Sieve Analysis (Sieve Test) in Geotechnical Engineering

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In geotechnical engineering and construction, knowing the properties of soil is vital prior to constructing any structure, foundation, or road. Among the most frequent and dependable tests employed in examining soil properties is the sieve analysis test. The low-tech but effective test determines the particle size distribution of the soil, which is of vital importance in classifying soil as well as in forecasting its behavior under various conditions.

In India, sieve analysis is used extensively in laboratory and field projects for road works, foundations of buildings, dam construction projects, and airport runway projects. It helps engineers get useful data to design safe and stable structures.

What is Sieve Analysis ? ​

Sieve analysis in geotechnical engineering is a process of sorting soil particles into various size fractions by a series of standard sieves. The sieves possess wire mesh screens with declining sizes of openings. Soil is put on the top sieve and agitated so that particles move through until they are held back by a sieve that has smaller openings.
This test provides a clear indication of the proportion of soil that is coarse, medium, or fine. According to these findings, soil can be defined as gravel, sand, silt, or clay.

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Significance of Sieve Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering​

Sieve analysis test is crucial in civil and geotechnical construction due to the following reasons:

• It assists in classifying soil based on IS soil classification system.
• It is required for pavement design, embankment design, and foundation design.
• It confirms that the soil applied in construction has project requirements.
• It offers compaction, permeability, and strength data for studies.

In other words, without sieve analysis, engineers cannot provide reliable information regarding soil quality, and hence construction projects become risky.

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Sieve Analysis Test Procedure in India​

The test procedure for sieve analysis in India is performed as per IS 2720 (Part 4) – Methods of Test for Soils: Grain Size Analysis. The procedures are as below:

Sample Preparation :​

• Obtain a representative soil sample.
• For coarse soil, 2 kg of soil and for fine soil, 100 g to 500 g would be adequate.
• Dry the soil in an oven at 105–110°C.

Arrangement of Sieve set :​

• A series of standard IS sieves is employed, typically ranging from 4.75 mm (coarse) to 75 micron (fine).
• Sieves are placed in sequence, with the largest opening at the top and smallest at the bottom.

Process of Sieving :​

• Position the soil sample in the topmost sieve.
• Shake the pile either by hand or using a mechanical shaker for the sieves for 10–15 minutes.
• Particles are separated and held back in individual sieves.

Weighing the sample:​

• Collect soil retained on each sieve and measure its weight.
• Note down the weight for calculations.

Calculations :​

The percentage retained on each sieve is computed as:

Percentage Retained = Weight of soil retained* 100 / Total soil weight

The percentage passing (or finer) is computed as:

Percentage Passing = 100 − %Cumulative retained

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Graphical Representation​

• A grain size distribution curve is drawn with sieve size (log scale) on the X-axis and percentage finer on the Y-axis.
• This curve is used to determine soil classification as well as its appropriateness for construction.

Soil Types Determined by Sieve Analysis​

The sieve analysis in geotechnical applications determines the following types of soil :

• Gravel type soil has Particle size greater than 4.75 mm
• Sand type soil has Particle size between 75 micron to 4.75 mm
• Silt and Clay type soil has Particle size greater than 75 micron (smaller particles, commonly tested with hydrometer method)

This type determines engineers to make decisions about soil appropriateness for road subgrades, concrete batching, or filling in embankments.

Applications of Sieve Analysis Test :​

The sieve analysis test is applied extensively in India across various infrastructure projects:

• Highway and Road Construction – Provides the appropriate soil gradation for solid pavement layers.
• Building Foundations – Assists in the choice of soil that can withstand heavy loads without settling excessively.
• Airport Runways – Supplies information to develop stable sub-bases that can be subjected to aircraft loads.
• Dam and Embankment Projects – Assures correct compaction and avoids seepage problems.
• Concrete Mix Design – Finds the appropriate fine to coarse aggregate proportion.

Advantages of Sieve Analysis :​

• Easy and inexpensive test.
• Quick results.
• Well accepted according to Indian and international standards.
• Needs very little equipment unlike advanced soil tests.

Limitations of Sieve Analysis​

Sieve analysis, though commonly in use, has a few limitations :

• Cannot give proper measurement for very fine particles less than 75 microns.
• Needs separate hydrometer testing for the silt and clay fractions.
• Results are sample preparation and time of sieving dependent.

Sieve Analysis Standards in India​

In India, the test is as per IS 2720 (Part 4): 1985. For aggregate used in road and concrete construction, standards like IS 2386 (Part 1): 1963 are mentioned. The guidelines are to be followed by the engineers for accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion​

The sieve analysis test continues to be among the most important soil tests in geotechnical engineering. Though a basic test, it offers critical information for pavement design, soil classification, and foundation safety.

In India, the procedure for conducting the sieve analysis test is standardized, and hence, it is a necessary step in nearly every infrastructure venture. From the construction of a national highway to a metro rail or high-rise building, sieve analysis is all about engineers having trustable soil data, resulting in safe and durable structures.