Grain Size Analysis in Burnaby – Sieve & Hydrometer Testing

In Burnaby, soil conditions vary significantly from the glacial till deposits on Burnaby Mountain to the alluvial silts along the Fraser River floodplain. Grain size analysis, performed according to CSA + CSA + CSA + CSA + ASTM D422 (also CFEM Ch 2) (also CFEM Ch 2) (also CFEM Ch 2) (also CFEM Ch 2) (also CFEM Ch 2) and D6913, is the first step in classifying these materials. The sieve test separates coarse fractions, while the hydrometer method captures the fine-grained portion down to 0.001 mm. Before any foundation design, we cross-reference results with a standard ensayo SPT to correlate blow counts with gradation. This pairing is essential for estimating liquefaction potential in saturated sands below the water table, a common concern near Deer Lake and Still Creek.

Illustrative image of Granulometria in Burnaby

The hydrometer test resolves particles down to 0.001 mm, a resolution essential for distinguishing silt from clay in Burnaby's glacial and alluvial deposits.

Service characteristics in Burnaby

We run two complementary procedures in our lab. For the coarse fraction, a stack of sieves from 75 mm down to 0.075 mm is mechanically shaken for 10–15 minutes. The hydrometer test then uses Stokes' law to measure particles settling in a water column over 24 hours. In Burnaby, the distinction between silty sands and clayey silts is critical because the city sits on the boundary of the Georgia Basin. Soils around Metrotown tend to be coarser, while those near Burnaby Lake are finer and more compressible. To capture that variability, we often couple this analysis with a ensayo CPT for continuous profiling. The combination gives us both gradation curves and cone tip resistance, which is particularly useful for soft ground conditions along the Lougheed Highway corridor.

Grain Size Analysis in Burnaby – Sieve & Hydrometer Testing

Parameter	Typical value
Sieve range	75 mm to 0.075 mm
Hydrometer range	0.075 mm to 0.001 mm
Sample mass (sieve)	500 g – 5000 g depending on max particle size
Dispersion agent	Sodium hexametaphosphate (40 g/L)
Sedimentation temperature	20 ± 1 °C
Reading schedule	0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 120, 1440 min
Report format	Gradation curve with D10, D30, D60, Cu, Cc

Typical technical challenges in Burnaby

In Burnaby, many times we see projects where a missing fines fraction leads to overestimating drainage capacity. A silty sand with 12% fines can behave like a low-permeability material under sustained loading, yet without a hydrometer test the fines content goes undetected. This misclassification has caused unexpected settlement in retaining walls along the Barnet Highway and premature pavement failure on residential streets in the Capitol Hill area. The two-step grain size analysis catches that. It also flags gap-graded soils that might segregate during compaction, a problem we have encountered in fills for the Brentwood Town Centre redevelopment.

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Applicable standards: CSA + CSA + CSA + CSA + ASTM D422 (also CFEM Ch 2) (also CFEM Ch 2) (also CFEM Ch 2) (also CFEM Ch 2) (also CFEM Ch 2)(2007) – Particle-Size Analysis of Soils, ASTM D6913-17 – Sieve Analysis, ASTM D7928-21 – Hydrometer Analysis, CSA A23.3-19 – Concrete Design (referenced for aggregate gradation)

Our services

Our grain size analysis service includes the following components, each tailored to the specific needs of Burnaby projects:

Sieve Analysis (Dry & Wet)

Mechanical separation of particles from 75 mm down to 0.075 mm using a standard sieve stack. Wet sieving is applied when fines exceed 10% to avoid clogging.

Hydrometer Analysis

Sedimentation test for particles between 0.075 mm and 0.001 mm. We use the Bouyoucos method with temperature-controlled readings over 24 hours.

Combined Gradation Curve

Integration of sieve and hydrometer data into a single continuous gradation curve, including calculation of uniformity coefficient (Cu) and coefficient of curvature (Cc).

Fines Content & Activity Assessment

Quantification of clay-sized fraction (< 0.002 mm) combined with Atterberg limits to evaluate soil activity and potential shrink-swell behavior.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between sieve and hydrometer analysis?

Sieve analysis separates particles coarser than 0.075 mm (No. 200 sieve) by mechanical shaking. The hydrometer test measures particles finer than 0.075 mm by sedimentation in water, using Stokes' law to calculate particle diameter. For complete gradation in Burnaby soils, we perform both methods.

How much does grain size analysis cost in Burnaby?

The typical cost for a combined sieve and hydrometer test ranges between CA$130 and CA$290 per sample, depending on the number of sieves used and whether wet sieving is required. Volume discounts apply for projects with more than 10 samples.

Why is grain size analysis important for construction in Burnaby?

Burnaby's geology includes glacial till, alluvial silts, and organic deposits. Grain size analysis determines soil type, influences compaction specifications, and helps predict drainage behavior. It is required for foundation design, pavement subgrade evaluation, and seismic hazard assessment under NBCC 2020.