Grain Size Analysis of Soil – Sieve Analysis Procedure, Calculation & Interpretation Author: Kishor Kumar · Updated: February 2026 · Read time: ~15 minutes 1. Introduction The Grain Size Analysis of Soil, commonly known as the Sieve Analysis, is a fundamental laboratory test used to determine the particle size distribution of soil. It plays a crucial role in highway and civil engineering projects. Soil Identification and Classification Most of the methods for soil identification and classification are based on certain physical properties of the soils. The commonly used properties for the classification are the grain size distribution, liquid limit and plasticity index. These properties have also been used in empirical design methods for flexible pavements, and in deciding the suitability of sub grade soils. Grain size analysis also known as mechanical analysis of soils is the determination of the percent of individual grain sizes present in the sample. The mechanical Analysis consists of two parts: Determination of coarse material using sieves. Analysis of fine grained fraction by sedimentation method. The sieve analysis is a simple test consisting of sieving a measured quantity of material through successively smaller sieves. The weight retained on each sieve is expressed as a percentage of the total sample. The sedimentation principle has been used for finding the grain size distribution of fine soil fraction; two methods are commonly used: Pipette method Hydrometer method The grain size distribution of soil particles of size greater than 75 micron is determined by sieving the soil on a set of sieves of decreasing sieve opening placed one below the other and separating out the different size ranges. Two methods of sieve analysis are as follows: Wet sieving applicable to all soils Dry sieving applicable only to soils, which have negligible proportion of clay and silt The soil received from the field is divided into two parts: one, the fraction retained on 2mm sieve and the other passing 2mm sieve. The sieve analysis also may be carried out separately for these two fractions. The fraction retained on 2mm sieve may be subjected to dry sieving using bigger sieves and that passing 2mm sieve may be subjected to wet sieving; however if this fraction consists of single grained soil with negligible fines passing 0.075mm size, dry sieving may be carried out. Proper soil gradation ensures good drainage, uniform compaction, and strong load-bearing capacity. Coarse-grained soils are generally suitable for sub-base layers, while fine-grained soils may require stabilization. 2. Purpose of Grain Size Analysis Determine particle size distribution and gradation Assist in soil classification (Gravel, Sand, Silt, Clay) Design subgrade, embankment, and pavement layers Assess permeability and drainage characteristics Guide soil stabilization decisions 3. Applicable Standards IS 2720 (Part 4) – Grain Size Analysis IS 2720 (Part 1) – Sample Preparation MoRTH Specifications – Subgrade, GSB & WMM ASTM D6913 / D422 – International standards 4. Apparatus Required Standard sieve set (4.75 mm to 75 μm) Mechanical sieve shaker Weighing balance (0.1 g accuracy) Oven (105°C to 110°C) Hydrometer (for fine soils) Brush, spatula, containers 5. Sample Preparation The soil sample should be oven-dried at 105°C–110°C and cleaned of organic matter. Lumps should be broken gently without crushing particles. Take ~500 g dry soil sample Ensure moisture content is minimal Remove oversized particles and debris Mix thoroughly for uniformity 6. Test Procedure – Sieve Analysis Sieve Analysis – Coarse Fraction (a) Fraction retained on 2.0mm sieve: Sufficient quantity of the dry soil retained on 2.0mm sieve is weighed out. The quantity of sample taken may be increased when the maximum size of particles is higher. The sample is separated into various fractions by sieving through the set of sieves of sizes 100 mm, 63 mm, 20 mm, 6 mm, 4.75 mm and 2 mm IS sieves. Additional sieve sizes may also be introduced if necessary. After initial sieving, the material retained on each sieve is collected, the lumps are broken down using mortar and rubber covered pestle and is re-sieved. Thus, the soil fraction retained on each sieve is carefully collected and weighed. Sieve Analysis – Fine Fraction (b) For the fraction passing 2.0mm sieve and retained on 0.075mm sieve: Dry sieving may be done in the case of soils which are cohesion less, single grained and without lumps. Rifling or quartering method takes the required quantity of soil sample, dried in oven at 1050 to 1100°C and is subjected to dry sieve analysis using a set of sieves with sieve openings 2.0 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.425 mm, 0.15 mm and 0.075 mm, pan and lid. Additional sieves may be used or any of the sieves removed, depending upon the requirement of the test. The material retained on each sieve and on the pan are separately collected and weighed. Wet sieving may be adopted in the case of clayey or cohesive soils. Required quantity of sample taken by riffling is weighed. The sample is spread in a tray or bucket and covered with water. In case of soils having fractions that are likely to flocculate, a dispersing agent like sodium hexametaphosphate (2.0g) or sodium hydroxide (1.0g) and sodium carbonate (1.0g) per liter of water may be added to the water. The mix is stirred and left for soaking. The soaked soil specimen is placed over the set of sieves with the finest sieve and pan at the bottom and washed thoroughly. Washing is continued till the water passing each sieve is substantially clean. The fraction of each sieve is emptied carefully without loss of material in separate trays, oven dried at 1050 to 1100°C and each fraction weighed separately. Calculations – Sieve Analysis CALCULATIONS: The weight of dry soil fractions retained on each sieve is calculated as a percentage of the total dry weight of the sample taken. Results – Grain Size Analysis RESULTS: The results are plotted on a semi-logarithmic graph with the grain size or sieve size on the X-axis (log scale) and the percentage finer of each sieve on the Y-axis (ordinary scale). The smooth curve joining the

SAMPLING AND TESTING PROCEDURE FOR CEMENT: Check the seal number as per invoice of the browser. If the seal found tight and match with the invoice, then collect a representative sample of 20kg for in-house testing in the presence of client. Conduct the routine test like fineness, % passing on 90 mic sieve and allow for unload, if found complied to IS 4031. The tests like consistency, soundness, compressive strength, initial and final setting of the cement shall be tested as per IS 4031. Prepare formats for above tests and get it signed by client and file the records. Maintain invoice register for cement receipt at plant. Ensure all the tests shall be performed as per week number of the cement. SAMPLING AND TESTING OF REINFORCEMENT: Once the reinforcement lots arrived to site from approved sources, unload the material in stacking yard. Inspect the reinforcement lot as per invoice and ensure tagging of reinforcement for every lot. Collect 2 samples (3 pieces of 1m length for each sample) from every dia of reinforcement for a lot of 50t and 3 samples for 100MT. Bring the cutting pieces to lab and in the sampling register. Check the weight per running meter for the samples collected. Rolling margin of all samples shall be collected for every lot. If the rolling margin found within the tolerable limits as per IS 1786-2008, accept the lot. Otherwise inform to supplier to take back the lot. Invoice with test certificate shall be verified by quality in charge and sign on test certificate. Enter the details of reinforcement received in the invoice register and get the signature of client. If any lot required for independent lab testing, raise RFI and collect the samples in the presence of client. Sign the sample card by client and IE representatives and keep one copy in lab and other copy to tie for sample pieces. Physical and chemical properties of the reinforcement tested in independent lab shall be reviewed by quality in charge and client and ensure complied to IS 1786-2008. The test reports of independent lab will be submitted to client for review and approval. SAMPLING AND TESTING OF FINE AGGREGATE: Once the fine aggregate (river sand) load received at site from approved source, collect a representative sample of 20kg for lab testing to check physical properties. Enter the details of river sand in the sampling register. The material shall be tested for sieve analysis and check for zone of the sand and Fineness Modulus (FM). Check the silt content of the sand as per IS 2386. If the sand falls in zone-II and the FM lies in between 2 to 3.5 and the silt content less than 3% , the vehicle shall be allowed for unloading . If the sand doesn’t meet the above requirements (FM and silt content) shall be rejected. If the sand contains over size material more than 10% on 10mm sieve shall be screened and use for permanent works. Independent lab testing of sand shall be tested as per approved ITP. SAMPLING AND TESTING OF BITUMEN: Once the bitumen tanker arrived at site, verify the invoice number and seal of the tanker. Collect the sample with sampler of weight not less than 1 kg. Enter the sample details in sampling register and sample number shall be given. Test the sample for absolute viscosity, softening point, and penetration. If the test results found satisfactory, allow the tanker for unload. Review the conducted test results and compare with MTC. Prepare the test reports and get it signed by client and file the records. Maintain the invoice register for incoming bitumen and get the signature in theregister by client. The sample shall be collected for independent lab testing frequency as per theapproved ITP. SAMPLING AND TESTING OF ADMIXTURE: Once the admixture barrels arrived at site, verify the invoice number and batch number of the material. Collect the sample with sampler of weight not less than 2 kg. Enter the sample details in sampling register and sample number shall be given. Test the sample for density at room temperature. If the test results found satisfactory, then allow the admixture to use in permanent work. Review the MTC test results as per IS 9103. Maintain the invoice register for incoming bitumen and get the signature in the register by client. SAMPLING AND TESTING OF EMULSION (SS-1 & RS-1): Once the emulsion tanker arrived at site, verify the invoice number and seal of the tanker. Collect the sample with sampler of weight not less than 1 kg. Enter the sample details in sampling register and sample number shall be given. Test the sample for viscosity by say bolt furl viscometer. If the test results found satisfactory, allow the tanker for unload. Conduct the balance tests like residue test by evaporation. Review the conducted test results and compare with MTC. Prepare the test reports and get it signed by client and file the records. Maintain the invoice register for incoming emulsions and get the signature in the register by client. The sample shall be collected for independent lab testing frequency as per the approved ITP. SAMPLING AND TESTING OF GEO-GRIDS / GEO-TEXTILE: Once the Geogrid material arrived at site, verify the invoice number and grade. Raise the RFI and Collect the sample from bundle I roll of size not less than 2m*2m from each grade. Enter the sample details in sampling register and sample number shall be given. Count the number of ribs in machine direction and transverse direction. The samples shall be tagged with sample card mentioned all the details with signatures of client. The collected samples shall be sent for independent lab testing as per approved ITP. Review the MTC test results as per grade requirement. Maintain the invoice register for Geogrid and get the signature of client. TEST PROCEDURE OF CTSB MIX DESIGN Raise RFI for sampling of aggregates for CTSB Mix Design. Sample the individual aggregates jointly. Do individual gradation for each aggregate as mentioned in MoRTH

      METHOD STATEMENT FOR BORROW AREA Scope  This method Statement covers the work involved in obtaining borrow Material for work under this contract, including negotiations with owners of the land on which borrow areas are situated, cleaning the site, stripping and disposing of excess overburden, excavating selected material for use in the work, and finishing –off the borrow areas. Reference  MoRT&H Specification clause No 301 to 303 and technical specification of contract Equipment  Excavators, Dumpers Negotiations with owners and authorities  We shall be responsible for all negotiations with and compensation of owners for all borrow area that we shall identify and prescribe. However, for those that are identified are prescribed by the employer consultants, we shall exempted from all obligations and costs in respect of negotiations with and compensations of the owners of the land on which the borrow area situated. Use of Borrow area  Having concluded verbally and in written all the necessary negotiations with the owners of the ground on which any borrow area is situated. We shall open such a borrow area. The notification to the land owners will be at least 7days before prospecting and the engineer will also informed accordingly. Obtaining Borrow area material General  The arrangement for the source of supply of the material for embankment and sub grade and compliance with the guidelines, and environmental requirements, in respect of excavation and borrow area as stipulated from time to time by the ministry of Environmental and forests, government of India and the local bodies, as applicable shall be sole responsibility of the contractor  Borrow pits along the road shall be discouraged. If permitted by the engineer, these shall not be dug continuously. Ridges of not less than 8m width should be left at intervals not exceeding 300m. Small drains shall be cut through the ridges to facilities drainage. The depth of the pits shall be so regulated that their bottom does not cut an imaginary line having a slope of 1 vertical to 4 horizontal projected from the edge of the final section of the bank, the maximum depth in any case being limited to 1.5 m. also, no pits shall be dug within the offset width of a minimum of 10m  Borrow material shall be obtained from approved sources of supply listed and described on the borrow area plans. Or from such other sources as may from time to time be tested and approved by the engineer. Use for Borrow area material  The decision as to which source of supply of borrow material shall be used at any time shall rest with the engineer, and we shall at any stage of work use that approved source of supply which in the opinion of the engineer is the most suitable in regard to the quality and quantities of the various types of available materials and the ultimate cost of the work to the employee.  Should there be need to obtain material from sources other than those shown on the borrow area schedule, we shall excavate the necessary trail holes, and take such samples and conduct or have conducted such tests as are deemed to be necessary by the engineer, we shall submit the results and sufficient details to the engineer to satisfy him that the quality and quality of the material available in the proposed borrow area are acceptable for the intended use, all at our own expense. Compensation to owners and arrangements for taking any material shall be In terms of the project specification.  Approval of borrow area shall apply only to those portions of the area from which acceptable material can be obtained or produced. We shall organelles our operations in any approved borrow area or portions thereof with a view to using the material for the purpose envisaged.  We shall plan our exploitation of the borrow area in such a manner that the various types of materials excavated can be selected and loaded directly for use. When this is unfeasible for reasons beyond our control, material to be stockpiled for later use shall be loaded, transported and temporarily stockpiled as ordered by the engineer and as determined in clause 3203 of SATCC specifications. No material reversed for a specific purpose shall be used for any other purpose without the written approval of the engineer.  Where suitable sources of materials are available in existing cuttings and side drains, or anywhere else in the road prism or within the road reverse boundaries, such material shall be used for the construction of fills, pavement layers and shoulders, if approved by the engineer. Opening and working on Borrow area and Haul Roads Removing topsoil  Prior to opening a borrow area; we shall ascertain from the engineer whether the removal to topsoil is required and shall then remove and stockpile such topsoil as instructed by the engineer. This work shall be carried out, measured and paid for in accordance. Clearing and grubbing  Clearing and grubbing of borrow area will be measured of payment in accordance with the provisions before excavation is commenced, but only in the following cases, unless otherwise directed by the engineer (i) In borrow area located in paginations. (ii) In borrow area where large trees with trunk exceeding 1.0 m in circumference (iii) Borrow area without any excess overburden but where the removal of grass shrubs and roots is required. Unless the cleaning and grubbing of a borrow area have been prescribed by the engineer in writing, no payment will be made for cleaning and grubbing such borrow area. Thos applies practically to borrow areas opened for obtaining rock or sand used in the construction of stone-pitching, concrete work, crushed-stone base or sub-base permeable subsurface drain material or surfacing. Excess overburden  We shall advise the engineer in good time, before any excavation at such borrow area is commenced, of his intension of staffing to use a borrow area in order that a survey of