This lecture covers how geotechnical engineers develop particle size distribution curves and why they are important. The sieve analysis and the hydrometer analysis are discussed, and example calculations are presented.

Learning Objectives:

1) Explain why particle distribution is important to engineers
2) Explain the difference between a mechanical (i.e., sieve) analysis and a hydrometer analysis
3) Develop a particle size distribution curve from sieve and/or hydrometer data
4) Calculate the uniformity coefficient and the coefficient of gradation
5) Correctly classify whether a coarse-grained soil is well-graded or poorly graded