Particle size distribution models, their characteristics and fitting capability

Summary Many attempts have been made to characterize particle size distribution (PSD) curves using different mathematical models, which are primarily used as a basis for estimating soil hydraulic properties. The principle step in using soil PSD to predict soil hydraulic properties is determining an accurate and continuous curve for PSD. So far, the characteristics of the PSD models, their fitting accuracy, and the effects of their parameters on the shape and position of PSD curves have not been investigated. In this study all developed PSD models, their characteristics, behavior of their parameters, and their fitting capability to the UNSODA database soil samples were investigated. Results showed that beerkan estimation of soil transfer (BEST), two and three parameter Weibull, Rosin and Rammler (1 and 2), unimodal and bimodal Fredlund, and van Genuchten models were flexible over the entire range of soil PSD. Correspondingly, the BEST, two and three parameter Weibull, Rosin and Rammler (1 and 2), hyperbolic and offset renormalized log-normal models possessed a high fitting capability over the entire range of PSD. The few parameters of the BEST, Rosin and Rammler (1 and 2), and two parameter Weibull models provides ease of use in soil physics and mechanics research. Thus, they are seemingly fit with acceptable accuracy in predicting the PSD curve. Although the fractal models have physical and mathematical basis, they do not have the adequate flexibility to contribute a description of the PSD curve. Different aspects of the PSD models should be considered in selecting a model to describe a soil PSD.