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ASTM D6913: Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
The current sieve gradation method for soils, with wash and dry procedures for coarse- and fine-grained materials — the successor to the sieve half of ASTM D422.
| Designation | ASTM D6913 |
| Setting | Laboratory |
| Service line | Construction Materials Testing |
Testing is performed to the current edition of ASTM D6913 referenced by your project specification. This page is a plain-language overview, not a substitute for the published standard.
What the ASTM D6913 test measures
ASTM D6913 is the current sieve analysis for soils: the percentage of a soil passing each of a standard series of sieves from 3 inches down to the No. 200. It replaced the sieve portion of the withdrawn ASTM D422 and is the method most specifications written since 2010 cite for gradation of fill, subgrade, base, and borrow.
The gradation curve it produces is half of what classifies a soil under ASTM D2487, sets whether a material qualifies as structural or select fill, and controls filter and drainage design.
How the ASTM D6913 test works, step by step
The method has two procedures. Method A is the single-set sieving used for most soils. Method B is a composite sieving for soils with a wide range of particle sizes, where the coarse fraction is sieved on the whole sample and a smaller split of the fine fraction is sieved separately. In both, the sample is washed over the No. 200 sieve to remove fines, dried, sieved mechanically, and each retained mass converted to percent passing. The method also specifies sample size by maximum particle size and limits how much material may be loaded on each sieve.
What the numbers mean
The report gives percent passing every sieve, the gravel, sand, and fines percentages, and, for coarse-grained soils, the coefficients of uniformity and curvature that decide well-graded versus poorly graded. Fill specifications are written as a gradation band or as limits on individual sizes, and the curve is compared against them directly.
What can throw the result off
Overloading sieves so particles cannot reach the openings, skipping the wash step on soils with clay coatings, and sample sizes too small for the largest particles are the main errors. D6913 addresses each of these explicitly, which is the main reason it replaced D422.
How we help with ASTM D6913 testing
We run D6913 with the D1140 wash and ASTM D4318 Atterberg limits as a fill qualification package and report the USCS classification with it, typically within one to two working days of receiving the sample.
FAQ
Common questions about ASTM D6913
Do I need a hydrometer too?
Only if the distribution within the fines matters. D6913 stops at the No. 200; ASTM D7928 continues the curve into silt and clay sizes.
My specification still says D422. Can you run D6913?
The sieve results are equivalent for practical purposes. We report against whichever the specification names and note the method run.
What does ASTM D6913 cover?
ASTM D6913, Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis. The current sieve gradation method for soils, with wash and dry procedures for coarse- and fine-grained materials — the successor to the sieve half of ASTM D422.
Is ASTM D6913 a field test or a laboratory test?
Laboratory. ASTM D6913 is performed in the Sugar Land, Texas laboratory on samples or specimens delivered under chain of custody, or in a mobile laboratory mobilized to large projects.
Which certification qualifies a technician to run ASTM D6913?
NICET Construction Materials Testing (Soils) work elements cover ASTM D6913. Technicians running it are trained and checked on this method under the laboratory quality system, with the training record on file.
Which tests are usually run with ASTM D6913?
ASTM D421 (Dry Soil Sample Preparation), ASTM D422 (Soil Particle-Size Analysis), ASTM D558 (Soil-Cement Moisture-Density), ASTM D698 (Standard Proctor). A project specification usually calls for them together, and one technician visit or one laboratory sample covers the set.
How do I schedule ASTM D6913 testing?
Call (346) 420-5425 for dispatch, or send the specification sections and quantities through the proposal request form for a written scope. Same-day or next-morning scheduling is typical in the Houston metro; other metros are scheduled through the nearest regional hub.
Scheduling & proposals
Need ASTM D6913 testing?
Call to schedule a technician, or send project documents for a written proposal.