ASTM_D_6913_-_04_2009e1.pdf

Designation:D691304(Reapproved 2009)1Standard Test Methods forParticle-Size Distribution(Gradation)of Soils Using SieveAnalysis1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6913;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1NOTEEditorially corrected Eq 1 in July 2014.INTRODUCTIONAlthough this test method has been used for many years,there are vast testing variations requireddue to soil types and conditions.The test is more complicated and complex than would be expected.Multiple procedures are being presented along with new terminology.Although these procedures arenot new,they will now be defined and explained.Some examples of these new terms are compositesieving,designated separating sieve and subspecimen.This test method outlines the majority ofconditions and procedures but does not cover every conceivable variation or contingency.The tableof contents in the Scope section is added to enable the user to easily find a specific topic orrequirement.Only sections/subsections with titles are presented.Therefore,numbered subsections willnot be continuous in some cases,as indicated in the Scope section.1.Scope1.1 Soils consist of particles with various shapes and sizes.This test method is used to separate particles into size rangesand to determine quantitatively the mass of particles in eachrange.These data are combined to determine the particle-sizedistribution(gradation).This test method uses a square open-ing sieve criterion in determining the gradation of soil betweenthe 3-in.(75-mm)and No.200(75-m)sieves.1.2 The terms,soils and material,are used interchangeablythroughout the standard.1.3 In cases where the gradation of particles larger than 3 in.(75 mm)sieve is required,Test Method D5519 may be used.1.4 In cases where the gradation of particles smaller thanNo.200(75-m)sieve is required,Test Method D4222may beused.1.5 Typically,if the maximum particle size is equal to orless than 4.75 mm(No.4 sieve),then single-set sieving isapplicable.Furthermore,if the maximum particle size isgreater than 4.75 mm(No.4 sieve)and equal to or less than 9.5mm(38-in sieve),then either single-set sieving or compositesieving is applicable.Finally,if the maximum particle size isequal to or greater than 19.0 mm(34-in sieve),compositesieving is applicable.For special conditions see 10.3.1.6 Two test methods are provided in this standard.Themethods differ in the significant digits recorded and the size ofthe specimen(mass)required.The method to be used may bespecified by the requesting authority;otherwise MethodAshallbe performed.1.6.1 Method AThe percentage(by mass)passing eachsieve size is recorded to the nearest 1%.This method must beused when performing composite sieving.For cases ofdisputes,Method A is the referee method.1.6.2 Method BThe percentage(by mass)passing eachsieve size is recorded to the nearest 0.1%.This method is onlyapplicable for single sieve-set sieving and when the maximumparticle size is equal to or less than the No.4(4.75-mm)sieve.1.7 This test method does not cover,in any detail,procure-ment of the sample.It is assumed that the sample is obtainedusing appropriate methods and is representative.1.8 Sample ProcessingThree procedures(moist,air dry,and oven dry)are provided to process the sample to obtain aspecimen.The procedure selected will depend on the type ofsample,the maximum particle-size in the sample,the range ofparticle sizes,the initial conditions of the material,the plastic-ity of the material,the efficiency,and the need for other testing1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil andRock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,Plasticityand Density Characteristics of Soils.Current edition approved July 1,2009.Published August 2009.Originallyapproved in 2004.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D6913 042.DOI:10.1520/D6913-04R09E01.2Currently Subcommittee D18.03 is preparing a new test method(HydrometerAnalysis or Combined Sieve and Hydrometer Analysis)to replace D422.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 on the sample.The procedure may be specified by therequesting authority;otherwise the guidance given in Section10 shall be followed.1.9 This test method typically requires two or three days tocomplete,depending on the type and size of the sample andsoil type.1.10 This test method is not applicable for the followingsoils:1.10.1 Soils containing fibrous peat that will change inparticle size during the drying,washing,or sieving procedure.1.10.2 Soils containing extraneous matter,such as organicsolvents,oil,asphalt,wood fragments,or similar items.Suchextraneous matter can affect the washing and sieving proce-dures.1.10.3 Mater