Overview

This standard specifies a method of determining the particle size distribution of soils. It is applicable to the laboratory determination of the particle size distribution of a soil test specimen by sieving, or sedimentation, or a combination of both within the scope of geotechnical investigations. The particle size distribution is one of the most important physical characteristics of soil. Classification of soils is mainly based on the particle size distribution. Many geotechnical and geohydrological properties of soil are related to the particle size distribution. The particle size distribution provides a description of soil based on a subdivision in discrete classes of particle sizes. The size of each class can be determined by sieving and/or sedimentation. Coarse soils are usually tested by sieving, but fine and mixed soils are usually tested by a combination of sieving and sedimentation, depending on the composition of the soil. During sieving, the soil is separated into particle size classes using test sieves. Sedimentation refers to the process of settling soil particles in a liquid in which different settling speeds make it possible to differentiate between particle size classes. Two sedimentation methods are described: the hydrometer method and the pipette method. The committee responsible for this standard is NA 005-05-03 AA "Baugrund; Laborversuche (SpA zu CEN/TC 341/WG 6)" ("Soil, laboratory tests (Mirror Committee of CEN/TC 341/WG 6)") at DIN Standards Committee Building and Civil Engineering (NABau).

Document: references other documents

Document: referenced in other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 005-05-03 AA - Laboratory tests on soils (national mirror committee for parts of CEN/TC 341, CEN/TC 396 and ISO/TC 182/WG 10 and WG 13)  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 341 - Geotechnical Investigation and Testing  

Responsible international committee

ISO/TC 182 - Geotechnics