Contents

Worksheet Layout

QESTLab worksheets for this test type are laid out in the following manner. Note that

1. Individual elements may be named slightly differently for the purposes of familiarity in different regions but the main elements remain largely the same. 
2. The units shown on the test will differ based on the units configuration of the QESTLab system in use and potentially document level options.

There are three main sections to consider, these are:

• The tabs that record and display test-level information such as preparation details and equipment used
• The sieves grid that is used to enter and calculate data for the individual test sieves
• The chart which plots the results of the individual test sieves along with any specification limits

Equipment

The following equipment can be selected on the worksheet for both the sieving and any sieving of a split. A second and third sieve set can also be selected if there are multiple splits.

Imported Data

The following data is imported onto this test from other tests.

Data Entry

Grading Options

There are four drop downs on the details tab which affect how the grading data is entered and calculated.

Other options

There are some additional check boxes on the details tab and additional details tab which enable/disable functionality.

Equipment

The equipment used for the particle size distribution test can be recorded on the equipment tab.

Sieves

Maximum Mass

The maximum mass is automatically calculated for individual sieves based on the calibrated diameter/width of the selected sieve set. These values will be displayed in the Max Mass column next to each sieve.

When a mass is entered for a sieve that is larger than the maximum mass allowed, the sieve mass value will be highlighted in red to warn the user that the sieve is overloaded. If the sample was tested in two or more lots to avoid overloading the sieve, the mass retained on the sieve can be entered as the individual values separated by commas. These values will be added together and the combined mass displayed. If focus is returned, the original comma separated breakdown of values entered will be displayed. A * will be displayed next to the maximum mass for this sieve to inform the user that this sieve mass was tested in multiple lots.

Limits

The limits for the selected specification will be displayed next to each sieve. If a calculated percentage for an individual sieve is outside the limits, that value will be highlighted in red. The limits on the chart will also be highlighted in red.

(Total) Dry Mass

The value for the (total) dry mass can be reached several different ways depending on the test method.

• The entire sample could be dry or have been dried before commencing the test and the dry sample weighed. In this case the user can directly enter the Total Dry Mass.
• The entire sample could be dried as part of the test procedure. In this case the user could still enter the (Total) Dry Mass or they may choose to also enter the (Total) Wet Mass.  It is also possibly enter the Tare Mass (Tray Mass) and Tare Mass + (Total) Wet Sample.
• The moisture content of the test could have been determined in a separate test on a sub sample. In this case, register the moisture content as a test on the same sample (a sibling test to the particle size distribution) and enter the details. By default this moisture content will then be used to determine the (Total) Dry Mass when you enter the (Total) Wet Mass.
• For some test methods the (Total) Dry Mass is calculated based on the moisture content of the sample after the first split. In this case the option Drying After Split is selected. The wet mass of the material passing the split sieve is recorded, as is the Split Wet Mass and Split Mass. The moisture content is determined from the Split Wet Mass and Split Mass. The dry mass of the material passing the split sieve is then calculated and added to the material retained on sieves prior to splitting. This value is the (Total) Dry Mass. This assumes that the material already retained are large particles that do not retain any moisture.

Split Sieves

When it is required to split a sample and use a smaller portion for the remainder of the test, do the following:

1. Double click the row that contains the last sieve tested before splitting.
2. A prompt will be displayed "Do you want to split the sample after <sieve name>?".
3. Select Yes.
4. The mass passing will be automatically calculated. Enter the split mass.
5. The sieve masses can now continue to be entered.

The calculation of percentages passing/retained for the split material will be automatically determined taking into consideration what portion of the entire sample is represented by the material. A grading can be split up to three times in this way, to allow for a coarse, intermediate and two fine fractions. Double clicking an existing split will display a prompt to remove the split. 

Washing and Finer 75µm (No. 200)

When washing material over a fine sieve (75µm) the mass retained after washing and drying needs to be recorded. This value is entered in different places on the sieve grid depending on when the washing is performed.

• When the washing took place for the entire sample then the After Wash row will be displayed below the (Total) Dry Mass.
• When the washing took place after a split then the After Wash row will be displayed below the Split Mass.

Material Loss

For most test methods the worksheet will check to see if material loss has exceed 1%, or a figure provided by the method. This is displayed in red along side the (Total) Dry Mass or the Split Mass. The actual limit used may differ based on whether the test method being used defines its own limit.

Calculated Results

The calculation of percentages passing/retained are based on the grading options selected and any splits that have been added. In general, a (Total) Dry Mass, any preceding Split Masses and the specific Sieve Mass is required to calculate the percentage passing/retained for an individual sieve.

Bulk Entry

This test type requires

1. A significant amount of data entry
2. Across an arbitrary number of sieves
3. A chart to display results

Due to the above, it is not possible to carry out data entry for these test types on the bulk entry screen. Bulk entry screens for particle size distribution test methods, therefore, show the results from the test in a read-only format.

Reporting

The results from this worksheet can be reported on the following test reports.

Aggregate/Soil Test Report

This report is used to report all test results related to an aggregate/soil sample including a particle size distribution. It can be displayed in a number of different test report views depending on what other information needs to be displayed with the particle size distribution.

Default

The default view which displays a small particle size distribution chart, no classification and allows plenty of room for other test results on the first page.

PSD Predominant

A view which displays a large particle size distribution chart including a classification with other test results and comments reported on a second page.

PSD Predominant Non Classified

A view which displays a large particle size distribution chart, no classification and room for a small number of other test results.

No PSD

This test report view will not report the particle size distribution.

PSD Single Page

A similar view to PSD Predominant Non Classified, it allows more room for sample details and other test results but reports a smaller number of sieves.

PSD Predominant 32 Sieves

A similar view to PSD Predominant, it allows room for 32 sieves but less room for sample description.

PSD Single Page More Fields

A similar view to PSD Single Page, it however allows two columns of sample details to be reported.

Properties

Reported Values

The exact reported values and resolution of these will differ per test method and are explained in the documentation for specific test methods.

Multiple Sample Agg/Soil Test Report

This report is used to report all test results related to multiple aggregate/soil samples on a work order including particle size distributions.

Properties

Reported Values

The exact reported values and resolution of these will differ per test method and are explained in the documentation for specific test methods.

Test Methods

Differences from or additional functionality to that described above are captured in the following articles.

Products described on these pages, including but not limited to QESTLab®, QESTNet, QESTField, QEST Web App, Construction Hive, and associated products are Trademarks (™) of Spectra QEST Australia Pty Ltd and/or related companies.

The content of this page is confidential. Do not share, duplicate or distribute without permission.

© 2021 Spectra QEST® Australia Pty Ltd and/or related companies.  Terms of Use and Privacy Statement