5.3. Grain-Size Distribution Curve

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is wet sieving?

   Hint

   Think about how you would wash sand.

2. 2.

   What does D10 represent?

   Hint

   It's a key point on the grading curve.

3. 3.

   What does the grain-size distribution curve represent?

   • Soil color
   • Partial size distribution
   • Water content

   Hint

   Consider what aspects of soil are being measured.

4. 4.

   True or False: A higher uniformity coefficient indicates a uniformly graded soil.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how well the soil is distributed.

5. 5.

   A soil sample shows D10 = 0.02 mm, D30 = 0.1 mm, and D60 = 0.5 mm. Calculate the uniformity coefficient (Cu) and curvature coefficient (Cc).

   Hint

   Remember the formulas for Cu and Cc.

6. 6.

   You have two soil samples: Sample A with a straight grading curve and Sample B with a curved grading curve. Discuss the engineering implications of each sample based on its grading characteristics.

   Hint

   Consider how the shape of the grading curve affects soil behavior.