Discussion lab test 2

This method describes the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle sizes in soils. The
distribution of particle sizes larger than 71 um is determined by a sedimentation process, using a
hydrometer to secure the necessary data.

The hydrometer test is an application of Stokes Law, which in essence states that larger particles fall
more quickly in a suspending fluid, while finer particles remain in suspension longer. The time at
which the hydrometer readings are taken determines the size of particle remaining in suspension,
while the reading on the hydrometer determines the amount of that size.

Several assumptions are made about particles shape and other test conditions, so the results are
somewhat approximate. The sieve portion and hydrometer portion of the test may not exactly line
up.

The method as presented, assumes a particle specific gravity of 2.65. For most purposes this will be
sufficiently accurate even though Specific garavity may be somewhat lower or higher. If further
refinement is required, additional corrections may be found in the reference.

Because the sample size is small, take extra care to obtain representative material. Considerable
care should also be taken in all weighing and liquid volume measurements.

The sample must be completely dispersed and remain dispersed throughout the test.

Be sure the dispersing agent is not more than one month old. Also make sure the stirring paddle is
not badly worn. Some soil (like heavy clays) tends to coagulate and form curds and then settle
quickly giving false readings. If you see any evidence of coagulation, you must re-run the test.
Reducing the sample size to 25 g sometimes helps this problem.
References

https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/technical-services-
repository/GTM-13b.pdf

http://engineerstoday.blogspot.my/2009/01/hydrometer-test.html