JESSA V BABLES

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HYDROMETER TEST

Hydrometer test is an instrument which is used to measure the relative density of a liquid; it is
made up of glass and primarily consists of two parts: A cylindrical stem with graduation mark. , and A
bulb at bottom weighted with mercury.

Figure 1. Hydrometer

Hydrometer analysis is essential for obtaining the complete particle size distribution of such soils. Particle
size distribution obtained from sieve analysis may be combined with the data from a hydrometer analysis
to produce a complete gradation curve. It is possible to approximate the percentage of silt and clay
particles present in the finer portion from the hydrometer analysis. Particle size is one of the criteria used
to determine whether a soil is suitable for building roads, embankments, dams, etc.

The particle size distribution of soil containing a significant number of finer particles (silt and clay)
cannot be performed by sieve analysis. Information obtained from a particle size analysis can be used to
predict soil-water movement if a permeability test is not available.

Why Hydrometer is used for grain size analysis of fine grained soil?

In case of fine grained soil. Sieve analysis test does not give reliable test result. This because a fine
grained soil consist of different sizes of particles starting from 0.075 mm to 0.0002 mm. and it is not
practicable to design sieve having so smaller screen size. Also there is a chance of loss of sample during
sleving. Therefore hydrometer analysis is done for grain size analysis of fine grained soils.
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Equipment Needed in Hydrometer Test:

1. Hydrometer: A calibrated glass instrument used to measure the specific gravity or density of a liquid.
In soil mechanics, it's employed to determine the particle size distribution of soil.

2. Sedimentation Cylinder: A tall, graduated glass cylinder used for suspending soil particles in water to
allow settling.

3. Graduated Cylinder: A container marked with volume measurements, used to measure and pour
liquids.

4. Thermometer: To measure the temperature of the water, which can affect the hydrometer readings.

5. Stirring Rod: Used to gently stir the soil suspension to ensure even distribution.

6. Stopwatch or Timer: To accurately time the settling process.

7. Dispersing Agent: A chemical solution (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate) used to prevent flocculation
or clumping of soil particles.

PROCEDURE

1. Sample Collection and Preparation:

- Collect a representative sample of the soil to be analyzed from the field.

- Air-dry the sample and sieve it through appropriate mesh sizes to remove debris and coarse particles.

2. Hydrometer Calibration:

- Immerse the hydrometer in a calibrated solution (usually distilled water) and note the readings at
specific reference points. This step ensures accurate readings during the test.

3. Suspension Preparation:

- Weigh a specific quantity of the prepared soil sample (typically around 20 to 30 grams) and place it in
a clean, dry container.

- Add a calculated amount of dispersing agent based on the soil type and the manufacturer's
recommendations.

- Gradually add distilled water and mix thoroughly to form a uniform suspension.
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4. Filling the Sedimentation Cylinder:

- Fill the sedimentation cylinder with the soil suspension, making sure to minimize air bubbles and
ensure a smooth surface.

5. Temperature Measurement:

- Record the temperature of the suspension using the thermometer. This data is crucial for later
corrections.

6. Settling Process:

- Place the hydrometer in the suspension carefully; ensuring it doesn't touch the sides or bottom of the
cylinder. Allow it to settle freely.

7. Reading and Recording Data:

- Take readings at specific time intervals (e.g., 5, 15, 30, 60 minutes) or as indicated by the testing
standard. Record the hydrometer readings.

8. Data Corrections and Calculations:

- Correct the hydrometer readings for temperature using standard correction tables.

- Use the corrected readings to determine the percentage finer than each specific size interval.

9. Interpretation and Analysis:

- Plot a particle size distribution curve based on the percentage finer data.

- Interpret the curve to understand the soil's particle size characteristics.

10. Clean-Up and Reporting:

- Dispose of the soil suspension properly and clean all equipment thoroughly.

- Document the test procedure, raw data, corrections, and final results in a report format.
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Calibration of Hydrometer

The hydrometer shall be calibrated to determine its true depth in terms of the hydrometer reading
(see F(g - 2) in the following step

1. Determine the volume of the hydrometer bulb.

VR. This may be determined in following way:

By measuring the volume of water displaced. Fill a

1000-cc graduate with water to approximately 700
cc. Observe and record the reading of the water
level. Insert the hydrometer and again observe and
record the reading. The difference in these two
readings equals the volume of the bulb plus the part
of the stem that is submerged. The error due to
inclusion of this latter quantity is so small that it may
be neglected for practical purposes.

Figure 2. Hydrometer Calibration

2. Determine the area. A. of the graduate in which the hydrometer is to be used by measuring the distance
between two graduations. The area. A. is equal to the volume included between the graduations divided
by the measured distance.

3. Measure and record the distances from the lowest calibration mark on the stem of the hydrometer to
each of the other major calibration marks. R.

4. Measure and record the distance from the neck of the bulb to the lowest calibration mark. The distance.
Hj. corresponding to a reading. R. equals the sum of the two distances measured in steps (3) and (4).

5. Measure the distance from the neck to the tip of the bulb. Record this as h. the height of the bulb. The
distance, h/2. locates the center of volume of a symmetrical bulb. If a nonsymmetrical bulb is used. the
center of volume can be determined with sufficient accuracy by projecting the shape of the bulb on a
sheet of paper and locating the center of gravity of this projected area.

6. Compute the true distances. HR corresponding to each of the major calibration marks. R. from the
formula: HR=H1+1/2[h-(Vr/A)]

7. Plot the curve expressing the relation between HR and R as shown in Figure 3. The relation is
essentially a straight line for hydrometers having a streamlined shape.
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Figure 3. Hydrometer calibration chart

After the experiment you can proceed to calculation to get the temperature correction for hydrometer
analysis.

Note: The above procedure is a general guideline. Specific details may vary based on the testing standard
and laboratory practices. Always refer to the relevant standard or protocol for precise instructions.