Sediment Measurement Techniques: F. Laboratory Procedures

A description is given of the techniques and apparatus used in laboratory measurements usually made in connection with field sedimentation investigations. The expected and needed accuracy and reliability of measurements is first discussed. The various methods for determining sediment concentration in samples and forms for logging sample and laboratory data are presented. A number of methods for determining particle size and particle size-distribution are then described. These include the visual accumulation tube method and the bottom withdrawal tube method developed in recent years by several U.S. Government agencies as well as classical methods such as sieving and the pipet method. The final section deals with the less common measurement such as determination of the content of organic matter in sediment samples and dissolved solids in the water of the samples. The report is intended for the use of engineers not familiar with laboratory sediment measurements. It contains seven diagrams and a bibliography of 21 references.