ASTM Standards stress importance of particle size distribution.
Press Release Summary:
Two proposed ASTM standards provide test methods for determining particle size. They include ASTM WK11776, Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis, and ASTM WK38106, Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils Combining the Sieve and Sedimentation Techniques. Gradation is used to classify soils for engineering and agricultural purposes, since particle size influences how fast or slow fluids move through soil.
Original Press Release:
Importance of Particle Size Distribution Emphasized in Proposed ASTM Soil and Rock Standards
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., —Particle size distribution, also known as gradation, refers to the proportions by dry mass of a soil distributed over specified particle-size ranges. Gradation is used to classify soils for engineering and agricultural purposes, since particle size influences how fast or slow water or other fluid moves through a soil. Two proposed new ASTM standards provide test methods for determining particle size.
ASTM WK11776, Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis, and ASTM WK38106, Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils Combining the Sieve and Sedimentation Techniques, are being developed by Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils, part of ASTMCommittee D18 on Soil and Rock.
“Knowing the grain size distribution of a soil is important for a variety of reasons and for a range of uses,” says Kendra Adams, senior quality assurance engineer, Fugro Consultants Inc., and a D18 member. “Gradation results influence the design of earthen dams, levees and landfills.”
Once approved, the proposed standards will be useful to professionals in several fields:
• Civil and geotechnical engineers to assist in designing or making recommendations regarding a project site, particularly regarding water drainage;
• Geologists in determining depositional environments and provenance;
• Agronomists to assist with drainage or nutrient delivery to crops;
• Regulatory and accreditation bodies for a consistent and accepted method by which to assess  laboratories; and
• Laboratories for a defined method by which to perform the test.
D18.03 welcomes participation in its standards developing activities from all interested parties.
ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.
ASTM International is one of the world’s largest development and delivery systems of standards and related products and services. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions.
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ASTM Committee D18 Next Meeting: June 22-25, 2014, June Committee Week, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Technical Contact: Kendra Adams, Fugro Consultants Inc., Littleton, Colo., Phone: 636-357-4730; ksarocksu@yahoo.com Â
ASTM Staff Contact: Robert Morgan, Phone: 610-832-9732; rmorgan@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org
