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WinSieve

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Grain Size Analysis and Soil Classification


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Page Content

 

    Key Features

    WinSieve Description

    Project and Database Features

    Sieve Analysis Features

    Template Features

    Network Features

    System Requirements


Key Features

 

  • Grain Size Analysis
  • Soil Classification

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WinSieve Description

 

WinSieve can be used to quickly enter, edit and print grain size analysis charts in several standard or custom formats. Each grain size analysis test can include sieve data, washed sieve data, and hydrometer data as specified in ASTM Test Method D-422. There is no limit to the number of samples in a project and the number of tests per sample. Each grain size analysis chart is composed of three parts; a graph, an optional legend, and a header. The graphical windows interface displays the charts as they are entered and shows how the chart will look when it is printed. Test results can be printed in black and white or color. All test results, sample and project information is stored in a Microsoft Access relational database. This database allows for the quick storage and retrieval of sample and test data, and can be interfaced with a variety of other programs. There is no limit to the number of projects, samples, and test results that can be stored in the database. The database is setup to work across a network if desired, with each project stored in a separate directory. A master project database is maintained by the program to track the status and locations of projects. This database contains the project number, name, and directory location. Grain size analysis results for up to 5 tests can be plotted on a single graph. In addition, the grain size specifications can also be plotted on the graph. Classification system, fonts, colors, scales, line types, point types, and titles can be easily customized for each graph. The classification system is plotted beneath each graph to provide easy comparison with sample results. Several standard classification systems are provided including:

  • USCS (Unified Soil Classification System)
  • USDA
  • AASHTO
  • International
  • Modified Wentworth
  • Australian

The sieve analysis can also have an optional legend block at the top or bottom, which can be used to display sample information, classification results, and grain size analysis results. A header is also displayed at the top or bottom of each graph, which can be used to show a company logo or site map (stored as a bitmap and imported into the program), project name and number, borehole information, sample information, or other text. WinSieve is compatible with Windows 98/NT/2000/XP or higher, and supports all of the fonts, displays, and printers available in Windows.

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Project and Database Features

 

The WinSieve program has been designed around the concept of projects. A schematic of the database structure is shown on the next page followed by a detailed description of all the data fields. This data storage method allows for the expansion, archival, and network administration of a large number of projects. Using this method a separate Microsoft Access database is used to store each project for each application. Each project is stored in a separate directory, which can be on the same computer or spread across a network. The number of databases for each project will depend upon the applications being used for that project. A master project database, also in Microsoft Access format, is used to keep track of the projects and their locations on the network. This master project database is also used to store data (such as symbol libraries and text macros) that is common to all projects and applications. In addition to the master project database, separate application master databases are used to store data that is common to all projects but specific to the application. A WinSieve master database is used to store templates which can be accessed by all projects.

 

The creation and editing of projects is supported by the following features:

  • Separate toolbar for project functions only.
  • No limit to the number of projects.
  • New projects can be easily created. Project directories are automatically created.
  • Existing projects can be opened and closed using toolbar and menu commands.
  • Projects can be deleted, including project directories.
  • Projects not in master database can be imported into master database.
  • Multiple sieve analyses in a project can be printed at once.
  • Sieve analysis results can be exported to the clipboard, a bitmap file, a metafile, or an exchange file.

 

 

 

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Sieve Analysis Features

 

Grain size charts are used to display the results of sieve and hydrometer tests. They are used to present the distribution of grain sizes in a soil or aggregate sample. The distribution of grain sizes larger than 75 mm (retained on the No. 200 sieve) are determined using a sieve test, and the distribution of grain sizes smaller than 75 mm are determined using a hydrometer test. The standard ASTM test for determining the grain size of a soil or aggregate sample is D 422-63. The grain size distribution as determined by sieve and hydrometer tests is normally presented as a curve on a semi-logarithmic plot. The ordinate of the graph is the percentage by weight of grains passing or retained by the size given by the abscissa. Grain size is presented on a logarithmic scale so that soils with the same degree of uniformity have the same distribution curve shape regardless of their positions on the graph. In WinSieve the results of the grain size tests are stored in a database composed of a set of tables that are stored in the project directory. After the test results are entered into the database they can be retrieved and displayed on grain size curves. Up to 5 sets of test results can be displayed on one grain size graph. In addition to grain size test results, specifications can also be displayed on the charts. These specifications are used to determine if the soil or aggregate sample meets designated requirements. These requirements will depend upon the use of the soil or aggregate. Typically specifications consist of a set of maximum and minimum percentages that the grain size of the sample must meet. If the sample's grain sizes are in between the maximum and minimum specifications, then the sample is referred to as being within specification. And if some of the sample's grain sizes are outside of the maximum and minimum specifications, then the sample is referred to as being out of specification. Each grain size distribution chart contains a legend and a header that can be either at the bottom or top of the graph. The format of the legend, header, and graph can be fully customized and saved as a template. After the template has been saved it can be re-used to present test results from other samples and projects.

 

The creation and editing of sieve analyses is supported by the following features:

  • Sieve analysis results for each project are stored in a Microsoft Access database.
  • There is no limit on the number of projects, samples, or tests results.
  • Program includes numerous standard sieve sizes and an unlimited number of additional sieve sizes can be added.
  • Times used for hydrometer tests can be customized.
  • Up to 5 grain size test results can be plotted on one graph.
  • Grain size specifications can be overlain on the same graph.
  • Program comes with numerous standard specifications and an unlimited number of specifications can be added.
  • Support for several standard classification systems.
  • Percentages of soil components are automatically calculated.
  • Automatic calculation of classification data, D10, D30, D60, Cu, and Cc

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Template Features

 

Templates are used to control the layout and formatting of the sieve analyses. In general, all of the sieve analyses in a project would use one or two templates. In this way, a consistent format can be established within a project and across projects. Once a template is created it is available to all projects. WinSieve comes with numerous easily customized templates, which can be edited and saved as new templates. You can also create a new template by specifying the desired layout. Each template consists of a header, legend, and graph. Templates can be customized to display different header titles, legend columns, graph format, and specifications. Templates are stored in the WinSieve master database. The format of the master database is Microsoft Access. This database is stored in the Main Database Directory.

 

The creation and editing of templates is supported by the following features:

  • Standard classification systems (Unified, USDA, Modified Wentworth, AASHTO, International, Australian) can be selected in the template and used for all sieve analyses.
  • Fonts, scales, line style, point labels, titles, and the layout can be easily customized.
  • Specifications can be selected to overlay on the graph for comparison with sieve analysis results.
  • Customizable legend at top or bottom of graph can display sample, soil classification, and test information.
  • Customizable header at top or bottom of graph can display company logos, site plans, project name and number, sample information, and other text.

 

 

 

 

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Network Features

 

The WinLoG, WinFence, and WinSieve applications can be run on a stand-alone computer or from a network server. When run from a network server they are licensed by concurrent usage, with a minimum license of 2 concurrent users. Concurrent usage means that you can have as many client computers on the server as you want, but that only the licensed number of users can access the program at the same time. Supported networks include Microsoft Windows 2000, NT and Novell. Network usage is controlled by the Network Monitor program which is supplied free of charge with the network versions of WinLoG, WinSieve, and WinFence. This program is used to unlock the network, control and monitor the number of concurrent users, and log user activity.

 

A log file is maintained by the network monitor program. This file can be viewed by the program to examine user activity and the number of failed logins. Failed logins can be used to determine the number of concurrent users required.

 

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System Requirements

 

  • Windows 98/NT/2000/XP
  • 60 MB of free hard disk space
  • 16 MB of RAM

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