UNE-EN ISO 17892-4:2019

This International Standard specifies a method of determining the particle size distribution of soils. This International Standard 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 just by sieving, but fine and mixed soils should be tested by a combination of sieving and sedimentation, depending on the composition of the soil. Sieving is the process whereby the soil is separated in particle size classes by the use of test sieves. Sedimentation is the process of the settling of soil particles in a liquid, where differences in settling rates enable the particle size classes to be separated. Two sedimentation methods are described; the hydrometer method and the pipette method.The methods described are applicable to all non-cemented soils with particle sizes less than 125 mm.Depending on the purpose for the determination of the particle size distribution, pre-treatment or correction for calcium carbonate, dissolved salts and/or organic matter can be required. Other methods that incorporate detection systems using x-rays, lasers, density measurements and particle counters are not covered by this document.NOTEThis document fulfils the requirements of the particle size analysis testing in accordance with EN 1997-1 and EN 1997-2.