Standard Method of Test for

Particle Size Analysis of Soils

AASHTO Designation: T 88-20

Technical Subcommittee: 1a, Soil and Unbound
Recycled Materials
Release: Group 3 (July)

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

555 12th Street NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004

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 Standard Method of Test for

Particle Size Analysis of Soils

AASHTO Designation: T 88-20

Technical Subcommittee: 1a, Soil and Unbound
Recycled Materials
Release: Group 3 (July)

1. SCOPE
1.1. This method describes a procedure for the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle
sizes in soils.

1.2. The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: For the purposes of determining
conformance with these specifications, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded
off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting
value, in accordance with ASTM E29.

1.3. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4. Refer to 29 CFR 1910.1200 for regulatory information for chemicals.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1. AASHTO Standards:
 M 145, Classification of Soils and Soil–Aggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction
Purposes
 M 147, Materials for Aggregate and Soil–Aggregate Subbase, Base, and Surface Courses
 M 231, Weighing Devices Used in the Testing of Materials
 R 58, Dry Preparation of Disturbed Soil and Soil–Aggregate Samples for Test
 R 74, Wet Preparation of Disturbed Soil Samples for Test
 T 100, Specific Gravity of Soils
 T 265, Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soils

2.2. ASTM Standards:

 C670, Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for
Construction Materials
 E11, Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
 E29, Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance
with Specifications
 E100, Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers

2.3. Federal Standard:

TS-1a T 88-1 AASHTO

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  Fed. Std. No. 29, CFR 1910.1200 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard; see also
Permissible Exposure Limits—Annotated Tables, available at
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/annotated-pels/

3. APPARATUS
3.1. The apparatus shall consist of the following:

3.1.1. Oven—A thermostatically controlled drying oven capable of maintaining temperatures of 110 ±
5°C (230 ± 9°F) for drying the sieve analysis samples.

3.1.2. Balance—The balance shall have sufficient capacity, be readable to 0.1 percent of the sample
mass, or better, and conform to the requirements of M 231.

3.1.3. Stirring Apparatus—A mechanically operated stirring apparatus consisting of an electric motor
suitably mounted to turn a vertical shaft at a speed not less than 10 000 rpm without load, a
replaceable stirring paddle made of metal, plastic, or hard rubber similar to one of the designs
shown in Figure 1. The shaft shall be of such length that the stirring paddle will operate not less
than 19.0 mm (3/4 in.) nor more than 38 mm (1.5 in.) above the bottom of the dispersion cup. A
dispersion cup conforming to either of the designs is shown in Figure 2.

Dimensional Equivalents
mm in.
19.1 3
/4
12.7 1
/2
5.16 ± 0.025 0.203 ± 0.001
1.24 0.049 (No. 18 BW Ga.)

Note: All dimensions are shown in millimeters unless

otherwise noted.

Figure 1—Details of Stirring Paddles

TS-1a T 88-2 AASHTO

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 Dimensional Equivalents
mm in.
33.0 1.3
66.0 2.6
95.2 3.75
178 7.0

Note: All dimensions are shown in millimeters unless

otherwise noted.

Figure 2—Dispersion Cups

TS-1a T 88-3 AASHTO

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 3.1.3.1. (Alternate B)—An air-jet type dispersing device similar to either of the designs shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3—The Wintermyer Soil Dispersion Cups

Note 1—The amount of air required by an air-jet dispersion cup is of the order of 0.06 m3/min
(2 cfm); some small air compressors are not capable of supplying sufficient air to operate a cup.
Note 2—Another air-type dispersion device, known as a dispersion tube, developed by Chu and
Davidson at Iowa State College, has been shown to give results equivalent to those secured by the
air-jet dispersion cups. When it is used, soaking of the sample can be done in the sedimentation
cylinder, thus eliminating the need for transferring the slurry. When the air-dispersion tube is used,
it shall be so indicated in the report.
Note 3—Water may condense in air lines when not in use. This water must be removed, either by
using a water trap on the air line, or by blowing the water out of the line before using any of the air
for dispersion purposes.

3.1.4. Hydrometer—An ASTM hydrometer, graduated to read in either specific gravity of the suspension
or grams per liter of suspension, and conforming to the requirements for hydrometers 151 H or
152 H in ASTM E100. Dimensions of both hydrometers are the same, the scale being the only
item of difference.

3.1.5. Sedimentation Cylinders—A glass cylinder 460 mm ± 20 mm (18 in. ± 1.0 in) in height and
60 mm (21/2 in.) in diameter and marked for a volume of 1000 mL. The inside diameter shall be
such that the 1000 mL mark is 360 ± 20 mm (14 ± 1.0 in.) from the bottom on the inside.

3.1.6. Thermometer—A calibrated thermometer readable to 0.5°C (1°F).

3.1.7. Sieves—A series of sieves of square mesh woven cloth, conforming to the requirements of ASTM
E11. The sieves normally required are as follows:

TS-1a T 88-4 AASHTO

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 Standard
Designation, Alternate
mm Designation
75 3 in.
50 2 in.
25 1 in.
9.25 3
/8 in.
4.75 No. 4
2.00 No. 10
0.425 No. 40
0.075 No. 200

Note 4—The above sieves fulfill the requirements of M 145 and M 147. If desired, intermediate
sieve sizes may be used in such sizes as:

Standard
Designation, Alternate
mm Designation
75 3 in.
37.5 11/2 in.
19 3
/4 in.
9.5 3
/8 in.
4.75 No. 4
2.36 No. 8
1.18 No. 16
0.60 No. 30
0.30 No. 50
0.15 No. 100
0.075 No. 200

3.1.8. Water Bath or Constant Temperature Room—A water bath or constant temperature room for
maintaining the soil suspension at a constant temperature during the hydrometer analysis. A
satisfactory water bath is an insulated tank that maintains the suspension at a convenient constant
temperature as near 20°C (68°F) as the room and faucet-water temperature will permit. Such a
device is illustrated in Figure 4. In cases where the work is performed in a room at an
automatically controlled constant temperature, the water bath is not necessary and subsequent
reference to a constant temperature bath shall be interpreted as meaning either a water bath or a
constant temperature room.

3.1.9. Beaker—A glass beaker having a capacity of at least 250 mL and not greater than 500 mL.

3.1.10. Timing Device—A watch or clock readable to the nearest second.

3.1.11. Containers—Suitable containers made of material resistant to corrosion and not subject to change
in mass or disintegration on repeated heating and cooling. Containers shall have close-fitting lids
to prevent loss of moisture from samples before initial mass determination and to prevent
absorption of moisture from the atmosphere following drying and before final mass determination.
One container is needed for each moisture content determination.

3.1.12. Stirring Device—Any nonporous device suitable for stirring the sample mixture without loss of
material.

TS-1a T 88-5 AASHTO

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 76.2
158.8

117.5 117.5
76.2

Slip Back under Springs

76.2 939.8 76.2

22.2 Wood Casing

50.8 Cork
Overflow
Galv Sheet
Metal
355.6

Graduated
Glasses
Intake
Wood Base

Drill for Screws

15.8
9.5
15.8

31.8

Countersink °10
4.8
1.6

19.0 98.4 19.0 6.4

52.4 12.7
12.7 136.5
4.8 22.2
69.8
Spring Clip Spacer Bar Clip Block

Dimensional Equivalents
mm in. mm in.
939.8 37 31.8 1 1 /4
355.6 14 22.2 7
/8
158.8 6 1 /4 19.0 3
/4
136.5 5 3 /8 15.8 5
/8
117.5 4 5 /8 12.7 1
/2
98.4 3 7 /8 9.5 3
/8
76.2 3 6.4 1
/4
69.8 2 3 /4 4.8 3
/16
52.4 21/16 1.6 1
/16
50.8 2

Note: All dimensions are shown in millimeters unless otherwise noted.

Figure 4—Tank for Maintaining Soil Suspension at Constant Temperature during Hydrometer Analysis

TS-1a T 88-6 AASHTO

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 4. DISPERSING AGENT
4.1. A solution of sodium hexametaphosphate shall be used in distilled or demineralized water, at the
rate of 40 g of sodium hexametaphosphate per liter of solution.

4.1.1. Solutions of this salt, if acidic, slowly revert or hydrolyze back to the orthophosphate form with a
resultant decrease in dispersing action. Solutions shall be prepared frequently (at least once a
month) or adjusted to pH of 8 or 9 by means of sodium carbonate. Bottles containing solutions
shall have the date of preparation marked on them.

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WEIGHING

5.1. The masses of subsamples and size fractions in the hydrometer analysis and hygroscopic moisture
determination shall be determined to the nearest 0.01 g. The mass of the subsample for mechanical
analysis of the fraction retained on the 4.75-mm sieve, the 2.00-mm sieve, or the 0.425-mm sieve
for coarse sieve analysis, and each size fraction in the coarse sieve analysis, shall be determined to
within 0.1 percent of the mass of the subsample. For example, a subsample with a mass of 1000 g,
its size fractions in the coarse sieve analysis, must be weighed to the nearest gram.

6. SAMPLES
6.1. The test sample for particle size analysis shall be prepared in accordance with either R 58 for Dry
Preparation of Disturbed Soil and Soil–Aggregate Samples for Test, or R 74 for Wet Preparation
of Disturbed Soil Samples for Test. The representative portion of the original air-dry sample
selected for test shall be weighed. The mass of this sample shall be sufficient to yield quantities
for particle size analysis as follows:

6.1.1. The minimum amount required of material retained on the 4.75-mm sieve, the 2.00-mm sieve, or
the 0.425-mm sieve depends on the maximum particle size, but shall not be less than the amount
shown in the following table:

Approximate
Minimum
Normal Size of Largest Weight
Particles Standard (Alternate) of Portion
mm in. kg
9.5 3
/8 0.5
25 1 2
50 2 4
75 3 5

6.1.2. The size of the portion passing the 2.00-mm (No. 10) or 0.425-mm (No. 40) sieve shall be: (a) for
the hydrometer test, approximately 100 g for sandy soil and approximately 50 g for silty or clayey
soils, and (b) for hygroscopic moisture determination, at least 10 g.

6.2. The test sample selected in Section 5.1 shall be processed by one of the following methods:

6.2.1. Alternate Method Using 4.75-mm and 2.00-mm (No. 4 and No. 10) Sieves—After separating the
test sample on the 4.75-mm sieve as described in Section 5.2.2 of R 58, the two fractions shall be
weighed. A representative portion of the passing 4.75-mm sieve fraction adequate for mechanical
analysis shall be selected and separated into two fractions using a 2.00-mm sieve. Each of these

TS-1a T 88-7 AASHTO

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 fractions shall be weighed and the subsamples for hydrometer analysis and hygroscopic moisture
determination shall be obtained from the passing 2.00-mm sieve fraction by use of a riffle sampler
or sample splitter, and either weighed immediately or placed in airtight containers until tested.

6.2.2. Alternate Method Using 2.00-mm (No. 10) Sieve—The sample shall be separated on the 2.00-mm
sieve as described in Section 5.2.1 of R 58. The portion retained on the 2.00-mm sieve after the
second sieving shall be processed in accordance with Section 7, Sieve Analysis of Fraction
Retained on 2.00-mm (No. 10) Sieve. The portion passing the 2.00-mm sieve in both sieving
operations shall be weighed and prepared as described in Section 6.2 of R 58. Subsamples for
hygroscopic moisture, hydrometer analysis, and sieve analysis shall be weighed immediately or
placed in airtight containers until tested.

6.2.3. Alternate Method Using 0.425-mm (No. 40) Sieve—The sample shall be processed as described in
R 74, the portions retained on and passing the 0.425-mm sieve shall be weighed, and the
subsamples for hydrometer analysis and hygroscopic moisture determination shall be obtained by
use of a riffle sampler or sample splitter, and either weighed immediately or placed in airtight
containers until tested.
Note 5—Most laboratories prepare the sample in accordance with Section 5.2.1 of R 58, which
provides for splitting the original sample on the 2.00-mm sieve. Hereafter in this method the triple
designation, 4.75-mm, or 2.00-mm, or 0.425-mm sieve, is not used. When reference to the fraction
retained or passing the 2.00-mm sieve is used, the 4.75-mm sieve is implied if the sample was
processed in accordance with Section 6.2.1, and the 0.425-mm sieve is implied if the sample was
processed in accordance with Section 6.2.3.

7. SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FRACTION RETAINED ON 2.00-MM

(NO. 10) SIEVE
7.1. The portion of the sample retained on the 2.00-mm (No. 10) sieve shall be separated into a series
of sizes by the use of the 75, 50, 25.0, 9.5, and 4.75-mm (3 in., 2 in., 1 in., 3/8 in., and the No. 4)
sieves, and using other sieves as may be needed depending on the sample or on the specification
for the material being tested. The 2.00-mm sieve shall be used if the sample was prepared in
accordance with R 74.

7.2. The sieving operation shall be conducted by means of a lateral and vertical motion of the sieve,
accomplished by jarring action so as to keep the sample moving continuously over the surface of
the sieve. In no case shall fragments in the sample be turned or manipulated through the sieve by
hand. Sieving shall be continued until not more than 1 percent by mass of the residue passes any
sieve during 60 s. When sieving machines are used, their thoroughness of sieving shall be tested
by comparison with hand methods of sieving as described in this paragraph.

7.3. The portion of the sample retained on each sieve shall be weighed and the mass recorded, although
it shall be permissible to record the accumulated masses as the contents of each successive sieve
are added to the fractions previously deposited on the scales pan.

TS-1a T 88-8 AASHTO

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 HYDROMETER AND SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FRACTION PASSING THE
2.00-MM SIEVE

8. DETERMINATION OF COMPOSITE CORRECTION FOR

HYDROMETER READING
8.1. Equations for percentages of soil remaining in suspension, as given in Section 16.3, are based on
the use of distilled or demineralized water. A dispersing agent is used in the water, however, and
the specific gravity of the resulting liquid is appreciably greater than that of distilled or
demineralized water.

8.1.1. Both soil hydrometers are calibrated at 20°C (68°F); variations in temperature from this standard
temperature produce inaccuracies in the actual hydrometer readings. The amount of the inaccuracy
increases as the variation from the standard temperature increases.

8.1.2. Hydrometers are graduated by the manufacturer to be read at the bottom of the meniscus formed
by the liquid on the stem. Since it is not possible to secure readings of soil suspensions at the
bottom of the meniscus, readings must be taken at the top and a correction applied.

8.1.3. The net amount of the corrections for the three items enumerated is designated as the composite
correction, and may be determined experimentally.

8.2. Determine the composite correction for each hydrometer used for testing. For convenience, a
graph or table of composite corrections for a series of 1° temperature differences for the range of
expected test temperatures may be prepared and used as needed. Measurement of the composite
corrections may be made at two temperatures spanning the range of expected test temperatures,
and corrections for the intermediate temperatures calculated assuming a straight-line relationship
between the two observed values.

8.3. Prepare 1000 mL of liquid composed of distilled or demineralized water and dispersing agent in
the selected dispersing agent specified in Section 4. Place the liquid in a sedimentation cylinder
and the cylinder in the constant-temperature water bath, set for one of the two temperatures to be
used. When the temperature of the liquid becomes constant, insert the hydrometer, and, after a
short interval to permit the hydrometer to come to the temperature of the liquid, read the
hydrometer at the top of the meniscus formed on the stem. For hydrometer 151 H, the composite
correction is the difference between this reading and one; for hydrometer 152 H it is the difference
between the reading and zero. Bring the liquid and the hydrometer to the other temperature to be
used, and secure the composite correction as before. (See Figure 5.)

9. HYGROSCOPIC MOISTURE
9.1. Determine the mass of the sample for the hygroscopic moisture determination. Dry the sample
according to T 265, to determine the moisture content, and record the results.

10. DISPERSION OF SOIL SAMPLE

10.1. The approximately 100- or 50-g sample for hydrometer analysis shall be weighed, placed in a
250-mL beaker, covered with 125 mL of stock solution of the selected dispersing agent specified
in Section 4, stirred until the soil is thoroughly wetted, and allowed to soak for a minimum of
12 h. The contents of the beaker shall then be washed into one of the dispersion cups shown in
Figure 2, distilled or demineralized water added until the cup is more than half full, and the
contents dispersed for a period of 60 s in the mechanical stirring apparatus.

TS-1a T 88-9 AASHTO

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 11. ALTERNATE METHOD FOR DISPERSION
11.1. The approximately 100- or 50-g sample for hydrometer analysis shall be weighed, placed in a
250-mL beaker, covered with 125 mL of the stock solution of the selected dispersing agent
specified in Section 4, stirred until the soil is thoroughly wetted, and allowed to soak for a
minimum of 12 h.

11.2. The air-jet dispersion apparatus shall be assembled as shown in Figure 3 without the cover cap in
place. The needle valve controlling the line pressure shall be opened until the pressure gauge
indicates 6.9-kPa (1-psi) air pressure. This initial air pressure is required to prevent the soil–water
mixture from entering the air-jet chamber when the mixture is transferred to the dispersion cup.
After the apparatus is adjusted, the soil–water mixture shall be transferred from the beaker to the
dispersion cup, using a wash bottle to assist in the transfer operation.

11.3. The volume of the soil–water mixture in the dispersion cup shall not exceed 250 mL. The cover
containing the baffle plate shall be placed on the dispersion cup and the needle valve opened until
the pressure gauge reads 138 kPa (20 psi). The soil–water mixture shall be dispersed for 5, 10, or
15 min depending on the plasticity index of the soil. Soils with a PI of five or less shall be
dispersed for 5 min; soil with a PI between 6 and 20 for 10 min; and soils with a PI greater than 20
for 15 min. Soils containing large percentages of mica need be dispersed for 60 s only.

11.4. After the dispersion period is completed, the needle valve shall be closed until the pressure gauge
indicates 6.9 kPa (1 psi). The cover shall be removed and all adhering soil particles washed back
into the dispersion cup. The soil water suspension shall then be washed into the 1000-mL glass
graduate and the needle valve closed.

TS-1a T 88-10 AASHTO

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Figure 5—Hydrometer

TS-1a T 88-11 AASHTO

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 12. HYDROMETER TEST
12.1. After dispersion, the mixture shall be transferred to the glass graduate and distilled or
demineralized water having the same temperature as the constant temperature bath added until the
mixture attains a volume of 1000 mL. The graduate containing the soil suspension shall then be
placed in the constant temperature bath. Remove the graduate after the soil suspension attains the
temperature of the bath. Using the palm of the hand over the open end of the cylinder (or a rubber
stopper in the open end), turn the cylinder upside down and back for a period of 60 s to complete
the agitation of the slurry. The number of turns during this minute shall be 60 ± 5, counting the
turn upside down and back as two turns.
Note 6—Any soil remaining in the bottom of the cylinder during the first few turns should be
loosened by vigorous shaking of the cylinder while it is in the inverted position.
Note 7—Upon completion of the agitation period, if necessary, any material clinging to the inside
walls of the top of the cylinder may be rinsed into the suspension with a small amount of water.

12.2. At the conclusion of this shaking, the time shall be recorded, the graduate placed in the bath, and
readings taken with the hydrometer at the end of 120 s. The hydrometer shall be read at the top of
the meniscus formed by the suspension around its stem. The hydrometer shall float freely and not
touch the wall of the graduate or cylinder. If hydrometer with scale A is used, it shall be read to
the nearest 0.5 g/L. Scale B shall be read to the nearest 0.0005 specific gravity. Subsequent
readings shall be taken at intervals of 5, 15, 30, 60, 250, and 1440 min after the beginning of
sedimentation. Readings of the thermometer placed in the soil suspension shall be made
immediately following each hydrometer reading and recorded.

12.3. After each reading, the hydrometer shall be very carefully removed from the soil suspension and
placed with a spinning motion in a graduate of clean water. About 25 to 30 s before the time for a
reading, it shall be taken from the clear water and slowly immersed in the soil suspension to assure
that it comes to rest before the appointed reading time.

13. SIEVE ANALYSIS

13.1. At the conclusion of the final reading of the hydrometer, the suspension shall be washed on a
0.075-mm (No. 200) sieve. That fraction retained on the 0.075-mm sieve shall be dried in an oven
at 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F) and a sieve analysis made using the 0.425-mm and 0.075-mm sieves and
such other sieves as may be required by the material under test.
Note 8—Following washing of the sample and flushing of any materials retained on the 75-µm
(No. 200) sieve back into the container, no water should be decanted from the container except
through the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve, to avoid loss of material. Excess water from flushing should
be evaporated from the sample in the drying process.

CALCULATIONS

14. PERCENTAGE OF HYGROSCOPIC MOISTURE

14.1. The hygroscopic moisture shall be expressed as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried soil
and shall be determined as follows:
W − W1
=
percentage of hygroscopic moisture × 100 (1)
W1

TS-1a T 88-12 AASHTO

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 where:
W = mass of air-dried soil, and
W1 = mass of oven-dried soil.
To correct the mass of the air-dried sample for hygroscopic moisture, the given value shall be
multiplied by the expression:
100
100 + percentage of hygroscopic moisture

14.2. Calculate the percentage of moisture to the nearest 0.001 as described in Section 14.1.

15. COARSE MATERIAL

15.1. The percentage of coarse material shall be calculated from the masses of the fractions recorded
during the sieving of the material retained on the 2.00-mm sieve, in accordance with Section 7.3,
and the total mass recorded in Section 6.1. The calculations shall be made as follows:

15.1.1. From the mass of the air-dried sample, obtained in Section 6.1, subtract the mass of the fraction
retained on the 2.00-mm sieve. The difference is assumed to equal the mass of the air-dried
fraction passing the 2.00-mm sieve (Note 5).

15.1.2. Correct the mass of the fraction passing the 2.00-mm sieve for hygroscopic moisture, determined
in Section 14.1.

15.1.3. To the corrected mass obtained in Section 15.1.2, add the mass of the fraction retained on the
2.00-mm sieve to obtain the mass of the total test sample corrected for hygroscopic moisture.

15.1.4. The fractions retained on the 2.00-mm and coarser sieves shall be expressed as percentages of the
corrected mass obtained in Section 15.1.3.
Note 9—According to this assumption, no hygroscopic moisture is contained in the air-dried
particles retained on the 2.00-mm sieve, when as a matter of fact a small percentage of moisture
may be present in this fraction. This amount of moisture, compared with that held in the pores of
the fraction passing the 2.00-mm sieve, is relatively small. Therefore, any error produced by the
assumption as stated may be considered negligible in amount.
Note 10—Somewhat different computations are required when the test sample is processed in
accordance with Section 6.2.1 (Alternate Method Using 4.75-mm and 2.00-mm sieves). In
Section 15.1, substitute the 4.75-mm sieve for the 2.00-mm sieve. The percentage passing the
2.00-mm sieve shall be calculated as follows: (1) correct the mass of the test fractions passing the
4.75-mm and 2.00-mm sieves for hygroscopic moisture; (2) divide the dry mass of the fraction
passing the 2.00-mm sieve by the dry mass of the subsample passing the 4.75-mm sieve, and
multiply this value by 100, giving the percentage passing the 2.00-mm sieve in the selected
subsample (Section 6.2.1); and (3) multiply this percentage by the percentage of the total sample
passing the 4.75-mm sieve, to give the percentage passing the 2.00-mm sieve in the total sample.

16. PERCENTAGE OF SOIL IN SUSPENSION

16.1. Hydrometer readings shall be corrected by applying the approximate composite correction as
determined by Section 8 to account for the dispersing agent used, temperature of the suspension,
and height of the meniscus on the stem of the hydrometer.

TS-1a T 88-13 AASHTO

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 16.2. The percentage of the dispersed soil in suspension represented by different corrected hydrometer
readings depends on both the amount and the specific gravity of the soil dispersed. The percentage
of dispersed soil remaining in suspension shall be calculated as follows:

For hydrometer 152 H:

Ra
P
= × 100 (2)
w

For hydrometer 151 H:

1606 ( R − 1) a
=P × 100 (3)
w
where:
P = percentage of originally dispersed soil remaining in suspension,
R = corrected hydrometer reading,
w = mass in grams of soil originally dispersed minus the hygroscopic moisture, and
a = constant depending on the density of the suspension.

For an assumed value of G for the specific gravity of the soil, and a water density of 1.000 at
20.0°C (68°F), the value of a may be obtained by the formula:
2.6500 − 1.000 G
=a ×
2.6500 G − 1.000

The values of a, given to two decimal places, are shown in Table 1.

Table 1—Values of a, for Different Specific

Gravities
Specific Gravity, G Constant, a
2.95 0.94
2.85 0.96
2.75 0.98
2.65 1.00
2.55 1.02
2.45 1.05
2.35 1.08

16.2.1. It is sufficiently accurate for ordinary tests to select the constant for the specific gravity nearest to
that of the particular soil tested.

16.3. To convert the percentages of soil in suspension to percentages of the total test sample including
the fraction retained on the 2.00-mm (No. 10) sieve, the percentage of originally dispersed soil
remaining in suspension shall be multiplied by the expression:
100 − the percentage retained on 2.00-mm sieve
100

TS-1a T 88-14 AASHTO

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 17. DIAMETER OF SOIL PARTICLES IN SUSPENSION
17.1. The maximum diameter, d, of the particles in suspension, corresponding to the percentage
indicated by a given hydrometer reading, shall be calculated by the use of Stokes’ law.
According to Stokes’ law:
30 nL
d= (4)
980 ( G − G1 ) T
where:
d = maximum grain diameter in millimeters;
n = coefficient of viscosity of the suspending medium (in this case water) in Pa·s (varies with
changes in temperature of the suspending medium);
L = distance from the surface of the suspension to the level at which the density of the
suspension is being measured, mm (for a given hydrometer and sedimentation cylinder,
values vary according to the hydrometer readings; this distance is known as effective
depth [see Table 2]);
T = interval of time from beginning of sedimentation to the taking of the reading, min;
G = specific gravity of soil particles; and
G1 = specific gravity of the suspending medium (approximately 1.0 for water).
Note 11—As Stokes’ law considers the terminal velocity of a single sphere falling in an infinity
of liquid, the sizes calculated represent the diameter of spheres that would fall at the same rate as
the soil particles.

TS-1a T 88-15 AASHTO

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 Table 2—Values of Effective Depth Based on Hydrometer and Sedimentation Cylinder of Specified Sizesa
Hydrometer 151 H Hydrometer 152 H
Actual Effective Actual Effective Actual Effective
Hydrometer Depth, Hydrometer Depth, Hydrometer Depth,
Reading L, mm Reading L, mm Reading L, mm
1.000 163 0 163 31 112
1.001 160 1 161 32 111
1.002 158 2 160 33 109
1.003 155 3 158 34 107
1.004 152 4 156 35 106
1.005 150 5 155
1.006 147 6 153 36 104
1.007 144 7 152 37 102
1.008 142 8 150 38 101
1.009 139 9 148 39 99
1.010 137 10 147 40 97
1.011 134 11 145 41 96
1.012 131 12 143 42 94
1.013 129 13 142 43 92
1.014 126 14 140 44 91
1.015 123 15 138 45 89
1.016 121 16 137 46 88
1.017 118 17 135 47 86
1.018 115 18 133 48 84
1.019 113 19 132 49 83
1.020 110 20 130 50 81
1.021 107 21 129 51 79
1.022 105 22 127 52 78
1.023 102 23 125 53 76
1.024 100 24 124 54 74
1.025 97 25 122 55 73
1.026 94 26 120 56 71
1.027 92 27 119 57 70
1.028 89 28 117 58 68
1.029 86 29 115 59 66
1.030 84 30 114 60 65
1.031 81
1.032 78
1.033 76
1.034 73
1.035 70
1.036 68
1.037 65
1.038 62
a
Values of effective depth are calculated from the equation:

L =L1 + 1/2[ L 2 − (VB/A)] (5)

where:
L = effective depth, mm;
L1 = distance along the stem of the hydrometer from the top of the bulb to the mark for a
hydrometer reading, mm;
L2 = overall length of hydrometer bulb, mm;
VB = volume of hydrometer bulb, mm3; and
A = cross-sectional area of sedimentation cylinder, mm2.

TS-1a T 88-16 AASHTO

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 For both hydrometers, 151 H and 152 H:
L2 = 140 mm
VB = 67000 mm3
A = 2780 mm2

For hydrometer 151 H:

L1 = 105 mm for a reading of 1.000
L2 = 23 mm for a reading of 1.031

For hydrometer 152 H:

L1 = 105 mm for a reading of 0 g/L
L2 = 23 mm for a reading of 50 g/L

17.2. For convenience in calculations, the above equation may be written as follows:
L
D= K (6)
T
where:
K = constant depending on the temperature of the suspension and the specific gravity of the
soil particles. Values of K for a range of temperatures and specific gravities are given in
Table 3. The value of K may not change for a series of readings constituting a test, while
values of L and T do vary.

Table 3—Values of K for Use in Equation for Computing Diameter of Particle in Hydrometer Analysis
Temperature, Specific Gravity of Soil Particles
ºC 2.45 2.50 2.55 2.60 2.65 2.70 2.75 2.80 2.85
16 0.004838 0.004759 0.004683 0.004607 0.004538 0.004471 0.004408 0.004345 0.004288
17 0.004778 0.004699 0.004623 0.004551 0.004481 0.004415 0.004351 0.004288 0.004231
18 0.004718 0.004639 0.004563 0.004494 0.004424 0.004358 0.004298 0.004234 0.004177
19 0.004661 0.004582 0.004506 0.004437 0.004370 0.004304 0.004244 0.004184 0.004127
20 0.004604 0.004525 0.004452 0.004383 0.004317 0.004250 0.004190 0.004133 0.004076
21 0.004547 0.004471 0.004399 0.004329 0.004263 0.004200 0.004139 0.004083 0.004026
22 0.004494 0.004418 0.004345 0.004279 0.004212 0.004149 0.004092 0.004035 0.003978
23 0.004440 0.004367 0.004294 0.004228 0.004165 0.004101 0.004045 0.003988 0.003931
24 0.004389 0.004317 0.004244 0.004177 0.004114 0.004054 0.003997 0.003940 0.003886
25 0.004339 0.004266 0.004196 0.004130 0.004067 0.004007 0.003950 0.003896 0.003842
26 0.004291 0.004218 0.004149 0.004083 0.004022 0.003962 0.003905 0.003852 0.003798
27 0.004244 0.004171 0.004101 0.004038 0.003978 0.003918 0.003861 0.003807 0.003757
28 0.004196 0.004124 0.004057 0.003997 0.003934 0.003875 0.003820 0.003766 0.003716
29 0.004149 0.004079 0.004013 0.003950 0.003890 0.003833 0.003779 0.003725 0.003675
30 0.004105 0.004035 0.003972 0.003909 0.003848 0.003792 0.003738 0.003684 0.003633

18. FINE SIEVE ANALYSIS

18.1. The percentage of the dispersed soil sample retained on each of the sieves in the sieve analysis of
the material washed on the 0.075-mm (No. 200) sieve shall be obtained by dividing the mass of
fraction retained on each sieve by the oven-dry mass of the dispersed soil and multiplying by 100.

TS-1a T 88-17 AASHTO

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 18.2. The percentages of the total test sample, including the fraction retained on the 2.00-mm (No. 10)
sieve, shall be obtained by multiplying these values by the expression:
100 − the percentage retained on 2.00-mm sieve
100

19. PLOTTING
19.1. The accumulated percentages of grains of different diameters shall be plotted on semilogarithmic
paper to obtain a “grain size accumulation curve,” such as that shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6—Grain Diameter Accumulation Curve for Soil Sample No. 4422X

20. REPORT
20.1. The results, read from the accumulation curve, shall be reported as follows:

20.1.1. Particles larger than 2-mm percent;

20.1.2. Coarse sand, 2.0 to 0.42-mm percent;

20.1.3. Fine sand, 0.42 to 0.074-mm percent;

20.1.4. Silt, 0.074 to 0.002-mm percent;

20.1.5. Clay, smaller than 0.002-mm percent; and

20.1.6. Colloids, smaller than 0.001-mm percent.

TS-1a T 88-18 AASHTO

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 The results of complete mechanical analyses furnished by the combined sieve and hydrometer
analysis shall be reported as follows:

Sieve Analysis
Sieve Size
Standard,
mm Alternate % Passing
75 3 in.

50 2 in.
25 1 in.
4.75 No. 4
2.00 No. 10
0.425 No. 40
0.075 No. 200

Hydrometer Analysis
Smaller Than: %
0.02 mm

0.002 mm

0.001 mm

For materials examined for any particular type of work or purpose, only such fractions shall be
reported as are included in the specifications or other requirements for the work or purpose.

20.2. Report the Sieve Analysis to the nearest 0.1 percent passing.

20.3. Report the Hydrometer Analysis to the nearest 0.1 percent smaller than.

21. PRECISION
21.1. Criteria for judging the acceptability of the particle size analysis of soils is as follows:
Note 12—Colloids (smaller than 0.001 mm) are not normally required. However, if it is
desired to obtain this size, it will then be necessary to extend the reading time to a minimum of
2880 min.
Note 13—As shown in Table 4, the figures in Column 2 are the standard deviations that have
been found to be appropriate for the tests described in Column 1. The figures in Column 3 are the
limits that should not be exceeded by the difference between the results of two properly conducted
tests.

TS-1a T 88-19 AASHTO

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 Table 4—Single-Operator Precision
Single-Operator Precision:
Test Standard Acceptable Range
Performed Deviationa of Two Resultsa
Hygroscopic Moisture in % Moisture:
4.75 mm (No. 4) 0.15 0.4
2.00 mm (No. 10) 0.21 0.6

Sieve Analysis in % Passing:

2.00 mm (No. 10) 0.66 1.9
0.425 mm (No. 40) 1.07 3.0
0.075 mm (No. 200) 1.19 3.4

Hydrometer Analysis in % Smaller Than:

0.02 mm 1.98 5.6
0.002 mm 1.34 3.8
0.001 mm 1.45 4.1

Multilaboratory Precision:
Test Standard Acceptable Range
Performed Deviationa of Two Resultsa
Hygroscopic Moisture in % Moisture:
4.75 mm (No. 4) 0.89 2.5
2.00 mm (No. 10) 0.88 2.4

Sieve Analysis in % Passing:

2.00 mm (No. 10) 1.39 3.9
0.425 mm (No. 40) 1.98 5.6
0.075 mm (No. 200) 2.31 6.5

Hydrometer Analysis in % Smaller Than:

0.02 mm 4.32 12.2
0.002 mm 3.19 9.0
0.001 mm 3.16 8.9
a
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and (d2s) limits as described in ASTM C670 for Preparing Precision Statements
for Test Methods for Construction Materials.

22. KEYWORDS
22.1. Coarse soil; fine soil; gradation; hydrometer; particle size; sieving; soil sizes.

TS-1a T 88-20 AASHTO

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