Question

What is the importance of a Particle Size Distribution Curve for Soils? What is it used for engineering wise? In addition, explain fully the Uniformity Coefficient, the Coefficient of Curvature, the Effective Size, D10, D30, D50, D60.

Answer 1

1. Particle size distribution is the method which is used to separate the any soil sample into different fractions based on particles sizes .
2. Particle size distribution Curve is used to estimate the gradation of the soil.
3. Particle size distribution curves are used to estimate the particle size range in the soil.
4. Particle size distribution curves are also helps in identifying the type of soil.

For the engineering purpose we need the gradation of soil in pavement design under transporation engineering, Filtrer design under environmental engineering etc.

Coefficient of Uniformity Cu is represents the the size range of the distribution curve and defined as

Coefficient of curvature = It represents shape of the particles size distribution curve and it is defined as

Effective Size is the D10 - Size of sieve from which 10 % particles is passing from it.

D 30 Size of sieve from which 30 % particles is passing from it.

D 50 Size of sieve from which 50 % particles is passing from it.

D 60 Size of sieve from which 60 % particles is passing from it.

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