What is the typical purpose of a sieve analysis?

The typical purpose of a sieve analysis is to determine the particle size distribution of soil. This test is essential in soil classification and helps engineers and geologists understand how the size of soil particles will affect the behavior of the soil when subjected to various types of loading or environmental conditions.

During a sieve analysis, soil samples are passed through a series of sieves with progressively smaller openings. The amount of soil retained on each sieve is measured, which allows for the calculation of the percentage of total soil that falls within specific size ranges. This information is crucial for applications such as determining the suitability of soil for construction, assessing drainage capabilities, and evaluating erosion potential.

Understanding particle size distribution aids in predicting how the soil will compact, the flow of water through the soil, and the strength of the soil, making it a foundational test in soil mechanics and engineering.