Grain Size Analysis (Sieve + Hydrometer) for Newark Construction Projects

The sieve analysis stops at the #200 sieve (0.075 mm), so it cannot distinguish silt from clay or quantify the true fines fraction. Newark's estuarine and glacial lake deposits often contain 40–80% fines, and without the hydrometer you cannot assign a correct USCS group symbol, predict permeability, or assess frost susceptibility. The hydrometer extends the curve down to 0.001 mm, giving you the full picture needed for settlement and drainage calculations under IBC Chapter 18.

A combined sieve and hydrometer analysis typically runs between US$100 and US$180 per sample, depending on sample condition and whether wash sieving is required. Expedited turnaround and multi-sample project discounts are available. We always provide a firm quote before you ship the samples.

Keep the sample in a sealed, labeled plastic bag inside a sturdy container to prevent moisture loss and cross-contamination. For the combined test we need a minimum of 500 grams of material passing the #4 sieve, but sending the full jar or bagged split spoon sample is always safer. If you are sampling near the Passaic or Hackensack rivers, double-bag the material — those organic silts can leak and contaminate adjacent samples during transport.

Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from sample receipt. We maintain a dedicated hydrometer bench with multiple sedimentation cylinders, so we can process up to 12 samples simultaneously without cutting corners on the ASTM-required reading intervals. Rush service delivers results in 24–48 hours for an additional fee, which many Newark contractors use when a concrete pour is on hold pending fill approval.