregating Soils 10.4.4 Subspecimen, Acceptable 12.5.2.2
Fractional
Specimen Procurement and Processing 10.5
Requirements Percent Retained
Percent Passing, Acceptance 12.5.2.3
Moist Procedure, Single Sieve-Set 10.5.1
Sieving Criterion
Finer Portion, Percent Passing 12.5.3
Moist Procedure, Composite Sieving 10.5.2
Coarse Portion Acceptable Loss 10.5.2.3 (optional)
Composite Sieving, Double Separation 12.6
(CP )
L
st
Air-Dried Procedure, General 10.5.3 1 Coarser Portion 12.6.1
st
Air-Dried Procedure, Single Sieve- 10.5.4 1 Subspecimen 12.6.2
nd
Set Sieving Percent Passing, 2 Coarser 12.6.2.1
Air-Dried Procedure, Composite 10.5.5 Portion
nd
Sieving 2 Coarser Portion, Composite 12.6.2.2
Oven-Dried Procedure, General 10.5.6 Sieving
nd
Oven-Dried Procedure, Single Sieve- 10.5.7 Correction Factor (2 CSCF)
nd
Set Sieving 2 Coarser Portion, Acceptable 12.6.2.3
Loss on
Oven-Dried Procedure, Composite 10.5.8
Sieving Sieving and Washing
nd
2 Coarser Portion, Acceptable 12.6.2.4
Procedure (Sieving) 11
General 11.1 Fractional
Percent Retained
Mass Measurements 11.2
Sieve Overloading 11.3 Percent Passing, Acceptance 12.6.2.5
Criterion
Single Sieve-Set Sieving 11.4
nd
Specimen Mass 11.4.1 2 Subspecimen 12.6.3
nd
Percent Passing, 2 Subspecimen 12.6.3.1
Specimen Dispersion 11.4.2
nd
Soaking without a Dispersant 11.4.2.1 2 Subspecimen, Acceptable 12.6.3.2
Fractional
Soaking with a Dispersant 11.4.2.2
Percent Retained
Using an Ultrasonic Water Bath 11.4.2.3
Percent Passing, Acceptance 12.6.3.3
Washing Specimen 11.4.3
Criterion
General Precautions 11.4.3.1
st
1 Finer Portion, Percent Passing 12.6.4
Transfer Specimen 11.4.3.2
(optional)
Washing 11.4.3.3
nd
Transfer Washed Specimen 11.4.3.4 2 Finer Portion, Composite 12.6.4.1
Sieving
Dry Sieving 11.4.4
Correction Factor (optional)
Sieve Set 11.4.4.1
nd
2 Finer Portion, Percent Passing 12.6.4.2
Mechanical Shaking 11.4.4.2
for
Cumulative Material/Mass Retained 11.4.5
nd
2 Subspecimen (optional)
First Sieve 11.4.5.1
Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s) 13
Remaining Sieves 11.4.5.2
Precision and Bias 14
Composite Sieving, Single Separation 11.5
Precision 14.1
Coarser Portion 11.5.1
Precision Data Analysis 14.1.1
Dispersing and Washing 11.5.1.1
Calculation of Precision 14.1.2
Dry Sieving Coarser Portion 11.5.1.3
Acceptance Criterion 14.1.2.4
Subspecimen from Finer Portion 11.5.2
Triplicate Test Precision Data (TTPD) 14.1.3
Dispersing and Washing 11.5.2.1
TTPD Method A Repeatability 14.1.3.1
Subspecimen
TTPD -Method A Reproducibility 14.1.3.2
Dry Sieving Subspecimen 11.5.2.2
TTPD -Method B Repeatability 14.1.3.3
Composite Sieving, Double Separation 11.6
st
TTPD -Method B Reproducibility 14.1.3.4
Separating 1 Subspecimen 11.6.1
nd
Single Test Precision Data (STPD) 14.1.4
Dispersing and Washing 2 Coarser 11.6.2
STPD -Method A Reproducibility 14.1.4.1
Portion
nd
STPD -Method B Reproducibility 14.1.4.2
Dry Sieving 2 Coarser Portion 11.6.3
nd
Soils Type 14.1.5
2 Subspecimen 11.6.4
nd
Discussion on Precision 14.1.6
Dispersing and Washing 2 11.6.4.1
Subspecimen Bias 14.2
nd
Keywords 15
Dry Sieving 2 Subspecimen 11.6.4.2
ANNEXES
Calculations 12
Symbols Annex A1
General 12.1
Sample to Specimen Splitting/Reduction Annex A2
Sieve Overloading 12.2
Methods
Single Sieve-Set Sieving, Percent 12.3
General A2.1
Passing
Mechanical Splitting A2.1.1
Composite Sieving, Mass of Specimen 12.4
Quartering A2.1.2
Composite Sieving, Single Separation 12.5
Composite Sieving, Coarser Portion 12.5.1 Miniature Stockpile Sampling A2.1.3
Sample Processing Recommendation A2.2
(CP)
Based
CP, Percent Passing 12.5.1.1
on Soil Type
CP, Composite Sieving Correction 12.5.1.2
Clean Gravel (GW, GP) and Clean A2.2.1
Factor (CSCF)
Sand
CP, Acceptable Loss During 12.5.1.3
(SW, SP)
Washing
Gravel with Fines (GM, GC, GC-GM, A2.2.2
and Sieving
GW-GM, GP-GM, GP-GC)
Composite Sieving, Subspecimen 12.5.2
(finer
portion)
D6913−04 (2009)
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Sand with Silt Fines (SW-SM, SP- A2.2.3
SM,
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
SM)
Sand with Clay and Silt Fines or Clay A2.2.4
Fines (SW-SC, SP-SC, SC, SC- 3. Terminology
SM)
3.1 General:
Silts with Sand or Gravel, or Both A2.2.5
(ML,
3.1.1 An overview of terms used in the sieving processes is
MH)
presented in Fig. 1(a) using a tabular format and in Fig. 1(b)
Organic Soils with Sand or Gravel, or A2.2.6
Both (OL, OH)
using a flowchart format. In addition, Fig. 1(a) includes
APPENDIXES
symbols used in the sieving processes.
Example Test Data Sheets/Forms Appendix X1
3.1.2 There are two types of definitions in the following
General X1.1
Precision: Example Calculations Appendix X2
sections. There are definitions that are general (see 3.2) and
General X2.1
others that are specific to this standard (see 3.3). To locate a
TABLES and FIGURES
definition, it may be necessary to review both sections. The
definitions are in alphabetical order.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 Definitions:
2.1 AST
...