INTRODUCTION:

Hydrometer analysis is the procedure generally adopted for

determination of the particle-size distribution in a soil for the fraction that is
finer than No. 200 sieve size (0.075 mm). The lower limit of the particle-size
determined by this procedure is about 0.001 mm. In hydrometer analysis, a
soil specimen is dispersed in water. In a dispersed state in the water, the soil
particles will settle individually. It is assumed that the soil particles are spheres,
and the velocity of the particles can be given by Stoke's law as
(𝛄𝐬 − 𝛄𝐰 ) 𝟐
𝛖= 𝐃
𝟏𝟖𝛈
Where:
𝛖 = velocity (cm/s)
𝛄𝐬 = specific weight of soil solids (g/cm3)
𝛄𝐰 = unit weight of water (g/cm3)
𝛈 = viscosity of water (g.s/cm2)
𝐃 = diameter of the soil particle
If a hydrometer is suspended in water in which
soil is dispersed, it will measure the specific gravity of
the soil-water suspension at a depth L. The depth L is
called the effective depth. So, at a time t minutes from
the beginning of the test, the soil particles that settle
beyond the zone of measurement (i.e., beyond the
effective depth L) will have a diameter given by
L (cm) (γs − γw ) g/cm2 D(mm)
= g. s [ ]
t (mm) × 60 18η ( 2 ) 10
cm

10 18η L 𝐋(𝐜𝐦)
𝐃 (𝐦𝐦) = √ √ = 𝐀√
√60 (γs − γw ) t 𝐭(𝐦𝐢𝐧)

1800η 30η
where A = √ =√
60(γs − γw ) (γs − γw )

Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 21

 In the test procedure described here, the ASTM 152-H type of
hydrometer will be used. From the figure based on the hydrometer reading
(which increases from zero to 60 in the ASTM 152-H type of hydrometer), the
value of L will change. The magnitude of L can be given as
𝟏 𝐕𝐁
𝐋 = 𝐋𝟏 + (𝐋𝟐 − )
𝟐 𝐀𝐂
Where:
L1 = distance between the top of hydrometer bulb to the mark for a
hydrometer reading. For a hydrometer reading of zero, L 1 = 10.5
cm. Also, for a Hydrometer reading of 50 g/liter, L1 = 2.3 cm. Thus,
in general, for a given hydrometer reading:
𝟏𝟎. 𝟓 − 𝟐. 𝟑
𝐋𝟏 (𝐜𝐦) = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟓 − ( ) × (𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠)
𝟓𝟎
L2 =14cm
VB = volume of the hydrometer bulb = 67.0 cm3
Ac = cross-sectional area of the hydrometer cylinder = 27.8 cm 2
For actual calculation purposes we also need to know the values of A
given. An example of this calculation is shown below.
𝛄𝐬 = 𝐆𝐬 𝛄𝐰
where Gs = specific gravity of soil solids
Thus,

𝟑𝟎𝛈
𝐀=√
(𝐆𝐬 − 𝟏)𝛄𝐰

The ASTM 152-H type of hydrometer is calibrated up to a reading of 60

at a temperature of 20OC for soil particles having a Gs = 2.65. A hydrometer
reading of, say, 30 at a given time of a test means that there are 30 g of soil
solids (Gs = 2.65) in. suspension per 1000 cc of soil water mixture at a
temperature of 20OC at a depth where the specific gravity of the soil-water
suspension is measured (i.e., L). From this measurement, we can determine
the percentage. of soil still in suspension at time t from the beginning of the
test and all the soil particles will have diameters smaller than D calculated.
However, in the actual experimental work, some corrections to the observed
hydrometer readings need to be applied. They are as follows:

Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 22

 1. Temperature correction (FT) – The actual temperature of the test may
not be 20°C. The temperature correction (FT) may be approximated as
𝐅𝐓 = −𝟒. 𝟖𝟓 + 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓𝐓 (for T between 15°C and 28°C)
Where:
FT = temperature correction to the observed reading (can be
either positive or negative)
T = temperature of test in oC
2. Meniscus correction (Fm) – Generally, the upper level of the meniscus
is taken as the reading during laboratory work (Fm is always positive).
3. Zero correction (Fz) – A deflocculating agent is added to the soil-
distilled water suspension for performing experiments. This will change
the zero reading (Fz can be either positive or negative).

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:

1. Soil Samples
2. ASTM 152-Hhydrometer
3. Mixer
4. Two 1000-cc graduated cylinders
5. Thermometer
6. Constant temperature bath
7. Deflocculating agent
8. Spatula
9. Beaker
10. Balance
11. Plastic squeeze bottle
12. Distilled water
13. No. 12 rubber stopper

PROCEDURE:
Note: This procedure is used when more than 90 per cent of the soil is finer
than No. 200 sieve.
1. Take 50 g of oven-dry, well-pulverized soil in a beaker.

Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 23

 2. Prepare a deflocculating agent. Usually, a 4% solution of sodium
hexametaphosphate (Calgon) is used. This can be prepared by adding
40 g of Calgon in 1000 cc of distilled water and mixing it thoroughly.
3. Take 125 cc of the mixture prepared in Step 2 and add it to the soil
taken in Step 1. This should be allowed to soak for about 8 to 12 hours.
4. Take a 1000-cc graduated cylinder and add 875 cc of distilled water
plus 125 cc of deflocculating agent in it. Mix the solution well.
5. Put the cylinder (from Step 4) in a constant temperature bath. Record
the temperature f the bath, T (in OC).
6. Put the hydrometer in the cylinder (Step 5). Record the reading. (Note:
The top a/the meniscus should be read.) This is the zero correction (Fz),
which can be +ve or -ve. Also observe the meniscus correction (Fm).
7. Using a spatula, thoroughly mix the soil prepared in Step 3. pour it into
the mixer cup. Note: During this process, some soil may stick to the side
of the beaker. Using the plastic squeeze bottle filled with distilled water,
wash all the remaining soil in the beaker into the mixer cup.
8. Add distilled water to the cup to make it about two-thirds full. Mix it for
about two minutes using the mixer.
9. Pour the mix into the second graduated 1000-cc cylinder. Make sure
that all the soil solids are washed out of the mixer cup. Fill the graduated
cylinder with distilled water to bring the water level up to the 1000-cc
mark.
10. Secure a No. 12 rubber stopper on the top of the cylinder (Step 9). Mix
the soil-water well by turning the soil cylinder upside down several
times.
11. Put the cylinder into the constant temperature bath next to the cylinder
described in Step 5. Record the time immediately. This is· cumulative
time t = 0. Insert the hydrometer into the cylinder containing the soil-
water suspension.
12. Take hydrometer readings at cumulative times t = 0.25 min., 0.5 min., 1
min., and 2 min. Always read the upper level of the meniscus.
13. Take the hydrometer out after two minutes an<l put it into the cylinder
next to it (Step 5).

Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 24

 14. Hydrometer readings are to be taken at time t = 4 min., 8 min., 15 min.,
30 min., 1 hr., 2 hr., 4 hr., 8 hr., 24 hr. and 48 hr. For each reading,
insert the hydrometer into the cylinder containing the soil-water
suspension about 30 seconds before the reading is due. After the
reading is taken, remove the hydrometer and put it back into the cylinder
next to it (Step 5).

CALCULATIONS:
1. Refer to Table 4.2:
Column 2: These are observed hydrometer readings (R)
corresponding to times given in Column 1.
Column 3: Rcp = corrected hydrometer reading for calculation of
percent finer = 𝑹 + 𝑭𝑻 − 𝑭𝒛
Column 4: Percent finer
𝒂𝑹𝒄𝒑
= (𝟏𝟎𝟎)
𝑾𝒔
Where:
𝑊𝑠 = dry weight of soil used for the hydrometer
analysis
𝑎 = correction for specific gravity (since the
hydrometer is calibrated for Gs = 2.65)
𝑮𝒔 (𝟏. 𝟔𝟓)
𝑎=
(𝑮𝒔 − 𝟏)𝟐. 𝟔𝟓
Column 5: RcL = corrected reading for determination of effective
length = 𝑹 + 𝑭𝒎
Column 6-: Determine L (effective length) corresponding to the values
of RcL (Col. 5)
Column 7: Determine A.
Column 8: Determine D (mm)

𝐋(𝐜𝐦)
= 𝐀√
𝐭(𝐦𝐢𝐧)

Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 25

GRAPH:
Plot a grain-size distribution graph on semi-log graph paper with percent
finer (Col.4, Table 4.2) on the natural scale and D (Col. 8, Table 4.2) on the
log scale.

PROCEDURE MODIFICATION:
When a smaller amount (less than about 90%) of soil is finer than No. 200
sieve size, the following modification to the above procedure needs to be
applied.
1. Take an oven-dry sample of soil. Determine its weight (W1).
2. Pulverize the soil using a mortar and rubber-tipped pestle, as described
Laboratory Exercise No.3.
3. Run a sieve analysis on the soil (Step 2), as described in Laboratory
Exercise No.3.
4. Collect in the bottom pan the soil passing through No. 200 sieve.
5. Wash the soil retained on No. 200 sieve, as described in Laboratory
Exercise No.3. Collect all the wash water and dry it in an oven.
6. Mix the minus No. 200 portion from Step'4 and the dried minus No. 200
portion from Step 5.
7. Calculate the percent finer for the soil retained on No. 200 sieve and
above.
8. Take 50 g of the minus 200 soil (Step 6) and run a hydrometer analysis.
(Follow Steps 1 through 14 as described previously.)
9. Report the calculations for the hydrometer analysis like that shown in
Table 4.2. Note, however, that the percent finer now calculated (as in
Col. 8 of Table 4.2) is not the percent finer based on the total sample.
Calculate the percent finer based on the total sample as
𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨. 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞)
𝐏𝐓 = (𝐂𝐨𝐥. 𝟖 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝟒. 𝟐) ( )
𝟏𝟎𝟎
10. Plot a combined graph for percent finer versus grain-size distribution
obtained from both the sieve analysis and the hydrometer analysis. An
example of this is shown. From this plot, note that there is an
overlapping zone. The percent finer calculated from the sieve analysis
for a given grain size does not match that calculated from the
Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 26
 hydrometer analysis. The grain sizes obtained from a sieve analysis are
the least sizes of soil grains, and the grain sizes obtained from the
hydrometer are the diameters of equivalent spheres of soil grains.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
A hydrometer analysis gives results from which the percent of soil finer
than 0.002 mm in diameter can be estimated. It is generally accepted that the
percent finer than 0.002 mm in size is clay or clay-size fractions. Most clay
particles are smaller than 0.001 mm, and 0.002 mm is the upper limit. The
presence of clay in a soil contributes to its plasticity.

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Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 28
 𝒂 × 𝑹𝒄𝒑
× 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝟓𝟎

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Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 30
Soil Mechanics Laboratory Manual 31