ASTM D2217 Soil Size Analysis & Determination of Soil Constants
ASTM D 2217 procedure entails wetting down soil samples that have been collected in the field to prepare them for particle-size analysis and soil constant determination.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D2217 describes procedures for wet preparation of soil samples before mechanical sieve analysis and hydrometer testing. Proper sample preparation is essential to ensure that particle aggregates are broken down without destroying individual particles, allowing accurate size analysis of fine-grained soils such as silts and clays.
The method involves dispersing the soil in water using a dispersing agent and mechanical agitation, then washing the material through a 75 µm (No. 200) sieve to remove fines before the coarse fraction is dried and sieved. The fine fraction that passes the 75 µm sieve is used in subsequent hydrometer analysis. The soil constants (Atterberg limits) can also be determined in conjunction with this preparation to fully characterize the engineering behaviour of fine-grained soils.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D2217 covers:
- Wet preparation of soil samples for particle size analysis
- Dispersal of cohesive fine-grained soils
- Separation of coarse and fine fractions for analysis
- Preparation for subsequent hydrometer testing
- Determination of soil classification constants
- Sample conditioning for engineering index property testing
Applications
- Geotechnical site investigation
- Foundation design and evaluation
- Soil classification for construction projects
- Pavement subgrade characterization
- Earthwork quality control
- Environmental remediation soil assessment
- Retaining wall and slope stability studies
Benefits
- Enables accurate particle size analysis of fine soils
- Prevents misclassification from undispersed aggregates
- Supports geotechnical design decisions
- Provides data for USCS and AASHTO soil classification
- Reduces testing errors from improper sample preparation
- Facilitates consistent results across laboratories
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Soil sample is broken down using water and a sodium hexametaphosphate dispersing agent.
1Agitation
Sample is mixed using a mechanical stirrer for the prescribed period.
2Wet Sieving
The dispersed slurry is washed through a 75 µm sieve; fines are collected for hydrometer analysis.
3Drying & Sieving
Coarse fraction retained on the 75 µm sieve is oven-dried and subjected to dry sieve analysis.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Natural soils, silts, clays, mixed soil samples |
| Specimen Types | Field-collected soil samples |
| Key Separation Sieves | No. 10 (2.00 mm) / No. 40 (425 µm) |
| Drying Temperature | Max. 60°C (140°F) |
| Test Environment | Controlled laboratory conditions |
| Measured Property | Particle-size distribution and soil constants |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Mechanical stirrer/mixer
- Calibrated test sieves (various sizes)
- Oven for drying
- Analytical balance
- Hydrometer apparatus (for fine fraction)
- Dispersing agent (sodium hexametaphosphate)
Results and Deliverables
- Particle size distribution curve
- Percent fines (passing No. 200 sieve)
- Coarse fraction sieve analysis data
- Soil classification (USCS/AASHTO basis)
- Geotechnical investigation reports
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is used for wet preparation of soil samples before conducting particle-size distribution and soil constant tests.
The prepared sample is used for grain size analysis, liquid limit, plastic limit, and other soil constants.
It is suitable for natural soils, fine-grained soils, silts, clays, and mixed soil samples.
Wet preparation helps separate cohesive fines from coarse particles without altering the soil structure.
The standard was withdrawn in 2007, but it may still be cited in older geotechnical reports and project documents.
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