CE 412

Geotechnical Engineering 1: Soil Mechanics

Lab 3: Hydrometer Analysis

Lab Date: September 13, 2018

Report Date: September 20, 2018

Teaching Assistant: Engr. Marcelo R. Teñoso Jr.

Lab Group: Group 1

Member: Alajar, Ronald M.

Baldrias, Jerilyn

Hermosa, Leigh Rachell A.

Panganiban, John James Joseph A.

Tepace, Ryan F.

Tivar, Mark Ely O.

Tubigan, Laraine D.

i
Abstract

This experiment examined the particle- size distribution of soil using Hydrometer

Analysis Method. The experiment was to determine the percentage finer is suspension using

Hydrometer Analysis. It is widely used method of obtaining an estimate of the distribution of soil

particle sizes from the No. 200 (0.075mm) sieve to around 0.01 mm. The soil particles that

passed through the sieve with the smallest opening were used in suspension mixed with Sodium

Hexametaphosphate solution. Finer soil particles are dispersed by soaking the soil sample in a

sodium hexametaphosphate solution. A 152H hydrometer calibrated was used to give the mass of

solids with a specific gravity of 2.65 in suspension. At different time intervals, hydrometer

readings were made and percent finer for each were calculated. The results obtained were plotted

in a semi- logarithmic plot to get the grain- size distribution curve. Therefore as particles get

larger, the variance from spherical increase, a minor error will be caused.

ii
Table of Contents

Objectives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

Theoretical Background --------------------------------------------------------- 1

Material and Equipment --------------------------------------------------------- 2

Experimental Procedure --------------------------------------------------------- 2

Analysis of Data ---------------------------------------------------------------- 3

Discussion of Results ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4

Conclusions and Recommendations ------------------------------------------------- 5

References ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

iii
Objectives

1. To determine the distribution of fine soil particles by sedimentation process using a

hydrometer

2. To determine the grain size distribution for soils containing appreciable amount of fines

where the particle size is smaller than 0.075mm in size

Theoretical Background

Hydrometer analysis is based on Stokes Law. According to this law, the velocity at which

grains settles out of suspension, all other factors being equal, is dependent upon the shape,

weight and size of grain.

The following equations are used throughout the entire laboratory report:

 For the particle size D(mm):

𝐿
𝐷 = 𝐾√
𝑡

Where,

K= constant depending temperature and specific gravity of soil

L= effective depth, equal to the distance from the surface of the

suspension to the level at which the density of the suspension is being

measured, (cm)

T= time of hydrometer reading, (min)

 For percent finer under suspension:

𝛼(𝑅𝑐)
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
𝑊𝑠

Where,

a= specific gravity correction factor

1
 Rc= hydrometer reading

Ws= weight of soil sample passing No. 200 sieve (0.075mm)

 For percent finer:

% 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑁𝑜. 200 𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒

Where,

% Passing in No. 200 sieve from the previous activity= 2.88184438

Materials and Equipment

1. 50g soil sample passing No. 200 sieve

2. 40g Sodium Hexametaphosphate

3. Tap water

4. Hydrometer

5. Graduated cylinder

6. Stirring rod

7. Beaker

8. Digital weighing scale

9. Timing Device

Experimental Procedure

1. All coarse fragments of soil sample was separated out using a No. 200 (0.075mm) sieve.

2. 50 grams of the fine- textured material was weighted.

3. Place the soil sample in a beaker.

4. Add 125ml of sodium hexametaphosphate solution to the beaker.

5. Add a tap water until the beaker is 2/3 full.

6. Mix the soil solution for three to five minutes.

7. Transfer the soil suspension to the graduated cylinder and add the tap water until it

2
 reached the 1L mark.

8. Mix the solution using a stirring rod.

9. After placing the graduated cylinder on the table, insert the hydrometer in the soil water

suspension.

10. Take the hydrometer readings with the aid of a timing device.

Analysis of Data

Soil sample 50g

Sodium Hexametaphosphate 40g

Temperature 25°C

Gs 2.55

PERCENT

TIME HYDROMETER DEPTH, FINER PERCENT

SUSPENSION

5 60 6.5 1.2 0.01516433315 3.46

7 58 6.8 1.16 0.01310862312 3.34

9 57 7.0 1.14 0.01172949748 3.29

11 56 7.1 1.12 0.01068524471 3.23

13 55 7.3 1.1 9.966470712×10-3 3.17

15 54.5 7.3 1.1 9.278279294×10-3 3.17

17 54 7.4 1.08 8.774817462×10-3 3.11

3
 PARTICLE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION CURVE
100

90

80

70
PERCENT PASSING

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
1.6 0.16 0.016 0.0016
PARTICLE SIZE (MM) - LOG SCALE

Discussion of Results

Based on the results obtained in the activity, a temperature stabilization period has a

significant effect on the grain size distribution of the soil being tested. The temperature served as

the basis of what specific gravity and variation (K) is needed to get the diameter(mm). The

diameter in each hydrometer reading calculated with the use of formula is less than 0.075 mm

which states that the soil sample passed the No. 200 sieve (0.075mm). Fine grained soil

consistsof different sizes of particles starting from 0.075 mm to 0.002 mm and hydrometer

analysis is done for the grain size analysis of this type of soil.

4
Conclusions and Recommendations

Based on our experiment, the hydrometer analysis is used to determine the grain size for

the fraction of soil that is smaller than 0.075 mm of diameter from sieve analysis. Finer soil

particles are dispersed by soaking the soil sample in a sodium hexametaphosphate solution.

Therefore as particles get larger, the variance from spherical increase, a minor error will be

caused.

While conducting the Hydrometer Analysis, always be careful of using the equipment.

Make sure that the sodium hexametaphosphate is completely dissolved in water. Shake well the

solution to get a better result. Patience is necessary when recording the hydrometer reading

because the hydrometer takes time to sink with the soil solution. The eye of the recorder must be

parallel to the soil- water meniscus when taking the hydrometer reading to avoid parallax error.

Lastly, safe must be prioritized when doing laboratory experiment.

References

ASTM International .ASTMD422,”Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of

Soils”.Web.2015

https://www.academia.edu/30821310/Conclusion_of_soil

https://www.coursehero.com/file/16461948/TITLE/

5
 DOCUMENTATION

Preparation of the Materials

Mixing the Soil and the Sodium Hexametaphosphate to the Water

Hydrometer Readings at Cumulative Times