5.2.2. Dry Sieve Analysis

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is dry sieve analysis used for?

   Hint

   Think about the physical properties of soil.

2. 2.

   Why must fine particles be removed before dry sieve analysis?

   Hint

   Consider the size of the particles of interest.

3. 3.

   What particle size is typically separated using dry sieve analysis?

   • Larger than 75 microns
   • Smaller than 75 microns
   • Only clay-sized particles

   Hint

   Recall the definition of dry sieve analysis.

4. 4.

   True or False: The uniformity coefficient is calculated by the size at 60% finer by weight.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how we determine soil uniformity.

5. 5.

   A soil sample retains 40% on a 1 mm sieve, 30% on a 2 mm sieve, and 20% passes through this sieve. How would you interpret the uniformity coefficient?

   Hint

   Identify the D values corresponding to the 60% and 10% thresholds.

6. 6.

   Compare the behavior of soil with a Cu of 10 versus a Cu of 2 in engineering applications. Which is preferable and why?

   Hint

   Think about how particle size affects soil compaction and support.