Improved method for analysis of the sand, silt and clay content of clayey soils and parent materials

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MAR-CO Clay Products Inc, is in the business of producing clay-based products from a range of sources,including natural soils and aggregate materials, that have been widely marketed in North America. One of theirmain products is a formulation made from Queenston shale, a soft rock rich in clay. The product is widely usedin baseball infield preparation for construction of the catcher box, pitcher's mound and application to thesurfaces of the base running paths. While specifications for the composition of the soil material to be used forconstruction and maintenance of the skinned areas of the infield vary, an ideal mix should consist of between50 and 75 percent sand and 25 to 50 percent clay and silt. This mix specification is typically stated in requeststo suppliers of these soil materials.MAR-CO Clay supplies a product for this industry that is produced by crushing Queenston shale and is widelyregarded as being superior. However, analysis of the texture of this product (% sand, silt and clay) followingstandard methods used by commercial soil testing laboratories shows a much coarser product than the specifiedsoil material mix. The problem with using this method is that the product made from Queenston shale iscomprised of clay particles that are cemented together forming larger silt- and sand-sized particles not easilydispersed.This project will develop a rigorous method for precise analysis of the texture (sand, silt and clay content) ofsoils and soil parent materials used for sports field construction and maintenance. This work is essential for thecompany (i) to provide scientifically-based, verifiable method for analyzing and reporting the texture of theirsoil products; (ii) to assess the potential of raw materials for their use in production of engineered soils; (iii) tomaintain and ensure quality control during production of soil products; and (iv) to provide precise specificationfor company soil products.