Size and Shape Analysis of Soil Fine Particles by Static Image Processing Method

The particle size distribution provides important information about soil engineering properties. Finer particles are usually determined by classical sedimentation methods such as hydrometer tests. These methods are based on simplifying assumptions and despite operational complexities, the obtained results are not precise. At this time, Image Processing methods were used in dierent industries to obtain various information about size distributions and particle shape analysis. The present research suggests the image processing method based on the analysis of microscopic images of stable particles (static method) for determining the size and shape distribution of the ne-grained fraction of the soil. The images of ne-grained soil particles prepared with optical microscopes were analyzed to generate information about particle size and shape. By comparing gradation curves obtained with image processing and hydrometric methods, we found that there is more adaptation in the range of 40 to 70 microns of particle sizes. Investigations have shown that in this range, the shape of the particles has less diversity and is closer to the perfect sphere form. This study found that image processing while reducing costs, could provide more comprehensive information and would be expected to be used in geotechnical laboratories.