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Lec 3

The document discusses soil particle size groups, shapes, gradation, and analysis methods. It describes the main soil particle size groups as coarse (gravel and sand) and fine (silt and clay). Soil particles can have angular, rounded, or platy shapes. Soil gradation refers to the distribution of particle sizes, and can be well graded, poorly graded, uniformly graded, or gap graded. Methods for analyzing particle sizes include sieve analysis for coarse particles and hydrometer analysis for fine particles. Graphs of particle size distribution are used to characterize soils.

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ahmed alhaj
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17 views

Lec 3

The document discusses soil particle size groups, shapes, gradation, and analysis methods. It describes the main soil particle size groups as coarse (gravel and sand) and fine (silt and clay). Soil particles can have angular, rounded, or platy shapes. Soil gradation refers to the distribution of particle sizes, and can be well graded, poorly graded, uniformly graded, or gap graded. Methods for analyzing particle sizes include sieve analysis for coarse particles and hydrometer analysis for fine particles. Graphs of particle size distribution are used to characterize soils.

Uploaded by

ahmed alhaj
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم‬

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING CIVIL


ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Soil
Mechanics I
Ahmed Alhaj Abdualgader
Soil Particle Size Groups:

• Soil particles can be divided into two main groups:


• Coarse particles (Gravel & Sand) • Fine particles (Silt & Clay)
Soil Particle Shapes

Soil particles can be found in different shapes:


• Angular & Subangular (Cobbles, Gravel)
• Rounded & Subrounded (Gravel, Sand)
• Platy (Clay)
Clay particles under Scanning Electron Microscope
Soil Gradation:
•Distribution of particles within a soil.
Soils are either:
 Well graded – good distribution of particle sizes
 Poorly graded – bad distribution of particles sizes
 Uniformly graded – only one soil size
Gap graded – missing soil sizes
Soil Gradation :
Soil Particle Size:

Four major categories:


 Cobbles – greater than 75mm
 Gravels – Passes a 3” sieve and retained on No.4 sieve
(approx. 4.75mm)
 Sands – Passes No.4 sieve and retained on No. 200 sieve
(0.075 mm)
 Fines – Passes No.200 sieve
Particle Size Distribution:
 The Particle Size Distribution (PSD) of soil is a list of values
or a mathematical function that defines the relative amount,
typically by mass, of soil particles present according to size.
 It affects the engineering properties of soil:
 For coarse soils (Compaction, Density and permeability)
 For Fine soils (Swelling, Plasticity)
Gradation Curves:

 Semi-log sheet, vertical axis passing percentage, horizontal axis


Gradation Coefficients:

 When less than 5% of a soil passes a No. 200


sieve, it has been observed that there are not
enough fines to significantly influence the
behaviour of the mix.
 The behaviour of such a mix will be influenced
primarily by grain distribution.
 The coefficient of uniformity (Cu) and the
coefficient of curvature (Cc) are used to determine
whether a particular sand or gravel should be
classified as well graded or poorly graded.
Uniformity Coefficient (Cu):
Curvature Coefficient (Cc):
Grain Size Analysis:

 Is the process of separating soil


particles into groups of different sizes.
 Coarse particles are tested using Sieve
Analysis.
 Fine particles are tested using
 Hydrometer (Sedimentation)
Sieve Analysis:

• Used for coarse disturbed soil.


• Consists of Sieves of different diameters.
• Sieves are arranged according to size, with the
coarsest sieve in the top, and the finest in the
bottom.
• Soil is passed through the sieves under vibration
(Manual or Automatic).
Sieve Analysis
Example:

Given the results of a


sieve on a sample of
soil, plot the particle
distribution curve.
solution
Hydrometer Analysis:

• To increase the interparticle repulsion dispersing agent


is added (Sodium Hexametaphosphate).
Effective Depth(L):

The effective depth (L)


is the distance from
water surface to centre
of gravity of the
hydrometer bulb.
The value of (K):

(K) is a function of specific gravity and water


properties (viscosity and density) which is a
function of temperature
Percentage of Soil in Suspension:

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