Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis

Importancia y uso:

5.1 Particle-size distribution (gradation) is a descriptive term referring to the proportions by dry mass of a soil distributed over specified particle-size ranges. The gradation curve generated using this method yields the distribution of silt and clay size fractions present in the soil based on size definitions, not mineralogy or Atterberg limit classification.

5.2 Unless the sedimentation sample is representative of the entire sample, the sedimentation results must be combined with a sieve analysis to obtain the complete particle size distribution.

5.3 The clay size fraction is material finer than 2 µm. The clay size fraction is used in combination with the Plasticity Index (Test Methods D4318) to compute the activity, which provides an indication of the mineralogy of the clay fraction.

5.4 The gradation of the silt and clay size fractions is an important factor in determining the susceptibility of fine-grained soils to frost action.

5.5 The gradation of a soil is an indicator of engineering properties such as hydraulic conductivity, compressibility, and shear strength. However, soil behavior for engineering and other purposes is dependent upon many factors, such as effective stress, mineral type, structure, plasticity, and geological origin, and cannot be based solely upon gradation.

5.6 Some types of soil require special treatment in order to correctly determine the particle sizes. For example, chemical cementing agents can bond clay particles together and should be treated in an effort to remove the cementing agents when possible. Hydrogen peroxide and moderate heat can digest organics. Hydrochloric acid can remove carbonates by washing and Dithionite-Citrate-Bicarbonate extraction can be used to remove iron oxides. Leaching with test water can be used to reduce salt concentration. All of these treatments, however, add significant time and effort when performing the sedimentation test and are allowable but outside the scope of this test method.

5.7 The size limits of the sedimentation test are from about 100 µm to about 0.1 µm. The length of time required to obtain a stable initial reading on the hydrometer controls the upper range of results, and the test duration controls the lower range.

5.8 The shape and density of the grains are important to the results. Stokes’ Law is assumed to be valid for spherical particles even though fine silt- and clay-sized particles are more likely to be plate-shaped and have greater mineral densities than larger particles.

5.9 High plasticity clays develop structured water layers on their surfaces. According to Zhang and Lu3 this near surface water can be as dense as 1.4 g/L. This high-density structured water causes an error in this test method and shifts the particle size distribution curve upwards. Correction for the structured water is beyond the scope of this standard but values of percent passing above 100 % are possible and should not be excluded from the report.

Note 5: The quality of the result produced by this standard 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 this standard 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.

Subcomité:

D18.03

Referida por:

D2940_D2940M-20, C1893-24, D7351_D7351M-21, C1746_C1746M-24, E3317-22, E3373-24, D4221-18, D6467-21E01, D6572-21, E3318-24, D7181-20, D8298_D8298M-23, E2060-22, D0854-23, E3282-22, D8296-19, E3268-21, E3163-24, D7608-18E01, D8297_D8297M-23, D6913_D6913M-17, D6913_D6913M-17

Volúmen:

04.09

Número ICS:

13.080.20 (Physical properties of soil)

Palabras clave:

clay; grain-size; hydrometer analysis; particle-size distribution (gradation); sedimentation; sieve analysis; silt;