What is the Grade Curve and its Coefficient??

Grade curve.

The graphical representation of sieve analysis is also knowing as Grade curve.

1.      Readings recorded from sieve analysis is plotted in graph shown below (take particle size on X-axis and percent finer on Y-axis). This graph is also known as Grading Curve.

2.      With respect to this graph 10%, 30% and 60% finer, and dimeter from graph is also designated as D₁₀, D₃₀ and D₆₀

3.      Calculate the Coefficient of uniformity (C_u)and Coefficient of curvature (C_c) by using following equations,

C_{u =} D₆₀/ D₁₀

C_{c =} D²₃₀/ (D₆₀ x D₁₀)

 

Uniformity Coefficient (C_u):

·        The Uniformity coefficient is express as the ratio of D₆₀ to D₁₀.

·        Where D₆₀ is the value where the particle size of aggregates is 60% finer and 40% are coarser.

·        And D₁₀ is the value where the particle size of aggregates is 10% finer and 90% are coarser.

_·             And Cu is calculated as, C_{u =} D₆₀/ D₁₀

·        If Cu is greater than 4: Soil is classified as well graded

·        If Cu is less than 4: Soil is classified as poorly/uniformly graded

Coefficient of Curvature (Cc):

·        The coefficient of curvature is express of D_30, D₆₀ and D₁₀.

·        Where D₃₀ is the value where the particle size of aggregates is 30% finer and 70% are coarser.

·        D₆₀ is the value where the particle size of aggregates is 60% finer and 40% are coarser.

·        And D₁₀ is the value where the particle size of aggregates is 10% finer and 90% are coarser.

·        And Cc is calculated as,

·        If Cc is between 1 to 3: Soil is classified as well graded

·        If Cu and Cc is equal to 1: Soil is classified as single sized soil mass.