i'

5
'Hydrometer Analysis
Introduction
-Hydrometer analysis is the procedure generally adopted for determination of the particle-size
distribution in a soil for the fraction that is finer than No. 200 sieve size (0.075 mm). The
lower limit of the particle-size determined by this procedure is about 0.001 mm.
In hydrometer analysis, a soil specimen is dispersed in water. In a dispersed state in the
water, the soil particles will settle individually. It is assumed that the soil particles are
spheres, and the velocity ofthe particles can be given by Stoke's law as

'U= Ys-Y" D2 (5.1)

181)

where u = velocity (cm/s)

y s = specific weight of soil solids (g/cm3 )
y w = unit weight of water (g/cm 3) ,

11 = viscosity of water (:~~ )

D = diameter of the soil particle
If a hydrometer is suspended in water in which soil is dispersed (Fig. 5-1), it will
measure the specific gravity of the soil-water suspension at a depth L. The depth L is called
the effective depth. So, at a time t minutes from the beginning of the test, the soil particles'
that settle beyond the zone of measurement (i.e., beyond the effective .depth L) will have a
diameter given by ,

L (cm) (Ys-Yw) g/cm 3

(:~~)
t (min) x 60
181)

23
24 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual

Hydrometer
o
Meniscus
correction

60
~ r
L

1-1 1

Figure 5-1. Hydrometer suspended in water in

which the soil is dispersed.

L(cm)
t (min) (S.2)

1800'1'\ 30'1'\
where A = 1 - - - - " - - =
60(Y8 -Yw) (S.3)

In the test procednre described here, the ASTM 152-H type of hydrometer will be used.
From Fig. S-1 it can be seen that, based on the hydrometer reading (which increases from
zero to 60 in the ASTM 152-H type of hydrometer), the value of L will change. The mag-
nitude of L can be given as .

L=L
I
1(L -AVB)
+-2 -
2
(S.4)
c
 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 25

where LI = distance between the top of hydrometer bulb to the mark for a hydrometer
reading. For a hydrometer reading of zero, LI = 10.5 cm. Also, for a Hydro-
meter reading of 50 glliter, LI = 2.3 cm. Thus, in general, for a given hydro-
meter reading

LI (cm) = 10.5 - ( 0.55~ 2.3) x (hydrometer reading)

1

L2 =14cm
VB = volume of the hydrometer bulb = 67.0 cm3
Ac = cross-sectional area of the hydrometer cylinder = 27.8 cm2
Based on Eq. (5.4), the variation of L with hydrometer reading is shown in Table 5-1.
For actual calculation purposes we al~o need to know the values of A given by Equation
(5.3). An example of this calculation is shown below.

where Gs = specific gravity of soil solids

Thus

3011 (5.5)
A=
(Gs -l)y"

For example, if the temperature of the water is 25 b C,

11 = 0.0911 X 10-4 (;~~ )

and Gs = 2.7

A= 30(0.0911 X 10-4) '=0.0127 .

(2.7 -1)(1)

The variations of A with Gs and the water temperature are shown in Table 5-2.
26 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual

Table 5-1. Variation of Lwith hydrometer reading-

ASTM 152-H hydrometer

0 16.3 26 12.0
1 16.1 27 11.9
2 16·9 28 11.7
3 ,15.8 29 11.5
4 15.6 30 11.4
5 15.5 31 11.2
6 15.3 32 11.1
7 15.2 33 10.9
8 15.0 34 10.7
9 14.8 35 10.6
10 14.7 36 10.4
11 14.5 37 10.2
12 14.3 38 10.1
13 14.2 39 9.9
14 14.0 40 9.7
15 13.8 41 9.6
16 13.7 42 9.4
17 13.5 43 9.2
18 13.3 44 9.1
19 13.2 45 8.9
20 13.0 46 8.8
21 12.9 47 8.6
22 12.7 48 8.4
23 12.5 49 8.3
24 12.4 50 8.l
25 12.2 51 7.9

The ASTM 152-H type of hydrometer is c:alibrated up to a reading of 60 at a tem- perature

of20oe for soil particles having a Gs = 2.65. A hydrometer reading of, say, 30 at a given time
of a test means thatthere are 30 g of soil solids (Gs = 2.65) in. suspension per 1000 cc of soil-
water mixture at a temperature of20oe at a depth where the specific gravity of the soil-water
suspension is measured (i.e., L). From this measurement, we can determine the percentage
of soil still in suspension at time t from the beginning of the test and all the soil particles will
have diameters smaller than D calculated by Equation (5.2). However, in the actual
experimental work, some corrections to the observed hydrometer readings need to be applied.
They are as follows:
 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 27

Table 5-2. Variation of A with Gs

2.50 0.0149 0.0147 0.0145 0.0143 0.0141 0.0140 0.0138

2.55 0.0146 0.0144 0.0143 0.014) 0.0139 0.0137 0.0136
2.60 0.0144 0.0142 0.1040 0.0139 0.0137 0.0135 0.0134
2.65 0.0142 0.0140 0.0138 0.0137 0.0135 0.0133 0.0132
2.70 0.0140 0.0138 0.1036 0:0134 0.0133 0.0131 0.0130
2.75 0.0138 0.0136 0.0134 0.0133 0.0131 0.0129 0.0128
2.80 0.0136 0.0134 0.0132 0.0131 0.0129 0.0128 0.0126

2.50 .0.0137 0.0135 0.0133 0.0132 0.0130 0.0129 0.0128

2.55 0.0134 0.0133 0.0131 0.0130 0.0128 0.0127 0.0126
2.60 0.0132 0.0131 0.0129 0.0128 0.0126 0.0125 0.0124
2.65 0.0130 0.0129 0.0127 0.0126 0.0124 0.0123 0.0122
2.70 0.0128 0.0127 0.0125 0.0124 0.0123 0.0121 0.0120
2.75 0.0126 0.0125 0.0124 0.0122 0.Ol21 0.0120 0.0118
2.80 0.0125 0.0123 0.0122 0.0120 0.0119 0.0118 O.oI17

1. Temperature correction (FT)-The actual temperature of the test may not be 20°C.
The temperature correction (F T) may be approximated as

F T = -4.85 + 0.25T(for Tbetween 15°C and 28°C) (5.6)

where F T = temperature correction to the observed reading

(can be either positive or negative)
T= temperature of test inoC
2. Meniscus correction (Fm)-Generally, the upper level of the meniscus is taken as the
reading during laboratory work (Fm is always positive).
3. Zero correction (Fz)- A deflocculating agent is added to the soil-distilled water
suspension for performing experiments. This will change the zero reading (Fz can be
either positive or negative).
28 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual

Figure 5-2. Equipment for hydrometer test.

Equipment
1. ASTM 152-Hhydrometer
2. Mixer
3. Two lOOO-cc graduated cylinders
4. Thermometer
5. Constant temperature bath
6. Deflocculating agent
7. Spatula
8. Beaker
9. Balance
10. Plastic squeeze bottle
11. Distilled water
12. No. 12 rubber stopper
The equipment necessary (except the balance and the constant temperature bath) is shown
in Fig. 5-2.
 G·.
Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 29

Procedure
Note: This procedure is used when more than 90 per cent of the soil is finer than No. 200
sieve.
1. Take 50 g of oven-dry, well-pulverized soil in a beaker.
2. Prepare a deflocculating agent. Usually a 4% solution of sodium hexametaphosphate
(Calgon) is used. This can be prepared by adding 40 g of Calgon in 1000 cc of dis-
tilled water and mixing it thoroughly. ,
3. Take 125 cc of the mixture prepared in Step 2 and add it to the soil taken in Step 1.
This should be allowed to soak for about 8 to 12 hours.
4. Take a IOOO-cc graduated cylinder and add 875 cc of distilled water plus 125 cc of
deflocculating agent in it. Mix the solution well.
5. Put the cylinder (from Step 4) in a constant temperature bath. Record the temperature
of the bath, T (in 0c).
6. Put the hydrometer in the cylinder (Step 5). Record the reading. (Note: The top a/the
meniscus should be read.) This is the zero correction (Fz ), which can be +ve or -ve.
Also observe the meniscus correction (Fm).
7. Using a spatula, thoroughly mix the soil prepared in Step 3. pour it into the mixer
cup.
Note: During this process, some soil may stick to the side of the beaker. Using the
plastic squeeze bottle filled with distilled water, wash all the remaining soil in the
beaker into the mixer cup.
8. Add distilled water to the cup to make it about two-thirds full. Mix it for about two
minutes using the mixer.
9. Pour the mix into the second graduated 1000-cc cylinder. Make sure that all of the
soil solids are washed out of the mixer cup. Fill the graduated cylinder with distilled
water to bring the water level up to the 1000-cc mark.
10. Secure a No. 12 rubber stopper on the top of the cylinder (Step 9). Mix the soil-water
well by turning the soil cylinder upside down several ,times.
11. Put the cylinder into the constant temperature bath next to the cylinder described in
Step 5. Record the time immediately. This is· cumulative time t= O. Insert the hydro-
meter into the cylinder containing the soil-water suspension.
12. Take hydrometer readings at cumulative times t = 0.25 min., 0.5 min., 1 min., and 2
min. Always read the upper level of the meniscus.
13. Take the hydrometer out after two minutes an<l put it into the cylinder next to it (Step
5).
14. Hydrometer readings are to be taken at time t = 4 min., 8 min., 15 min., 30 min., 1
hr., 2 hr., 4 hr., 8 hr., 24 hr. and 48 hr. For each reading, insert the hydrometer into
the cylinder containing the soil-water suspension about 30 seconds before the reading
is due. After the reading is taken, remove the hydrometer and put it back into the
cylinder next to it (Step 5).
30 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual

Calculation
Refer to Table 5-4.

. Column 2-These are observed hydrometer readings (R) corresponding to times given in
Column I.

Column 3-Rep = corrected hydro~_eter reading for calculation of percent fmer

(5.7)
oR
Column 4-Percent jiner-= ---.:!!. (I 00)
Ws

where Ws = dry weight of soil used for the hydrometer analysis

a = correction for specific gravity (since the hydrometer is calibrated for
Gs = 2.65)
= Gs (1.65) (S ee Tabl e 5 - 3) (5.8)
(G s -I)2.65

Table 5-3. Variation of a with Gs [Eq.5.8]

2.50 1.04
2.55 1.02
2.60 1.01
2.65 1.00
2.70 0.99
2.75 0.98
2.80 0.97

Column 5-ReL = corrected reading for determination of effective length = R + Fm (5.9)

Column 6--Determine L (effective length) corresponding to.the values of ReL (Col. 5) given
in Table 5-1.

Column 7-Determine A from Table 5-2.

Column 8- DetermineD (mm) = A L (cm)

t (min)
 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 31

Table 5-4. Hydrometer Analysis

Description of soil Brown silty c!iJ,v Sample No._ __
Location _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Gs _---'2....7.L>'S'---_ _ Hydrometertype ASTt1 /52-H

. Dry weight of soil, Ws _ _""50"--__ g Temperature of test, T_-!,.2",,8 _ _ _ oc

Meniscus correction, Fm_1_ Zero correction, Fs +7 Temperature correction, Fr +2./5

[Eq. (5.6)]
Tested by Date,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

0.25 51 46./5 90.3 52 7.8 0.0/2/ 0.068

0.5 48 43.15 84.4 49 8.3 0.049

I 47 42.15 82.4 48 8.4 0.035

2 46 41.15 80.5 47 8.6 0.025
4 45 40.15 78.5 46 8.8 0.018
8 44 39.15 76.6 45 8.95 0.013
/5 43 38.15 74.6 44 9.1 0.009

30 42 37./5 72.7 43 9.25 0.007

60 40 3515 68.8 41 9.6 0.005

120 38 33.15 64.8 ,39 9.9 0.0035

240 34 29.15 57.0 35 10.5 0.0025

480 32 27.15 53.1 33 10.9 0.00/8

1440 29 24.15 47.23 30 11.35 0.0011

2880 27 22.15 43.3 28 11.65 0.0008

*
'Table 5.3; tTable 5.1; Table 5.2
32 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual

Graph
Plot a grain-size distribution graph on semi-log graph paper with percent finer (Col.4, Table
5-4) on the natural scale and D (Col. 8, Table 5-4) on the log scale. A sample calculation
and the corresponding graph are shown in Table 5-4 and Fig. 5-3, respectively.

100

80 · .,..
~;; 60 I-

~
" 40
~
20

00.1 0.01 0.001 0.0001

Grain size, D (mm)

Figure 5-3. Plot of percent finer vs. grain size

from the results given in Table 5-4.
Procedure Modification
When a smaller amount (less than about 90%) of soil is finer than No. 200 sieve size, the
following modification to the above procedure needs to be applied.
1. Take an oven-dry sample of soil. Determine its weight (WI)'
2. Pulverize the soil using a mortar and rubber-tipped pestle, as described in Chapter 4.
3. Run a sieve analysis on the soil (Step 2), as described in Chapter 4.
4. Collect in the bottom pan the soil passing through No. 200 sieve.
5. Wash the soil retained on No. 200 sieve, as described in Chapter 4. Collect all the
wash water and dry it in an oven.
6. Mix together the minus No. 200 portion from Step'4 and the dried minus No. 200
portion from Step 5.
7. Calculate the percent finer for the soil retained on No. 200 sieve and above (as shown
'in Table 4-1).
8. Take 50 g of the minus 200 soil (Step 6) and run a hydrometer analysis. (Follow
Steps 1 through 14 as described previously.)
 Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 33

9. Report the calculations for the hydrometer analysis similar to that shown in Table
5-4. Note, however, that the percent finer now calculated (as in Col. 8 of Table 5-4)
is not the percent finer based on the total sample. Calculate the percent finer based
on the total sample as

P
r
=(Col. 8 of Table S_4)(percent passing No. 200 Sieve)
100

Percent passing No. 200 sieve can be obtained from Step 7 above.
10. Plot a combined graph for percent finer versus grain-size distribution obtained from
both the sieve analysis and the hydrometer analysis. An example of this is shown in
Fig. 5-4. From this plot, note that there is an overlapping zone. The percent finer cal-
culated from the sieve analysis for a given grain size does not match that calculated
from the hydrometer analysis. The grain sizes obtained from a sieve analysis are the
least sizes of soil grains, and the grain sizes obtained from the hydrometer are the
diameters of equivalent spheres of soil grains.

]00
r--.,

J1:: 60
80
'"
Sieve
f.a

~
Ii" 40 ~
Hydrometer
20 ....,
j'---,

0]0 ] 0.1 0.0] 0.00]

Gmin size, D (mm)

Figure 5-4. A grain-size distribution plot-combined results from

sieve analysis and hydrometer analysis.

General Comments
A hydrometer analysis gives results from which the percent of soil finer than 0.002 mm in
diameter can be estimated. It is generally accepted that the percent finer than 0.002 mm in
size is clay or clay-size fractions. Most clay particles are smaller than 0.001 mm, and 0.002
mm is the upper limit. The .presence of clay in a soil contributes to its plasticity.