What practice is commonly used to assess the particle size distribution of granular materials?

Sieve analysis is a widely used method for assessing the particle size distribution of granular materials. This technique involves passing a sample of the material through a series of sieves that have progressively smaller openings. By measuring the mass of material retained on each sieve, an accurate profile of the particle size distribution can be constructed. The results of the sieve analysis provide critical information that influences various engineering applications, such as soil classification, compaction, and the design of filters and drainage systems.

The other practices mentioned, while relevant in certain contexts, do not specifically focus on determining the particle size distribution. Gravel analysis typically refers to the evaluation of gravel as a specific type of aggregate, but it is not a standardized method for analyzing particle sizes comprehensively across different granular materials. Mass analysis could pertain to overall weight measurements rather than specific size distribution, and a compaction study focuses on how granular materials behave under compaction efforts, which is a different aspect of material characterization. Therefore, sieve analysis stands out as the preferred method for assessing the particle size distribution in granular materials.