Kornverteilungsfunktionskurve

The Kornverteilungsfunktionskurve, often translated as the grain size distribution curve, is a graphical representation used in soil mechanics and engineering to illustrate the range and proportion of different particle sizes within a soil sample. This curve is essential for understanding the physical properties of soil, which in turn influence its behavior under various conditions such as load, water infiltration, and compaction.

The horizontal axis of the curve typically represents the particle diameter, usually on a logarithmic scale, ranging from very fine clay particles to coarse gravel. The vertical axis represents the cumulative percentage of particles by weight that are finer than the corresponding diameter. Therefore, at any given point on the curve, the value indicates the percentage of the total soil mass that consists of particles smaller than the specified diameter.

Key features of the Kornverteilungsfunktionskurve include the effective size (D10), which is the particle diameter below which 10% of the soil particles are found, and the uniformity coefficient (Cu), calculated as D60/D10, where D60 is the diameter below which 60% of the particles are found. A high uniformity coefficient indicates a wide range of particle sizes, while a low coefficient suggests a more uniform gradation. The shape of the curve also provides insights into whether the soil is well-graded (containing a wide range of particle sizes in significant proportions) or poorly graded (having a limited range of particle sizes or a predominance of a single size). This information is critical for determining soil suitability for various applications like road construction, foundation design, and filtration systems.