Sieve Analysis Report Generator: Soil Gradation Tool

Generate detailed sieve analysis reports for soil classification with our interactive tool. Input sieve sizes (ASTM or IS standards), weights retained, and get instant gradation curves, D10, D30, D60 values, and coefficients of uniformity (Cu) and curvature (Cc). Download the graph or print the report for professional use.

Sieve Analysis Report Generator

Understanding Sieve Analysis

Sieve analysis is a standard procedure in civil engineering to determine the particle size distribution of granular materials like soil or aggregates. It helps classify soils as well-graded, poorly graded, or gap-graded, which is critical for designing foundations, pavements, and other structures.

Purpose and Importance

Sieve analysis assesses the gradation of soils or aggregates by passing them through a series of standard sieves with progressively smaller openings. The weight retained on each sieve is measured to calculate the percentage passing, which is plotted on a logarithmic graph to create a gradation curve. This curve informs engineers about soil suitability for construction purposes.

Types of Gradation Curves

Gradation curves indicate how particle sizes are distributed in a soil sample. The main types are:

• Well-Graded: A wide range of particle sizes with a smooth, S-shaped curve. Indicates good compaction and stability (Cu > 4 for gravel, >6 for sand; Cc between 1 and 3).
• Poorly Graded: Uniform particle sizes or missing intermediate sizes, leading to a steep or flat curve. Less stable for construction (Cu < 4 for gravel, <6 for sand).
• Gap-Graded: Missing certain size ranges, resulting in a stepped curve. May cause instability in load-bearing applications.

Key Parameters

Sieve analysis calculates key parameters:

• D10: Particle size where 10% of the sample passes (effective size).
• D30: Particle size where 30% passes.
• D60: Particle size where 60% passes.
• Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu): Cu = D60 / D10. Higher values indicate well-graded soils.
• Coefficient of Curvature (Cc): Cc = (D30²) / (D10 × D60). Values between 1 and 3 suggest well-graded soils.

Sieve Standards

Two common standards are used:

• ASTM Sieves: Follow ASTM D6913/D6913M, with sizes like 4.75 mm, 2 mm, 0.425 mm, etc.
• IS Sieves: Follow IS 2720 (Part 4), with sizes like 4.75 mm, 2 mm, 0.425 mm, etc., but in a different sequence for finer sieves.

Procedure

The sieve analysis process involves:

• Drying and weighing a soil sample (typically 500–1000 g).
• Passing the sample through stacked sieves, shaking mechanically for 10 minutes.
• Weighing material retained on each sieve.
• Calculating percentages retained and passing.
• Plotting the gradation curve and computing Cu and Cc.

Applications

Sieve analysis is used in:

• Geotechnical Engineering: To design foundations and retaining walls.
• Pavement Design: To select aggregates for asphalt and concrete.
• Soil Classification: For systems like AASHTO or USCS.

Limitations

Sieve analysis is limited to coarse-grained soils (sand, gravel). For fine-grained soils (silt, clay), hydrometer analysis is required. It also assumes uniform particle shapes, which may not always be accurate.