Determination of soil particle size distribution using laser diffraction method and its comparison with hydrometer method

DETERMINATION OF SOIL PARTICLE SIZE DISTRUBUTION USINGLASER DIFFRACTION METHOD AND ITS COMPARISON WITHHYDROMETER METHOD(Phd. Thesis)Mustafa ÖZERGAZI UNIVERSITYINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYJanuary 2006ABSTRACTIn this study, the particle size distribution of soils passing from No.200 sieveusing hydrometer and laser diffraction methods, and the results obtained fromboth methods were also compared. The only standard related to the laserdiffraction method, which is the main subject of this study, is ISO 13320 (1999).In this standard, only the general principles and rules are given. Because theISO 13320 (1999) standard does not include any information and suggestion forthe measurement of particle size distribution of soils, the experimental results ofthis study was assessed in two stages. In the first stage of the study, a generalmethod for the application of laser diffraction method to soil samples issuggested. In the second stage, particle size distribution curves and claypercentage determined by the two methods were compared. Based on the testresults, it was determined that hydrometer overestimates the clay percentage upto 30% in some samples. It was considered that this difference is probably dueto the grain shape and mineralogy. The XRD and SEM analyses performed onsome of the samples support this idea.Science Code : 714.1.050Key Words : Laser diffraction method, hydrometer test, clay percentagePage Number : 183Adviser : Ass. Prof. Dr. Mehmet ORHAN