BS EN ISO 17892-4:2016

What is ISO 17892-4 - Determining the particle size distribution of soils about?

ISO 17892-4 specifies a method of determining the particle size distribution of soils.

ISO 17892-4 is applicable to the laboratory determination of the particle size distribution of a soil test specimen by sieving, or sedimentation, or a combination of both within the scope of geotechnical investigations.

The particle size distribution is one of the most important physical characteristics of the soil. Classification of soils is mainly based on the particle size distribution. Many geotechnical and geohydrological properties of soil are related to the particle size distribution.

The particle size distribution provides a description of soil based on a subdivision in discrete classes of particle sizes. The size of each class can be determined by sieving and/or sedimentation. Coarse soils are usually tested by sieving, but fine and mixed soils are usually tested by a combination of sieving and sedimentation, depending on the composition of the soil.

The sieving method described is applicable to all non-cemented soils with particle sizes less than 125 mm. Two sedimentation methods are described: the hydrometer method and the pipette method.

Note: ISO 17892-4 is a part of ISO 17892 that fulfils the requirements of the particle size distribution testing in accordance with EN 1997-2.

Who is ISO 17892-4 - Determining the particle size distribution of soils for?

ISO 17892-4  on determining the particle size distribution of soils is useful for:

• Geotechnical and geo-environmental testing laboratories
• Geotechnical consultants
• Civil engineers
• Geotechnical engineers
• Land/site surveyors

Why should you use ISO 17892-4 - Determining the particle size distribution of soils?

A geotechnical investigation is used to study the soil and geologic conditions of a property and to make constructive suggestions and design requirements. The rate of flow of water, under laminar flow conditions, through a unit cross sectional are of soil mass, under unit hydraulic gradient, is defined as coefficient of permeability. The calculation of the coefficient of permeability assumes the application of Darcy’s law for laminar flow of water under saturated conditions.

ISO 17892-4 specifies a method of determining the particle size distribution of soils within the international field of geotechnical engineering.

ISO 17892-4 specifies a method of determining the particle size distribution of soils which is used for the design of drainage filters, selecting filling materials for embankment, earthen dams, road sub-base also used to estimate the performance of grouting chemical injection.