ASTM D422-63(2002)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: D 422 – 63 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Test Method for
Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 422; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2 Stirring Apparatus—Either apparatus A or B may be
used.
1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination
3.2.1 Apparatus A shall consist of a mechanically operated
of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The distribution of
stirringdeviceinwhichasuitablymountedelectricmotorturns
particle sizes larger than 75 µm (retained on the No. 200 sieve)
a vertical shaft at a speed of not less than 10 000 rpm without
isdeterminedbysieving,whilethedistributionofparticlesizes
load. The shaft shall be equipped with a replaceable stirring
smaller than 75 µm is determined by a sedimentation process,
paddle made of metal, plastic, or hard rubber, as shown in Fig.
using a hydrometer to secure the necessary data (Note 1 and
1. The shaft shall be of such length that the stirring paddle will
Note 2).
3 1
operate not less than ⁄4 in. (19.0 mm) nor more than 1 ⁄2 in.
NOTE 1—Separation may be made on the No. 4 (4.75-mm), No. 40
(38.1 mm) above the bottom of the dispersion cup. A special
(425-µm), or No. 200 (75-µm) sieve instead of the No. 10. For whatever
dispersion cup conforming to either of the designs shown in
sieve used, the size shall be indicated in the report.
Fig. 2 shall be provided to hold the sample while it is being
NOTE 2—Two types of dispersion devices are provided: (1) a high-
dispersed.
speed mechanical stirrer, and (2) air dispersion. Extensive investigations
3.2.2 Apparatus B shall consist of an air-jet dispersion cup
indicate that air-dispersion devices produce a more positive dispersion of
plastic soils below the 20-µm size and appreciably less degradation on all
(Note 3) conforming to the general details shown in Fig. 3
sizes when used with sandy soils. Because of the definite advantages
(Note 4 and Note 5).
favoring air dispersion, its use is recommended. The results from the two
NOTE 3—The amount of air required by an air-jet dispersion cup is of
types of devices differ in magnitude, depending upon soil type, leading to
the order of 2 ft /min; some small air compressors are not capable of
marked differences in particle size distribution, especially for sizes finer
supplying sufficient air to operate a cup.
than 20 µm.
NOTE 4—Another air-type dispersion device, known as a dispersion
2. Referenced Documents tube, developed by Chu and Davidson at Iowa State College, has been
shown to give results equivalent to those secured by the air-jet dispersion
2.1 ASTM Standards:
cups. When it is used, soaking of the sample can be done in the
D 421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for
sedimentation cylinder, thus eliminating the need for transferring the
Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Con-
slurry. When the air-dispersion tube is used, it shall be so indicated in the
stants
report.
NOTE 5—Water may condense in air lines when not in use. This water
E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
must be removed, either by using a water trap on the air line, or by
poses
4 blowing the water out of the line before using any of the air for dispersion
E 100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
purposes.
3. Apparatus
3.3 Hydrometer—An ASTM hydrometer, graduated to read
in either specific gravity of the suspension or grams per litre of
3.1 Balances—A balance sensitive to 0.01 g for weighing
suspension, and conforming to the requirements for hydrom-
the material passing a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve, and a balance
eters 151H or 152H in Specifications E 100. Dimensions of
sensitive to 0.1 % of the mass of the sample to be weighed for
both hydrometers are the same, the scale being the only item of
weighing the material retained on a No. 10 sieve.
difference.
3.4 SedimentationCylinder—Aglasscylinderessentially18
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil 1
in. (457 mm) in height and 2 ⁄2 in. (63.5 mm) in diameter, and
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,
Plasticity, and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 2002. Published March 2003Originally
published in 1935. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D 422 – 63 (1998).
2 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08. Detailed working drawings for this cup are available at a nominal cost from the
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03. Conshohocken, PA 19428. Order Adjunct No. ADJD0422.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 422 – 63 (2002)
Metric Equivalents
1 3
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
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
water bath is not necessary.
3.8 Beaker—A beaker of 250-mL capacity.
3.9 Timing Device—A watch or clock with a second hand.
4. Dispersing Agent
Metric Equivalents
4.1 A solution of sodium hexametaphosphate (sometimes
in. 1.3 2.6 3.75
called sodium metaphosphate) shall be used in distilled or
mm 33 66 95.2
demineralized water, at the rate of 40 g of sodium
FIG. 2 Dispersion Cups of Apparatus
hexametaphosphate/litre of solution (Note 7).
NOTE 7—Solutions of this salt, if acidic, slowly revert or hydrolyze
back to the orthophosphate form with a resultant decrease in dispersive
marked for a volume of 1000 mL. The inside diameter shall be
action. Solutions should be prepared frequently (at least once a month) or
such that the 1000-mL mark is 36 6 2 cm from the bottom on
adjusted to pH of 8 or 9 by means of sodium carbonate. Bottles containing
the inside.
solutions should have the date of preparation marked on them.
3.5 Thermometer—A thermometer accurate to 1°F (0.5°C).
4.2 All water used shall be either distilled or demineralized
3.6 Sieves—A series of sieves, of square-mesh woven-wire
water. The water for a hydrometer test shall be brought to the
cloth, conforming to the requirements of Specification E 11.A
temperature that is expected to prevail during the hydrometer
full set of sieves includes the following (Note 6):
test. For example, if the sedimentation cylinder is to be placed
3-in. (75-mm) No. 10 (2.00-mm)
2-in. (50-mm) No. 20 (850-µm) in the water bath, the distilled or demineralized water to be
1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm) No. 40 (425-µm)
used shall be brought to the temperature of the controlled water
1-in. (25.0-mm) No. 60 (250-µm)
bath; or, if the sedimentation cylinder is used in a room with
⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) No. 140 (106-µm)
⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) No. 200 (75-µm) controlled temperature, the water for the test shall be at the
No. 4 (4.75-mm)
temperature of the room. The basic temperature for the
D 422 – 63 (2002)
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
hydrometer test is 68°F (20°C). Small variations of tempera-
Nominal Diameter of Approximate Minimum
Largest Particles, Mass of Portion, g
ture do not introduce differences that are of practical signifi-
in. (mm)
cance and do not prevent the use of corrections derived as
⁄8 (9.5) 500
prescribed.
⁄4 (19.0) 1000
1 (25.4) 2000
1 ⁄2 (38.1) 3000
5. Test Sample
2 (50.8) 4000
5.1 Prepare the test sample for mechanical analysis as
3 (76.2) 5000
outlined in Practice D 421. During the preparation procedure
5.1.2 The size of the portion passing the No. 10 sieve shall
the sample is divided into two portions. One portion contains
be approximately 115 g for sandy soils and approximately 65
only particles retained on the No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve while the
g for silt and clay soils.
other portion contains only particles passing the No. 10 sieve.
The mass of air-dried soil selected for purpose of tests, as 5.2 Provision is made in Section 5 of Practice D 421 for
prescribed in Practice D 421, shall be sufficient to yield weighing of the air-dry soil selected for purpose of tests, the
quantities for mechanical analysis as follows:
separation of the soil on the No. 10 sieve by dry-sieving and
5.1.1 The size of the portion retained on the No. 10 sieve
washing, and the weighing of the washed and dried fraction
shall depend on the maximum size of particle, according to the
retained on the No. 10 sieve. From these two masses the
following schedule:
D 422 – 63 (2002)
percentages retained and passing the No. 10 sieve can be needed. Measurement of the composite corrections may be
calculated in accordance with 12.1. made at two temperatures spanning the range of expected test
temperatures,andcorrectionsfortheintermediatetemperatures
NOTE 8—A check on the mass values and the thoroughness of pulveri-
calculated assuming a straight-line relationship between the
zation of the clods may be secured by weighing the portion passing the
two observed values.
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.
Place the liquid in a sedimentation cylinder and the cylinder in
(2.00-mm) SIEVE
the constant-temperature water bath, set for one of the two
temperatures to be used. When the temperature of the liquid
6. Procedure
becomes constant, insert the hydrometer, and, after a short
6.1 Separate the portion retained on the No. 10 (2.00-mm)
interval to permit the hydrometer to come to the temperature of
sieve into a series of fractions using the 3-in. (75-mm), 2-in.
the liquid, read the hydrometer at the top of the meniscus
1 3
(50-mm), 1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm), 1-in. (25.0-mm), ⁄4-in. (19.0-
formed on the stem. For hydrometer 151H the composite
mm), ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm), and No. 10 sieves, or
correction is the difference between this reading and one; for
as many as may be needed depending on the sample, or upon
hydrometer 152H it is the difference between the reading and
the specifications for the material under test.
zero. Bring the liquid and the hydrometer to the other tempera-
6.2 Conduct the sieving operation by means of a lateral and
ture to be used, and secure the composite correction as before.
vertical motion of the sieve, accompanied by a jarring action in
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
8.1 When the sample is weighed for the hydrometer test,
sample through the sieve by hand. Continue sieving until not
weigh out an auxiliary portion of from 10 to 15 g in a small
more than 1 mass % of the residue on a sieve passes that sieve
metal or glass container, dry the sample to a constant mass in
during 1 min of sieving. When mechanical sieving is used, test
an oven at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C), and weigh again. Record
the thoroughness of sieving by using the hand method of
the masses.
sieving as described above.
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,
9.1 When the soil is mostly of the clay and silt sizes, weigh
the sum of the masses retained on all the sieves used should
out a sample of air-dry soil of approximately 50 g. When the
equal closely the original mass of the quantity sieved.
soil is mostly sand the sample should be approximately 100 g.
9.2 Place the sample in the 250-mL beaker and cover with
HYDROMETER AND SIEVE ANALYSIS OF PORTION
125 mL of sodium hexametaphosphate solution (40 g/L). Stir
PASSING THE NO. 10 (2.00-mm) SIEVE
until the soil is thoroughly wetted.Allow to soak for at least 16
h.
7. Determination of Composite Correction for
9.3 At the end of the soaking period, disperse the sample
Hydrometer Reading
further, using either stirring apparatus A or B. If stirring
7.1 Equations for percentages of soil remaining in suspen-
apparatus A is used, transfer the soil-water slurry from the
sion, as given in 14.3, are based on the use of distilled or
beaker into the special dispersion cup shown in Fig. 2, washing
demineralized water. A dispersing agent is used in the water,
any residue from the beaker into the cup with distilled or
however, and the specific gravity of the resulting liquid is
demineralized water (Note 9). Add distilled or demineralized
appreciably greater than that of distilled or demineralized
water, if necessary, so that the cup is more than half full. Stir
water.
for a period of 1 min.
7.1.1 Both soil hydrometers are calibrated at 68°F (20°C),
NOTE 9—A large size syringe is a convenient device for handling the
and variations in temperature from this standard temperature
water in the washing operation. Other devices include the wash-water
produce inaccuracies in the actual hydrometer readings. The
bottle and a hose with nozzle connected to a pressurized distilled water
amount of the inaccuracy increases as the variation from the
tank.
standard temperature increases.
9.4 If stirring apparatus B (Fig. 3) is used, remove the cover
7.1.2 Hydrometers are graduated by the manufacturer to be
cap and connect the cup to a compressed air supply by means
read at the bottom of the meniscus formed by the liquid on the
of a rubber hose. A air gage must be on the line between the
stem. Since it is not possible to secure readings of soil
cup and the contro
...