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Particle size analysis of fine grained soils cannot generally be performed using sieve analysis because it is difficult for small soil particles of silts and clays to pass through very small size sieve openings. Therefore, particle size distribution of fine grained soils is accomplished by performing hydrometer analysis which makes use of sedimentation of soil particles in water. The primary objective of performing this test is to obtain the amount of clay fraction which is generally considered to have particle sizes less than 0.002mm. The amount of clay fraction in a soil mass is used to estimate swelling potential and frost susceptibility of fine grained soils.

Learning Objectives:

• The basic principle and theory of hydrometer analysis
• How to perform hydrometer analysis
• Discussion of different correction factors associated with hydrometer analysis
• Developing a complete particle size distribution curve from the sieve and hydrometer analyses data
• Determination of clay fraction from the particle size distribution curve
• Possible errors associated with the test

Instructor Information: Sanjeev Kumar, P.E.

Course Length: 48 Minutes