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M E M O R A N D U M

To: Jakob Schallberger

From: John Smith

Subject: Sieve analysis test results

Date: 1/19/2018

Per your request, we have performed a sieve analysis test on the soil sample you provided to determine its grain size distribution. Based on visual inspection, the soil sample appeared to be mostly sand, olive gray in color. The sieve analysis test was performed in general accordance with ASTM D-422 standard. Raw laboratory data are provided in Attachment-A and our analysis/calculations are provided in Attachment-B.

Table 1 summarizes the grain size distribution of the soil sample. It should be noted that during the test about 0.13% of the total mass was lost; this amount of lost mass is considered acceptable and may be due to the sensitivity of the balance used for measurement. The data from Table 1 are also presented graphically as a grain size distribution chart in Figure 1.

Table 2 summarizes the findings from the particle distribution curve. Coefficient of uniformity Cu and coefficient of curvature Cc are the indicators of gradation distributions and are used to determine if granular soils are well graded or uniformly (poorly) graded. Since the results show that Cu > 6 and 1 < Cc < 3, the soil sample provided could be classified as well graded sand but further analysis will be necessary to accurately report the soil classification. These additional tests include hydrometer analysis, liquid limit test and plastic limit test.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Sincerely,

John Smith

1. Attachment-A: Lab observation table 2. Attachment-B: Analysis/Calculations

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Table 1: Sieve analysis data.

Particle size (mm)

Percent finer (%)

4.75 100

2 85.5

0.85 52.1

0.42 27.8

0.18 17.2

0.125 8.1

0.075 2.4

Figure 1: Percent passing versus sieve opening. Table 2: Gradation coefficients and other quantities.

Percent gravel 0 %

Percent sand 97.6 %

Percent fines 2.4 %

D10 (Particle diameter corresponding to 10% of the particles finer) 0.14 mm

D30 (Particle diameter corresponding to 30% of the particles finer) 0.45 mm

D60 (Particle diameter corresponding to 60% of the particles finer) 1.10 mm

Cu (Coefficient of uniformity) 7.8

Cc (Coefficient of curvature) 1.3

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