SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004

Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)

This document describes methods for the determination of the particle size distribution of soil samples.
The particle size distribution is one of the most important physical characteristics of soil. Classification of soils is mainly based on the particle size distribution. Many geotechnical and geohydrological properties of soil are related to the particle size distribution.
The particle size distribution provides a description of soil, based on a subdivision in discrete classes of particle sizes. The size of each class can be determined by sieving and/or sedimentation. For soils with less than 10 % fines, the sieving method is applicable. Soils with more than 10 % fines can be analysed by a combination of sieving and sedimentation.
Sieving is the process whereby the soil is separated in particle size classes by the use of test sieves. Sedimentation is the process of the setting of soil particles in a liquid. The difference in settling rate enables the particle size classes to be separated. Two sedimentation methods are described; the hydrometer method and the pipette method.
The methods described are applicable to all non-cemented soils with particle sizes less than  125 mm.
Depending on the purpose for the determination of the particle size distribution, pretreatment or correction for calcium carbonate, dissolved salts and/or organic matter can be required. The use of these methods should be stated in the laboratory report.
Modern methods that incorporate detection systems using x-rays, laser beams, density measurements and particle counters are not covered by this document.

Geotechnische Erkundung und Untersuchung - Laborversuche an Bodenproben - Teil 4: Bestimmung der Korngrößenverteilung (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)

Reconnaissance et essais géotechniques - Essais de laboratoire sur les sols - Partie 4: Détermination de la distribution granulométrique des particules (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)

L'ISO 17892-4:2004 décrit des méthodes pour la détermination de la distribution granulométrique des particules d'échantillons de sol.
La distribution granulométrique des particules est l'une des caractéristiques physiques les plus importantes pour la description d'un sol. La classification des sols est essentiellement basée sur elle. En outre, de nombreuses propriétés géotechniques et hydrogéologiques sont liées à la distribution granulométrique des particules.
La distribution granulométrique des particules fournit une description du sol basée sur la subdivision en classes discrètes des dimensions des particules. La dimension de chacune de ces classes peut être déterminée par tamisage et/ou sédimentation. Le tamisage est applicable aux sols contenant moins de 10 % de fines. Les sols contenant plus de 10 % de fines peuvent être analysés en combinant tamisage et sédimentation.
Le tamisage est un procédé par lequel le sol est séparé en classes de dimension des particules au moyen de tamis d'essai. La sédimentation est un procédé dans lequel le sol est mis en suspension dans un liquide. La différence des vitesses de dépôt permet de séparer les particules en classes de dimension différente. Deux méthodes de sédimentation sont décrites: la méthode du densimètre et celle de la pipette.
Les méthodes décrites dans ce document peuvent être appliquées à tous les sols non cimentés dont les particules ont une dimension inférieure à 125 mm.
En fonction du but poursuivi par l'analyse granulométrique, un prétraitement ou une correction peuvent s'avérer nécessaires pour les carbonates de calcium, les sels dissous et/ou la matière organique. Il convient de signaler l'utilisation de ces méthodes dans le rapport d'essai.
Les méthodes modernes utilisant les rayons X, un faisceau laser, le mesurage de la masse volumique et le comptage des particules ne sont pas prises en considération dans le présent document.

Geotehnično preiskovanje in preskušanje – Laboratorijsko preskušanje zemljin – 4. del: Ugotavljanje zrnavostne sestave (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)

Ta dokument opisuje metode za ugotavljanje zrnavostne sestave vzorcev zemljine. Zrnavostna sestava je ena najpomembnejših fizikalnih značilnosti zemljine. Klasifikacija zemljin v glavnem temelji na zrnavostni sestavi. Z zrnavostno sestavo so povezane številne geotehnične in geohidrološke lastnosti zemljine. Zrnavostna sestava omogoča opis zemljine, ki temelji na razdelitvi na ločene razrede glede na velikosti delcev. Velikost vsakega razreda se lahko določi s sejanjem in/ali usedanjem. Za zemljine z manj kot 10 % finih delcev se uporablja metoda s sejanjem. Zemljine z več kot 10 % finih delcev se lahko analizirajo s kombinacijo sejanja in usedanja. Sejanje je postopek, pri katerem se zemljina z uporabo preskusnih sit loči na razrede glede na velikosti delcev. Usedanje je postopek posedanje delcev zemljine v tekočini. Razlika v hitrosti posedanja omogoča ločevanje razredov delcev glede na velikost. Opisani sta dve metodi usedanja: metoda s hidrometrom in metoda s pipeto. Opisani metodi se uporabljata za vse necementne zemljine z velikostjo delcev pod 125 mm. Glede na namen ugotavljanja zrnavostne sestave je lahko potrebna predhodna obdelava ali korekcije zaradi kalcijevega karbonata, raztopljenih soli in/ali organske snovi. Uporabo teh metod je treba navesti v laboratorijskem poročilu. Ta dokument ne zajema modernih metod, ki vključujejo detekcijske sisteme z rentgenskimi žarki, laserskimi žarki, meritvami gostote in števci delcev.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2004
• Withdrawal Date: 19-Feb-2017
• ICS: 13.080.20 - Physical properties of soils
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: KON - Structures
• Current Stage: 9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 20-Feb-2017
• Due Date: 15-Mar-2017
• Completion Date: 20-Feb-2017
• Ref Project: CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 - Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)

Relations

• Replaced By: SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017 - Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution (ISO 17892-4:2016)
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Corrected By: SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004/AC:2010 - Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)
• Effective Date: 08-Jun-2022
• Replaced By: SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017 - Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution (ISO 17892-4:2016)
• Effective Date: 08-Jun-2022
• Corrected By: SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004/AC:2010 - Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
01-december-2004
*HRWHKQLþQRSUHLVNRYDQMHLQSUHVNXãDQMH±/DERUDWRULMVNRSUHVNXãDQMH]HPOMLQ±
GHO8JRWDYOMDQMH]UQDYRVWQHVHVWDYH,6276
Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination
of particle size distribution (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)
Geotechnische Erkundung und Untersuchung - Laborversuche an Bodenproben - Teil 4:
Bestimmung der Korngrößenverteilung (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)
Reconnaissance et essais géotechniques - Essais de laboratoire sur les sols - Partie 4:
Détermination de la distribution granulométrique des particules (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
ICS:
13.080.20 Fizikalne lastnosti tal Physical properties of soils
93.020 Zemeljska dela. Izkopavanja. Earthworks. Excavations.
Gradnja temeljev. Dela pod Foundation construction.
zemljo Underground works
SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004

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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
October 2004
ICS 13.080.20; 93.020
English version
Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of
soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution (ISO/TS
17892-4:2004)
Reconnaissance et essais géotechniques - Essais de sol Geotechnische Erkundung und Untersuchung -
au laboratoire - Partie 4: Détermination de la granulométrie Laborversuche an Bodenproben - Teil 4: Bestimmung der
(ISO/TS 17892-4:2004) Korngrößenverteilung (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004)
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 2 December 2003 for provisional application.
The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS available
promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the CEN/TS)
until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2004 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
Contents
Foreword.3
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .5
3 Terms and definitions .6
4 Equipment .6
4.1 General.6
4.2 Sieving .7
4.3 Hydrometer method.7
5 Test procedure.10
5.1 Selection of test method .10
5.2 Sieving .10
5.3 Hydrometer analysis .15
6 Test results.21
6.1 Sieving .21
6.2 Hydrometer.21
6.3 Pipette method.23
7 Test report .24
Annex A (informative) Calibration of hydrometer .26
A.1 Volume calibration.26
A.2 Scale calibration .26
A.3 Meniscus correction.27
Annex B (informative) Calibration of hydrometer .29
B.1 Pretreatment for organic material.29
B.2 Pretreatment for carbonate material.29
B.3 Final pretreatment stage .29
Bibliography .30

Tables
Table 1 — Minimum mass required for sieving as a function of particle diameter D .12
90
Table 2 — Maximum mass of soil retained on each sieve.14
Table 3 — Dry mass of soil specimen for sedimentation test.17
Table 4 — Insertion depth of pipette.20
Table 5 — Dynamic viscosity of water.23
Table A.1 — Temperature correction.28

Figures
Figure 1 — Example of pipette configuration .9
Figure 2 — Sieving procedure.11
Figure 3 — General procedure for sedimentation .16
Figure 4 — Example of a particle size distribution result.25
Figure A.1 — Example of calibration of hydrometer scale .27
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
Foreword
This document (CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 341
“Geotechnical investigation and testing”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN, in collaboration with Technical
Committee ISO/TC 182 “Geotechnics”.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CEN ISO/TS 17892 consists of the following parts, under the general title Geotechnical investigation and testing —
Laboratory testing of soil:
 Part 1: Determination of water content
 Part 2: Determination of density of fine grained soil
 Part 3: Determination of particle density - Pycnometer method
 Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution
 Part 5: Incremental loading oedometer test
 Part 6: Fall cone test
 Part 7: Unconfined compression test on fine grain soils
 Part 8: Unconsolidated undrained triaxial test
 Part 9: Consolidated triaxial compression tests on water saturated soils
 Part 10: Direct shear tests
 Part 11: Determination of permeability by constant and falling head
 Part 12: Determination of the Atterberg limits
3

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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
Introduction
This document covers areas in the international field of geotechnical engineering never previously standardised. It
is intended that this document presents broad good practice throughout the world and significant differences with
national documents is not anticipated. It is based on international practice (see [1]).
4

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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)

1 Scope
This document describes methods for the determination of the particle size distribution of soil samples.
The particle size distribution is one of the most important physical characteristics of soil. Classification of soils is
mainly based on the particle size distribution. Many geotechnical and geohydrological properties of soil are related
to the particle size distribution.
The particle size distribution provides a description of soil, based on a subdivision in discrete classes of particle
sizes. The size of each class can be determined by sieving and/or sedimentation. For soils with less than 10 %
fines, the sieving method is applicable. Soils with more than 10 % fines can be analysed by a combination of
sieving and sedimentation.
Sieving is the process whereby the soil is separated in particle size classes by the use of test sieves.
Sedimentation is the process of the setting of soil particles in a liquid. The difference in settling rate enables the
particle size classes to be separated. Two sedimentation methods are described; the hydrometer method and the
pipette method.
The methods described are applicable to all non-cemented soils with particle sizes less than 125 mm.
Depending on the purpose for the determination of the particle size distribution, pretreatment or correction for
calcium carbonate, dissolved salts and/or organic matter can be required. The use of these methods should be
stated in the laboratory report.
Modern methods that incorporate detection systems using x-rays, laser beams, density measurements and particle
counters are not covered by this document.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
CEN ISO/TS 17892-1, Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 1: Determination
of water content (ISO/TS 17892-1:2004).
CEN ISO/TS 17892-3, Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 3: Determination
of particle density — Pycnometer method (ISO/TS 17892-3:2004).
ISO 565, Test sieves - Metal wire cloth, perforated metal plate and electroformed sheet - Nominal sizes of
openings.
ISO 3310-1, Test sieves - Technical requirements and testing - Part 1: Test sieves of metal wire cloth.
ISO 3310-2, Test sieves - Technical requirements and testing - Part 2: Test sieves of perforated metal plate.




5

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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
particle size distribution
proportions by mass of the various particle size classes present in a specific soil
3.2
equivalent diameter
particle diameter calculated from sedimentation data using Stoke's law, and assuming spherical particles
3.3
coarse-grained cohesionless soils
soils comprising gravel and/or sand sizes particles with less than about 10 % of fines, and which are virtually non-
cohesive
NOTE  The fines content is measured only quantitatively, by difference after washing the material away.
3.4
fine-grained soils
soils comprising more than about 10 % of fines, sometimes with sand but with little or no gravel-sized particles.
This category includes both non-cohesive and cohesive soils
3.5
mixed soils
soils comprising gravel, sand, and more than about 10 % of fines
NOTE  These soils may or may not be cohesive, depending on the amount of clay present.
3.6
fines
particles passing the 0,063 mm sieve
3.7
D
90
the smallest sieve mesh aperture through which 90 % or more of the particles will pass
4 Equipment
4.1 General
4.1.1 Balances
Balances shall have an accuracy of 0,3 % of the total dry specimen mass and a readability of 0,1 % of total dry
specimen mass.
4.1.2 Drying ovens
Drying ovens shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 °C ± 5 °C and 50 °C ± 5 °C.
4.1.3 Desiccator
Desiccator shall contain anhydrous silica gel.
WARNING — Traditional blue self-indicating silica gel contains cobalt chloride which has been reclassified
as potential carcinogen by inhalation by EU Directive 98/98/EC.
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
4.1.4 Evaporating dish
Evaporating dish shall be made of porcelain or non-corroding metal, having a minimum content of 100 ml.
4.1.5 Sieves
Sieves shall comprise a sieve of 0,063 mm, suitably reinforced for use as a washing sieve, with receiver, and one
sieve of 2,0 mm.
4.2 Sieving
4.2.1 Test sieves
Test sieves of metal wire cloth or perforated metal plate in accordance with ISO 565 and ISO 3310, together with
appropriate receivers shall be used.
The aperture of the test sieves should adequately cover the range for the particular soil tested, but it is
recommended that within the full range of 125 mm to 0,063 mm not less than 12 sieves are used. The smallest test
sieve should have an aperture of 0,063 mm. The number of sieves used shall be sufficient to ensure that any
discontinuities in the grading curve are detected. The test sieves should be visually checked before every use.
4.2.2 Ancillary apparatus
The ancillary apparatus shall consist of
 corrosion resistant trays;
 large corrosion resistant or plastic tray or bucket;
 scoop;
 sieve brushes;
 rubber tubing;
 cylindrical beaker, 800 ml or more;
 riffle box (optional);
 mechanical sieve shaker (optional).
4.3 Hydrometer method
4.3.1 Hydrometer
The hydrometer shall be torpedo-shaped and made of glass as free as possible from visible defects. The glass
shall be resistant to chemicals and well annealed. The hydrometer stem and bulb shall be circular in cross section
and symmetrical around the main axis, without abrupt change in cross section. The hydrometer shall always float,
at all points within its range, within the stem within 1,5° of the vertical. The scale and inscription shall be marked
clearly and permanently, showing no apparent irregularities in spacing. The graduation lines shall be at intervals of
0,0005 g/ml and the range of the hydrometer shall be between 0,9950 g/ml and 1,0300 g/ml. The hydrometer shall
be indelibly marked with a unique identification number.
4.3.2 Graduated glass cylinders
Graduated glass cylinders shall be provided with parallel sides and with constant cross sectional area across their
length. The diameter shall be at least twice that of the hydrometer bulb and the length be sufficient to ensure that
the hydrometer can float freely in 1000 ml of pure water.
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
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4.3.3 Thermometers
Thermometer shall cover a temperature range of 0 °C to 50 °C and be accurate to 0,5 °C.
4.3.4 Water bath
The water bath shall be insulated and may have a temperature controller.
4.3.5 Mechanical shaker or mixer
The mechanical shaker or mixer shall be capable of keeping the appropriate quantities of soil and water in
continuous suspension.
4.3.6 Timer
The stop watch or stop clock shall be readable to 1 s.
4.3.7 Working bench
1)
The working bench shall be free from vibrations.
4.3.8 Centrifuge
The centrifuge or vacuum filter and ancillaries, or any other apparatus shall be suitable for separating out the soil
particles following pretreatment for the removal of salts, organic and/or calcareous matter (optional).
4.4 Pipette method
4.4.1 Pipette
The pipette shall be calibrated. It shall have a volume of 20 ml and be mounted in a pipette configuration (Figure 1).

1) Free from vibrations means no ripples can be seen on the surface of a suspension placed on the working bench.
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
Key
1 Bulb
2 Stop cock
3 Safety bulb suction inlet
4 Safety bulb
5 Three-way stop cock
6 Outlet tube
7 Sampling pipette
8 Sedimentation cylinder
9 Graduated scale
10 Sliding panel

11 Clamps
Figure 1 — Example of pipette configuration
4.4.2 Balance
The balance shall have an accuracy of 0,3 mg.
4.4.3 Thermometers
Thermometers shall cover a temperature range of 0 °C to 50 °C and be accurate to 0,5 °C.
4.4.4 Water bath
The water bath shall be insulated and may have a temperature controller.
4.4.5 Mechanical shaker or mixer
The mechanical shaker or mixer shall be capable of keeping the appropriate quantities of soil and water in
continuous suspension.
4.4.6 Timer
A stop watch or stop clock shall be readable to 1 s.
4.4.7 Working bench
a)
The working bench shall be free from vibrations.
4.4.8 Centrifuge
The centrifuge or vacuum filter and ancillaries, or any other apparatus shall be suitable for separating out the soil
particles following pretreatment for the removal of salts, organic and/or calcareous matter (optional).
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
4.5 Reagents
4.5.1 General
Reagents shall be of analysis quality.
4.5.2 Water
The water shall be distilled, de-ionised or demineralised.
4.5.3 Dispersing agent
The dispersing agent may be water. However, if flocculation occurs, this can be prevented by adding a dispersing
agent. Options include but are not limited to:
 Sieving: sodium hexametaphosphate, approximately 2 g/l or sodium pyrophosphate, approximately 2 g/l;
 Sedimentation: sodium hexametaphosphate approximately 40 g/l (0,07 M) or sodium pyrophosphate, approxi-
mately 20 g/l (0,07 M).
Solutions shall be renewed monthly. Sodium carbonate shall not be added to the sodium hexametaphosphate.
4.5.4 Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (20% V/V) may be used to remove organic material.
4.5.5 Hydrochlorid acid
Hydrochlorid acid (0,2 M (± 1 %)) may be used to remove carbonates (optional).
5 Test procedure
5.1 Selection of test method
The test method shall be selected as follows:
For mixed soils separate sieving and sedimentation shall be performed.
If 90 % or more of the particles are larger than 0,063 mm sieving shall be performed.
If more than 10 % of the particles are smaller than 0,063 mm sedimentation shall be performed.
If the complete curve of the grain size distribution is required, sieving and sedimentation test shall be carried out.

5.2 Sieving
5.2.1 General
5.2.1.1 The general procedure for sieving is outlined in Figure 2.
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
Key
1 Sample
2 Riffling or quartering
3 Drying
4 Weighing
5 Stirring
6 Separating
7 Drying
8 Dry separation (alternative method)
9 Sieving
10 Weighing
11 Computation
a Dispersing agent

b Clear water
Figure 2 — Sieving procedure
11

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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
5.2.1.2 Sieves shall be regularly checked for compliance with ISO 3310-1 and ISO 3310-2.
5.2.1.3 The oven temperature shall be verified at least every two years by means of a calibrated temperature
measuring device.
5.2.1.4 Oven-drying shall be done at 105 °C ± 5 °C, unless the soil is susceptible to heating. Susceptible soils
shall be dried at 50 °C.
NOTE  Soils susceptible to heating include organic soils, gypsum and laterite.
5.2.2 Specimen preparation
5.2.2.1 Wet preparation should be used.
For soils containing more than 10 % fines, use of the dry preparation method may introduce significant errors.
5.2.2.6 to 5.2.2.8 is only applicable to wet preparation.
5.2.2.2 A representative specimen shall be prepared by riffling or quartering, and oven-drying. Minimum masses
for dried specimens required for testing are given in Table 1. If it is found that the amount of soil is not sufficient to
comply this fact shall be reported.
Table 1 — Minimum mass required for sieving as a function of particle diameter D
90
Particle diameter Minimum mass required for sieving
D
90
mm g
0,5 50
1,0 100
4,0 150
6,0 350
8,0 600
16,0 2500
22,4 5000
31,5 10000
45,0 20000
63,0 40000
75,0 56000

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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
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5.2.2.3 If sedimentation is also required, this shall be done using a separate specimen, which is not oven-dried.
5.2.2.4 Soils may be pretreated prior to sieving to remove dissolved salts, organic and/or calcareous matter if
required. The method shall be stated on the test report together with the amount of material removed. A suggested
method for pretreatment for organic and carbonate material is included in annex B.
5.2.2.5 The dry specimen shall be weighed to the nearest 0,1 % of the total dry mass (m).
5.2.2.6 The specimen shall be placed in a tray or bucket and covered with water. It shall stand for a minimum of
1 hour and be stirred frequently.
For specimens with particles with diameter above 5 mm, it may be necessary to split the sample on a suitable
sieve, and treat the coarse fraction separately. If necessary the mass of the fraction passing the sieve shall be
reduced by riffling.
It may be necessary to soak the specimen in dispersing agent to remove interstitial clay.
5.2.2.7 The specimen shall be washed through a 2 mm sieve nested in a 0,063 mm sieve until the water runs
virtually clear. Ensure that neither sieve becomes overloaded. Material passing the sieves can be collected if
required.
5.2.2.8 All material retained on the sieves shall be transferred, oven-dried, and weighed to the nearest 0,1 % of
the total dry mass of the specimen.
5.2.3 Test execution
5.2.3.1 The dried material shall be sieved down to 0,063 mm, weighing the soil retained on each test sieve, and
any material passing the 0,063 mm sieve. The masses retained on each sieve shall not exceed the values listed in
Table 2.
When a sieving machine is used, sieving should be continued for at least 10 min. When hand sieving is used, the
sieve should be shaken for at least 2 min, and then until no more material passes.
When the maximum mass listed in Table 2 is exceeded, the sieving shall be performed in stages. The soil on the
first sieve exceeding the maximum amount is split in smaller portions which are then sieved separately. The total
mass on each sieve is calculated from the sum of masses retained from each portion.
5.2.3.2 For each sieving sequence, the cumulative mass retained on each sieve and the fraction passing the
last sieve shall be calculated. If this differs from the mass at the start of sieving by more than 1 %, the sieving shall
be repeated.
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
Table 2 — Maximum mass of soil retained on each sieve
Maximum mass on sieve
Maximum mass on sieve of diameter
of diameter
Nominal opening Nominal mesh size
450 mm 300 mm 200 mm
mass mass  mass
mm kg kg mm g
5,0 1 0,50 0,038 20
5,6 1 0,50 0,063 25
6,3 1,5 0,75 0,125 35
8,0 1,7 0,9 0,150 40
10,0 2,0 1,0 0,212 50
11,2 2,2 1,2 0,250 50
14,0 3,0 1,5 0,300 50
16,0 3,5 1,7 0,355 60
20,0 4,0 2,0 0,425 75
22,4 4,5 2,2 0,500 70
28,0 6,0 2,5 0,600 75
31,5 6,5 3,0 0,710 80
37,5 8,0 3,5 1,18 100
45,0 9,0 4,0 1,4 125
50,0 10,0 4,5 2,0 200
63,0 11,0 5,0 3,35 300
  4,0 300
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
5.3 Hydrometer analysis
5.3.1 General
5.3.1.1 The general procedure for hydrometer analysis is outlined in Figure 3.
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
Key
1 sample
2 quartering
3 weighing
4 drying
5 stirring
6 separating
7 drying
8 evaporation and decantation
9 sieving
10 weighing
11 agitation
12 sedimentation
13 computation
a dispersant
b water content

c evaporating dish
Figure 3 — General procedure for sedimentation
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004 (E)
5.3.1.2 The oven temperature shall be verified at least every two years by means of a calibrated temperature
measuring device.
5.3.1.3 The temperature shall be kept constant for the duration of the test. The test may be performed in a
temperature-conditioned room, in an insulated water bath or in a constant temperature bath. The temperature
fluctuation during the test should not exceeded 0,5 °C, the temperature itself falling within the range of 15 °C to
25 °C.
5.3.1.4 Oven-drying shall be done at 105 °C ± 5°C, unless the soil is susceptible to heating. Susceptible soils
shall be dried at 50 °C.
5.3.1.5 For test carried in a temperature-conditioned room, a calibrated temperature measuring device shall be
placed permanently in the room to provide a continuous temperature record.
5.3.1.6 If a constant temperature bath is used, care shall be taken that its agitator does not introduce vibrations
in the specimen.
5.3.1.7 Calibration of the hydrometer shall be performed prior to its first use. Corrections may be applied
individually or combined, but the following points should always be taken into account:
 volume and geometry;
 scale calibration;
 meniscus correction;
 temperature correction, if necessary;
 dispersing agent correction.
A method for determining these corrections is described in annex A.
5.3.2 Specimen preparation
5.3.2.1 A specimen of non-dried soil shall be selected in accordance with Table 3.
Table 3 — Dry mass of soil specimen for sedimentation test
Dry mass of soil
Soil type
g
Soil containing sand up to 75
Cohesive soils, with little or no sand 30 to 50
Very plastic to plastic clays 10 to 30

5.3.2.2 The water content of the soil shall be determined on a separate specimen according to CEN ISO/TS
17892-1 .
5.3.2.3 The density of solid particles, when required, shall be determined on a separate specimen in accordance
with CEN ISO/TS 17892-3.
NOTE  The density of solid particles is needed for the calculation of equivalent particle diameters and corresponding fractions.
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