Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Determination of Grain Size Distribution (Hydrometer Analysis)

 AIM 

To determine the grain size distribution of soil sample containing appreciable amount

of fines by hydrometer analysis test. 

THEORY 

For determining the grain size distribution of soil sample, usually mechanical analysis 

(sieve analysis) is carried out in which the finer sieve used is 63 micron or the nearer

opening. If a soil contains appreciable quantities of fine fractions in (less than 63

micron) wet analysis is done. One form of the analysis is hydrometer analysis. It is

very much helpful to classify the soil as per ISI classification. The properties of the soil

are very much influenced by the amount of clay and other fractions. 

APPARATUS REQUIRED 

1. Hydrometer

2. Glass measuring cylinder-Two of 1000 ml capacity with ground glass or rubber 

stoppers about 7 cm diameter and 33 cm high marked at 1000 ml volume.

Thermometer- To cover the range 0 to 50º C with an accuracy of 0.5 º C. 

3. Water bath.

4. Stirring apparatus.

5. I.S sieves apparatus.

6. Balance-accurate to 0.01 gm.

7. Oven-105º to 110º.

8. Stop watch.

9. Desiccators

10. Centimeter scale.

11. Porcelain evaporating dish.

12. Wide mouth conical flask or conical beaker of 1000 ml capacity.

13. Thick funnel-about 10 cm in diameter.

14. Filter flask-to take the funnel.

15. Measuring cylinder-100 ml capacity.

16. Wash bottle-containing distilled water. 









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