Appendix A: Using the SDG MTL Generator
The SDG MTL Generator is a spreadsheet based application developed to determine the gradation inputs that
the SDG needs to measure moisture and density of a soil in cases when the gradation performed was not done
in accordance with ASTM D 422. The MTL Generator will allow users to input the gradation information that
they have and will produce a particle size distribution curve from which the Cu, Cc, %Gravel, %Sand, %Fines,
%>3/4” and %>3” values will be taken. Those values will be organized in a text file that can be uploaded onto
the SDG via a USB flash drive.
There are two MTL applications. One application allows users to input any sieve size, in millimeters, that
was used in their gradation. The second application is useful when an ASTM D 422 type gradation report is
available and users simply want to type the report summary into their PC and generate a text file to upload into
the SDG.
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The Gradation Calculator has two separate screens. Screen one explains the use of the calculator, contains
conversion tables for US customary and metric sieve sizes, contains the inputs for the sieve sizes and percent
passing those sieves and has inputs for the material descriptors that make up the material definition file.
Getting Started:
The MTL applications are Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that contain macros. For the applications to operate
properly, Excel will need to be configured to run macros on any computer you wish to use these on. To change
the macro settings on your computer, follow these steps.
1. Open up Excel
2. Select the Tools menu
3. Select the Macro option
4. Select the Security option
5. Select the Security Level Medium and select OK
Once this setting is selected, Excel will ask you to confirm that you want to allow these applications to enable
macros each time they are opened. Choose enable macros when prompted to do so.
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