Atterberg Limits, Particle size Analysis

22-T0031/E

Particle Size Distribution of soils provides a quantitative evaluation of the particle-size distribution of the material that is smaller than 75μm obtained with typical evaluations of fine-grained soils. The test is used in conjunction with a standard sieve analysis of fine-grained soils to provide a complete particle-size distribution curve.

Atterberg limit is a basic measure of the critical water content of fine-grained soils. Depending on the water content of a soil, it may appear in four states: solid, semi-solid, plastic or liquid. Atterberg limits are determined with a series of laboratory tests that classify the properties of silt and clay soils at different moisture contents. These tests include shrinkage limit, plastic limit, and liquid limit.

Download our new Buyer's Guide for Atterberg’s Limits

Liquid Limit (Casagrande Devices)

Used to determine the moisture content at which clay soils pass from a plastic to a liquid state.

Standards BS 1377:2 ASTM D4318 NF P94-051 EN 17892-12

22-T0031/E
Description

 

Used to determine the moisture content at which clay soils pass from a plastic to a liquid state.
Comprises: removable brass cup, adjustable crank and cam mechanism, blow counter, and base. Different  versions are available conforming to the various Standards in use. They are identical in shape and differ, generally, from the type of base and weight of the cup. Furthermore all versions are available either manually or motor operated. The grooving tools, which also refer to the different Standards, are not included and have to ordered separately.

  • Weights approx.: 
    Standard versions 2 kg
    Motorized versions 4 kg
Main Features
    • Completely electromechanically operated
    • Possibility to program user defined procedures as free combination of load and displacement (or combined) controlled cycles
    • Completely electromechanically operated
    • Conforming to EN 12697-33, 5.2 method and ASTM D8079
    • 21” All-in-one touchscreen PC controlled , PC and software included
    • Includes the compaction procedure defined in the brand new EN 12697-33 method 7.3, providing at the beginning a controlled displacement compaction which can grant a flat surface followed by a load compaction phase , which can replicate the real compaction on the road surface
    • Base and foot adjustable heating system available as option
    • Mould dimensions: 500 x 400, 500 x 300, 400 x 300, 300 x 300 and 320 x 260 mm, 195 mm height
    • Compaction direction in the longest (major) mould dimension to obtain specimens of the proper length conforming to Standard
    • Vertical balanced of sliding cover for easy access and complete three side view
    • Maximum compaction load 30 kN
    • User defined controlled linear speed up to 300 mm/sec and adjustable pause at the mould inversion point
    • Ideal for producing test beams for 4-Point bending (EN 12697-24, EN 12697-26, AASHTO T321) and slabs down to 38 mm
    • Vibrating roller option, adjustable from 10 to 50 Hz
    • PRO-COMPACT* closed loop control slabs
    • Customization of compacting cycle which can be saved and recalled from the database
     

    *PRO-COMPACT closed-loop is an innovative mechanical and electronic control that combines orthogonality of the load, pendulum motion of the head and sinusoidal non-friction forward-reverse carriage movement. This results in an optimally compacted sample that features Planarity Regularity and hOmogeneity (PRO). The combined load/displacement compaction procedure provides at the beginning of the test a controlled displacement compaction, which can grant a flat surface of the compacted slab, followed by a load compaction phase, which can replicate the real compaction on the road surface.

Products
 
 
22-T0030/AE
Casagrande limit liquid device, hand operated model. Comforming to EN 17892-12, ASTM D4318, AASHO T89
 
22-T0030/E
Liquid limit device with counter BS model.
 
22-T0031/AE
Motorized Casagrande limit liquid device, comforming to EN 17892-12, ASTM D4318, AASHO T89. 230V/50Hz/1Ph
 
22-T0031/AEY
Motorized Casagrande limit liquid device, comforming to EN 17892-12, ASTM D4318, AASHO T89. 220V/60Hz/1Ph
 
22-T0031/AEZ
Motorized Casagrande limit liquid device, comforming to EN 17892-12, ASTM D4318, AASHO T89. 110V/60Hz/1Ph
 
22-T0031/E
Motorised liquid limit device BS model. 230V, 50Hz, 1ph.
Technical Specifications
Models

77-PV41C05
77-PV41C06

Machine control

– Vertical load and/or displacement control of the roller segment by stepper motor, measured directly by linear transducer to verify in real time the specimen thickness for more accuracy
– Real time measurement and control with a closed loop logic of compaction load by two precision strain gauge load cells. This system permits to verify possible discrepancies of the compaction due to the wrong distribution of asphalt in the mould and to any other unexpected malfunctions, with warning to the operator
– Machine fitted with sensors to confirm the mould in position and for the automatic set-up of the horizontal travel

Software

– 21” Touchscreen integrated PC
– Fully programmable PC software operating in Windows®
– Set up of customized compaction sequence as free combination of load/displacement controlled cycles
– Selection, customization and storing of test parameters
– Customization of the compacting sequence to be saved and recalled from the database
– Graphic display of displacement / force vs. number of passes or load vs. displacement

Max. vertical force

30 kN

Load measurement

By two precision load cell

Compacting device

Roller segment, radius 535 mm

Back and forth horizontal travel

Adjustable: 300/320 mm
400 mm
500 mm
By software

Trolley speed

Adjustable up to 300 mm/s
Adjustable pause at inversion point

Mould dimensions*

320 x 260 x 195 mm
300 x 300 x 195 mm
400 x 300 x 195 mm
500 x 300 x 195 mm
500 x 400 x 195 mm

Roller vibration

Yes, adjustable frequency from 10 to 50 Hz (optional)

Heated foot

Yes (optional)

Heated base

Yes (optional)

Electrical supply

380 V, 50 Hz, 3 ph, or
220 V, 60 Hz, 3 ph

Power rating

3000 W

*To produce slabs down to 38 mm thickness. Maximum slab thickness varies with bitumen mixes composition.

Accessories and Spare Parts
 
 
22-T0032
Grooving tool – BS –
 
22-T0032/AE
Metal grooving tool for Casagrande apparatus conforming to ASTM D4318 and EN 17892-12
 
22-T0032/AP
Grooving tool ASTM and EN, plastic, pack of 10
 
22-T0032/P
Grooving tool BS, plastic pack of 10
 
22-T0033
AASHTO – UNI Grooving tool
 
22-T0034
Spare brass cup
 
22-T0034/1
Roughened cup

Particle Size Analysis Set: Hydrometer Method

Used for determining the particle size distribution of very fine materials such as silt and clay.

Standards ASTM D422 AASHTO T88

22-T0059/A
Description

 

Used for determining the particle size distribution of very fine materials such as silt and clay.
The set include the following items:
22-D1006/A  
Hydrometer jar. 6 pieces.
22-T0060/31
Rubber bung for 22-D1006/A
22-T0060/A  
Soil hydrometer 151 H, from 0.995 to 1.038 g/ml. As alternative, model 22-T0060/B, 152 H, from -5 to 60 g/l, also available. See accessories.
82-D1199     
Glass thermometer 0 to 50°C, div. 0.5°C
22-T0058/A 
Constant temperature water bath complete with heater, thermostat and circulating unit. 230 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph (22-T0059/AZ include 22-T0058/AZ 110 V, 60 Hz version)
Dimensions: 600x300x380 mm
22-T0060/1 
High speed stirrer with cup and baffle. 230 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph (22-T0059/AZ include 22-T0060/1Z 110 V, 60 Hz version)
86-D0802    
Sodium exametaphosphate , 1000 g bottle
86-D1073    
Beaker, 250 cc

All above items can be purchased individually.

  • Total weight, approx.: 25 kg

Note: In order to obtain a better temperature control, the water bath can be fit with the 22-T0058/3 Cooling coil for mains water circulation.

Main Features
  • The PReSBOX produces a prismatic specimen with nominal dimensions of 450 mm (lenght) x 150 mm (width) x 120 to 185 mm (height)
  • Asphalt prisms prepared in the PReSBOX compactor can be sawn or cored to produce 4-6 prismatic beams or 1-4 cylindrical specimens
  • The PReSBOX can be operated by a single person
  • Produces specimens with excellent air void distribtion and particle orientation
  • Designed for an easy unlocking of the compaction mould, facilitating an effortless speciment extraction at safe height, handling and user safety
Products
 
 
22-T0059/A
Hydrometer particle size test set to ASTM D422 – AASHTO T88. 230V, 50Hz, 1ph.
 
22-T0059/AZ
Hydrometer particle size test set to ASTM D422 – AASHTO T88. 110V/60Hz/1Ph
Accessories and Spare Parts
 
 
 
22-T0058/3
Cooling coil with clamps for water bath
 
22-T0060/B
Soil hydrometer 152/H
 
22-T0060/21
Glass tank

Liquid Limit (Cone Penetrometer Devices)

Used for determining the moisture content and for undrained shear strength.

Standards BS 1377:2 UNE 7377 UNE 7002 EN 12697-24 Annex B NF P94-052-1 DIN 18122 EN 17892-12 EN 17892-6

Liquid limit penetrometer (model 22-T0029/D) with 22-T0029/1cone and 22-T0029/3 cup
Description
 
The cone penetrometer apparatus is used to determine the moisture content at which clay soils pass from a plastic to a liquid state and it is used also for the determination of undrained shear strength.
Two versions available: the standard 22-T0029/D and the semi-automatic 22-T0029/E.

The penetrometer has a cast iron base with leveling screws, digital penetration measurement gauge 0.01 mm precision, release button and automatic zeroing. It is provided with lead screw gear arrangement, Leveling screws, Spirit level. The head can be clamped at any desired height. A rack and pinion and pointer assemble provides fine adjustment of the cone tip to sample. It incorporates a clutch mechanism which makes reading of penetration and subsequent resetting a simple and accurate operation. 
The semi-automatic model is complete with automatic controller, which automatically releases the plunger by a magnetic device, complete with micrometer vertical adjustment and adjustable electronic timer of the fall time. The electronic timer allows the user to set up and read the fall time of the needle during testing.

Penetration cones and sample cups has to be ordered separately. See accessories.
  • Weight approx.: 8.5 kg

 

Main features

 

  • Cast iron base with leveling feet
  • Digital penetration measurement gauge 0.01 mm precision
  • Micrometer vertical adjustment device
  • Automatic zeroing
  • Electronic release mechanism (22-T0029/E model only)
Products
 
 
22-T0029/D
Digital liquid limit penetrometer with micrometricvertical adjustment.
 
22-T0029/E

Digital electronic semi-automatic penetrometer complete with micrometer vertical adjustment and adjustable electronic timer of the fall time. 230 V,50-60 Hz, 1 ph.

22-T0029/EZ

Digital electronic semi-automatic penetrometer complete with micrometer vertical adjustment and adjustable electronic timer of the fall time. 110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph

Technical Specifications

Models

77-PV41A02
77-PV41A04

Machine control

– Vertical displacement of the roller segment by brushless motor measured directly by encoder to verify in real time the specimen thickness
– Machine fitted with sensors to confirm the mould in position and for the automatic set-up of the horizontal travel

Firmware

Set up of compaction procedure with displacement control with load, density or thickness limit.
– Selection, customization and storing of test parameters
– Customization of the compacting procedure to be saved and recalled from the data base
– Graphic display of roller vertical displacement vs. number of passes
– Possibility to pre-set a load threshold to start compaction at the contact of the sector head with the specimen

Max. vertical force

30 kN

Compacting device

Roller segment, radius 535 mm

Back and forth horizontal travel

Adjustable: 300/320 mm
400 mm
500 mm
By control panel

Trolley speed

Adjustable up to 300 mm/s
Adjustable pause at inversion point

Mould dimensions*

320 x 260 x 195 mm
300 x 300 x 195mm
400 x 300 x 195mm
500 x 300 x 195mm
500 x 400 x 195mm

Roller vibration

Yes, adjustable frequency from 10 to 50 Hz (optional)

Heated foot

Yes (optional)

Electrical supply

220 V, 50 Hz, 1 ph, or
110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph

Power rating

3000 WE

Overall dimensions
(l x w x h)

1300 x 800 x 2040 mm

Weight approx.

650 kg

*To produce slabs down to 38 mm thickness. Maximum slab thickness varies with bitumen mixes composition.

Accessories and Spare Parts
 
 
 
86-D1332
Aluminium box dia 75 x 50 mm
 
22-T0029/1
Penetration cone 30° tip and 80g of weight
 
22-T0029/2

Test cone gauge for 30° tip angle core to EN17892:6 (Thickness 2.50 mm)  

 
22-T0029/3
Penetration sample cup
 
22-T0029/4
Penetration test cone 60° (total weight of the slider assembly is 60 g)
 
22-T0029/5
Test cone gauge for 22-T0029/4.
 
22-T0029/7
Penetration test cone 30° x 100g
 
22-T0029/8
Penetration test cone 30° x 400g
 
22-T0029/9

Test cone gauge for 30° tip angle core to BS 1377:2

 
22-T0029/2A

Test cone gauge for 30° tip angle core to EN17892:12 (Thickness 2.20 mm) 

Particle Size Analysis Set: NF Method

Used for determining the particle size distribution of very fine materials such as silt and clay.

Standards NF P94-057

NF-BS Hydrometer items (basic components)
Description

 

Used for determining the particle size distribution of very fine materials such as silt and clay.

Note
The test set can be completed with the 22-T0058/A Constant temperature water bath. In order to obtain a better temperature control, the water bath can be fit with the 22-T0058/3 Cooling coil for mains water circulation. DFor more information on the above units see \#particle-size-analysis-set-hydrometer-method\#

Products
 
 
22-D1007/A
Hydrometer jar, 2500 ml cap., graduated at 500, 1500 and 2000 ml. according to NF P94-057
 
22-D1007/A1
Hand stirrer suitable for cylinders 2500 ml capacity according to NF P94-057
 
22-T0060/1
High speed stirrer. 230V/50-60Hz/1Ph
 
22-T0062/A
Soil hydrometer 0.995 to 1.030 g/ml
 
82-D1199
Laboratory thermometer range 0 to +50°C, mercury free with alternative liquid.
 
86-D0802
Sodium hexametaphosphate 1000 g

Particle Size Analysis Set: Pipette Method

Used for determining the particle size distribution of very fine soils.

Standards BS 1377:2

22-T0062/1, 22-T0062/2A, 22-T0058/A, 22-T0062/3
Description

 

Used for determining the particle size distribution of very fine soils.
Basic items to perform the test are the 22-T0062/1 Andreasen pipette which is hold by the 22-T0062/2 Pipette stand for raising or lowering precisely the pipette to the required level without disturbing the suspension under test. The 22-T0062/3 sedimentation cylinder is submerged in the 22-T0058/A Constant temperature water bath.

22-T0058/A, /AZ

  • Dimensions: 600x300x380 mm
  • Weight approx.: 10.5 kg

22-T0062/2A

  • Weight approx.: 10 kg
Products
 
 
22-T0058/A
Constant temperature water bath. 230V/50Hz/Ph
 
22-T0058/AZ
Constant temperature water bath. 110V/60Hz/Ph
 
22-T0062/1
Andreasen pipette
 
22-T0062/2A
Stand for precisely positioning (up-down) the Andersen pipette to the required height without disturbing the test.
 
22-T0062/3
Sedimentation cylinder 500 ml cap. with rubber bung.
 
22-T0062/5
Conical beaker 1000 cc cap.

Gay-Lussac Specific Gravity Bottles

Used for the determination of the specific gravity and density of fine soils.

Standards BS 1377:2 ASTM D854 AASHTO T100 NF P94 054

86-D1125, 86-D1126, 86-D1127, 86-D1115, 86-D1120
Description

 

The determination of the specific gravity and density of fine soils is developed through three different operations: the sample, introduced in the specific gravity bottle, has to be thermostatically normalized by immersion in a suitable water bath complete with Adjustable tray and Cover with cooling coil (see accessories), then de-aired using a dessicator connected to a vacuum pump (see accessories) and, finally, weighted.
Glass bottles complete with capillary vent stopper.
The listed accessories also include the safety cage 86-D1113/1 wich is used for safety of the operator in case of accidental failure of the glass essicator during vacuum.

Products
 
 
86-D1125
Gay-lussac specific gravity bottle 25 ml
 
86-D1126
Gay-lussac specific gravity bottle 50 ml
 
86-D1127
Gay-lussac specific gravity bottle 100 ml
 
86-D1128
Specific gravity bottle 250 ml cap.
Accessories and Spare Parts
 
 
 
76-B0066/1
Cover with cooling coil. For connection to mains water. Compatible with water bath series B0066 andB0067
 
76-B0066/2
Tray for thermostatic bath series B0066 and B0067
 
86-D1113/1
Safety cage for dessicators

End-Over-End Shaker

Used for determining the particle density of soils by the Gas Jar method.

Standards BS 1377:2

End-Over-End shaker mod.22-D0445/B with n°2 Glass gas jar 22-D1132
Description

 

Used for determining the particle density of soils by the Gas Jar method.
This method applies for soils containing up to 10% of particles retained on a 37.5 mm sieve.
Consisting essentially of a motor speed reducer which rotates two clamps which holds the Gas jars 22-D1132 (see accessories).
-Weight approx.: 20 kg

Products
 
 
22-D0445/B
End-Over-End shaker. 230V/50Hz/1Ph
Accessories and Spare Parts
 
22-D1132
Glass gas jar

Linear Shrinkage Mould

Used for determining the linear shrinkage and indication of the plastic properties of soils.

Standards BS 1377:2

Linear shrinkage mould
Description

 

Used for determining the linear shrinkage and indication of the plastic properties of soils with low clay content.
Made from brass, 140 mm long, 12.5 mm radius.

  • Weight approx.: 300 g
Products
 
 
22-T0037
Linear shrinkage mould BS 1377

Plastic Limit Set

Used for determining the lowest moisture content of a soil sample.

Standards BS 1377:2 ASTM D4318 NF P94-051 AASHTO T90

Plastic limit set code 22-T0041
Description

 

Used for determining the lowest moisture content of a soil at which the sample can be rolled into little rolls, 3 mm dia., without breakages.
The set includes:
22-T0040/1 
Plastic limit plate, 300×300 mm
22-T0040/2 
Stainless steel rod 3 mm dia.
86-D1171 
Mixing dish 120 mm dia.
86-D1630 
Flexible spatula
86-D1329/A 
Moisture content tin dia. 75 x 30 mm (Q.ty 6)

All above items can be purchased individually. The test set can be housed inside a plastic carrying case.

  • Weight approx.: 2 kg
Products
 
 
22-T0041
Plastic limit set including: – glass plate 300×300 mm – stainless steel rod 3 mm dia. – mixing dish 120 mm dia. – flexible spatula – 6 moisture content tins dia. 75 x 30 mm (Without plastic carrying case)
 
22-T0041/A
Plastic limit set including: – glass plate 300×300 mm – stainless steel rod 3 mm dia. – mixing dish 120 mm dia. – flexible spatula – 6 moisture content tins dia. 75 x 30 mm All contained in a plastic carrying case

Shrinkage Limit Set

Used for determining the maximum moisture content at which the soil does not shrink after drying.

Standards ASTM D427 AASHTO T92 NF P94-060-1 UNE 103-108

22-T0035
Description

 

Used for determining the maximum moisture content at which the soil does not shrink after drying the sample.
The set includes:

  • 22-T0035/1 Shrinkage dish 45 mm dia. x 12.7 mm high. (Q.ty 2)
  • 22-T0035/2 Crystallizing dish, 57 mm dia. x 31 mm deep
  • 22-T0035/3 Shrinkage prong plate. Manufactured from transparent acrylic and fit with 3 metal prongs
  • 86-D1171 Evaporating dish
  • 86-D1630 Flexible spatula
  • 86-D1001 Graduated cylinder, 25 ml

All contained in a plastic case.
All the above items can be purchased individually.

  • Case dimensions: 300x280x120 mm
  • Weight approx.: 950 g
Products
 
 
22-T0035
Shrinkage limit set

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