Test Method: Analysis of Granular Soil Materials 
TEST METHOD FOR THE GRAIN-SIZE
ANALYSIS OF GRANULAR SOIL MATERIALS
GEOTECHNICAL TEST METHOD
GTM-20
Revision #4
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING BUREAU
APRIL 2007
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
GEOTECHNICAL TEST METHOD:
TEST METHOD FOR THE GRAIN-SIZE ANALYSIS OF GRANULAR MATERIALS
GTM-20
Revision #4
STATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING BUREAU
APRIL 2007
EB 07-039
Page 1 of 13
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
SCOPE .................................................................................................................................3
SUMMARY OF METHOD .................................................................................................3
EQUIPMENT.......................................................................................................................4
SAMPLE SIZE AND PREPARATION ..............................................................................5
4.1
Sample Size for Granular Construction Items .........................................................5
4.2
Sample Size for All Other Materials ........................................................................5
4.3
Condition the Sample...............................................................................................5
4.4
Prepare Sieve Analysis Data Sheet ..........................................................................5
TEST PROCEDURE ...........................................................................................................6
5.1
Initial Separation of the Plus and Minus 1/4 in. (6.3 mm) Particles ........................6
5.2
Weigh the Plus 1/4 in. (6.3 mm) Portion of the Sample ..........................................6
5.3
Sieve the Plus 1/4 in. (6.3 mm) Material .................................................................7
5.4
Weigh the Minus 1/4 in. (6.3 mm) Portion of the Sample
ANALYSIS OF GRANULAR SOIL MATERIALS
GEOTECHNICAL TEST METHOD
GTM-20
Revision #4
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING BUREAU
APRIL 2007
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
GEOTECHNICAL TEST METHOD:
TEST METHOD FOR THE GRAIN-SIZE ANALYSIS OF GRANULAR MATERIALS
GTM-20
Revision #4
STATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING BUREAU
APRIL 2007
EB 07-039
Page 1 of 13
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
SCOPE .................................................................................................................................3
SUMMARY OF METHOD .................................................................................................3
EQUIPMENT.......................................................................................................................4
SAMPLE SIZE AND PREPARATION ..............................................................................5
4.1
Sample Size for Granular Construction Items .........................................................5
4.2
Sample Size for All Other Materials ........................................................................5
4.3
Condition the Sample...............................................................................................5
4.4
Prepare Sieve Analysis Data Sheet ..........................................................................5
TEST PROCEDURE ...........................................................................................................6
5.1
Initial Separation of the Plus and Minus 1/4 in. (6.3 mm) Particles ........................6
5.2
Weigh the Plus 1/4 in. (6.3 mm) Portion of the Sample ..........................................6
5.3
Sieve the Plus 1/4 in. (6.3 mm) Material .................................................................7
5.4
Weigh the Minus 1/4 in. (6.3 mm) Portion of the Sample