Laboratory Theory And Methods For Sediment Analysis
Abstract
The diverse character of fluvial sediments makes
the choice of laboratory analysis somewhat arbitrary
and the processing of sediment samples difficult. This
report presents some theories and methods used by
the Water Resources Division for analysis of fluvial
sediments to determine the concentration of suspended sediments
samples and the particle-size distribution of
both suspended-sediment and bed-material samples.
Other analyses related to these determinations may
include particle shape, mineral content, and specific
gravity, the organic matter and dissolved solids of
samples, and the specific weight of soils.
The merits and techniques of both the evaporation
and filtration methods for concentration analysis are
discussed. Methods used for particle-size analysis of
suspended-sediment samples may include the sievepipet,
the VA tube-pipet, or the BW tube-VA imbe depending
on the equipment available, the concentration
and approximate size of sediment in the sample, and
the settling medium used. The choice of method for
most bed-material samples is usually limited to procedures
suitable for sand or to some type of visual
analysis for large sizes.
Several tested forms are presented to help insure a
well-ordered system in the laboratory to handle the
samples, to help determine the kind of analysis required
for each, to conduct the required processes, and to assist in the required computations. Use of the
manual should further “standardize” methods of fluvial
sediment analysis among the many laboratories and
thereby help to achieve uniformity and precision of
the data.
Description
Keywords
Water-Resource Investigations, United States Geological Survey