Experiment No 2

EXPERIMENT NO.
2
Sieve Analysis of Aggregates
https://youtu.be/Yp9Dt4WkTPw
Reference Standard:
ASTM C 136-84a
AASHTO T27-93
ASTM C33 / C33M-18
AASHTO T-27
Introduction
Sieving consists of shaking a sample through a stack of sieves arranged in

progressively decreasing sizes. The mass retained on each sieve is determined and the
analysis is made to produce a gradation curve that describes the particle-size distribution
in the sample.
Suitable gradation of an aggregate in a concrete mix is desirable in order to secure

workability of the mixture and economy in the use of cement. Gradation or the
distribution of the particle size can be determined by plotting the graph of the percent
finer. The range of amounts retained on the sieves may indicate well-graded, uniform-
graded, or gap-graded samples. For asphalt concrete, suitable gradation does not only
influence the workability of the mixture and economy in the use of the asphalt, but will
also affect its strength and its important properties.
Objectives:
1. To perform and learn the procedure for sieve analysis/ aggregate gradation.
2. To understand the importance of aggregate gradation to concrete and asphalt
mixes.
3. To determine particle size distribution of mass samples of fine and coarse
aggregates.
1
Apparatus/Material
Set of sieves Mechanical Shaker (optional)
Container Weighing Balance
4.75mm (No.4) 2.36 (No.8)
1.18mm (No.16) 600ᶣm (No.30)
150ᶣm (No.100)
Procedure:
1. Assemble the sieves in the order presented in the Table 1.

2. Obtain and prepare a representative sample according to the sample
quantities prescribed in Table 2.
3. Dry the sample to a constant mass at a controlled temperature.
4. Place the weighed aggregate (one part at a time) on the top of the sieves stack
and cover the lid. Properly secure the sieves in the mechanical shaker and turn
on the shaker for five minutes. A mechanical shaker is recommended if the
sample weight is greater than or equal to 20 kg. In case of the absence of
mechanical shaker, shake the stack of sieves with your hands continuously at
the same time.
5. Assemble the sieves in the order presented in the Table 1.
6. Obtain and prepare a representative sample according to the sample
quantities prescribed in Table 2.
7. Dry the sample to a constant mass at a controlled temperature.
8. Place the weighed aggregate (one part at a time) on the top of the sieves stack
and cover the lid. Properly secure the sieves in the mechanical shaker and turn
on the shaker for five minutes. A mechanical shaker is recommended if the
sample weight is greater than or equal to 20 kg. In case of the absence of
mechanical shaker, shake the stack of sieves with your hands continuously at
the same time.
9. Record the weights of the materials retained on each of the sieves, including
the weight retained on the pan. Use a weighing balance accurate to 0.1 g for
fine aggregates and accurate to 0.05 g for coarse aggregates. If the sums of
2
these weights are not within 1 percent of the original sample weight, the
procedure should be repeated. Otherwise, use the sum of the weight retained
to calculate the percentage on each sieve.
10. Continue sieving until not greater than 1.0 mas percent of the residue on any
single sieve will pass the sieve during a 1.0 minute of continuous hand shaking.
11. Compute the cumulative percent retained and the percent of weights passing
each sieve.
12. Plot the gradation curves for the coarse and fine aggregates from the
experiment.
3
Table 1
Sieve Sizes
US Standard Sieve Sizes Clear Opening (mm)

3” 75.00
2” 50.00
1
12” 37.50
1” 25.00
3
” 19.00
4
1
” 12.50
2
3
” 9.50
8
No. 4 4.75
No. 8 2.36
No. 10 2.00
No. 16 1.18
No. 20 80 μm
No. 30 600 μm
No. 40 425 μm
No. 60 250 μm
No. 100 150 μm
No. 200 75 μm
Pan
Source: Marotta & Herubin (1997)
4
Table 2
Minimum Sample Sizes or Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates
Particle Size Minimum Sample Size (kg)

3” 100
1
2 2’’ 60
2” 35
1
1 2” 15
1" 10
3
” 3
4
1
” 2
2
3
” 1
8
Source: Marotta & Herubin (1997)
Drawing:
Observations:
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5
Initial Weight:
Weight of Empty Weight of Sieve with Weight Retained
Sieve no. Sieve (grams) Aggregates (grams)
(grams)
A B B-A
2 in
1 ½ in
1 in
¾ in
½ in
3/8 in
No. 4 (4.75 mm)
No.8 (0.0937 in)
No.10(0.0787 in)
No. 16 (1.18 mm)
No. 20 (850 μm)
No. 30 (600 μm)
No. 40 (425 μm)
No. 60 (250 μm)
No. 100 (150 μm)
No. 200 (75 μm)
Pan
Data Analysis:
1. Percentage retained on each sieve:

Mass ratained on the individual sieve
% Retained = x 100%
Total mass of the sample
2. Percentage passing ( finer):
Total mass−Cumulative mass retained

% Passing = Total mass of the sample
x 100%
6
3. Coefficient of Uniformity, Cu
D
Cu = D60
10
Where:
Cu= coefficient of uniformity
D60 = particle size @ 60% finer
D10 = particle size @ 10% finer
Coefficient uniformity:
D 3/4′′
Cu = D60 =0.0937′′ = 8
10
Results:
Initial Weight: __________________________

Final Weight: ___________________________
Weight Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative

Sieve no. Retained Weight Retained Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
(grams) (grams) Weight Retained Weight Passing
2 in
1 ½ in
1 in
¾ in
½ in
3/8 in
No. 4 (4.75 mm)
No.8 ( 0.0937 in)
No. 10 (0.0787 in)
Pan
Fineness Modulus*
*Determination of Fineness Modulus of Aggregates: Add the Cumulative % Retained on all of the sieves
except the No. 200 (75ᶣm) and the Pan. Then divide by 100 (remember to report answer to the nearest
0.01) Fine aggregates range from an FM of 2.00 to 4.00, and coarse aggregates smaller than 38.1 mm range
from 6.75 to 8.00. Combinations of fine and coarse aggregates have intermediate values.
7
Gradation Curve:
8
Discussion of Results:
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Conclusions:
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Post-lab Questions:
1. What are the main purposes of Sieve Analysis of Aggregates?
2. What is the difference between coarse and fine aggregates?
9
Documentation/s:
10

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EXPERIMENT NO.

Sieving consists of shaking a sample through a stack of sieves arranged in

Suitable gradation of an aggregate in a concrete mix is desirable in order to secure

1. Assemble the sieves in the order presented in the Table 1.

US Standard Sieve Sizes Clear Opening (mm)

Particle Size Minimum Sample Size (kg)

Source: Marotta & Herubin (1997)

1. Percentage retained on each sieve:

2. Percentage passing ( finer):

Total mass−Cumulative mass retained

Initial Weight: __________________________

Weight Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative

1. What are the main purposes of Sieve Analysis of Aggregates?

2. What is the difference between coarse and fine aggregates?

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