ASTM D422-63(2007)e1

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D422 − 63(Reapproved 2007)
Standard Test Method for
Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D422; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorial changes made throughout in February 2014.
1. Scope 3. Apparatus
1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination 3.1 Balances—A balance sensitive to 0.01 g for weighing
of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of the material passing a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve, and a balance
particle sizes larger than 75 µm (retained on the No. 200 sieve) sensitive to 0.1 % of the mass of the sample to be weighed for
isdeterminedbysieving,whilethedistributionofparticlesizes weighing the material retained on a No. 10 sieve.
smaller than 75 µm is determined by a sedimentation process,
3.2 Stirring Apparatus—Either apparatus A or B may be
using a hydrometer to secure the necessary data (Note 1 and
used.
Note 2).
3.2.1 Apparatus A shall consist of a mechanically operated
stirringdeviceinwhichasuitablymountedelectricmotorturns
NOTE 1—Separation may be made on the No. 4 (4.75-mm), No. 40
(425-µm), or No. 200 (75-µm) sieve instead of the No. 10. For whatever
a vertical shaft at a speed of not less than 10 000 rpm without
sieve used, the size shall be indicated in the report.
load. The shaft shall be equipped with a replaceable stirring
NOTE 2—Two types of dispersion devices are provided: (1) a high-
paddle made of metal, plastic, or hard rubber, as shown in Fig.
speed mechanical stirrer, and (2) air dispersion. Extensive investigations
1. The shaft shall be of such length that the stirring paddle will
indicate that air-dispersion devices produce a more positive dispersion of
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operate not less than ⁄4 in. (19.0 mm) nor more than 1 ⁄2 in.
plastic soils below the 20-µm size and appreciably less degradation on all
sizes when used with sandy soils. Because of the definite advantages
(38.1 mm) above the bottom of the dispersion cup. A special
favoring air dispersion, its use is recommended. The results from the two
dispersion cup conforming to either of the designs shown in
types of devices differ in magnitude, depending upon soil type, leading to
Fig. 2 shall be provided to hold the sample while it is being
marked differences in particle size distribution, especially for sizes finer
dispersed.
than 20 µm.
3.2.2 Apparatus B shall consist of an air-jet dispersion cup
(see drawing )(Note 3) conforming to the general details
2. Referenced Documents
shown in Fig. 3 (Note 4 and Note 5).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 3—The amount of air required by an air-jet dispersion cup is of
D421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for
the order of 2 ft /min; some small air compressors are not capable of
Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Con-
supplying sufficient air to operate a cup.
stants
NOTE 4—Another air-type dispersion device, known as a dispersion
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
tube, developed by Chu and Davidson at Iowa State College, has been
Sieves
shown to give results equivalent to those secured by the air-jet dispersion
cups. When it is used, soaking of the sample can be done in the
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
sedimentation cylinder, thus eliminating the need for transferring the
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
slurry. When the air-dispersion tube is used, it shall be so indicated in the
Air-Jet Dispersion Cup for Grain-Size Analysis of Soil report.
NOTE 5—Water may condense in air lines when not in use. This water
must be removed, either by using a water trap on the air line, or by
blowing the water out of the line before using any of the air for dispersion
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and purposes.
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
3.3 Hydrometer—An ASTM hydrometer, graduated to read
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
in either specific gravity of the suspension or grams per litre of
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2007. Published October 2007. Originally
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approved in 1935. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D422 – 63 (2002) .
suspension, and conforming to the requirements for hydrom-
DOI: 10.1520/D0422-63R07E01.
eters 151H or 152H in Specifications E100. Dimensions of
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
both hydrometers are the same, the scale being the only item of
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on difference.
the ASTM website.
3.4 SedimentationCylinder—Aglass cylinder essentially 18
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
ADJD0422. in. (457 mm) in height and 2 ⁄2 in. (63.5 mm) in diameter, and
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D422 − 63 (2007)
Metric Equivalents
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in. 0.001 0.049 0.203 ⁄2 ⁄4
mm 0.03 1.24 5.16 12.7 19.0
FIG. 1 Detail of Stirring Paddles
3-in. (75-mm) No. 10 (2.00-mm)
2-in. (50-mm) No. 20 (850-µm)
1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm) No. 40 (425-µm)
1-in. (25.0-mm) No. 60 (250-µm)
⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) No. 140 (106-µm)
⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) No. 200 (75-µm)
No. 4 (4.75-mm)
NOTE 6—Aset of sieves giving uniform spacing of points for the graph,
as required in Section 17, may be used if desired. This set consists of the
following sieves:
3-in. (75-mm) No. 16 (1.18-mm)
1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm) No. 30 (600-µm)
⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) No. 50 (300-µm)
⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) No. 100 (150-µm)
No. 4 (4.75-mm) No. 200 (75-µm)
No. 8 (2.36-mm)
3.7 Water Bath or Constant-Temperature Room—A water
bath or constant-temperature room for maintaining the soil
suspension at a constant temperature during the hydrometer
analysis. A satisfactory water tank is an insulated tank that
maintains the temperature of the suspension at a convenient
constant temperature at or near 68°F (20°C). Such a device is
illustrated in Fig. 4. In cases where the work is performed in a
room at an automatically controlled constant temperature, the
Metric Equivalents
water bath is not necessary.
in. 1.3 2.6 3.75
mm 33 66 95.2
3.8 Beaker—A beaker of 250-mL capacity.
3.9 Timing Device—A watch or clock with a second hand.
FIG. 2 Dispersion Cups of Apparatus
4. Dispersing Agent
4.1 A solution of sodium hexametaphosphate (sometimes
marked for a volume of 1000 mL. The inside diameter shall be
called sodium metaphosphate) shall be used in distilled or
such that the 1000-mL mark is 36 6 2 cm from the bottom on
demineralized water, at the rate of 40 g of sodium
the inside.
hexametaphosphate/litre of solution (Note 7).
3.5 Thermometer—A thermometer accurate to 1°F (0.5°C).
NOTE 7—Solutions of this salt, if acidic, slowly revert or hydrolyze
3.6 Sieves—A series of sieves, of square-mesh woven-wire
back to the orthophosphate form with a resultant decrease in dispersive
cloth, conforming to the requirements of Specification E11.A
action. Solutions should be prepared frequently (at least once a month) or
full set of sieves includes the following (Note 6): adjusted to pH of 8 or 9 by means of sodium carbonate. Bottles containing
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D422 − 63 (2007)
FIG. 3 Air-Jet Dispersion Cups of Apparatus B
Metric Equivalents
7 1
in. ⁄8 13 6 ⁄4 14 37
mm 22.2 25.4 76.2 158.2 356 940
FIG. 4 Insulated Water Bath
solutions should have the date of preparation marked on them.
ture do not introduce differences that are of practical signifi-
cance and do not prevent the use of corrections derived as
4.2 All water used shall be either distilled or demineralized
prescribed.
water. The water for a hydrometer test shall be brought to the
temperature that is expected to prevail during the hydrometer
5. Test Sample
test. For example, if the sedimentation cylinder is to be placed
in the water bath, the distilled or demineralized water to be 5.1 Prepare the test sample for mechanical analysis as
usedshallbebroughttothetemperatureofthecontrolledwater outlined in Practice D421. During the preparation procedure
bath; or, if the sedimentation cylinder is used in a room with the sample is divided into two portions. One portion contains
onlyparticlesretainedontheNo.10(2.00-mm)sievewhilethe
controlled temperature, the water for the test shall be at the
temperature of the room. The basic temperature for the other portion contains only particles passing the No. 10 sieve.
hydrometer test is 68°F (20°C). Small variations of tempera- The mass of air-dried soil selected for purpose of tests, as
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D422 − 63 (2007)
prescribed in Practice D421, shall be sufficient to yield or demineralized water.Adispersing agent is used in the water,
quantities for mechanical analysis as follows: however, and the specific gravity of the resulting liquid is
5.1.1 The size of the portion retained on the No. 10 sieve appreciably greater than that of distilled or demineralized
shall depend on the maximum size of particle, according to the water.
following schedule: 7.1.1 Both soil hydrometers are calibrated at 68°F (20°C),
and variations in temperature from this standard temperature
Nominal Diameter of Approximate Minimum
Largest Particles, Mass of Portion, g
produce inaccuracies in the actual hydrometer readings. The
in. (mm)
amount of the inaccuracy increases as the variation from the
⁄8 (9.5) 500
3 standard temperature increases.
⁄4 (19.0) 1000
1 (25.4) 2000
7.1.2 Hydrometers are graduated by the manufacturer to be
1 ⁄2 (38.1) 3000
read at the bottom of the meniscus formed by the liquid on the
2 (50.8) 4000
stem. Since it is not possible to secure readings of soil
3 (76.2) 5000
suspensions at the bottom of the meniscus, readings must be
5.1.2 The size of the portion passing the No. 10 sieve shall
taken at the top and a correction applied.
be approximately 115 g for sandy soils and approximately 65
7.1.3 The net amount of the corrections for the three items
g for silt and clay soils.
enumerated is designated as the composite correction, and may
5.2 Provision is made in Section 5 of Practice D421 for
be determined experimentally.
weighing of the air-dry soil selected for purpose of tests, the
7.2 For convenience, a graph or table of composite correc-
separation of the soil on the No. 10 sieve by dry-sieving and
tions for a series of 1° temperature differences for the range of
washing, and the weighing of the washed and dried fraction
expected test temperatures may be prepared and used as
retained on the No. 10 sieve. From these two masses the
needed. Measurement of the composite corrections may be
percentages retained and passing the No. 10 sieve can be
made at two temperatures spanning the range of expected test
calculated in accordance with 12.1.
temperatures,andcorrectionsfortheintermediatetemperatures
NOTE 8—A check on the mass values and the thoroughness of
calculated assuming a straight-line relationship between the
pulverization of the clods may be secured by weighing the portion passing
two observed values.
the No. 10 sieve and adding this value to the mass of the washed and
oven-dried portion retained on the No. 10 sieve.
7.3 Prepare 1000 mL of liquid composed of distilled or
demineralized water and dispersing agent in the same propor-
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION RETAINED ON NO.
tion as will prevail in the sedimentation (hydrometer) test.
10 (2.00-mm) SIEVE
Place the liquid in a sedimentation cylinder and the cylinder in
the constant-temperature water bath, set for one of the two
6. Procedure
temperatures to be used. When the temperature of the liquid
6.1 Separate the portion retained on the No. 10 (2.00-mm)
becomes constant, insert the hydrometer, and, after a short
sieve into a series of fractions using the 3-in. (75-mm), 2-in.
interval to permit the hydrometer to come to the temperature of
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(50-mm), 1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm), 1-in. (25.0-mm), ⁄4-in. (19.0-
the liquid, read the hydrometer at the top of the meniscus
mm), ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm), and No. 10 sieves, or
formed on the stem. For hydrometer 151H the composite
as many as may be needed depending on the sample, or upon
correction is the difference between this reading and one; for
the specifications for the material under test.
hydrometer 152H it is the difference between the reading and
6.2 Conduct the sieving operation by means of a lateral and zero. Bring the liquid and the hydrometer to the other tempera-
vertical motion of the sieve, accompanied by a jarring action in ture to be used, and secure the composite correction as before.
order to keep the sample moving continuously over the surface
8. Hygroscopic Moisture
of the sieve. In no case turn or manipulate fragments in the
sample through the sieve by hand. Continue sieving until not
8.1 When the sample is weighed for the hydrometer test,
more than 1 mass % of the residue on a sieve passes that sieve
weigh out an auxiliary portion of from 10 to 15 g in a small
during 1 min of sieving. When mechanical sieving is used, test
metal or glass container, dry the sample to a constant mass in
the thoroughness of sieving by using the hand method of
an oven at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C), and weigh again. Record
sieving as described above.
the masses.
6.3 Determine the mass of each fraction on a balance
9. Dispersion of Soil Sample
conforming to the requirements of 3.1.At the end of weighing,
the sum of the masses retained on all the sieves used should
9.1 When the soil is mostly of the clay and silt sizes, weigh
equal closely the original mass of the quantity sieved.
out a sample of air-dry soil of approximately 50 g. When the
soil is mostly sand the sample should be approximately 100 g.
HYDROMETER AND SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION
9.2 Place the sample in the 250-mL beaker and cover with
PASSING THE NO. 10 (2.00-mm) SIEVE
125 mL of sodium hexametaphosphate solution (40 g/L). Stir
7. Determination of Composite Correction for until the soil is thoroughly wetted.Allow to soak for at least 16
Hydrometer Reading h.
7.1 Equations for percentages of soil remaining in 9.3 At the end of the soaking period, disperse the sample
suspension, as given in 14.3, are based on the use of distilled further, using either stirring apparatus A or B. If stirring
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D422 − 63 (2007)
apparatus A is used, transfer the soil-water slurry from the reading is taken. As soon as the r
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