SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
01-marec-2017
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SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
SIST-TS CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004/AC:2010
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GHO8JRWDYOMDQMH]UQDYRVWQHVHVWDYH,62
Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing of soil - Part 4: Determination
of particle size distribution (ISO 17892-4:2016)
Geotechnische Erkundung und Untersuchung - Laborversuche an Bodenproben - Teil 4:
Bestimmung der Korngrößenverteilung (ISO 17892-4:2016)
Reconnaissance et essais géotechniques - Essais de laboratoire sur les sols - Partie 4:
Détermination de la distribution granulométrie des particules (ISO 17892-4:2016)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 17892-4:2016
ICS:
13.080.20 Fizikalne lastnosti tal Physical properties of soils
93.020 Zemeljska dela. Izkopavanja. Earthworks. Excavations.
Gradnja temeljev. Dela pod Foundation construction.
zemljo Underground works
SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017

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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017


EN ISO 17892-4
EUROPEAN STANDARD

NORME EUROPÉENNE

November 2016
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.080.20; 93.020 Supersedes CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004
English Version

Geotechnical investigation and testing - Laboratory testing
of soil - Part 4: Determination of particle size distribution
(ISO 17892-4:2016)
Reconnaissance et essais géotechniques - Essais de Geotechnische Erkundung und Untersuchung -
laboratoire sur les sols - Partie 4: Détermination de la Laborversuche an Bodenproben - Teil 4: Bestimmung
distribution granulométrie des particules (ISO 17892- der Korngrößenverteilung (ISO 17892-4:2016)
4:2016)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 25 September 2016.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 17892-4:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
EN ISO 17892-4:2016 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3

2

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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
EN ISO 17892-4:2016 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 17892-4:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 182
“Geotechnics” in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 341 “Geotechnical Investigation and
Testing” the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2017, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by May 2017.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document supersedes CEN ISO/TS 17892-4:2004.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 17892-4:2016 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 17892-4:2016 without any
modification.
3

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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017

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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 17892-4
First edition
2016-11-01
Geotechnical investigation and
testing — Laboratory testing of soil —
Part 4:
Determination of particle size
distribution
Reconnaissance et essais géotechniques — Essais de laboratoire sur
les sols —
Partie 4: Détermination de la distribution granulométrie des
particules
Reference number
ISO 17892-4:2016(E)
©
ISO 2016

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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
ISO 17892-4:2016(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 749 01 11
Fax +41 22 749 09 47
copyright@iso.org
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
ISO 17892-4:2016(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Apparatus . 2
4.1 General . 2
4.2 Sieving method . 3
4.3 Hydrometer method . 4
4.4 Pipette method . 4
4.5 Reagents. 6
5 Test procedure . 6
5.1 Selection of test method. 6
5.2 Sieving method . 7
5.2.1 General. 7
5.2.2 Specimen preparation . 9
5.2.3 Test execution .10
5.3 Hydrometer method .12
5.3.1 General.12
5.3.2 Specimen preparation .14
5.3.3 Test execution .15
5.4 Pipette method .15
5.4.1 General.15
5.4.2 Specimen preparation .16
5.4.3 Test execution .16
5.5 Combined tests .16
6 Test results .18
6.1 Sieving .18
6.1.1 Fraction passing each sieve .18
6.2 Hydrometer .18
6.2.1 Total dry mass .18
6.2.2 Fraction passing each sieve .19
6.2.3 True hydrometer reading .19
6.2.4 Effective depth .19
6.2.5 Equivalent particle diameter .19
6.2.6 Modified hydrometer reading .20
6.2.7 Fraction smaller than equivalent particle diameter .20
6.2.8 Correction for material larger than 2 mm .21
6.3 Pipette.21
6.3.1 Total dry mass .21
6.3.2 Fraction passing each sieve .21
6.3.3 Equivalent particle diameter .21
6.3.4 Fraction smaller than equivalent particle diameter .22
6.3.5 Correction for material larger than 2 mm .22
7 Test report .22
Annex A (normative) Calibration, maintenance and checks .24
Annex B (informative) Pre-treatment of samples .30
Bibliography .31
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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
ISO 17892-4:2016(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
ISO 17892-4 was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee
CEN/TC 341, Geotechnical investigation and testing, in collaboration with ISO Technical Committee
TC 182, Geotechnics, in accordance with the agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN
(Vienna Agreement).
This first edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/TS 17892-4:2004), which has been
technically revised.
It also incorporates the Technical Corrigendum ISO/TS 17892-4:2004/Cor 1:2006.
A full list of parts in the ISO 17892 series, published under the general title Geotechnical investigation
and testing — Laboratory testing of soil, can be found on the ISO website.
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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
ISO 17892-4:2016(E)

Introduction
This part of ISO 17892 covers areas in the international field of geotechnical engineering never
previously standardized. It is intended that this part of ISO 17892 presents broad good practice
throughout the world and significant differences with national documents is not anticipated. It is based
on international practice (see Reference [2]).
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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 17892-4:2016(E)
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory
testing of soil —
Part 4:
Determination of particle size distribution
1 Scope
This part of ISO 17892 specifies a method of determining the particle size distribution of soils.
This part of ISO 17892 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 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 This part of ISO 17892 fulfils the requirements of the particle size distribution testing in accordance
with EN 1997-2.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3310-1, Test sieves —Technical requirements and testing — Part 1: Test sieves of metal wire cloth
ISO 3310-2, Test sieves — Technical requirements and testing — Part 2: Test sieves of perforated metal plate
ISO 4788, Laboratory glassware — Graduated measuring cylinders
ISO 14688-1, Geotechnical investigation and testing — Identification and classification of soil — Part 1:
Identification and description
ISO 17892-1, Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 1: Determination
of water content
ISO 17892-3, Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 3: Determination
of particle density
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
ISO 17892-4:2016(E)

3.1
sieving
process of separating soil particles into size classes by the use of test sieves consisting of a wire mesh or
slotted metal plate that permits particles smaller than the mesh size to pass through
3.2
sedimentation
process of separating soil particles into size classes by the gravitational settling of soil particles in a
liquid, where different size classes settle at different rates
3.3
particle size distribution
proportions by mass of the various particle size classes present in a soil
3.4
dispersion
mechanical or chemical treatment of the soil to separate any aggregations into single particles
3.5
coagulation
process of aggregation of soil particles in suspension
3.6
equivalent particle diameter
particle diameter calculated from sedimentation (3.2) data using Stokes’ law, assuming spherical
particles
Note 1 to entry: Stokes’ law establishes the relationship between the terminal velocity of a sphere falling through a
column of fluid, the sphere’s diameter, the density and dynamic viscosity of the fluid and the density of the sphere.
4 Apparatus
4.1 General
See Annex A for calibration, maintenance and checks on the following apparatus.
4.1.1 Balances
The balance for sieve test and hydrometer test shall have an accuracy of 0,01 g or 0,1 % of the weighed
mass, whichever value is greater. The balance for pipette test shall have an accuracy of 0,001 g or 0,1 %
of the weighed mass, whichever is greater.
4.1.2 Drying ovens
The drying oven should be of the forced-draught type and shall be capable of maintaining a uniform
temperature throughout the drying chamber. Any air circulation shall not be so strong that any
transport of particles can take place.
4.1.3 Timing devices
The watch or clock shall be readable to 1 s.
4.1.4 Temperature measuring devices
Temperature measuring devices, such as thermometers and thermocouples, shall cover the temperature
range of that part of the test and be readable to 0,1 °C.
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4.1.5 Desiccator
A desiccator, if used, shall be of suitable size and contain dry, self-indicating desiccant such as silica gel.
It is not required if test specimen containers with close-fitting lids are used.
4.1.6 Test specimen containers
Test specimen containers shall be made of a material that does not change mass as a result of repeated
drying cycles. Glass, porcelain and corrosion-resistant metals have been found to be suitable.
Containers shall have a capacity large enough to hold the mass of sample to be dried without spillage,
but should not be so large that the mass of the empty container is significantly in excess of that of the
specimen.
4.1.7 Sample separation following pre-treatment
If pre-treatment is required, a centrifuge or vacuum filter and ancillaries or other apparatus used
shall be suitable for separating out the soil particles from the reagent without altering the particle size
distribution.
4.2 Sieving method
4.2.1 Test sieves
Test sieves conforming to ISO 3310-1 and ISO 3310-2, together with appropriate receivers, shall be used.
The number of sieves used and their aperture sizes shall be sufficient to ensure that any discontinuities
in the grading curve are detected.
The inclusion of sieves 63 mm, 20 mm, 6,3 mm, 2,0 mm, 0,63 mm, 0,20 mm and 0,063 mm is
recommended as these represent the boundary sizes for coarse materials as defined in ISO 14688-1.
These facilitate sample description and classification.
4.2.2 Mechanical sieve shaker (optional)
A mechanical sieve shaker, if used, shall hold a nest of sieves with their lid and receiver securely. The
design of the shaker shall ensure that the test material on any given sieve progresses over the surface
of the sieve when it is agitated.
4.2.3 Ancillary apparatus
The ancillary apparatus shall consist of the following:
— corrosion resistant trays;
— large corrosion resistant or plastic tray or bucket;
— scoop;
— sieve brushes;
— rubber tubing;
— laboratory glassware (e.g. beakers and flasks);
— riffle box (optional).
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SIST EN ISO 17892-4:2017
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4.3 Hydrometer method
4.3.1 Hydrometer
The hydrometer shall be torpedo-shaped, made of glass, as free as possible from visible defects and
preferably manufactured to a national standard. The hydrometer stem and bulb shall be circular in
cross section and symmetrical around the main axis, without abrupt change in cross section.
The scale and inscription shall be marked clearly and permanently, showing no apparent irregularities
in spacing as shown in Figure A.1. The range of the hydrometer shall be at least between 0,995 0 g/ml
and 1,030 0 g/ml with graduation lines at intervals of 0,000 5 g/ml or less. The markings may be directly
in g/ml or may be the difference from 1,000 0 g/ml, expressed in mg/ml. The hydrometer shall be
indelibly marked with a unique identification number.
NOTE Some hydrometers measure the specific gravity of the solution (i.e. the density of the solution relative
to that of pure water) rather than the absolute density of the solution. Use of a hydrometer measuring specific
gravity will introduce a small error in the measurements.
4.3.2 Sedimentation cylinders
Sedimentation cylinders marked at 1 000 ml shall have constant cross-sectional area throughout
their length and be transparent to facilitate reading. The diameter shall be at least twice that of the
hydrometer bulb and the length shall be sufficient to ensure that the hydrometer can float freely in
1 000 ml of pure water. Larger cylinders of the same specification may be used provided the quantities
of the contents are scaled up equally to ensure that the concentration of the suspension is maintained.
4.3.3 Water bath (optional)
The temperature in the cylinders shall not vary by more than 3 °C during the test. Unless this is achieved
within a temperature controlled room, a water bath fitted with a temperature controller shall be used.
If using a water bath, the water level in the bath shall be maintained at least as high as the suspension in
the sedimentation cylinder throughout the test.
NOTE Temperature control minimizes the formation of convection currents within the suspension which
may affect the results.
4.3.4 Mechanical shaker or mixer
The mechanical shaker or mixer shall be capable of keeping the appropriate quantities of soil and water
in continuous suspension, but not so vigorously that soil particles are fractured or lost.
4.4 Pipette method
4.4.1 Pipette
The pipette shall have a nominal volume of 2 % of the volume of the soil suspension and shall be
mounted in a pipette configuration (Figure 1).
4.4.2 Sedimentation cylinders
Sedimentation cylinders (marked at specified volume) shall be of constant cross-sectional area
throughout their length and transparent to facilitate reading. Cylinders should have a minimum volume
of 500 ml.
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ISO 17892-4:2016(E)

4.4.3 Pipette specimen containers
Containers, e.g. glass bottles with ground glass stoppers or evaporating dishes, shall be suitable for
the drying of aliquots removed from the sedimentation suspension by the pipette. Glass bottles about
25 mm in diameter and about 50 mm tall have been found to be suitable for a 10 ml sampling pipette.
4.4.4 Water bath (optional)
The temperature in the cylinders shall not vary by more than 3 °C during the test. Unless this is achieved
within a temperature controlled room, a water bath fitted with a temperature controller shall be used.
If using a water bath, the water level in the bath shall be maintained at least as high as the suspension in
the sedimentation cylinder throughout the test.
NOTE Temperature control minimizes the formation of c
...