Entering Burmister Classification Data

Select Window > AASHTO to view the AASHTO M 145 classification window.

Note that the Burmister Sieve percentages data entry fields will be automatically filled in with data calculated by the program from your grain size test. If you haven't entered grain size data into the program yet, do so before entering your Burmister classification data:

Select Test > Enter GrainSize Data.
Enter your grain size distribution data.
Select Test > Enter Classifications Data.

The Burmister Classification Window

Sieve percentages

Enter these values as numbers between 0 and 100.

The first field requires the percentage retained on the 3 inch/75 mm sieve, while the other sieve percentages reflect the percent passing the various sieves.
Note: All fields require data; if all material is smaller than a particular sieve enter 100 as the percent passing, if all material is larger, enter 0 as the percent passing.

Overall plasticity index

This is the plasticity index of the entire specimen.

Smallest thread diameter

This is the diameter (in inches) of the smallest thread that could be rolled at the ball moisture of the specimen.

Color

Used to briefly describe the soil color.

Grain shape

Use this field to enter a brief description of the grain shape (e.g., water worn, angular, etc.).

Other

Use this field to enter any additional information that you want to add to the end of the identification.

Principal component

Select either Granular or Clay as the component of primary influence on the behavior of the soil. This is based on engineering judgment.

Add the ID or symbol to your soil description

Insert at the Cursor

The box underneath Add the ID or symbol to your soil description lists your current soil description: if you'd like to insert the either the Burmister identification or symbol into the description, click either Insert ID (to insert the identification) or Insert symbol (to insert the symbol), then click inside the description box, move the editing cursor to the position where the group symbol is to be located, then click on the Insert at the Cursor button.