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
1
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
3
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
2
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
3
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
1
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
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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.
...